(This chapter is more or less filler for upcoming chapters. But I thought it'd be interesting to see these interactions.
Also. Artwork not mine )
Eri is a simple child. She practically grew up in a prison, so she wasn't used to feeling this... Calm. It was a new feeling to her, not having to worry, not having to mentally prepare for the thought of dying and coming back to life. It was peaceful. She looked out the window of her hospital room and heard car noises and birds chirping. The sunlight hurt her eyes, but she was adjusting slowly.
Just as she was getting used to it. The door opened and she immediately hid behind her hospital bed and started fearing the worst.
A man she remembers from the raid walks in and shuts the door.
"You don't have to be afraid. My name is Mr. Aizawa. I just want to make sure you're okay." Aizawa said calmly.
Eri couldn't help but to just be... Terrified. She knew nothing about this man or what was going to happen to her now. She curled into a ball and started to softly weep as only one thought crossed her mind "W-Where is the green guy?"
Aizawa sighed "He's resting. As soon as he wakes up, I'll send him over."
Eri opened her eyes and peeked out from behind the bed "R-Really?"
Aizawa nodded "Now is there anything you want to ask? I know your probably very afraid of all of us but don't worry. We're going to do anything we can to keep you safe".
Eri now fully came out from her hiding spot. She decided to trust him... What did she have to lose right? "W-What's gonna happen to me?"
Aizawa sighed, a valid question. If only he knew the answer. "We're still figuring that out. As it is now, we want to make sure you have as much protection as possible. If you ever need anything once I leave, there are two heroes outside this door that will help you."
Eri wondered if she needed anything before replying, "Can I see the green guy?"
Aizawa couldn't help but chuckle a bit 'that kid... I swear'. "His name is Izuku, Eri."
Eri contorted her face weirdly "I-Isookoo?"
Aizawa nearly grabbed his chest from her sheer adorableness. "Izuku... But. He has another name. If Izuku is too hard, just try saying Deku, that's his hero name."
Eri's eyes started to glow in wonder "D-Deku... That sounds cool."
Aizawa smiled at her charm "Want any food? You must be hungry."
Eri furiously nodded her head yes.
Aizawa stood up. I'll tell one if the heroes to get you some food. I'll go check on Deku now, okay?"
Eri nodded yes as he left.
As Aizawa finished telling a hero to get her some food. He began walking to check in on Izuku. Izuku only suffered from fatigue but that was to be expected. What Aizawa didn't expect was the one person who pushed through hell and high water to see him.
Aizawa opened the door to Izuku's room. As he did, he saw Mina Ashido with a worried expression, holding Izuku's arm lightly.
Aizawa closed the door "He's going to be fine, Ashido."
Mina smiled "I know... I told him to."
Aizawa sighed when the door opened again. Aizawa turned sharply "No visito-" he cut himself off at the sight of Mirio Togata and All Might.
Mirio didn't exactly... Look like himself. He was glad everyone made it out okay, but the loss of his quirk didn't even compare to the news he got from All Might moments ago.
Mirio smiled "How is he?"
Aizawa looked to Izuku again "He's fine. Just needs rest" Mina felt Izuku start to move, and she looked at his face only to see him finally waking up.
"Ugh... Man..." He turns to them "Did... Did we win?" Mina and Mirio smiled at him.
"Thanks to you, Izuku. You saved Eri and defeated Overhaul." Mirio spoke with a smile.
All Might walked up to Izuku somberly "Do you still need rest?" Izuku shook his head.
All Might sighed "Then we should hurry. Ashido, can you please lea-"
"Oh, hell no! I'm not leaving Izuku right now!" Mina fired back.
Everyone in the room looked shaken that she just yelled at All Might.
"M-Mina please I-" Izuku started.
All Might butt in "No... She's right. There's no reason she shouldn't go ... It might actually help." Izuku still didn't understand... Until it all started to rush back to him.
Later at the ER. As Nighteye gave his final words. Mirio had broken down and Izuku was about to as well. Until he felt a familiar sensation on his shoulder. He turned to see Mina in tears as they finally hugged each other in a somber embrace.
"Shhhh don't blame yourself, Izu." She stroked his hair as she hugged the crying hero.
