The School Festival
Estelle spent the early morning on patrols before heading back to UA to meet Mirio and Eri for the class's performance. Meeting with the duo by the gate, Estelle joined them as they visited the class backstage.
"Hey! How are you guys feeling?" Mirio asked jovially, his usual sunny expression on his face.
Ignoring the students and their responses, Estelle turned to face the girl hiding behind her leg. Tapping the hand clinging onto her jeans to get Eri's attention. Estelle crouched down to whisper into her ear.
"You want me to hold you?" Estelle muttered kindly. The little girl gave a timid nod, and Estelle felt her heart warm as she lifted her up to the side at her torso. Wasting no time, Eri used the opportunity to try to hide her face in Estelle's neck. Giving a slight chuckle, Estelle turned her head to the shy child with encouraging eyes. "You've hidden long enough. You don't need to do that here."
Eri stilled in her arms, stunned at the understanding the girl had of her. Tilting her head back up, Eri gave a slight nod as she straightened up to face the class. It didn't last for long as the young girl peeked towards Estelle for reassurance but stilled at the expression on her face.
Estelle was giving her a proud look, and if Eri could, she would have returned it with a beam of her own. With renewed vigour and determination, Eri faced the class head-on, her fingers twisting in Estelle's jumper from her nervousness.
"You are a brave cub", Estelle murmured, gazing at the child fondly as she tried to overcome things held within. Turning to face the class herself, her eyes caught ruby staring at the duo. Unable to move her sights away, Estelle allowed herself to feel the soft gaze for a moment before forcing her head elsewhere. Heat crawled up her neck from the action; that was weird.
"Where is Midoriya?! He was supposed to just get ropes! What's taking him so long?" Kirishima complained once Mr Aizawa arrived.
"I'm sure he'll be here soon", Their teacher responded simply.
"Do you want me to find him?" Estelle asked, her brows furrowed in slight concern. She didn't want spirits tracking his scent. Estelle had taken many precautions to ensure the class's safety, but she could never be one hundred per cent sure.
Shaking his head, Mr Aizawa responded, "No, it's fine for now. If he isn't back in the next while, I'll send you out to find him."
Nodding in agreement, Estelle turned back to Mirio, who was staring at the bracelet on Eri's wrist. "Your bracelet is so pretty!" He commented, his head close to Eri's hand.
Their eyes trailed to follow Mirio's gaze, and Estelle let out another small smile from the sight. Lifting her own hand, Estelle showed off her own wrist to those watching.
"Look, I made another one. So, we match", Estelle added with a wink, hoping it would help put her at ease.
Eri's big eyes trailed to Estelle's wrist in wonder. "How did you do that? It's so pretty!"
Estelle's eyes turned muted from the question, the memories ringing out in her mind wistfully. "A dear friend showed me how to."
"Wow! They must be talented!" Mirio added jovially.
Estelle only responded with a slight nod. Her eyes still gazing at the bracelets on their wrists. Eri was the only one who seemed to pick up on Estelle's demeanour change. Raising her hand to Estelle's cheek, the pained teen's gaze moved to the child in her arms. "It's okay," the empathetic girl murmured.
Estelle's grip tightened on the child from the words, her throat constricting from the simple words that managed to hit her so profoundly. It would never be okay. Shaking her head to remove the thoughts, Estelle reminded herself that now wasn't the time. This was supposed to be a joyful day for the class. She could put those thoughts off for when she was alone.
They all stayed together with the class until Midoirya showed back up in a frenzy. Estelle's eyes narrowed from the sight, and she immediately knew he had some trouble. It was a relief to know that whatever it was - it wasn't spirit activity. Since they were due to go up any minute now, Estelle moved to follow Mirio to the audience. When she reached the exit, chiming voices rang out behind her, catching her off guard.
"You better enjoy the show; biggest fan!"
"Yeah! I wanna see you moving to the music!"
"Let the world know how big of a fan you are for Class 1A!"
"Tch. You'll die from our music instead."
