#so I decided that he'd say deku-san like eri

[thelazyhermits]

A Hero In Their Eyes

Earlier this week, for my birthday, @euan112358 posted an epilogue to the Fortune birthday fic they wrote which included presents from Melissa Shield and Kouta and the Pussycats. This drabble, which is honestly too long to really be called a drabble, has to do with the conversation Iida and Midoriya had about Kouta that was in the fic. 

I hope y’all enjoy it! ^-^

A week after your talk with Hawks, you find out from Aizawa that Kouta and the Pussycats will be paying Class 1-A and Class 1-B a visit later that day. He asks you to pass along the message to the students and puts you in charge of keeping everyone in line while the visitors are here. 

Shortly after your talk with Aizawa, your Quirk activates, showing you a brief vision of Ragdoll tackling you with a hug. Obviously, the older woman is going to be very happy to see you when she comes to visit today. 

Apparently, after she eventually regained consciousness, one of the first things Ragdoll said was that you had been kidnapped that night along with her. While you had no idea that she had also been taken until you saw the news articles, she could tell thanks to her Quirk during the brief period of time you were both in the same building. 

Despite her obviously traumatic experience, Ragdoll’s first instinct upon waking up after being rescued was to find out how you were doing. She wanted to make sure that you had been rescued too and that you hadn’t been hurt. 

You had been completely moved to tears when Aizawa told you that. Even though she could’ve been resentful over the fact that you were able to use your Quirk to save your students but not her, she wasn’t. Instead, the older woman was just genuinely worried about you and even regretful over the fact that she wasn’t able to save you. 

Ragdoll truly is a hero through and through. Even though most people might not recognize her as one now that she has no Quirk, you’ll always consider her to be a hero. 

That’s why you want to do something special in preparation for today’s visitors. Even though Aizawa said they won’t be staying for very long, you’d like to make something they can take with them and enjoy later when they get the chance.

So, after giving the students and Eri the big news, you head for the kitchen. While the kids are running around the dorm, working to make everything presentable for guests, you start baking a variety of cookies with the help of Satou and Eri.

Considering how much Pixie Bob and Ragdoll enjoyed the cookies they pilfered at the camp, you figure they’d be happy to receive some cookies as a present. You decide to make more than one kind since they all likely have different tastes, and you want to make cookies that they can all enjoy. 

As a result, you end up spending a good amount of time in the kitchen. When the Pussycats eventually arrive for their visit, you’re actually still in the kitchen, making a few last minute touches to the cookies.

While Satou offers to stay with you to help, you tell him to go welcome the guests while you and Eri take care of finishing the cookie decorating since you’re both almost done. Once you’re completely satisfied with your work, you and Eri quickly clean yourselves up before heading for the living room.

Almost immediately after you leave the kitchen, the event from the vision you had earlier today happens.

“Kitten!”

Faster than you can blink, a green haired blur tackles you with enough force to knock you to the floor. Dimly, you’re aware of Mandalay scolding Ragdoll for her behavior while Tiger and Pixie Bob are laughing in the background. Most of the students are either fighting back the urge to laugh or are grinning at your current predicament. 

Ragdoll affectionately rubs her cheek against yours as she squeezes you as tightly as possible. “It’s so good to see you, Kitten! Have you been doing well?! You look great!”

The corners of your lips quirk upwards as the older woman finally pulls her face away from yours, giving you the chance to speak. “It’s good to see you too, Ragdoll-san. I’m glad to see you’re doing well. To answer your question, I’ve been doing great. Right now, I’m feline paw-sitively purr-fect!”

And now all the Pussycats are laughing. Mandalay has a hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle her laughter while Ragdoll is giggling so hard she has rolled off you and onto the floor. Naturally, your puns just make Tiger and Pixie Bob laugh harder.

Eri giggles from her spot near you, thankfully far enough away that she didn’t get knocked down along with you when you got tackled. The majority of your students react like her, with the exception of Todoroki who just huffs in amusement and Bakugou who rolls his eyes, looking as if he wishes this visit would hurry up and end for the sake of his sanity.

