Chapter Text
The bell over the door rang cheerfully, Izuku popping up over the counter with a grin and a cheerful wave. “Good morning Rumi! The usual?”
“You know it!” His friend grinned. “Looks busy in here today!”
“A little,” Izuku giggled, kissing Shouta’s cheek as his lover scooted past with a tray of fresh muffins. “I don’t mind it though- it’s nice to see!”
"I finally talked him into getting an espresso machine Rumi," Shouta called. "It'll be in next week. We're going to learn how to make fancy coffee."
Rumi let out a laugh at that, "We'll I'll be getting that in addition to the bread when I come by," she shared before taking the two large bags of still warm bread Izuku handed her. "Any news on the other front?"
"Today," Izuku smiled. "We're closing early so we can get her settled in."
“Really?” Rumi brightened. “Good luck you two, I know you’re gonna be fantastic.”
“Thank you,” Izuku giggled. “I’m a little nervous still but Sho keeps reassuring me we’ll do fine.”
“We’ve researched, taken classes, therapy,” Shouta listed them off with a shake of his head. “And we waited until we felt truly ready darling. I think you’re underestimating yourself.”
“I know, I know,” Izuku brushed a curl from his face. “I’m excited to finally have her home though.”
"And we'll do our best to be who she needs," Shouta said gently before turning back to a customer. Izuku's heart lifted at that. It was the best he could hope for, to be the place for this little girl like his grandmother had been for him. Except he hoped to be there forever.
"Well between that and the court case closing, it's been a great month," Rumi grinned. "I'll let you get back to work. I also think I may be at the end of my bread deposit so I'll put more down tomorrow."
“Wonderful,” Izuku nodded. “I’ll make sure we have your order fresh and ready for you.”
“Oh I know,” she waved a hand. “You two are always on it. Have a great day sweetheart, and let me know how everything goes later!” And with that she was out the door, Izuku melting back into the busy flow of their bakery. He loved it here, loved the smell of fresh baked goods, the customers talking cheerfully, the warm and relaxing atmosphere.
There was a soft meow from Cloud as she stretched from her bed in the corner. No longer a tiny kitten, she was full grown and adored by everyone who came into the bakery, mostly because she was sweet and did know to stay out of the kitchens, something they had instilled in her when they first began bringing her here while decorating. The blue paw prints she'd made on the floor had remained as a fond memory for them. "I'll feed you when the morning rush is over dear," Izuku promised with a laugh.
“Everything is pretty much caught up,” Shouta said, waving as a set of customers headed out the door. “We’re doing decently.”
“That’s good,” Izuku smiled, turning to prepare a drink for the next person, humming softly under his breath.
Once things had calmed down a bit, he filled Cloud’s food dish, gently scratching her chin before moving to his love at the counter and kissing him again.
"We should hire help," he said, leaning into Izuku's side a bit. "I was going over the books. We can afford it at this point, someone to help in the front of the house while you're baking so you're not doing double duty."
"We can look into that after we get Eri settled," Izuku smiled softly. "Which reminds me, should put the closed sign up so we can go meet her, they should be ready soon."
“Right,” Shouta kissed his cheek, a calloused finger wiping at a spot on the side of his face. “You had a bit of flour love.”
“Hazards of the job,” Izuku giggled.
Before they knew it it was time to put the sign out, tidying and putting things away before clipping Cloud’s leash on so she could be loaded into the car.
They drove a little way, a few towns over, before pulling up in front of what looked like an old office building. "Let's go pick up our little girl," Shouta pressed a kiss to his cheek. They had met Eri a number of times, trying to make sure they were the right parents for her before moving forward. And today was the day.
Izuku held his hand tightly as they headed inside, the receptionist smiling warmly when she saw them. “They’re in the conference room now,” she said cheerfully. “You should be all set to just head right in.”
“Thank you,” Shouta nodded, squeezing the hand in his as they headed that way, Cloud very well behaved beside them. “We’re going to be great parents, love.” He whispered. “So don’t worry too much, ok?”
"I know," Izuku took a deep breath. He'd had many conversations with Nedzu about this: about wanting to make sure he didn't repeat his parent's mistakes. About making sure he was there for the child who needed him how they needed him. "Let's go take our little girl home."
They stepped into the brightly painted conference room and there she stood, long silver hair, bright red eyes. In her arms was a stuffed unicorn Izuku had bought for her and next to her was a suitcase that stood as tall as her.
She looked at them with a soft hope that almost brought tears to Izuku’s eyes as he smiled reassuringly. “Hi princess.”
“Hi Mr. Zu,” she looked up at them shyly. “They said I’m going home today.”
“Yes,” Shouta smiled, crouching down so he could hug her tightly. “You’re coming home today, everything’s all prepared for you.”
"So I really get to be your princess forever?" she asked quietly, as if voicing it too loud may break the moment, may make them turn around and walk out.
"Yes dear," Izuku smiled as Cloud began to purr, still on his leash and nuzzling up against her. "Cloud is excited to have you join our family too."
He watched as tears filled her eyes before she buried her face against Shouta, small hands clinging to his jacket. “We just need a few signatures,” the case worker smiled politely, a gentle fondness to it. “She’s been looking forward to seeing you both all morning.”
Izuku signed where she pointed, reading over everything carefully. He knew now to be careful with contracts. It seemed there was a six month period Eri would need to be in their home with checks before a judge would officially sign off on the adoption, and that was ok. He passed the pen to Shouta for him to do the same, kneeling down to smile at their princess who was now playing with Cloud.
Red eyes looked up at him, Eri pausing before asking softly “if I get to stay with you and Mr. Shouta forever, can I call you dad?”
“Darling,” Izuku brushed hair from her face with a teary smile. “I’d be just fine with that, if that’s what you want. And I’m sure Sho won’t mind it either. You’re our little girl now.”
