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Really, you had tried to stay big. Honest! All things considered, you thought you had done a pretty good job of it, even though you were surrounded by all the snow that just begged to be played in. Even though what you really wanted to do was build a snow man.
Nezu had gotten some of the bigger heroes around, helping to work and train. Why they had decided on this cabin out in the middle of nowhere instead of the safety of school, you couldn't say. You knew that these decisions were out of your hands, anyway.
Either way, it had been a long day. You'd been woken early, bundled into the winter edition of your uniforms, and set to work. You were focusing on hand to hand, given the nature of your quirk. And you weren't doing terribly, really.
But the day had worn on, and after lunch, you knew that you were losing steam. All of this effort and staying focused were really wearing on you. Your eyes kept straying away from what the heroes were saying to you to the snow.
At one point, you had began to slip away, wanting to make just one snow ball to toss into the air, or make one snow angel. You couldn't get far through, as soon as you took one too many steps away, Katsuki's hand shot out and gripped the back of your costume, yanking you back towards him. He didn't even turn his head.
“How'd you do that?” you sulked. He just nudged you and nodded towards whoever was speaking. He wasn't angry, though, you could tell by the way he placed his hand on the small of your back, keeping you grounded.
Izuku glanced over at you, his look somewhere between exasperated and sympathetic. At least you weren't the only one who was getting antsy. Denki, of course, was squirming around. Mina was holding onto Kirishima's hand with both of hers. Even Sero was looking like he was over it. The only one missing was Tsu, unable to perform safely in the snow.
“I think that covers it for now.” Best Jeanist said, snapping you out of your thoughts. You beamed, bouncing on your toes, looking towards the snow. You glanced at Izuku who just sighed and nodded, knowing that they'd have to hang your costume to dry.
Still, it would be a good chance to test how water resistant it was, how warm it was. You squealed and darted for a patch of snow, flopping down to make a snow angel. You got up happily, carefully, observing your marks.
You glanced over, noting that most everyone was going inside. There were a few caregivers outside, milling around, talking to heroes, working on a few techniques they'd learned. Everyone looked much calmer, and there was just enough sunlight left that you saw the woods beckoning to you.
“Hey,” Kacchan's voice, rough next to you. “If you're gonna play outside, you're gonna wear a coat.”
“But I thought we wanted to know how my costume--.”
“You've worked in that all day, we're not going to get more information.” he put your heavy coat on you, but did leave it unzipped.
“Not too long, squirt.”
He headed towards where Daddy was drilling Best Jeanist, scribbling in one of his notebooks. You turned back towards the woods. A few of your classmates had been taken there to work on things, but you'd stayed in the little clearing where the cabin sat.
You hopped towards the forest, giggling at the sound of your boots in the snow. Your costume gloves were warm enough that you weren't too worried. You continued into the snow, marveling at the look of the branches. It was a wonderland, you thought happily. Daddy and Kacchan were taking turns reading you The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and this was exactly what you had pictured Narnia looking like.
You continued walking, picking up a stick that was barely sticking out from the snow. You took a few fake jousting poses, imaging that you were fighting alongside Lucy and Edward and the rest. You wondered if Aslan the lion would have thought your quirk was a special gift. You pictured fighting along side them, screaming at the Queen, watching her writhe in agony.
There was a fallen log, and you hopped up, walking along it carefully. This could be a bridge, you thought. You held your arms out, and it was harder than you thought you keep your balance on the slippery log.
Of course you slipped, crashing to the ground with a groan. That had hurt, you thought, sitting up and rubbing your head. Your ankle throbbed, but you figured you could just walk it off. But when you looked up, you realized the sun was nearly down. At least that was what you thought, there were so many heavy gray clouds, the whole day had seemed kind of dim.
Best hurry, you thought, your head feeling a little fuzzy. But when you looked behind you, you weren't sure which way to leave. You could see footprints in the snow, so maybe you should just follow them. That seemed to be the best idea, you decided. But the flakes of snow were coming down, and they were coming down hard and fast, heavy and wet, sticking to your coat, your hair and eyelashes.
The footprints weren't likely to last too long. You couldn't have gotten that far, you thought, pulling yourself up to stand. Your ankle hurt, but it would be fine, you figured. You started to head towards your foot prints, avoiding walking on the log again. The woods had been quiet when you stepped into them, steeped in the winter stillness. But this was different, you thought. This was eerie, this seemed wrong somehow, though you couldn't understand how.
