Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bakugou had to admit that after two years at UA, he had acquired a few friends.

Namely, the self-proclaimed ‘Bakusquad’. 

They understood him, even though they could sometimes get annoying. And they pushed him just enough to get him outside of his comfort zone, but never past that. Which allowed him to open up some more and make more ‘friends’ like the baldy, illusion bitch, and icyhot.

Don’t let daddy issues know that though, he’d never let Bakugou hear the end of it.

Even things between him and the nerd had gotten better. The other boy had grown a bit of a backbone after acquiring black whip, and Bakugou had manned the fuck up and apologized for all the shit he’d done.

Of course, the loser had cried.

So it shouldn’t have surprised him when Kirishima came barging into his room, before tugging him downstairs. 

“What the hell do you want, Shitty Hair?” Bakugou groans, “I was in the middle of something.”

“Please.” The redhead scoffs, “If you do any more pushups your biceps are going to burst.”

“Says you.” He responds, allowing himself to be dragged down the stairs.

“Don’t be such a debbie downer Kacchan!” Kaminari calls out from the couch, surrounded by the rest of the class. “This is serious business that’s going on!”

“Fuck off. Nothing’s more serious than my workout regimen Dunce Face.” Bakugou snaps, begrudgingly taking a seat next to Todoroki. The Icyhot bastard has the nerve to send him a small smile, that Bakugou rolls his eyes at. “What the hell is this girl scout meeting about anyway?”

“Internship offers just came in the mail!” Midoriya informs him, picking up three large boxes and placing them on the table. “So we’re going to hand them out.”

“And the person with the best offer gets first pick during movie night!” Hagakure smiles from across the room, waving her arms around. 

This knowledge makes Bakugou perk up just the slightest bit, before his eyes land on a certain someone.

“I bet I got more than you, you shit nerd.”

“I doubt it Kacchan.” Deku smiles teasingly.

“Oi-”

“Girls, girls, you two can bicker later,” Mina interjects, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s get started!”

The first box is opened, and Four Eyes demands to be the one to hand them out so everyone will be ‘organized and efficient.’

Fucking weirdo.

He calls out everyone’s names as he produces the envelopes, some bigger and thicker than others. 

“One for Tokoyami, two for Midoriya, three for Bakugou, two for Todoroki…”

Kaminari lets out a huff, sliding off the couch dramatically. “Of course those three get all the attention. Leave some for us will you?”

Todoroki tilts his head in confusion, while Midoriya has the nerve to flush. Bakugou just rolls his eyes. “If you trained more and got your grades together, your rank would be much higher. You’re just lazy.”

The room goes quiet for a moment before it breaks out in laughter. 

“What the hell are you extras laughing at?” Bakugou hisses, hands popping. “What’s funny?”

Kaminari on the other hand is tearing up just a bit. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Kacchan!”

“Keep calling me that name, and I’ll give you something else.”

“You wound me Bakubro.” The other blonde whines, flopping over onto Sero’s lap. “I thought we had something!”

“Don’t take it personally, Kami.” Sero snickers, “He only likes it when Midoriya calls him that.”

The class begins to laugh again, and Bakugou simply clicks his tongue, gesturing for Iida to continue.

The nerd stares at him, probably noticing his lack of protest.

How annoying.

Eventually, all three boxes are emptied and set off to the side.

As expected, Bakugou, Todoroki, and Midoriya all tie for the best offer. They’ve received offers from Endeavor.

Tokoyami comes in second, with an offer from Hawks, and Kirishima is in third with another offer from Fatgum.

Bakugo shifts through his hefty stack, tossing the ones he doesn’t plan on considering off to the side. 

“Dude?” Kirishima asks bewildered, watching envelope after envelope gets discarded.

Uraraka catches one in her hand, reading the name attached. “You’re throwing out an offer from Kamui Woods?” She shrieks. “What are you, crazy?”