All Might took a deep breath and wiped his tears only to look to Izuku and see something he never expected. Deku and Pinky embraced in a comfort hug and although he didn't show it, he was happy for Izuku at the moment.
It was still fairly early in the morning, only about lunchtime. The boys had finally calmed down as Aizawa turned to Izuku "I almost forgot. That little girl has been asking for you."
Izuku looked a bit surprised "I-I'd like to see her. If that's okay."
Aizawa nodded and looked to All Might who was slowly separating from the group.
"I need to... Recover. I'll see you all later" All Might said as he turned the corner and left.
Izuku sighed but turned to Aizawa who then guided them to Eri's room. Izuku was actually a bit excited about this. He was glad he would finally get to see Eri out of that man's clutches.
Aizawa got the pro heroes to open the door to finally reveal the girl.
Eri looked at Aizawa who was followed by Mirio, followed by Mina and finally... Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. Her hero! He came back! "Deku!" She yelled nearly in tears.
Izuku was a bit surprised then looked to Aizawa.
Aizawa shrugged "She couldn't pronounce your first name."
Izuku chuckled "I had that problem when I was young too" Eri leapt out of her bed and ran to Izuku and hugged his legs.
"Thank you so much, Deku!" She then looked to Mirio "You! You were the nice man who saved me first... W-who are you?"
Mirio smiled and gave a playful salute "Names Mirio! You can call me Lemillion if you want though."
Eri looked deep in thought for a moment. "M-Mirio?" she said. As if to confirm she said it right.
Mirio grinded wide and pat her head "That's the way! Great job, Eri!"
Eri smiled then looked to Mina. Who looked like the coolest person she'd ever seen.
Mina crouched down to Eri's level "Hi there, Eri! My name's Mina! I hope we can be good friends!" Ashido gave her signature smile.
Eri had seen people with different looks before but in her mind, nothing could top Mina. Pink skin, pink hair, horns, and the scariest yet nicest eyes she'd ever seen. Eri instantly was interested in Mina. She grabbed Mina's hands "Y-You look so cool... You're cool, Mimi."
Mina's eyes grew wide as she picked Eri up and hugged her "AWWWW! You are just the cutest little thing! I think you're cool too!"
Eri was scared at first but when Mina touched her, she felt a certain warmth that was similar to Izuku's when she first met... So, she hugged Mina back.
Izuku's heart nearly melted from all the cuteness. Mirio chuckled, although the girl hadn't smiled, he knew it was only a matter of time.
Aizawa let out a fake cough. "Sorry to interrupt but there is still the matter of what to do with her."
Everyone turned toward Eri. Eri immediately clung to Mina.
Aizawa sighed "If I had to guess they'd probably put her into a foster home, but personally, I'm not a fan of that idea. I do however want to ask Eri what she wants."
Everyone nodded in agreement then looked at Eri. Deku slowly approached her.
"Well, Eri. Where would you want to live?" Izuku asked softly.
Eri reached for Izuku while holding Mina still. Izuku blushed but got closer only for Eri to bring them both into a one arm hug for each. "I...I wanna stay with Deku and Mimi!"
Aizawa and Mirio were hardly surprised by her decision, but they were definitely surprised by Eri's boldness in grabbing the two.
Aizawa frowned a bit "Those two are in school still, Eri. They won't have time to-"
"We'll do our best." Mina pleaded with a shout. "I promise I'll improve in my studies, as well as support Eri as best as I can!"
Izuku nodded in agreement "And I'll be there for her whenever she needs me! I'll defend her from everyone!"
Togata sighed; he was kinda hoping he would be able to watch over Eri. Now that his quirk was gone. It would give him something to focus on. However, Eri's mind was made up. He quickly accepted it and decided he would be the coolest uncle ever.
Aizawa smiled slightly "I'll bring it up to the authorities on her. A lot might have to be arranged but... I'm almost positive you two can make this work."
Both of them smiled "Thanks Mr. Aizawa!"
Aizawa looked to Eri, "Hey Eri. The doctor is gonna come check up on you, okay? Once they've finished their checkup, we'll see how long it takes to get you into a new living area."
Eri didn't understand all of that but nodded in agreement anyway.
