A/N: Happy Easter! Hehe, I've gotten a lot of comments about the rollercoaster of emotions. I feel a little embarrassed to admit this is shameless fluff. I couldn't help myself, there's no way Present Mic wouldn't put on a baby shower for his best friend adopting. And knowing the culture of their school, I can't imagine the staff not all getting in on it. Anyways, I hope you enjoy. Please leave a comment! I love to read your messages. :)
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I can hear Present Mic even before we open the door. His voice carries down the hall and I cringe at the excitement in it. Eraserhead, walking beside me, scowls as well. Toshinori-san, still trailing behind us, seems in deep thought mumbling.
It reminds me of green.
It also makes my guardian's eye tick.
Sensei sighs and reaches for the door. It's not the teacher's lounge. I frown at the 2C painted out in huge letters on the door.
"Let's get this over with," he says sounding like he'd rather do anything but. Quietly, I find myself surprised to be agreeing with him. The thought of being in Aizawa-sensei's quiet, drab home playing with Miska sounds so much better.
"Do we have to?" I ask quietly.
He stops and raises an eyebrow.
"No," he says shrugging. I stare in surprise and he lifts a hand, laying it against my head. It's warm. I try not to lean into the touch. He smirks as if he knows exactly what I'm doing. "But you may want to try. Hizashi mentioned cake and presents. If you get overwhelmed, we can always leave."
I look down and pull at my fingers.
They took me to different places, to different ceremonies, parties, and celebrations, showing me off like some sort of award, parading their goodness and kindness for all of the world to see.
"My first foster family took me to parties," I say quietly.
"Oh?" Sensei says. He does nothing as he waits for me to continue. Behind us, Toshinori finally stops mumbling. I nearly sigh in relief.
"Should… ah… You want me to smile?"
Aizawa-sensei faces me fully and frowns.
"I want you to have fun if you can. And if not, I want you to tell me so we can leave. Smile if you're happy. Otherwise, be polite. These are your teachers, not politicians." He pats my head again and offers me one of his weird grins. "Ready?"
I wrinkle my nose. No. He slides the door open anyway.
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
I blink as multiple staff members shout and pink confetti is thrown at us. Something flashes and I shrink back, feet already shuffling away. Sensei's hand moves to my shoulder, tightening and keeping me firmly rooted in the doorway.
"Ahh… thank you all for your kindness," Sensei deadpans. His grin is gone, and he looks bored again. He bows, and the hand on my shoulder pushes me into one as well. I blush, my braid flopping forward, and wait for him to straighten.
"Yo! Yo! I got the hits to make this party fly!" Shouts Yamada-sensei from the back. I grimace at the volume before remembering to be polite and wiping away the expression. He plays a song I recognize from the radio station.
Midnight is the first to us. She jumps forward and hangs off Eraserhead, pulling us inside.
"Rin-chan!" she squeals, grinning widely. "Congratulations! Hizashi brought cake! Do you want some? Oh, you are so adorable! I'm so excited! I get to be the godmother!"
My mouth drops.
"The… what?"
"Godmother!" she squeals. "That means, if anything happens to Shouta, we'll step in. Not that that's gonna happen, he's too stubborn for all that. But it's exciting all the same! It also means you can call me Aunt Nemuri! Oh, we're going to have so much fun! We'll have to go shopping together! Girl, you need more clothes! And dresses! Shouta, have you seen that pic of her in the blue dress? Too adorable! Anyways, I'll be the one to take you furniture shopping, aren't you excited? We can go tomorrow after school!"
"Oh… uh, thank you," I manage as she takes a deep breath.
I look up at Sensei in concern.
He shrugs.
"I'm going to get some food," he says stepping away.
Midnight grins.
"W-What," I stutter out, feeling my stomach drop.
"You'll be fine," he says. He looks me in the eye. "If you get overwhelmed, just tell Nemuri and she'll stop, okay?"
He waits for me to nod.
"Ohhh! Have fun! C'mon Rin-chan, let's go say hi to everyone!" she laughs excitedly and drapes an arm around my shoulders. "We'll start with Cementoss!"
The classroom, decked out in bright banners of pink and covered in confetti, is the same size as all the other classrooms at UA. The desks, however, instead of being lined up in the middle, are pushed up against the walls and covered in pink tablecloths. Different foods fill the table. Aizawa makes his way there first, nodding politely to the different teachers and slinking off to the background. I don't get much chance to watch him though, because Midnight pulls me forward immediately.
"Hoki-chan," says the cement-colored man. He smiles kindly as we approach. "Congratulations. It's always nice to see a coworker start a family, and knowing Aizawa-kun, I think the two of you will be good for each other."
