Me over here actually browsing through MHA fanfics for the first time just to see what everyone else is doing, only to realize Aizawa being a dad as a concept is FAR from original. ;v; ...Well dang...
==================================

     I was always the kid who felt she never belonged.

Chug...chug..chug-chug-chug-chug *deep whistle* Woooot-wooooot!

     On the outskirts of a train rail road, a few pebbles trembled and danced atop the concrete slab. The air was filled with dew and fog, which clung to every surface.

     Gray and brown figures passed me, a small child, on their busy day to and fro. I stood stiffly, bored eyes watching the many strangers pass by. Their shadows were terribly faded by the clouds overhead, almost as if they weren't even there at all.

     My feet shuffled some under me, my breaths small and meek. At last, I took a step forward, onto the train with the many strangers.

     Even with all the love and care I received at home...I always felt something was missing.

     I stood on my knees on one of the benches in the train, turned around so that I could wrest my elbows on the back of the seat cushion and stare out the window. The cart rattled and hummed. The fog hid most of the world from me. I could only see a small distance ahead, which was mostly just grass with the occasional tree or cow popping into view before just as quickly vanishing again. My large, though glossed over and narrowed eyes just watched without interest. Everything was just as dull and bleak as I feared it would forever be.

     No matter where I wandered, I just couldn't find it.

     Stepping off the train, I found myself in an equally bleak, though more crowded station. Even after just one brief scan around the place, I knew I hadn't found what I was looking for. So, I wandered off. I left the loud chatter for the quieter outdoors, where I sat just outside the train station on a rock facing the track.

     I stared ahead blankly. What if...I laid down on the tracks? What would it feel like? How much pain would I be in?... How long until it stopped? I didn't intend to actually test these, but still...

     I was only eight.

     "ZEYA!" A familiar voice caught my ear. Turning my head to them slowly, I gazed upon none other than Ten himself. He was a thin framed twelve year old who wore baggy, faded clothes just like myself. Over his face was a black smear, one I could only see past in the moment. "Your parents have been worried sick about you! Why did you run off?!" He asked me. My steady gaze returned to the train tracks ahead.

     "...I don't know..."

     Then, I felt a tight squeeze around my body from my friend trying his best to provide support. I giggled a little bit. It helped some. "I'll just tell them you got lost. That sound good?" He concluded. I nodded, liking that idea.

     The two of us then sat in silence on the large rock, our legs swaying a little to mark time passing. "...Ten..?" I whispered.

     "Yeah?" I then stuck my hand out in front of me and rotated my wrist side to side (like jazz hands), which in our special language said that I wasn't feeling very good emotionally, and might need another hug. He gladly provided one, hugging me again from the side, this time staying like that with the side of his head resting on my shoulder. I shivered a little, just then realizing there was a chilliness to the foggy air. Ten stuck his hand out so I could see, opening and closing his fingers like a mouth. I shook my head and pouted. I didn't want to tell him why. I didn't even know why. He kept hugging me regardless.

     I had everything I could ever want.

     ...Why wasn't I happy..?

---------------

BRAP! BRAP! BRAP!

     "Huhh?" I...thought I unplugged my alarm clock. Wait... No..

     Disheartened already, I grabbed my phone and checked what day it was. I sighed, allowing my face to flop down onto my pillow and groan despairingly into it. Oouugghhh, was this ever going to END?!

Tck!

     I heard a little pebble hit my window and knew who it was immediately. Walking up to it, I peered out at Bakugo grumpily glaring at me, front teeth showing specifically. I copied his expression through the glass to show him how stupid he looked. He didn't like that all too much either. I then waved him off and vanished behind the curtains, returning a few minutes later out the front door dressed in something casual. Honestly, take the skull off of Bakugo's own shirt and you'd think with my messy hair and all that we were cosplaying each other!

     I growled under my breath before the other teen had the privilege of doing that. "I know, I know, the day reset again. But did you honestly expect me to never sleep again??!" Bakugo turned his head away, giving me a perfect side view of that comically angry face. He really had to hold himself back from screaming at the top of his lungs, I could tell. The mature side of him winning out, Bakugo moved on to other matters of conversation.

     "Tffh, fine then. At least now we can try to get your puny a## back into UA."

     I crossed my arms. "Honestly.. right now, I just want to do something else for a change. Blow off some steam, ya' know?... Too bad I can't trust myself to drive anymore..." My shoulders dropped.

