Eri's Visit

The class had been hard at work in preparing for the school festival. Estelle had spent some time here and there listening in when they were conveniently nearby. Most of the time was spent in class or dealing with spirit activity. She had been a lot busier since the number of spirits were beginning to gradually increase. She wasn't sure for the cause of the change with the spirits, but within Estelle's time here. She hadn't experienced many coincidences.

In the late afternoon on Saturday, Estelle strolled in, her bags under her eyes evident as she scanned the room. She had just finished training with Shinsou, and the purple-haired male caused her to leave early. Something about taking care of herself, Estelle wasn't really listening. Most of the class were around but huddled within their own groups.

'They're really taking this seriously.'

Ignoring them, Estelle went upstairs to get changed into her jammies. She felt like she had done enough today; the injury from a bat snout was still on her arm but was healing up nicely due to her capabilities. Estelle just wanted some food and her bed.

Strolling back down, Estelle knew that Bakugo hadn't made any food yet and decided to try to make a sandwich. It was easy and straightforward; Estelle was sure she could pull it off. The class was surprised that Estelle was in her bedclothes, but it was becoming a regular occurrence when Estelle had a tough day (Which was more often than anyone would like to admit). It was a good indicator of letting them know how she was feeling.

Estelle stopped in surprise on the way to the kitchen. Gazing down at the tables, Estelle found a plate laid out. Assuming that it was for someone else, she kept walking.

"Where are you going, Lioness?"

Turning quickly, she came face to face with Bakugo. Tilting her head in confusion, Estelle pointed innocently to the kitchen.

"Tch, I already whipped something up for you. I didn't want you burning down the kitchen."

Estelle gazed at him with wide eyes that she tried to hide. He held back the glint of satisfaction from her look. Glimpsing back towards the plate, Estelle felt a wash of appreciation for the male and gave a feeble smile.

"Thank you."

"Tch, whatever. I just didn't wanna find out what happens if we let you in there. Eat up; you look annoyingly exhausted."

Estelle shook her head at the male, his familiar words of kindness hidden beautifully within the harsh words. As she moved into the living room to sit on the couch, Estelle thankfully lowered her plate when she felt something impact her lower body. Moving her hands to remove the intrusion on her personal bubble, Estelle froze at the sight of a tiny horn.

Slowly dropping her hands to her sides, Estelle awkwardly stood within the mini hug around her legs. Eventually, she sighed to herself dramatically with closed eyes. One hand slowly raised and patted the little girl's head softly. The class silently watching the scene could almost hear the unspoken words from the female. 'I'm here.'

Mirio and Izuku stepped into the room, chasing after the little girl who abruptly moved away from them for the first time all day. They halted when they saw the sight and settled at the child's calm demeanour.

"You left the day you visited me? Did I do something wrong?" Eri asked as she looked up, her arms still holding onto her legs tightly.

Crouching down to face her, Estelle held a gentle gaze as she shook her head. "No, you could never. I had something I needed to do."

"Oh, I was scared that-"

"I know, but don't be."

"Okay... I wanted to thank you because I never got the chance to before," Eri innocently continued, her eyes boring into Estelle's in a way that made her heart clench.

Estelle shook her head once again. "I didn't do very much. Mirio and Izuku did everything they could."

"But, when we were with him. You made me feel safe. That was the first time I ever felt like that."

Estelle closed her eyes from the sudden pain. The bullet to her heart was almost too much with her words. Children would always be her weakness. When she had left the hospital, she was selfish. She didn't want to get attached again. She had already done a poor job when it came to Kota; she didn't want it to be a repeat occurrence.

"You know, when he said those scary things to me, and you held the other bad man back. I was sad, but I also felt good that somebody was there. When you looked at me, I could tell you knew what it felt like. You do, don't you?"

Estelle felt the rock in her throat grow more prominent as Eri talked. Her eyes were down on the floor as the emotions washed over her. But Eri wasn't done speaking yet. The little girl's voice trembled as she communicated her following words. Estelle could have bowled over from them.

