Scarred Transference

(1)

U.A.'s counselor had problems, just like the students and staff she saw on a regular basis. Just because she had gone to college and could diagnose and treat people didn't mean she was free of the issues others faced. Problems like infatuation, or crushes. Everyone got those, and some were even confident enough that they acted on them and got dates.

Although lately she had begun to suspect hers was more a case of unrequited love.

Elly sat on her bed in her room at the teacher's dormitory, staring moodily at her phone. She ran her fingertip along the screen, tracing the scar that ran just under his eye. She wondered how many more he had; once while visiting the campus gym she had caught him working out, shirtless. There had been scars on his arms, his back, and a latticework along his ribs on the left at the time that was fairly fresh. His one elbow was a travesty of deep, rough skin where he had lost several layers protecting the kids in his class one year.

She very much wanted to kiss them all. The knowledge that he wasn't interested - in, well, anyone, let alone her -- always caused her sadness. Pining wasn't an attractive emotion, nor was it productive, so the counselor usually pushed it aside and concentrated on other things. This time, however, she allowed herself to cry.

Sitting alone in her room, she sniffled as the tears fell hot on her shirt and the back of her hand holding the phone clutched to her chest.

He was only one floor away, yet it was as if it were a million miles.

Her ears drooped, and she sneezed.

"Hey, cat lady! You in there?!" The sudden banging on her door caused her to shriek.

Once more she regretted having chosen the room next to the boisterous Midnight. She hastily wiped her eyes, tossed the phone on the bed and answered the door before the woman pounding on it broke it down.

"Kayama, for god's sake, relax! What is it?!"

Her colleague pursed her ruby red lips and stared hard at her. "I could hear you crying," she confessed with a little shrug. "What's wrong? You need to go out tonight, get a little tipsy? Have some fun?"

She sighed weakly and laid her ears back in irritation. "No. I'm fine -" Her nose had been stuffy due to the crying, but it cleared enough just then for her to catch a familiar scent. Kayama watched with a barely-concealed smirk as Elly saw Aizawa slouched over to one side. He was dressed in a worn pair of jeans and a black turtleneck, with his dark hair pulled back in a sloppy ponytail. "Erk."

"C'mon. A night out will do you a whole lot of good."

Her heart nearly stopped when the scruffy man peered over at her. "We all need to relax once in awhile," he told her matter-of-factly.

How could she say no to that?!


(2)

The answer, of course, was that she couldn't. Of course she ended up going.

The three walked to a bar close by the campus that staff frequented on the weekends. They ordered, sat down and got their drinks in amiable silence, since although Elly was miffed at Kayama using the homeroom teacher to trick her into going, she was happy to be with him.

She wasn't used to drinking a lot, though. After a few glasses she really needed to pee.

"Excuse me. I'm gonna head to the ladies' room," she murmured.

Aizawa said nothing but took a swig of beer. Kayama sneakily trailed after her in the bathroom, however.

"Feeling better?"

Elly jumped from where she sat on the toilet, startled. "Really? Girl's chat in the bathroom?"

"Why not?" She heard water running in the sink as the other woman washed her hands. "You looked like you needed a pep talk."

"For what? We're just having drinks."

"Could be more than that - for you and Aizawa, anyway."

She groaned and yanked extra hard on the toilet paper with a grimace. "Don't start."

"I know for a fact he likes you."

"Sure he does. I'm part cat." She frowned. Hadn't she hung her bag on the door hook?

"I think it goes a lot deeper than that." The towel dispenser cranked noisily. "I'm sure he'd be happier making you purr than those strays he feeds on the street."

"Kayama, I swear to g -" Elly froze, terrified, as she slammed open the door. The dark-haired woman was gone. "Ohhh my shit, she planned this. How stupid can I be?!" Elly squeezed her eyes tightly shut, her hands balling into fists.

She had no ride back, and the other woman had likely been the one to swipe her purse. Moments later her phone buzzed, alerting her through text that it was as she suspected - Kayama told her not to worry, her things were safe. Elly bit back any angry response she might have made and simply texted a curt "thanks" back.

She made her way back to the booth and dropped into it with a heavy sigh, rubbing her eyes with one hand.

"What's wrong?"

"A certain someone thought it was funny to steal my purse. I don't have money, I.D, or anything."

Aizawa's eyebrows shot up. "Kayama," he groaned. "She left quite quickly. I should have guessed."

"Yep."

