You couldn't cry anymore. Even when everything inside of you wanted to, your tear ducts burned in protest. There just wasn't anything left.

Your asshole of a father killed a little boy's parents. His parents.

Maybe it was the part of you that blocked out the existence of The Butcher, but meeting one of his victims face-to-face, and a little boy at that, reminded you just how real it was. How evil your father was.

Thanks to your parents, your name would forever have a black mark. No matter how many times Midnight, Aizawa, All Might, or your friends, told you otherwise.

And as many times as you told yourself not to, you couldn't help but think about Shigaraki. His words, once poisonous, were starting to have an acquired taste...

After dinner, everyone went to the outdoor baths. It sounded tempting, but after what you had just heard, you couldn't face any of them. It was possible you might get sent home the next day. So, you waited until they all went to bed and snuck into the baths alone.

It was dark minus a few lamps so you could see and not trip. You felt the hot steam before your toes touched the water. Letting yourself sink in until you were almost completely submerged, you considered your situation and debated giving up on becoming a hero completely.

The night was beautiful, though. The night sky with stars above you and serene bath that looked like a magical pond in a fairytale forest. Let me enjoy these simple pleasures for now... You laughed quietly to yourself.

"The hell is so funny? Other than you being in the wrong bath?"

That's hilarious. I'm imagining Katsuki scolding me.

"Hey. Don't ignore me."

Water splashed your face and you stood up in alarm. Your eyes darted around the pool until they were met with a pair of red ones.

"Katsuki..." you mouthed, "Katsuki?!!"

You were, more or less, exposed. The tiny towel covering your crotch did little to nothing. You wrapped your arms around your chest and sank back into the water.

"Quiet, you'll wake everyone up," Bakugo said.

"What are you doing here!" You demanded.

He grinned, "I've been here for a while."

"But-"

"You're on the wrong side," he pointed towards the wooden wall acting as a barrier between the sexes. For some reason some of Mineta's purple balls were stuck to it.

"O-oh..." you cringed, and sank even further until the water touched your bottom lip, "This is so embarrassing..."

"Whatever," he shrugged, "I'm not going to tell anyone."

"You're not?"

"Why the hell would I? Don't need everyone thinking I'm some kind of pervert like Mineta."

Aren't you, though? You wanted to say but thought better of it and chuckled to yourself.

"Something funny, hot lips?"

You groaned, "That is an awful nickname."

"Oh yeah? Gonna do something about it?"

"Maybe I will," you stuck your tongue out at him.

"Let's see it," he said.

"Not right now!"

He relaxed against some stones, leaning back and spreading out his arms, "Wuss."

"I'm going to get out, just don't look, okay."

"Already did."

You clenched your fists, "Well pretend you didn't."

"I like what I saw, though."

"You're an ass."

Giving up on all decency, you got up and prepared to leave, but you noticed a shadow moving from inside the changing area.

Oh no... if anyone caught us out here... !!!

"Get down," Bakugo appeared from behind you and pulled you back into the water. He pressed you up against the rocks so that you were hidden from sight. Neither of you made a peep.

It was hard to keep calm with Bakugo's muscular body practically smashing yours. His chest was in rhythm with yours as you both carefully took steady breaths. You couldn't help but die a little inside knowing your upper body was just as bare... but Bakugo looked focused on whoever was skulking around.

When he relaxed, you let out a sigh of relief too.

"They're gone. Probably one of the Cats," he said, "You could've gotten us into a world of shit."

"Me?!"

"I'm not the one in the boy's bath when I shouldn't be."

You couldn't argue there. But nevermind that... now you had to deal with the fact that Bakugo's nearly naked body was against yours. He let up a little after the coast was clear, but his arms were still boxing you into the rock.

"What's the matter," he snickered, "Scared I'll do something?"

You covered your tits, not even being subtle about it, "I don't know - are you?"

"Tch. Nothing you wouldn't like."

His smirk lessened, and he let one of his arms slide back into the water, "I'm s... sorry. That I went after Shinso earlier."

An apology?

You raised a brow, "No you're not."

"Fine! I'm not," he glared, "I'm just sorry it caused more trouble for you - that's all. I really hate that guy."

"Yeah..." your eyes fell, but that just gave you a better view of Bakugo's chest. You gulped and quickly looked upwards. Gods, keep the unclean thoughts away...

"Will you tell me what really happened?" He asked, "I just need to know if I have to kill him or not."

"You don't need to kill anyone," you said, "He just... he's been acting differently ever since I told him we needed space."

"No shit," Bakugo scoffed.

"I thought maybe his feelings were hurt, but it's more than that... he IS different. He..."

"He what?"

"Nothing," if you were going to tell someone about Shinso jumping you it shouldn't be Bakugo - unless you wanted murder.

"If he's done something, don't protect him," Bakugo growled, "Why can't you-"

"Why can't I what?"

"Just," his face was getting scrunched up and a little scary, "Never mind! You can go back to your stupid zombie boyfriend if that's what you really want!"

"Katsuki..."