"Thank you, sir" I manage, and he hands me a small paper bag.
"Here you are, dear. I got you a gift. We all know how you are about attention, so we've agreed to give them individually. Enjoy."
I take the bag and open it in surprise. Sensei had mentioned presents, but it hadn't really registered that they'd be for me. I swallow and push aside the paper, pulling out a small journal. The cover is black leather decorated with tiny pinpricked stars. My mouth dries at the feeling of it, at the smell.
"Open it up," Midnight says sweetly. She hangs on my shoulder the same way she had on Sensei's. I open the page, surprised by the neat writing on the first page.
.
people tell you to cheer up
when you're sad
they say, buck up kid
they say, nothing is as bad
as it seems
but you know what?
sometimes things DO feel as bad
as they seem
sometimes
you don't want to buck up
sometimes you need to wallow
sometimes you need to feel
your yucky feelings
so that when the little strip
of sunshine
slants across the room
and lands on the cat's nose
you can feel the beauty
of that moment
stronger
more fiercely
because of all the strong, fierce
feelings
that you have
right now.
.
My chest tightens as I read the words, liquid burning in my eyes. I look up in surprise. Cementoss smiles back down, hands clasped behind his back.
"I understand things have been hard for you this last week, young Hoki. I find, personally, that when I am overwhelmed by the troubles of the world, it helps me to meditate and write. I hope this journal can offer you what people, sometimes, can't. There was a quote I once enjoyed by Mina Murray, that journaling is like whispering to one's self and listening at the same time."
I bow deeply.
"Thank you, Cementoss-sensei."
"You are most welcome my dear."
Midnight leans forward and pulls me away, giggling and dragging me into her side. I blush as her chest presses firmly against my shoulder. She grins.
"See, that wasn't so bad, was it? And what a lovely journal!" She takes the bag from my hand and pushes me towards another section of the room. "Let's go see Hound Dog and Vlad next!"
Having never spoken to either hero, I swallow nervously as Midnight pulls us uncomfortably close. Both men stop their conversation to glance our way.
"You must be Hoki," the man dressed in red says. He has to be Vlad. He offers a wry smile showing pointed canines. The man-dog beside him lets out a little woof of agreement. I nod shyly, not sure what to say to these two. Then, remembering my manners, I bow.
"Th-Th-Thank you for coming," I say hurriedly.
Midnight giggles and when I straighten, she grabs me around the neck to nuzzle my cheek. I make a strangled noise and try to wrangle myself free.
"It's a pleasure," Hound Dog says in a voice that's both gruff and kind. I'm surprised when he reaches forward and lays a hand on my shoulder, shooing Midnight away. I relax a little as I look up with large eyes. He's huge, muscular, and fluffy. He snorts pleasantly and I feel my shoulders loosen as he kneels down to my level. "I don't believe we've ever met, but I work as the school guidance counselor. Please know, if you ever need a safe space to talk, my door is always open."
I blush and bow again.
"Yes, sir."
"Sir, isn't she adorable?"
"Terribly," Vlad snorts, twisting the cap on a bottle of water. "I can't wait to see how Eraserhead handles her dating. Hah! My Li Li's twenty and dealing with the boys is still infuriating."
"Oh, I don't think he's quite at that point yet," Midnight laughs. I feel my face burn at the suggestion that, of all people, Aizawa-sensei would care about me dating. That I would even go on a date. "I think he's still a little in shock that he's suddenly got a daughter at all! He he…"
A daughter.
"Ignore those two," Hound Dog says still kneeling beside me. "They're teasing Eraserhead, not you."
"I-I know," I manage.
"Good," he growls out.
"Ready to greet the others?" Midnight asks, throwing me a wink. She doesn't wait for an answer, pulling me much like Yamada-sensei would, across the room. "Oh! It's Snipe, let's see him next! And he got you a gift, isn't he sweet? Oh, Snipe!"
"Midnight," a man in a cowboy suit says nodding. "Hoki."
Without preamble he holds out a shiny pink bag, 'it's a girl' written in vivid gold letters across the top. Midnight pushes me forward, so I stumble, and take it.
"Ah, thank you!" I bow.
"You're welcome," he says in a strange American accent. His face is obscured with a gas mask and I flinch when I look at it. I open the bag instead. Pushing aside the bright pink paper, I'm surprised to find a jar inside. Midnight, without prompting, holds the bag so I can pull it out.
It's a plain, gallon-sized glass container with a metal screw-on top and filled to the brim with colorful papers. I turn the glass and blink at the simple label on the front. Table Topics.
"Um… thank you!"
I bow and both Midnight and the cowboy laugh. She takes the glass jar back and returns it to the jar.