You crept in the spreading darkness. There was a cracking sound in front of you, making your heart stop in your throat. You froze. There was another sound, and a deep growl. You turned and ran then, forget about the pain in your ankle. You ran as fast as you could in the opposite direction. It didn't even cross your mind that you were getting further from your goal. You just wanted to put space between whatever was growling and yourself.
You ducked through trees and brush, some of the branches snagging at your coat. In your panic, you just slipped out of it, leaving it hanging there, continuing to run. But there was no snapping of branches or twigs behind you, no heavy breathing, nothing that should have frightened you. It was sooner than you would have liked before your ankle gave up, and you crumpled to the ground.
It wasn't like you could have seen where you were going anyway, not with the way the snow was coming down. You whimpered, tucking yourself under a tree, pulling your knees up, rubbing at your sore foot.
The wind howled, a desperate warning, and you shuddered, pulling your arms tightly around yourself.
***
“Where's—where's the baby?” Izuku looked up as soon as the snow began falling in the wet, fat flakes. Katsuki blinked. He had been standing next to Izuku while he questioned Jeanist, arms crossed, pretending he didn't care about the answers. But he had been listening, cataloging everything. Even though he'd had an internship with the man, there was still a lot to learn from him. Katsuki would have been an idiot not to realize.
“Playing in the snow.” he responded. “Probably getting time to get her inside. Oi!” he turned around. There was the imprint of your snow angel, but no you. He paused for a second, seeing your foot prints that were leading into the woods.
“Brat! Come back here!” he shouted. “I said not too far!”
They all paused, waiting for you to come scurrying out. Izuku wasn't worried, you'd come soon enough. He knew that you were getting tired, and in all honesty, he was looking forward to getting into dry clothes and snuggling with you next to the fire. If he played his cards right, he was sure he could get you into his lap, all cuddled underneath his chin with a blanket around the two of you. It sounded heavenly, especially if Kacchan was going to pull his usual move of wriggling his way under the blanket and complaining about him hogging you.
Izuku knew before any of that happened, he'd need to get you inside, out of that hero costume and into some warm pajamas yourself. He had packed your favorite fuzzy socks without you noticing, and he knew you'd be thrilled with them tonight. Tsu was inside getting dinner around for everyone, and he knew it would be warm and delicious.
But you didn't emerge.
“How far could she have gone? It was getting dark, and she's smart enough not to wander.” Izuku frowned.
“She was really eager to play in the snow.” Kacchan shifted. “Whatever, I'll go look for her, nerd. Go and get her pajamas ready. She's going to bed right after dinner for pulling this little stunt.”
“Wait,” Jeanist stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Bakugo, look, it's getting pitch out there. We should tell Aizawa and form an appropriate plan.”
“Appropriate plan? The only appropriate plan is going in there and hauling her little butt home for some corner time and going to bed.”
“Calm down, Kacchan.” Izuku hummed. “He has a point. It's dark, the snow is heavy, we could lose her tracks.” the wind picked up then, making them feel like the breath had been stolen right from their lungs. Izuku wondered how it felt for you, then.
“I don't even know if she'd hear us if we shouted.”
“Let's get inside.” Jeanist said, hustling them inside and flagging down Aizawa. By now the others had changed out of their costumes, putting on warmer things, milling around.
“Why is it always you three,” Aizawa sighed. “I should have known—where is she?” he cut himself off.
“That's what we came to tell you. She was playing in the snow and then she was gone. We didn't hear screams or anything else.”
“She was playing and wandered off.” Aizawa rolled his eyes. “She hasn't gotten far, I'm sure. Get your coats on.” he directed, watching the kids pulling on their jackets and hates. He hid his smile when he saw Bakugo putting your mittens in his pocket, your ear muffs in his other pocket.
“Let's hurry, it's cold and dark out there.”
Aizawa took the two of them outside, wading through the snow where indeed, the wind was blowing snow into your foot prints. They looked around, trudging in as far as they could, looking for any hint of you. There was nothing.
“We're going back inside,” Aizawa called over the weather. “Come on.”
“Sensei, we have to--.”
“We will, we're just not the best suited for it.” he cut him off. “Hurry up.”
The three of them stumbled back to the cabin, gasping at the warm air once they were inside. Everyone else looked up, realizing that you weren't there. You all stood there, dripping snow, knowing that things were being said without having to be said.
