Viridescent

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Fathers

Inko decided it would be safer to just drive Izuku and Katsuki back to U.A herself. It was getting dark, and although they still had ample time to make the train, she took it upon herself to ensure the boys would get to their dorms safely. It was a motherly thing.

So after fighting T'Challa back into his carrier, the little family drove to U.A.

Everyone was getting tired, so talking was simple and short amidst the displeased, feral growls made by the comically tiny kitten. Katsuki kept the crate in his lap in the front seat, while Izuku sat in the back with Eri and the rest of T'Challa's pet supplies. The kitten eventually quieted, save for a few rumbles.

Izuku absently carded his fingers through Eri's hair, watching the cars flit by through the window. She was leaning against him, happy to be near his warmth again.

Katsuki glanced from the little girl in the backseat, ensuring she was too absorbed in Izuku's presence before looking to Inko. "She's doing good without us around, right?"

Inko didn't take her eyes off the road as she considered the question. "I can tell she's a little put-out by it. She's quieter without you two, but I think she's still happy."

Izuku looked up at his mother, having picked up some of the conversation. "Have the police found anything yet? About where she came from, or..."

"I haven't been told anything you don't already know," Inko murmured, sighing a little. Her lips curved up into a smile a moment later. "But about her legal situation...I finally managed to get permission to file an adoption form for her!"

"Really?!" Izuku exclaimed. "That's great!"

Katsuki grunted, but he had a small grin on his face. "About time."

"It's a lengthy process," Inko agreed. "But a necessary one. The police have been a big help and I think it should be relatively quick, but...she'll officially be a member of the family, soon."

Izuku gave her a little smile as Eri looked up at him, unsure what any of that meant. "How about that? Think you can handle us forever, Eri?"

Eri buried her face into Izuku's arm, trying to hide the happy blush and large smile spreading over her cheeks as he laughed and ran gentle fingers through her hair.

When they arrived at U.A, Aizawa was waiting for them by the gates. The Pro gave each of them a quick scan with his eyes to ensure none of them were impostors before grunting and inclining his head towards the school. "Okay, we're good."

His eyes locked onto the carrier in Katsuki's arms and narrowed for a moment. "Except for that. What do you have there?"

"An animal," Katsuki muttered. "Dr. Doolittle keeps a ton of them in his room, doesn't he? I can have one, too."

"I'll be the judge of that," Aizawa retorted, leaning down to inspect the creature inside of the crate. He blinked at the little black kitten, who blinked back before opening his mouth and roaring like a lion. The Pro merely raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

Izuku gave their teacher a nervous smile. "He's got a Quirk, but it just lets him sound like big cats! He's harmless otherwise..."

"...fine. The cat can stay," Aizawa decided surprisingly quickly. "But it's your responsibility and I fully expect you to take him to Hound Dog for a vet checkup at your first opportunity."

"Yes, sir," Izuku nodded, grateful for the acceptance.

"M-mister?" Aizawa blinked and looked down at Eri, who was clinging onto Izuku's sleeve nervously. "Can I, umm...c-can I sleep over with Izu?"