"You understood. It was like I wasn't alone. Am I right? Were you scared like I was?"

The class were deathly silent as they watched the scene. The teens couldn't see Estelle's face as it was covered by her hair. But the tremble in her frame gave off the answer. Eri was right.

Estelle moved her hand to Eri's shoulder in a tight grip and slowly raised her head. Everyone held their breaths as her features came into view. Her eyes were wet with tears she refused to let go of. Her expression was as clear as day, and it jolted their hearts from the sight. Her face was filled with distress and familiarity. The two girls stayed in their shared gaze for a moment.

Eri shook under Estelle's eyes. Estelle didn't need to vocalise to let her know. They all knew. Estelle understood Eri in a way not many others could. The child's shaking turned into sniffles, and before long, the little girl was crying.

Closing the space between them. The child used her full strength to barrel straight into the distant female. The sheer force caught Estelle by surprise, and they landed on the ground, Estelle on her back with Eri on top of her as she sobbed into the teen's shoulder.

Encircling an arm to wrap around her, Estelle held onto her tightly as she shushed her quietly. "Hey, hey. It's alright. I know how tough it was, but you have a strong heart. I know, you never really gave up, did you?"

Eri's cries grew more deafening, and Estelle's eyes slowly dried up as she forced all of her emotions into a box.

"I thought I would be there forever!"

Estelle clenched her jaw to remind herself of who she was. Her eyes watered once again as she propelled herself to stay in check. Rubbing the child's back, she murmured, "I know, shh, it's okay."

Estelle manoeuvred around to stand and held Eri by her front as the child wailed into her. Gazing at the class, watching the scene with heavy hearts and stunned shock. Estelle murmured to the teacher standing behind them all, her body frozen in a tense stance.

"Permission to escort child into a separate location, sir."

The class and Mr Aizawa were taken aback by her tone and word choice. It sounded robotic and unlike her. Devoid of all emotion and hardened for any response.

"Of course."

Estelle remained in place.

The class watched her in puzzlement.

It was then that it had clicked for Mr Aizawa. His throat tightened at his following words, the words Estelle was waiting for. Keeping his clenched fists hidden, Mr Aizawa suddenly felt a fury he hadn't experienced in a long time. A fury for whatever had caused Estelle to be the person she was today because he knew, he knew that this child had been more traumatised than he could even fathom. Forcing his clenched mouth to open, he uttered, "Permission granted."

Estelle exited the room.

The class were silent; the sounds of Eri crying in the distance could be heard as the room was covered in a heavy blanket. Eventually, the cries dulled into silence. The class weighed over what had just happened. Bakugo was the first to move, breaking everyone out of their daze, and the rest followed. Mr Aizawa said nothing as he checked in on Estelle and Eri.

"That was...something", Sero muttered out unsurely.

"Indeed, it was unexpected", Iida responded back tersely.

"Maybe that's why she was so down after Eri was saved. It seems like they have a lot in common."

"That's not a good thing, unfortunately," Momo added.

"Maybe it is. Eri and Estelle have each other now."

"But...when she asked for permission..." Ochako shivered.

"It must have been instinct, she usually manages them pretty well, but I guess she was emotional enough for it to slip through," Kirishima shrugged.

"Hold on! Was that normal for her?!"

A while later, the student's conversation was cut short by Estelle walking back into the room with Eri by her side. The little girl had her hand clutched onto her like she desperately never wanted to let go. When the students looked further, they realised that Estelle's grip was just as secured. Eri's tears had stilled at this point, and she looked lighter. It seemed that she may have needed the emotional release.

Mr Aizawa followed behind them with typical red eyes. His face betrayed nothing of what happened before or in the other room. The trio walked forward to the exit where Mirio and Izuku stood. "Say your goodbyes; Eri's had a long day, so we're taking her back to the hospital."

