—Cole POV—
Reviewing the list of local schools I could get Eri into, I saw the one Fuyumi worked at on the list. Since I knew her personally, I had no problems leaving Eri in her care at school. She was more than qualified to help Eri in the event she had a panic attack or other issues at school. Fuyumi also had my number so she could call me if something happened at school. Asking Nezu to get me the paperwork for Cherry Blossom Elementary, I said I would see about getting her into Fuyumi's class.
“Oh, so you are on a first name basis with Endeavor’s daughter.”, Nezu stated with a smile, “That is something I wasn’t expecting to hear. Are the two of you a couple?”
“Please don’t start with that, I don’t want more people harassing me about it.”, I sighed.
Asking me what I meant, I explained the whole situation with Midnight. Telling him that Fuyumi and I were just friends, he gave me a smirk that told me he wasn’t buying it. Printing out the enrollment forms for the elementary school, Nezu said he would notify the principal of the situation should Eri need special accommodations.
“Alright, well thank you for your help.”, I said shaking his hand, “I have to get her some clothing and school supplies.”
Giving me a list of stores to check out, I thanked him again before leaving with Eri. Carrying her on my shoulders, so she could see better, we made our way to the closest clothing store to start shopping.
“The city is so pretty!”, Eri giggled as she looked around and waved at everyone.
“Yes it is, do you want something to drink or eat?”, I inquired as we approached some street stalls.
Seeing a cotton candy stall, she pointed at it and asked to eat clouds. Chuckling at the name she gave it, I approached the man and asked to buy two cotton candies. Handing one to Eri first, I paid for our snack and continued on toward the clothing store. Hearing her munching away on the cotton candy, I asked her what she thought of it.
“It’s so good!”, she exclaimed with a smile, “Do all clouds taste this good?”
“I like the blue ones, but the pink ones are good too.”, I chuckled.
“They come in different colors!?”, she gasped, “Do they have rainbow ones!”
Telling her they did, she asked if we could have some next time. Promising her we would, we tossed our trash in a trash can and then continued on.
Looking up at the skyscraper shopping mall, as we arrived, I forgot just how big they built buildings here because they were limited on space. Reading the store listing on the ground level, we took the elevator up to the 6th floor where the clothing store was. Setting Eri down so she could look out the window easier, she was amazed by the view as we went up.
“Wow!!”, Eri gasped seeing the city below us, “Everything is getting smaller!”
“Haha yep.”, I agreed, “The people look like dots from up here.”
Getting off the elevator, we ran into one of the Heroes I had been meaning to meet in person. Standing in front of us was Ryukyu who appeared to also be out shopping. Making eye contact with one another, she recognized me immediately.
“It’s nice to formally meet you.”, she told me offering her hand as we got off.
“Likewise, I have heard a lot about you from other Pro Heroes.”, I replied shaking her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ryukyu.”
Copying her Quirk before letting go of her hand, she turned to see Eri poking her head out from behind my leg. Asking me who she was, since it was well known I was a single guy with no kids, I explained her situation to her. Nodding her head as I finished explaining, she told me I was a lot nicer than she had been told by other Pros. Inquiring about what she meant, she told me that I was known as some sort of playboy Hero. Giving her a confused look, I said that wasn’t possible since I wasn’t dating anyone.
“You aren’t dating Mirko or one of the Pussycats?”, she asked me.
“No, I patrol with Mirko because she demands it and the Pussycats are just close friends of mine.”, I answered, “Where did you hear otherwise?”
“Hmm…maybe I shouldn’t give credence to the rumors I have heard, but they did a news article on you this morning.”, she informed me, “I recommend watching the news tonight to see for yourself.”
Telling her I would, I thanked her for the heads up before walking towards the clothing store. Asking me to wait a moment, she told me that I would probably want a woman to help pick out Eri’s clothing. Shaking my head, I told her I could take care of this but thanked her for her concern. Holding Eri’s hand as we walked into the store, I flagged down one of the female workers to assist us. While I had no issue with helping pick clothing out for Eri, I wasn’t about to help her get changed in a public space.
“Alright Eri, what sort of clothing do you want?”, I questioned showing her the clothing area she’d fit into.
Looking around at everything for a moment, she stopped and looked back at me. Seeing her concerned expression, I knew she was overthinking things.
“I don’t need nice clothes…I can wear something else.”, she told me as she started to walk away.
“Do you not like anything here?”, I said with a confused look.
“It’s expensive, right?”, she remarked.
Realizing this was a side effect of her abuse, I told her not to worry about the price. Assuring her I was more than wealthy enough to buy her clothing, the clerk and Eri began picking out clothing. At first, she was hesitant to pick anything but like any child that was short-lived once she saw something she really liked.
