LOST // BAKUGO X OC

The School Festival

Estelle spent the early morning on patrols before heading back to UA to meet Mirio and Eri for the class's performance. Meeting with the duo by the gate, Estelle joined them as they visited the class backstage.

"Hey! How are you guys feeling?" Mirio asked jovially, his usual sunny expression on his face.

Ignoring the students and their responses, Estelle turned to face the girl hiding behind her leg. Tapping the hand clinging onto her jeans to get Eri's attention. Estelle crouched down to whisper into her ear.

"You want me to hold you?" Estelle muttered kindly. The little girl gave a timid nod, and Estelle felt her heart warm as she lifted her up to the side at her torso. Wasting no time, Eri used the opportunity to try to hide her face in Estelle's neck. Giving a slight chuckle, Estelle turned her head to the shy child with encouraging eyes. "You've hidden long enough. You don't need to do that here."

Eri stilled in her arms, stunned at the understanding the girl had of her. Tilting her head back up, Eri gave a slight nod as she straightened up to face the class. It didn't last for long as the young girl peeked towards Estelle for reassurance but stilled at the expression on her face.

Estelle was giving her a proud look, and if Eri could, she would have returned it with a beam of her own. With renewed vigour and determination, Eri faced the class head-on, her fingers twisting in Estelle's jumper from her nervousness.

"You are a brave cub", Estelle murmured, gazing at the child fondly as she tried to overcome things held within. Turning to face the class herself, her eyes caught ruby staring at the duo. Unable to move her sights away, Estelle allowed herself to feel the soft gaze for a moment before forcing her head elsewhere. Heat crawled up her neck from the action; that was weird.

"Where is Midoriya?! He was supposed to just get ropes! What's taking him so long?" Kirishima complained once Mr Aizawa arrived.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon", Their teacher responded simply.

"Do you want me to find him?" Estelle asked, her brows furrowed in slight concern. She didn't want spirits tracking his scent. Estelle had taken many precautions to ensure the class's safety, but she could never be one hundred per cent sure.

Shaking his head, Mr Aizawa responded, "No, it's fine for now. If he isn't back in the next while, I'll send you out to find him."

Nodding in agreement, Estelle turned back to Mirio, who was staring at the bracelet on Eri's wrist. "Your bracelet is so pretty!" He commented, his head close to Eri's hand.

Their eyes trailed to follow Mirio's gaze, and Estelle let out another small smile from the sight. Lifting her own hand, Estelle showed off her own wrist to those watching.

"Look, I made another one. So, we match", Estelle added with a wink, hoping it would help put her at ease.

Eri's big eyes trailed to Estelle's wrist in wonder. "How did you do that? It's so pretty!"

Estelle's eyes turned muted from the question, the memories ringing out in her mind wistfully. "A dear friend showed me how to."

"Wow! They must be talented!" Mirio added jovially.

Estelle only responded with a slight nod. Her eyes still gazing at the bracelets on their wrists. Eri was the only one who seemed to pick up on Estelle's demeanour change. Raising her hand to Estelle's cheek, the pained teen's gaze moved to the child in her arms. "It's okay," the empathetic girl murmured.

Estelle's grip tightened on the child from the words, her throat constricting from the simple words that managed to hit her so profoundly. It would never be okay. Shaking her head to remove the thoughts, Estelle reminded herself that now wasn't the time. This was supposed to be a joyful day for the class. She could put those thoughts off for when she was alone.