The Kids Will Be Okay

by ImhereforfunIguess

Summary:

Fuyumi uses her connections to get her class of disadvantaged students a field trip to UA. She meets the class ahead of time to asign buddies and ends up meeting Eri too. Eri gets more friends, and some little kids with difficult quirks get heroes.
I just want more Teacher Fuyumi and for some wholesome 1-A.

Notes:

I hope you all like this! I have the first few chapters already written, so I should post regularly. Wish me luck!

Chapter 1: Doing Everything We Can

On Shota’s rare days off he liked to be alone. He tried to schedule his grocery shopping for early in the morning so he wouldn’t run into any former students, coworkers, or well, anyone really. The self checkout was his favorite part of the store.

The point was, he had maybe one day every three months to himself and the last thing he wanted to hear was,

“Mr. Aizawa!” A young woman he recognized from parent teacher conferences ran up to him as he walked down the street with his groceries.

“Miss Todoroki. What can I do for you?”

“I’m so glad that I ran into you!” She smiled widely and said, “I’m sorry to interrupt, I know how rare days off are."

"You're a teacher, correct?"

"Yes! First Grade! That's what I was hoping to talk to you about. I have eleven students, sweet, brilliant kids." Fuyumi straightened and said, "Do you think it would be possible, that is, I'd love for my class to meet 1-A. They come from difficult situations and the other teachers didn't like them so I volunteered to take them all. It would mean so much to them to see people doing good things with quirks that are considered dangerous or useless. They need something to believe in. Please-"

"I trust you know where UA is?"

"Oh, yes! Yes I do!"

"Tuesday should be fine. The kids are doing mock battles and rescue training in the afternoon."

"Thank you Mr. Eraserhead! You don't know how much this will mean to them! I'm knitting you a scarf!"

"Please don't." Shota was not going soft. He wasn't. This was just a good opportunity to have his kids- students, interact with children and practice rescuing them.

"There's no elementary school this Friday, I can come by and let your kids know what to expect, if that's alright?" Shota continued to walk away, only grunting his agreement. "Thank you again!"

/(^o^)/

Fuyumi walked into the classroom and tried to push down her butterflies. Four year olds were one thing, twenty Shoto's were another.

Speaking of her brother, he looked shocked to see her.

Shoto hadn't come home for Friday dinner the past two weeks. She was starting to wonder if he was avoiding her as well as Endeavor.

"Hi everyone! I'm Miss Fuyumi. I'm not sure how much Mr. Aizawa has told you so I'm sorry if you've heard this before. I teach a group of really great kids in First Grade. Next Tuesday, when you do your practical exercises, we'll be joining you." Fuyumi's eyes softened. "I can't tell you how much this chance is going to mean to my students. They, haven't had the easiest time and could really use some heroes." Fuyumi's eyes drifted to Shoto before she moved on to the next bullet point in her mind. "I'll be here through lunch and until the end of the school day. Your teacher has been good enough to let me sit in and observe your afternoon classes so I can best match you and my students. Please feel free to talk to me and ask me questions, I'm eager to get to know all of you. Ah, are there any questions now?"

A boy with spiked red hair raised his hand high, but Tensei's little brother jumped clear out of his seat.

"Is this wise?! Our class has been attacked several times and would be seriously hindered by young children getting underfoot if we have to fight! In addition, this was not in the year's syllabus! Clearly the trip was just put together! What background checks has this woman undergone that we're sure she can be trusted?!"

Shoto glared at his classmate and was about to defend his sister's honor when Fuyumi smiled sweetly and said,

"I understand your hesitation and I applauded it. You kids have been through a lot and I know you Iida's are worriers by nature-"

"Ah-ha! And how do you know that?!" Tenya exclaimed.

"Shh." Fuyumi actually brought her finger to her lips. She blushed and sputtered, "Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to shush you, it's just a habit from the kids." She was so not going to be the cool sister now.

Iida seemed to still be reconciling his desire to please authority figures and his desire to protect his class, so Fuyumi continued. Her cheeks were nearly as red as the streaks in her hair as the said,

"Tensei said he'd mentioned me to you? If you'd like, we can, have this conversation in private?" Tenya suddenly turned beat red. He bowed so low his hair was brushing the floor.

"I offer my sincerest apologies Miss! I didn't realize that you were her! That is, I assumed Fuyumi was your last name! Thank you for the great happiness you've brought into my brother's life! If there is anything I can do to repay my disrespect, please do not hesitate to tell me!-"

"It's okay! I swear! You were being careful and protecting your friends. Also, Iida traits."

A girl who must be Mina slammed her hands on her desk and exclaimed,

"You're dating Iida's brother!"

Shoto’s head snapped over to her.

“When were you going to tell me you were dating my classmate’s brother?” He demanded, not angrily but clearly offended at being left out of the loop.

“It’s not serious yet, it’s not like it’s something I can text, and you keep skipping Friday family dinners. Dad wasn’t even going to be there.” She hissed. Mina launched from her seat, hands slapping against her desk again.

“Todoroki’s sister is dating Iida’s brother!”

“How long has this been going on?" Shoto asked.

"We can talk about this later, okay? Are there any questions about the trip?" A gloved hand was raised and Fuyumi immediately assigned her to Anya.

"Yes?"

"How many kids will there be?"

"Great, pertinent, question. I have eleven students. All of them just came together about a month ago." Kirishima raised his hand and Fuyumi nodded to acknowledge him.

"The school year started five months ago?"

"Yes." She wasn't quite sure how to say this. "Their teachers before last month, didn't quite know how to appreciate them."

"So what, you just dropped the class you had?" Bakugo bit. Fuyumi frowned at his tone but answered honestly before Shoto could bite his head off.

"Kids know when they're not wanted, Bakugo. Kids need to be wanted. The students I had all have loving, whole, homes and conventional quirks. Since making the switch, I haven't seen one of them sent out to the hall and left there all day."

“So the kids we’ll be with, don’t have those things.” Tsu deduced. The girls in Shoto’s class were just as smart as he’d said.

Fuyumi had tried to think of nonquirkest, biased, or pessimistic ways to say this. She had agonized over how to explain to bright eyed hero hopefuls that people were not born equal. Surely, the students with difficult or mutant type quirks could understand a portion of the exclusion that came with them, that was why she had wanted this so badly. But how could she say that without singling them out?

Turns out, she wouldn’t have to.

“These students have volatile or intimidating quirks. They have been outcasted by their other classmates and even their former teachers. Some of them won't have happy family lives or what you would consider whole homes. If they did, the creation of an outlier class wouldn’t have been necessary. Next week we’ll be working on your deductive reasoning skills again. Clearly, you could all use a refresher.” Aizawa droned.

“Thank you, Mr. Aizawa. That was well said. And with that, I’ll hand the time back over to your teacher. Be thinking of any questions you might have and I’ll do my best to answer them. Thank you.”

“It’s lunch time. Go eat.” Aizawa dismissed.

Iida and Shoto both approached her and the Yaoyorozu girl suggested the whole class eat outside so they could get to know their guest a bit better. Shoto was right. With a bit more confidence, she would be a force to be reckoned with.

Chapter 2: Can Only Do So Much

Summary:

Everyone wants to hide their faces in embarrassment for a while during this chapter. Shinso has a question that needs an answer.

Several students chatted with her as they picked up their lunch and headed outside, leaving Fuyumi slightly flustered. Still, she didn’t miss the contemplative looks on several young faces. The cherry trees they sat under, blankets provided by Momo, were still just budding. A group of students sat at a picnic table close enough to hear them, but far enough away that it was clear they didn’t actually want to be a part of the conversation.

“So, I know a bit about you from what Shoto’s told me,”

“Figured that was how you knew my name.” Bakugo snarked. “He never mentioned you at all.” Kirishima elbowed his friend in the side and hissed,

“Dude.” Fuyumi could tell the blond hadn’t meant it as an insult though. It was just a fact. His grumpy tone reminded her of Kuro.

