Summary: Eri has woken up one night because of a nightmare. How would Aizawa handle it?
Timeline: After the U. A. School Festival.
Warning: Manga spoilers about Aizawa's past.
Shouta Aizawa, also known as the underground hero, Eraserhead was tired. He rubbed his nape with a groan. He was grading his students's performance in his computer.
Earlier, he was training a general studies student, Shinso Hitoshi. It took longer than he expected. The teen had always wanted to be a hero and aimed to go to the hero course next school year. He saw potential to the boy and wanted to help him. The teen somehow also reminded him of himself when he was that age.
He heard the door of his room creaked open revealing a girl. It was only midnight but she was awoken. They stared at each other for a moment. The girl's eyes were widened in fear.
"What is it, Eri?" Aizawa asked.
The girl, Eri, was wearing her pink pajamas. It was a gift that Mirio and Midoriya gave to the young girl. Her white hair was loosened up. Her eyes showed fear and worry. She was frowning at him.
"I... had another nightmare..." Eri revealed looking down.
Aizawa sighed. This was a common occurence to them. He cannot blame the girl. She has a dark past that cannot be changed. As her guardian, he needs to care for her and assure her that everything will be fine.
"Come here." Aizawa said.
Eri immediately went over him still looking down. Aizawa let the girl seat in a spare chair next to him.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Aizawa asked as calmly as he can. His voice was soothing so it will not shook the girl.
Eri was silent. It was obvious that the girl was trying not to flinch. It was only two weeks since she was managed to be free. She only knew the man in that short period of time.
"I-I dreamt that I was back with the bad guys..." Eri's red eyes started to cry. "That they managed to take me away from here..."
It took Aizawa long before speaking. He took the young girl's hand to comfort her trembling body. He held her while she was wailing.
"That's not gonna happen, Eri. We are here. We will keep you safe, okay?" Aizawa said in a soothing voice.
"Do you promise?" Eri asked with a broken voice.
"I promise." Aizawa answered with a small smile.
The girl did not deserved to be broken like this. She was too precious but they used her. Just the thought of it made Aizawa burned in anger.
Even he only knew the girl for a few weeks, he already made his mind that he will protect her at every cause. He wanted her to be happy and it seemed to be that they're making progress. The girl had finallt managed to smile because of his class performance.
"Ne..." Eri called him out breaking his thoughts. "Do you... Do you have nightmares, too?"
Aizawa sighed. "Of course. Everyone had one once in their life."
Aizawa was taken back to his time as a second year student fourteen years ago. He remembered his friend, Oboro Shirakumo, and how he always encourage and help him in times of need. Shirakumo, Hizashi and him had always been the best of friends. They even had a dream where after they graduated, they were gonna build an agency together.
But that dream was shortlived.
It was the day of his work study with Shirakumo. He was killed after being crushed by a pile of rubble after chasing a villain.
Aizawa blamed himself and continues to. Hizashi and him were left to mourn for their friend.
Once in a while, he had nightmares about that day recurring in his mind. He still remembers finding Shirakumo's dead body. He could have prevented it. He should have—
"Are you alright...?" Eri gently tugged the older man's long sleeves.
"Yeah. Sorry I startled you." Aizawa said.
"What are your nightmares about?" Eri questioned.
"I..." Aizawa was lost for a moment. "I can't tell you. I'm sorry."
Eri seemed to be disappointed for a moment before nodding her head in understanding.
"What do I do if I have another nightmare?"
Aizawa let out a heavy breath. He stroked the girl's white hair gently. His eyes were looking sad and gloomy.
"Don't let your nightmares hold you back, Eri." Aizawa said with an encouraging tone. "Nightmares are just dream. What is important is the real life. Life goes on. Don't be stuck in the past. Just go with the flow and move forward, okay?"
"Okay..." Eri said. Her eyes once again showed its natural glint.
Unexpectedly, the young girl put the older man in a tight hug. Aizawa of course was stunned and do not know what to do. He was not used to people showing him affection. He was known for being stoic.
Aizawa allowed himself to put her arms around the girl. If it could help the girl to recover, he would gladly do it.
"Do you want some midnight snacks? We still have pie and I can make you apple tea." Aizawa offered.
"Apple?" Eri's eyes showed excitement with the mention of the fruit.
"Yes. I'm gonna make you a tea."
"What's a tea?" Eri asked curiously.
"A tea is something you drink so that you can relax and go to sleep. It's slightly bitter but we're gonna add a few sugar." Aizawa explained.
"Can we drink now?" Eri exclaimed excitedly as she stood up from her seat.
"Sure. Let's go." Aizawa also stood up. The two went to the kitchen silently.
Aizawa will do anything to protect Eri. He will not have any regrets. He will protect her and not redo his mistake with Shirakumo.
If Shirakumo was alive today, he was sure he would love Eri
"Thank you for taking care of me." Eri said while showing a huge smile.
Aizawa also let out a small smile. "My pleasure."
A/N: I just freaking love Dadzawa with Eri. They are just so cute! /Thanks for reading!