"Sorry. She ... thinks she knows best. She can get meddlesome, though." He drained the last of his beer and reached into his pocket for his wallet to pay the bill.

Elly eyed the now-empty glass. "Are you okay?"

He snorted. "M'fine, Cheshire. It takes a hell of a lot more than three of those to put me under." He paused as he slipped his billfold back. "I am, however, definitely not sober. What say we head to a cafe and get some coffee before heading back?"

"I'll pay you b -"

Aizawa cut her off as they walked out into the cool night air. "No need. It's drinks and coffee, nothing expensive."

"All right."

The cafe was just down the same street. A lot of businesses had popped up innthis area and it was busy in a friendly sort of way. The two headed inside and Elly had to still her heart at the thought that this really looked like a date.

The two of them, alone in a cozy corner shop getting coffee. They could have been a couple after a movie or something. She was so flustered she paused when he asked what she wanted.

"Oh. Uh, a small coffee, c - cream, uh..." Her tongue got tied and she blushed in confusion, shaking her head at her foolishness.

Aizawa smiled crookedly at her. "She'll have a medium, double cream and one sugar."

"Uggghh." Elly sipped her coffee as they headed to a small booth in the back. "I'm sorry, again. This night has been a mess."

The dark-haired man slid across the table from her and grunted. "I thought it was decent."

"Wh - what?"

"We had drinks and relaxed. Now we're enjoying a decent cup of coffee together." His expression was enigmatic.

She tilted her head to one side, ears perking upright. A smile slowly spread across her face and she nodded. "You know what? You're right. Here, let me -"

He raised an eyebrow. "A photo?"

"I won't post it anywhere," she promised. "I sort of just want to remember this night. It was nice."

He shrugged. "If you want."

She got in his side of the booth, biting her lip with her heart pounding even faster. Would he think this was strange? She could have just leaned across the table. But no, she edged beside him and then nearly fainted when he placed an arm around the back of the seat behind her, leaning close. Somehow she managed to snap a photo of them right before all hell broke loose.



(3)

Aizawa posed for the photo with an unusually soft smile. After the click, however, he fell face down on the table with a loud thump. There was no warning at all; one second he was sitting and the next his body was completely limp as though he had passed out. Elly jumped, alert at once as she heard someone dashing out the door. The bell tinkled but she didn't see anyone. She was too concerned about her colleague laying beside her.

"Is he okay?"

"No. Call the cops and an ambulance." She wasn't too clear at the moment since she was too intent on checking his pulse. He was breathing, he didn't have any marks she could see and as her delicate nose tested the air she could only detect coffee and his usual gel drinks. Her hands gently pulled back his ponytail to check again for anything suspicious.

What happened?

Her purple eyes went wide and she slammed into the back of the booth, gasping.

The voice had been inside her head.

It was Aizawa's.

"Crap," she choked. "Mind transfer quirk!"

The waitress that had come running earlier was back. She stared with equally huge eyes at the Insanity Hero, both recognizing her and absorbing what she had said.

"Ex - excuse me, Cheshire?"

"Yes?"

"I called the, the cops and the..."

Is that my body? I should try and work my upper body more these days.

Elly squeezed her eyes tight, swallowing hard. "Good."

"Are you okay?"

"My friend was just shoved into my head, and it's - it's a little disconcerting."

I'm sorry, Ches. She thought he was remarkably calm for what had occurred. Well, there's no need to get riled up. That won't help, his voice murmured.

"And now he can read my thoughts. Fabulous." She groaned deeply, thrusting her hands over her face.

Indeed, he continued, I have access to what you think or do. I can see what you're looking at as well.

The door chimed again, this time announcing the police, and he fell silent so she could tell them what had happened. His body was taken to a local hospital, but there was nothing to do for their combined minds. A psychiatrist asked her a few questions, but knew her background and waved her off to go home after a quarter of an hour.

Home?

She shuddered, but it was late and she had nowhere else to go. It was a school day tomorrow as well. Aizawa would miss his class, but she had appointments.

Kayama was waiting for them when she got back. "I'm so sorry I filched your purse!" She wrinkled her nose. "If I hadn't been such a meddler, this might not have happened."

"It's okay, Kayama." It was her voice, but altered.

Kayama into Elly's face. "Hey - your eyes changed color. Was that you, Aizawa?"

She nodded - or rather, he did. "I can step forward momentarily. Cheshire's eyes will change when I do." He faded back, and the color flushed from a lighter tone into her dark purple.

"I hate it when he does that," she complained. "It's only been twice in the hospital and yet it feels ... itchy."