"You're so cute! You have no idea what this is, do you? Haha! It's a jar full of conversation starters," Midnight explains pulling at my cheek. I grunt and push her hand away, rubbing my cheek when she stops. "It's a great gift! You're so brilliant, Snipe! As reclusive as these two are, I bet he just sits there and eats all silent with you, doesn't he?"
I blush. Midnight holds her head.
"That man…"
"Building relationships takes time and conversation," Snipe says, speaking to me. "Congratulations."
"Th-th-thank you!"
"Ah, Hoki-chan."
We turn and I look up at Ectoplasm. The tall man dressed in a long trench coat and supported by two dark peg legs grins down at me. I swallow at his direct attention.
"Ectoplasm-sensei… um… hi?"
He chuckles and the sound reverberates.
"Congratulations Hoki-chan. While I wish this all could have been on better terms, I am glad to see you safe after the ordeal. Also, I've just finished speaking with your guardian and Eraserhead tells me you're struggling with some math. We've discussed some after school tutoring to help. But, Hoki-chan, next time you aren't understanding, please be sure to let me know."
"Yes, Sensei," I say, bowing.
I can't believe Sensei even said anything.
"Your guardian already has my gift," the tall man says lightly. "Enjoy your time."
As he leaves, I expect Midnight to push us off to the next one, but she doesn't. I glance nervously in her direction. She's as touchy as Yamada-sensei, and I don't know how I feel about that. How I feel about her.
You can call me Aunt Nemuri!
I think he's still a little in shock that he's suddenly got a daughter at all!
"How're you doing?" she asks instead. Behind me, Snipe moves away, following Ectoplasm and starting up a conversation about weapons. I swallow.
"I… uh… fine?"
Midnight gives me an odd look.
"You sure? You've just spoken to over half the adults in the room. I think I've heard more words out your mouth in the last twenty minutes than I have all school year."
I pout.
Her eyes widen.
"Oh, that is adorable!" she squeals. I blush and try to shuffle away. She laughs and grabs me around the shoulders. "Alright, alright. Sorry kid, I just wanted to check. I know you're not really a people person and we haven't built a strong relationship! So, we've got All Might-"
"All Might's not here," I interrupt her. I would have noticed. I don't mention that I'm thankful.
"What?" She says blinking. Then she blushes, I frown as she starts waving nervously. "Oh, you're right, haha! Well, we've got, ah, look, let's go see Principal Nezu!"
The strange mouse-dog hybrid smiles at me as we arrive.
"Young Hoki," the creature says smiling in my direction. "How are you enjoying the party?"
"It's lovely, thank you," I tell him, the script coming automatically even after so many years. I bow politely.
"What a polite answer," Nezu says. "May I assume you've attended parties in the past?"
"Yes, sir," I answer quietly. I look down.
"Oh dear, not good memories? Well, I hope to have quite the solution for you!" I look up and the creature holds out a small wrapped parcel. "Do open it now, dear. I'm quite excited to see your reaction."
I swallow, and nod, unwrapping the box slowly.
Midnight leans over my shoulder as I slowly pull the paper away. It's a camera. Nearly the size of my palm and light blue, I read the outside and notice it makes instant pictures. Turning it over, I also find a little note attached to the back.
For all of life's little moments. Be sure to capture what you can. Congratulations.
I smile thankfully before bowing low.
"Thank you, Principal Nezu."
"Of course," he answers brightly. "You've had a hard life, dear girl. I'm overjoyed to put many of my worries to rest. Aizawa-kun is a kind, considerate, and caring man. I have no doubt he will provide a loving home. I hope you two are able to make wonderful memories together."
I stare, and then realizing what I'm doing, look down at my hands, pulling at my fingers.
I hope you two are able to make wonderful memories together.
Daughter.
I swallow.
"Thank you again."
"Awe! Principal Nezu, that was so sweet!" Midnight cries, actual tears coming from her eyes. I make a strangled noise and she wrinkles her nose at me.
"Yes, well, I'm sure you have more guests dear, do enjoy."
Recovery girl, settled a few seats over, waves at me. I gladly leave Midnight's ridiculous weeping to sit beside the calm woman's chair.
"Ah, Hoki-chan, I'm proud of you girl."
It's like a physical relief to get away from my overbearing... godmother. I sigh before registering the old woman's words. I look at the nurse and cock my head, eyebrows furrowing.
"Proud?" I mumble. "Of what?"
"Silly child," she says, reaching forward and patting my face. "Fighting is easy, learning to defend yourself and face down opponents, that's all easy, relatively speaking. Learning to open up, now that's hard. I'm proud of you for trying."
My lips dip into a frown.
"I… how do you know… I mean…"
The nurse laughs.
