Kids Day Out

Estelle gave a small smile to the two children in front of her. She had been informed that Eri wanted to see her, and she figured she would invite Kota along for the day. They were both about the same age, so she hoped that maybe they would become friends. Be there for each other when others couldn't. Understanding what pain is so young; drags you like a magnet to others like you.

Her assumption was correct when Estelle met the pair in the common room, chatting away quickly as they both tried to get their words out. She was overjoyed to see the two acting like normal children; they deserved that.

Noticing that Estelle had arrived, she was greeted with a hug from the pair. Chuckling quietly, Estelle muttered her hello's as they gazed up at her with childlike glee.

"So! What are we doing today!?"

Estelle had given this a lot of thought when Eri had informed Mr Aizawa of her longing for some time with Estelle. She didn't want to overwhelm the two of them by going to any parks, but she still wanted them to have a good time. A lightbulb had gone over her head when she realised that she could return to the animal sanctuary with them and then visit the comic store (She knew Kota would secretly like that) before finishing the day off with ice cream.

Informing them of their first stop, the two kids beamed up at Estelle with excitement. Giving a small laugh at the glee on their faces, Estelle motioned for them to follow her. Stilling slightly, Estelle was caught off guard when the pair of them grabbed each hand of hers to hold.

Gosh, Estelle couldn't describe how much she adored children. Their petite hand in hers; emphasised the growth they needed to go through to face the outside world. Their innocent faces, still usually nieve from the darkness they would have to overcome one day. Their longing for a protector, safety, all the things Estelle knew she struggled to provide. But, for children, Estelle would strive to protect them all.

So, when they held her hands in their own. Estelle's heart filled with a beautiful pain that she buried behind her eyes. Giving a small smile, she muttered, "You all ready to go?"

"Yeah!" They both chimed back, glowing eyes turning up to her.

As the trio headed for the doors, Estelle, Kota and Eri chimed out their various goodbyes as they walked past multiple classmates. Their heads turned as their eyes followed the trio out, internally stunned like usual when they viewed a more upbeat Estelle.

"I haven't seen a lot of animals before," Eri commented before the door opened.

"Don't worry. We'll introduce the animals to you; isn't that right, Estelle?" Kota chirped back.

"Of course!"

Jaws dropped from the exuberant response as the door finally clicked shut behind the trio. Looking at each other in bewilderment, those watching the scene had the same thought. Ashido was the only one to voice them out loud. "How come we never see her like that?! No fair!"

Eri, Kota and Estelle strolled through the animal sanctuary with ease. They held happy and smiling faces as they visited each spot and the animals that resided there. Estelle loved watching Eri's reaction to the new and unfamiliar animals, and it made her internally wonder if she looked like that when Bakugo brought her here. She hoped she hid it well enough so she wouldn't be embarrassed by the thought.

"They are so pretty", Eri awed, her mouth agape as she regarded the horses.

"Hmpt, they're okay."

"Don't lie, Ko! I saw you when we walked in," Estelle laughed teasingly.

Giving a dark blush, Kota grumbled to himself before silently admitting defeat. Stepping forward to get a closer look, Estelle shared a small smile with the woman who led them here. It was the same one from last time, and she was grateful when they received the same offer to get a closer look.

Eri was unsure about viewing them up close, but she relaxed when Estelle offered to carry her over to the pair of horses. Walking their way over, the trio gave a few light pets before the children shrank away from the horse's loud neigh.

Turning to face Kota, who was slightly behind her leg, she assured the two of them. "You have nothing to fear when I am here. They are good creatures, and they will not hurt you."

Feeling emboldened by her words, Eri wiggled down from Estelle's grasp and landed on the grass with a thud. Taking Kota's hand as the pair stepped forward, the duo continued to play and pet with the horses.

Estelle watched the scene with a fuller heart than she had ever had in a long time. Stepping forward when the horse butted its head into Eri's stomach, Estelle sighed in relief when Eri gave a loud laugh. Seeing that they were more comfortable with the horse's attitude, Estelle enjoyed their youthful joy as they spent time with the creatures.

She wished she could stay there forever. Just at that moment, because that's all Estelle ever wanted to see. Extraneous matters be damned; she just wanted to see the next generation completely free of worries and filled with hope and joy.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Estelle tilted her head to gaze up at the animal carer. She was looking at Estelle with such care that Estelle could overlook the sympathy on her face.

"Those children are good for you. They bring you a lot of happiness. Hold onto that."

Estelle wished she could, but she knew her time here was limited. Nevertheless, she would make sure that they would be ready for that and be in safe hands.

Sitting in the comic shop was Estelle, Kota and Eri. The trio trailed through the figurines and comics with wonder in their eyes.

Estelle had never visited one before, but when she was searching the area with Pirate Pete, she had noticed it from the corner of her eye. She knew Kota's dislike for heroes had faded, and internally he loved them. But, he was shy to admit it; his previous stubbornness made him wary of expressing his change of opinion.

So, Estelle watched with a small smile as Kota's eyes trailed over everything with excitement. When he realised Estelle was watching him, he dimmed slightly, turning his head away with a pout.