I'll stay back here, then, he promised contritely.

"You do that," she told him in a sour voice.

"Well... the staff was sent a notice," the other woman told them. "Most are in bed by now, but they'll get it in the morning. We'll all help out. Try and get some rest."

"Yeah," Elly sighed. She went up the stairs and slipped quietly into her room, flopping just as she was onto her bed.

You're as tired as I am, but restless.

"Yeah." She tossed her handbag carelessly on the floor and pulled her phone out of her pocket. "I'll look for the photo I took at the cafe - that might show us the villain in the background so we can get a lead." Elly really wasn't thinking when she opened her image gallery.

She held the phone loosely in her hand as the images sat on the screen: Aizawa at an event that had been held just last week at the beach, one of him on the practice field ... another at a conference where he had been dressed in a suit. Her face grew red and she hurriedly flipped through the rest of the gallery, looking for the image she needed. She was suddenly very aware of just how many photos she had snuck of the cranky man while he wasn't looking.

His voice resounded quietly in her head. Cheshire.

"Yes?"

Are you ... why are there so many pictures of me in your phone? Do you have feelings for me other than as your colleague?

She sighed bitterly and covered her face with her hands.

No, no don't -

There was a long, several minute pause where she let the tears flow quietly down her cheeks, shoulders slumped in despair. Aizawa struggled with the onslaught of emotions coming at him. Knowing she was pushing them as far away as she could didn't help; it meant they were far worse than she was letting on.

He wasn't emotionless himself. He understood her feelings but didn't know how to be reassuring. He'd messed up a lot with his ward, unintentionally of course, and always felt terrible afterwards. And, like Eri, he found the counselor was someone he very much wanted to comfort. Her pain was near overwhelming, and he flinched mentally away from it. She was absolutely positive he would never reciprocate her feelings, and this crushed her, causing her heart to beat faster and making it difficult to breathe.

So much sorrow! Please don't feel ashamed. You hid it well when I wasn't inside your mind, even while drinking, and...

It was as if a steel door slammed shut with a loud crash. Aizawa, startled, exclaimed in surprise at the sudden willpower he felt her exuding.

"No," she said curtly out loud. Her voice was dry, bitter, and sounded incredibly tired.

But -

He found himself listening to a short music clip, on repeat, in her mind. She blocked him out with repetitive sound as she laid down to sleep. Eventually they both dropped off.


(4)

The morning presented even worse problems.

She didn't shower.

How could she? Aizawa would experience her body in more intimate ways than anyone else could. So she waited until she felt his awareness drift off to sleep again - he napped often anyway, plus there was nothing for him to do while disembodied -- and hand washed as quickly as she could.

The school day went on almost the same, although students started commenting on how strangely Elly was behaving. 1-A's class was in an uproar about their teacher so she kept far away from those impetuous students. The staff, however, eventually had a few words for her as she sat quietly in a corner of the lounge eating a very small lunch. She was desperately trying to avoid going to the bathroom, and eating would compound that issue. So she took only enough calories to keep on her feet and struggled on.

"Hey, there. You two doing okay?" Frowning, Midnight placed a tray down across from her. "You don't look so great, Cheshire."

Present Mic stared earnestly into her face and whistled lowly. "Yer even startin' to look like him!"

All Might had a worried look on his skeletal face as he peered closely at her. "I think you need more rest," he suggested quietly.

"I'm fine," she shrugged.

"You're paler, and your eyes look - pardon me for saying so, but hell, Ches, they look worse than his." Midnight poked her shoulder. "Is everything really okay? I'm sorry about last night, you know. I just thought it might shake you out of your melancholy. "

"It's fine. I'll adjust." She finished another bite of fried rice and then sighed wearily. "Enough," she said to no one in particular and stood to throw the rest out.

"I don't think she's okay," Mic fretted as she slumped out the door to hide once more in her office. "An' what about Aizawa, huh? She's even startin' to sound like him, but he never says anything!"

"I assume Aizawa doesn't want to cause her further distress," All Might murmured.

"We better team up after school to try and hunt that villain down. That's the only way they can be separated again."

Mic nodded, picking up a hamburger from the plate in front of him packed with fries and coleslaw. "A bunch of others wanted to help, too. The kids and everyone."

"Mmn. It's a good thing Ches is so popular."

Mic snorted. "Aizawa might be an ass sometimes, but he's always there for anyone that needs him. Don't count him out of the popularity rankings. It's just - well..." He chewed, swallowed a huge mouthful. "I think they're gonna get together eventually, yanno? But this doesn't look like it's helping."