As this is happening, Kouta, who reacts like Bakugou, finally decides to take action. While he was originally standing with Midoriya, the dark haired boy moves to approach your current location.

Just as you push yourself into a sitting position, a pair of hands abruptly grabs your cheeks and starts pulling on them, making you wince. When you turn to see who the cheek puller is, you’re surprised to see Kouta glaring at you.

Mandalay’s laughter abruptly cuts off as she gives her nephew a scandalized look. “Kouta! What are you doing?!”

Everyone else also stops laughing when they see what Kouta is doing. While the rest of the Pussycats appear amused by his actions, most of your students are staring at him with wide eyes. Midoriya appears panicked while Bakugou has his eyes narrowed. 

At his aunt’s shout, Kouta finally releases your cheeks, releasing a huff as he does so. A pout forms on your lips as you move to rub your sore cheeks. “What was that for, Kouta-kun?”

He scowls, “That’s what you get for being a liar. You’re lucky I decided to go easy on you.”

Confusion dawns your features. A liar? What does he mean by that?

Eri frowns at the other child as she moves to clutch your shirt. “Y/N isn’t a liar.”

Iida starts aggressively chopping his hands this way and that. “Eri-kun is correct! Y/N-sensei is one of the most honest and trustworthy people I know! I ask that you cease this slander at once, Kouta-kun! I will not tolerate such words being spoken about our teacher! I-”

Before he can continue defending you, you raise a hand to silence him and the other students who looked like they wanted to add in their own two cents. After thanking the bespectacled boy for his kind words, you bring your gaze back to Kouta and raise an eyebrow. “So, why exactly am I a liar?”

Kouta crosses his arms. “You told me you weren’t a hero.”

Your eyebrows furrow. “But I’m not.”

His scowl deepens. “Don’t give me that crap. The reason you got kidnapped at the camp was because you saved your students, right? Last time I checked, heroes are people who save others when they’re in danger even at their own expense which is exactly what you did that night. You even came with Eraserhead to save me and Midoriya-nii-chan. Do you seriously expect me to believe you’re not a hero after you did all that?”

All you can do is stare. Of all the things he could say, you definitely weren’t expecting that. 

As you try to think of a response, an unexpected voice breaks the silence that had enveloped the room after Kouta finished speaking.

“The brat’s right.”

Immediately, every set of eyes moves to focus on Bakugou who’s calmly approaching you. When he sees your wide eyed expression, the blond rolls his eyes. “Why do you look so surprised? I was one of the people you saved, remember?”

Looking surprisingly serious, Bakugou holds your gaze after he crouches before you. “You can say that you’re not a hero all you want, but I ain’t ever gonna buy that crap. And neither is anyone else who actually knows you. So, you’re better off just giving it a rest, Sensei.”

Tears prick the corners of your eyes at your student’s words. “Bakugou…”

At that moment, a familiar weight wraps around your shoulders, and you turn to see Dark Shadow grinning at you. “Me and Fumikage feel the same way, Y/N! It’s because of you that the villains couldn’t hurt us! You’re our number one hero!”

The urge to cry grows when Tokoyami nods his head after coming to a stop beside Bakugou. “It is true. I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of the title ‘hero’ than you, Sensei. I can only hope to one day become the kind of hero for others that you were for me.”

Iida vigorously nods his head as he chops one of his hands in your direction. “I am in full agreement! I’ve said it once and I will say it again. You will always be seen as a hero in my eyes and in the eyes of the Iida family for what you did to save my brother.”

A proud smile forms on his face. “Now, I have two heroes that I admire and aspire to become more like!”

Just when you think your heart can’t take anymore, Eri gently tugs on your shirt, gaining your attention. When your teary eyes fall on her, she sweetly smiles, “You’re my hero too, Y/N. You were the first person to show me kindness and give me hope. You saved me from the darkness.”