“Why are you smiling at that?” Bakugo growled.

“You just remind me of one of my students.”

“Is he a grouch too?” Asked, Kaminari? She thought that was his name. The teacher laughed softly and said,

“He just doesn’t know how to talk to people yet.” Sero spat out his orange juice, he was laughing so hard.

“Miss!” Iida Tenya stood in front of her, once again bowed at the waist.

“Iida-”

“I apologize. I tried to wait, but I would be a poor brother if I didn’t ask!” Oh no. nonononon- “What are your intentions with Tensei?!” Mina choked on her sandwich and Uraraka shook her head furiously as she made abort motions with her hands.

Fuyumi’s cheeks burned bright red. Shoto seemed to lean in closer, like he wanted to know the answer as well.

“Uh, well, we’ve only been dating for a few weeks, though we met about a month ago. I’ve never, that is,” I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve never had a boyfriend before. I’ve never let myself divert so much energy away from the family before. I don’t know what I’m doing either. “I enjoy his company. A lot.” Great save Fuyumi. “I think that that’s enough for now, as we’re still getting to know each other. If more comes of it, I’m sure you and Sho will be the first to know.”

“Of course! Thank you! I apologize for being so forward!” Fuyumi didn’t know what to say so she stuffed her mouth full of watermelon. Was it possible for her to just, blink out of existence for a few minutes? Cause that would be great.

“Can we bring snacks? For our buddy?” Sato asked. Fuyumi swallowed her watermelon as she nodded.

“Yes. There aren’t any food intolerances or allergies so that’s not an issue. Just make sure that there’s enough for everyone to have some. You’d be amazed the tantrums that have been brought on by goldfish crackers.” The big boy hummed in acknowledgment.

“Hi! I’m Mina and my quirk is acid! Any ideas who I’ll be paired with?”

“So far there’s only one student I’ve assigned. I’d love to learn more about you and your quirks before finalizing anything. I can’t divulge the quirk status of my students for good reason, but I promise I’ll put you with a kid who needs a hero.”

“You put a great deal of faith in us.” Tokoyami observed. Fuyumi smiled softly and said,

“You’ve earned it.”

“What’s your quirk?” Izuku. Fuyumi isn’t surprised he’s the one to ask. Shoto talked with some emotion about his green haired friend as his love of quirks. She had known the question was coming, so it wasn’t as hard to answer.

“I have an ice quirk, but my body isn’t suited for it. I’d get pretty sick when I tried to use it as a kid. Frostbite, hypothermia, pneumonia, it was bad.” Izuku, instead of looking sheepish or pitying, had teal eyes full of awe. It was only after looking at Shoto that his gaze took on a certain darkness. His voice was soft as he said,

“I’m sorry. That must have been hard.” Shoto had told him then. He shifted on the blanket and added, “I was a really late bloomer. I, I was fourteen before my quirk manifested.” That was news to the rest of the class if the startled looks were anything to go by. “They say it was waiting until my body was strong enough to handle it, but it still broke a lot of bones while I was learning to control it. It isn’t the same, but I kind of get it.”

Patti. He would be the perfect buddy for Patti.

“Thank you Izuku. That was kind of you to share.” The boy blushed and looked back down at his salad.

“Why are you doing this?” The purple haired boy asked. He reminded her of Shoto in a lot of ways. Determined to avoid friendships and connections, but surrounded by people determined to drag him into both. He was in the wrong class if he wanted to be alone.

“Because these kids deserve a chance.”

Shinso maintained eye contact but didn't change is tone or frigid expression.

“Their teacher next year, or the one after that, they won’t share your sentiments. Isn’t it dangerous to give them hope?”

“Isn’t it dangerous not to? I’m bringing the kids to meet you so that they can see people like them, who look like them or act like them or have quirks like them, who are heroes. You all are going to be pros and my kids will be able to see you succeed using the things they hate about themselves. In a few years, they’ll forget my name. By middle school they won’t remember me at all. But, even if they don’t remember when they met you, they’ll still admire you. It’s a lot to put on young shoulders and I’m sorry for that, but these kids deserve a hero. They deserve a chance.” The boy hummed and looked away. He talked like someone who had been on the wrong side of the system. How Fuyumi wished she could give every kid a teacher who cared.

“What’s your quirk, if you don’t mind me asking.”

He looked her right in the eye, challenging her to react the way teachers must have always reacted.

“Brainwashing.”

Fuyumi lit up.

“That’s perfect!” He recoiled but Izuku nodded furiously.

“That’s what I keep saying!”

“I have a student- Oh you are going to be exactly the hero she needs.” He looked like he was going to cry.

Mina leaned close and said,

“I love scary movies, dancing, and making friends!” Fuyumi laughed a little at her enthusiasm. She did seem like someone who could handle difficult personalities, but it might be better to put her with someone she could help draw out of their shell. Kage or Hiro maybe. No, Hiro would be intimidated by her sunny personality rather than enthused. She could partner her up with Hagakure for Anya?

“You’re braver than I am. I tried to watch a scary movie exactly once and didn’t sleep for a week.”

“I’m with you.” Uraraka said. “I’m Uraraka Ochaco!”

“Shoto’s mentioned you. He’s mentioned most of you actually. Thank you all for being his trusted and valued classmates.” Shoto blushed. “Still, I’d love to hear more about you!”

“I’m pretty normal. I enjoy cooking but I’m not as good at it as Bakugo is. My quirk is zero gravity. It doesn't actually cancel out gravity entirely, just to a certain extent. It does completely stop momentum, though.”

“That’s really amazing. I’ve heard a lot about your kindness and determination, not to mention what you did at the sports festival?! Very creative. I wouldn’t say you’re pretty normal, I’d say you’re extraordinary.”

“Oh. Oh wow. Thank you.” Uraraka said, cheeks red and eyes misty.

“Sorry, was that too much? I’m used to reassuring my students. I mean every word, but that might have been too informal-”

“Not at all! That was, that was really nice.” The teen insisted.

“What else did icy-hot say about us?” Bakugo demanded.

“Let’s see,”

“I don’t talk about you that much.” Shoto insisted. Fuyumi knew the kind thing to do would be agree and change the subject, but she’d never been able to tease her youngest brother before. He’d never had friends to be embarrassed in front of. How was she supposed to pass that up?

“He never mentions the girls in class without complimenting their intelligence in the same breath.” The young ladies were appropriately proud. “Momo? I believe? Shoto is particularly impressed with your creativity and strategic sense.” Momo was as red as her brother. “Bakugo is a worthy competitor and he yells a lot,” Bakugo scoffed and muttered something about how of course he was a worthy opponent stupid half and half. “Iida is very responsible and a good friend,” Tenya straightened and seemed very pleased with himself. “And I think I know as much about Midoriya as Shoto does."

"Yumi. I will tell them about the time you tried to cut your own hair in high school. You gave me the picture, remember?" She'd been trying to make up for old times, not provide her little brother with blackmail material.

"Ah! The betrayal! From my own flesh and blood!"

In the distance, the bell rang, signalling the end of their lunch break.

"You'll be staying until after school, right?" Shoto asked.

"Yup. I need to stop by the teacher's lounge real quick, so I won't be there for your Hero Law class, but I'll be back in time for Applied Quirk Theory."

Fuyumi didn't know why the principal had asked her to stop by the little kitchenette with a few computers and a sofa, until she stepped through the door.

She'd expected an interview, maybe even an interrogation. Tenya had been a bit overzealous in the way he pointed it out, but her request should be subject to scrutiny after the year they'd had. But there wasn't a panel of Pro Heroes or a table set for one of Nedzu's infamous tea time chats.

There were crayons and a low table covered in papers. There was a little girl.

Notes:

Let me know how you felt about this chapter! It was the last one I had pre-written, so from here on out the rate that I post at will be dependent on how many comments I get. ;P

Chapter 3: Black Crayons

Summary:

Fuyumi meets a sweet little girl.