Smirking and she leaned down, Estelle muttered, "Hey, there's no shame in liking heroes. Pick something out, my treat."

Grumbling, Kota muttered, "There are no figures of you yet."

Startled, Estelle gazed at the child in bewilderment. "Didn't I tell you before that I wasn't a hero?"

"Huh? I thought you were just saying that?!" Kota queried with wide eyes of surprise.

Shaking her head, Estelle explained softly, "No, I was serious. I am not a hero. I'm sure Deku will have figurines when he's older."

"How are you not a hero if you saved me?" Kota prodded, still trying to understand Estelle's words.

"Yeah, Ko is right. You saved me as well!" Eri exclaimed behind them, her fingers clutching onto an All Might figurine as she gazed at them.

Feeling a stumble in her words, Estelle tried to find the best way to explain to them her internal thoughts. But she couldn't. They were just children; she would not put that kind of burden onto them. They deserved the world, not her baggage.

"Is this about Kiko?"

Stumped, Estelle didn't respond for a moment. Giving a timid nod, Estelle voiced, "It's a bit more than that. But it doesn't matter now! Come on, let's find something you'll like!"

"Hmmph, you're my hero," Ko answered, ignoring her attempt of diversion.

Estelle froze as Eri stepped forward with a determined nod. "You're mine too."

Feeling a sudden wash of emotion, Estelle could only manage to croak out a timid, "Thank you."

The ice cream parlour was the last stop for the day. Placing their orders, Estelle held in her grin when the children struggled to not order everything on the menu.

"Don't worry! We'll stop by another time to try the other stuff out," Estelle assured them.

"You're taking us out again?!" Kota murmured in awe.

"Of course, I will! I'll make sure to find the time for you both."

"Thank you, Estelle", Eri beamed back, an ecstatic grin on her face from the words.

Estelle watched as Kota and Eri chatted amongst themselves with a soft heart as the three sat down to enjoy their deserts. They were talking a mile a minute, their hands in the air as they conversed with enthusiasm. Estelle drank in the moment, her worries utterly free from her head.

Eyeing the two children who suddenly had mischievous looks on their faces, Estelle leaned back to prepare herself for what was coming. Suddenly, ice cream flew into the air and onto Estelle's face. Blinking as she processed what just happened, Estelle let out a sly grin before shoving the ice cream in Kota's face.

"That's what you get, Ko!"

"Get her, Eri! Avenge me!"

"Waaaaah!"

Estelle returned back to Heights Alliance with the pair of children. They all had ice cream stains on themselves and wide grins as they walked into the entrance.

"No way! You started it!"

"Eri! Ko! You both started it! Do I need to remind you that you both headed straight for me with that strawberry ice cream!"

"No way! Estelle was the one who shoved the vanilla cream up my nose!"

"You take that back!" Estelle gasped.

"Never!"

"You all have certainly had a good time," Mr Aizawa grunted, taking a step forward as the class behind him watched the scene with beaming grins.

Keeping her smile on her face, Estelle turned her head down to the children with raised eyebrows. "Well, did you?"

"Tch, yeah. Do you even need to ask?" Kota snarked back as Eri gave a frantic nod.

Laughing, Estelle gave a quick ruffle to both of their heads and shook her head. "I'm glad you did. Now get cleaned up a little; I'll drop you off to your aunt when your done, Ko."

"Yeah yeah."

Watching with a tiny smile as Mr Aizawa took both of the children away. Estelle observed their happy expressions as they frantically informed Mr Aizawa of their day. Her time today had been incredible, and she would treasure those moments for as long as she lived.

Realising the students of class 1A were watching her, Estelle did her best to bury her smile. She felt awkwardness that she couldn't explain from being observed; she noticed the overjoyed expressions on their faces.

To them, Estelle seemed wholly in her element today. Just being herself, cherishing those kids. They wondered what she would be like as a mom.

"Estelle! You had a good day?" Momo questioned happily.

Giving a timid nod and another soft smile, Estelle realised that she didn't even notice that her cheeks hurt when she arrived back.

"You look adorable together!" Ashido shrieked.

Shaking her head with a chuckle, Estelle muttered a quick thank you.

"You really love kids, huh?" Izuku murmured.

Nodding slowly, Estelle had no shame in admitting that. She did. She always had, and it's why they were always able to weasel themselves into her life as much as she tried to avoid it.

"Why is that?" Kirishima added, hoping to gain some insight into Estelle's brain.

Tilting her head to the right as she pondered on an answer, Estelle eventually shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe, it's because they are so full of hope, bursting with life, innocence and joy. Maybe it's because I want children to live the life I never had. Or, maybe it's because I'll never feel the joy of motherhood. Whatever it may be, it doesn't matter. Those kids deserve the world."

Stunned at the blunt truthfulness of Estelle's words. It was quiet between them all as they contemplated Estelle's words.

"Maybe, it's all of the above?" Momo added softly.

"Yeah, maybe," Estelle answered back just as quietly, a small ghost of a nod.

