Meraki (Aizawa and Eri x Girl! Reader Fanfic)

Chapter 6

"Eri-chan!"

The booming voice of the two boys echoed around the room and probably throughout the hallway. The two visitors, Togata-kun and Midoriya-kun, went in with a basket filled with fruits. They bowed their heads as a greeting when they saw me. This is the first time Eri has requested something, so I will see to it that it is granted.

I initially expressed my concern to Doctor Midorima because I had been told to keep Eri away from anyone who might remind her of the incident. Doctor Midorima, on the other hand, assured me that there was nothing to worry about because she lacked the energy to go berserk right now. Her horn is even smaller than we first met. We presumed that it is the source of her quirk's power and the size indicates its strength.

I'm a little worried though. Ever since she asked me to meet the boys yesterday, she has gone quiet again. Not even Paw Patrol can cheer her up nor when I gave her the jellies that became her favorite. I just wish I can do something to stop her from feeling guilty completely.

But I know that it takes time to move on from everything. I hope that our love and support will be enough to push her forward just as I did when I was young.

"Sorry, we couldn't come to visit until now," Midoriya spoke first while Togata presented the basket he's holding and finding out that Eri's favorite fruit is an apple.

"Do you want to eat some, Eri?" I approached the three and when Eri nodded, I took an apple from the basket and headed to the sink to peel them.

Once I've peeled them, I put them on her bedside table and excused myself to give Eri some space and for her to express what she's bottling up since yesterday.

As I stepped out of the room, I noticed Aizawa leaning against the wall beside the door. I walked to the other side and rested my back against the wall. When Eri asked for Midoriya's name, I couldn't help but smile. I wasn't expecting it to be Eri's first words, but she's a polite girl all the way.

"Mr. Lemillion, Mr. Deku..." she started after they were done with introductions.

"...and the man wearing glasses. You were all hurt so bad because of me."

I closed my eyes tightly. We haven't revealed anything about Nighteye to her. As I previously stated, she believes everything is her fault and bears the burden of responsibility for everything that has occurred. I don't want to add to her grief by informing her that Nighteye is no longer alive. I'll tell her when I'm confident she can handle the truth.

My eyes found Aizawa's somber ones. We stayed silent as we waited for what Eri has to say next.

"I'm so sorry that you had to feel so much pain because of me. Because of m-" her voice broke at that moment and I cupped my mouth in empathy.

"Because of me, Mr. Lemillion lost his powers," her sniffles soon followed. Eri must have been tormenting herself about this ever since that day.

Aizawa approached me and gently patted my back. It's as if he can sense how I'm breaking down on the inside. He doesn't say anything, and he's not looking at me, but just having him nearby is enough support. The room was silent apart from the little girl's sniffles when Togata exclaimed her name.

"Not a single one of us is in pain," Eri's cry stopped. "All everyone's thinking right now is 'I'm glad that Eri is safe' There's no one you need to apologize to. So, you can relax!" Togata continued.

This is exactly what Eri needs to hear. She needs to understand that she is not to blame for anything. It is said that a hero must save the day. But the truth is that it is not solely our obligation. It is our deep desire and passion to be someone's light in the darkness, to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.