—Two Hours Later—
After paying for several outfits, dresses, shoes, and pajamas for her we went out to lunch. Stopping at a taco shack, I introduced Eri to the world of Mexican food. Getting her soft tacos, since I assumed the hard shell was too tough for her, she happily munched down her tacos leaving a mess on her face. Wiping the taco sauce from her face with a napkin, she gave me a beaming smile of approval.
“I take it you like the tacos?”, I chuckled.
“Mhm!”, she giggled, “Where are we going next?”
“Well, you will need school supplies for class.”, I informed her.
“Is that the place where I can make friends!?”, she shouted with excitement.
“Absolutely, I am sure you will be very popular with the children.”, I replied with a warm smile.
Heading to the school supply store next, Eri started searching for the backpack she wanted. Looking at all the different styles and designs, she took her time trying to find the one she liked the most. While she was browsing, I looked around the area to see where we could get the rest of her stuff. As I was scanning the area someone bumped into me, and attempted to stab me. Hearing the sound of the knife bounce off my battery pack, I turned to look who had done that.
Seeing some thug standing there, he dropped the knife and stumbled backward. Clearly, he didn’t know who I was as he was desperate to get away from me. Drawing the knife to my hand with magnetism, I examined it closely.
“Why are you here!?”, the criminal shrieked, “You don’t have kids!”
“I didn’t realize I had to have one to shop here.”, I remarked as I took a few steps towards him, “You know if it were anyone else, this would have done some serious damage. You aimed right for the kidney, did you mistake me for someone else?”
Bolting for the exit, I flicked the knife at him and begged him right behind his left knee. Going down while screaming in pain, I grabbed him by the hair and lift him up to look him in the eyes.
“See, that hurts, doesn’t it? Don’t stab people.”, I stated before slamming him into the ground.
Sinking him half a foot into the concrete, I called the police to come to get him since I was watching Eri. Telling them he attempted to stab me in the back, the officer that answered keeled over laughing saying that was the stupidest move the criminal could have made. Returning to Eri’s side, the whole incident had gone unnoticed by her as she was struggling to decide between two different designs.
Helping her settle on a backpack, we grabbed the rest of the school supplies she needed. Paying for them at the counter, the police showed up and hauled away the criminal just as we were walking out the door. Noticing the crater near the front door, Eri asked what happened so I told her he tripped and hurt himself. Leaving it at that, we headed to Cherry Blossom Elementary to drop off the paperwork.
—An Hour Later—
After a brief meeting with the principal, I introduced Eri to Fuyumi who was just about to leave for the day. Giving her a big smile, Eri said hello and told her she’d be in her class tomorrow. Telling Eri she was happy to meet her, Fuyumi looked at me with a questioning gaze. Telling Fuyumi I’d text her the details later, I said I wanted Eri to meet her before we left the school.
“Is everything okay?”, Fuyumi asked stopping me from leaving.
“Eri is in a unique situation and will be staying with me for a while.”, I told her, “For now, just know that I am trusting you with her education here. Please let me know if you notice any issues with her that I may miss.”
“Of course.”, Fuyumi replied with a smile, “I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow morning for class, Eri.”
“Hehe!”, Eri giggled, “See you later Miss Teacher!”
Pulling me down the hall in a hurry, Eri wanted to see more of the school before leaving. Watching Fuyumi laughing at me, she must have thought it was adorable to see Eri so excited to be here. After running around the school a few times, we returned home for the night. Walking in the front door, I found grandpa and Gran Torino watching the news.
“...Next Up, Lightning Hero: Kessler building a harem?”, the news anchor stated, “Photos have recently surfaced of Kessler going on dates with many of today’s popular Heroines. Rumors are running rampant that he is trying to force these heroines into his own private harem.”
Turning back to look at me while I watched the idiot on the television spew nonsense about my romantic life, grandpa gave me a thumbs up. Telling me that I certainly knew how to pick them, I told him to fuck off because it wasn’t anything like that. I knew All For One was behind this as he had the media basically eating out of his hand. Since he couldn’t face me for the time being, he was using this as a way to attempt to ruin me.
‘Unfortunately, I frankly don’t give a shit what the public thinks, they are sheep that will follow whoever gives them what they want.’, I thought, ‘It’s the same wherever you go, people like him use wealth, religion, rumors, and raw power to manipulate people into doing what they want. Fortunately, the women in question are more than capable of speaking up for themselves so I don’t have to cover for them. I am sure they are laughing at how awful this news report is.’
Throwing Eri’s new clothing in the washer, I got her settled in with some cartoons while I prepared our dinner.