     That's when Katsuki's head leaned back, a smirk looking down on me. "Hand over the keyes, nerd."

---------------

     "Alright, so; this is the gas, this is the ignition, and this...is the break." I commentated while pointing generally where all the buttons and leavers were. As expected, the teen snapped back.

     "I'll have you know you're talking to the go-cart CHAMPION of middle school! I know how to DRIVE!!!"

     "Alright then.." I crossed my arms, leaning back in the passenger seat chair. Smugly, "Back out of the driveway and I'll believe you."

...

Rreeee! Cckkkckckrrr!

     "I said to BACK OUT! Not hit a MAILBOX!"

     "HEY, YOU JUST TOLD ME TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY!!"

     "UUGGHHHH!"

---------------

     After about an hour of practice later, Bakugo's driving had steadied enough to be allowed onto the main road...surprisingly. Guess he really did have some past experience.

     His arms were stiff, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. His centered eyes glared ahead, as if trying to kill the road ahead of him just by looking at it. I squinted at him curiously for a bit.

     "You can...calm down now. We're on an empty road." It took about 30 more minutes, but he eventually had calmed down enough to appear much more lax at the wheel, his stare still intense but in more of a stoic, deep in thought kind of way.

     ...I pulled out the drawing pad from my backpack.

     "What are you doing..?"

     "Hold that pose." Sharpening my pencil.

     (ಠ⁠益⁠ಠ) "Excuse me what???"

     "I'm just drawing, man, calm down!" Chuckling a little bit, I set to sketching down the first few lines. The empty road was surprisingly smooth, so hopefully it would turn out alright. "I'll show you when it's done, alright?"

     The teen visibly cringed at the mere thought. "Ugh, fine." But he caved. I smiled a pleasant little smile, glad to finally have something to draw. It had been a while since I even pulled out my notebook. I missed drawing..

     About an hour later, as we were sat at the gas station refilling the van, I finished.

     "See?" Showing him the picture at last, I showed the teen a sketch of himself driving. Bakugo reached out without words and snatched it. "Hey!" Worried things would just repeat, I lunged for the return of my art piece. However, Bakugo just stared down at my work this time, carefully examining every detail.

     "Huh.... Not bad." He grunted, handing me back the sketch pad and all. I was awestruck. He actually complimented it!?!! "I just don't see how he looks like me."

     Pride demolished again. ರ⁠_⁠ರ "What do you mean?? I drew exactly what I saw!!"

     "Yeah but how you drew me made me look like I'm some kind of hot model or something.."

     "...YOU ARE HOT!! -Oh! Not saying I find you attractive, nononono..but I still know a conventionally attractive face when I see one!!" ... "Ehehh.."

     ".....I just don't like models very much. They all seem like sissy brats to me." He leaned back, crossing his arms.

     -_- Excuse me but was this man seriously complaining about being compared to a model?? I swear, he can turn literally anything into an insult.

     That's about the time that I gave up and just slid the paper and pen away.

---------------

     "Uhh, where are we going?"

     "You'll find out when we get there!"

     "Okay." ... "You don't even have a map, though."

     "THAT'S BECAUSE I DON'T NEED A D### MAP!!"

     "Whoo-boy... This is going to be a fun trip.."

     ಠ⁠益⁠ಠ

---------------

     I leaned my head against the vibrating window, nearly asleep as my eyes lazily watched the dense forest all around us pass by. We were on a highway I vaguely remembered, a few cars around us to keep the new driver tense.

     "..You're going above speed limit." I mumbled to the driver. Bakugo grr'd at me and slowed the vehicle down a little. Satisfied, I leaned my head against the window and let my eyes drift shut. Between drifting in and out of sleep, I thought I could hear a little music, as well as the occasional low mumbles of someone half heatedly singing along. I also had a funny dream where in which I had fifty pet cats and they all wanted to play with the same toy mouse, so when I threw it outside a literal SEA of fluffy animals raced out the front door to get it. ...Heh.

     At last, I was nudged awake. "We're here." Bakugo said while turning the van off. I blinked a few times, rubbed my eyes, and looked around for any clues as to where this was. The faint screeches of about a dozen or more people, followed by a rumble and rattle of a cart, clued me in immediately. My eyes widened, smiling now.