There were crayons and a low table covered in papers. There was a little girl.

She had silver hair and eyes the color of candied apples. Poking up from behind a deep red bow was a small horn.

The child looked up at Fuyumi and hurried to her feet, taking a few steps further away from her.

“You must be Eri.” Her brother had told her, with some difficulty, about the raid and his injured friends and the little girl who had lived through a nightmare the likes of which he couldn’t fathom.

Coming from Shoto, that meant a lot. The eldest Todorioki sibling (and it still broke her heart that she’d been the oldest of them since she passed Touya’s birthday and turned fourteen) knelt down on the floor just inside the room’s threshold. She kept her hands on her knees and her voice soft. She smiled and said,

“My little brother is Shoto. I think you’ve met him. He has red and white hair, kind of like mine. He can be kind of quiet, but he’s made lots of friends her.”

Eri kept her distance, but was no longer frozen in place. Her ruby eyes were looking Fuyumi up and down while her scarred fingers tugged on one of her pigtails.

“Sho is nice. He made me popsicles.”

“That does sound like him. One time he came home for friday dinner and I was having a bad day. He didn’t really know what to say, but he tried to help me make dinner.”

“Was it yummy?”

“It was... sweet. I was happy he wanted to spend time with me.”

“My Papa is really good at cooking box things.”

Fuyumi’s smile grew bigger as she tried not to laugh. Store ready food was nothing to turn their nose up at, but the way she said it was too cute. Kids say the weirdest, funniest things. It was one of Fuyumi’s favorite things about her job.

“Yeah? I don’t think my dad has ever cooked me food. I make everything for our family.”

Eri looked at her like she was some kind of wonder.

“Like Kachann?”

This time Fuyumi did laugh a little. She’d heard Izuku call Bakugo that, and she knew that he would deny making anything for anyone. He probably just made too much. Seven times a week.

“Yup. I like making dessert best, but it’s hard because there aren’t enough people at home to give them too. My dad doesn't really like sweets, and teachers aren’t allowed to give treats to their students.” Fuyumi pretended to pout before lighting up. “Would it be okay if I brought treats for you and your Papa sometimes?”

“You’re a teacher?” Eri asked hesitantly.

“I am. I teach first grade. Kids who are six or seven.”

“My Papa is a teacher too. If he says it’s okay, maybe you could bring treats.”

“I think that sounds like a really smart idea.”

A blond haired boy with a round face and wide smile bounced into the room with a fresh box of crayons.

“I found them-!”

He barely stopped when he saw her, his expression never changing. He strided over with the same excited energy he’d entered the room and skillfully placed himself between Fuyumi and Eri. If she were anyone else, Fuyumi would believe his performance. If she hadn’t grown up needing to judge her parents’ mood constantly, she might not have noticed his guarded eyes or clenched jaw.

“Hi there! I’m LeMillion, nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Todoroki Fuyumi.” The subtle tension left his shoulders and his smile became more genuine. “Principal Nedzu asked me to stop by the teacher’s lounge after lunch.”

It’s okay, I’m not a threat. I was invited, I didn’t come looking for her. You’re safe.

“Um, do you, do you want to color with me?” Eri asked, peaking up at her from behind LeMillion’s leg.

Fuyumi beamed.

“I’d love to!” She sat at the lowered table with Mirio (And the boy could only be Mirio) sitting between her and Eri. The little girl was much more comfortable with her friend there. Turns out, the crayon box was filled with only black crayons. Eri talked softly as she drew a black blob with a black straw hat. Fortunately, years of interpreting kid’s drawings had given Fuyumi a keen eye for art.

“That’s Mr. Aizawa!” She gushed.

Eri’s eyes lit up. “You know my Papa!?”

“I do! He’s letting me bring my students to meet his class. It was so nice of him.”

Eri nodded enthusiastically, still clutching a black crayon in her chubby hand.

“Papa is so so nice! He did my pigtails, see!” She dropped her crayon to hold up her hair. Fuyumi ooed and awed and Eri spent the next ten minutes talking nonstop about all the fun things she got to do and how amazing her Papa was.

Mirio listened to her, thrilled to hear the traumatized girl talk so enthusiastically. Her tiny hands waved in the air as she described Deku and Kirishima and all her other friends in Aizawa’s class.

It reminded her of Hiro. The shy boy with a lizard quirk was usually silent and standoffish. He’d lost his father a year ago and his mom was preoccupied trying to keep her job and make rent payments and had noticed Hiro retreating into himself but didn’t know what to do about it. It had taken a few weeks for Fuyumi to find the thing he loved. She should have figured it out sooner, honestly. Hiro loved Heroes. And his Uncle. If he started to talk about either of those subjects, it was like he was a different kid.

Maybe he and Eri could be friends.

“Eri, will you be here next Tuesday?”

Eri looked at Mirio. He grinned and nodded.

“Yep, I will.”

“If your Papa says it’s okay, would you like to join his class when my students come? You’d get to watch all your friends too.”

Eri was practically vibrating, her lips quivering. For a moment, Fuyumi worried that she’d done something terribly wrong. Then Mirio whooped and lifted the girl onto his shoulders.

She was trying to smile.

That was, kind of heartbreaking.

“Looks like she’ll see you then!” He tipped his head back so he could look up at Eri. “It’s time to go meet with Miss Kazue for Quirk Counseling.” Eri nodded and added,

“Miss Kazue is nice too. She copies my quirk and helps me learn how to be safe with it. She said that it was a good quirk.”

“I think she’s absolutely right.” Fuyumi winked.

“Miss Yumi, um, you’re nice too.” Eri said, hiding her face behind Mirio’s hair.

Fuyumi was surprised, then, overwhelmed with a wave of affection.

“Thank you, Eri. You are such a good girl.”

The two kids left and Fuyumi checked the time on her phone. Her heart leapt into her throat and she rushed out of the room. She was late!

Notes:

Let me know what you think!
Shout out to animorph516 who was my first comment! I included her OC as Eri's quirk councilor.
There's room for more shout outs and mentioned OCs for the first commenter in each chapter!
Thanks everyone who reads, kudos, and comments! Y'all keep me going.

Chapter 4: For The Ones That We Failed

Summary:

Fuyumi talks with All Might and decides who the kids are going to be buddied with!

Notes:

*Trigger Warning* Panic attack in the first paragraph. It's safe to read again after "All Might". After that it's just some minor self deprecating thoughts that I think are pretty standard in Fuyumi centric fics.

How could she be late?! Mr. AIzawa was kind enough to let her sit in on their class and she repaid him with unprofessionalism. She was kicking herself all the way to 1-A’s classroom. The room was empty. They must have already left for one of the training grounds. Fuyumi was panicking. What if her students weren’t allowed to come anymore? She’d already told them about it, she’d already told Eri. She couldn’t have set a stupid alarm on her phone? Fuyumi felt the weight of eleven futures bearing down on her, making it impossible to draw in a breath. Her lips began to tingle and her fingers were starting to numb. She’d wanted to badly to help her those kids. Maybe in part to make up for the kids she didn’t. 

Touya’s shrine flashed through her mind, so did Shoto’s blank expression and burning eyes.

“-oki? Miss? Are you alright?” Fuyumi looked up, way up, at electric blue eyes. It took her a moment, longer than it should have, to realize who was talking to her.

All Might.

Fuyumi had never met anyone taller than her dad without the aid of a quirk. 

“All Might. Hi.”

“Hello. It’s good to see you again.” 

She tried to search her frazzled mind for the last time they’d met. Had it been at Shoto’s parent teacher conference? No, he hadn’t been there. Fuyumi never went to any of the Pro Hero charity banquets or other such events. Her father had only ever taken Shoto when he decided to attend. Endeavor had never been the best at socializing.

The memory came to her vividly. 