"Hoki-chan, I'm a nurse. It's my job to heal people, and I think I can tell when someone is doing better, quirk or not. It may not feel like it at the moment, but you're on the right track. That Aizawa is a real stubborn one, but you'll be good for each other. Families usually are. Now, I got you a little something."
She pulls out a little box from her pocket and I stare as she hands it over.
"Recovery Girl?"
"Open it up, dear."
I do. It's a silver bracelet, mostly chain, but with a long flat section that reflects the light. I can see my reflection in it, dark hair and eyes.
"R-Recovery girl… it's- it's too nice," I whisper, eyes watering.
"Nonsense dear, you haven't even read the engraving."
Her wrinkled fingers stretch out and turn the flat section. Engraved are three words that make my mouth dry. He chose you. I can't stop the tears. I lean forward and the old lady tuts, her hand already reaching forward and patting my head.
"Hoki."
I look up through watery eyes, surprised to find Sensei beside us. His warm hand squeezes my shoulder.
"What's wrong?" he asks.
"Oh nothing's wrong dear," the older woman says chuckling. She kicks herself off the chair and pats his shoulder. "She's just fine. Be a dear and help her with her bracelet, won't you? I would, but well, these old hands…"
Aizawa-sensei frowns and I hurriedly wipe the tears from my face, fully aware I look like an idiot crying over a gift. He picks up the box and groans as he reads the engraving. I flush and giggle quietly when he turns to give the old woman a rather disgusted look.
"S-Sensei?"
"How annoying," he says blandly. He pulls the bracelet from the box and clears his throat. "Arm, Hoki."
I blush furiously as he clips the bracelet on. He shuts the box with a snap, stuffs it in one of the pockets of his baggy outfit, and stands.
"Tell me that was the last one?"
"Ah, not quite," Toshinori-san says awkwardly, rubbing his head. "Though, I feel a little silly for my gift. I hadn't realized you were uh… adopting one of the students."
Sensei scowls.
My face burns in embarrassment. I rise from the chair and drop into a bow, wiping discretely at my face to get rid of any tear tracks.
"Thank you for coming, Toshinori-san."
"You're quite welcome, Young Hoki. I… uh, if you want, I can return the gift and get you something more, ah… age-appropriate."
I look up at the blushing man and smile.
He smiles awkwardly back, one hand rubbing his head and hands me the gift. I don't know that I've ever received so many gifts in my life. I push away the light yellow paper and pull out a soft, white bunny. Two long ears, a pink nose, and embroidered eyes. It's beautiful. My eyes water again, and I hug the silky plushie to my chest. It's softer than anything I've ever owned. My chest warms and I try to control my face when a strong set of arms encircle me, the familiar smell of cologne and feel of leather.
Yamada-sensei.
I choke.
"Aww, look at that Toshinori-san, you made her cry!" he laughs messing with my hair. I press my face into his chest, the bunny still held tightly to my own, and can feel him make a peace sign behind my head.
"Wha- Oh! I'm so sorry, ah Young Hoki, I can replace it, I mean I'm-"
"Ugh, stop," Aizawa grumbles out. "She likes it."
"She… uh, she does?"
I wipe at my face one more time, determined to not be so childish in front of all of my teachers. I turn and give him a wide smile. He stares, blinking at me as if he's never seen me before. Realizing I'm being rude, I rush into a low, grateful bow, bunny clutched in my hands.
"Thank you, Toshinori-san," then in a quieter voice. "I love it."
He laughs awkwardly and I can hear Yamada-sensei snickering behind me.
"ALRIGHT! LET'S DO GAMES!"
The warmth in my chest disappears. My stomach drops and I look to Aizawa-sensei with wide eyes. He smirks back, hands stuffed lazily in his pocket. I squirm as Yamada-sensei starts doing a dance, calling people out.
"Thank you, Hizashi, but I think my ward is at her limit," Sensei says tonelessly managing to somehow still sound almost gleeful. Yamada-sensei laughs, his voice loud in the room full of people.
"Heh, you might be right about that."
"Don't worry Rin-chan! As the most amazing godparent ever, I put together a plate!" Midnight says, prancing over and draping herself on Yamada-sensei. He gives her a sour look.
"Excuse you? I am the most amazing godparent ever!"
Aizawa-sensei ignores the two and lifts his voice to the rest of the room.
"Thank you all for the lovely party," he bows, and I hurry to copy him. Around the room, several people smile back at us, some like Hound Dog and Recovery Girl even waving. Aizawa holds out his hand and takes the bags of gifts and food. Then he looks down. "You ready?"
I nod, grateful.
"Yes, sir."
"Let's go."
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What was your favorite gift? :)