Maybe We'll fix Each Other

Chapter 34

Eri paused, watching carefully as Hawks moved a hand down to idly mess with the fleece lining the hem of his jacket.

She wasn't used to seeing him look nervous. Even when he'd been hurt in the League's cell, nearly toppling over, he had seemed put together.

Right now, she could see the anxiety coiled up in him like a snake.

He was perched on the edge of Aizawa's couch, leg bouncing up and down while glancing at the clock.

Dabi was sitting down at his side, slouched into the sofa cushions with a bored expression on his face.

But Eri noticed the way his eyes kept flicking towards Hawks. Keeping an eye on him. Like he did with her when he was worried and thought Eri didn't notice.

Aizawa had left maybe five minutes ago to go get a "friend" who was going to help Hawks with something. He had also threatened to check up on Dabi's tracker if he came back and the two of them were gone. Apparently the two of them had snuck off somewhere yesterday without telling anyone. Aizawa had seemed both proud of whatever he'd done but also incredibly exasperated. Eri wasn't sure. They didn't really explain it to her.

But now Hawks was nervous. And it was her job to help him feel better.

She puffed up her chest and picked up her trusty stuffed cat she'd been playing with. It had definitely seen better days, with parts of its fur burned off and a tear in the side that Dabi had haphazardly sewn shut, but it was still good for hugging.

It was the first toy she'd ever gotten. Dabi had bought it for her way back when they'd still been in hiding. She'd held it out to Dabi when he was hurting, right before Aizawa had taken them in. Now it was Hawks's turn.

Eri tucked it behind her back and strutted over, stopping in front of Hawks with determination. He froze and looked down at her curiously.

"Here," Eri said resolutely. She pulled the little stuffed cat out with straight arms, holding it inches from his face. "It'll help you feel better."

Hawks reflexively jerked his face back in surprise, but then laughed and relaxed. He reached up and accepted the toy gently, holding it in one hand and patting it on the head with the other.

Eri smiled when he gave her a small grin. He already looked happier!

"Thank you, Eri," he said, setting the toy on his knee and adjusting its little paws to make it look like it was sitting up. "Does it have a name?"

Eri stepped closer so she could pet it, too. "Yep," she said simply. "This one is just Cat!"

Hawks's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Let me guess, Dabi named it, didn't he?"

Eri looked up at him in surprise. "How did you know that?"

Hawks sent Dabi a look over his shoulder, causing Dabi to grumble and lift his leg so he could kick Hawks in the side with a 'shut the fuck up.'

Hawks laughed and swatted Dabi's boot away, using his hand to protect his ribs from more attacks.

"Are you okay?" Eri asked, tilting her head up at Hawks.

Hawks hesitated before giving a nod. "I think so," he answered. "Just...talking about some stuff can be hard. And I'm going to have to talk about some stuff with Aizawa's friend."

Eri gave a small hum. That was true about talking. She didn't really like talking about the time she spent before Dabi had found her.

"Do you want to practice?" Eri offered. She reached forwards and turned the stuffed cat's face Hawks's way. "He's a good listener!"