Undead Revolution (⛔☁️)

S6 - 9. [All Settled In]

Teskai emerged from the kitchen as Katsuki arrived, holding a steaming cup of tea. He offered a warm smile as he set the cup down. "Hey, welcome back"

Eri peaked over the couch, her eyes curiously watching the him. She could see the blood on him, obviously. He'd tried to clean it off but he wasn't used to cleaning his suit while it was still on. Teskai was used to it, so he'd never had to.

Teskai tilted his head back to Eri, who was still watching. "How about I make us some snacks? We've got cookies"

Eri's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of cookies. She'd quickly grown to like sweets and all the like since she'd been rescued.

Which was something they enabled either way. As long as she was eating, they didn't interfere. Recovery Girl had mentioned her being underweight.

Before he headed back to go changed and showered, he pulled out a small knife from one of his pouches. Katsuki stepped over to the couch and handed it to Eri.

It was a new one, small enough for her to grasp and light enough for her to wield. He'd stopped by his weapons dealer on the way back from the job he'd just completed.

It was becoming a habit, but if having a weapon in nearby helped her relax, who was he to stop?

"Teskai is gonna need some help 'round here. Think you can help 'im?"

"Yes! If... If I can"

He ruffled her hair.

As he left to go clean up, he heard Teskai casually called from the kitchen. "So, Eri, you like painting? I've got supplies that I need to start using"

Eri gave a quiet agreement. Teskai's presence was reassuring, and it was clear he was making an effort to make Eri feel at home.

By the time he returned in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, Teskai had already set up a small painting station on the floor. Katsuki sat down beside her as she picked up a brush. Within seconds, she became fully absorbed in the vibrant colors in front of her, seeming to lose herself in the simple joy of painting.

A good outlet. He had to appreciate how far Teskai was going to give her coping methods. Granted, it was mostly because one mercenary was enough to handle, but the teen's ability to handle children was a skill he envied.

The three of them were soon sprawled on the floor, surrounded by craft supplies. Eri was dipping her brush into a palette of bright colors, her initial hesitation melting away as she got absorbed in the task.

Katsuki sat beside her, focusing on his own painting. He wasn't an artist by any stretch, but the activity was therapeutic.

Teskai's own painting was definitely abstract, a mashup of geometric shapes and swirling palettes. It was no Picasso piece, but Katsuki could recognize a talent when he saw one.

Eri glanced at Teskai's, a bright smile appearing on her face. "I like the colors"

Teskai observed hers in return. "If you keep up with this, you might just become a famous artist one day"

Eri giggled softly, echoing a genuine enjoyment. Katsuki felt a rare moment of contentment, watching as Eri began to open up and engage more. The atmosphere in the apartment was warm and filled with the soft sound of their shared laughter. It was nice.

As the evening progressed, they wrapped up their painting session and Katsuki helped Eri clean up. He felt something he thought he'd lost: a purpose.

Now that Department K and Francis were gone, he hadn't known what to do with himself. Sure, he was helping the League, but it was more of a job to him.

But this? He could devote himself to making sure Eri grew up well. It was something he could do. Something that filled the hole Department K had left.

Word Count: 658