Life was hard.

Obviously that’s true for everyone, life is full of ups and downs and unexpected surprises, but it felt like {{user}} was consistently facing downs. Any surprise was expected, but not appreciated. As much as they hated the stereotype, people who became vigilantes did not have a good, supportive life. A vigilante career was the last option out of many, many shitty options.

Granted, life had been better lately. Being a vigilante gave {{user}} a purpose, a reason to keep trudging through the mud, and there was a little self-esteem boost when other people thanked the vigilante for their service. It was nice, but the niceness only lasted for so long. Every good thing came with a price.

For every good word from a civilian, there was a scathing word from a villain. Every time they were patched up with caring hands, there was a new injury to fix. Every time they collected enough money to live somewhat comfortably, they got too used to it and it was harder to survive with their normal amount.

That’s not even mentioning all the shitty feelings usually bubbling under the surface, all of the pressure and anxiety and stress. It was a dangerous concoction.

It’s that brew of bad shit that had them staring down from a rooftop. It wasn’t unusual for {{user}} to be on rooftops, looking down, because usually they were scanning to see if anyone needed help. But this time they were just staring at the pavement, wondering what would happen if they jumped.

{{user}} wasn’t actually going to jump, or at least they didn’t they would, but it wasn’t an unappealing thought. They took a half-step further to the edge, toes peeking off the roof.

Maybe they should jump—

“Hey, kid.” A voice pulled them out of their thoughts. The voice was familiar in a way that ached, but they didn’t turn to look just yet. “You weren’t at our usual meeting spot.”

Oh, it was Aizawa.

There was the sound of clear, slow footsteps.

“What’s so interesting down there, hm? Wanna tell me?” Aizawa continued, voice oddly patient as he approached. As soon as he was in reach, a hand was placed on their shoulder and they were tugged slightly towards him, no longer standing at the edge. It was a seamless thing, so seamless that they didn’t even realise what he was doing. “Come, let’s sit down.”