Having reached your limit, you pull the silver haired girl into a hug and start bawling, unable to contain the happiness you’re currently feeling thanks to everyone’s words. Even though it’s true you had heard Iida say similar words before, you never expected for anyone else to consider you a hero. To think, your students and Eri had been feeling that way about you all this time.

“Look what you bastards did! You made her cry!”

“Shut up, you fu-I mean-stupid brat! You’re the one who started this stupid conversation in the first place!”

“Bakugou-kun! Kouta-kun! Cease your fighting at once! We should focus on consoling, Y/N-sensei!”

“Fumi, come join me in hugging Y/N! That’ll cheer her up!”

“I...I think someone else would be better suited for that role, Dark Shadow.”

While Eri returns your hug in hopes of offering comfort, Ragdoll gently pats your head as she smiles, “You’re really loved, huh, Kitten?”

A wobbly smile forms on your lips as you sniffle, “Yeah, I’m really lucky.”

Not wanting to worry everyone further, you quickly start scrubbing your eyes and attempt to rein in your tears. Yaoyorozu kindly offers you a handkerchief to help you with this endeavor. 

Once you’ve finally calmed down, you release your hold on Eri after giving her a smile to show you’re alright. You then direct your gaze to Kouta and focus that smile on him. “While it was unintentional, it looks like I did lie to you after all. Sorry, Kouta-kun. I hope we can still be friends.”

Kouta averts his gaze. “Whatever. I’ll let it slide this time. Just don’t do it again.”

That’s when Mandalay approaches your group, wearing a mischievous smile. “Hey, Y/N, check out what Kouta has attached to the belt loop above his left pocket.”

Her nephew gives her an annoyed look as his expression turns embarrassed. “K-Knock it off, Mandalay!”

Curious, you turn to look at where the older woman is pointing. That’s when you notice the cute calico cat keychain hanging from one of the belt loops on the dark haired boy’s shorts. 

The corners of your lips curve upwards to form a large grin. “Awww, it’s so cute! I didn’t realize you liked cats as much as the Pussycats, Kouta-kun!”

Mandalay’s smile grows. “He’s not wearing it because he likes cats, Y/N. Kouta saw it in a store and immediately wanted it because it reminded him of a certain someone. Check out the color of the cat’s eyes. Looks familiar, doesn’t it?”

When you look to examine the keychain again, your eyes widen once you realize the cat’s eyes are the same color as yours. Kouta scowls when you lift your surprised gaze to meet his. “Like I keep telling her, it’s not like that. Don’t start getting any weird ideas.”

Considering how flustered he is, it’s obvious the child is lying. He just doesn’t want to admit it.

Warmth bubbles in your chest. To think, you had such an impact on Kouta. You had no idea he felt that way about you.

Grinning, you pull the startled boy into a hug. “You’re so cute, Kouta-kun! Thank you! I’m so happy!”

He immediately starts squirming in an attempt to break free from your hold while several people laugh at his expense. “L-Let me go, dammit!”

While you could mess with him some more, you decide to have mercy on Kouta since you just remembered something important you need to tell him. As you release him, you say, “I should’ve said this sooner, but no swearing around Eri, alright? I know she’s technically older than you, but I’d prefer that those kinds of words don’t get added to her vocabulary just yet.”

Once he’s sure he’s out of hugging distance, Kouta gives you an incredulous look before directing his gaze to Eri, who’s watching him curiously, after you gesture toward her. For some reason, his brows furrow shortly after he does this.

His gaze then starts moving between you, her, and the Pussycats, who all stare at him with amusement when they see his puzzled expression. Before anyone can ask him what’s wrong, Kouta finally asks, “I thought you were younger than Mandalay and the others. How do you have a kid that’s older than me?”

Several students snort at his question while others immediately try to shush them. Meanwhile, all the Pussycats have hands over their mouths like they’re trying to fight the urge to break into another fit of laughter.

An amused huff passes your lips. “She’s not my kid, Kouta-kun. Eri is under UA’s protection, and I was asked to look after her since she’s the closest to me.”

