Aizawa's POV

He's curled up against Mirko now, head pressed to the smooth curve of her chestplate, paws barely twitching as if even his muscles don't know how to relax. But he's not hiding anymore. Not trembling.

That alone feels like a win.

I glance at Rumi, who watches him like she's ready to fight the entire world just to keep him from spiraling again. She hasn't said a word since her little speech. She doesn't need to. Her presence is enough. Her body language speaks volumes.

Still, there's one more thing I think he needs. One more thread of stability he's aching for, even if he hasn't realized it yet.

"Midoriya," I say, gently enough that I don't startle him.

His ears perk up immediately. He turns just enough to look at me, still half-buried in the crook of Mirko's arm.

"I was wondering... would you like to hear your mother's voice?"

His head shoots up so fast I almost think he's going to fall off her.

There's no hesitation—just a frantic little thump-thump-thump of his back paw against her arm, and a rapid nod that's practically desperate. His body language screams yes in the loudest possible way for someone who can't talk.

I nod once. "Alright."

I pull out my phone and step away for a moment, walking toward the quiet corner of the room. I don't call often—Inko Midoriya isn't one to hound the school unless there's an emergency, and I don't usually go out of my way to contact parents. But this situation? It's different.

Very different.

The phone barely rings twice.

"H-Hello? Eraserhead-san? Is—Is everything okay?"

"Inko-san. We've found your son," I say, tone careful.

There's a sharp inhale on the other end. "Oh, thank goodness—! Is he alright?! What happened? Why haven't I—?"

I cut in before she spirals. "He's safe. Alive. But... there's been a development. He's been affected by what we believe is a Quirk manifestation. One that's... transformed him. Permanently, from what we know so far."

I wait a beat, letting her absorb that.

Silence.

Then: "...Transformed? What do you mean?"

"He's become a rabbit," I say bluntly. "No signs of his Quirk, no human traits left. He's entirely animal in form. But—his mind is intact. His consciousness. He's still your son."

There's a long silence on the other end. I hear her shaky breathing. Then, softly:

"Oh, Izuku..."

"We're doing everything we can," I add. "Nezu and Recovery Girl are researching it day and night. He's safe. Right now, he's with me and Mirko."

"Mirko... the Pro Hero?"

"She's the one who found him. She hasn't left his side since."

Another pause. "...Can I talk to him? Hear him?"

"He can't speak," I admit, eyes drifting back to the small green fluffball cradled in Rumi's arms. "But you can say something. He'll hear you."

I switch to speaker and walk over, kneeling beside Mirko. She shifts, carefully turning so he can face me—and the phone.

"Inko-san," I say softly. "He's here."

I lower the phone just enough.

And her voice comes through.

"Izuku, sweetheart... oh, baby, I'm so sorry. I wish I could hold you right now. I wish I could fix this. I—"

Her voice breaks.

"I miss you so much. But I know you're strong. You're so strong, my sweet boy. And if you need to stay with Mirko right now... I understand. Just don't forget—no matter what body you're in, you're still you. And I love you so, so much."

There's a quiet whimper from his tiny body, and then he dives forward, climbing up into Mirko's chest as if trying to get closer to the sound.

I feel something twist in my chest.

Then Inko speaks again.

"Please... if it's okay... let him stay with her. He'll drive himself crazy at home. It would break him to sit in silence and stare at his old room. But I want to visit him, when I can. I want to send videos. Pictures. Updates. I want to see him... hear about him..."

Her voice steadies. Stronger now. Just like him.

"He's better off with a hero right now. I know that. But please... tell him I'm proud of him."

I end the call softly.

Mirko's eyes flick to mine. There's a silent understanding between us—she'll protect him, no matter what.

And Izuku?

His ears twitch once. He doesn't move from where he's pressed against her armor, still clinging with all the strength his little body has.

But there's no fear in his eyes now.

Only relief.