Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

To Coworkers: Eri has a fever and is very tired. Besides that she has no other symptoms. And Hizashi and I are 110% booked today. Is it okay for us to bring her in?

From Boss Rat: So long as you don't think she's contagious, my granddaughter is always welcome!

From 50 Slays: My niece is coming??! Amaze! Aww, but poor baby

Recovery Girl: I'm assuming she has a doctor's appointment?

Aizawa could almost see the old woman's raised eyebrow through the screen

From Batman: Yes of course. But the soonest we could get was tomorrow morning

Recovery Girl: Good. Well then bring her over when you get in

From Batman: Will do

He copy pasted his first message and edited it before sending it to his kids.

To Class: Eri has a fever and is very tired. Besides that she has no other symptoms. Mic and I are 110% booked today and her doctor's appointment is tomorrow. Nedzu said it's okay for us to bring her in.

Problem Child: Eri is visiting? It will be great to see her!

Ingenium Mini: Is she alright? Who will be in charge of her care? Will she be joining us for class?

From Batman: She isn't too bad off, just not well enough to send her to school. Idk yet for the rest

He turned off his phone and looked over the bag with a sigh, checking again that he got everything. After adding some kids earplugs, noise canceling headphones, and some snacks he closed it up and walked into the living room. Hizashi was rocking from foot to foot with their daughter wrapped in a blanket in his arms.

"We can bring her. Did you change my contact name to Batman?" He frowned tiredly at his husband, walking to the kitchen to grab his travel mug of coffee and take a long sip.

"Maybe." He grinned mischievously. "Why?" The blonde shook his head. "The joke's not for you if you don't get it." He said taking a bite of pancakes and offering another to the child. She sniffed it pulled a face again nuzzled back into his shoulder and collarbone. He ate it instead and a minute later they were all out the door.
~

"Okay little bear, like we talked about you're gonna be at our work today. We're gonna drop you off here at Recovery Girl's office. She's gonna see if she can help you feel better or figure put what's going on. How does that sound my precious listener?" Yamada asked with a somewhat tired smile. She grins back at him, eyes closing again before one of her little hands rubbed at them.

"Mm not awful bad. Can I take a nap here papa?" She barely got out before she yawned. He stroked her silver hair fondly.

"Recovery Girl might need your help to run some tests, but after that you'll be able to rest." She hummed in agreement and he kissed her forehead before leaving the small curtained in bed, walking to his coworker and husband who were talking.

"Then I'll do all my usual tests and scans. If she wants me to use my quirk now, that you filled out the paperwork, I can and likely will fill that request. If anything worsens or changes I will contact you and your husband." The school nurse told them. They left and she got to talking with the young girl and running tests.

"Granny Chiyo I'm bored, can we play a game?" The older woman pulled out a board, unfolding it and taking game pieces out. "Do you know how to play checkers?" The girl shook her head.

"That's fine. I'll teach you, honey." She replied, setting it up and explaining the rules and objectives to the 7 year old. It took a bit of time, but she did learn and have fun playing.

"Can I see Papa?" She requested after a short nap, so the woman walked her over.

It was nearly halfway through the 2nd class period. And now that she was here a large portion of class B was distracted by the little face of the girl peeking out from beneath her blanket. Meanwhile, the 7 year old was peacefully coloring at her father's desk.

After a while she put away her art supplies and took a nap. When there was only a short time left, and it his students were being slower with their work than usual. Mic sighed and talked with Eri when she woke up.

"Sweetie, do you want to go around and talk to some people?" She craned her neck to look up at the tall man and nodded. "Mhm." She hopped off of his chair and started circling the room.

"Hey listeners, Eri is going to be walking around and possibly saying hello. If she comes to you, you're free to talk for a minute. Be nice and stay appropriate. You can all use these last 10 minutes to finish homework or do silent activities at your desk." The blonde teacher announced to his class who perked up.