"You never know."

"Yes," All Might sighed as he stared at the back of the door she had left through. "We can only hope things will work out."

Elly was forced to go back to her room at some point.

She worked later than usual, took a sick Hero's patrol and even ate dinner out - a thing she wasn't fond of doing alone -- before finally facing the prospect of being alone with Aizawa's presence once more. When she was in public it was easier to block him out, though she felt guilty for doing so.

As soon as she crossed the threshold into her the dorm, she knew their situation was going to get harder. She absolutely had to use the toilet as well as shower now, too.

Some things couldn't be put off forever.

Elly put a sign up on the door to let the others know she was using the facilities. Since he was with her, it had been agreed she would bathe and use the bathroom alone (though not alone) until they were seperate once more.

She relaxed her guard as she was washing her hands. The toilet flushed cheerfully in the background, reminding her of her deed and the fact that she had shared it with him.

Ches?

"Aah! Damn it. I'm sorry I ignored you - blocked you, I mean, really, all this time. It wasn't fair."

You had your reasons.

He was silent after that, and she wondered if he was so disturbed by her love for him that he could barely bring himself to speak to her.

It's not that.

"So... the bathroom?"

Everyone poops, he thought in such a prim tone that she giggled despite herself.

"All right," she sighed wearily, sitting on the closed toilet seat. "Let's talk, then. I'm sorry for earlier. I meant to keep all that nonsense to myself. Preferably forever."

Stop that! She got a brief mental image of him frowning, followed by a long-suffering sigh. You didn't let me finish speaking before.

"I know. Please, I don't want to hear you say any of it. It's bad enough without you telling me I'll 'find someone else, some day', or whatever platitudes you would use."

You're stubborn, came the wry thought. I like that.

She bit her lip, trying to still the irrational beating of her heart from the praise.

I like you.

She couldn't speak or think clearly and sat there for a couple of minutes, blinking and trying to make sense of what happened. Then he gently suggested she get cleaned up for the night. You need to shower, Aizawa told her. It will make you feel better. And you know, he murmured, his mental voice a low, pleasing baritone, I bet I can let you experience what I'm feeling, as well. An excruciating wave of lust and more washed over her.

It was the more that caused her to gasp and flail about for purchase. She hit the toilet paper with her fingertips and a good foot of it rolled off wildly to lay on the floor in a heap.

"Shota! Y - you..?!"

I feel the same way about you, yes, he acknowledged placidly.

"Why didn't you ever say anything?!"

His laugh was a bit harsh, causing her to blink. Ches, I'm somewhat durable, but definitely not what most consider attractive.

"You told me I'm beautiful, even though I can't see that myself. I understand not being able to believe anyone would desire you." She paused, then stood up. "You know how I see you now, though."

Yes. He paused, gathering his thoughts. You ...think I am handsome. What an astonishing thing.

She shrugged, knowing what he was going through. "I really should shower," she muttered under her breath.

If I make you uncomfortable, I could try to nap like before.

"You know what?" Elly sighed as she gave up at last. "No. Just ...whatever happens, happens."

Aizawa waited patiently, watching with her eyes as she readied a towel and clothing for the night. She undressed quickly, unzipping her suit and taking off her bra before stepping out of her panties. She sensed his presence but he was quiet, and that was almost as unnerving.

A test of the water spouting from the showerhead found it satisfactory enough. She sighed again and got in, careful as always to make sure her tail was inside and not sticking out of the curtain.

"You're silence speaks for you, Aizawa. I'm sorry I probably don't live up to any expectations," she said quietly as she squinted at the shampoo.

No. Your logic is flawed. His thought was firm. I feel your doubt, but your body really is beautiful.

"Are you serious?"

If I were there, I could wash your back. He sounded rather mournful. Ah, well. We'll just have to wait, won't we?

"But I'm -"

I can feel all of your pain. His voice was even more subdued this time. Your loved ones told you that you were ugly.

"Among other things, yes."

Your father.

"Stepfather," she corrected, a little sharper than she intended. Then, "Yes." She hurriedly ducked under the water stream to rinse the shampoo out of her purple hair, forgetting he knew she was crying anyway.

He wasn't right then, nor is he now.

"I wish I could believe you. I do ...and I don't."

I'll just have to keep showing you how much I love you.

"Oh? How are you going to do that inside my head?"

