When I woke up I immediately sat up straight in my bed. I had no idea where I was, but I relaxed when I saw a familiar scrawny figure on the bed beside mine.
"(L/n)-shoujo...", he began in a grim tone.
"Thank you, All Might", I softly interrupted him.
The hero looked at me with a surprised look.
"For what?", he asked. "You don't even know what happened."
"For everything", I answered. "Judging by the fact that you're here and not dead in a ditch, I'd say you defeated All for One."
I waited until he nodded.
"And that gives me peace", I admitted. "I've hated him for years. Ever since he killed Toyoda..."
That's right. All for One killed my big brother. Ever since that night, I hated him. I also knew that he wasn't dead. I didn't know how, but some part of me could always feel it. That's why I still pursued being a hero. As long as he was out free, I couldn't have peace, and neither could Toyoda.
"You don't have to worry anymore. He's in prison."
I sighed and fiddled with my blanket. Then I looked back at All Might.
"The only reason I wanted to become a hero was to feel peace", I whispered as I blinked to stop the tears from falling. "Now that All for One's finally behind bars, I know that Toyoda can rest easily."
I took a deep breath.
"But I've also realized that I'm not satisfied yet", I said. "The League of Villains is still out there. And I will do everything I can to help stop them."
All Might took a deep breath.
"The embers of One for All in me have gone out, (l/n)-shoujo", he announced. "I am no longer a hero. I will continue raising Midoriya as my successor, but wherever I can, I will help you as well."
"I'm so sorry", I said in a stifled voice. "If I... If I'd gotten Katsuki out of there sooner, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Then maybe you would still have One for All..."
"(L/n)-shoujo", All Might softly said. "You've known about All for One for a long time. You know better than anyone that our fight was inevitable. Ever since I passed One for All to Midoriya-shounen, I knew I would have to retire sooner or later. None of this was your fault."
"Thank you", I whispered as a single tear rolled down my cheek. "For everything. Really."
All Might showed me a small smile and bowed his head.
I wiped my tears away and looked at the hero.
"I do have one question that I've been wanting to ask you for a while now", I mumbled. "It's okay if you don't want to answer."
"Ask ahead", All Might replied.
"What is your real name?", I asked.
All Might smiled and looked down.
"Toshinori", he said. "Toshinori Yagi."
The next morning I was discharged from the hospital. Since Recovery Girl wasn't around I would have to heal normally, but I was fine with that. I didn't have a concussion, just a normal head wound. I would have to keep bandages on it until it was healed.
I had to swing by the police station to give my official statement. That took some time, but I didn't mind. I used my time there to attentively eavesdrop on any conversation about the League of Villains. After that I headed back home.
I took my time. I actually wasn't looking forward to going home at all. My parents would probably start yelling about how careless I was.
I sighed when I closed the front door behind me.
"(Y/n), could you come here for a second?", I immediately heard my mother's voice.
Seriously? Not even a 'welcome back, I'm glad you're okay'? Alright then.
At times like these I really wondered how Toyoda had managed to stay sane and to be such a kind and caring person. When I was younger my father was never around and my mother never showed me any affection. I asked Toyoda about it and he said it was the same for him. Hell, even Smitty the butler was kinder to us than our parents.
I heard that my mother didn't want kids at all, but my father wanted to see what their combined quirks would be like. It wasn't a quirk marriage. My mother simply didn't want kids. When she did get pregnant for the first time, father's curiosity had gotten to her as well. When Toyoda turned out to have only one quirk, my parents tried again, with success this time.
At first I didn't mind. I had fun playing with Toyoda and I didn't know any better than my parents being cold and heartless. However, when I started going to school I quickly realized that they didn't act like parents were supposed to act. They didn't love me.
Toyoda was everything to me. I could always count on him. Ever since I was little he put me to bed, helped me brush my hair, told me bedtime stories, comforted me when I had a nightmare, and played games with me. He was always kind and loving towards everyone.
Mother didn't soften up until Toyoda died. It was like she finally realized she had kids, and that those kids were more than just offspring, as she liked to call us. She still didn't act like a good mom though. I didn't think she was capable of it.
"Hello, mother", I greeted her as I walked into the sitting room. "You called for me?"
"Yes, I heard you come in", she answered without looking up from the letter she was reading. "I was just-"
Her eyes widened when she saw me.
"Whatever have you done to yourself?", she asked. "That bandage looks terrible on you!"
"It's just a scratch, mother", I answered. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well, uhm...", my mother said as she glanced at the letter. "U.A. wants their students to move into dorms. How do you feel about that?"
Dorms?! That would be awesome!
