Poison From The Same Vine

13 | A Much-needed Reunion

- THIRD PERSON POV -

Eri ran forward, hugging his leg. "Kacchan!"

He blinked a few times before acknowledging that Eri was, in fact, actually here. He crouched down, hugging the girl tightly before picking her up. "Hi, Eri," he greeted, ruffling her hair playfully.

She giggled, and Katsuki didn't realise how much he missed that genuine laugh of hers. It had been so long since he heard her laugh like that. He couldn't help but smile at her. Maybe now she could enjoy her childhood without being scared of Overhaul's sessions every day of her life.

He looked up at Aizawa. "When was she discharged?"

"This morning. Before we came here, 'Zashi took her shopping to get some necessities such as clothes and introduced her to the other staff members."

Eri's eyes sparkled. "Mister Mic took me to this big place with lots of uh.."

"Mic took her to a mall with lots of shops." Aizawa translated.

"Yeah! I was a bit scared because there were lots of people but then Mister Mic took me to a small shop and we got lots of things!" she smiled.

Katsuki smiled again. "Wow, that sounds like you had a great time, Eri! Mister Mic sounds really nice."

She nodded. "He's so nice! Like, like you and Zuku!" her smile dropped and she looked around. "Where's Zuku?"

"Don't worry, he's just waiting inside. Do you want to see him?" he asked, moving her a bit so she was balancing on his hip. Eri nodded vigorously, showing him an adorable determined face. "Alright," he agreed.

He opened the door more, walking into the now-shared dorm room. Shota followed behind him, closing the door shut and standing beside the door frame.

Katsuki walked over towards the bed, sitting down on the comfy duvet. Eri squirmed in his hold for a second, shuffling around to see where the green-haired boy was. The boy in question was sitting cross-legged on the bed, tilting his head at the girl.

"Eri?" he questioned.

Eri's eyes sparkled. She quickly got out of Katsuki's grip and jumped onto Izuku, who was not prepared to catch a seven-year old, but still tried his best.

He ended up with Eri cuddled up against his chest, her small arms wrapped tightly around his waist. She was tired, her continuous yawns and fluttering eyes making that obvious. Maybe the events of the day had worn her out.

Either way, Izuku quickly shifted himself, holding her protectively against his chest in a tight grip. With his free hand, he tucked a few strands of loose hair behind her ears.

"Is she alright?" Shota asked from where he stood beside the door frame.

Katsuki nodded. "She's fallen asleep on Zuku,"

Izuku looked up at Aizawa at that point, now caressing the young girl's hair. "Can she stay here tonight, 'Zawa?"

He sighed. "Alright. I'll pick her up in the morning, okay?"

The green-haired boy nodded excitedly. "Thank you, 'Zawa!"

"No problem, kiddo. Now, get some rest, alright?"

"Will do." Katsuki said.

Katsuki awoke to see Eri in front of him, shaking him continuously. He quickly sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"What's wrong, Eri?" he whispered.

She fiddled with her fingers nervously. "I think something's wrong with Zuku.."