     "The rollercoasters?!" I exclaimed, then jumped out of the van. To my delight, I saw the looping and dipping tracks of peril ahead. "Nice!!" Bakugo smirked as he rounded the vehicle.

     "Told you I didn't need a map.."

     "Yeah, only took you an extra two hours to get here." I smirked back, to which his brightened mood was so easily shattered.

     The two of us entered and immediately raced to the biggest ride, not caring for the littler ones. After waiting in line for an unbearable amount of time, we, as we had before, had a blast. And the fun didn't stop there. We rode ALL the big rides..several times! It was nearing dinner time, the sun beginning to set, when the two of us split ways to grab something to eat.

     I walked around aimlessly with a large corn dog in hand. My feet were sore already from all the walking, running, and standing, but there was nowhere within sight to sit down -- hence my quest for such a spot.

Dud-dud-dud-dud-dud-dud-dud

     As I passed alongside a spot where one of the rollercoasters swooped down, from a loop, I saw a little boy with dark, dark red hair sitting alone on a little rock. He was sitting outside the railings, so not only was he breaking the rules of the park, but he was also dangerously close to the track.

     That's when I remembered my own, similar moment like this. He sat so similarly, I could feel the dread radiating from the kid even though his back was to me. He wasn't going to try anything, I could tell... But he was probably still thinking... And I knew from experience how powerful a thought can be.

     But...I was in a time loop. Things like this wouldn't matter in the end. Besides, I was just some stranger to this kid. Not like anything I did or said would matter in the end, even if everything didn't reset in the morning. ...What was the point?

     Somebody else far more capable than me would help him out.

---------------

     After the park closed, Katsuki and I went on the hunt for somewhere to stay the night. We settled to just parking in the middle of some field, clear away some grass with his explosions, and create a nice little camp site with a few cheap things we bought from the local grocery store. A warm fire to keep us company and a child sized sleeping bag for us each, I and Bakugo laid down across the fire from each other and stared up at the stars again.

     "They haven't changed.." the other teen spoke up. I didn't really know what he meant by that, so I just made a small noise in agreement.

     The memory of that boy at the amusement park kept popping back into my head. I knew it would be useless to try to help him, since, again, time loop. But, still... I felt really bad about not even trying. Or at least I assumed that's what the heavy feeling in my chest meant.

     "Uugghhh!" My arms fell out on either side of me onto the dirt.

     "What?" ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

     "I should have helped that kid!"

     "What kid?"

     "At the amusement park!" Arms shooting straight up as if to point at the sky, I found myself drifting back into thought again, wondering what I could have even done to help. "I mean... You still jumped out to stop that villain in a burning building that one time!.. And I can't even help ONE kid out?!"

     "Yeah that does sound pretty pathetic when you put it like that.. heheh."

     "Wow..thanks a lot."

     I closed my eyes and sighed, arms folding over my face. My breathing calmed down after a short time. Bakugo too just quietly breathed on the other side of the flames.

     "...You jumped in to try to save me at least..." Katsuki mumbled. My arms dropped from my forehead, and I huffed.

     "Tried."  I repeated.

     ...

     "Bakugo, what do you think I should do?" I rolled over onto my stomach, crossing my arms and resting my chin on them, facing the lad. "I mean.. I could still try to be a hero, but I just don't see how I would be very good at it.. And that's if I just get in. Gosh, my dad just seems to have it out for me and it's really hard to show him in the matter of a couple hours how much I have changed! That is...if I've ever changed at all..." I started to just.. casually vent to my would-be classmate.

     The other teen remained in the same position as before, -- resting on his back, head on hands -- though he did at least side eye me a few times to acknowledge my existence.

     "Being a hero isn't supposed to be easy." The boy uttered. My eyes dropped to the ground.

     "...Yeah, I know that."

     "Then why are you complaining about it being a little hard?" His brows furrowed. Mine did a little as well, though for a different reason.

     He was right..

     Was I really going to give up just because something was hard? I didn't when I was a little girl; I didn't when trapped in that first time loop trying to save my mom; and I most certainly didn't during the entrance exam. Why then...was I giving up now?

     I again rolled onto my back, hands under my head, same as the other. "You're right." Staring up at the stars. "I've never been a quitter when it really mattered. So, I shouldn't just give up now. Thing though is... why?? Why should I be a hero? I need a real reason if I'm gunna fight so hard to get into UA." I pondered aloud.

