!Taking a VERY long break! Pfp by @ael-draw, mobile header by @nukaicons, both on Tumblr!!đ https://a-sweetheart.carrd.co â¤ď¸đľđ¸đ¸đŚâ¤ď¸ F.Y.I, my acc is very random, so expect the unexpected ig, & I use a bunch of emojis ironicly
sypnosis: Bereaved mother reader who, after losing your own daughter, starts developing a bond with little Eri. And newly formed dadzawa, who starts to notice this, follows his heart and goes for it.
notes: Most likely a oneshot! ÖśÖśÖśÖśÖśÖśÖ¸Ö¸Ö˘ ... Wc: 3k ~ some pre-written past lore, but it backs up the story's plotting. Kiss scene yayÖśÖ¸Ö˘á Tension, deep tension.
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Eri's eyelids grew heavy, her small head beginning to droop as you gently combed your fingers through her damp hair. The strands, soft and pale blue, clung together in loose waves, curling slightly at the ends.
Curious, you gave them a light scrunch, wondering if the curl would hold once dry. You doubted anyone had ever taken much notice of her hair before, but you were happy that you could. That, for her, you would.
"Almost done," you murmured, sweeping a few stray strands into place and draping her hair delicately over her shoulder.
"Are you sure I can sleep like this?" she asked, her voice laced with innocent curiosity as she turned her head slightly to look back at you. You sat Indian style on the carpet behind her.
"Mhm," you hummed, gently guiding her to face forward again. "I do it all the time when I don't have the patience to wait for it to dry. You'll be just fine." You ran your hands lightly over the crown of her head, smoothing the hair into place. A soft smile tugged at your lips as you caught sight of the exhaustion swimming in her wide crimson eyes. Such a pretty girl, you thought.
"Need anything before bed?" you asked, rising to your feet and offering her your hand. She clasped it with her tiny fingers, peering up at you and shaking her head, too sleepy to speak.
"Did you use the bathroom?" you asked gently. She nodded again, her bare feet padding softly across the room toward her bed.
"Will you tuck me in?" she mumbled, voice barely above a whisper.
You smiled and nodded, lowering yourself beside her bed. You lifted the blanket, tucking it securely around her small frame, snug just at her shoulders. âIf you wake up and need anything, you remember which door is mine?â You whispered, tilting your head as you admired her calm exterior. She hummed, already giving into sleep.
She did in fact have a long day of training with Aizawa, which you were proud of her for. You know how scared she was of her quirk.
"Goodnight dove," you whispered, but only after her breathing had deepened and your fingers brushed slowly over her forehead, lulling her into peaceful sleep.
You hadnât called anyone that name in so long. Not since your dove had left. It had only ever belonged to her. Just a nickname, but one heavy with memory and pain. And yet, somehow, saying it again, saying it to Eri, mended something deep inside you.
Something that had been broken ever since you lost your baby.
An empty space, now not quite so hollow. But always there.
There he stood, Aizawa, leaning silently in the doorway, unseen until you flicked the light off. Stealth had always been second nature to him, a skill honed over years of experience, and tonight it served him well.
He watched quietly, eyes steady as you sat beside Eriâs small bed, the same one you had practically dragged him out to buy. You'd spent nearly an hour at the store, carefully scanning each mattress, frame, and sheet set, trying to imagine what Eri might love most. Something soft. Something hers.
Now, he stood back in quiet observation as you gently stroked the childâs damp hair, your fingers making slow, soothing motions across her forehead and into her scalp.
She'd begun insisting that you give her baths lately, choosing your presence over anyone else's. Aizawa had initially assumed it was because you were a woman, a maternal figure she trusted to give her baths. But watching you now, with how seamlessly youâd grown close to her, he knew there was more to it than that.
He was grateful. Somehow, this, all of this, came naturally to you.
You instinctively knew the things he never did. What to do when she spiked a fever. What remedies to prepare. How to distinguish one type of illness from another with nothing more than a glance and a palm to the forehead.
You handled her school registration like youâd done it a dozen times, paperwork, checklists, supplies, and outlining the routine she would need to feel secure in a world that once terrified her.
You held her when she sobbed until she couldnât breathe. You didnât panic. You simply knew, knew how to carry her trembling body, how to whisper through the storm until it passed. How your fingers instinctively knew all the different types of patterns you could rub on her skin in order to smooth her.
You connected with her in a way he hadn't managed yet. In a way that made him realize he had a lot to learn. He had never envisioned himself as a father. But now, he found himself hoping he could pick up a few things from you along the way.
After a few quiet minutes spent watching her chest rise and fall in slumber, you finally stood, casting one last fond glance down at her sleeping form. As you turned, you jumped slightly, startled to find him in the doorway, arms crossed, watching with an unreadable expression.
He was dressed in his usual late-night attire: a black V-neck and black sweatpants, relaxed and simple. You werenât much different, an oversized, deep-purple long sleeve paired with slightly mismatched blue shorts. It's not the most stylish pairing, but it is undeniably comfortable.