Aizawa looked to Mirio, "Mind guarding her for a bit? I need to talk to my students."
Mirio stood straight and saluted "You got it, Erasure Head!"
Aizawa nodded and brought Mina and Izuku out of the room back to Izuku's room. "You still need to be checked up on as well. I'm about to go get a doctor but I wanted to say something." Both students readied themselves for a hard death glare.
Aizawa looked at them softly, "... I wanted to thank you both. Midoriya, you not only saved that little girl but are even going the extra mile to support her. Ashido, you've been going up in your grades slowly as of late, I know you're not dumb, but you will have to keep your head on a major swivel with a child like Eri around. Same to you, Midoriya. Taking care of a child is far too much responsibility for just the two of you... That said. I want the whole class to assist you."
They both looked confused.
Mina chuckled "You think Bakugo will want to help? hehe".
Izuku sighed "I'd rather Eri not be around Mineta..."
Aizawa smirked... Strangely "Consider this an exam that only us three know about. I want your whole class to not only learn manners, but also tolerance. Now if there are any inappropriate or brutal remarks made to Eri..." His hair flew up and his quirk activated "Then you just report it to me..."
Both students felt chills but also felt... Secure. Knowing their teacher had their back meant a lot. Especially when it comes to their class...
After a couple hours, Izuku, Eri and Mirio were all discharged from the hospital. Eri held both her new guardians' hands as they entered the sunlight. It was so strange, the wind moving, the heat from the sun, it all felt so unnatural to her.
Aizawa looked to Izuku and handed him something, Izuku looked at his hand to see quite the shocking amount of money. "I'll get her a bed in the same room as yours. Buy her some new clothes, and any other essentials she needs. I'll take care of the rest."
Izuku nodded in agreement "Yes sir".
Aizawa nodded and walked over to some other heroes.
Mirio put a hand on Izuku's shoulder, "I'm gonna head home... I... Kinda wanna tell my parents about what happened. But take care of her, okay?"
Izuku smiled and nodded yes.
And with that, Mirio left. Leaving only Mina, Eri and Izuku.
Izuku smiled at Eri "Well, why don't we go get you some new clothes, Eri?"
Eri nodded in agreement.
Mina raised her hands "Hoooold up. I'll be picking out her clothes with her. No offense Izu, but I've seen your fashion sense." Mina quickly thought of Eri wearing a t-shirt that read "T-shirt" in kanji on it and shook her head to remove the thought.
Izuku chuckled "I guess you're right, hehe" they then walked off as Eri held a hand from each of them.
As they were walking, Mina got the most adorable idea. "1" Izuku looked at her confused until she pointed to Eri with her free hand. "2" they both brought their hands back and Eri was confused for a moment before she felt the force of them both propelling her upward in a nice swing! "3!"
Eri kicked her legs out as this she was swung, the wind breezed through her hair as she went up and down. Before Eri had time to think she giggled, making the two teens nearly buckle from cute cramps. Eri smiled softly "That was fun!" Eri's cheeks suddenly hurt "Ow" she nearly whispered.
Izuku was quick to ask, "Are you okay?"
Eri moved her cheeks back and forth "My cheeks hurt."
Mina looked sad for her, why did her cheeks hurt? They were just having fun... Fun. That was it. Eri isn't used to smiling, this poor adorabean! That settled it, it was Mina's new goal to make Eri smile as much as possible.
"Do you smile a lot, Eri?" Mina asked innocently.
Eri shook her head. "N-Not really, Mimi"
Mina looked to Izuku then back to her. "Well, we're gonna change that! Starting here!" Mina said as they entered a clothing shop for kids. One of the many clothing stores that plagued the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall.
Eri and Izuku simply followed Mina who knew exactly where to go. "Ohhh this looks pretty! Oh! How about this!" Eri looked at all the clothes Mina held.
She only liked a handful of them but as she looked around, one caught her eye. She gasped as she ran to a clothing rack with tons of dresses on it, but she picked out three in particular. A red one, a pink one and a green one. She ran back to Izuku, "Can I have these please?"
Izuku smiled and knelt to her level "Of course, Eri. We just need to find your size." He said, patting her head as he did.
