On the Edge (of Discovery)
Aizawa Shouta was used to being on edge. The feeling came with the job after all. Or maybe it just came with lack of sleep and caffeine addiction. That was also possible. Regardless of the origin of the feeling, he had grown relatively accustomed to the weight of it in his stomach and the strangling sensation in his throat. Whatever he was feeling right now was quite a bit more than just ‘on edge’.
Aizawa sat in one of the two chairs in Nezdu’s office, both of which were extremely uncomfortable (although he was pretty sure that was on purpose and Nezdu simply enjoyed watching his ‘guests’ squirm). He had been called to the rat-bear-dog-whatever-thing’s office a few moments prior for a surprise meeting. Nezdu grinned, seemingly pleased enough with Aizawa’s discomfort for the time being.
“Why am I here, Nezdu?” Aizawa finally asked after a moment. His blank face and tired voice would lead most people to assume he was bored by the situation. However, after knowing him for years and teaching him for at least two, Nezdu had long since figured out how to tell how the man was feeling, not that he’d ever really been fooled by him.
“I’m so glad you asked, Aizawa.” Nezdu said with a faux-cheerful voice, “I had an idea. A way your students can learn more about each other.” Nezdu’s eyes gleamed. Oh god, no.
He sighed, “And that would be?”
“A fun little project.” Yeah, right. Fun for him maybe.
Aizawa cocked a brow, silently requesting he continue. Nezdu happily complied and continued talking, “Parent-teacher conferences are quickly approaching and I’m sure you would agree that it would be interesting to hear the students themselves talk about their families. Heroes come from all different kinds of backgrounds, after all. They should learn that quickly.” Okay, well, no one’s dying yet. Better than some of Nezdu’s other ideas.
“And what did you have in mind?” He asked, better safe than sorry.
“Oh, nothing bad.” Nezdu assured him, although it did little to calm the feeling that had settled in Aizawa’s stomach, “A simple presentation.”
“Right…” Aizawa said, still not convinced that this wasn’t some kind of plot.
“I’m sure you can figure out the details and whatnot.” Nezdu said casually.
“Of course.”
“Wonderful, goodbye then!” Nezdu grinned again, his voice reaching a pitch that to anyone else would come off as cheery, but only managed to pile onto Aizawa’s uneasiness.
Eager to leave the room, Aizawa nodded and stood up from his chair, making his way across the room. Just as he opened the door and stepped through, the principal spoke again.
“And Aizawa?” Nezdu called, “It would appear that one of the first year students in the support department turned the last batch of coffee in the faculty room pink. You wouldn’t mind fixing that, would you? Great.”
The door shut by itself, leaving Aizawa alone in the hallway to sit with the new information.
God, he hated this job.