     Bakugo shrugged. "Don't ask me."

     I thought long and hard on the matter, scanning through memories and searching for reasons to care. Again and again, my mind kept bringing up an image of that young boy, but I didn't know why!  He had nothing to do with being a hero! "What is a hero again..?" Turning my head back to Spiky hair. Bakugo growled a little bit, having been just about to drift into sleep, and turned his head back to me.

     "A hero is someone who does cool things like defeat villains and save people."

     "Thanks." I said quieter, seeing the tiredness in his eyes and strong desire to rest. Bakugo grunted his response, rolling onto his side so his back was facing the fire and left me to think for myself. I stared again at the stars.

     And then, it just clicked.

     The car crash with my mom. Me, broken. That boy like me, hurting. Though quiet, crying for help. My eyes widened as things clicked into place.

- - - - -

     I sat alone on the hospital bed, legs crossing and hands in my lap. Sweat built on my forehead as I stared up at the clock. My mom was later than usual, and that brought a familiar sickening feeling to my tummy.

click 

     My gaze shot toward the door, eyes widening in excitement when I saw my mom enter through it. In her arms, she carried a mountain of fun snacks and toys. I gasped and clapped my hands as our eyes met. As my mom hurried to set everything on the nearest chair, I crawled down from my tall bed. By the time her arms were free, I was close enough to catch her in a tight hug.

     "Awwwh, did you miss me?" My mom cooed, crouching down to hug me back. We stayed like that until I heard more noises coming from behind my mom. Poking my head over her shoulder, my eyes again widened to see a tall, dark haired man set down more snacks and items on the chair where the rest sat. I made a little noise to alert my mom, pointing the stranger out to her. His tired eyes and long black hair reminded me of the man from the lobby.  "Oh- don't worry, Zeya, this is..." She turned to the man.

     "...Shota." He plainly stated.

     "Right!" Turning back to me. "He was just helping me carry a few things!" She smiled. I stared at him for a little bit, so much so that the man awkwardly chuckled.

     "Well I...should probably be going." He said, pointing to the door behind him. That's when my mom jumped up, releasing me from the hug.

     "C-could you tell her what you do for a living first?!.. You know~?" My mom's head tilted, hands clasping tightly in front of her. After another awkward pause, the man cleared his throat.

     Staring down at me, "Well I- ...I'm a hero.."  He mumbled. With a mix of excitement and curiosity, I leapt away from my mom and ran across the room. On the other side under the bright window was a big wood box I had filled with all of my personal belongings. After digging around, I pulled out a magazine. I ran back across the room to the two standing adults and showed it to them. "A..hero magazine?" The man read. After he did, I opened and started flipping through the pages. On each one was a picture of some wof the top heroes, as well as some basic info about them. Alongside many of them were little application forms to their agencies or products they were selling. Sometimes even both. With each each page, I grew more and more disappointed to not see the one standing in front of me there. "You..'re not going to find me in a magazine. Heh, I don't do that kind of thing." Understanding now, the tall one chuckled. I huffed, dropped the magazine on the floor and then ran back to my wooden chest. I dug around for a while as the two adults started talking about adult things I didn't find any interest in.

     At last, I joined them once again, now with a scrap book of my own in hand! It was horribly put together, obviously hand made with stickers of stars and animals all over it. I tore through the pages until at last I found it. "Ah!" I exclaimed. I turned the book around, holding it up to the dark haired hero. My mom leaned in a little to see as well.

     On the paper was a crude little crayon drawing of some heroes fighting, one of them being Eraserhead himself, swinging between buildings with his scarf.

     "Aww, Zeya, this is so cute! And is that me?" My mom smiled. I nodded, smiling a little bit as I pointed to both myself and my mom, who were just standing on the street beneath it all. The hero found himself smiling.

     "That's...a really good drawing." He squatted down to my level. Even though it was just about what you would expect from a four year old, that little compliment -- seeing him smile -- was what encouraged me to follow art in the first place.

     I smiled wide for the first time in a while. Later, I would go on to draw a picture of just Eraserhead and have it mailed to him. He returned the favor by bringing me higher quality art supplies one afternoon. The visits came more and more often, partially in thanks to my mom. And, before long, they were dating. Then, a couple years later, to they were married, making me the happiest girl in the world to at last have a whole family.