Mina chuckled "I'll help ya with that! C'mere, ErBear!" (Pronounced *Air Bear)
Eri excitedly leaped over to her Mimi, and they spent quite the large amount of time trying on clothes. After figuring out her size though, it was pretty easy. Eri and Mina would come in and out of the dressing room with her in a new outfit each time, and each one was cuter than the last!
Izuku was just... Happy. Seeing Mina happy was great but seeing Eri enjoy herself was a miracle. Earlier, during the fight with Overhaul,he was starting to doubt himself, but Mina's voice kept popping into his head. 'You'll save her, Izu... I know you will!'. As simple as those words were, they proved that she believed in him. That she never doubted him for even a moment.
After a while of trying on clothes they heard what sounded like a groaning monster... Only to realize it was poor Eri's tummy.
Eri looked to Mina "I'm hungry."
Mina chuckled "Don't worry, well getcha some food. Just gotta pay for this stuff first."
As they approached the cashier. Eri clung to Izuku, too scared to face the other people in line, even the cashier.
After paying they quickly made their way to the food court.
"Alright Eri! Whatcha cravin!" Mina asked with a smile.
Eri looked around, she didn't know about too many types of food, or even their names really. "I-I don't know."
Izuku smiled "Have you ever had American food before?" Eri shook her head no.
Mina chuckled "Then it's settled!" They approached an American restaurant.
The female cashier looked super bored until she saw the adorable Eri. "Awww what a cutie! What can I get for you?"
"A cheeseburger with fries and a root beer!" Mina shouted as she looked to Izuku.
"Same thing please, see anything you like Eri?" He turned to the girl in his arms.
"I want that!" She pointed at a kid's sized cheeseburger.
Both teens giggled. Mina turned to the cashier "Same for her but a kid's size, oh! And a water, not root beer."
The cashier nodded and put it all into the machine as they paid. "Hey also. Great work. You guys seem to be rocking at the whole parenting thing!" The cashier said.
Izuku and Mina froze. Neither one moved, out of fear of having to explain they weren't her parents.
The cashier pulled out the receipt, "Your order is 218! Well call your number when your food is ready, okay?"
"Y-Yeah th-thank you!" Izuku's stutter kicked in again as they found a table to eat at.
Eri was drinking her water in silence as she looked between the two blushing teens. She didn't know what they were so flustered about but she smiled. Being in the presence of these two seemed to make her heart soar! Almost like she was part of a family!... A family... Family...
Eri found herself thinking of the nightmare her life had been. Her mother getting rid of her and resenting her because her father had seemed to vanish due to her quirk. Overhaul often reminded the poor girl that no one would want such a curse around them. That if her mom didn't want her, who would? Eri started sniffling. What if... Izuku and Mina didn't want her some day? She tried to wipe her eyes, and this snapped Izuku and Mina out of their trance.
Izuku rushed to her seat on one knee "Eri, do you need anything?"
Mina pats her back "Heeeey, what's wrong sweetie?"
Eri sniffled "I'm just... I'm afraid... afraid that you two will get sick of me... that y-you'll leave me once you see I'm cursed..."
Izuku hugged her close "Never. I would never get tired of seeing your face. And you're not cursed, you're important, Eri. I promise I'll always support you."
Eri grabbed him tight and soaked her tears into his shirt "Th-thank you Deku."
Mina joined the hug and smiled "We'll always have your back, Eri. You can count on us."
Eri wiped her eyes and finally started to calm down just as the waitress called their number.
Mina got up. "I'll get the food. Take care of this sweet pea" she smirked and went to the counter and picked the food up only to notice a few fresh baked cookies on the tray. "We didn't order cookies, ma'am" she said simply.
"Oh, don't worry. It's on the house! You and your family are the cutest couple to walk in in a while" the cashier announced with glee.
Mina's lavender blush painted her face as she said a shy thanks and recovered before returning to the table. "Back!"
Izuku saw the tray and was baffled "Cookies?"
Mina chuckled nervously "They said it was on the house."
Eri looked in awe at them "Those look yummy! Can I have some?"
Mina giggled "Eat your burger first, okay?"
