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Even through it felt like no time at all had passed, Aizawa knew it had been a couple months. The last thing he remembers is gripping his knife and plunging it into his own leg. Ever since then he's been out cold. Strangely though, he does remember a couple things from the time he spent out. Mostly Yamada coming in to tell him how much he loved him. Nurses coming in and out of the room to check in on him and to gossip. And he swears one day Yagi came in to see him.
Despite just waking up from a coma, Aizawa actually finds himself rather tired. He wants to slip back into unconsciousness. The door opens and Aizawa doesn't want to open his eyes and startle whoever it is that just walked in. Plus he doesn't want to get blinded by the bright hospital lights. The person's footsteps are heavy and sound like the tapping of heeled boots. He's heard these steps enough times to know who they belong to.
And as he expected, Yamada sits down next to his hospital bed and takes his hand. He's done this multiple times. Aizawa expects him to launch into another rant about his day or another story about their childhood.
But instead he says, "The kids have caught on that I come visit you every week. They've started badgering me about how you've been."
Aizawa couldn't lie to himself, there is no way these kids wouldn't be concerned about him. Midoriya even protected him during the fight. Aizawa does plan on reprimanding the boy for his recklessness.
"But the kids weren't really satisfied with with me just repeating how my visits with you went..." Aizawa's heart beats a little faster, he better not have... "So I brought them along this time!"
Yamada is ecstatic, Aizawa not so much. Although at this point he can't really voice his concern. He hears a crowd of footsteps shuffle into the room. There's a small about of silence before one of the students asks in the most small and timid voice Aizawa has ever heard.
"Is he going to be okay?" Mina is one of Aizawa's most outspoken students. So it's a bit surprising to hear her voice be so soft.
"Don't worry Mina, he'll wake up soon." Hizashi is using a voice Aizawa has heard him use when comforting small children. He does hear a small amount of worry, like he doesn't fully believe his own words.
There's another silent moment before more footsteps. The student takes a chair and sits on the opposite side of Aizawa's hospital bed. They take his hand and he can hear them take a breath. Their following breaths are trying to be slow and steady but are very unsteady.
"In case he... he doesn't wake up..." Shinsou's voice is laced with tears, "I... want him to know how much he means to me."
"Toshi..." Yamada tries to steer Shinsou off the depressing topic, but both Yamada and Aizawa know him well. He's going to say it. No one is going to stop him.
Aizawa feels the boy's grip on his hand tighten before he speaks again, "I hope you can hear me..." Oh he has no idea, "I want to tell you how much you mean to me. How much you have helped me. Training me, teaching me, helping me into the hero course. Everything you and Yamada have done for me. I just..."
Shinsou holds Aizawa's hand in both of his and hesitates. The air is thick with emotion.
"I want to call you dad... in case you don't wake up..."
He begins to cry. Aizawa can hear it loud and clear. Yamada lets go of Aizawa's other hand so he can get up and hug Shinsou. At least that's Aizawa's guess. Shinsou's crying becomes muffled as Aizawa assumes he's crying into Yamada's leather coat. Soon after Shinsou's crying stops he apologizes to his classmates. There is a swarm of voices telling him that it's okay and that they'll start crying too. Yamada swiftly returns to Aizawa's side and silence covers the room again.
This silence is broken by someone shyly asking Yamada, "If... If Shinsou can tell Aizawa how much he means to him then... can I?"
Hagakure. A student Aizawa didn't really get to know until recently. He was walking around the dorms, making sure everyone was asleep, when he heard it. At first he just thought one of his students was sick. But when she exited the bathroom and saw him... he'd never seen anyone roll down their sleeves quicker. She didn't have to be prompted to start telling him she was okay. It was just food poisoning. She's fine. Don't worry about her.
Aizawa feels Hagakure grab his hand and tearfully recount the night, "I had cut too deep that time... Watching my blood come out of seemingly nothing was an experience... i didn't know what to do to patch up a cut that deep and messy. i think i could've died if you hadn't insisted on taking a look. You saved my life that night. You helped me with my body issues. Thank you for that."