You offered him a small smile as you stepped toward him. âHey, stranger,â you whispered, your voice soft so as not to disturb Eri.
A quiet hum left his throat in response. You could hear sleep pulling at him too.
âWhy arenât you asleep by now?â you asked softly, crossing your arms and tugging your sleeves over your hands to fend off the hallwayâs chill. The dorms were quiet, bathed in a hazy silver light spilling in from the moonlit windows. You and Aizawa walked in step, your footfalls soft against the floor as the shadows followed at your heels.
âWhen have you ever known me to sleep like a normal person?â he murmured dryly, voice low and rough around the edges.
You let out a soft chuckle. âNever.â
He glanced sideways at you, subtle but watchful. Your eyes were forward, heavy with sleep, but still alert. You were clearly tired, and your eyes carried that heavy kind of fatigue, but still functioning
Your hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, half-slipping out, strands sticking out everywhere. It shouldâve looked careless. Yet somehow, he thought it suited you. There was something about this version of you, unpolished, relaxed, a little sleepy, that felt... genuine. Endearing. He liked this version of you. He realized he liked a lot about you.
There was a domesticity to you like this. A warmth. And whether or not you meant to, you had settled into this role of caretaker so seamlessly, like you had always belonged in it...
âIâd ask why youâre still awake,â he said after a beat, âbut I think I already know.â
You turned to him, brows knitting with mild curiosity. âElaborate.â
He nodded slightly, hands tucked into his pockets.
âYouâve been spending most of your free time with Eri,â he said plainly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
You paused. Had you really? You hadnât noticed. Caring for her had simply become part of your routine. Part of you. Life felt normal again. It hadnât felt like effort, it had just felt⌠natural.
He scoffed under his breath. âNo. Iâm saying I appreciate everything youâre doing for her. She needs that kind of consistency. That kind of care.â
âAww,â you teased, giving him a sidelong look. âYou jealous, Eraser?â you teased, a quiet laugh escaping you, your voice cracking slightly from weariness, but your smile was genuine. You reached the common room together without consciously deciding to go there.
You looked away and shrugged, your voice lowering. âYeah⌠maybe I need it too.â
He turned toward you now, slowing to a stop. The moonlight cut across his face just enough for you to see the sincerity in his expression.
You had to squint to make him out fully, while he saw you clearly: your tired posture, your slightly cracked lips, the way you hugged your arms to your chest as if to hold something inside. He liked how the moonlight highlighted your face.
Aizawa studied you more closely. You werenât just tired, you were carrying something. Something deep and quiet and fragile.
âYou should get some real sleep,â you said, trying to shift the mood, meeting his gaze again. Your expression was soft, almost apologetic.
He tilted his head, dark eyes steady. âBut not you?â
You shook your head gently, the corners of your lips twitching into a small smile. âNah. I feel like being awake right now.â
âSo do I,â he murmured.
He noticed. But he didnât comment.
There was something about the way he said it, gravelly with just the slightest rasp, that made something stir inside you. You didnât respond right away. Just turned your face, a bit flustered, your cheeks warming from unfamiliar thoughts.
âI meant what I said,â he added after a moment.
You blinked. âMeant what?â Your voice soft and slightly curious, your sweet voice was adorable.
âWhen I said I appreciate you.â He shifted his weight, rubbed the back of his neck, like a teenager speaking words that had sat heavy on his chest. âYouâre not required to do any of this. You don't owe Eri anything at all. but instead, you just⌠gave all of yourself. Why?â
Your breath caught a little. The way he said it, the way he meant it, it felt like more than gratitude. It also meant he'd been observing you, noticing these things. But the question itself? That was the part that stopped you cold.
Because how could you tell him the truth?
How could you say âmy daughter died and Eri fills that spaceâ without sounding like you were using the little girl to mend your own broken pieces?
The words stayed trapped in your throat. You dropped your gaze.
You needed someone to protect again. Someone small who could lean into you when the world was too big. You missed brushing damp hair behind little ears. You missed lullabies and bandaids and warm blankets tucked beneath tiny chins.
You missed being needed.
And Eri⌠she needed you. Just as much.
You lifted your eyes slowly. Aizawa was watching you patiently, not pushing, just waiting the way he did like with students who needed time. You exhaled a shaky breath.
âI dunno,â you said. âI just⌠need her. In the same way she needs someone. I know that probably sounds selfish.â
You let out a quiet, nervous laugh, rubbing your thumb over your knuckles.
"You need her?" he echoed, his tone softer now, more contemplative than questioning. The weight of your words hung in the air, and he suddenly regretted asking. He could tell this was something deeper. Something he had no right to pry into.
You nodded faintly, twisting your fingers together, unsure how much more you should share.
He was quiet for a long moment. Then he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
You leaned against the frame of the common room window, arms still folded loosely across your chest, the moonlight painting silver lines across your face. You were quiet for a moment, absorbing his words, âIâm beyond grateful. For you.â They echoed in your chest longer than you expected them to.
âWell, no matter your reasons⌠Iâm beyond grateful. For you. For everything youâve given her.â He rubbed the back of his neck again awkwardly, like heâd just said too much, but you didnât stop him.