Eri nods her head. “Y/N is my hero and my best friend, not my mom.”

All the ladies coo at her response while Kirishima starts sniffling. A warm smile forms on your lips as you gently ruffle the silver haired girl’s hair. “That’s right! We’re besties!”

After saying that, you return your gaze to Kouta, smiling all the while. “I hope you can become friends with Eri like how you did with me, Kouta-kun. It’d be nice if she could have someone around her age to talk to every now and then.”

Kouta gives the other child a scrutinizing look. After several seconds pass, he asks her, “Who’s your favorite hero?”

Her expression brightens as she beams, “Y/N, Deku-san, and Lemillion-san!”

You clutch your chest at her cute response while a flustered Midoriya happily smiles as several of his classmates either smile at him or give him encouraging nudges and pats. Meanwhile, Kouta dons a small grin. “You got good taste. Guess being friends with you wouldn’t be so bad.”

He then asks her who Lemillion is, so Eri excitedly starts telling him all about the blond. You and Mandalay share a grin at the sight of the children getting along. 

Unfortunately, the two can’t chat for long since the Pussycats and Kouta still need to pay Class 1-B a visit. Remembering the presents you prepared, you quickly head for the kitchen, asking for the guests to wait for a few more minutes.

Thankfully, you put all the cookies in some tupperware before you and Eri cleaned up, so they’re all ready to go. After grabbing the tupperware, you rush over to where the Pussycats and Kouta are waiting for you.

Smiling, you hold out the tupperware for them. “After finding out that you guys were coming to visit, I thought I should prepare something special, so with the help of Eri and Satou, I made something you can take along with you since you can’t stay long.”

Mandalay accepts the tupperware and opens it after Ragdoll and Pixie Bob keep pestering her to do so. When she finally relents, the pro heroes’ eyes widen at the sight of all the cat-themed cookies inside.

Rather than just bake regular shaped cookies, you brought out some cookie cutters and made cookies in the shapes of cat faces and paws. You found those cookie cutters a few weeks ago and just couldn’t resist buying them since they were so cute.

For several seconds, the Pussycats just stare, and then, it happens. In a blink, you’re pulled into Ragdoll’s arms and start getting twirled at a rapid pace. “They’re so cute, Kitten! What a paw-some present! You really are the cat’s meow!”

When the twirling eventually comes to a stop, a laughing Tiger strongly pats your back. “Nicely done! That’s the Plus Ultra spirit!”

Meanwhile, Pixie Bob has already started eating a cookie. After taking a bite, her eyes grow large. 

She quickly turns to face Mandalay and asks, with complete seriousness, “How mad would Eraser be if we took his TA home with us?”

Mandalay, who’s also happily eating a cookie, appears to be deeply considering her teammate’s question. Meanwhile, Kouta just rolls his eyes as he swipes a cookie for himself. 

Immediately, all the students start protesting, declaring that they won’t hand you over so easily, with Eri vigorously nodding in agreement. You can’t help but laugh at everyone’s antics.

Looks like your surprise for the Pussycats was a complete success. Hopefully, this means they and Kouta will be making more visits in the future.

After all, who wouldn’t be happy to have such purr-fect company?

#TABF #TABF post scene #this ended up becoming longer than expected #oops lol #my writing #in kouta's letter it said mr. midoriya #so I figure that means midoriya-san #but that just sounded weird coming from kouta #so I decided that he'd say deku-san like eri #since I figure he found out midoriya's hero name from the pussycats #I like the idea of kouta and eri becoming friends #they can bond over their mutual appreciation of midoriya and fortune haha #in case y'all were wondering #ragdoll was told that fortune had been rescued and that she was alright #this is just her first time seeing fortune since the kidnapping #since she and the pussycats had been taking that break #I enjoyed writing the part #with the kids who had been saved by fortune #or in iida's case #who had someone saved by fortune #of course the other students see her as a hero too #those three just have a more obvious reason for believing that #if fortune hadn't started crying #todoroki and midoriya would've chimed in too #which would've just made her cry more haha