- - - - -

     Eraserhead wasn't just a hero. He was my hero...by becoming the father I needed and a goal to try to achieve.

     That boy, like me, needs a hero, even if only for a short moment. This really got me thinking. Because this made me wonder... How many others out there need a hero like I did? How many people out there truly, genuinely need a helping hand? The warmth of knowing someone is willing to put their own wants and desires down for their sake; the hope from seeing someone you admire fight so hard for your well being.

     When I was little...my hopes were squandered when no hero came to help me and my mom.

     ...What if I was that hero? The hero who took care of those who thought no one else would? Someone out there that little kids like my past self could look at...and feel safe.

     The idea was exciting. At long last, everything was snapping into place. At last, I finally understood! I sat up, propping myself up by my arms and stared up at the sky.

     The stars... The millions, upon trillions of stars. Their multitude like the number of those who needed a hero... Each one. So many people like me who needed a helping hand.. I stood to my feet and stretched up a hand.

     I may not be able to save them all, but...I will save as many as I can. Heh...even if that means "selling my soul to the government." Whatever it took. Even if it meant... Even if it meant changing myself.

     I will be the kind of hero my dad..and Ten.. were for me...

     I will be the best hero I can be.

     Maybe even going as far to make myself the best person I can be...

     A tear rolled from my eye and fell into the dust beneath my feet.

     If it means saving just one person else from the pain I went through...it'll be worth it in the end.

     ...Hopefully...

     Definitely.

---------------

BRAP! BRAP!

     At long last... It was the 100th day. The final day. At long last...we would be free.

     I stood straighter than usual as I exited my room, uniform not full of wrinkles like it usually was. My hair was actually done for once -- a very simple, small braid made from two strands on opposing sides of my head -- and my backpack was filled with my necessary books and slung over the left shoulder. The bags typically there now weren't..thanks to makeup. My appearance, showing modest energy drew my family's eyes to me. I sat down, ate, talked a little with my brothers and Mom, and then stood to leave.

     "Oh-. Mind if I have some cash? There's a hat I'd like to buy." I asked upfront. My mom sighed, but in the end handed me the necessary cash. I took it, smiled, and tackled her with a hug. "I love you, Mom.."

     "I..." She hesitated to hug me back, shocked. But then I felt her arms brace my back. "I love you too, sweetheart." Hearing the tenderness in her voice, as if she was about to cry. Before she could, Mom let go and stared me in the eyes. "Now you get out there; become a hero for me and save thousands." She smiled through tears. I felt my own dampen as well, looking into the eyes so similar to my own.

     I placed a gentle but firm hand on one of hers, which was on my shoulder, and smiled. "...I'll save tens of thousands."  That made her smile more than anything, and in a moment she caught me in another hug.

     ...

     As I exited the front door, I watched my dad jump down onto the front lawn. Before he could even say anything, I ran up to him and tackled him with a hug as well. "Thank you for being my hero."

     A suspicious hand of his rested on my shoulder. "Alright, what is this about?"

     "Nothing. I just...was thinking a lot last night. And..I am so glad to have a dad like you." This surprised him. I even saw his entire expression shift to curious when I looked up into his eyes. He was not expecting this for sure. I leaned my head against his chest again and chuckled. "And no, I don't want any cash.."

     "...Heh.. Well alright.

     ...Thank you..."

     And then we had a brief conversation about the school rules and how we would refer to each other while in class. He wasn't quite as...blunt..as before about it, so there was hope he would at least consider my change.

     ...

     I walked into the supermarket and waved a simple greeting to the old man. I froze in place, when, on the wall I saw no hanging hat.

     "Why that little.."

     I ran into him on the way to school. His spiky hair poked through the crimson yarn, a smug look on his face when at last he turned around to react to my panting self running after him.

     "Bakugo, what the h### are you doing with my hat?? It doesn't even look good on you!" I remarked. I then stretched a hand out to pull off of his head. Sparky dodged easily, even though his back was facing toward me.

     "You're going to have to pay me double for it, nerd!" He teased, but also kinda not... It was hard to tell! I huffed. Then I leapt for the hat again. Several times, the teen easily dodged. But then I sped up a little, and Bakugo had to keep on his toes. Soon, we were facing each other in the sidewalk, circling like two ally cats. As I remembered my training and more specifically his fighting style, I was able to both predict his next move and strike my hand outward with intense speeds not even he could dodge.