She then gently puts Aizawa's hand back down by his side before getting up.
Yamada sighs, "If anyone else wants to... I guess it wouldn't hurt to get things out."
Quickly after, very quickly after, someone else has Aizawa's hand.
"Todoroki?" Yamada questions before his tone turns soft, "Alright. You're next."
Todoroki is a quiet student, son of Endeavor, and clings to Midorya like a stray cat. Aizawa never liked Endeavor. There was something about him that was just... off. And as soon as Todoroki joined his class he found out why. Every time someone around him raised their hand he'd flinch. God forbid Aizawa raised his hand around Todoroki. That would make him flinch like no other.
Todoroki's voice is just as monotone as it usually is, "One night I crawled into the dorms through Midoriya's window. I had a massive bruise on my face. I didn't want anyone to know, so I tried to hide it. Unfortunately I made too much noise coming through... I have never seen you so angry."
Todoroki presses Aizawa's hand to his cheek, "You immediately helped me and assured me that I'd never be hurt like that again..." The only sign of Todoroki's crying is the tears Aizawa can feel rolling down the back of his hand.
Todoroki gives his hand to the next student. They sit down and shift around a bit before starting.
"I used to think my quirk was nothing special. I mean, it's just a tail. I was surprised when i passed the entrance exam. But i could feel it turn into imposter syndrome."
Aizawa suddenly remembers where he's going with this. The phantom smell of dirt and trees fill his nose. That training camp was overtaken by villains and that's all he could remember for the longest time after. he had to be reminded of what happened before then. But now he can't shake it. Ojiro interrupts Aizawa's thoughts.
"At the training camp, before... that happened. I was training with Kirishima. He tried to console me but it wasn't enough. I kinda isolated myself and you noticed. You sat by me. Talked to me. Assured me that i earned my spot in your class. You really helped my confidence. Thank you."
Ojiro then passes on Aizawa's hand. Aizawa had no idea that chat with Ojiro would change his entire perspective. But he's glad it did. The next student's hand is sweaty and shaky.
Her voice is naturally quiet and Aizawa is used to the constant undertones of unease, "There are a lot of things I could talk about..." Momo's voice is just above a whisper.
'I guess I'll talk about the exams. I didn't notice anything at first. I guess I was just focused on myself and Todoroki." Aizawa's heart briefly stops, did she figure out what he was doing? "But after the exam I started to reflect. The exam boosted my confidence so much. I couldn't stop thinking about it! And that's when I noticed some holes. You purposely got caught didn't you?"
She starts to fidget with her own hands and her shaking has gone down, "You purposely got caught to help my confidence didn't you? I'm glad you did. Because if you hadn't I don't know where I'd be."
Momo goes to hand Aizawa's hand over but notices how clammy her hands are. She makes herself a handkerchief to blot the sweat off her and Aizawa's palms. She gives her spot to the next student. This student's hands are large and engulf Aizawa's own. It takes some encouragement for them to start talking.
"It's okay Koda," Yamada coos, "Take all the time you need."
Koda takes a couple breaths before his voice starts to quiver, "I- I remember when Yuwai-chan escaped the dorms. I completely shut down. You didn't yell, you didn't harm, you weren't angry at all. I know you pulled a lot of strings to allow me to keep a rabbit."
It's true. If Aizawa hadn't convinced Nedzu to let Koda keep a rabbit, he would've personally gone through all the paperwork to get her registered as an emotional support animal.
"You simply gave me a blanket and water and left without a word. When you came back you had Yuwai-chan in your arms. You didn't have to go get her. But you did. Thank you for that."
That's the most Aizawa has ever heard the boy speak. And it was all to thank him. Aizawa can feel emotion bubbling up his throat. The next student's grip is so tight Aizawa debates breaking his silence just to tell them to cut it out. They start crying before they even say anything.