“No.” Katsuki sneers. “Just competent. What good would I do with a guy like that? My explosions would burn the shit out of his wood, not to mention his fighting style is timid as hell.”

“He has a point.” Midoriya offers, tossing away a few of his offers. “We’re going to be gone for a month this time, not just a week. So we should get as much as we can from the experience. Not to mention the Sports Festival is two weeks after.”

Beside Bakugou, Todoroki burns the shit out of his father’s envelope startling a few of the people in the room. Whatever funk he was in, he snaps out of, looking around sheepishly. 

Katsuki pauses before picking up his, letting out an AP shot, and watches the scorched pieces of paper fall to the carpet. Todoroki gives him a bigger, more genuine smile this time, that Bakugou answers with his own smirk. “Don’t sweat it Icyhot.”

Midoriya destroys his as well.

By dinnertime, Bakugou has shortened his list to about fifty people. The last envelope sits sadly on the table. It’s the most lackluster thing he’s ever seen, no agency logo, with handwriting bad enough to rival Deku’s.

“It has...character.” Mina smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Who’s it from?”

“Dunno.” He shrugs, ripping the envelope open and pulling out the little paper. Attached is a train ticket to Fukuoka.

“That’s on the other side of Japan!” His friend shrieks, her shrill voice gaining the attention of multiple others.

“Shut up you idiot! I’m trying to read.”

Whoever the hell wrote this needs a lesson on penmanship (and tidiness, there’s soy sauce smudged on the corner.) but it’s still slightly legible.

‘Hey kid,

Come be my intern.

-Miruko’

“What the actual hell?” Bakugou mutters to himself. “What kind of bullshit offer is this?”

“Who’s it from?” Mina asks, flopping over the back of the couch to try and sneak a peek. “Is it good?”

“It’s the rabbit chick,” Bakugou responds, jutting his elbow out and removing the girl from his personal space, watching in amusement as she rolls over onto the floor with a thud. “Her name’s Miruko.”

“Miruko?!” The loud shriek coming from the kitchen comes from no one other than the nerd, who drops whatever he was holding to sprint into the common area and snatch the letter from Bakugou’s hands.

“Oi-”

“Sorry Kacchan, it’s just...she’s the number five pro hero! A solo hero not to mention! She doesn’t even have an agency, but has one of the highest arrest records of all time!”

“And the thickest thighs…” Mineta smiles, “They’re so strong, they destroy villains with just a kick…” He reaches out to grope at the air, and Bakugou feels a very strong urge to kick him into a vat of acid. 

“Who gives a fuck about her thighs? What’s her fighting style like?”

“Well, she specializes in melee combat-”

“Say less.”

“What? Kacchan?”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Bakugou waves him off. “She’s a top-five hero, does melee combat, and she doesn’t have an agency? You can bet your ass I’m interning with her.”

“But what if it’s a trap?” Todoroki asks, gesturing to the letter clenched tightly in Midoriya’s hand. “It doesn’t look official.”

“I agree!” Iida says, voice loud as ever. “I do not believe that the number five pro hero would send an internship offer such as the one before us!”

“And why would she send one to Bakugou of all people?” Kaminari adds, “Like no offense dude, but you’re kind of hard to handle.”

“Because no one’s gonna handle me, you asshole.” The blonde in question scoffs. “I’m my own damn person, and I ain’t changing shit about myself just because I don’t fit some rando’s ideal of the ‘perfect hero.’ And anyone who tries can rot in hell!”

“Maybe you just need some proper handling.” Jirou teases, “Someone to water you down a bit.”

Bakugou whirls around with a sneer. “Ask Best Jeanist how that shit worked out for him.”

Someone makes a choking sound in the background.

“I’m gonna be the best damn hero this shithole has ever seen, and I’m gonna do it my way.” He continues, stomping over and snatching his envelope from Deku’s hand. “So this Miruko bitch better watch the fuck out, because I’m coming for her!”

Without another word, he storms out of the room and upstairs to his room. The class watches him go. 