     "AHAH!" I rejoiced, the hat in my hands at last. Bakugo growled, feeling his head's temperature drop by several degrees. "I shall wear my prize with honor!" Hat on my head now, I triumphantly placed two hands on my hips, imagining myself as All Might with all the sparkles, stripes, and random lights emitting from him.

     "Hey, I WAS GOING EASY ON YOU!!" Katsuki protested, hands hidden within his pockets again. I snorted a laugh and spun around.

     "Pssh, sure thing, Sparky... We..should probably be heading to school sooner than later though." I realized then that we might just end up a little late.

     Just then I saw Bakugo bolt past me.

     "WAIT UP FOR ME!!!"

---------------

     Oddly enough, the day passed rather slowly. Bakugo reminded me to just pretend we never knew each other, so I had no one to talk to but my own anxiety filled mind. Of course I was anxious; I was a gamer trying to compete against a whole class of kids, some of whom had likely been training their entire LIVES!

     The day's test with all its little problems came and went. I knew I would be competing against Bush Boy for the second to last spot. That was the highest goal I could set for myself. Really didn't want to do that to the kid, especially on his first day, but if I ever wanted to be a hero in this life it was kinda necessary.

     After a tiring eight challenges, Mr. Aizawa pulled up the leader board for us all to gawk at.

     I...failed. Literally tied with green hair!

     My eyes fell to the ground, jaw clenching tightly. It was the best I could do with the training I had...and still.

     "...Oh, and by the way... I was lying about the expulsion."

     "It was the only rational way to get you all to push the limitations of your quirks for a proper evaluation."

     The majority in unison: "THAT'S SO NOT COOL!!!"

     "Oh well.." He started to dismiss the class after handing Bush Boy a slip to the nurse's office. "Tomorrow will be even harder, so prepare while you can."

     As everyone started to disperse, I felt a light tug on my hand. Looking down and to the left a little, I saw Mineta staring up at me with big puppy dog eyes. I smiled a smidge, "Yes, today should be the last day," which was followed by the short one's eyes being completely drowned out by tears. I sighed again, nearly patting him on the head again before remembering not to.

     "Ms. Taylor." I hummed a response, spinning on my heals. My dad stood a meter away from me, staring emotionless from afar. Then, "You did well today. I can tell you really gave it your all." He complimented. My eyes shimmered, not even knowing what to think!

      "Heh.. Thanks." I ended up just blushing faintly to show my gratitude. The hero walked up to me, pat me affirmingly on the shoulder, and passed by toward the school building where he likely had a few more things left to do... I really began to wonder how this poor man survived with four kids at home!

     I was a little slow to reach the gates that would lead me outside of the school campus. With my backpack and class uniform on -- I had two uniforms I guess -- I just clutched my backpack to my chest and stared down at my feet, slowly processing what all had happened and what might happen in the future now that the time loop was over and I actually had a chance here at UA. I sure had a lot of catching up to do, but hey, that was just expected at this point.

     At last, when I did reach the gates, I saw what must have been the aftermath of drama between Bakugo and Bush Boy.. Oh yeah...the two had a history. I frowned. Nearly forgot about that.

     I sped walked past green hair and up to Sparky, who was looking especially heated. I ignored this cue to just leave him alone and instead spun around and stood in front of him, asking a question. "Hey, so, why do you want us to pretend we don't know each other?" The question had been bugging me all day. It could be for all kinds of reasons; from making it seem like our friendship formed naturally, to not wanting to draw too much attention to ourselves so early on in the school year -- especially the attention of shippers -- ugh, to even something obscure and out there like not wanting the evil American spies to figure out about our friendship and use it against the school...somehow. What I would have never expected, however..

     Was silence.

     He didn't even respond. Keeping his eyes dead ahead on that gate, he evaded me as if I were merely an obstacle in his way, brushing past my shoulder with a hint of malice. I turned around, staring at the teen as he continued on with confusion in my eyes.

     Oh-

     Oh..

     ...Oh...

     I froze in my tracks, not even realizing how much a simple action, or lack thereof, like that could mess me up until I noticed how hard it was to start walking forward again.

     So, after all that, he was just going to...?

     My head dropped, the spiky haired teen completely ignoring me as he left.

