? Benevolence ?

A couple days later, Todoroki pulls me aside while the others set up the common area for another movie night. "[L/n]. Since you still don't have anywhere to go, would you like to intern with me at Endeavor's agency?"

I pause at the question, confused. "Didn't y-you already ask Midoriya and Bakugou? Why me?"

"You want to be a rescue hero."

"...yeah?"

"Endeavor is typically called into the bigger incidents. If you were to work with him, you could get hands on experience with all kinds of emergencies."

"Is that the only reason you asked?"

"Midoriya mentioned you needed somewhere to go. We're friends so I wanted to extend the offer to you, too."

I smile nervously and shift in place. "That's r-really thoughtful of you and it sounds l-like good experience... I'm just not sure Endeavor will accept me."

"Why do you say that?"

"I'm not like you guys. My quirk isn't- he just pr-probably wouldn't want me there. You, Midoriya, and Bakugou are really strong. I'm not."

"You are strong. I didn't notice before but it's different than us." He seems almost upset for a moment, brow furrowed. "Your quirk isn't suited for combat but you still figured out a way to use it to your advantage in fights. It makes you think in a way we never have to. Don't discredit yourself."

"I- thank you..." I trail off, not entirely sure why I'm won't just agree.

"It's alright if you don't want to. In any case, the offer still stands."

"...I'll think about it."

He nods once before pausing and pulling out his phone. We exchange numbers and he tells me to let him know if I'd like to join them.

It'd be nice to work with friends and interning with the number one hero is an amazing opportunity but... something about Endeavor is daunting. He isn't really even the type of hero I want to be. Before I can come to a complete decision, the movie starts and I rejoin the class.

Since dormitory residence was made mandatory for all the students, we all thought it would be difficult to return home for the holidays. But with the escort of pro heroes, everyone was able to return home for just one day.

Because of this, I have all the dorms to myself. Since mom... I ended up just staying here with Aizawa as my current guardian. Without anything to distract me, I find my thoughts drifting to previous new years.

It's painful but in a way I struggle to explain. Knowing she's gone is almost like... having an achy bruise that won't quite heal. Sometimes it slips my mind completely until I remember and suddenly it hurts again.

I'm startled from my thoughts at the sound of a knock at my door. Peeking out, I find Aizawa and Eri waiting in the hall. The small girl lights up at the sight of me and I offer her a smile.

"Meraki!"

I step aside to let them in. Eri gives me a quick hug before making her way to Ryu, giggling softly. Then Aizawa turns to me with the hint of a smile.

"I told you that you wouldn't have to be alone. I meant it."

Before I realize what I'm doing, I pull him into a hug. I know what he had said but it's still means a lot. Aizawa lets the moment last a little while longer before pulling away.

"Well, come on. You can celebrate in the teacher's dorms with us."

Soon enough, I find myself in Aizawa's apartment. Present Mic is here, too. He gives me a fist bump when I arrive, grinning happily. We talk for a bit while Aizawa gets Eri some drawing supplies from a closet. It's strange to talk to another teacher so casually... but it's also nice.

Eri is drawing a picture of the four of us when I suddenly remember what my classmate had offered me.

"Um... Aizawa?"

The teacher hums lightly, glancing up from a paper he was looking over.

"Todoroki offered for me to go to Endeavor's agency along with Midoriya and Bakugou."

I watch as he scowls for a moment before his features smooth out to something that looks contemplative. Then he sighs, almost regretfully.

"Honestly, that's a great idea."

"...really?" I cock my head, surprised. I had thought he would be against it. 

"Those three have a strange relationship with trouble and with Endeavor? I don't even want to think about what they could get up to. If you're there, at least there's someone with common sense."

At my lack of response, he frowns. "Unless you don't want to. I assumed that since you brought it up-"

"No- I mean- it's a great experience... I'd be crazy to pass it by."

Present Mic, no- 'Call me Yamada when we're here! I'm not on duty, y'know!'- enters the room with a plate of food. "You're thinking of interning with Endeavor?! He's a little rough around the edges, isn't he?"

I sink into the couch, nodding. "Yeah, he's k-kinda scary..."

Eri glances over to me for a moment before turning back to her drawing with a sense of determination. Then Aizawa makes a noise that almost sounds like a scoff and puts the paper down. "He's the number one hero. While he does have a sh..."

He trails off, eyeing Eri from across the room. "...distasteful...personality... he's a very capable hero. Besides, it couldn't hurt you to learn from him."

I fidget nervously. "My quirk isn't like his, though..."

"Well, you could simply focus on evacuating civilians when he fights but who knows? He might actually have something to teach you. If you really aren't doing well in his care, we can easily find you somewhere else."

Pres- Yamada laughs, a bright grin settled on his features. "It's not everyday you get an offer to work with the top hero, listener!"

I find myself nodding in agreement. It would probably be beneficial in some way. How couldn't it?

Seconds later, Eri hops up and dashes over to the three of us, eager to show us her drawing. She points out the details and explains it all.

"-and that's you in your hero costume, Meraki! You're holding my hand so I won't be scared of anyone and I'm holding your hand so you won't be scared of anyone, too. We won't be scared together and you can do the inter ship!"

I compliment the drawing with a smile, thanking her, before quietly taking out my phone to send a text.

To: Todoroki
is that internship offer
still on the table?

---
I just love Eri so much, okay?
Also sorry if this chapter isn't very good! I know it's lacking something but I couldn't seem to get it the way I liked it.
Anyway, I hope nobody is too upset with this route!!
I'm hoping to build the reader's relationship with Midoriya and Todoroki and who knows?
Maybe Endeavor does have something he could teach...
Thank you for reading!!!