It will be much better when I'm back in my body, he agreed mildly.

She blushed, though they had just shared an intimate moment already. He laughed softly in her mind, and then -

She was suddenly very, very alone. The warm sense of his presence was gone.

Elly leaped up, her heart pounding in her chest.


(5)

She didn't bother drying her hair. Elly pulled on jeans and a t-shirt and raced to the hospital, her heart pounding in her chest and her stomach clenching with nervous excitement and worry. Navigating the hallways proved more of a challenge than fighting a villian, however, and she was forced through several checkpoints before finally standing in front of the nurse in charge of the wing he was in.

"I'm here to see Aizawa Shota - Eraserhead."

The tentacled man dressed in crisp white glanced briefly in her direction. "And you are..?"

"Elly Sketchit. Pro Hero Cheshire -" She passed her credentials over. "I was the one that hosted him during this event."

"Relationship to patient?"

"I'm his girlfriend," she said firmly, with no hesitation at all though her heart fluttered. "He's going to want to see me right away, trust me."

As if on cue, they heard Aizawa's irritated voice ring out in the hall. "Ches? What's taking you so long?"

She raised her eyebrows at the nurse, who passed her I.D back and motioned her towards the door. "Try and talk some sense into him, please," he added with a long-suffering sigh. "Every time he comes here he leaves far too early."

"I'll try, but no promises. He's stubborn."

"You're telling me." The nurse had been there when Eraserhead had been in a nearly full body wrap... and still left to go to work. He wished the cat woman the best of luck, especially since the scruffy hero had been more than irritable when he woke up this time.

Elly opened the door and stepped inside the sterile glow of the hospital room. Aizawa lay propped up on a small cot on the right. He had an I.V. drip of some kind hooked up in his arm and a monitor nearby was registering his vitals. His hair had been brushed and pulled back into a ponytail for easier access but his face was covered in thicker stubble than usual since he hadn't shaved at all.

They stared at each other for a long minute.

Aizawa broke the silence first. He held his free arm out. "Ches..."

She rushed to his side and he embraced her as best he could. When she parted slightly to look into his eyes he grinned and tangled his hand in the back of her hair, tugging so their noses touched. He tilted his head and kissed her with a soft sigh that spoke louder than words. His scruff rasped on her skin but she didn't care. Neither of them heard the door click open again, but a low voice interrupted them.

"Oh. My apologies." The woman at the door chuckled. "I was told the host was here and I wanted to check up on you both."

Aizawa huffed impatiently and didn't relinquish his hold. "I'm back," he said as if that solved everything.

"Yes. I know." She nodded to Elly and the Insanity Hero gently disengaged from her new boyfriend enough to shake her hand. They introduced themselves and the doctor affected surprise. "I didn't know you two were a couple."

"Neither did we."

"Ahhh. Well, there's some more good come out of this, then."

Aizawa propped himself up higher, gesturing with the arm hooked up to the drip. "Can we take this out now? The catheter was taken out half an hour ago, and I can drink as well as urinate regularly."

Elly winced ever so slightly, grinning in apology. "You know from previous visits he's impatient."

"Hmm. Yes." She leaned over and checked a few things on the tablet she held. "Just a few questions, I promise. You weren't truly injured this time, so we can let you go -"

Aizawa nodded, swinging his legs over the edge of the cot already.

"...as soon as you show us you're ready. You've been here before and I assume you know what that means."

Elly blinked, confused. "Um."

He snorted, then pointed at the small room in the corner. "I have to go to the bathroom."

It only took one cup of coffee for Aizawa to fulfill the hospital's release request, and then they were on their way. They stopped at the entrance to sit on a bench under the glow of a streetlight.

"Are you tired, Aizawa?"

"Ches..." He sighed and rubbed at the bridge of his nose with a thumb and forefinger. "I only call you by your hero name because my accent causes me to mispronounce your given one." He removed his fingers and took her hand in his, pulling it to his chest. The worn fabric of his turtleneck was very soft under her palm.

"Would you like me to call you Shota, then?" Her smile was warm and a little shy.

"It feels appropriate."

"Okay." She leaned into his side and he grinned at her. "Well? Are you tired, Shota?"

"Not too badly." He thought for a moment, looking up at the twilight sky. "Can I make a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"My body lay dormant for an entire night and day. We've been very stressed." He lightly squeezed her hand. "I don't want to go back to the dorm. I think some gentle exercise would do us good, instead."