He paused for a moment, tilting his head. "It's entirely up to you though," he added. "Neither of us are going to make you call us anything. We can keep being Mr. Zu and Mr. Sho if you prefer."
She considered that a moment, her face thoughtful for one so little. "I think I want you to be Dad," she said, hope laced through each word.
“Then I’d love to be dad,” Izuku smiled, brushing away tears from his eyes. He held out his arms, scooping the girl up when she leaned into him, standing up with her perched on his hip.
“Almost done here,” Shouta glanced up from the table with a smile. “And then we can go home, Eri-Berry and show you your room.”
"My own room?" She said with wide eyes.
Izuku nodded. "Fit for a Princess," he smiled at her.
"Zu thought about all the things you said you liked and then I agreed it sounded very nice and put together the furniture," he teased, getting a little giggle from the girl.
"Thank you Dad, thank you Papa," she said with an excited grin.
Shouta felt tears well up at that, grinning happily as he signed the last paper. The worker reminded them of a few things before handing them a folder, smiling. “You’re all set now.”
“Thank you,” Shouta nodded, taking a deep breath before turning to his love and their little girl. “Who’s ready to go home and celebrate?”
Cloud let out a meow at that and Eri giggled again before saying a quiet little, "Me too."
"Then let's get going," Izuku smiled, watching as Shouta picked up the suitcase.
With that, the little quartet left, Izuku and Shouta making sure Eri and Cloud were safely in the car before they headed towards the house, talking with Eri along the way.
Izuku let Shouta carry her inside, smiling at the little delighted noise that left her when she saw the flowers blooming outside the front door. “It’s so pretty,” she whispered.
“We have lots of flowers,” Shouta chuckled. “We can even help you plant some of your own when you want, princess.”
"Really?" She asked excitedly.
"Of course," Izuku smiled, pushing the door open and pulling the luggage in with him. It was a warm day, he noted as he set down the suitcase, realizing for the first time the long sleeves Eri was wearing. "Aren't you warm Princess?" He asked.
She looked at her arms before looking at him nervously. “I’m ok.” She mumbled. “It’s not too warm.”
“Sweetheart,” Izuku crouched down, worried.
“My arms,” Eri looked away from him. “I don’t want you and papa to see.”
Izuku’s heart wrenched at that; they knew about her case, knew she had scars from what had happened, but he didn’t want her to feel ashamed of them. Not like he had been ashamed of himself once.
Izuku smiled, something soft and understanding. "You know your Papa and I both have scars too," he said gently.
"Really?" She asked. They knew she'd seen Shouta’s face but Izuku’s were all hidden.
He tugged at the collar of his shirt, pulling it just low enough for her to see he was telling the truth but not enough to worry her. "Really. And it's ok if they remind us of bad things sometimes. They're things that tried to hurt us and that we survived. But they don't make you who you are. You are so much more and so much stronger than them, princess."
“Woah,” her eyes widened, looking up at him before she latched onto him tightly. “Papa and Dad are so brave.” She whispered.
“So is our little princess,” Izuku promised quietly, kissing her head. “Our brave, beautiful little girl. We’re so happy you’re home.” He picked her up again with a gentle smile. “Ready to go see your room now?”
“Yes,” she nodded, a bright smile blooming on her face, one that Izuku felt in his heart. They’d worked so hard to get here, and now their dream was finally complete. “I’m ready.”
The gasp that left her lips, the wide eyes and awe struck smile were all Izuku needed to see to know he'd done well. The room was soft and inviting, cozy spots for her to read and play and make her own worlds. There was a doll house like a castle in one corner and a small table for her to draw or write at. And so many toys and art supplies and books on shelves or in little cubbies. "This is really for me?" She asked.
“Yes it is,” Shouta smiled, appearing behind them and kissing Izuku’s cheek.
“It’s so pretty,” she said, glancing at them as Izuku set her down, the two men watching her as she moved into the room. Her fingers brushed tentatively over the dolls and toys, awe clear in her eyes. “Thank you,” she raced back to them, Shouta chuckling a little when she latched onto their legs in a tight hug.
“Anything for you princess,” he promised, ruffling her hair. “We’re really happy you like it, and we’re even happier that you’re finally home.”
They helped her unpack, showing her different things around the room and just excitedly letting her get used to her new space. She excused herself to go to the bathroom and Izuku and Shouta shared they'd be in the kitchen.
Izuku and Shouta had planned a simple but cozy dinner, one of his favorites his grandmother would make, and then an apple tart dessert.
They looked up when Eri walked in, tugging at her fingers, having changed on her own into a dress with short sleeves.
Izuku smiled at her, watching as she smiled back shyly, fidgeting with her hands. “Since you told me about you and Papa,” she said softly. “I want to be brave like you are.”
“Princess,” Shouta smiled. “You already are sweetheart. And we’re very proud of you.”
Izuku opened his arms and she rushed forward into them, melting into the hug Shouta knew was all comfort and love. He wrapped his arms around the two, joining the embrace. This was everything the two had fought others and their own demons for: the life they had glimpsed but weren't sure could be. They knew they still had growth, all three of them would. But all any of them had to be was strong enough together for those harder moments, the ones that lead to moments like this of sunshine and smiles and happiness.
Izuku exhaled softly, melting into the hug. This was their family, their home. This was everything they’d ever wanted, and he couldn’t have been more grateful to finally be there. Despite the challenges, this was theirs, and no one could take that away ever again.
Their hug broke apart and Shouta soon leaned back, watching his love show their daughter what he was doing at the stove. It was simple, sweet, and one more moment to carry forward. The simplicity of the life they choose would outshine the stage lights any day. After all, they were the sun and moon and now they had their little star.