He watched over them as the head of silver hair wove around the room occasionally greeting someone and asking them a question. When the bell rang, she ran back to his side with a cheerful smile as he picked her up.

"Goodbye young listeners. Have a good rest of your day." He put as much cheer as he could tiredly muster into his words, waving one hand and holding his daughter on his hip with the other.

"Papa, I want to go see daddy please." Eri asked tugging at the man's jacket to get his attention.

"Alright sweetie." He said, grabbing her bag and carrying her over to his husband's classroom. Everyone looked pleased to see them when they entered but didn't say anything, already well aware of the consequences of waking their teacher.

"Shou?" The black haired man grunted and rolled over in his sleeping bag.

"You better be my husband or my best friend. That or I'm going to end you." He said sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"Hahaha well I am married to you, plus I have our adorable daughter who'd like to see you." The rumpled man opened his eyes with a tiny smile then stuck his arms out to receive her. Immediately, he began unzipping the sleeping bag and trying to pull her inside it as well. His husband laughed as his students tried not to.

"Shou we talked about this. You can't just absorb her into there. Plus she's a little bit too big considering that's your spare." The other man rolled his eyes.

"Not my fault you spilled glitter on my usual one." The blonde also rolled his eyes and pulled out and unfurled a mini pink and red version that had been attached to the bag.

"I mean she has her own lol. She picked it out remember?" Aizawa nuzzled and scented her then reluctantly loosened his grip.

"Do you want to use your own one cub?" He questioned, blinking slowly at her. She nodded with a big smile and took it from her papa before climbing in and settling next to her dad. Mic squealed, catching the attention of the class. The sight made some of them aww.

"So cute! You guys are matching!" He snapped a picture just before his husband frowned.

"Yeah I'm just like daddy!" Eri cheered, wiggling happily in her little cocoon like item, making the haggard looking man grin once again, more cheshire like this time.

"Okay I've gotta go. Love you both bye!" Yamada said, waving as he exited. The father and daughter napped together until the lunch bell rang. Eri woke up to the sound and grabbed her bag excitedly as he grumbled and stirred in his sleeping bag.

"Daddy? Can we please go to the teacher's lounge?" He stretched and got out of the sleeping bag. The girl giggled, making him smile, and after being woken up as well.

Class a would usually be out the door to the cafeteria or wherever else they liked to spend their lunch time. But no one wanted to miss a moment of the kid they'd all come to think of as a member of their pack.

They enjoyed getting to see her, especially during the usual more sheltered boringness of their now boarding school. And staying late to see their usual grumpy or tired teacher nearly beam at his youngest child was totally worth it.

"What's funny, cub?" He asked, putting away both sleeping bags. "You're wearing the special jumpsuit I made you!" She said pointing to the piece of clothing he was wearing.

"What do you-." He's stopped speaking as he turned his hands over and saw that just below the cuff and thumb loops were toe beans. He looked behind him and was relieved to not see a tail.

"Here." She stated, kneeling on his desk so she could reach. The little girl pulled back the sort of slouchy front and back cowl neck then put it over his head, making the little black ears pop up.

"You're a panther." She grinned and he sighed, turning around to carry her on his back. His students did their best not to coo and preen aloud. Though a few people's scents gave them away.

"It's a great jumpsuit. Let's go eat before all the time has passed." He walked them out, students following a bit behind until the two entered the teacher's lounge and the rest had to turn to get to the cafeteria.

"Eri! My favorite niece! How are you, baby cakes?" Nemuri greeted the young girl who was placed down then ran over for a hug. The lady scented her, one hand playing with her silky hair.

"Mm okay Nemuri-Obachan. Just tired and hungry." The woman pouted. "How about we go out to eat?" The man shoots her a glance but before he could say anything their rat, bear, mouse-like boss popped up from seemingly nowhere.

"Not necessary. Lunch Rush heard about our special guest and made some delicious food for all of us." Nedzu proclaimed. Vlad King walked in with two trays of food, Power Loader following him with plates and utensils.