“Should we be worried?” Uraraka whispers, nudging Kirishima lightly. 

“Probably.” The redhead shrugs. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Bakugou, it’s that there’s no stopping him once he’s put his mind to something.” 

“Who knows?” Midoriya offers, “Maybe this internship will be good for Kacchan.”

Tokoyami nods his agreement. “Yes, perhaps what Bakugou needs is for someone to match his inner darkness, instead of just trying to suppress it. True beasts are never to be tamed.”

“Sure dude.” Kaminari smiles, clapping his classmate on the shoulder. “Whatever you say. By the way, have you ever considered brightening your color scheme? I think orange would look really nice on you!”

“And so it begins…” 

-

“Miruko?” Aizawa asks him before class, raising an eyebrow. “You’re going to intern with her all the way across the country for a month?”

“What’s the big deal?” Bakugou scoffs, “Frenchy is interning in fucking France.”

“Language, Katsuki.” His teacher says, footsteps not faltering. “And Aoyama is an exchange student, technically he’s just going back home.”

“Calm down you old geezer.” Bakugou assures him. “I’ll come back alive. You should be worried about Icyhot and that damned nerd. They attract more trouble than I do.”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Aizawa lets out a scoff of his own this time. “Why not intern with Best Jeanist again? A lot of your classmates are returning to their own internships from last year.”

“Well I ain’t like those damn extras, they can do whatever the hell they like. But there’s no way I’m sticking around with that guy for a month, I could barely handle a week.”

Beside him, his teacher stares down at him silently. He can probably tell that there’s more behind that statement than what Katsuki was letting on, but he lets it go. If the kid wanted to tell him, he would know.

Probably.

“Alright then, well…” The Erasure hero stops walking, forcing his student to stop as well. “You’d better make it back in one piece problem child, I’m sure you’re aware that certain groups of people seem to have it out for you.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. No shit villain is a match for me, I’ll blast them Kingdom come. So can I go now?” Bakugou asks, ready to be finished with this conversation.

“Katsuki.” Aizawa stresses, and Bakugou calms himself. Apparently whatever this is, is important to his teacher. Usually that wouldn’t mean jack shit to him, but because it’s Aizawa, he’ll stay put.

“I want you to keep your guard up. Fukuoka is full of crime, I don’t want you getting into anything you shouldn’t. You may be hotheaded, but you don’t go looking for trouble, I’m aware of that. Just try to keep your temper under control, and practice the stealth exercises you learned in training.”

“Jeez old man, what are you worried about me or something?” Bakugou smirks, but gives in. “I will, don’t worry.”

“Thank you.” Aizawa nods, “You’re a good kid.” He reaches down and ruffles the blonde’s hair, receiving little protest. “Now get to class.”

“Yeah, yeah you sap. I’m leaving.” Bakugou lets his teacher ruffle his hair for a few more seconds before walking off, waving over his shoulder. “And go make your coffee, I can see you about to keel over from here.”

-

Two weeks later, the forms have been signed and their teachers are seeing them off at the train station.

“Make sure you take the right train, don’t get into any trouble Midoriya.” All Might is fretting over his star pupil a few feet away, and the sound is enough to make Bakugou want to barf.

The station is crowded, and Bakugou is closer to the platform than he’d like. Every time a train passes by it grates on his hearing, and Bakugou reaches up slightly to cup his throbbing ears. 

“You okay little listener?” Present Mic asks, placing a large palm on the top of Bakugou’s head. “The trains hurting your ears?”

“My ears are fine.” The younger blonde mutters, knowing better than to snap at Present Mic by now. The guy gets awfully pouty about it, like a kid that’s just been scolded.

“They hurt my ears too you know.” Mic assures him, “It just comes with the territory. Find Aizawa, he can help.”

“What’s he gonna do?” Bakugou asks.

“Just go find him, he’ll know what’s up.”