"That sounds pleasant", I neutrally answered. "It would mean that I'm closer to school, so that's nice."
"Yes, it is", my mother mumbled. "I'll talk it over with your father later today."
"Alright", I said. "Am I excused now?"
"Yes, you're free to go."
I turned on my heels and strode up to my room.
Dorms...
I would absolutely freaking love that. Finally away from this wretched place.
I sat down on my bed and looked around my room.
What would I bring with me? Dorms usually aren't that big. I doubt my bed would properly fit into one of the rooms there.
I stood up to scan my bookshelves. Then I got a notification on my phone.
Katsu-chan:
Are you free later? If so, come over.
Me:
Uhm, I don't know where you live...?? I am free today tho.
Katsu-chan:
I'll send you the address. Just make sure you enter quietly or my mom will make a fuss.
Me:
Okey-dokey. See you later.
Why does he suddenly want me to come over?
I shrugged and walked into the bathroom. After a quick change of bandages and a shower I went downstairs. I walked into the living room, where my father was sitting on his chair. My mother was also in the room.
"Father, is it alright if I head out for a bit?", I asked.
"Actually, no", he answered. "I want to talk to you about something."
"Of course", I mumbled. "What did you want to talk about?"
Father was about to answer when the intercom sounded, letting us know someone was at the gate.
"I'll go see who that is", my mother answered before getting up from the couch.
She left the room, the sound of her heels hitting the marble floor echoing after her.
I turned back to look at my father, who slowly got out of his chair.
"Whatever have you done to yourself?", he asked as he stood in front of me. "Those bandages look ridiculous."
I was about to answer when he put up his hand, silencing me.
"I don't want to hear it", my father said. "You got abducted by villains."
I nodded, looking at the ground. Then I looked back up.
"I didn't really get abducted", I said. "I jumped through the portal. I couldn't let my friend go through that alone and I-"
"Your friend?", my father interrupted. "I don't care about your bloody friends. No matter what you claim, the newspapers say '(y/n) (l/n) abducted by the League of Villains'. Do you have any idea how bad this is for our family name? This is even worse than when your brother was killed."
I flinched at those words. My father's eyes looked down at me with what appeared to be disgust.
"Don't you dare pull anything like this again", he said in a low tone.
"I'm sorry, father", I mumbled as my gaze dropped to the floor.
Then I heard my mother clearing her throat from the door. I looked up and my eyes widened.
"A-Aizawa-sensei... All Might", I stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"In our house at last, All Might", my father said, not giving either of my teachers the chance to answer my question. "Welcome. You too, Eraser Head."
"Thank you", both heroes answered, although they didn't sound very sincere, especially Aizawa.
"Please, have a seat", my mother said as she gestured to the couch.
I moved aside to let them all sit down.
"Would you like anything to drink?", I politely asked, knowing that was what my parents expected of me.
"No thanks", Aizawa answered. "We can't stay long."
I nodded and sat down on the other couch, next to my mother.
"What is this about, gentlemen?", she asked.
"The dormitory system", All Might answered.
"Oh, that", my father answered with a dismissive wave of his hand. "It's fine with me."
"I promise U.A. will- It's fine?", All Might said in a surprised tone.
"Yes, I think it would do (y/n) some good", my father answered. "She clearly has a lot to improve on."
The last part was directed at me and seemed almost like an insult. I didn't respond and kept a neutral expression on my face.
"Well then I guess we're done here already", Aizawa said before he got up from the couch. "Nice meeting you, mr. and mrs. (l/n)."
The two heroes left the living room, escorted by my mother.
"Father", I mumbled. "Can I go now?"
"Yes, you can go", he dismissively answered.
I turned on my heels and left the living room. I quickly walked out the back door and went on my way to Bakugo's house.
It was about a fifteen minute walk, but I didn't mind that. It actually calmed me down a bit.
When I reached the address Bakugo sent me earlier I smiled and knocked. A few second later the explosive blonde opened the door.
"Come on in", he murmured and he stepped aside so I could enter.
"I don't see why you kept comparing our houses, Katsu-chan", I smiled. "Your house is so ni-"
My breath hitched when Bakugo wrapped his arms around me and gently put his hand against the back of my head to pull me closer. I relaxed in his arms and slightly leaned into him, inhaling his scent.
"Are you okay?", he softly asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay", I answered.
"I was so fucking worried about you", Bakugo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "When I escaped with Shitty hair and the other two... I saw her hitting you. That fucking bitch..."
"Hey", I mumbled and I pulled back to look into Bakugo's red eyes. "I'm okay. We're both okay."
"Katsuki?", a female voice then said. "Who's at the door?"