“So what are you going to do next?” Gang Orca asked from his seat at the table, where he had been scrolling through his phone.
“Someone has to go find her. Between the snow and the wind and the dark, we're not the best choices.” Aizawa said firmly. “Hawks?”
“Not in this wind.” he shook his head. “It should die down soon, and then I'll be right out there. I'll find her.”
“Even through the trees?” Tokoyami asked, more curious than anything. Hawks just gave him a wink.
“Never doubt me.” he teased.
“How far could she have gone? I bet she's headed back here anyway and will pop up any moment.” Ochaco said cheerfully. “She probably got distracted and realized. Was she big or small when she left?”
“Hard to tell.” Bakugo sighed. “Somewhere in between.” Well that complicated things. If you were dropping out there, scared and alone in the dark, it would be terrible.
Hawks was gathering his winter jacket again. Bakugo handed him your mittens and ear muffs. The hero just gave him another wink and looked out the window. True enough, the wind was dying down. He strapped on his own gloves and hurried for the door.
“Which direction did she take?” Aizawa pointed.
“But if she got lost or scared...” Izuku trailed off. Hawks just dropped his visor and lifted out, taking towards the sky.
“Got put on dry things.” Aizawa directed. “Go and get some first aid equipment. We don't know what kind of state we're going to find her in.”
The two of them rushed off, hurrying to put on dry clothes, gather blankets, equipment. Even Sam and your blanket were grabbed, ready for you as soon as you came in.
***
It was so cold. You knew that. The wind was dying down, but you didn't think you could get up. You weren't even sure how far away you were by now. Your ankle was killing you, and you wouldn't make it that far. You whined in the back of your throat.
You could always scream, you thought. They'd have to hear you then. Then again, everything else in the woods was going to hear you, too. You shivered, trying to curl yourself into an even tighter ball. Your tears had frozen tracks on your face. You should be moving, you thought, should try to keep warm. But the thought was painful and paralyzing.
“Daddy,” you whispered. “Kacchan,” they were beyond hearing you, but you had to call for them. You would have settled for Denki or Mina, even. Someone, anyone. Your fingers were going numb and your feet seemed to be burning.
You heard it then, the flapping of wings. You froze, eyes wide. What was that? It sounded huge! You clamped your hand over your mouth, not even wanting to breathe too loud. There were footsteps then, loud, deliberate ones. Twigs cracking.
They came nearer and nearer. You could hear your pulse in your ears, were dizzy with it. This was it, you thought. This was how you were going to die. The steps stopped and you could hear someone make a sound. Oh great, they were going to kill you slowly, make sure you felt it.
“Baby bird?” a familiar face, even still you jumped. You whined, looking up. Hawks, with his visor down, frowning thoughtfully at you.
“What are you doing here?”
“Song bird,” you mumbled. “Not a baby bird.”
“That's right,” he agreed. “I'm sorry, you and Mic told me you're a song bird. But right now, Daddy and Kacchan are looking for you, and they're very worried. You have to be freezing. Come with me, sweetheart, I'll get you home.” he cooed.
“Where's your coat?”
“I lost it.” you squirmed. “Hawks, there's something in the woods.”
“These woods?” he raised an eyebrow. “There hasn't been anything in here for years.”
“I heard it growl and I ran!” you were crawling out from under the tree. He stood you up, noting the way you favored your uninjured leg. You took a step and cried out. He caught you around the waist.
“And you're injured and cold and scared.” he finished. “Okay, song bird. Why don't you come with me to see Daddy and Kacchan?” he hummed. He pulled out your mittens, putting them over your hero gloves, clapped your earmuffs down. He even peeled off his own coat, wrapping it around you. You were soaking wet with the snow, shivering.
“Are they mad?” you asked quietly.
“I think they're the only ones that can answer that, sweetheart.” he lifted you up. “But we'll be home as fast as I can get you there, okay?” he didn't want to tell you, but you had seemed so uncoordinated, and he was worried about hypothermia. He held you as tight and close as he could while flying you as fast as he could.
Sure enough, there were faces glued to the window, watching with wide eyes. As soon as Hawks' feet touched down, the people were bustling around. He walked into the cabin. There was a great burst of noise, everyone asking questions.