Perplexed, Katsuki just sends his teacher a weird look before stalking off to go find his teacher. It’s not particularly hard, the guy stands out starkly against the crisp suits and of businessmen and trendy clothes of teenagers.

“Oi, Sensei.”

“Katsuki.” Aizawa greets him. “What’s wrong now, problem child?”

“Mic said you could help.”

“With what?” The ravenette raises an eyebrow, watching Bakugou squirm with sudden embarrassment. “Use your words Katsuki.”

“I know damn it, I’m not a kid.” Bakugou hisses, but Aizawa doesn’t even bat an eyelash. “Fuck, alright. I just need something to help with the trains.”

“The trains?” Bakugou’s not sure if his teacher is just genuinely confused or trying to get him to open up and be more specific, but it’s pissing him off either way,

“Shit, you old man. The trains are hurting my ears okay? I just needed something to help with it and Mic said you'd have me covered.”

“Oh.” Is all Aizawa says, before reaching in his pocket and pulling out a small box. “They’re earplugs.” He explains, placing the box in his student’s outstretched hand. “Mic sometimes has trouble with the trains when his hearing feels particularly sensitive.”

Bakugou doesn’t respond, choosing instead to open the box and place the small objects in his ear. “Thanks, I guess.”

“You’re welcome, kid.” Aizawa chuckles, ruffling Bakugou”s hair again. What was with adults and petting him like he was a damn dog? Who cared if it felt nice, was there some kind of sign above his head that says ‘Hey here’s a kid, come pat his head for shits and giggles’

“You look frustrated.” His teacher comments, and Bakugou glares at him. “Was just thinking about how you weirdos always seem to wanna ruffle my hair.”

Aizawa simply smirks and offers zero consolation, which does nothing but bother Bakugou more.

They stand in comfortable silence for a few minutes, but of course someone had to ruin it. 

“Listen kid, I meant to say this earlier but I suppose I should just say it now. If at any time your hearing-”

“Fuck that.”

“Katsuki.”

“No.” He growls, backing away from the man beside him. “My hearing is fucking fine. I don’t need hearing aids, I don’t need any sign language classes, I don’t need any of that shit!”

Aizawa sighs, he figured Bakugou might react like this. “You can still be a hero regardless. Look at Mic.”

Bakugou curses softly, looking off to the side. 

The silence is back.

They stay like that until it’s almost time for the train to come, and Aizawa drops his hand onto the top of Bakugou’s head one more time. “Just think about it, Problem Child. I know it’s not what you want to hear, but the best heroes sometimes have to go through stuff like this. It doesn’t make you weak Katsuki, you’re the toughest kid I know.”

Bakugou can feel his throat closing up, but he ignores it, clearing his throat and choking out, “Damn straight.”

“And I better not see you on the news either, Golden Boy. That goes for the rest of you too.” Aizawa raises his voice to address the class. “These internships are going to be long and grueling. Thirty days of training with real pros, you’d better be on your best behavior. 

But given the fact that recent events have messed up Internships before, if at any time you feel unwell, unsafe or overwhelmed, you are to call me. Nedzu will allow you to come home and stay in the dorms. You’re not being graded on completion, more so on what the heroes have to say about your performance. Part of being a hero is learning when to quit, some of you would do good to remember that.”

Come home? Stay in the dorms while everybody else is out having the time of their lives with pro heroes? Absolutely not.

“That goes double for Problem Children.” Aizawa insists, glaring at the boys in question. “If I hear from any of these heroes that you’re overworking yourselves or being uncooperative or breaking any rules for any reason, you’ll be sent home. Don’t screw this up.“

Their teacher watches his students shift around on their feet for a moment. “With that being said, everyone enjoy your internships, and I’ll see you in a month.”

What a drama queen.

Bakugou waves his goodbyes to Aizawa and Present Mic before allowing Kaminari to drag him onto the train and into a seat. 

“You guys ready?” The blonde asks, practically vibrating in his seat. “Because I am.”