Her cheeks aflame, she concentrated on breathing. He was definitely suggesting what she assumed. "Gentle," she repeated in a trembling voice.

"How could it be otherwise?" He took her hand and placed it over his shoulder, drawing her close. "Midnight texted me earlier to suggest a discreet love hotel. If you're willing, so am I."

She breathed deeply, inhaling his sweaty scent, with traces of hospital sharpness lingering in his clothing. "I've never been," she admitted quietly. "Isn't it just by the hour?"

He placed his forehead on hers. "You can pay for all night. The school is close enough and we could still make it to classes in the morning if we left early. What do you think?"

"Is that back washing offer still open?"

"Of course." Aizawa's grin spread, more of his teeth showing as he chuckled. "In fact, a shower is the very first thing on my agenda." He sniffed at one of his sleeves and grimaced. "I hope they have a laundering service," he added.

It turned out that the hotel did, in fact, offer laundering - for an added fee, of course -- as well as food delivered from local eateries. Elly scrolled through the tablet on the bedside table as Aizawa headed immediately into the bathroom, shedding his clothing as he went with absolutely zero reservations.

Her eyes widened as she found the wide selection of sex toys and prophylactics also sold. Hastily setting the pad aside, she concentrated instead on the pile of dark fabric cluttering the floor. She picked the pieces up and set them in the designated basket for cleaning while she heard the squeak of a tap from behind her. She was so absorbed in gathering everything that she didn't hear him come back out.

"Are you coming, kitten?" His voice was very low and soft; the double entendre breathed warmly on her neck.

Elly's ears flicked up and her tail fluffed all the way out. She nearly dropped the basket but he moved swiftly, his arms wrapping around her to grasp the handles. Her breathing grew hoarse and she shivered as she felt his warm, hard, undeniably nude body behind her.

"Oh my god, Shota."

"Hmm?" His tone was mildly quizzical as she took hold of the clothing and set it aside.

"You're - that's..."

He reached out and gently turned her to face him.

Aizawa had an extremely fit body. The man obsessively worked out and it showed in every sculpted line of muscle. Each were defined but not too large, just toned and fit. His pale, scarred body was even lighter on his chest and lower, past the tufts of hair trailing down past his navel.

Elly gasped as she saw him for the first time, both excited and suddenly very, very shy.

He paused, scratching absently at his chest. "Is something wrong?"

"N - no, I just, uh. Oh my god." She kept repeating herself in dazed confusion.

"You're not a virgin," he murmured softly. "I wasn't snooping, but I did sense that when I was in your mind. What's wrong, then? Is this too fast?"

"No, it's..." She sat heavily on the bed, her tail thumping in agitation. "I may not be a virgin per se, but I've only had sex once, Shota. It wasn't -" She searched for an appropriate description. "It wasn't a very good experience for me," she finished somewhat weakly.

He joined her on the bed. "We can use this time to talk, or just be together. We don't need to have sex."

"No, I want to." Elly took a slow, deep breath. "I trust you. I just want you to know I may be a little reserved."

"You mean frightened." His brows drew together as he spoke sadly. "Ches, you have had so many bad men in your life. You - for you to trust me, it means a lot. I want you to be very sure this is what you really want."

"I'm absolutely certain," she replied back without hesitation. "I wouldn't have said yes to coming here otherwise."

"Hnn." He thought for a moment, scratching the scruff on his chin and looking up at the ceiling. "Then I will need to know the second you feel uncomfortable with anything."

"Stoplight colors," she said cryptically.

"Excuse me?" He blinked, caught off guard.

"They've been used as safety words for many things. Green is great - no problems, yellow means I have an itch or something innocuous like that but do need to stop. Red means stop immediately because I'm terrified or in pain."

He winced. "I would never -"

"I know. But there are things that happen that are out of our control."

"Yes." He stroked her hair gently. "And, look - I meant it when I said I wanted a shower first. Just a shower. Fooling around in the bathroom is a damn foolish way to get hurt."

"That sounds great." Her ears perked back up again and he rubbed them affectionately. "Um. I was startled, seeing you at first. But your body..."

Aizawa cleared his throat. "I know. I'm covered in scars. Sometimes I feel like they're more prevalent than my actual skin."

"That's not it! You're perfect. I mean, I guess I would've thought that no matter what, really, but I - your body really turns me on. That's what got me so flustered."

He stared at her as if gauging the truth of her words, stunned and a little confused. "I ..." He shook his head and rubbed at the back of his neck, a burn starting to burn across his nose. "Thank you. No one's ever told me that before."