"Hi Nedzu-ojiisan." Eri said going over to the person much closer to her height. When they separated, he walked away and jumped to pull the foldaway table down from the wall, its two legs easily popping out and into place.

"Everyone please gather your chairs." Nedzu said, wheeling his own over from his office, sitting down then pressing a button that raised him to the table. The girl scaled the side of his chair easily and sat on the table.

"Eri. You can sit on someone's lap or on a chair. The table is where the food has to go." Aizawa says. She frowned and nodded, reaching her arms out so he would pick her up. The two teachers placed the food in the center and got their chairs. Then Present Mic and Yagi walked in and she ran over with a huge smile.

"How are you, young Eri?" He grinned, lifting her up into a hug. "I'm good grandpa Yagi. Hi papa!" She practically glowed at him with her arms out so Yagi handed her over. She hugged her other father who walked over to his chair and pulled it to the table eagerly.

"What are we eating?" He asked taking his seat with his daughter in his lap. His husband sat next to him. And the two other teachers uncovered the food they had brought in. Thirteen came in with Ectoplasm, Snipe, and Hound Dog behind her. She raised her arms when she saw the girl.

"Eri! My favorite girl. How are you doing?" She came over and hugged the child who smiled big.

"I'm doing good auntie. What type of animal are you?" Her father put a plate of food in front of her.

"That's not a very polite thing to ask Eri bear." The space suited woman shook her head and raised a hand.

"Oh, it's okay, I don't mind. I'm a sheep." The girl looked at her and then around the table.

"I'm a slug." Ectoplasm offered the information freely.

"Horse." Snipe said, grabbing himself a plate.

"My hero name is literally Hound Dog." The guidance counselor replied, pulling up his chair.

"Concrete mite." Cementoss stated and they all nodded.

"I'm a vampire bat." Vlad King answered, taking off his mask.

"You know I really like the animal that I partly am. It's Moles! They're great at digging." Power Loader told her happily.

"I'm a hyena." Midnight said then looked at Aizawa.

"Panther. But she already knows that." He rolled his eyes serving himself some food.

"And she knows I'm a cockatoo. The best and brightest bird of them all." Yamada singsonged.

"Ahem, I'm a Lion if you'd like to know young Eri." Yagi supplied before coughing into his handkerchief. She nodded and started eating her food while contemplating everyone's answers.
~

"How is it being the child of two of our teachers?" Eri tapped her horn twice, a habit she does often when thinking. Then she climbed on the desk.

"Daddy Aizawa is really strong and he makes me feel protected. But when he gets upset or you do something that could get you in trouble he looks and sounds really really scary." She wobbled her head from side to side. The man smiled fondly at her as his studenrs nodded.

"And Papa is a pretty singer, he makes tasty breakfasts. But he can be kinda loud without realizing." Aizawa laughed a little, ruffling her hair.

"You'll tell him when he is being loud though right?" He asked brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. She nodded then leaned back against him.

"Mhm, cause we can't fix the problems we don't know about." She played with the end of his capture scarf.

"Would you like your chewables?" She nodded, letting go of the material as he bent down and took out a plastic baggie with multiple silicone jewelry pieces inside. Erie picked one out and started biting it.

"Who's quirk do you think is the coolest?" Kaminari asked and she cocked her head.

"Hmm...Kouda." She replied. They all turned to look at the boy who was confusedly pointing at himself.

"Because he can have an animal friend whenever he wants." A bunch of people nodded and made "oh" noises.
~

Eri yawned, and from about that point forward she slept soundly. She woke at the last bell of the day stretching and yawning. Aizawa looked down at his phone and grumbled at the reminder it gave him.

"Hitoshi. Your Pop and I have a meeting. Can you watch her at the dorms? It should be a little over an hour." The lavender haired teen nodded.

"Sure Dad. Hey Eri. You wanna come hang out with me at the dorms?" She rubbed her eyes and lit up, nodding and bouncing over.

