Nighttime,
League of Villains' base...

Third Person's POV

Eri watched Izuku cooking something for her in complete silent. Every single action of the young woman's was observed with curiosity and nervousness. She was still feeling...scared and wary of Izuku. Even thought she was the woman who brought her out of the hellhole.

Living with Overhaul taught her not to trust anyone so easily. Many people had approached her with kindness and gentleness-- but they were all act. They only acted that way to please their boss so they wouldn't get blown off by him.

Anxiously fidgeting in the seat, Eri took the liberty to look around to kill some times. The kitchen was very tidy and clean. A very nice sight. Despite this place being Villains' lair, the colour of the kitchen was bright and colourful. It didn't look like a place for villain to hang out at all.

Not only the kitchen. But the whole base looked like a wholesome residence for a happy family to live. Eri wondered if the base was decorated that way because of the presences of the two toddlers.

Kurona and Nashiro.

The silvernette couldn't believe it at first. The villains had children. Two adorable girls living in a hideout full of wanted, dangerous, menacing villains. All this time she thought villains despised the innocent kids. Well, thanked to Overhaul, she had such thinking. Since this worst scum on earth tortured her.

"Here, Eri! You must be so hungry after a long sleep."

Izuku placed down a bowl of katsudon in front of Eri. The delicious aroma made her stomach growled in hunger all of sudden. Izuku was right. She was hungry the whole time as she patiently waited for her to finish cooking.

"Come on. Eat to your heart content, sweetheart."

The greenette pulled a chair located facing Eri and sat in front of her. Watching her with sparkling eyes, she eagerly waited for the little girl to have a taste of her cooking . She unsurely grabbed the chopsticks and broke them apart.

Slowly, the young girl took her first bite. Her ruby red eyes shot wide open in amazement. "This food...is so delicious... What is it called?" Excitement obviously evident in her adorable voice. Izuku chuckled at her eagerness.

"This is called katsudon. It is my favourite food. Yummy, right?" The kind mother mustered a big grin for her adopted daughter. Eri hadn't realized that she was going to be adopted though.

"Hm..." Eri hummed in agreement. Indeed, katsudon had a wonderful, appetising taste. It was the most delicious thing she had ever eaten in the world... How long had it been since she got to eat such great food like this? She couldn't remember. During the time she was confined by Overhaul, she was fed with the same meal everyday. The menu never changed.

However, Eri couldn't remember what kind of food she had. But most importantly, it always made her feel sleepy. Every single bite hurt her throat, churn her stomach. She always wondered if there was something else in the food that was put in. Deep inside, she didn't want to consume any meal that was given by Overhaul. But for survival, she forced herself to eat the food. Although it would harm her body.

"....Izuku-san...."

"Yes, honey?"

"...um...thank you...for saving me..."

Eri realized Izuku wasn't a bad person like she thought. She was being too paranoid. How could someone as gentle as Izuku would harm a child like her? Besides, she had her own kids. It made no sense for Izuku to abuse children.

Smiling softly, Izuku reached out her hand to Eri's head. She ruffled her silky pale blue hair that seemed to remind her of Tomura. "You are welcome, Eri... From now on, you won't get hurt anymore. I, my lovers and everyone in this league will protect you. Welcome into our family, little one."

Eri was caught off guard by her speech. She lifted her head up, staring at her in uncertainty. "F-family...?" She murmured those words, clearly still confused. "Yes, family! Starting today, you are my daughter... Well, if you want to be one." Izuku whispered the last part sadly. She didn't want to force Eri to be her adopted daughter. But she strongly desired to adopt the little girl.

Yet, the decision depended on Eri.

Eri fell into heavy silent. All of a sudden, tears flooded her round crimson eyes. She looked down to the floor, crying sorrowfully. Izuku immediately got up from the chair and rushed to her side.

"E-Eri, what is wrong? Do you have stomach ache?"

"N-no.."

Eri denied Izuku's statement. Her voice was full with shakiness. She rose up back, gazing into Izuku's emerald eyes.

"...I-I just...can't believe you call me your family... N-no one... has ever called me that... ever since my grandpa passed away..."

Izuku felt her heart shattered upon hearing the devastating truth. She pulled Eri into a tight, loving embrace. "Eri, sweetie... I would never do that to you. We may not be related by blood, but we still can be family. Family don't have to be people who are related to you by blood... They can also be people who are precious and important to you... So it is fine now. From now on, this is your home. We are your family."

"I-Izuku-san...thank you..."

Eri's cheeks tensed up. Her lips were tensing too. They were about to do something out of ordinary. Something... That she had forgotten for years.

Smile.

The most beautiful tugged on her face at last. She returned the hug. Her small hands gripped Izuku's top tighter. Izuku was touched by her action. Tears also began to leak from the corner of her eyes.

"Now now. Finish the food before it gets cold. After this, we are going to meet the others! Aren't you excited, Eri?"

Izuku pushed Eri to sit back at the chair, happiness rhymed in her voice. Eri shyly nodded her head and started to eat katsudon again. Both of them chatted for quite a while until Eri finished her food.

"Thanks for the food." Eri clamped her palms together in gratefulness. Her stomach was full. She could barely move. Izuku accidentally cooked a big portion for her since she was over-thrilled. Yet, the little girl was able to finish the food.

After washing the dishes, Izuku guided Eri to the living area. She froze on her track first, feeling nervous and slightly anxious. What will the villains think of her? Will they accept her like Izuku say?

"Just be yourself, Eri."

Following her advice, Eri inhaled a deep breath.

"I-I'm ready to meet them..."

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A/N - Hiiii I know this book is on hiatus but I can't help but write this uwu

This book is still on hiatus!

See you again next time!