"I wish," Estelle responded to Bakugo simply, her eyes flickering to him humorously. His wicked grin followed her out of the room as the class stood, disgruntled at the fact she only responded to the worse comment made.
"How is that fair?!" Kaminari pouted, his arms folded like a kid who had candy stolen from him.
Standing with Eri and Mirio, Estelle allowed Mirio to hold the child since he was taller and could provide a better view. Estelle couldn't complain; she wanted the girl to have a good time. She deserved it.
Though she hated the crowd being so huge, why did there have to be so many people? Their sweat was dripping onto her, and she had to prevent herself from gagging. Putting aside the sweaty smell, Estelle's attention was caught by the start of the show.
"Now! Start, dammit!" Bakugo introduced before the class belted into the music.
Estelle watched silently as the class put everything they had into their dance and music. 'Did they really have to sing about heroes?' She questioned. Forcing her head to put those sentiments aside, Estelle bobbed to the music as Mirio loudly cheered for the class.
The class had put a miraculous amount of effort into the show. Estelle couldn't deny that she was impressed by what they put out. She could feel herself enjoying the performance. 'You know? Concerts aren't half bad,' Estelle thought to herself as the crowd began to join in on the sing and dance. Stunned by the blasts of confetti and sparkles, Estelle gazed up at Eri only to be gifted with a beautiful sight.
"Do you see this Midoriya? Sir? She's smiling!" Mirio yelled with a low beam.
Estelle was frozen from the view. The girn on Eri's face was broad and magnificent and so full of life, hope and wonder. She was smiling; Izuku and Mirio had managed to do it.
Estelle felt her throat close up from the scene. Eri had faced so many trials and tribulations from such a young age. Eri, the one who cried to her in relief and pain. Eri met the class with braveness that a lioness would have done a double-take. Eri was finally smiling like she had broken the first barrier to everlasting joy.
Estelle couldn't be happier for her.
Beaming a wide grin in response to the moment, Eri and Estelle shared their first genuine and love-filled expressions with each other. The same understanding between them bloomed a bond that Estelle was frightened of. But again, she wouldn't think about that right now; the little girl was elated.
Turning back to the show, Estelle couldn't drop the tilt to her lips as the show continued on. Bouncing her head to the music, the class jamming out on stage found the three pleased watchers with glee.
Estelle was beaming; she was smiling. The class were in disbelief as they continued their performance. Putting everything they had into the last segment into their show. The class watched on as Eri and Estelle enjoyed themselves in the crowd. It was only when the final note rang out that Estelle realised her cheeks hurt and she was exhausted.
Mirio and Estelle held each of Eri's hands as they wandered backstage to meet the class who had just performed. When they finally reached the area, due to the number of people. The class were already beginning to clean the mess of the stage.
Estelle peacefully watched Eri ramble on about the show with a beam on her face. Only when she heard Kirishima call out did Estelle turn around to face a few of her classmates.
"Hey! Did our biggest fan enjoy the show?" Kirishima questioned eagerly. The class stopped their cleaning to hear her response with anticipation. They were still getting off their high from the show, and they fretted her answer would drag them back to earth.
To their amazement and wonder, Estelle granted them a small smile. "It was great; you all sure know how to impress."
The various classmates around the room beamed at the unexpected response. They had assumed that Estelle wouldn't admit that she enjoyed the show even if she did. The fact that she truthfully spoke with such genuineness softened them all to the core. The moment was cut off by Eri running up to Izuku with overflowing enthusiasm and rambling about the show. Her little arms were raised up in the air as she emphasised her delight through her exaggerated movements.
Estelle couldn't help but let another curve of her lips slip out from the sight, and the class watching the group understood her current contentment. She wasn't only content for herself but for the jovial child at her side.
"She really cares for her, huh?" Koda muttered to Sero.
Ruffling Eri's head, Estelle picked the child up to explore the tents. Before the trio could exit, the class was surrounded by other school members. The new arrivals gave out their compliments before turning to Estelle curiously. Estelle couldn't help but freeze from the look, immediately on edge from what they could say. She didn't want to damper the student's spirits.
"I didn't see you on stage? What was your part?" The guy requested.