"Hmm I love being with Toshi-Niichan. Is Deku gonna be there too?" Shinsou looked back over at his group of friends waiting for him just outside of the door. Despite himself, his lips turned up slightly at the corners, gaze going from Midoriya to all the others he now called friends, pack mates even.

"Yeah he is." He held out his hand, his little sister taking it and Midoriya walked over picking the bag of her things. Aizawa hid his own smile in his capture scarf.

"Thank you. Call either of us if you need something or anything goes wrong." The black haired man said walking out the door.

"Huh." Bakugou crosses his arms. Shinsou's guard went up, lips straightening and eyes narrowing slightly. Izuku's mind went haywire with worry. He knew how both the omega and the beta were and didn't want a fight or argument to break out.

"What do you mean "huh" Bakugou?" He asked in a practiedly neutral tone.

"You have permission to use a direct line to Aizawa. That's not even something I considered. How is that? I'm genuinely curious?" Bakugou's gravelly voice asked as he raised his eyebrows contemplatively. The green haired boy could see the minute relaxation of his purple haired pack member.

"Y'know first year wouldn't have been able to believe it. Now it's... It's easier when it is an emergency or Eri wants something cause I don't want to abuse it and make him regret it or change it or. But yeah it's cool. There have been times where it's really helped. Younger me couldn't even dream of a life like this." The tall boy looked down and patted his sister's head.

"Can we go? I wanna see your rooms!" She begged. "Okay." He chuffed and they started walking.

It wasn't far to Heights Alliance, they took off their shoes and then Eri was dragging her brother up the stairs by the wrist, everyone speed walking behind them to keep pace.

"Where are we going?" She looked back a second, a smile still on her face as she bounced up the steps. "Your room. I wanna see it first." They arrived at the right floor and walked into the boy's side.

"Which one is it?" She asks, stopping to look down the hall. "Right here." He opened the first door then pointed to his name plate before stepping in.

"Oh." She said, smiling once she saw the room. He flipped a switch on the wall, and after a mechanical whirring the pulley had fully lifted the trap door opening his den.

"Wow it looks cozy in there." She admired, crawling on top of the structure. "Mhm they had a room with one of these. I'm glad they gave it to me. You can try going inside."

To Midoriya and Kaminari it was a particularly touching scene. Everyone was aware that Shinsou is a very private person. But only the two of them knew that up to that point, only the 3 of them had entered it.

The girl unsuccessfully tried to climb the padding covered walls on the inside as the boy turned on the purple LED lights he had lined the hard trim with. She looked all around the collection of different pillows with the one racoon plushy on top.

Then she crawled out and got into the giant trash can. She sat on the cushion at the bottom then pushed up the lid to see out.

"Why do you have one of these?" He turned off the lights and flipped the switch closing his den back up.

"Because after they adopted me Dad and Pops asked if there was anything my inner creature ever really wanted badly. I said a garbage can, even though I know it's cliche, but whenever I saw the ads for them as a kid they always looked so relaxing. They surprised me with one. And because it's the easiest place for me to sleep, we brought it here." Shinsou explained lifting her out after she raised her arms for help.

"Hmm. Whose room has the most of that loose bedding?" She asked, looking around at the people who had followed, which were the Baku and Deku squads.

"Ochako, Denki, and Mine." The silver haired girl reached for him and was passed over.

"What's up Eri Berry?" He questioned as she tugged at his shirt.

"Who's is closest?" He rocked back and forth with the girl in his arms.

"Mine." He walked to the door and Uraraka opened it. Everyone filed out over 2 doors. The girl jumped down and pointed to his burrow.

"Can I go in please." He grinned and nodded. "Sure." Midoriya unzipped the door and she crawled in, throwing the soft strips of bedding into the air.

"Hmm, not enough. Is there a whole bunch of this stuff?" She looked at Izuku again.

"My igloo hide is practically filled now." Uraraka offered.

"Can I try it?" She nodded and everyone headed across the way to the girls' side. Eri crawled in the hide's opening and then dove into the massive pile of fabric shreds. She wiggled down in the corner underneath some and fell right to sleep.