"It's just really irritating watching you get walked on when I know you could kick anyone's ass. Besides mine."

You blinked. He actually thought you were a decent fighter then? You didn't expect that kind of comment from him.

"I... can't stop thinking about you," he wasn't looking at you anymore, but you felt his arm shaking next to you, "It's even worse now that I see your face literally fucking everywhere! And that damn nerd, kissing you - pissed me off!"

He was rambling; desperate to say what was really on his mind. Bringing up Izuku's kiss from the sports festival? This was a new side to Bakugo for you. Vulnerable.

Just when you thought you were witnessing the most adorable, puppy-version, of Bakugo, his fierce persona returned. His predator-like crimson eyes narrowed as he closed the space between you.

With his free hand, he secured your hip, and then leaned in towards your lips.

"Katsuki," you said, "This is a bad idea."

All you saw was a sly grin before his other hand stole your chin and kissed you. It was over quickly, which almost disappointed you.

"Tch - if you can't even fend me off then you'll never be able to fight those damn villains," his voice was hoarse but softer than usual, "Look at you, so nervous... Does he make you nervous."

"I'm nervous because your big ol' naked body is all over me!" You hissed. You also weren't entirely sure which "he" Bakugo was referring to.

"I'm nervous too," he peered down at your lips again, "Is it true, that you're scared when you... love someone?"

Was he referring to what Shinso said earlier? You sighed, "I don't know. I guess, but it's a different kind of scared. I mean, you're scared that person will hurt you, but in a different way... They'll reject you, even when you're most vulnerable. You're also afraid of anything happening to them, because you'll lose them that way too. I think that's what the fear is."

He swallowed, "I don't think it gets more vulnerable than this," he gestured to his bare frame, "(Y/N)..."

Your name rolling off his tongue gave you chills.

You shook your head, "My feelings have never really made sense to me. I can't tell what's me and what's my quirk... I'm still figuring things out. You shouldn't waste time thinking about me."

This was a conversation you wanted to have with Todoroki as well, but somehow it was easier talking to Bakugo.

"Why? Do you not think about me that way - at all?"

"I can't answer that right now..."

Liar.

"Can't or don't want to?"

"Yes?"

He rolled his eyes, "Then can you at least answer this question?"

"Maybe..." you shrugged.

"Did you like it when I kissed you?"

You mean, do I like the scorching feeling I get from touching your skin? The fireworks that light off in my chest? The painful and pleasurable sting from your lips like a zap of electricity? How you make me feel desired and passionate? How you seem to be the only one who doesn't make me feel like a fragile, broken person right now? No. I hate it... not at all.

"That's all I need to know right now," he said.

You weren't going to blame your quirk this time. It was all you, and Bakugo.

When you answered him with a tiny smirk, his lips crashed against yours again. It started off innocent - just a long, drawn out kiss. But it escalated, little to your surprise.

His curious hands began exploring your skin. His rough, calloused fingers dug into your sides, as if he were worried the water would carry you away. When you were feeling daring enough, you let your own hands feel his body.

Bakugo's lips slowly migrated from your own and began assaulting your neck. His sucking was anything but gentle so you quickly protested, "I'm not wearing those at training tomorrow..."

"Fine, I'll keep them hidden," he slid his tongue across your damp skin, until he was in between your breasts.

It startled you how fast he was moving, but you didn't reject him. You didn't care. It felt amazing to turn off everything else and give in only to pleasure.

But how far down the rabbit hole before this got dangerous? That was always the game you two played.

"Move your legs," he purred, tickling your skin.

"Um, I'm not ready for that!"

Bakugo chuckled, "Don't worry, princess. I just want to get closer to you."

You hesitantly obeyed, keeping an eye on him, while he grinned up at you.

"You may not want it now, but one day you might," he said, "And it sure as hell better be me!"

"You're claiming my virginity now?"

"Whatever. I'm not worried. I'm going to be the best - the next number one hero. You won't even bother with the rest of those losers."

You couldn't help but grin, "You don't think I'm... easy then?"

"Huh? You letting that asshole get inside your head?"

"It happens, considering..."

"Right," he looked triggered all over again, "Then he should know better than anyone how your quirk works. It's not like you go around talking shit about his - hell, you defend him at every turn."

Bakugo sighed, but it came out more like a tiger growl. He brought his forehead up to your shoulder where he stayed for a while.

"I kissed you once because I wanted to see how powerful you could become," he said, before bringing his eyes up to yours, "To see if you had any chance of surpassing me. The next time was the same, but something more too. Then I did it because... I don't know. Everyone was playing that stupid game. And right now, I just want to. But I won't kiss you again, not until you want me to."

His warm presence left as he stepped out of the pool. You were a bit stunned and kept your eyes glued to the water, until he spoke again.

"And trust me princess," he said, "you will."

Just like that, he was back to being himself, stomping off with his hot head on those broad shoulders. You were alone, again. Only this time, things didn't feel as dark and grim.

A giggle broke the silence, and you covered your mouth. Realizing you had done the girly giggles out loud only made you giggle some more.

🤭

😅