Fuyumi had been ten years old. She’s taken a bus and walked three blocks to find All Might’s hero agency. Back then, Sir Nighteye had still been working with him. She’d waited for an hour, hoping to see him. When he arrived, Fuyumi stopped him and introduced herself. She was trying to get up the nerve to tell him that her daddy wanted to be the number one hero so bad. To ask if maybe they could share the position. Maybe if he knew that Endeavor was so frustrated that he wouldn’t let them play with Shoto anymore, that he wouldn’t eat with them or help Touya with his quirk, maybe he’d help. Fuyumi was old enough then to know that they needed help.

Before she could find the words, All Might given her a thumbs up and said that she must be so proud to have her dad be the number two. He complimented Endeavor’s drive and dedication. Fuyumi felt herself deflate inside, unable to say anything but,

“Yep.” She hadn’t even realized she’d been hoping for something until it disappeared. 

All Might rushed off to save someone else.

Fuyumi went home. 

She'd gone in to find dinner burning on the stove as her mom watched the burner in terror. She could hear Touya breaking things in his room down the hall. Shoto was no doubt training with their father. Natsou was probably with Toyua, trying to calm him down. Fuyumi had been gone for three hours and nobody noticed.

A week later, Touya died.

“That was so long ago. I’m surprised you remember.” Fuyumi said, breath still a little shaky.

“I could never forget.” All Might looked at her the same way she looked at Shoto. It gave her a feeling of comradery. They were both trying to do better, for the ones they hadn’t saved.

Fuyumi looked back at the empty classroom and said,

“I think I blew it.”

“Nonsense. They just went to Training Ground Beta. I can walk you there, if you’d like.”

Oh.

Duh .

Fuyumi felt her cheeks flush. She’d spiraled and panicked and nearly threw everything away over something easily fixed. She’d cried over spilled milk and had a panic attack in front of All Might.

“Thank you.”

“A young man I know does the same thing. He’s not used to things going well for him, so he tends to expect the worst.”

“Izuku, right? I noticed that. We have similar habits. I ramble and he mumbles. I have a pretty good idea who to match him with in my class.”

“I heard about that, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

“I hope it goes well. And that Mr. Aizawa is still willing to have us after I was late.”

“Eraserhead isn’t particularly forgiving, but he’s good at spotting potential.”

Before Fuyumi could ask what he meant by that, they reached the door to Ground Beta. A red light was on above the door frame, indicating that an exercise was in session.

“Will it be okay to go in now?”

“You’ll be perfectly safe, I promise. The lesson plan said they’d be doing individual quirk training rather than battle trials, so nothing should have gotten too out of hand.”

Things had, in fact, gotten out of hand.

Somehow, Sero had become tangled in his own tape and was hanging from the ceiling. As he swayed back and forth, trying to get free, Mina and Kaminari took turns running between him and laughing hysterically. The way little kids tried to run between swings in motion.

On the other side of the arena, Kirishima’s fist was stuck in a concrete slab. Perched on top of it was Tsu, trying to advise the red haired boy. Katsuki must have grown impatient, because he whirled around from where he was pretending not to pay attention and blew a hole in the block. Kirishima thanked him with a big grin and caught Tsu, who’d been displaced by the shockwaves.

Kaminari got hit by Sero and fell backward into Shinso. Shinso had been practicing his quirk on Izuku who was charged with green electricity. Shinso crashed into Izuku who yelped in surprise and instinctively leapt back with Shinso still cradled in his arms. Shinso did not like being cradled. He pushed himself out of Izuku’s arms and fell five feet to the ground. He rolled and popped up on his feet right behind Shoto. Shoto who was trying so carefully to maintain a two foot flame in his left hand. Shoto who really didn’t like people suddenly appearing behind him. Her little brother jerked in surprise and his fire jumped skyward. The fire made Dark Shadow shrink and curl around Tokoyami. That would have been fine if the boy hadn’t been using his quirk to help him leap from cement pillar to cement pillar. Fortunately, Shoji was keeping an eye out and caught him.

All Might took in the scene and laughed deeply, sounding for a moment like his old, larger, self. 

“Energetic, aren’t they.”

“They sure are.”

They made their way to the bleachers where Mr. Aizawa sat and observed. From inside a yellow sleeping bag. Some of Eri’s drawings made a lot more sense now.

“You’re late.” He drones. 

Fuyumi’s nerves come back full force and she bowed somewhat frantically.

“I am so so sorry! It’ll never happen again. I lost track of time while I was in the teacher’s lounge-”

“Why were you- Nedzu?”

“Ah, yes. I was expecting an interview or something, to make sure it was okay for me to be here, but I met your daughter. She’s delightful.”

Eraserhead ducked the lower half of his face behind his capture weapon and All Might burst out laughing.

Shoto jogged over to her and said,

“You’re late.”

All Might tried to muffle his laughter this time. Fuyumi was amused herself. Her little brother had the same expression and tone as Aizawa.

“I met Eri.” She smiled. 

It seemed like the whole gym went silent. Izuku especially looked concerned.

“She thinks very highly of each of you. She talked about you and Mr. Aizawa for a good ten minutes. We were wondering if she could join us next Tuesday? My class is only a year older than her on average, so it would be a good chance for her to make some more friends.”

Aizawa’s eyes narrowed, not in suspicion, but consideration.

“And what did Eri think about that?”

Fuyumi shrugged.

“I think she liked the idea. She smiled.”

Izuku was crying. Why was he crying?! 

She turned to look at Mr. Aizawa only to find he was hiding a smile of his own behind his capture weapon again. The action was so reminiscent of how Eri had hidden behind Mirio’s head that Fuyumi wondered for a moment if it was possible that they actually were related. That just went to show how much more time she’d been spending with Shoto.

“Fine. I’m sure that’ll be fine.”

Fuyumi grinned and pulled out her phone. She’d need to make note of which students she’d matched together, and that Eri would be joining them. 

“Get back to work. And someone cut Sero down.” Aizawa said.

Fuyumi was committed to having Eri meet Hiro.

Hiro would need someone unintrusive or consistent. It would be good if they could take the lead in their activities so Hiro would feel like there was too much attention on him.

Shinso was absolutely going to be paired with Asami, that much was easy. They both had mind control quirks, they’d both faced the prejudice that came with it. Her other buddy should be pretty low key, and cool. Asami really liked cool heroes.

Sally would fit well with Tsu, having a salamander quirk. Her personality was spunky and chaotic so she could do with a solid leader.

Anya’s quirk Camouflage made her permanently transparent. Between that and six siblings, she was often lost in the shuffle. Because of that, she was loud and flighty. She needed help challenging that energy, someone that could hold her attention. Maybe Mina? Hagakure would click with her instantly.

Anya’s ADD buddy, Natsu, had a space heating quirk. He was constantly out of his seat and or fidgeting. Whoever was partnered with him would need to be patient but enthusiastic. Poor kid accidentally burned his house down a year ago, so he was a bit insecure. It’d do him good to have someone accept him, faults and all. He’d probably need a lot of reassurance.

Tobio would be tricky. His quirk, dove, gave him beautiful wings. Tragically, his mother had been brutally abusive. He was safe, now, but his mom had drilled some messed up ideas about mutant quirks into his head. He was flighty and anxious. It’d be best if he could be in a pair with Haruhi. She had a mind reading quirk and next to no control over it. She was constantly trying to please everyone, keeping up a perfect smile. She reminded Fuyumi quite a lot of herself, which was concerning. Because of her quirk, she knew when Tobio was overwhelmed or needing reassurance. She naturally fell into place beside him. Tokoyami wouldn’t be too obtrusive. He had an avian mutation too, so thinking highly of him would help Tobio think more highly of himself too.

Kage had a mutation as well. His head was that of a spider. Fuyumi already knew exactly who to pair him up with. Both he and Sero were Spider-Man fans, so they would hit it off. And Koda wouldn’t be put off by his appearance. Unless he’s afraid of bugs but Fuyumi would bet against that given his quirk.

