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No one expected this.
Maybe it happened because it's so easy to be around Y/N. Maybe it's Y/N's welcoming, but cautious personality that made Aizawa comfortable around them. They make it easy for people to approach them, but they're not foolish enough to welcome everyone.
Maybe it's the fact that Y/N is comfortable around Aizawa and Yamada as well as with themself. Y/N is temporarily living with the two heroes and they all get along well. Y/N is aware of their wants and needs and does not stress over, nor cares much about how they'll be perceived. Sure, at times, they wonder what someone might think of them. However, that does not stop them from watching what they want, including cartoons. It doesn't matter who the target audience is; Y/N will watch the show or movie if it piques their interest. They understand that sometimes a show targeted to an older audience might be too much for them due to the very real heavy topics. They know which shows use an excessive amount of saturation. They have no problem watching something simple or childish- aware that it'll be easy to process, enjoyable, and can help them feel at ease.
Maybe it happened because everyone has seen just how willing Y/N is to help. They offer any help they can provide, wanting to help others to the point that they themself become braver. They remain level-headed, even when they're unhappy or displeased. They do their best to keep their emotions in check so they can gather the necessary details that will help them assess a situation. They have little problem being direct if it means helping someone. They're ready to listen. They can communicate and connect dots better than many individuals Aizawa has and will interact with.
Maybe it was the feeling of failing that overpowered the typically kept together –at least outwardly, if one ignores his appearance– teacher.
The incidents that happened to his class 1-A constantly kept the underground hero awake. What if, while he slept, Midoriya decided to step off campus and somehow ended up fighting a high level villain? What if his problem child broke his bones? What if a war broke out, again, and his students had to once again see their classmates and friends close to breaking?
He's their teacher and they're his kids.
They're just that, kids.
Kids he couldn't protect.
It didn't matter what Aizawa's husband said. It didn't matter how much the logical driven pro knew that the words his husband, whose also a hero that's experienced hardships and understands, said were logical and true. It didn't matter how much out of his control almost everything was. It didn't matter who reassured him or what they said or did, even when the individual was a professional in the field of trauma responses.
Maybe it was a bit of everything.
Y/N is currently staying in the guest room of Yamada and Aizawa. The youngest of three fits into the pair's dynamic. They don't take up space in any way and they also do not try to erase their presence. They respect the couple and the home. They sometimes have the energy that almost matches Yamada's and then they sometimes have the absence of energy that matches Aizawa. In many aspects, the guest shares multiple characteristics that can be found in the two homeowners.
So, maybe it was all of the above that led to Aizawa suddenly trying to take care of Y/N.
The day had started off the same as others.
The three ate breakfast together with Yamada doing most of the talking. Y/N talked whenever they had anything to add. Aizawa remained quiet and only let out noises of agreement or denial. One of the perks of Y/N staying with them is that Yamada can eagerly talk with someone during the morning. Hizashi loves his husband, but Shouta has never and will never be a morning person. Y/N, however, gives Hizashi their full attention and responds with full sentences. Even when Y/N's energy is low, they still give the morning person their attention and engage in the conversation. Yamada is grateful for any engagement and that includes his sleep deprived husband's huffs. Still, talking to someone is definitely a perk.
When breakfast was over, something shifted. It's almost as if the pause in activity told Aizawa's body and mind that something was missing.
It became apparent when Y/N was suddenly wrapped in a blanket. Y/N was definitely surprised, but they did their best to hide their surprise and confusion. Surely there must be a reason why someone had quickly entered their personal space and why they were suddenly turned into a wrap. When they looked up ready to ask the man why they received a blanket as well as to thank them –if not grateful for the protection from the slight breeze, then to remain polite– they were left speechless.
There was a faraway look in Aizawa's eyes. It was very strange. Especially when the look was paired with behavior and actions that one would expect from Yamada rather than Aizawa. The guest knew that the reason behind Aizawa's behavior wasn't a quirk. If a quirk had been at play, then Aizawa would have been affected yesterday after his patrol.
Y/N stayed quiet before they remembered the importance of words. The quiet 'thank you' didn't remove the faraway look from the older man's eyes, but it did smooth out the expression on the pro's face with a tiny smile.
Y/N didn't move, just like Aizawa. They were unsure of what an appropriate response would be. Clearly something was amiss. Y/N could only hope Yamada could offer an explanation, or at least take a guess as to why Aizawa seemed to be studying them.
Yamada's footsteps and voice faltered once he neared the pair. There was a puzzled, questioning look on the blonde's face before a look of recognition crosses his features.
"You okay, Shou?"
It's a normal question, but the man being questioned can barely huff.
"Good job, Shou. They'll be warm, now."
