LOST // BAKUGO X OC

Consoling Loved Ones

Dipping her spoon back into her cereal bowl, Estelle jolted in her seat as tiny limbs wrapped around her middle. Jerking from the unexpected action, the silverware clanging against the ceramic bowl so loudly that she winced, her eyes met with wide, innocent globes for a moment before she softened.

The noise alerted the rest of the students, their heads spinning to the duo quickly before relaxing at the picture. It was the student's day off, and most of them ate breakfast later than usual, so it was no surprise that Eri had made an appearance. The young girl was often seen around the dorms at various parts of the day, usually attached to Mirio by the hip as they worked on Eri's quirk.

"Estelle! I did it!"

Giving Eri a gentle smile as she could not hold herself back from such a glowing grin, Estelle reached over to lift the girl who was awkwardly holding onto her because of the positioning of her seat. Situating her nicely on her legs, Estelle chuckled when Eri used the new position to her advantage, her tiny arms wrapping around her neck as she leaned up in anticipation.

Assuming Eri was chattering about her training, Estelle murmured, "Well done, cub. You made that lizard better, huh?"

Eri's whole body bounced as she gave an exaggerated nod, her delicate voice holding a new strength to it as she cheered, her legs hanging on each side of Estelle's thighs, dancing back and forth as she revelled within the praise from the female. "Uh-huh!"

Estelle grinned, giving a secretive wink as she whispered, "Do you want to know something?"

Intrigued, the young girl nodded rapidly before moving her head so her right ear was in full view.

"I knew you could do it."

Estelle simmered in her delight as she witnessed those adorable eyes turn expansive with astonishment that never needed to be there. It was no shock to realise that Eri probably had never received much praise just like she had, and the knowledge made Estelle's heart pinch. It flared something within Estelle, a deep desire to ensure the little girl grew up with only a distant memory of what happened with Overhaul. She would get to grow up surrounded by good people who would be able to water her wilted flower into full bloom.

She hoped the savings she requested Mr Aizawa to put aside for Kota and Eri would be enough for them to feel supported when they left the nest. It was odd to Estelle that money was so important, but she knew it was because it never mattered in the spirit realm. The only thing that came close was trading, but money was never a part of that transaction. Usually, it was weapons, charms, woodworking or home items.

She just wanted to make sure they would be okay and happy.

"You did?" Eri eventually asked, disbelief in her voice as she held onto Estelle's neck tightly.

Holding back her wince at the fact Eri was touching the skin Estelle had made bleed a few days ago from her insistent scratching, Estelle ignored it in favour of scoffing as if Eri was ridiculous for questioning her. Raising her voice, she exclaimed, "Of course I did! Who helped Izuku take out a big bad villain?"

"Me?"

Feeling her soul melt into the chair at the cute tone, Estelle wasn't prepared to let Eri simmer in her uncertainty. "It sure was! It certainly wasn't your best buddy, Mr Snuggles!" she chimed, her head jerking towards the stuffed rabbit she dropped to the ground in her haste to reach Estelle.

Eri giggled, briskly shaking her head at the accusation before yelling, "Mr Snuggles isn't my best friend, silly! L'Million, Deku, and you are!"

Estelle felt her cheeks lift instantaneously from the correction, her chest unable to hold the intake of emotion from such honest words. Yanking her tiny body up to her shoulder, Estelle cooed, "Now, don't let Mr Snuggles hear the end of that! He'll never let it go! The horror! Someone cover his ears!"