Izuku spent most of his life Quirkless, so he would be a good friend for Patti. Her parents abandoned her after diagnosis. It made the girl who had previously been as sweet and bubbly as any other kid, devastated and self-isolated.

Alex’s father was a villain with a rap sheet longer than All Might is tall. He was a good kid, though he was defensive when it came to the subject of his dad, their shared quirk, or any implication of wrong doing. He also had Vitiligo, which wasn’t an issue among young children, but might lead to bullying sooner rather than later. If anyone knew that a person isn’t their father, it was her little brother. His eyes were unique too, so Alex would have that to hold on to as he got older. Alex’s quirk was Time Freeze, the ability to freeze a person in time for however long he wanted. It was his quirk, not his father’s. Maybe Shoto could help him realize that too.

Then there was Kuro. Kuro was an angry kid. He was scared and defensive and when his quirk came in early he’d accidentally electrocuted his mom. As far as Fuyumi knew, his dad didn’t blame or resent him. He was still grieving, though. Burying himself in his work, failing to look up long enough to see his son drowning in self-hatred. It would take a lot to handle such a tempestuous personality. He was quick to be angry and slow to admit fault. He cared, but he didn’t know how to show it. Kaminari would help him feel safe with his quirk, maybe convince him it was okay to use it. Bakugo... Either it would be the greatest decision she ever made, or the worst. 

Fuyumi looked out at the kids as they tried to detach Sero from the ceiling, laughing and cajoling.

She couldn’t wait to find out.

Notes:

Ta-Da! Next week you'll meet the kids and Eri will get to try to make some friends her own age!
First commenter on every chapter gets an OC mentioned in the story! There's room for minor mentions.
This is mostly just an incentive to comment because it helps me to write more, better, and faster. Also, they make me really happy.

Chapter 5: Sometimes The Hero We Need Is A Big Green Bunny

Summary:

And sometimes it's a tired purple cat. Or an Not-opus. Or a sentient shadow demon.

Notes:

No trigger warnings here! Mostly fluff and comfort and getting to know the kids. Big laugh at the end though.

When Fuyumi sent home the permission slips, she'd expected a lot more parental resistance or concern. She got neither. Come Tuesday, everyone has turned in their papers with hastily scribbled signatures. She wondered how many of them hadn't actually read the slip and how many just didn't care. UA didn't have the best reputation for safety right now.

Oh well. This time, their apathy made her life easier.

"Alright kids, good on to the rope and follow me. I know you haven't used the rope since preschool but it's extra important we stay together here. UA is very big and it was built for high schoolers. Is everybody ready?"

The kids shouted in excitement, even Kuro, who was usually too cool to be excited about anything.

Fuyumi led them off the bus and into the building, checking behind her every few seconds to make sure they were all following. 

Tobio was holding on to Haruhi’s hand rather than a ring on the rope, but Fuyumi was going to need to pick her battles today. Besides, as excited as the kids were, this was a new place, a place they didn’t know was safe yet. She wasn’t so cruel as to knowingly pry a traumatized boy away from his only source of comfort. 

Natsu looked three seconds away from bolting down the hall and trying to find the classroom himself. His head was on constant swivel so he kept stepping on the backs of Kage’s Spider-Man light up sneakers. Kage was being exceptionally patient for a six year old. That is to say he started whining after the first three times but he wasn’t crying or hitting anyone. Fuyumi was just grateful that she’d made Kuro the line leader when she saw him reaching for the red ring Kage currently held. Natsu had already grabbed the blue ring then, and he always stepped on other people by accident.

“Okay, this is their classroom. We’re going to go in quietly and calmly. Go to the back wall and drop your rings. Stay against the wall, though. I’ll pair you up with your buddies and you’ll sit with them. Ready?”

“Yeah!” A few yelled out while others nodded.

“Okay. Quiet and calm.”

They were neither quiet, nor calm. They didn’t run or shout, but whispered excited exclamations and bounced in place. The rope was dropped in a tangled heap in the doorway, but at least they were sort of standing against the wall.

It seemed 1-A was equally excited. Mina waved frantically from her seat, Sato had a massive tupperware full of muffins and cookies, three unopened bottles of fruit punch sat beside his desk. Shinso was shifting in his seat, eyes scanning the kids, probably looking for the student Fuyumi had mentioned last week.

“Thank you for having us Mr. Aizawa. Kids, when I call your name, your buddies will stand up and you can go sit with them.” She pulled out her list so she could be certain she got everyone’s name right.

“Natsu, you’ll be buddied with Ojiro and Kirishima.” Kirishima practically leapt out of his seat. Ojiro’s desk was pushed against his, with a short chair tucked in between theirs.

Natsu practically ran to meet them, waving and chatting eagerly. Kirishima gave him a high-five and Ojiro did knuckles. Neither of them shied away from the waves of heat Natsu was unconsciously letting off in his excitement.

“Anya, please go sit with Hagakure and Mina.” Both girls ran to meet her. Anya looked at Hagakure in wonder, wide eyes. She took both their hands, one pink, one invisible, and skipped back to their desks with a joy filled giggle.

“Sally, your buddies are Momo and Tsu.” The girl had been very clear about preferring her nickname to Asui.

Sally bounded up to them, giving both older girls hugs. Neither girl griminced at how clammy Sally’s skin is. Tsu even rubbed the girl’s hairless head. Sally beamed.

“Hiro, you can go sit with Iida and Koda.” Thank goodness She’d asked Koda if he was afraid of bugs before assigning him to Kage. The boy would know Koda was afraid and he’d be heart broken.

Hiro didn’t move. He was looking down at his feet, frozen stiff. Fuyumi was about to offer to walk him to his buddy, when Kuro groaned loudly and grabbed Hiro’s hand.

“I’m tired of waiting for my turn.” He said as he walked Hiro to his buddies. “Which of them are mine.” Fuyumi smiled at Kuro’s sneaky kindness. Hiro whispered a quiet thank you, to which Kuro shouted, “I just want to meet my buddy already!” 

Fuyumi heard Kaminari whisper, “It’s baby Bakugo.” 

“Kuro, you’re buddies are excited to meet you too. They’re right there in the back, Kaminari and Bakugo.” Kaminari stood and waved nervously.

“Finally.” Kuro griped, sulking over to the pair.

Koda was talking softly with Hiro. Fuyumi couldn’t hear the conversation, but the little boy started to look more at ease.

“Kage, your buddies are Sero and Shoji.” Kage looked hesitant until Shoji waved an extra hand at him. He lit up and started asking if he was part spider too. Shoji mentioned that it was his quirk, just like Spider was Kage’s. Fuyumi was glad he subtly corrected Kage’s belief that he wasn’t entirely human. 

Sero noted the boy’s shoes and started a conversation about their shared favorite hero.

“Asami, you’re paired with Shinso and Jiro.” Asami walked slowly, guarded and hunched, hiding behind her long black hair. Jiro looked more nervous than excited, but Shinso seemed to be on the verge of exploding, holding himself back only so he wouldn’t scare his buddy.

“Tobio and Haruhi, you’ll both have the same buddies since we have eleven students in our class.” Tobio’s shoulder’s lost some of their tension. “You can go sit with Aoyama and Tokoyami.” Tobio stayed glued to Haruhi’s side. He looked up at Tokoyami with careful curiosity, jumping a little when Dark Shadow shot out to greet him. 

“You’re like us!” The sentient quirk chirped happily. Tobio’s damaged wings ruffled slightly. He usually only let himself go enough to do that when he was lost in a game.

Just when Aoyama seemed to deflate at the lack of attention he had received, Haruhi beamed at him and started to ask him questions. Aoyama was thrilled and- sparkling? How was he sparkling? Dark Shadow and Tobio were also impressed by the shiny display of joy. Tokoyami had his eyes shut and his arms folded muttering something about Dark Shadow promising not to embarrass him.

“Alex, your buddies are Sato and Shoto, my baby brother.” Shoto grimaced at that but Fuyumi grinned. The Cool Sister ship had passed, she’d just have to torment him. That was part of having siblings too.