"Stop thinking that... stop telling yourself that, it IS manly to cry..." Kirishima then loudly yells while sobbing out his feelings, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry I disobeyed you to go save Bakugou!"
Aizawa has no idea where he is going with this. And his yelling drowns out his thoughts.
"I know I'm an idiot! I just wanted to make sure he was okay! And... and..." Kirishima presses his forehead to Aizawa's knuckles, "When I saw what you and Mr. Yamada had I wanted that too!"
Kirishima puts Aizawa's hand down and gets up. But he gets yelled at as soon as he does.
"You can't just say that shitty hair!" Aizawa can feel the heat crackling off Bakugou, "You can't just say you want what they have and not elaborate!"
"Bakugou please lower your voice." Yamada tries to calm him, only for Bakugou to yell louder in response.
"Do you mean romantically or platonically!?"
There's a pause.
"Oh come on we all know their bond runs deeper than friendship! We all see it!"
Aizawa hopes none of his student's see his cheeks burning red hot.
"W-well, I... Bakugou..." Yamada is trying to defend himself. it's Kirishima's turn to cut him off.
"Romantically!"
Mina squeals, Sero and Kaminari awws, and most everyone else is silent.
"C'mon shitty hair..." Aizawa hears Kirishima being dragged past the crowd and out of the room by Bakugou, "We need to talk about this..."
Silence again. Aizawa can hear someone take a deep breath before shuffling over.
"I don't miss you." Tokoyami isn't one to lie, but Aizawa will let him have this, "But Dark shadow misses you. So i thought I'd let you know that... Dark shadow thanks you. For always looking out for her. And Dark shadow wishes you recover. Because if you don't Dark shadow will feel bad that she wasn't there. For not protecting you. And for not being strong enough. Dark shadow will feel like it's her fault you got injured."
His grip tightens every time he says something, "So please recover, because Dark shadow is worried about you."
He doesn't linger. He gets up and lets the next student take his place. This student taps his fingers nervously on Aizawa's wrist.
"I... I haven't had the chance to thank you for this yet. Even though what you did was huge for my anxiety and academics. Honestly... I'm embarrassed to say this in front of the whole class..."
Every teacher at U.A knows of Sero's condition. He's surprised to hear that his class or closest friends don't know of it.
"I was prepared to suffer in silence. I'm so glad that you came with. That you walked me down to Recovery Girl's office. Helped me call my parents and fill out the forms. You helped me get what I needed. I'm so embarrassed to say this in front of the class but... thank you for helping me get that Medical Marijuana." He lets out a breath and by his tone Aizawa can tell his wide grin is back, "Whew! That was going to eat me up inside!"
He passes Aizawa's hand to the next. They have calloused fingertips.
"I don't have much to say," Jiro taps her foot, "I guess I just want to support you and everyone else. Since I've been in this condition before."
Aizawa does remember that. After the training camp, Jiro was also in a coma for a couple weeks.
"I assume that what I'm feeling is how everyone else felt when I was out. So I hope you make it out okay." Jiro gets up and Aizawa assumes she's being hugged. He can hear Mina and Hagakure and Uraraka whispering to her.
Their voices get farther and father away. When Jiro says she's okay, that's when someone else takes Aizawa's hand again. Their hands poke along Aizawa's whole arm. They have webbing between their hands and he can feel their shadow being cast over him.
"I... I also want to thank you for my accomodations." Shoji shifts uncomfortably in his seat, "I was so uncomfortable. I thought U.A would never allow me to modify my uniform. Let alone allow me to cover my face. But they did and... I'm so glad you never questioned it or asked me to remove my mask."
He squeezes Aizawa's whole arm before letting it go to the next student. This student lays Aizawa's palm down onto their own. They have several tiny cuts that Aizawa can feel.
"I remember a time when I baked something really badly. Like, really really badly." Aizawa can feel Sato's tears splashing onto his hand, "It was technically able to be used for my quirk. It had sugar in it. But I didn't want to eat it..."