Bakugo seemed irritated as he took a step back and let go of me.
"I already told you someone would be coming over!", he shouted back.
A head popped around the corner. It was a blonde woman and I could immediately tell that she was related to Bakugo.
"You didn't say it was a girl", the woman purred before completely appearing from around the corner.
She walked up to me with a big smile.
"I'm Mitsuki Bakugo!", she said and she shook my hand. "You can call me Mitsuki."
"H-Hi", I stammered. "I'm (y/n) (l/n). (Y/n)'s fine."
"Oh, I don't even remember the last time Katsuki brought his girlfriend home", Mitsuki said as she walked around me.
I immediately felt a blush creep up to my cheeks.
"That's not... we're not..."
"Leave her alone, you hag!", Bakugo yelled. "You're making her uncomfortable!"
"Stop shouting", Mitsuki said as she whacked Bakugo across the head.
"Don't fucking touch me!"
I looked between the two. Mitsuki had a big smile on her face and Bakugo was scowling. Their resemblance was obvious though. Even their hair looked the similar.
"Would you like some tea, (y/n)?", Mitsuki asked.
"Uh...", I mumbled as I hesitantly glanced at Bakugo. "Sure, why not."
Mitsuki smiled and gestured for me to follow her. I did so, Bakugo falling into step behind me.
"Please, have a seat", Mitsuki said. "What kind of tea would you like?"
"Anything's fine, really", I answered as I sat down on the couch.
Bakugo sat down beside me with an irritated sigh. A few minutes later Mitsuki came back with a tray and gave me a cup of tea.
"Thank you", I mumbled before taking a sip.
I chatted with Mitsuki over tea. She was a very nice woman, but I could also see where Bakugo's personality came from. Bakugo was silent the entire time, staring ahead of him with an irritated expression.
"(Y/n), I think you're bleeding", Mitsuki said as she pointed at my bandages.
"Huh?", I mumbled as I moved my hand up to the bandages.
"Katsuki, go help her change them", Mitsuki said.
"Fucking fine", Bakugo muttered and he got up from the couch.
"O-Okay", I stammered as I walked after him.
He walked upstairs and into a bathroom. Then he started rummaging through the cabinets. When I looked at myself in the mirror I could see the bloodstain Mitsuki was talking about.
"Are you alright, Katsu-chan?", I carefully asked. "You seem rather... agitated."
"I'm fine", he answered. "You sit down."
"But... there's no chairs here", I mumbled.
"On the cupboard, you fucking idiot", Bakugo barked. "You're too short. I don't feel like bending down all the time."
"Okay", I mumbled as I sat down on the cupboard.
A few second later Bakugo took a roll of bandages out of the cabinet and a pair of scissors. He went to stand in front of me and carefully cut the bloodied bandages. He didn't say a word as he wrapped new ones around my head, surprisingly gently.
"You're pretty good at this", I mumbled.
Bakugo's eyes locked onto mine. I then realized how close he actually was.
"Of course I know how to change fucking bandages", he muttered before breaking eye contact again.
I waited until Bakugo was done before looking at myself in the mirror. He'd actually put the bandages on way better than I did it myself earlier that day.
"Thank you", I said as I turned back around.
My breath hitched when I saw Bakugo's face right in front of me, his red eyes boring into mine. He looked like he was about to say something when we heard the doorbell ring.
"Who the fuck is that?", Bakugo muttered as he backed up.
He walked out of the bathroom. I quickly got off the cupboard and walked after him. He was already standing by the foot of the stairs. I slowed to a halt halfway down.
Aizawa and All Might's eyes landed on me and widened. I awkwardly laughed.
I thought they'd been here already...? Apparently not.
"I think I should go", I mumbled. "This is, uhm... family stuff."
"Nonsense, you're staying for dinner!", Mitsuki said. "If that's okay with your parents."
"Uhm, I guess so", I answered.
"Perfect", Mitsuki said. "Katsuki, you lead these two heroes into the living room. I'll be there in a second."
She gestured for me to follow her, which I quickly did. We walked into the kitchen, where Mitsuki turned to me.
"I didn't expect the teachers to come today", she said. "But I really would like you to stay for dinner. If you don't mind, you can wait here."
"Sure", I answered as I glanced at the counter. "I could start cutting up some food. I'm pretty good with a knife and I like to cook."
"Really? That would be great!", Mitsuki said. "I was planning on making a casserole."
"I'll start cutting the ingredients", I said with a smile.
Mitsuki nodded.
"Thank you so much, (y/n)", she said. "I know Katsuki can be a bit difficult, but he really cares about you. Please don't let his attitude scare you away."