“Heck yeah! Last time our internships got...interrupted.” Kirishima says with a tight smile. “So I’m super pumped for this one.”

“But you heard what Sensei said.” Sero reminds them. “Why would the principal of all people give us the option to come home during our internships? They didn’t do that during our first year.”

“We didn’t have our licences last year.” Bakugou states flatly. “We’re gonna be doing a lot more stuff. Nothing’s gonna be censored either. My guess is that we’ll finally get a taste of the raw hero work going on out there, and some of us won’t be able to handle it.”

The train car is suddenly quiet.

“What a buzzkill.” Mina whines. “Come on Blasty, lighten up! You should be pumped! You’re interning with Miruko.”

“Why should I be excited about that shit? She was the one who sent that letter. If anything, that rabbit bitch should be happy to work with me .”

At that, the group laughs. 

One by one the group split up, getting off at their respective stops until Bakugou is the last one left. It takes much longer to get to Fukuoka than he initially figured, and by the time he gets off his last train, it’s dark outside.

Bakugou stares at the address on the paper he’s been given, cursing the terrible handwriting. “The hell am I supposed to do with this?” He mutters to himself, before huffing and going in the direction he assumes is correct. 

After twenty minutes of walking he finally, finally makes it. The apartment is small compared to what Katsuki had originally assumed, but then again, not every hero is materialistic. 

He knocks on the door, trying not to scoff as there’s a slam on the other side and a startled yelp. Loud footsteps run closer before the door is swung open, and Bakugou comes face to face with….

Nothing.

So he looks down, lower and lower until he lays eyes on a pair of fluffy bunny ears. 

“Holy shit, you’re short.”

Bakugou didn’t mean to say it out loud but, if the shoe fits?

“Oi! You ungrateful ass brat! Is this how U. A taught you to respect your elders?”

The blonde feels his eyes twitch as he glares down into a pair of matching crimson eyes. “Fuck that! You’re not that old you bitch!”

“And you’re too small to be talking shit at this caliber! Didn’t you only win your sports festival because your opponent chumped out?!”

“Oi!” Bakugou shouts, “I would’ve beaten that half and half bastard with his full power!”

Miruko snorts, glaring right back up at him. “Bullshit.”

“The hell do you mean bullshit?!”

She looks him up and down, earning a small growl from Bakugou. “You don’t look all that impressive.”

“Well neither do you, you rabbit bitch.” he spits back indignantly.

“Porcupine.”

“Rodent.”

“Slut.”

“Whore.”

“You’re the last person to call someone a slut! Have you seen your hero costume?” Miruko shouts, loud enough to wake her neighbors.

His costume? Bakugou’s costume was perfectly fine and way better than his shitty classmate’s. “Have you seen yours?” 

“My thighs have to breathe!”

“Well they’re not getting much air all the way down there.” Bakugou snorts, and is a little proud of himself for that one.

His victory however, is short-lived.

Miruko lets out a shriek, launching herself at him. Bakugou barely has time to duck, but the pro hero recovers quickly, pushing off the railing behind her and trapping in a headlock from behind and squeezing.

“Fuck!” Bakugou coughs, gripping her arms tightly. “Holy shit bitch, the hell is in that rabbit feed?”

“I only eat organic foods you two rate punk!”  Miruko shouts, tightening her arms around his neck. “I’m a machine!”

“You’re a maniac! Let me go, you pussy, and fight me for real!” He chokes.

“You gotta get out of this headlock first!” The woman says, relaxing her posture in a smug show of nonchalance. “I could do this all day~”

Bakugou growls low in his throat.

“What are you, a damn dog- OUCH WHAT THE SHIT? Did you just bite me, you heathen?!”

Bakugou kicks his feet out, annoyed at the way Miruko dodges each blow. “I sure the fuck did! Keep trying me and I’ll show you what a dog looks like, cotton tail!”

“That doesn’t even make sense!” She snaps at him.

“Fuck off! It sounded better in my head!”