Eri nodded and they all began to eat and just as Eri finished, she looked to Mina "May I have a cookie please?"
Mina and Izuku saw she cleaned her plate and agreed. They passed a cookie to her and as Eri took her first bite. She was nearly crying tears of joy! "Ish sho good!" Eri moaned as the teens smiled.
"Have you ever had cookies before?" Mina asked. Eri shook her head no and Mina tightened her fists. "They truly were criminals... No cookies?! That's evil!"
Eri didn't get it, but Izuku started to laugh lightly causing her to laugh as well.
The day continued like this until it was nearly sunset, when they finally got all of Eri's essentials. Clothes, socks, shoes, undergarments, a toothbrush, her own comb, fluffy pink blanket, green pillowcases and sheets for her bed, a few stuffed animals including one of a green rabbit she really loved and that's it. When they got back to the dormitories, Eri was a bit nervous at first.
Eri held her stuffed bunny "S-So this is where you guys live?"
Izuku nodded "Yup. This place is full of heroes who will be ready to protect you."
"But we'll be the first ones by your side!" Mina shouted.
Eri felt a little better, she took deep breathes. "Okay... I'm ready" she pumped her tiny fist in the air. "I can do this!" They teens smiled and opened the door for her, which got them a cute "Thank you" from Eri.
Unfortunately, the entire class was in the lobby and time seemed to stop. Eyes went wide at the sight of Izuku and Mina bringing a child back to the dorms but slowly, Uraraka, Kirishima and Tsuyu got up and went to the familiar looking little one.
Uraraka smiled at her "Wow! They let her out already?"
Izuku nodded "Yeah. I'm glad they did too."
Kirishima smiled wide "Hey there little girl. We were there when we were trying to free you."
Eri's eyes went wide "Really?"
Tsuyu looked to Mina "Is she staying here?"
As Mina was about to respond, she got interrupted. "I'll answer that question" Mr. Aizawa said as he stood by the door. "She is primarily Midoriya and Ashido's responsibility. However, I do expect you all to assist them. This is a big task for them to undertake and if you don't cooperate with them. I will be forced to use... Cruel punishment" most of the class gulped at that. Aizawa looked to Izuku, Mina and Eri "You three should go to Midoriya's room. We put some stuff we got for her in there."
They nodded and went to his room. Aizawa looked to Mineta "If your perversions continue with that little girl around and she picks up on any of them. You will be immediately expelled." Mineta gulped as he nearly peed in fear. Aizawa looked to Bakugo. "Control your anger. If you let it out on Eri. You too will be expelled" Bakugo just let out a "hmph" which Aizawa translated to him understanding. "That's all for now. Have a good night, everyone". As they said goodnight to him, Izuku had made it to his door with Eri and Mina behind him.
He slowly opened it and turned the lights on, and his room looked... Bigger? There was an adorable twin size bed across from his bed, next to that was a dresser clearly for her.
Mina and Eri came in. "Well, at least there's still some room in here, right?" Mina chuckled.
Izuku smiled "I honestly thought it'd be more crammed. It looks fine though!"
Eri slowly walked up to her bed "This... This is mine?" She looked to them both and they looked to her and nodded. Eri visibly shook then ran to the dresser "Th-This too?" Again, they nodded. Eri's lip quivered as she rushed the two into a joyful hug which they both accepted and retorted.
Eri closed her eyes and sniffled "Thank you both so much."
Mina pats her back "Thank you for being here, Eri. We promise to cherish you and keep you safe."
Izuku stroked her back "We'll be here for you no matter what, just say the word and we're here."
After putting all the clothes away and making everything look nice, Eri was finally calming down and yawned "I'm... I'm tired..."
Mina chuckled "Well we did do a lot today. Good thing school is out for a few days. Tomorrow, we'll introduce you to everyone okay?"
Eri nodded and slightly smiled "They seem nice."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head "Some, more than others hehe. But I think we should get you ready for bed."
"Right!" Mina snapped to attention "Now, Izu. Shoo, I gotta get her dressed" Mina said as she pushed him out the door.
Izuku chuckled "I know, I know." He shut the door gently.
Mina turned to Eri with a big ole smile "Now let's get you dressed."