Alex bolted toward Sato with both hands fisted in the air.

“Muffins!!!”

“I made cookies too.”

“Cookies!!”

Just as everyone started to complain about that not being fair Fuyumi whistled sharply.

“After everyone is seated with their buddies, Alex, Sato, and Shoto will bring treats around to share. Patti, you’ll spend today with Uraraka and Izuku.”

Izuku grinned at the copper haired girl somewhat awkwardly while Ochako waved her over. Patti went with a smile stretched across her face.

Aizawa nodded to someone behind his desk. Eri poked her head out and both Anya and Natsu waved at her. Shily she returned the greeting.

“Everyone,” Fuyumi addressed. “This is Eri. She’ll spend some time with every group today. Eri, would you like to help pass out the treats?”

Eri nodded enthusiastically and hurried over to Sato. She held out her hands with a determined expression.

“I won’t drop it this time.” She promised.

The groups talked to one another as the muffins and cookies were passed around. Kage had to pass up a cookie because it had mint in it. Apparently he was allergic. Fuyumi would be having words with his parents for neglecting to mention that on his school admission forms. But he was happy still because he got a muffin.

Alex purposely ‘forgot’ to give Kuro anything, taunting and teasing the easily riled boy. Eri hurried to place food in front of Kuro, who snatched up the chocolate cookie first, glaring at Alex.

“At least one of you is good.” He growled. 

Alex went from hurt to defensive in less than a second.

“Shut up! It was just a joke! I’m not a bad guy!”

Haruhi called from where she sat just behind them,

“Thank you again for these yummy treats! You did a great job passing them out, Alex.”

Alex preened, earlier offense quickly forgotten.

Thank you, Haruhi. Fuyumi thought, sure the girl could hear her. You are so kind. But it isn’t your job to keep everyone happy. I want you to feel happy too.

Haurhi avoided eye contact. It wasn’t the first time Fuyumi had tried to tell her this. That she was a child. She wasn’t responsible for taking care of anyone but herself.

“What do we say to Sato for such yummy treats?”

“Thank you!” The kids shouted.

“Color your favorite hero. That’s your homework.” Aizawa said bluntly.

The kids took up the challenge.

As Fuyumi had hoped, once Heroes were brought up, Hiro opened up. Eri, who was now sitting with them, talked animatedly with him. Even Tenya became enthused, talking about his older brother. Shoto nodded along occasionally, but was mostly focused on his green rabbit person. Fuyumi didn’t recognize them, she’d have to look it up. Hiro had drawn Gang Orca. She knew he was the boy’s favorite from class discussions rather than the clumsy drawing. Gang Orca looked scary and people didn’t always treat him kindly, but he was still kind. Hiro loved that. The boy only had a tuft of purple hair on top of his head, grown out as long as possible to cover more of his head. His skin was covered in green scales and his nose was pressed wide and flat. His dad and uncle shared his quirk. His uncle was his personal hero, especially after his dad passed away.

Izuku was drawing All Might, Uraraka had drawn a... Marshmallow? Thirteen! It was Thirteen. Patti stared at her blank page.

Uraraka noticed and asked if she had a favorite hero.

“Um. I used to. Now, I don’t know.”

Izuku shifted nervously before asking,

"So, Patti, uh, what's your quirk?" Tears filled brown eyes and Patti buried her face in her hands. "Ah! I'm sorry! What did I say? Please don't cry!" 

Uraraka pulled the girl into a hug and said,

"It's okay. Whatever is wrong, it'll be okay."

"But I'm quirkless! Nobody will love me ever again!" She wailed into Uraraka's shoulder.

"I'm sure it's not so bad-"

"No, it is pretty bad." Izuku said, hand under his chin. Uraraka looked like she might murder him so he scrambled to add, "But that doesn't mean that you're bad! It just means you'll have to work harder, that's all! You're still a good kid!"

Patti looked up at him with big, watery eyes and asked,

“Do you mean it?”

“Of course! You can still be anything you want to be!”

Patti ducked her head.

“Even, hic, even if I want to be a hero?” She asked, peeking up at him slowly, ready to hide her head again. Behind her, Kuro was turned around in his chair, glaring at her buddies with a crayon in his hand. A crayon that would quickly find its way to Izuku’s face if he answered wrong.

Izuku felt his own eyes watering as he said the words he’d so badly wanted to hear all his life.

“Yes. You can be a hero. Quirk, or no quirk.” 

Patti flung herself into his arms, sobbing and thanking him and Izuku didn’t really know what to do but cry and thank her back.

Uraraka joined their hug pile and added, sounding a bit choked up herself,

“Now that I think about it, there are plenty of quirks that support gear can copy! And loads of heroes that don’t use their quirks much at all!”

“That’s right!” Izuku said. “Not to mention there are Rescue Heroes that aren’t combat focused so being exposed to dangerous quirks wouldn’t even be a factor! And if you ever need any help, I’ll be there!”

Fuyumi felt a little misty eyed herself. 

Kuro turned and plopped back in his seat.

 “This was a good decision.” Aizawa muttered from her left. He was looking over at Shinso who was saying something Asami. They were too far away to hear, but both were a little choked up. Asami was holding up a surprisingly neat drawing of Shinso.

“We have good kids.” Fuyumi said as she smiled. Then, to save her an internet search, she asked, “Do you know of a green bunny hero?”

Aizawa choked on his jelly pouch.

Notes:

Were there buddies who you were expecting? What do you think? Is super hide and seek going to go well or end in disaster?
Kudos and Comments feed the squirrels. The squirrels write the chapters. You do not want a hangry brain squirrel.

Chapter 6: It Takes Time

Summary:

Eri makes some friends!

Notes:

Possible trigger warning, Eri is pretty hard on herself within her thoughts. And at one point her scars are mentioned. Don't know if that would be a major trigger for anyone but I want to be extra safe. I've spiraled because of stuff I read that wasn't tagged because objectively it wasn't a big deal. My trauma was just tied to that specific thing. So please keep yourselves safe!

Eri didn’t know what to think. She’d started the day ecstatic, a tense grimace that was supposed to be a smile kept appearing and tugging at her cheeks. But then, as soon as she saw Miss Yumi through the classroom door’s window, she hid under her dad’s desk and zipped herself into her yellow sleeping bag. 

How was she supposed to talk to other kids? Was she supposed to talk at all? What if they didn’t like her? Why would they like her? What if after spending time with normal kids, her dad and Deku and all her other friends realized how... wrong , she was.

She listened as Miss Yumi called out names and little feet pounded against the floor around her. Kage could probably smile. So could Sally. Anya and Hiro probably slept all night without waking up scared. Kuro and Alex probably had good quirks that they knew how to use. Deku said her quirk was wonderful, would he still think that after meeting Tobio and Asami?

Eri didn’t want to be alone again.

Resolve filled the little girl. She would just have to be better. She would just have to be normal. She crawled out of her sleeping bag and looked up at her dad. He nodded to her and she very bravely poked her head out from behind his desk. When two kids waved at her she copied the movement. It was stiff though, not enthusiastic or smooth the way theirs were. Already she was failing at being normal. 

“Everyone,” Teacher Yumi said. “This is Eri. She’ll spend some time with every group today. Eri, would you like to help pass out the treats?”

The last time Eri had been trusted with carrying snacks, Le Million’s goldfish had ended up scattered down the tile hallway. This was her chance to do it right. She ran up to Sato and held out her hands.

“I won’t drop it this time.” She promised. She snuck a peak at the boy next to her as they passed out the food. He was taller than her, with a big smile and two different colored eyes. His skin was a patchwork of dark chocolate and cream. His hands, which each held a muffin, didn’t have any scars.

