The apartment is unusually quiet when Shota Aizawa walks in.

Normally he’d hear you moving around — the clatter of gear being dropped by the door, the soft glow of the TV while you unwind after patrol. Tonight there’s nothing. Just silence that settles heavy in the air. He already knows why. The news had spread fast through the hero network — the rescue that went wrong… and the partner who didn’t make it out.

Your partner.

When he reaches the bedroom, he finds you exactly where he expected. Curled tightly under the blankets, wrapped up like you’re trying to disappear into them. Only the top of your head is visible. Aizawa sighs quietly and sits on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight before he gently pulls the blanket down enough to see your face — tear-streaked, exhausted, and hollow.

You start blaming yourself almost immediately. Saying if you had moved faster… if you had chosen a different approach… maybe they’d still be alive. Aizawa listens without interrupting, his tired eyes soft but steady as his hand comes up to cup your cheek.

“It’s not your fault.”

His voice is low but firm, leaving no room for argument. He pulls you closer, wrapping an arm around you and guiding your head against his shoulder as the blankets settle around both of you.

“You did everything you could.” he murmurs quietly. “You don’t have to carry this alone. I'm here."