Deciding to end the conversation as she was beginning to feel the stickiness of the ice cream on her skin. Estelle headed her way upstairs.

"What did you mean when you left earlier?" Bakugo muttered as Estelle huddled into him for warmth. It was colder tonight than usual, and Estelle wondered if someone had messed with the heating today because it was freezing.

The shivering annoyed Bakugo, who had stomped to the closet and wrapped the two in blankets like a burrito. This left Estelle, and Bakugo squished together more than usual.

"What do you mean?" Estelle questioned with furrowed brows.

"You said you'll never experience the joy of motherhood. Was that another shitty rule the people put on you when you joined the humans?"

Wincing, Estelle felt her heart drop a little that he had brought up this topic of conversation. The blonde's grip around her tightened when he felt the movement against his chest, and he cursed himself for being so curious.

"Well, it's not something that was brought up. But, I imagine that the people would fear any child of my own because they fear me. That would be a tough life for them to live."

"Screw them, do what you want. Those people shouldn't dictate what you wanna do."

Wincing again, Estelle realised she would have to explain when his grip tightened even further. "Well, even if I could. It's best not to; they deserve better lives than that."

"Explain," He demanded when he realised she wasn't telling him the whole story. Bakugo scowled at the television when the room turned silent. Estelle had gotten better at answering his questions as long as they weren't too deep, so the fact that she was struggling now put him on edge.

"I can't do it."

"What? Make a kid?"

"Hmhmm," Estelle hummed in agreement. "I was...What do you call it? Put under the knife?"

Startled from the phrasing, Bakugo furrowed his brow as he thought about the meaning behind Estelle's words. "Put under the knife? Like surgery?"

"It was done a year before I left Nyx. Killing machines don't become mothers to children," She explained further, a meek tone in her voice that squeezed the blonde's heart in all the wrong ways.

The sudden movement startled Estelle so much that she was forced to hold back her every instinct to avoid hurting the blonde in any way. She knew that whatever he was trying to do, it wouldn't hurt her, at least. So, she didn't want to repay that by fisting his face by accident.

Opening her eyes once he finally stopped moving, Estelle realised that Bakugo was sitting up, his legs around Estelle's body as he pressed her against his chest. It almost felt like he made his body like a cocoon surrounding her, and strangely, it made Estelle feel safe. Like there was a barrier barricading the two of them from the outside world. And, it was so warm.

Instinctually putting her arms around his back, Estelle leaned her head on his chest as she was surrounded by a simmering heat that made her body relax. Bakugo's arms were the same, holding her against him tightly like he would refuse to let go.

"What asshole would do that to you? It's so stupid that I'll kill them," He snarled into her ear.

"It's okay. It wouldn't be a good environment to have children in. It's for the greater good."

"God. Seriously? Are you going to justify everything shitty that happened to you by labelling it as the greater good? What bullshit! Haven't you done enough for them? You didn't have to have that taken from you; those selfish assholes were on a power trip by doing that to you. It didn't benefit anything!" He growled back. He was so annoyed. He knew how much she adored children; her life was surrounded by them. She took care of Kiko and Emilia. Now, she had Kota and Eri.

It was a cruel thing to have taken from her. Especially when it's the one thing Bakugo could imagine Estelle loving and cherishing. The whole class had imagined Estelle as a mom because it was plain as day that she would have been an amazing one. Estelle just adored the little brats that much. So, why is her primary source of happiness taken from her before she even got the chance to entertain having them herself?

It was a twisted joke, and Bakugo hated it. He hated how she tried to justify it to make herself feel better. He hated that she probably felt its pain but buried it inside like everything else she did. Even though Bakugo cared less for the brats themselves, he hated that Estelle would never get the chance to experience it.

"It's okay. There's nothing I can do about it. My body was altered, and I live with that. Honestly, it's probably a good thing. As I said, my kids wouldn't get a normal life."

Grunting, Bakugo could tell she was once again lying to herself for the sole purpose of burying her emotions into her mind. "Even so, it's okay to be upset about it. Clearly, you had no choice in the matter. I don't see you agreeing to something like that."

Trembling slightly, Estelle was hit with another wave of loss through Bakugo's words. Even though she couldn't convey what she was feeling out loud, it seemed that he managed to get it. Holding onto Estelle tightly, Bakugo allowed Estelle the silence to grieve the loss of her anatomy. Because he also knew she probably never had.

"It's okay," He murmured. His hand was in Estelle's hair as he cradled her. She remained silent, like a brick wall, but it was okay because he knew she was just processing it. Estelle always remained silent in her pain, and he could understand why now that he had seen more of her memories. It seemed like she had never been given a chance to express her emotions, and even though that upset him more than he cared to admit, at least he could give her the space to feel it in her own way.

"Thanks, Ruby," she muttered into his neck as she huddled into his body. Sometimes, Estelle felt ice-cold, especially in moments like these. The blonde was like a firepit on a snowy day; you never wanted to leave it. Her body tensed at the thought, and before she could think on it further, Bakugo pulled her in even more.

"Tch, it's whatever," he grumbled back, a blush on his face as he comforted her through the late hours of the night.