—Cole POV—
Reviewing the list of local schools I could get Eri into, I saw the one Fuyumi worked at on the list. Since I knew her personally, I had no problems leaving Eri in her care at school. She was more than qualified to help Eri in the event she had a panic attack or other issues at school. Fuyumi also had my number so she could call me if something happened at school. Asking Nezu to get me the paperwork for Cherry Blossom Elementary, I said I would see about getting her into Fuyumi's class.
“Oh, so you are on a first name basis with Endeavor’s daughter.”, Nezu stated with a smile, “That is something I wasn’t expecting to hear. Are the two of you a couple?”
“Please don’t start with that, I don’t want more people harassing me about it.”, I sighed.
Asking me what I meant, I explained the whole situation with Midnight. Telling him that Fuyumi and I were just friends, he gave me a smirk that told me he wasn’t buying it. Printing out the enrollment forms for the elementary school, Nezu said he would notify the principal of the situation should Eri need special accommodations.
“Alright, well thank you for your help.”, I said shaking his hand, “I have to get her some clothing and school supplies.”
Giving me a list of stores to check out, I thanked him again before leaving with Eri. Carrying her on my shoulders, so she could see better, we made our way to the closest clothing store to start shopping.
“The city is so pretty!”, Eri giggled as she looked around and waved at everyone.
“Yes it is, do you want something to drink or eat?”, I inquired as we approached some street stalls.
Seeing a cotton candy stall, she pointed at it and asked to eat clouds. Chuckling at the name she gave it, I approached the man and asked to buy two cotton candies. Handing one to Eri first, I paid for our snack and continued on toward the clothing store. Hearing her munching away on the cotton candy, I asked her what she thought of it.
“It’s so good!”, she exclaimed with a smile, “Do all clouds taste this good?”
“I like the blue ones, but the pink ones are good too.”, I chuckled.
“They come in different colors!?”, she gasped, “Do they have rainbow ones!”
Telling her they did, she asked if we could have some next time. Promising her we would, we tossed our trash in a trash can and then continued on.
Looking up at the skyscraper shopping mall, as we arrived, I forgot just how big they built buildings here because they were limited on space. Reading the store listing on the ground level, we took the elevator up to the 6th floor where the clothing store was. Setting Eri down so she could look out the window easier, she was amazed by the view as we went up.
“Wow!!”, Eri gasped seeing the city below us, “Everything is getting smaller!”
“Haha yep.”, I agreed, “The people look like dots from up here.”
Getting off the elevator, we ran into one of the Heroes I had been meaning to meet in person. Standing in front of us was Ryukyu who appeared to also be out shopping. Making eye contact with one another, she recognized me immediately.
“It’s nice to formally meet you.”, she told me offering her hand as we got off.
“Likewise, I have heard a lot about you from other Pro Heroes.”, I replied shaking her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ryukyu.”
Copying her Quirk before letting go of her hand, she turned to see Eri poking her head out from behind my leg. Asking me who she was, since it was well known I was a single guy with no kids, I explained her situation to her. Nodding her head as I finished explaining, she told me I was a lot nicer than she had been told by other Pros. Inquiring about what she meant, she told me that I was known as some sort of playboy Hero. Giving her a confused look, I said that wasn’t possible since I wasn’t dating anyone.
“You aren’t dating Mirko or one of the Pussycats?”, she asked me.
“No, I patrol with Mirko because she demands it and the Pussycats are just close friends of mine.”, I answered, “Where did you hear otherwise?”
“Hmm…maybe I shouldn’t give credence to the rumors I have heard, but they did a news article on you this morning.”, she informed me, “I recommend watching the news tonight to see for yourself.”
Telling her I would, I thanked her for the heads up before walking towards the clothing store. Asking me to wait a moment, she told me that I would probably want a woman to help pick out Eri’s clothing. Shaking my head, I told her I could take care of this but thanked her for her concern. Holding Eri’s hand as we walked into the store, I flagged down one of the female workers to assist us. While I had no issue with helping pick clothing out for Eri, I wasn’t about to help her get changed in a public space.
“Alright Eri, what sort of clothing do you want?”, I questioned showing her the clothing area she’d fit into.
Looking around at everything for a moment, she stopped and looked back at me. Seeing her concerned expression, I knew she was overthinking things.
“I don’t need nice clothes…I can wear something else.”, she told me as she started to walk away.
“Do you not like anything here?”, I said with a confused look.
“It’s expensive, right?”, she remarked.
Realizing this was a side effect of her abuse, I told her not to worry about the price. Assuring her I was more than wealthy enough to buy her clothing, the clerk and Eri began picking out clothing. At first, she was hesitant to pick anything but like any child that was short-lived once she saw something she really liked.