Eri shakily nodded her head. Mina noticed this immediately. She started to help her, but Eri was being far more rigid and robotic since Izuku was gone. As she finished, she hugged her which took Eri by surprise a bit. "You know I'm not gonna leave you right?"
Eri hugged tighter "I... I want to say yes but... I-I'm just s-so scared... I d-don't understand a-anything that's happing but... All I know is w-when I'm around you and Deku. I feel safe."
Mina raised an eyebrow "But you were acting weird just now."
Eri looked to the floor "I like when your both here..."
Mina raised her eyes in a realization. 'She stressed out over family earlier and now she gets nervous when one of us leaves... She sees us as her new parents.' Mina sighed and sat down cross-legged then pulled Eri into her lap "I will always be here for you Eri. I swear I will" she hugged the girl who hugged her back.
"... Thank you, Mimi." they stayed like that for a minute before Mina finally finished changing her, then went and opened the door a bit "Ready to see this?"
Izuku raised an eyebrow only for Mina to fully open the door, revealing Eri in an adorable fruit covered nightgown. Izuku's heart nearly stopped from cute-iac arrest. Izuku lifted the girl "You look so adorable!" He laughed.
Mina looked at the two of them. They really looked like father and daughter, but... How would Uraraka feel if she suddenly was in a relation as deep as parenthood with Izuku?! She didn't get to think on it anymore though as Izuku had extended his hand to her and Eri did the same.
Izuku had a golden smile on his face, "Great work, Mina! Thank you for helping out today!"
Mina accepted their open arm invitation for a hug as Eri stole Mina's technique and gently pat Mina's back.
Mina couldn't help but giggle. "Well... I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow."
Eri panicked "No!" Both teens were shocked. Mina however had to remind herself. Eri needed this.
Izuku blushed "Y-You know, Mina. If you want, y-you can... S-spend the night here."
Mina had to blink twice on that one. Izuku... Wanted her to stay?! Well now, there wasn't a chance in hell she'd reject this! "Well... If it's okay with you. Then I accept!"
Eri cheered and squirmed out of Izuku's arms then ran to Mina before hugging her legs.
Izuku thought for a minute "Guess I'll sleep on the floor and don't worry. I've got a sleeping ba-"
"Abso-fluffing-lutely not!" Mina pouted. "You will sleep on your own bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
"Um..." The teens looked to Eri "I-If it's okay... I... I wanted to sleep in the same bed as you two" Eri gently rocked her body back and forth in nervousness.
Izuku blushed hard and was about to interject but decided to just ask. He looked to Mina "Are... Are you okay with that?"
Mina looked to him and cheerfully nodded in agreement. "Just let me go get changed and use the bathroom. I'll take Eri with me and we'll be right back". Izuku blushed as red as Bob the tomato but nodded and went into the bathroom to get changed. As he did this, he kept trying to calm himself down 'This is okay. It's okay. It's all okay'. He comes out after brushing his teeth only to just hear his dorm door close and lock. He turned to the door and saw Mina in her black and pink pajama bottoms and a black tank top. In an instant he felt a wave of emotions course through his veins, and he couldn't help but smile.
"You two are adorable" he instantly covered his mouth, but it was too late. Mina was blushing up a storm but decided to change topic.
"A-Are you ready for bed?" Mina replied as she and Eri got on the bed.
Izuku could hardly believe his luck, getting to be in the same bed as an alien queen and a unicorn princess. It's a truly magical experience. As Izuku shut the lights out Eri let out a squeak of fear. He instantly turned them back on
Eri was shaking "S-So dark."
Mina smiled "Hey, Izu. In one of our bags from the mall, should be a night light. I used to need one as a kid so I should she might too."
Izuku reached in the bags and found it before plugging it in. He then turned out the lights again... No squeak, all clear. He got in the bed, Eri was between him and Mina as he finally laid his head to rest.
Eri yawned and snuggled into the covers "Night Mama... Night Papa..."
Izuku was shocked but then heard "Night ErBear..." From Mina
Izuku decided to just accept it. After all, ... He'd be lying if he said he didn't like Eri calling him papa. "Night girls... Sweet dreams"
All three then fell asleep in a beautifully peaceful moment.