“Midoriya, Bakugo, take your baby and get her warmed up. She's freezing. She's injured her foot, but I didn't ask her how.” he handed you over to Kacchan, who took off his coat and handed it back. The two of them hustled you to the room that you were sharing with them.
“Are you okay? Oh, sweetness, what happened?” Izuku demanded as they began pulling off your hero suit. You were nearly shaking with the cold. You just shook your head. Kacchan knelt down, examining your ankle.
“That's a decent sprain,” he huffed. “What did you do?”
Neither of them really seemed to expect an answer. Kacchan was quickly and efficiently wrapping your foot. You were dressed in already warmed pajamas, slippers carefully put on your feet. You were still shivering, and Kacchan yanked off his own hoodie. He held you against his chest, let Daddy wrap a blanket around the two of you before he carried you out to the couch and sat down.
“Tell me what happened.” Daddy said softly. Denki handed him your fox, already warmed up for you to cuddle. You grabbed it, pulling it towards your chest.
“I was... I was in Narnia.” you murmured. “And then when I was walking on a log, I slipped and fell. I was trying to walk back, I was! I was! But there was something in the woods. It growled.”
“Little miss,” Aizawa was there then, his voice grave. He wrapped another prewarmed blanket around you. “There have been not sightings of anything in these woods for years.”
“I heard it!” you insisted. “Daddy,” you turned to him, looking clearly devastated.
“I believe that you heard something.” he said, his voice calm and soothing. “Just settle down.”
He took you from Kacchan, letting you bury yourself in his neck,the blankets pulled over your head. You weren't so icy cold to the touch now, your temperature gradually rising. He wished there was a rocking chair here, if nothing else that would settle you down.
You were sniffling, overly emotional, exhausted, scared. His arms were under the blanket, patting your back, a steady, calmly rhythm. Kacchan had stood up, off to find you something warm to drink. Aizawa just sighed and drifted away. Todoroki came and sat down, silently opening his arms. Daddy sighed, he obviously wanted to keep you, but Todoroki could warm you up, too.
You were transferred to him, curling into him. He focused on slow, steady warmth. He seemed aware of the fact that you were upset, and only hummed softly into your ear, rubbing your back carefully. You were soon much warmer than you had been, feeling much better physically. You still remained burrowed into him, though.
“You're okay,” Todoroki said gently. “You're all right, don't cry darling.”
You didn't feel all right. No one believed you, your bones were achy, your ankle hurt, you were tired, and hungry, and thirsty. You just sniffled pitifully, clinging to him. He rubbed the back of your neck, right up under your hair, enjoying the sensation of you relaxing against him.
“There's something in the woods.” you muttered.
“There is nothing there, darling.” he tried to reassure you. “I promise you, there is nothing there. Nothing is going to hurt you.”
“It's all right, Todoroki, she's tired and upset.” Daddy was speaking softly. “Come back here, sweetness, let's eat something good and warm, okay? Sero made hot cocoa, just for you.” a nice warm drink was certain to settle you.
“There was something there.” you repeated. Kacchan had your sippy cup and didn't respond, just putting the cup to your lips and helping you sip. Neither one of them would respond to your claims, instead making hushing sounds, or stroking your hair.
You were given bites of warm broth, and even though it was early, your eyes were falling closed. Your blankets were switched out for warmed ones, and your fox taken to be microwaved for you again. You whined until Sam was pressed in your arms. You were cradled in Kacchan's arms, your head on his shoulder.
“You're in so much trouble.” Kacchan finally sighed. It was that phrase that let you know they weren't as worried anymore. You made a fussy sound, burrowing into him even more.
“I told you to stay close.”
“'M sorry,” you looked up at him with big wet eyes. “Got—got 'stracted. Narnia, and Mr. Tumnus.” you were slipping hard, rambling and not making much sense.
“Right,” he just stood up, walking you to the room you shared, laying in bed with you. Izuku had already turned up the thermostat, so you were comfortable enough.
“No story tonight, brat.”
“Kacchan!” you whined.
“Hey, you can't just meander off and give us a fucking heart attack and nearly freeze to death and hear your story. Don't even give me the eyes.” he pointed a finger. You sulked for a moment, even as he rolled you into a nice little burrito to cuddle you close to him.
“You're safe now, baby.”
You just let him hold you tight and close and closed your eyes. You didn't even ask him to stay with you. You knew there was no place he'd rather be than right there with you.