Eri handed a boy with a funny mouth and lots of shiny black eyes a cookie. It was chocolate with mint frosting on top. Eri knew they were yummy because Sato had asked her to help him frost them. She’d carefully crafted each cookie to look as nice they could when decorated by a five year old with a popsicle stick. Alex probably got to use a butter knife like a big kid. He probably wasn’t afraid of them.

“Um, does this have any mint in it?” Eri jumped at the chance to answer his question.

“It does! The frosting has sugar and mint and, um... i-it’s really yummy!” She finished weakly, her cheeks red.

“It looks yummy. I can’t eat it. I’m sorry! I’m allergic.” Kage’s eyes were shining, like he was about to cry from all eight.

“Are you allergic to muffins?” Alex asked.

“No.” Kage shook his head furiously.

“Then you can have this one. It’s bigger than a cookie and it has chocolate too.”

Eri took back the cookie and ducked her head, feeling rejected.

“Could I have that cookie Eri?” Sero asked. “Mint chocolate is my favorite.”

“Here you go!”

“Thanks!”

Shoji added in a soft whisper,

“You’re doing great.”

Everyone else got their snacks without any trouble but Kuro. Haruhi kept looking at her like she knew what Eri was and where she came from and what her blood did and how it cost someone their life- But then Haruhi smiled at her and Eri thought that maybe the long empty looks directed at her hadn’t been intentional. Maybe she just forgot to make a face. Eri did that sometimes.

Then Kuro didn’t get a muffin.

He was getting angry and Eri didn’t want him to be unhappy. She had one job and she was going to do it! She placed a muffin and a cookie down in front of the boy and he snatched up the latter.

“At least one of you is good.” He growled. 

Eri was overjoyed at the praise for a split second. Then, she felt Alex tense next to her.

“Shut up! It was just a joke! I’m not a bad guy!”

Luckily, Haruhi diffused the situation. Eri wanted to be able to do that. Maybe that was something that normal kids could do. 

She followed Sato back to where his desk was pushed together with Shoto’s.

Then they got to color. Eri was seated next to a boy with a lizard quirk. Miss Yumi said his name was Hiro. Feeling especially nervous after every new thing that she’d experienced that morning, Eri fidgeted and whispered,

“I-I really like your name.”

Hiro ducked his head and fidgeted back.

Koda matched her voice level and asked,

“Do you two know what heroes you want to draw?”

Two heads perked up.

Iida cleared his throat. 

“I’m going to draw my elder brother, Ingenium.”

Hiro’s jaw dropped.

“Your brother is a hero?”

“He is. He’s recovering right now, but he’s still my hero.”

Hiro nodded in understanding.

“I like Gang Orca. He’s nice, even though he looks mean.”

Eri picked out the right yellow for Le Million’s hair.

“I’m gonna draw Le Million. He helped save me. I already drew my other heroes today.”

Eri and Hiro talked about their favorite heroes as they colored. Hiro’s was more like a circle and some scribbles, but Eri had lots of practice drawing her friends. It was fun to talk to Hiro! He knew so many different pros and what their quirks were. He even knew if they fought bad guys like her dad, or saved people like Granny, or both like LeMillion!

“Great work everybody! I see some wonderful pictures. Leave them at your desks and line up at the door. I’m going to let you stay with your buddies so long as you don’t run off. If anyone goes too far ahead we’ll have to use the rings again. Okay, line up.” 

“Eri, you’ll be walking with Tokoyami’s group.” Iida said. 

Eri nodded. She didn’t want to go. She just got used to Hiro. But she wouldn’t complain. She would be a good girl.

“It was nice to meet you, Hiro. I really liked to color with you.”

“Me too.”

Eri stood with the two new kids. Tobio and, and... Eri forgot. First she forgot what was in the frosting and now she forgot a name? It wasn’t hard, it was important. They’d never want to be her friend now.

“You’re Eri, right? My name’s Haruhi and this is Tobio. He doesn't like to talk much, but that’s okay.” Eri felt relief loosen everything in her that had been tight before.

“Hi. Thank you. For letting me walk with you.”

“I’m glad to meet you! Do you already know Aoyama, Tokoyami, and Dark Shadow? They’re really cool.”

Eri nodded.

“They’re my friends. Um, w-would you like to be my friends too?” Eri wished she was wearing her scarf so she could hide behind it.

Haruhi grabbed her hand, Tobio’s hand held on her other side, and swung them both back and forth as she moved to get in line.

“We’re already friends, silly. You gave me a cookie.”

Eri beamed and Aoyama cooed. He quickly moved to stand beside them once they filed out the door and into the wide hallway. Tokoyami was content to walk behind Tobio, but the boy seemed agitated. Fumikage moved into his line of sight and he relaxed. That... was concerning.

Natsu, from where he walked behind them with Kirishima and Ojio, asked,

“Hey, Eri? Do you have a tiger quirk?”

Eri slowed down so she could walk closer to him but paid special attention to the patterns on the floor tiles as she admitted,

“No. I don’t use my quirk. It’s too big for me right now.” But Ms. Kazue said that that was okay. That some quirks were just like that. But that with time and practice, Eri would be able to use her quirk really well!

“Huh? Then how come you have tiger stripes?”

Kirishima’s steps faltered.

The little boy was pointing to Eri’s scars. She’d taken off her little red knit jacket when they were coloring. She hadn’t even thought to put it back on. 

The scars were another thing that made her strange. Strange enough Natsu thought it was a quirk. Eri felt shame start to bubble up inside of her. Then, she saw Kirishima. From behind Natsu he held up his fist in front of his face in a ‘you got this’ type gesture. His smile was wide and unfaltering. Eri could see the thin, nearly unnoticeable scars that stretched in a splinter pattern from the hero student’s knuckles to his forearms. 

Taking a deep breath, and knowing that her temporary buddies and several others were listening, she declared,

“These are my hero marks. They show that I was brave, and didn’t give up, even when I was hurt.” She held up her arm to mimic Kirishima’s pose. 

Natsu ooo’ed in understanding, clearly impressed.

Kirishima was doing all he could to keep from crying manly tears. In front of Tokoyami’s group, Izuku was failing to do just that.

The rest of the walk was quiet. As quiet as twenty teenagers and twelve kindergarteners could be anyway. When they arrived at the training ground Fuyumi looked to Mr. Aizawa to explain.

He finished drinking his juice pouch before droning,

“Today’s exercise is hide and seek. You can go anywhere within the limits of the city zone. You can use your quirks but you have to stay with your buddy. Keep in mind, they’re Eri’s age. Sero, no hanging from the ceiling. Bakugo, no combat. Midoriya, no broken bones. Heroes don’t always want to be emulated, but someone is always watching. That’s part of the gig. Hiders get a ten minute headstart. Go.”

The students started forward but were slowed by the confused kids.

Fuyumi shouted with faux excitement,

“On your marks, get set, go!”

Shota watched as half a dozen small children shrieked and ran, one leaving a shoe behind.

The five and six year olds that had to wait were whining or trying to sneak ahead anyway. One had the gall to demand his own “squeezy pouch”.

Why anyone willingly taught primary education was beyond him. Teenagers were hard enough. Raising one kid was enough.

“It’s funny how similar they are, huh?” Fuyumi asked. 

Shota scowled but considered it. 

Last week Kaminari had tried and failed to sneak in a pizza, an entire pizza, and argued that it was only fair since Aizawa got to have his jelly pouches.

Mina, Aoyama, and Hagakure had tried to sneak off campus after hours to go see a concert.

He’d grounded Bakugo for a week after he tried to use his quirk to light the dorm’s gas stove after the pilot went out and nearly blew the whole place sky high.

Oh no.

Even before he took Eri in, he’d been a dad all along.

That meant he had twenty one kids.

He mentally slated a meeting with Nezu to discuss raising his pay. This had to be a breach of contract.

Parenthood was not supposed to be an occupational hazard.

Notes:

Poor Aizawa. Just give in. You wear sweatpants all day, have a scraggly beard, and eat meal substitutes. You've been a dad for years.
This chapter was hard to write. I'm bad at transitions. Please let me know if you liked it! Who do you think is going to win Hide and Seek?
Shout out to animorph516 and their OC! They have been a great support while writing this through kind comments.