His tone turns slightly giggly, Aizawa knows why. "So instead you bought me cupcakes and ate the bread yourself. The face you made, looking back on it its funny but at the time I was horrified. I thought I'd be in big trouble. But you ate the whole loaf and told me it was good. You didn't have to do that... I know it was awful."
He chuckles and hands Aizawa's hand off. This student holds Aizawa's hand without their fingertips touching him. He assumes its because of their quirk.
"Everything I've been through. You've been right there with me. From being accepted, to being trained, to being cheered for at the sports festival. I know I promised I'd never tell anyone but I appreciate you buying me lunch too. And pencils... And other equipment... I must've drained your pockets huh? I hope one day I can pay you back."
Uraraka gently puts his hand down before getting up. Someone sits and takes his hand immediately after. This student hits his head on the rail of the hospital bed. He hold's Aizawa's hand above his head and sobs.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Aizawa!" There are several things Ida could be sorry for, "I'm sorry! I wasn't a hero! I was selfish and stupid! I dragged Midoriya and Todoroki into my mess! And you had to clean up after me! I'm sorry!"
Aizawa was usually furious when he remembered what Ida did. But right now he felt proud. Proud that Ida is apologizing and making up for his mistake. He hasn't really done the same mistake since. If we ignore rescuing Bakugou. But this apology is enough for now.
"I promise if you pull through I won't do it again!" he gets up but spends a couple seconds by his side. Aizawa assumes he's bowing, like Ida does.
Someone shoves him aside and takes Aizawa's hand, 'Move Extra."
Aizawa didn't hear those two come back in. He didn't think they could be so quiet. Correction, he didn't think Bakugou could be so quiet. Like how he is now. He's mumbling and grumbling for words before finally just blurting out what he wants to say.
"I want to be like you! Yeah, sure, I wanted to be like All Might. But then that damn nerd Deku had to exist so..." His voice drops so suddenly its jarring, "Now I want to be like you. Kind. Generous. Truly heroic. Still a bit of a hard ass."
That almost makes Aizawa chuckle and blow his cover. Pure silence while Bakugou squeezes Aizawa's hand. He finally lets out a huff.
"What extra..?"
"uh... Monsieur Bakugou?" Aoyama has the smallest most timid voice from his students he's heard so far, "C-can I have my turn?"
Aizawa expects Bakugou to be snappy, but he's actually being quite nice.
"Right. Sorry. Here, Aoyama." Bakugou gets up and hands Aizawa's hand to him.
Aoyama leans over and whispers so softly only Aizawa can hear, "I'm so sorry... If you want to expel me after you wake up... You can. I won't blame you. This is my fault."
This is the closest thing to making Aizawa crack so far. He has so many questions, but has to hold his tongue. Aoyama gets up and leaves the room completely.
"Maybe i should go talk to him..." Yamada gets up and follows, "The rest of you stay with Shouta okay?"
"Alright, which of you extras are going next?"
They shuffle forward. Their hands are soft, like they use a lot of moisturizer.
"I... I don't know how to start this so..." Mina traces the lines in his palm, "I also want what you and Mr. Yamada have but... Platonically."
Mina takes several breaths. He can hear the other female students hyping her up.
"I guess... This is me coming out. If you don't wake up I'd like you to know. I've discovered that I'm AroAce!
Aizawa is strangely not surprised by this. He knew Mina was queer absolutely. He just didn't know in what way. He's glad she's figured herself out.
"Okay Kaminari take his hand before I cry!" Mina gets up and Kaminari sits down. He slowly takes Aizawa's hand.
"I'll try not to get too worked up. I don't want to shock you." He's trying to joke around, a coping skill he uses often, "I don't know what I'd do without your help. I'm last in the class and I'm not that good at hero stuff. But you haven't given up on me. Even though I've given up on myself several times... Thanks."
Kaminari hastily lets Aizawa go. Aizawa can hear the crackling of electricity. Kaminari really didn't want to shock him. Instead he shocks the next person who holds Aizawa's hand. The static electricity left on his hand makes the next person jump back with a startled "Kero!"