That gets a small smile from the quiet man.
"Ah, Shou! My feet are cold. Could you get me a pair of socks?"
Aizawa manages to process the words. He looks down and grunts disapprovingly at the sight of Hizashi's bare feet.
Once Aizawa is out of earshot, Yamada begins talking. "Sorry if he stepped out of line. The last time something like this happened was when we were in school." He explains further to answer the questions lingering behind the raised eyebrows. "When Shou can't protect someone, it takes him to a dark place. It'll build up for a while until he falls into a one-track mind. Last time I was on the receiving end, but it looks like it might be your turn."
"Did I do something?"
Yamada shakes his head. "The past year with his class has slowly been eating at him. Now that things have calm down, the worry and guilt must have settled. And, now he's in this foggy headspace. He'll take care of anyone nearby. Since it's us three here, it would have been you or me." The explanation is paused as Yamada places a hand on his chin and a taps a finger against his head. "However, considering your age and personality, it makes sense his caretaking side would choose you."
Y/N gives a small nod. It makes sense. Yamada has a more stable, consistent life than them and Yamada is also a constant pillar in Aizawa's life. Compared to Yamada, Y/N has definitely left room for curiosity to bloom and for a helping hand to be sent their way.
"Since this is out of his control and he only wants protect me by taking care of me, then it'd be best to just let him do so, no?"
Yamada smiles, kindly. "Yes," he nods. "But, don't force yourself. If it's too much for you, I can take him away. He'll come out of it eventually. He can find someone else to go full dad mode on or wait it out. And, don't worry, I'll stay by him so he won't be left alone."
Y/N doesn't think about it. "I don't mind. I can help and he's not doing anything bad." Their fast response manages to internally surprise them. They don't take back their words, though, nor do they regret what they said.
Yamada's smile reaches his eyes and his shoulders drop, losing the tension that had begun to form there. He really is grateful for Y/N and the way they are. Even through their confusion, Y/N is understanding.
"He means well," Yamada begins. "But, be prepared for dadzawa."
Like perfect timing, Aizawa walks into the room. He's a man on a mission. He moves fast, speed walking in the same way that he does when he's only thinking about finding a nearby coffee pot. The determined look that always partners his walk can't be seen due to the tall pile in Aizawa's arms. The current caretaker must be really worried about the warmth and comfort of the two. Hoodies, blankets, pillows, and a plushie make up the small mountain the caretaker brings into the room. Oh, and of course, a pair of fuzzy socks sit on top of the mountain.
"Wow, Shou, look at you being so thoughtful. We sure are lucky to have you here taking care of us."
A noise of agreement slips through Aizawa's lips. Feeling that he's properly helping take care of the two, a piece of the fog clears. Instead of quietly automatically moving, he can now look at his pile and explain himself, even if only with few words.
"Hoodie, cold," Aizawa says while he shoves a hoodie into the arms of his husband. "Hoodie, later, cold," Aizawa says, holding the second hoodie in front of Y/N. "Blankets, again, cold," the man sounds tired as if he can't believe he needs to explain something so obvious.
Even though Y/N was already tucked inside a blanket, they felt warmth spread through them at seeing Aizawa so carefully consider their warmth. Everything the, currently, lost pro brought had a good reason for being brought out. The pillows were not only brought out so the two could rest their heads, but because Y/N sometimes likes to hold something in their arms while they watch TV. It's also why the plushie was brought out.
Hizashi definitely did not expect a stuffed toy to be brought out. The only plushies in their home are from their days at U.A. and small gifts from Nemuri. All the stuffed toys are usually in their closet, tucked away in a corner. They're barely glanced at.
But, Shouta thinks the plushie is a must.
"Kid, toy."
That's the only explanation given as the impromptu caretaker gives Y/N the soft cat. It paints a clear picture. The head pat emphasizes Aizawa's feelings.
Y/N can only gently hold the toy cat and watch as Aizawa's smile grows.
After the show and tell, Aizawa sits with the pair. Aizawa, being the intelligent person that he is, sits next to the kid. Right in-between the kid and his husband. A perfect spot! Then, he swiftly grabs ahold of his husband's feet. Both feet are lifted into the air at the same time. Aizawa puts the fuzzy socks on the upsettingly bare feet while judging his significant other. "Left bed like this," is quietly muttered in a somewhat frustrated tone. Hizashi had already yelped when Shouta tried to steal his feet, so he does his best not to let out another yelp as he's almost scolded. He does not want to embarrass himself, again.
Meanwhile, Y/N bites their lip so that the laugh ready to slip through their lips remains a secret. Out of the two, Yamada is the one that openly worries and is fretful while Aizawa usually remains composed. The two are like that, especially, in front of others.