"You get the water ready?" She helped him past his awkward declaration and he looked up gratefully.

"Yes. We'd better get in."

"Right behind you."

(7)

Elly knew he had seen her naked before, but his reaction wasn't what she expected at all. Aizawa sighed lustily as she stepped out of her last piece of underwear.

"You're even more beautiful with my own eyes," he murmured.

She blushed but got in when he gestured for her to go first, standing near the back so he could step into the warm spray. He noted this and smiled at her before handing her the small soap the hotel provided. Showering was easy; she'd shared it with him earlier when he was in her mind. His body was a distraction but his easy acceptance of his nudity helped.

It was when he laid his warm, rough palms on her that her mind went blank and her heart began to race. He pulled her close and kissed her first, a brush of the lips and tentative lick that asked for more. She slipped wet arms around his neck and opened her mouth to willingly deepen the kiss. It was slow, building up to more as his stubble rasped on her face and his tongue teased gently. The contrast was stimilating.

"I had no idea you were such a good kisser," she panted when they parted.

"I am? Tonight has been full of surprises."

Elly laughed, pushing back a wet lock of purple hair that stuck to her cheek. "I'm still waiting for that back scrubbing, you know."

"Turn around, then." He lathered her up, rubbing briskly when she started to purr. "I think I know why you wanted this so much."

"I like back rubs. Who doesn't?" She faced him once more, taking the soap back. "Your turn."

His reaction was about the same as hers in the end. It brought them closer together, a simple act that showed they cared about each other. And after they finished washing up, they started on their hair.

"We may as well continue our talk from before," he said as he rinsed his long, black locks free of the hotel shampoo. "I fear it will be difficult after we, ah... start making love."

"Mmn." Elly rubbed at one eye, squeezing it shut as the foam from her hair dripped down. He saw this and maneuvered about so she could use the showerhead.

"You're on birth control, correct?"

"Uh huh. Required for hero duty. And we know we're both clean because of that, too."

He nodded, rubbing the scruff on his chin as he thought. "Do you want me to wear a condom anyway? It's up to you, but it's always safer."

"Do we have condoms?"

"We can order them from the hotel's service app." He paused. "Latex okay?"

"Actually, no. I'm allergic. It has to be those stupid expensive ones or nothing." She paused. "You know, Shota, I've never felt this way before, but I kind of want to go without. We could always get a morning after pill if we're worried."

Aizawa shrugged. "Again, up to you. Our life situations are not appropriate for raising a child, so we should be careful."

"Is that an unspoken 'yet' I heard?" She raised an eyebrow, her stomach fluttering wildly at his choice of words.

He said nothing but blushed harder. She noticed that as the shower progressed, especially after he had finished washing her back, his chest had gotten splotchy and red. It was even more so now, burning like his face and ears. Elly let his slip of the tongue drop tactfully. She herself had fantasies, and who knew what the future might hold? She'd never thought this could happen, after all.

"Hey, it's getting a bit cool. I think we're done, huh?"

Aizawa looked grateful that she changed the subject and nodded, reaching up to turn the showerhead off. He ran a hand through his hair and squeezed some water out before getting out. "I feel much better." He yawned, stretching and looking around for the towels.

Elly found them, puffy rectangles of luxurious cloth that nearly blended in on the equally white counter. She passed him one and began briskly rubbing her hair dry. He grunted his thanks and did the same.

"Hey, you're going to get tangles that way. Here..." She came closer and combed her fingers gently through the thick, dark tresses. "They have some hair ties on the counter. No, I'll pay for the damn things if you'll wear one." She broke the package open quickly before he could resist and took out a red one.

"You're not going to braid it or anything, are you?" He shot her an amused look, watching her in the mirror as she tied his hair back with a look of intense concentration.

"No, I couldn't even if I wanted to. I suck at styling hair. Just wanted to tie it back so it wasn't in the way."

He reached around and pulled her arms about him, still gazing into the mirror. "I like this look," he murmured quietly.

"Oh." She blushed. He stood once again completely nude and uncaring. This time, however, she let her eyes linger on the junction between his legs. "Ohhh." It was all she could say as she saw he was truly erect now, his member curving to one side and nearly poking his belly in its eagerness.

"Yes. You've gotten me incredibly hard, little one." Aizawa turned and slid one hand low around her waist, bending for a kiss. "I want you," he breathed.


(8)

The bed was comfortable and the pillows deep and soft. Elly sank down with a sigh, twisting the sheets nervously in her hands when he rolled close beside her.