“Uh...is this a bad time?”

Immediately the both of them freeze, looking up from their positions on the floor. A man with blonde hair is perched on top of the crushed railing, resting his elbows on his knees and gazing down at them.

“Oh, Keigo! I was wondering where you went.” Miruko chirps, standing and bringing Katsuki with her. “Meet my intern! Uhm, what’s your name again kid?”

“Bakugou Katsuki you hag! Who the hell asks for an intern and can’t even remember their damn name?!”

“I got better shit to do than worry about snot nosed brats!”

“Oi!”

“He’s your spitting image, Rumi.” The blonde guy smiles, still staring like a damn creep. “Adorable.”

“Yeah, he’s a spitfire alright.” Miruko beams, digging her knuckles into Bakugou’s hair. 

“Who the fuck is this?” Bakugou asks, throwing an explosion at Miruko’s face that makes her squeal and let go. 

“Huh?” Blonde guys asks, “You don’t know who I am?”

Bakugou narrows his eyes, looking the man up and down. “Am I supposed to?”

Apparently that was the joke of the century, because Miruko screams, falling out onto the floor with laughter. “Holy shit, kid I like you.”

“Hell yeah you do, I’m the best.” Bakugou states, preening. 

But the blonde guy is still upset. “You don’t recognize me?”

“No?”

“I’m Hawks! You know blonde guy, giant red wings, stunning good looks?”

“Oh.” 

Hawks had visited the hospital a couple times after the fight with Shigaraki, but Bakugou had better things to do than worry about some hero parading themselves around the hospital.

Like bullying Icyhot.

And messing with Aizawa.

“Well, nice to see you again I guess.” Bakugou shrugs.

Hawks glares at him before turning to Miruko, whispering not so subtly. “Is this really the one you want?”

“You’re only saying that because he’s not falling all over himself to talk to you.” She snorts. “The kid’s got guts, not to mention he’s not some goody two shoes like the rest of his classmates.”

Hawks sniffs a bit, crossing his arms. “Well, I don’t like him.”

Bakugou feels his eyes twitch. 

“Who gives a shit what you like bird brain?"

Miruko wraps her arms around both of their necks, pulling them into some sort of impromptu hug. “We’re gonna kick so much ass!”

Bakugou smirks to himself. This was an internship he could get behind. 

Chapter Text

Bakugou rolls off of the sofa, groaning slightly at the crick in his back. "Stupid fucking couch..." He mutters to himself, stepping carefully over Hawk's body sprawled over the floor. 

Rumi had turned it pretty early last night, claiming that they had to be up 'early' for patrol in the morning. It was currently seven am, and Katsuki was the only one awake.

Yawning, he pulls out his phone, watching as his classmates texts flood the groupchat . It surprises him how late those idiots were up talking, especially since nothing had happened yet.

But something actually had happened. 

Of all people, fucking Deku had stopped a villain attack on the way to his internship. 

Some extra had snatched a purse from an old lady, and the nerd chased them down and returned it. 

What bullshit.

How did Deku manage to get more action on his way there than Bakugou had gotten all day? Granted it was seven in the morning, but with his internship with Best Jeanist, he'd beenforced halfway into a pair of skinny jeans by now.

The memory makes him shudder. 

Thoroughly annoyed, he walks to the kitchen and tears open the fridge before he slams it closed again.

"Who the fuck stocks your fridge you hag?" 

Bakugou receives no response, but his mood has already been thoroughly ruined. So he storms down the hall, flinging open the bedroom door and hopping onto the bed. He stares down at Miruko's sleeping face before leaning down, letting off an explosion.

The reaction is immediate, and his new teacher flops around for a second before collapsing onto the floor. She rolls onto her back, glaring at him sharply. "What do you want, you insufferable child?"

"You said we were going on patrol, you rodent." He hisses, placing his hands on his hips. "You're burning daylight you lazy bum."