"I won't", I assured her. "I care about him a lot too."
Mitsuki smiled before leaving the kitchen. I turned around and started with the food.
Good thing I used to ask Smitty to let me help with dinner.
While cutting up the food, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation in the living room.
"Sure, I think it sounds good!", Mitsuki said, referring to the dormitory system.
"Stop smacking me, you hag!", Bakugo yelled. "I'll send you flying!"
"That's enough out of you!", Mitsuki retorted. "We wouldn't be in this mess in the first place if you hadn't been so weak and gotten caught!"
"Come on you two, c-cut it out", another voice said.
I assumed it was Bakugo's dad. I hadn't seen him yet.
"The teachers must be shocked by all this...", Masaru continued.
Bakugo and Mitsuki bickered for a moment. Then Aizawa cleared his throat and they fell silent.
"So... you're okay with this then?", the underground hero asked.
"Yes, we're grateful in fact", Mitsuki answered. "Our Katsuki... He's rash in everything he does, and almost everything comes easy to him. His whole life, people have made a fuss about him... praising every little thing he does. So I was glad to hear what you said at the press conference."
Wait, what is she talking about? I didn't hear the rest of the press conference. I was out cold.
"It made me feel like U.A. really understands our boy", Mitsuki said. "We were worried sick for a moment there, but you brought him home safe and sound. You guys are gonna get slammed for a while, probably, but I think we can trust you on this one."
"Mhm", Masaru agreed.
"Our son's trouble I know...", Mitsuki said. "But please work him hard. Make a good hero out of him."
The conversation ended after that. I heard All Might and Aizawa saying their goodbyes and walked out of the kitchen. I could just see Bakugo's figure disappearing out of the front door.
"Mitsuki-san?", I said. "I finished cutting up the ingredients for the casserole. Can I help with anything else?"
"You like to cook don't you?", she responded and I nodded. "If you want to, you can help me with the casserole. I have a special recipe!"
"I would love to", I said with a smile.
"Good, we can-", Mitsuki turned around and looked at the front door. "DARN IT KATSUKI, THE POLICE SAID NOT TO GO WANDERING OUTSIDE!!"
She turned back to me with a loving smile.
"Let's make the casserole!"
Mitsuki and I made dinner and I had a good time at the Bakugo household. It was obvious where Bakugo's personality came from, and when Mitsuki and Masaru told me about their quirks I quickly understood how Bakugo's quirk came to exist.
After we had dinner and dessert, Bakugo walked with me to the front door.
"I like your parents, Katsu-chan", I smiled. "They're so kind."
"Yeah, right", Bakugo huffed.
I hesitated and looked at him. He was keeping his distance and had both his hands in his pockets.
"Why did you ask me to come over?", I carefully asked. "You never asked me that before."
"No reason", Bakugo answered and he averted his eyes.
I could tell he was lying. Usually I didn't push these type of things, but now I was too curious.
"I know you're lying. I want to know why you asked me to come here. Tell me why."
"Are you really going to make me say it?", Bakugo muttered.
I nodded. He finally looked me in the eye and sighed. Then he averted his eyes again.
"After what happened in Kamino the other day...", he started. "I just needed to see you. To make sure you're okay."
I smiled. Not that Bakugo could see it. He was still refusing to look at me.
I closed the distance between us and put my arms around him, leaning my head against his chest. His heartbeat slightly increased when he hugged me back.
"Like I said before, Katsu-chan", I mumbled. "I'm okay. We're both okay, and that's all that matters."
"It was my fault", Bakugo murmured. "It was all because of me."
"What are you talking about?", I asked as I pulled back to look him in the eye, my arms still around him.
"You jumped through the portal because of me", Bakugo answered. "You got injured because of me. And then when All Might was fighting, you stayed for me. You could've teleported away at any time, but you waited for me. That got you even more injured."
He glanced at the bandages around my head when he said the last part.
"Katsuki...", I softly said. "What I did was my choice. Yes, I did it for you, and I'd do it again. I couldn't let you go through all of that alone. You're one of my best friends and... I love you."
Bakugo's face turned a deep shade of red and he pulled me into a hug again, probably to hide it. I didn't mind, and I didn't expect him to say it back either. I knew he wasn't big on sensitive things or touchy conversations.
After a few seconds I let him go and stepped back. Bakugo's blush was less visible, but still present.
"I'll see you later, Katsu-chan", I said with a small smile.
"Yeah, see you later", he murmured.
I walked out of his front door and turned back to wave. Bakugo waved back, which made me smile.
Then I went back home, a fuzzy feeling in my stomach.