     "Hey..." I heard a voice suddenly from my right. "You alright?" My head turned, seeing another teen just as shaken up as I..for a different reason I cared not to know.

     I didn't try to fake a smile. My hands slid back into my pockets and my expression hardened. "Never was." I huff-chuckled. "But I'll be alright. You?"

     "O-oh.. I'm doing fine. Thanks.." His head lowered a little as well, clearly thinking deeply about something. I had a feeling I knew at least vaguely what about...

     "...See you tomorrow I guess, Bush Boy." I waved, beginning to wander off. Saying the nickname out loud finally at least brought a small smile to my face. Green hair's eyes darted up to me, face glowing red.

     "M-me?!" Pointing at himself.

     "No, the boy behind you." I pointed over his shoulder. The freckled one spun around frantically. When he saw no one was there, he turned back around.

     I was gone.

     Chuckling to himself at last, "...Bush boy... That's new." Sarcastically.

     ...

     Like before, I had a fine though awkward dinner with the family, followed by most the night spent cleaning my room. I also prayed for the little boy at the park; that he would find peace someday soon since I couldn't be there. By near morning, I was too tired to function but was at the same time too anxious to go back to sleep.

     I eventually just forced myself to take at least a few hour nap.

     I set the alarm on my phone, this time to a melodic, pleasant ring and unplugged my alarm clock. Laying down on bed, a much cleaner room all around me and an actual future for myself set in stone, I rested my head...and slept.

...

. . .

Du-du-du-ding-ding-ding~

---------------

     Though excited I was about it at last being the next day...I was also really tired. Like, REALLY tired.

     Good thing then that the day went by relatively quickly. My eyes widened a little, everyone else shrieking as All Might launched himself through the door. He was...a lot bigger in person. Right off the bat, our class was having a proper battle trial.... Oh no.

     Oh wait.

     Oh yes.

     I was partnered up with a walking pile of ice who wore nearly the same expression as me, minus the about to die of exhaustion bit that kept my shoulders low. I got to stand beside his icy side, meaning I finally had something near me to ward off the midday heat. Nice. Thankfully, though, we all got to watch the battles from inside. And thankfully, the first battle was the most interesting.

     Bakugo was up against Bush Boy. This intrigued me, since I already knew their history and so could better pick up on more context clues for how they functioned as..almost rivals.

     I watched with interest, on the fence about routing for Bakugo. He really didn't mean what he said yesterday...right? After all, he was a little angry when I asked him.. Maybe he...had another reason..? I found myself having a hard time not routing for Bush Boy, though, who proclaimed over the cameras -- though hard to tell since the quality was so bad -- that his hero name was going to be Deku. Hmmm, Deku.. I probably had it in me to remember that at least. He also gave Bakugo quite the beat down, even without using his quirk! I was impressed.

     The battle did end, though, with Deku's team winning by touching the rocket. Nice. And Bakugo was angrier than ever. It was...strange. I thought Katsuki was better than this, honestly...anger-wise. Hm. Maybe I was just wrong. After that battle, it was my turn. I honestly had no idea how I was going to go up against my classmates already. I had no idea what their quirks were- what their fighting styles were like- what their sense of humor wa-

     "Stand back." The half ice statue commanded calmly. Happy to have an out, I stepped back. The teen then touched his hand to the wall, and, in amazement I watched as it completely froze up. Ice crawled over the walls, onto the ceiling, and coating the floor. As the frost crawled its way down the hall, the teen started to walk calmly after it. I followed behind just so I wouldn't look like I was being intentionally lazy. The sudden shift from hot to cold was...a tad odd. Brr.

     Easily, the ice boy won the game for us just like that; by sticking his opponents' feet to the floor. And all I had to do was follow... N-ice.

     After that, I was too tired to watch the rest of the rounds. Taking after my step dad, I curled up in a dark corner of the room and drifted off to sleep. A couple hours later, I was woken up again by none other than All Might himself. It was...very unnerving to see his face in person. Like, what?

     "Studying your classmates is the mark of a true hero, young Aizawa." My eyes widened slightly as he announced me by the name I wasn't supposed to go by. I had to stop myself quickly from glaring up at him for that. But, obviously he didn't say it with malicious intent. He even offered a hand to help me up. But, I could see the eyes of my classmates now, some eyes widened as they watched our exchange. "You should remember to-"

     "Taylor." I quickly corrected him. "It's Ms. Taylor."