With a groan, Miruko sits up. She stares at her clock before glaring at him again. “It’s not even noon yet.” 

“You patrol at noon? How is that early?"

"Who wakes up before noon on a Saturday?" Miruko groans, rolling over on the floor. "Come bother me later."

"Get up." Bakugou snaps, nudging her with his foot. "You've got to answer for this cursed fridge. The hell are you thinking, just eating vegetables? You need a balanced diet! I have no idea how you became such a high ranking hero eating carrots and shit all day, but that ends now."

He's pretty sure he's broken out into a ramble, but Bakugou can't care enough to stop. 

"And don't think I didn't see those chicken tenders in there, Bird Brain's not off the hook either! Honestly, did nobody teach you how to cook when you were younger? Huh? Never did I think I'd see the day-"

Miruko stares up at him, watching him go on and on about a balanced diet, slightly concerned and a little ticked off. "Who the hell cares? I could beat your ass any day!"

"Yeah, and in ten years the lack of carbohydrates will be kicking your ass." Bakugou snaps, making his way towards the door. "So get up. We're going to the store. If you don't move, I'll just drag you myself."

Rumi doesn't have time to protest before her intern is out the door, screaming down the hall for Hawks to get up as well.

With a sigh she begins to stand before pausing. Why does she have to obey this crazy brat? Nope, she's staying right here in her bed, and she was going to sleep.

And there's nothing that Bakugou can do about it.

-

It turns out, that there were many things Bakugou could do about it. 

One of them being to just drag her out of bed and to the store. 

Of course he didn't get far, one well timed kick to the stomach sent him sprawling down the steps of her apartment complex. However, he had convinced her to tag along under the promise of a carrot cake, and who the hell was she to say no to that?

"This cake better be good kid, or I'm beating your ass on principal."

"Calm your tits ya old hag, I've never made anything that didn't taste amazing." He scoffs. "Besides, I don't wanna hear anything from you. Especially since you refused to do anything but sit in the damn cart."

"It's comfortable."

"It's unsanitary." He stresses, reaching over and snatching a box from the shelf. "When's the last time you think they cleaned these damn things? Probably never."

Hawks scrunches up his nose, following behind them like a lost child. 

Bakugou continues on his way, occasionally stopping to look at the label on certain items, letting out small grunts of approval. "Can't believe the first day of my internship was spent shopping at the grocery store." He grumbles, smacking Hawk's outstretched hand that tries to sneak things into the cart. Hawks rubs his hand with a frown. "Why can't we get those?"

"Do you see all those artificial colors? The preservatives? This cereal is ninety percent colors, ten percent actual food. You'd be on a sugar high before getting totaled by some C rate villain if you ate that shit. And I'm being generous here." Bakugou scolds, ignoring the way Miruko snickers. 

"But the packaging is pretty." Hawks tries to convince him. "Look at all the colors!"

"It's to lure in children." Bakugou rolls his eyes, glaring pointedly at the smiling unicorn on the box before bringing his gaze up to look the older man straight in the eyes. "But I guess that includes childish pro-heroes as well."

"Hey!" Hawks protests, jogging to keep up with the pace of the cart. "That was rude."

"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

"Oi." Miruko interjects. "Can we get these?"

Bakugou looks at the box of dried fruit in her hands before waving a palm dismissively. "That's fine."

Miruko lets out a loud whoop, pumping her fist in the air before dropping six more boxes into the cart around her. 

"What the- why are you getting so many?"

"Because I wanna try them all. That's like going to a drug raid and only beating up some of the criminals. You've got to do it all kid, otherwise you might as well have not shown up!"

Hawks grimaces, slipping a box of candy in between the bars of the cart while Bakugou is distracted. "I don't think your need for violence is the right analogy piece here."

"Screw off, my need for violence is always right."

They wander around the store for a while, Hawks growing more and more disappointed as his pleads for fried chicken are ignored. Bakugou sighs deeply, scratching off the last thing on his shopping list. "Let's get out of here."