"Sorry." Shinsou began to apologize but the brunette shook her head.

"This is the cutest thing ever. You and Deku can stay but everyone else should go." All the other people quietly made their way out and waved goodbye. Then it was the 3 teens sitting together silently doing things on their phones as to not disturb the napping child.

An hour and a half later her parents took her home, and she eventually woke late that night. The little girl argued that she couldn't sleep because she wasn't tired so they allowed her to stay up despite it being past her bedtime.

She eventually wore herself out by jumping and climbing on the adjustable play equipment and from furniture to furniture. Eri slept soundly the rest of the night and went to her doctor’s appointment the next day.

The doctor reviewed her vitals and symptoms, then was able to quickly diagnose her.

"She was essentially stunted due to her previous living situation. This is a similar phenomenon as presenting except it usually occurs before the age of 6. It is when the person's animal instincts kick in. It seems because she's in a safe place to be herself it's happening now. Don't worry. It should end in no more than 2 days.” She typed something into Eri’s chart.

“We'll do her government mandated test while you're here. Accommodating whatever creature she partially is will help alleviate her symptoms faster. So more rest, fluids, I'd suggest her having a nest or being in one of a person she trusts." The doctor explained. They took a sample of her hair and told the family they would get the test results in 24 hours.
~

From Loud Husband: Eri said we could tell you all so. She was diagnosed with late instinct integration. Basically, she can let her inner animal be itself now! Isn't that amazing? 🥳 My baby girl is growing up 😭

To Campus: Eri will be fine. It's going to pass soon, the doctor gave us some suggestions and we get her creature type results tomorrow

From 50 Slays: Aww make sure to pamper my darling girl okay?

From Problem Child: Tell Eri we all hope she feels better soon please!

From Star Student: If there's anything you need me to make for her I'd be happy to Sensei

From Boss Rat: Does my granddaughter need a custom built room like the other kids have? I can have Cementoss attach it to your teacher suite

From Batman: She's fine for now. Also, it makes very little sense to have an apartment for only myself and my daughter

From Boss Rat: I didn't say we had to stop there

From Loud Husband: Aww I knew you thought of us like family Nedzu

He turned off his phone and looked down, smiling at the girl snuggled sound asleep in his arms with a silicone ring in her mouth.

Chapter Text

"Mr. Aizawa, Mr. Yamada. We have Eri's results. Would you like for me to tell you or would you rather read them?" The doctor asked looking between the men and their daughter.

"You could tell us." She gave a nod. "Alright. I will say it is a bit unusual. Most people are 100% one animal or bug. Eri is 97% albino rat and 3% goat. It makes sense given her history. And thus far there is no reason to believe it will have negative effects. But do keep an eye out for things out of the ordinary." She told them and they smiled at Eri.

"Did you hear that Eri? You are mostly rat, but your unique so you're also a little bit goat too." Hizashi said. She nodded and frowned. "But I'm not a cat or a birdy like you and daddy." Aizawa petted her head.

"It's okay sweetie. We love you the same either way." The doctor smiled handing them a pamphlet.

"This will tell you a bit about her needs and it has some resources you can look into to learn more. Each child's inner animal is different so don't worry if she doesn't match something in their. It's a guide, not a checklist." Aizawa took it and thanked her.

When they were back in their apartment Eri went to color by herself and the two parents sat down to look at the information together. Aizawa had his tablet's notepad open, ready to write down what they would need to get.

"So it says she should mostly eat fruits and vegetables with a smaller amount of proteins, grains, and other foods." Aizawa typed 'Shopping List: apples, bananas, berries, pears, celery, broccoli, carrots, daikon, edamame, leeks.'

"Provide chew toys to help wear down their teeth. Well that explains her obsession with nibbling. Rooms with multiple levels are best. Hammocks are often enjoyed. Provide tubes, hides, toys, puzzles, and even an exercise wheel or cardboard boxes." The dark haired man started a 2nd section of the list. 'Room: tubes, hides, boxes, toys, puzzles. Wheel?'