—Two Hours Later—
After paying for several outfits, dresses, shoes, and pajamas for her we went out to lunch. Stopping at a taco shack, I introduced Eri to the world of Mexican food. Getting her soft tacos, since I assumed the hard shell was too tough for her, she happily munched down her tacos leaving a mess on her face. Wiping the taco sauce from her face with a napkin, she gave me a beaming smile of approval.
“I take it you like the tacos?”, I chuckled.
“Mhm!”, she giggled, “Where are we going next?”
“Well, you will need school supplies for class.”, I informed her.
“Is that the place where I can make friends!?”, she shouted with excitement.
“Absolutely, I am sure you will be very popular with the children.”, I replied with a warm smile.
Heading to the school supply store next, Eri started searching for the backpack she wanted. Looking at all the different styles and designs, she took her time trying to find the one she liked the most. While she was browsing, I looked around the area to see where we could get the rest of her stuff. As I was scanning the area someone bumped into me, and attempted to stab me. Hearing the sound of the knife bounce off my battery pack, I turned to look who had done that.
Seeing some thug standing there, he dropped the knife and stumbled backward. Clearly, he didn’t know who I was as he was desperate to get away from me. Drawing the knife to my hand with magnetism, I examined it closely.
“Why are you here!?”, the criminal shrieked, “You don’t have kids!”
“I didn’t realize I had to have one to shop here.”, I remarked as I took a few steps towards him, “You know if it were anyone else, this would have done some serious damage. You aimed right for the kidney, did you mistake me for someone else?”
Bolting for the exit, I flicked the knife at him and begged him right behind his left knee. Going down while screaming in pain, I grabbed him by the hair and lift him up to look him in the eyes.
“See, that hurts, doesn’t it? Don’t stab people.”, I stated before slamming him into the ground.
Sinking him half a foot into the concrete, I called the police to come to get him since I was watching Eri. Telling them he attempted to stab me in the back, the officer that answered keeled over laughing saying that was the stupidest move the criminal could have made. Returning to Eri’s side, the whole incident had gone unnoticed by her as she was struggling to decide between two different designs.
Helping her settle on a backpack, we grabbed the rest of the school supplies she needed. Paying for them at the counter, the police showed up and hauled away the criminal just as we were walking out the door. Noticing the crater near the front door, Eri asked what happened so I told her he tripped and hurt himself. Leaving it at that, we headed to Cherry Blossom Elementary to drop off the paperwork.
—An Hour Later—
After a brief meeting with the principal, I introduced Eri to Fuyumi who was just about to leave for the day. Giving her a big smile, Eri said hello and told her she’d be in her class tomorrow. Telling Eri she was happy to meet her, Fuyumi looked at me with a questioning gaze. Telling Fuyumi I’d text her the details later, I said I wanted Eri to meet her before we left the school.
“Is everything okay?”, Fuyumi asked stopping me from leaving.
“Eri is in a unique situation and will be staying with me for a while.”, I told her, “For now, just know that I am trusting you with her education here. Please let me know if you notice any issues with her that I may miss.”
“Of course.”, Fuyumi replied with a smile, “I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow morning for class, Eri.”
“Hehe!”, Eri giggled, “See you later Miss Teacher!”
Pulling me down the hall in a hurry, Eri wanted to see more of the school before leaving. Watching Fuyumi laughing at me, she must have thought it was adorable to see Eri so excited to be here. After running around the school a few times, we returned home for the night. Walking in the front door, I found grandpa and Gran Torino watching the news.
“...Next Up, Lightning Hero: Kessler building a harem?”, the news anchor stated, “Photos have recently surfaced of Kessler going on dates with many of today’s popular Heroines. Rumors are running rampant that he is trying to force these heroines into his own private harem.”
Turning back to look at me while I watched the idiot on the television spew nonsense about my romantic life, grandpa gave me a thumbs up. Telling me that I certainly knew how to pick them, I told him to fuck off because it wasn’t anything like that. I knew All For One was behind this as he had the media basically eating out of his hand. Since he couldn’t face me for the time being, he was using this as a way to attempt to ruin me.
‘Unfortunately, I frankly don’t give a shit what the public thinks, they are sheep that will follow whoever gives them what they want.’, I thought, ‘It’s the same wherever you go, people like him use wealth, religion, rumors, and raw power to manipulate people into doing what they want. Fortunately, the women in question are more than capable of speaking up for themselves so I don’t have to cover for them. I am sure they are laughing at how awful this news report is.’
Throwing Eri’s new clothing in the washer, I got her settled in with some cartoons while I prepared our dinner.