Although some huffs are let out, Aizawa looks better than he did seconds, even minutes ago. The two sitting with Aizawa are really glad. It might be small, but they both know they're helping him.
Kind of feeling that someone should say something, Y/N decides to speak.
"So, I'm guessing this means I should watch...um," Y/N trails off.
"Cartoons," Aizawa answers, resolutely.
That's exactly what Y/N and Yamada had guessed.
Aizawa grabs the control and quickly turns on the TV. He ignores the curious eyes of the much too little kid and his husband. Aizawa knows what's better suited for the little one. He'll pick a great show, one they'll all like.
"Ooh, SuperKitties! I really like this show," Y/N exclaims. After, they think that they should maybe feel a bit embarrassed or shy. The show is made for kids. Their reaction can maybe be seen as some sort of support or agreement to Aizawa's kid thing.
BUT, it was already common knowledge that Y/N enjoys SuperKitties.
Soooo, really, Y/N is simply being themself and there's nothing wrong with that.
Even knowing that doesn't stop the triumphant smirk from landing on Aizawa's face as he watches Y/N grow excited seeing the superhero kittens.
The, now, fuzzy feet man watches the scene. Hizashi is not happy that his sweet Shouta worried so much to the point of reverting to the same nature he had after losing Oboro. The past and the build up to now have been unfortunate. All things considered, right now, he's really grateful. He believes that they're all very fortunate and lucky to be at home together. Y/N's nature will definitely help his husband.
Never one to miss an opportunity, Hizashi cuddles up to Shouta. He's well aware he can pretty much get anything he wants right now. Cuddling with Shou is never something Hizashi will miss or turn down. When Shouta glances at the man now glued to his side, he receives a pretty and content smile. The smile makes the man on the receiving end feel very good. He's clearly doing a good job. He knows how to keep his love happy. He gives Zashi a small smile in return. Yamada practically has hearts in his eyes. Once again, Aizawa knows that he's won.
The man sitting in the middle feels warmth spread through him. Even when he sees the kid growing worried for the animals, Aizawa does not worry. This is something he can fix. Seeing the concern on Y/N's face, the temporary dad runs his fingers through their hair. That alongside the kittens' transformation relaxes Y/N and has Aizawa feeling great. He knew he could do it.
The kittens on the screen are ready to go searching for answers. The SuperKitties remind themselves that they're brave, smart, strong, and kind. "Just like you," Aizawa says. His words are directed at his kid. Hearing those words make the little one's ears grow hot and slightly red. Not only were the words sweet, but Aizawa sounded so certain.
"It's true," Yamada says.
Y/N tries to burry themself into the couch.
It all feels so surreal, but it's one of the most real things all of them have ever experienced.
It's a different ambiance than what Yamada, or any of them, is used to. And yet, it's very welcoming. Although Yamada does not want his husband to go through anything that would send him spiraling into a fuzzy state of mind where he is vulnerable, Yamada wouldn't mind experiencing this again, minus the stress and Aizawa's uncontrollable urge to parent. It's nice to hear soft giggles and a childish cartoon. Yamada can see the appeal behind a kid's show. He definitely sees why Y/N would watch this from time to time instead of something more grown up. Although they're teachers that are constantly surrounded by kids, this is different.
The two teachers don't have to worry about preparing students for battle. Yamada doesn't have to try to help students learn a second language. Neither of the two school educators have to worry about whether or not they're going to hear any curse words, weird slang, or dumb and inappropriate words.The heroes don't have to worry about stopping crime. The SuperKitties already stopped the Cat Burglar and found out why Cat Burglar stole so much yarn. The heroes also don't have to worry about anyone getting into any crazy accidents or danger. It's only the three of them surrounded by warmth inside a dorm at U.A. with a kids show playing on the TV.
It's soothing.
And, there are cuddles, which of course make everything better.
The only time the peacefulness in the Yamazawa home is interrupted is when Aizawa begins to grow slightly restless. It's a problem with an easy fix. With Y/N sitting on Aizawa's lap and arms wrapped around their waist, Aizawa calms down. It doesn't take long for Y/N to accept their new spot and slump against Aizawa. Silently, Yamada cheers and mentally praises his husband. Now, their cuddle pile has grown and it's even sweeter and better than before.
With Hizashi against his side and Y/N against his chest, both warm, comfortable, and happy, the once frazzled man feels any remaining tension and worry leave his mind and body. Shouta feels at ease. He finally feels that he was able to take care of the people he so desperately wants to protect.
Aizawa gently bounces his leg, which paired with Yamada's quirked humming, send the three into the first of many future cuddle pile naps.