Chapter 7

Sorry this isn't a chapter. It's been a while and I felt like I owed you guys an explanation. My grandma passed away a short while ago, and before that she needed full time care. Since I live with my grandparents, that care was coming from just my grandpa and me. It was about two months of working full time and then caring for my grandma through the night. I was glad to do it. I'm happy that I was able to help her live her last days with dignity and the assurance that she was loved. But it was exhausting. Physically and emotionally. Since then, it's been hard to write. I'm starting to get back into it though! I've started on the next chapter and am about halfway through. Even with school, I should be able to post it this weekend.

Some fun things that are going to happen!

Shinso uses the same tactics with kids that he uses when he approaches cats.
The majority of the next chapter is from Shinso's point of view!
Aizawa has a bunch of ducklings following him around. He's a kid magnet. He is still having his pre-midlife crisis.
His inner dad takes over and he shares his juice pouches.

Thank you for bearing with me. I love this story and appreciate everyone who's commented, kudoed, and enjoyed this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Chapter 8: Someone Like Me

Summary:

Shinso is excited and terrified. Asami is too. Jiro accidentally unlocks a tragic backstory.

Notes:

Shout out of love and gratitude for those who commented last chapter! Animorph516, MasterofAmber, and Lavenderrbooks, thank you for your support and words of comfort! They meant a lot to me!

Thanks for hanging in there with me! I hope you enjoy this chapter. I feel like it cuts off at a weird spot, but the next bit is really important and I think it needs its own chapter.

Shinso had had a very emotional day. Usually that would mean he’d have a panic attack or lost his temper. There was nothing usual about how the day had gone. He’d started out excited, the most excited he’s been since Mr. Aizawa first offered to teach him. He was also nervous. What if he messed up? He didn’t know how to talk to kids? Was it anything like talking to cats?

A cynical part of him wondered if he’d be paired with someone like him at all. It wouldn’t be the first time a teacher had forgotten him. Or lied to him. 

Eraserhead insisted that teachers were supposed to be people you could trust, and that if they weren’t then that was their fault, not his. But Shinso had had a lot of teachers and Aizawa was the first to tell him that.

Then Ms. Fuyumi’s class came in. He knew her as soon as she walked through the door. The little girl was hiding behind her hair, eyes guarded, head down. He made a note to pay attention to the little boy with the wings. His eyes darted around the room in a way he recognized. He was looking for exits. Maybe, if Shinso was feeling brave, he’d make sure Mr. Aizawa knew too.

Asami, as she had been introduced, was fairly quiet even after she got to their joined desks. 

Jiro was just as awkward as Shinso when it came to small talk, so the three of them sat in silence until the treats came.

He slid the muffin closer to her, being careful not to move too quickly or look directly at her.

He then started eating his cookie.

“It’s good.” It was probably good. Right then he could have been eating chili flavored toothpaste topped with mini M&M’s and crab meat.

“Do you like music?” Jiro finally asked.

“Sure.” Was all the response she got.

Shinso noted how quickly she ate her muffin, while her cookie remained untouched. He slid his own muffin over to her as well.

Jiro was starting to look at him like he was crazy, which he was used to but didn’t appreciate.

Asami glared down at her muffin, ignoring the outburst from Alex. I’m not a bad guy. She muttered softly,

“We aren’t, you know. Nobody here is bad. I know that’s why we had to come here, I hear Mrs. Sandival and Ms. Jin talking. You think we’re going to grow up to be bad kids because we have bad quirks. I hate people like you.” 

Jiro made a wounded sound in the back of her throat.

Shinso kept his eyes forward.

“Nobody here thinks that way.”

“Then why won’t you look at me? Isn’t it because you’re afraid I’ll use my quirk?”

Shinso turned to face her, surprised.

“Oh. I thought it was voice activated like mine-”

Little cheeks flushed with rage, not at him, but at how unfair it all was. Shinso knew that rage.

“How could a hero quirk be anything like mine.”

Her eyes, which she so carefully kept pointed at her muffin, were glossy with tears.

“Brainwashing.” She flinched. “That’s your quirk isn’t it?” She didn’t answer, didn’t want to answer, didn’t want to say it out loud- don’t make me- “It’s mine too.” Her little head snapped up to look at him, her jaw dropping. “I know. I know .”

Asami’s gaze slowly moved from Shinso to Jiro.

“And, and you aren’t afraid?”

Jiro snorted, still high strung from nerves. She twirled an ear jack around her finger as she spoke.

“Kind of hard to be afraid of a guy who feeds stray cats everyday. And then names them after Anime characters.”

“Who told you about Hina-tiny and Tabi-o?!”

“You aren’t as subtle as you think. Besides, I overhear a lot, whether I want to or not.” She shrugged.

“You really, we aren’t here for you to scare us?” Asami asked, amazed.

“You should never have to be scared of heroes.” Jiro insisted.

“Or teachers. If they mess that up, they’re the bad ones, not you.” Shinso added.

Asami took in that information, but didn’t comment on it. She was studying it out, he knew. Trying to see if it really was true, if they really believed it, and if it was a safe thing to agree with. Shinso and Jiro talked in calm tones about cats and the one obscure band they had in common until their ‘art’ assignment started. 

“I think I’m going to draw Present Mic. I kind of didn’t want him to be my favorite when I started the year. He’s a sound based hero and he loves music but I didn’t want to be, the next Present Mic. I want to be the first me, ya know. That’s probably pretty lame.”

Shinso shrugged.

“I don’t think you being you could ever be lame.” He was focused on getting Mr. Aizawa’s capture scarf just right- or as right as it could get with the stub of a broken crayon- so he didn’t see Jiro’s surprised and then grateful expression.

“Um.” Asami started. Shinso put down his crayon to look at her. Jiro did the same. She didn’t say anything else, just held up her paper for them to see.

Shinso felt his throat constrict and his eyes grow misty.

It was him. A giant head with crazy purple hair and grey half circles under the eyes.

He took a deep breath and looked her in the eye, one still obstructed by long black hair.

“I love it. I’ll try to be a good hero for you.”

Jiro, meanwhile, was putting on her best poker face. Her indifferent rebel face. Her, yes Mr. Aizawa I did do the reading, face. Her stomach was clenched as she concealed her true feelings.

Inside, Jiro was dying.

Dying of laughter. 

She wanted to roll on the floor and pound on her desk and this was supposed to be a tender moment but- but-

She’d drawn his eyebags!

With faux seriousness, Jiro inspected the picture.

“That looks just like him! I think there should be a bit more grey under his eyes, though.”

Shinso glowered but Asami appraised him and then nodded. She made the eyebags bigger.

“It’s okay, I have a hard time sleeping too.”

“Oh,” Jiro said, wanting to keep the conversation going. “is that a mental quirk thing? My ears are a bit less sensitive to loud noises, but sometimes there’s a ringing sound that keeps me awake.”

Asami shook her head and said,

“I don’t think so. My uncle told me that kids like me, with bad quirks, would get taken away at night. Did your uncle tell you that too?”

“Uh, I don’t have an uncle. But sometimes I would use my quirk on accident when I first got it. I always thought I was going to get kicked out of school or sent to jail. That’s not how it works though.”

Jiro looked horrified as she added,

“And you don’t have a bad quirk, neither of you.” 

Shinso took in her words, but didn’t say anything. Asami did the same.

Notes:

Shinso taking what Jiro said and not really believing it just like Asami didn't really believe what Shinso said was a parallel that I hope was obvious without being too obvious.
Shinso avoiding eye contact while delivering food is how he befriends stray cats. Also, how Aizawa first befriended him.

Notes:

Thanks for reading! Comments make me write faster. Love y'all, take care!
P.S. If anyone needs a beta reader or an internet Mom, I can and will be both.