     "Oh- huh??" Standing up stiffer, the muscular hero swiftly drew out a small paper booklet and began flipping through the pages as I used the wall to help me up. Once up, I slipped a bit to the side so I was no longer cornered. "Ah- um.. It-it says Aizawa on the paperwork, though." He said, stroking his chin. I huffed painfully, feeling all the eyes on my back.

     "Wait- does that mean she's related to Mr. Aizawa??"
     "It is a possibility.."
     "Awwh, no fair! I wonder if that is why she hasn't shown us her quirk yet! Maybe it's just like his?"
     "Awh, boo, now we have to compete against the teacher's own relative?!"   
     "Wonder if she's his daughter..."

     My hands balled into fists, shoulders tight. This must have meant I was nervous, maybe even really anxious. But, at the same time... I didn't want to lie to these people, right?

     I inhaled and exhaled slowly. Then, I spun to face the crowd. "No, no." I chuckled. "There must have just been a glitch or something. I'm a Taylor, not an Aizawa." I calmly waved my hands in front of myself as I 'explained.' Everyone was content enough with that. All but Bakugo, who just glared at me from a darker part of the room.

     "Ah! Apologies ma'am!" I jumped when, out of nowhere, a massive hand landed on my shoulder from behind. "I'll have the paperwork checked right away!

     "Thanks.." Shrugging off his hand, I forced myself again not to glare up at the number one hero.

     Then the teacher of the day led us all out of that room and into the outdoors. Hm...a whole fake city... Imagine all the homeless people you could house in here.

     Once outside, I noticed I had a few eyes on me still.

     "Hey, I'm Ashido! Haven't seen you use your quirk yet, so what's is it?!" Some pink girl bounced over to me with a smile that so obviously contrasted my mood.

     Stiff faced. "Wouldn't you like to know?~"

---------------

     I found her social media and sent her a text at the beginning of the day. She didn't respond until lunch, and it was a very drawn-out process throughout the day for the two of us to schedule a meet up. In the end, we decided on just meeting under that same "big tree."

     Unfortunately, there were no pretty cherry blossoms this time of year; only bland, green leaves. I sat on one of the large roots as I waited for the other to show up.

     Feelings in my heart had swelled to a painful degree. I had to say something about it, lest I die a coward.

     "Um...hi?" There it was. My head spun around, landing on the short girl with dark green hair and a slouched posture. I stood onto my feet, back straightened and chin held higher than usual.

     "Suii, I'm..." I reached a hand out, realized it was useless, and let it drop again. "...I'm sorry." My head dropped, my entire posture suddenly changing. I heard nothing but a faint gasp from the other. That's when my glasses began to fog up...as I mulled over the true damage of what I had done. "I really mean it; I'm sorry!" My voice cracked, jerking my head up to stare the other in the eyes. "I was only thinking about myself, alright?! I was scared to think that no matter what I did, you would take my spot-- YOU would take my place at UA-- YOU would stop me from becoming a hero!.. Bec- because you are so much better than me!!" I admitted. "I'm not worthy of being at UA but you are! A-a-and I'm sorry, okay?! I ruined your life, crashed your dreams, and spat in your face for nothing!! I-I-I- I don't even know what I can DO to make it up to you!! I just-..." My arms fell, my shoulders dropped, my back slouched forwards. I was...out of things to say. "...I've been...a really bad person to you, Suii....and I'm sorry..."

. . .

     I heard small sniffles. I looked up, seeing the short girl fight back tears, a restrained kind of smile on her face.

     "I never..." She started, "I never actually thought you...would talk to me again.." My own eyes reactionarily watered more. "It hurt so--so bad...to fail so badly..."

     "...I'm sor-"

     "But then I was given another chance.." A smile broke past the tears streaming down her face. Huh? "Turns out they have another test available for those unfairly injured during the test... I'll be taking it in a week, when I'm feeling much better." My mouth dropped open. "...And then I'll be able to choose which class I go into.." Wiping the salty liquid off her cheeks. "..and I think I might just choose the class you're in..." Was that...forgiveness?

     My heart...stuttered.

.

.

.

.

=======
At long LAAASSSTT the first arc is OVER! WOO! Already like, 40k words into the book now! 😅
Andthisisjjstthevwryverybeginningofthemasskvestoryihavealreadyplottedoutmostly💀