Pack Means Family

The Pups Continue to Heal

Between reporters just outside the hospital, again, and a long car ride home, Izuku had slipped back into a completely nonverbal, clingy infant-like state.  He had gotten whiny and teary eyed once they reached their home.   

Yamada had fallen into a maternal roll immediately.  He'd cooed softly at their boy as he lifted him from the car.   Nora had let them keep the pacifier which Yamada had offered back to their boy.   It didn't take much to get Izuku settled into the softest pajamas he owned, and one of the left-over pull-ups, before moving to the boy's nest.

Aizawa sipped at his coffee as he watched Yamada cradling their boy and rocking side to side while he hummed.  There was something...healing about having the chance to take care of an 'infant' that was their own child.  He had called Inui when they got home and the man had assured him that this was a healthy coping mechanism if they worked with it right.  Aizawa had answered some questions and Inui determined that Izuku was probably regressed to about age two.   The man had given some tips and wished them luck.

"My love," Yamada called softly, getting his attention.   "Someone wants his dad."

Aizawa blinked and looked at their boy who was sniffling and whining as he reached his arms out.   The insomniac set aside his coffee and walked over.

"I'm coming, my pup," Aizawa smiled as he gently pulled his son into his arms and held him close.   He smiled as Izuku huffed and snuggled close to him.   "Dad's here."

Yamada rosed and stretched and kissed Aizawa's cheek.   "I'm going to see about making him something to eat or drink."

Aizawa nodded and watched Yamada walk out before he began to stroll slowly around their sons' room.  As he walked, he began to talk.

"Once upon a time," Aizawa rumbled softly, "two young princes found a family when they least expected it.  Their new family gifted them soft toys to cuddle and new clothes that kept them warm.   They had their own room and fresh food every day.  And they had a whole, huge family who asked them about their dreams."

He smiled as he felt his son relaxing further in his arms.  "The two princes said they wanted to be brave warriors someday, but everyone else had told them they weren't enough."

Izuku whined, turning his face into Aizawa's shoulder.   The man smiled and contemplated getting them a rocking chair for their home for days like today.  

"But you know what happened when they shared their dream with their new family?" Aizawa prompted, shrugging his shoulder very gently.   He saw wet green eyes look up at him.   "Their new dad and papa told them that if they worked hard enough, that their dream could be a reality.  They could be the bravest warriors the world had ever seen."

Izuku's eyes, while tears still clung to his lashes, were bright with curiosity.  

"And their papa and dad called upon their whole new family to ask if they thought the boys could be warriors," Yamada added as he rejoined.   "And each one loudly proclaimed that yes, they knew both boys were going to be the strongest warriors their world had ever seen."

Aizawa laughed deeply when Izuku perked up more.   The boy had yet to release his iron grip of Aizawa's shirt, but he seemed a bit more aware.   The raven-haired man gently settled into the nest with Izuku on his lap and Yamada settling beside them.

"How we feeling, kitten?" Yamada asked gently.  There was some relief when Izuku plucked the pacifier from his mouth.

"Sore," he whispered.   "I...I am sorry."

Yamada smiled gently and kissed his forehead.   "Nothing to be sorry about, little listener."

"Very true," Aizawa assured.   "I've already talked to your uncle, and this can be a very normal coping skill.   It's even helped us a bit."