After that initial fright, Tsu sits down and takes his hand again. She lets out a sigh when she doesn't get shocked again.
"I miss you, Mr. Aizawa. I've been trying to keep my emotions under control. But I think I might start crying Kero Kero..."
Her croaking is sad. She starts crying quietly. Aizawa can feel her tears dripping onto his skin. He wants to pull her into a hug so badly.
"I'm sorry for crying... I hope you make it. Because without you I would've died in the USJ attack."
She gets hugged as soon as she stands. Shoji whispers comfort to her as he walks her to re-join the crowd. The final student sits down and takes Aizawa's hand. His voice cracks when he speaks. But his tone holds that stupid bright smile.
"Aizawa I... This is my fault. I should've been by your side the entire time. I should've protected you more. it's my fault this happened! That all of this happened! You've protected and encouraged and taught not just me but the whole class!" Midoriya holds Aizawa's hand to his chin, His eyes are rivers. Not an uncommon occurrence. But right now... It feels different."
"I'm sorry Mr. Aizawa and we hope you know we love you. I love you like a parental figure."
"I love you dad." Shinsou raises his voice slightly to be heard.
That causes a wave of I love you's to crash into Aizawa. His throat tightens, his lip quivers, his eyes start to water. He can't keep it in anymore. He opens his eyes and takes a moment to adjust to the light. He tilts his head to look at Midoriya. He takes his hand out of Midoriya's grasp and balls it into a fist. He gently presses it to Midoriya's chest.
"You problem children are going to be the death of me."
"Mr. Aizawa!" Mina launches herself forward and wraps her arms around his neck.
"Mina you dumbass Mina get off him he just woke up!" Bakugou drags Mina off him. Mina bows and apologizes to Aizawa. Aizawa just laughs.
"No worries Mina, I appreciate the excitement." He strains his throat and raises his voice, "Tokoyami, would you go grab Yamada and Aoyama?"
He nods but Aizawa still has more to say to him, "And you can tell Dark shadow that I'm okay."
He grins, "She'll be happy to hear it."
Aizawa then looks at all his students before his gaze lands on Midoriya. He puts his hand on Midoriya's head and pulls him into a hug. He starts crying again and Aizawa lets him. Aizawa lets Midoriya go and stretches his hand to Bakugou. Bakugou takes his hand and gets his hug. Aizawa then hugs every one of his students. Koda, Sato, and Shoji have to lean down to hug him. The girls hug him around the neck like Mina did. Ida, Sero, Todoroki and Kaminari didn't hug back. Kirishima did but made sure to be gentle. Tokoyami gets back with Yamada and Aoyama as Ojiro is getting his hug.
Yamada gasps and clasps his hands over his mouth. He whispers to himself while trying not to sob. Aizawa gestures Tokoyami and Aoyama over to him. Tokoyami lets Dark shadow out to share his hug with Aizawa. Aoyoama sits there clinging to Aizawa for a moment for comfort. When he gets up the sleeve of Aizawa's hospital gown is soaked in tears.
Yamada reclaims his seat by Aizawa's side and smiles brightly. "You're awake!"
Aizawa looks away and sheepishly grins, "I've... been awake this whole time..."
"Shouta are you serious!? You had me worried this entire visit! I thought I lost you! Don't laugh you idiot I'm being serious!"
Aizawa calms his laughter so he can look Yamada in the eye, "Sorry Zashi, I won't do it again.
Yamada crosses his arms and pouts, "You better not."
Aizawa opens his arms to offer Yamada a hug. He takes it and gives Aizawa a peck on the cheek.
"See!?" Bakugou points smugly, "I was right!"
He and Kirishima start arguing with Mina interjecting. Midoriya tries to calm them down and Sero makes snarky remarks. His class is feeling better and so is his husband. And yet, after all this excitement.
...Aizawa could still go for a nap.