âThank you,â you finally said, your voice a bit gentler now. âI love Eri, really. Itâs not just⌠obligation or some need to fill a space. I genuinely love her. Sheâs easy to love.â
Your eyes softened as you spoke, as if even the mention of Eri warmed something inside you. Aizawa noticed. You werenât faking this closeness with her. None of it was performative. And heâd known that. But hearing it in your voice, watching the way your body subtly relaxed at the thought of her, confirmed what he already suspected:
You belonged here.
Not just in the dorms. Not just at U.A.
But here. In his life. In Eriâs life. Somehow woven into the parts of him that were once so carefully guarded.
He looked at you now, not just with gratitude but with something heavier. Something deeper.
Because this wasnât just about Eri anymore.
You made things softer, warmer, easier. You had slowly become the kind of person he found himself unconsciously gravitating toward. He appreciated the help, sure, but what he appreciated more was you. The way you made others feel seen, the way your laugh cracked in the middle, and your voice quieted when you were unsure.
He studied the way your hair caught the light, that messy ponytail barely holding together. He liked that about you too, how little you seemed to care about appearances when it came to comfort. You were yourself unfiltered. And he was fond of that. Fond of you.
The things he noticed and liked about you weren't very obvious or noticeable. But they were important enough for your qualities to linger even when your not around.
âYouâre easy to love too,â he wanted to say.
He wasnât sure when it had started. Maybe it was the first time he saw you brushing Eriâs hair like it was the most sacred act in the world. Or the time you stormed into the teacherâs lounge, covered in pancake batter and furious that someone had let the stove burn. Or maybe it was quieter than that.
Maybe it had happened gradually, as all the important things tend to.
But he didnât. Not yet.
Instead, he just watched you in silence for a few seconds longer, his hands resting in his pockets, his mind already turning over the thought: Should I tell her?
He wasnât a man given to impulsive emotion. But you werenât just anyone.
âEriâs lucky to have you,â he said instead, âWe both are.â
His words made your chest stir.
You tilted your head slightly, meeting his gaze again. His eyes were darker in the moonlight but focused on you. Not on the room. Just you.
His next words came slower. Like he was choosing them with more care than usual.
You swallowed. âYou know Iâm not going anywhere, right?â you said, your tone lighter than your meaning. âEven if you never say it out loud, I know you trust me with her. That matters. Iâll stay as long as she needs me.â
âAnd if I needed you?â he asked.
He wasnât teasing or sarcastic. Which made your heart drop.
You blinked. Your heart tripped over itself for a beat. âThen Iâd stay even longer,â you said, smiling just a little.
The way his words lingered, And if I needed you?, the way they hung in the air, making your pulse flutter just beneath your skin. Your back was barely grazing the edge of the window frame now, the moonlight pouring over your shoulder.
Aizawa hadnât looked away from you. Not once. But now he looked rather sheepish and awkward. Most likely unsure of what to say
His footsteps were nearly silent as he took one slow step closer. And then another.
You didnât move away. Afraid you wouldn't get this again
His hand lifted hesitantly, and he brought it to the side of your face, his fingers brushing lightly against your jaw. You leaned into his touch without realizing it, eyes rising to meet his. His thumb swept gently across your cheek, and for a long, suspended moment, the world narrowed to just that point of contact.
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze flickering between your eyes and your lips.
You felt your breath catch.
Your own eyes dropped, just for a second, from his to his mouth. And that was all it took.
Your mouths hovered as he closed in on you, a breath apart. Close enough to feel the heat. Close enough to count heartbeats. There was still a choice to be made, still time to pull away.
But you didnât.
And neither did he.
And then it deepened once the hesitance disappeared and you'd both tested the waters just enough.
He leaned in, finally closing that final sliver of distance, his lips brushing against yours. Too light and tentative, very testing.
The kiss tasted like the cherry chapstick you liked. You rised onto your toes slightly, pressing back just enough to tell him yes. Yes, to this. Yes, to him.
His hand slid from your jaw to the back of your neck as he gently backed you into the wall near the window.
He kissed you like he was memorizing it. Like he hadnât meant for it to happen but had been thinking about it for longer than he would ever admit.
He finally pulled back, just slightly, eyes half-lidded and dead set on yours. His breath was warm, his voice deep and rough. It made you feel hot, especially in this moment.
âThis isnât just about Eri, yâknow.â
You blinked slowly, still catching your breath, lips tingling, eyes slanted with the softness of what had just bloomed between you. A little giggle bubbled up unprompted, breathless and delighted.
âI was hoping so,â you whispered.
His thumb brushed your cheek again, slower this time. Like he couldnât quite believe you were really here, letting him hold you like this.
On the topic of Aizawa X Reader fics, I think it has gotten better as of late but unfortunately some fics still are plagued with the tropes of him referring to the reader as any variant of âkittenâ𤢠or the reader having some cat related quirk, give it a rest i beg
Y*gami Y*to has to pay for the irreparable damage she has done to the mha fandom fanfic wiseâŚ
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