Estelle immediately scowled, and the class turned to her with wide and smug grins. Turning her head towards the students with a deadpan. She held the most fierce and cold expression as she said, "I am Class 1A's biggest fan."
Sweatdropping from the horrible fangirl impression. The other students turned to each other in incredulity whilst the rest of the class tried to hold in their peals of laughter.
"I can't believe she actually said it!" Ashido muffled out behind her hand.
"I can't believe she said it like that!" Sato answered back, cackling at the scene.
Keeping the deadpan on her face, Estelle turned to face the class robotically. "I can't wait to get your autographs later. I'll keep it in my designated Class 1A collection to cherish forever."
Unable to hold back their laughter, the class fell into fits of humour from the horrified onlooker's expressions. Finally breaking out a smirk of accomplishment, Estelle eventually exited from the rest of the group.
Estelle spent the day with Mirio, Izuku and Eri. She tagged along behind them as they travelled through the stalls. Estelle couldn't smile anymore; her face felt strained. But she didn't want that to stop Eri, so she stayed behind her so the little girl could relish the day to the fullest.
It was finally reaching sunset when it was time to say goodbye to the satisfied youngster. Estelle allowed one final tilt to her lips when Izuku brought out a candy apple he made for Eri to try. She had seen him sneak away to make her one.
"It's the best thing ever!" Eri responded after taking a bite.
"I'll make them again, so you have something to look forward to!" Izuku answered with a cheerful laugh.
Estelle was thrilled for Eri. She was finally getting the love she so rightfully deserved. She knew Eri would be in safe hands with them when she eventually returned home. For now, though, Estelle would do everything she could to help the child overcome the toughness of her past so she could have a bright future when she was gone.
It was a bittersweet thought, but Estelle knew it would happen. She scolded herself for getting so attached, but she knew there was no avoiding it with these kids. She again wondered if this was the world trying to tell her something. It couldn't be a coincidence that all these commonalities would show themselves to her. Maybe she was overthinking it - it didn't matter.
At least Kota and Eri would be safe and happy.
Estelle was surprised when Izuku asked her to wait in the living room when she walked back into the dorms. Standing awkwardly as she waited for him to come back, Estelle eyed the sunny classmates around the common room.
Her attention was caught by Izuku when he returned, and Estelle's brows lifted up in wonder when the green-haired male lifted up a candy apple for Estelle. Taking a step back in stupefaction, Estelle silently questioned his actions.
"I assumed that you've never tried one either; go on! Try it!" Izuku offered with a hopeful smile.
Unwilling to stop his bliss, Estelle nodded and took the treat from him. Taking a bite self-consciously as the class sneakily watched. Estelle found herself enjoying the sweetness of the desert. Forcing another smile through her sore cheeks, Estelle murmured, "Thank you, it tastes delicious."
Furrowing his brows, Izuku worriedly questioned, "Are you okay? If you don't like it, then say it! You won't hurt my feelings!"
Shaking her head quickly, Estelle gazed down at the candy apple with a blank expression. "It's not that - I'm telling you the truth. If I'm being honest, my face hurts from smiling. I'm just not used to it."
The class felt a pang of distress as Izuku sighed in relief. "Sorry! I get it; I'm glad you liked it! I'll leave you alone now. I know how tired you can get around people."
Estelle felt her own twinge of something she couldn't recognise. How did he know that? Was she that obvious? Still, she was touched by his thoughtfulness. Forcing another small smile (Ow, that hurts. This was seriously the last time.) Estelle nodded to him before leaving for bed.
"That looked like it really hurt", Ochaku murmured, concern overriding her features.
"Well, if you don't use your face muscles and then all of a sudden start smiling. it would strain." Momo commented.
"Hey! It's a good thing! We made Estelle really happy today! That's well over progress," Kirishima beamed.
"I think Eri was a major part of that, though," Sato cut in.
"But still!" Kirishima butted back in positively.
"She does seem to love kids," Jiro added.
"Don't cut our achievement short! We helped do that!" Hagakure joined in sassily.
"Tch. You morons."