Nodding, the class murmured their goodbyes with happy and sympathetic grins. Izuku and Mirio stood at the side to walk Eri to the car.

Eri gripped Estelle's hand tighter as she looked up at the teen. Estelle gave her a small smile of reassurance that gave the child the final push of courage to let go. Moving towards the teacher, Eri turned to face Estelle with a final goodbye.

"Don't worry, I'll see you at the festival. We can watch the concert together," Estelle assured kindly.

Eri nodded uncertainly, the words she had said to her privately still ringing in their ears. Seeing the child's reluctance, Estelle gave a quick glance to her bracket before giving a deep sigh. She didn't expect to be giving another one away so soon, but life was always unexpected for Estelle; she should be used to it by now. Slowly, Estelle dropped to her knees in front of the child and shook the jewellery off her wrist. She ignored Izuku's inquisitive look since he had thought Kota still had the piece but shrugged it off.

"Here, wear this."

"What is it?"

"It's a bracelet; I made it. So whenever you feel like that again, you can look at it as a reminder. A reminder that I'm always with you - okay?"

The child brightened slightly as Estelle placed it onto her wrist with one last hug. Estelle watched Eri leave, her eyes far away as the door closed shut in front of her. Dropping her gaze down at her blank wrist, the remaining students were quiet behind her. They eyed her as Estelle remained on her knees, deep in thought.

The door clicking shut jolted Estelle out of her reverie - only to find that it was the two students who had just walked Eri out. Realising she had been there for a while, she stood up quickly with a slight blush. Hoping to avoid their questions, Estelle moved to head upstairs and sleep. Sadly, her plan failed when her arm was stopped by none other - Bakugo.

"You still haven't eaten; sit."

Not having the strength to argue, Estelle sat down as Bakugo unwrapped the plate and placed it back on the table in front of her. The students were silent as she did so. They were unsure of what the next step should be. They didn't want to be overbearing like they always were, but whenever events like this happened, all they wanted to do was get answers.

Estelle sighed as she gazed up at the students. She knew they were curious; they always were. She felt guilty in a way for bringing otherworldly chaos into their lives; it wasn't fair to them. They should be spending time together, laughing with joy, being children. Estelle had to ruin that by coming here; it was all her fault.

"I see you have questions. Go on, ask me before I change my mind."

Startled from the unexpected opportunity. The class rumbled in what they wanted to ask, millions of interrogations flooding their minds.

"What did she mean when she said you understood?"

"I thought my guardian was my father for a long time. When I was older, I realised he was just an asshole who wanted to use me. He was like Overhaul, except he trained me to the bone. "

"What happened?"

"It doesn't matter. He's gone."

Stillness flooded the air as they tried to comprehend her words. They could only guess that her guardian was deceased from her wording. But Estelle was brilliant. Why not say he was dead rather than gone? Clearly, there was more to the story than she was letting on. Knowing they couldn't press her, they accepted her answer and shifted the topic.

Watching as Tsu grabbed Mineta, who was attempting to grope Momo, Estelle let out a chuckle of delight from the squeals of the pain-filled male. Sweatdropping at the female, the class relaxed at the change of pace.

"You should squeeze him tighter, Tsu."

Sweatdropping again, the class watched as Bakugo grinned in approval from Estelle's words. As they turned to face the quirked frog girl, their sweatdrop only grew when she followed the distant female's suggestion.

"Wahh! Help me!"

Laughing evilly at the distraught Mineta, the class remained in their state as Bakugo joined Estelle. Their synchronised cackle of pleasure from the pain they witnessed Mineta experiencing caused them all to look at each other in slight fear.

"They are terrifying together."

"You're telling me! It's like I'm looking at two of them."

"Tighter!" Bakugo shouted with his fist raised, a wicked grin remaining on his face.

"Tsu! Stop!"

"Tighter!" Estelle prodded loudly, her face unconsciously mirroring the aggressive blonde.

"TSU!"