"Habitat should be well ventilated and kept between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius (65-80 Fahrenheit). Soft shredded bedding is best. It's important they have enough to make a burrow they can be covered in." 'lots of soft shredded bedding.'

"Rat animal types are social creatures that need to be around pack members, and do best in same sex pairs unless spayed/neutered. They need at least one hour of outdoor play a day. Many are crafty and good at getting out. It's important to play with them and make sure they're stimulated enough." The blonde man leaned back and his husband wrapped him in a hug.

"Why are you sad Zashi?" He tucked his chin over his husband's head. "Was she always supposed to be a rat? Or did that monster turn her into a human lab rat? I'm not upset that this is her inner animal. I just don't want her life to be so molded by his villainous acts." Aizawa kissed the top of his head.

"I know it hurts to think about. We just want what's best for her, but we can't change the past. What we can do is make her future as happy and healthy as possible." Yamada tilted his head back to see his husband's smile, which he returned. "You're right. We're gonna love the hell out of that girl." The ebony haired man scratched his head.

"You know the dorm's gym has several wheels. Do you think we should take Nezu up on his offer?"

~

"Yes, of course. Anything for my grandkids. Especially my rat buddy." The principal smiled, handing him a box with a red ribbon tied around it and Eri's name written on the clear plastic front.

"Artisanal cheese taster set? I'm sure she'll love this." Aizawa said taking the box. "But how did you know what I was coming here to ask?" He looked down on his small boss as they both stood in his office.

"I have my ways." Nezu said with his typical knowing smile as he stepped back and closed the door.

"Okay...." Aizawa figured he didn't want to know. So he walked to the heights alliance dorms and walked in to a cute sight.

"Mm more hammock." His daughter said looking at a drawing. It seems that half of his class was drawing ideas for Eri's new room at the dorms.

"She's a rat, not a hamster peaches." Bakugou said to Uraraka who pouted at him. "I know that but we're both small rodents! I'm the closest thing she has to a rat friend other then Principal Nezu."

Now that Aizawa thought about it, she had a point. Maybe there was some sort of rodent play group they could enroll her in.

"Wow Deku! This is super cute." He's focused was redirected to Midoriya with a detailed digital layout of her hypothetical bedroom.

"Thank you Eri-chan. I'm so glad you like it." It seemed like the other students wanted to be upset bit were too pleased with Eri's enthusiasm for the design.

"See the top part has the hammock. The middle has this solid part and this netted loft so you can lay there and hang out. There's a ladder down to the bottom where you can put a hide and a spot underneath the last platform where you can put all your bedding and burrow." She nodded along beaming at him all the while. It must be contagious because the other kids started smiling too.

"Thanks Deku. Now Nezu-ojisan can make sure my room is perfect." He patted her head.

"Yep. It will be very nice to see you everyday." Bakugou looked away blushing. "And maybe we could make cookies or something' sometimes huh squirt?" She nodded curls bouncing.

"Uhuh, that sounds like fun!" Aizawa gave her the box.

"Nezu got you a gift." She squeezed with joy. "Mmm yay! Cheese!"

~

A few days later, the renovations were complete. Aizawa's teacher's dorm had been emptied and an entire new floor was added. Eri, Shinsou, Bakugou, Aizawa, and Yamada each had their own rooms. The two men had a shared bedroom. And there was a kitchen and living room big enough for all of them.

They brought a few students and their own kids to the nesting store for supplies. Eri got 2 types of bedding, 3 jumbo bags of each. And when they got back she went to town. Ripping open the plastic packaging and tossing it all under the lowest platform before diving in.

It took about 3 weeks for her to fully settle in. During that time she dragged each of her favorite pack members into her nest at least twice. Probably needing it to smell like them for it to feel right. Then one night she nestled down into her bedding and She really truly felt calm, peace, and at home.