"Easy," he said calmly. "Remember that I love you, and don't want you frightened or hurt. We can stop at any time."

"Thank you." Her hand shook as she traced the stubble on his cheek. "You're much gentler than I dreamed."

His lips twisted in a wry grin. "Did you imagine me a beast in the bedroom?" Laughing at her expression, he picked himself up on his hands and knees to crawl on top of her. He was careful to prop himself up, keeping a lot of space between them at first. "May I kiss you like this?"

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Aizawa leaned down and mouthed her lips, tracing the outline with his tongue. Her hands stroked his chest hair, toying with it playfully. The kiss deepened, and her hands wandered, eventually finding a flat male nipple. She tugged experimentally and was rewarded with a low hum.

He broke off, panting. "Harder, please."

She rubbed, then pinched, a thrill shooting up her spine when he moaned thickly. "You have sensitive nipples."

"Is it that obvious?" His sardonic tone made her smile.

She wriggled down and wrapped her lips around one, nibbling while her hand teased the other. Aizawa choked and whipped his head back, his throat working. His breathing grew harsher as the nubs of flesh she worked on grew deliciously sensitive, a torturous pleasure. After a few minutes his arms and legs started to tremble.

"I n - need to lay on you. I want..."

"Okay." She pushed herself back up to settle on the pillow. "Oh!" A sharp gasp forced its way out as he settled on her, bucking his hips in a suggestive manner.

"Mnn." His eyes were half-lidded as he stared into her own. He licked his lips, then dipped down to plant feather-light, plucking kisses on her neck, moving lower when she arched her back. "What could you possibly want, Ches?" His tongue traced a soft breast, spiraling slowly, ever inward.

"Ah, Shota," she groaned. "Please." Her hands cupped his neck and urged him towards her own stiff nipples.

"Poor little cat," he whispered, dabbing with the tip of his tongue.

"You're a tease," Elly whimpered faintly. "Oh my god, so sexy."

He chuckle was low and dark, almost evil-sounding. "Sexy, hmm? You like a little anticipation, it seems." His lips brushed lightly and she bit her lip, her toes digging into the sheets.

"Please, baby, they're aching."

His eyes widened at the nickname. "Wh - what'd you call me?"

Elly blinked, trying to gather enough of her wits to think back. "Baby," she coughed in embarrassment. "Probably not a good choice, huh?"

"It's fucking ridiculous."

She laughed. "Yeah -"

"Do it again." A tremor ran through his low baritone.

She tilted her head, making sure to make eye contact this time. "Shota, baby," she purred.

He opened his mouth and devoured her with a shaky moan that spoke more than words could say. She cried out and clutched his shoulders as he hovered above, lips suckling hungrily.

But it was not enough.



(9)

Aizawa was too excited.

He hadn't thought such a foolish thing could be his undoing, but his body absolutely throbbed at her choice of words. It inflamed him, the silly love name, and before he knew it his hands were caressing her, groping low on her waist as he rubbed his hard length on her thigh. He listened very carefully for any protest but she was enthusiastic, her hands kneading down his back. He gasped and drew back wetly when she grasped his rear in both hands.

"Ungh!"

"God, yes."

"Can I -"

"Yes."

His first move was to align himself with her body and use his member to stimulate but not enter. He held himself in one hand and rubbed against her open body, trying to duplicate whatever actions that caused her loudest cries. The problem was it felt very good to him as well. Aizawa held back valiantly against the mounting weight crushing him below, but he couldn't last forever. Her moans were almost continuous now, though, and she twitched every time he moved.

"Are you close?" He kissed her neck, licking along her throat up to her lips so when she spoke, it was into his mouth.

"A - ahh! Yes."

"Good. I'm going to begin."

"Shota..."

He paused. "Still green?"

"Yes! Green! Please, baby, don't stop." Elly forced her eyes open to see him looking very tense, his brow tight and his eyes dark. Sweat droplets ran down his naked body and his chest was stained a blotchy pink. "Sho? You okay?"

"Yes." He sounded strained, his voice harsh and his breathing coming in rough, jagged pants between clenched teeth. "You're so wonderful I'm having a difficult time controlling myself. But don't worry. I meant what I said earlier. There's no other way for me to love you but gentle."

She clung to him, her legs wrapping around his middle and her hands grasping his shoulders. "Shota."

"I felt your love when I was in your mind," he whispered. "This is my chance to give you mine."

"Oh, Shota."