Work Text:
One of the things I’ve noticed about you is how you only ever smile at the people you love.
Not once have you smiled at me. And that’s alright. I’m only here because a teacher is fulfilling his duty to keep his students safe, even if it means protecting them from their own parents. I understand that I am not your son. I understand that I am here to be educated, not coddled.
But still. I wish you might find it in your heart to smile at me, even though I’m nothing but a problem, forcing you to expend more effort than I’m worth. Just for a minute, I’d like to pretend that I know what it feels like to live with someone who wouldn’t be happier if I just went away, like any other unnecessary burden.
I want you to tell me what I’m doing wrong so I can fix it, and you can be proud of me like you are of the others. I want you to tell me what to say, what to do, what will make you stop looking at me like that. Like I’m an intruder that you sort of pity, and you’re not sure how to tell me I’ve overstayed my welcome. If I thought it would help, I’d leave, but then you’d have to waste time searching for me and I’d fall behind on schoolwork and I really, really want you to be proud of me.
It’s okay, though! The school year ends in a few months, and since mom’s not here to pay tuition, I won’t be going to UA anymore. I won’t be your responsibility then, so I can leave without causing you any more trouble. I’m not sure where I’ll go, but I’m sure I can work something out? If all else fails… Well, the man behind that one KFC makes it work, so I’m sure I can do it, too! Plus Ultra!
It’s… Better this way, right? I’m doing the right thing. I know I am.
I don’t want to leave. Please tell me to stay.
Please.
Smile at me. Nod to me. Tell me I have potential, or that your first impression of me was wrong. Write a note on my homework, like you do for the kids who improved. Stand off to the side with that little bit of pride in your eyes when I win a fight, like you always have when someone beats an opponent they lost against before. Anything. Anything. Show me I could make you proud if I was stronger, faster, smarter, better. Let me believe it’s my skills that are the problem, and it’s not just me you can’t stand.