He's met with cheers as they walk to the checkout line, and Miruko becomes more and more unhinged. "Why are all these people staring at us?"

Bakugou scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Maybe it's because the number two and number five pro heroes are out shopping with their intern instead of fighting crime."

As soon as he finishes his sentence, a little kid comes barreling into Hawk's legs. The blonde almost stumbles before smiling. "Hey kiddo!"

"Whoa..." The kid smiles, literal stars in their eyes. "You're him! You're really Hawks!"

"I am." The bird brain preens under the attention, and Bakugou feels a sudden urge to puke. 

"Would you like an autograph?" Hawks asks, just as the child's mother comes running up to them, spewing apologies about her wandering son. "It's fine." Miruko waves her off, feet dangling over the side of the shopping cart. If the woman is perplexed by the hero's position, she doesn't show it, simply bowing once more before dragging her child off.

"Well, that was boring. Anyways, let's check out." Bakugou says, heading to the first available check out line.

"You don't get people coming up to you and shit?" Miruko asks, doing absolutely nothing to help place the groceries on the converter belt. "I figured you might with the whole Sludge Villain/Sports Festival/Kamino thing."

Bakugou snorts. "Please, the only reason people came up to me was to chew me out for fighting Round Cheeks the way I did, or asking me how it felt to have All Might as a teacher."

"Gross." Miruko gags. "What did they want you to do about it? Let her win?"

"Guess so." He shrugs. "Not like I care though, I don't go easy on anyone."

"Good kid." She states proudly, punching him softly on the shoulder. "Beat the shit out of everyone without prejudice, that's what I always say. It's not like anyone's gonna go easy on you when it really comes down to it."

"You can say that again."

"I feel like this isn't something you should be bonding over." Hawks interrupts, paying the star-struck cashier. "What if you had to fight somebody way younger than you?"

"Who cares? If they're old enough to try and fight me, they're old enough to face the consequences." Bakugou states. 

"Damn straight." Miruko adds, and the two of them fist bump.

Hawks stares at them for a moment, obviously unimpressed before shaking his head. "You two are something else, my god."

"It's Lord Explosion Murder to you." Bakugou snaps, "Now stop being a bum and help me carry these groceries back to the apartment."

Miruko snorts. "That's your hero name? What kind of shit is that?"

"It's fucking iconic is what it is you hag." The boy hisses.

"Please tell me U.A didn't let you keep that." She smiles back at him, before frowning just a bit. "And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Rumi?"

"You can tell me as many times as you like, hag. I'll call you what I want."

Their bickering continues until they get further downtown. They're standing on the street corner, and Hawks and Miruko are engaged in some kind of weird pre-school grade kicking contest when an explosion goes off a few blocks away.

"You've got to be kidding me." Miruko snaps. "I was looking forward to my carrot cake."

"Maybe we can let someone else handle it?" Hawks suggests. "This is supposed to be my day off."

"Absolutely not." Bakugou snaps, "You two owe me some action after wasting my whole damn morning at the grocery store. You," He points to a random pedestrian who jumps awkwardly. "Watch these groceries. If I come back, and anything's missing, we're gonna have a problem."

"Don't threaten civilians, Bakugou." Hawks scolds him, trying to placate the random person. "Sorry, he doesn't have the best people skills."

"Are we going or not?" Miruko snaps. "Clock is ticking. Carrot cake time is being spent."

"Hell yeah." Bakugou smirks, launching himself off in the direction of the noise. Miruko jumps after him, using her thighs to jump straight into the air. 

The explosions are still going on when they get there. It's a small group of villains, probably only a six or seven. Their leader is standing in the middle, holding a megaphone and barking off some lengthy speech. 

"We are the League of Villains! And we are here to invoke fear in the hearts of the citizens of Fukuoka...starting now!"

His lackeys cheer, throwing some weirdly shaped objects at the area around them. As soon as they make contact with the pavement, an explosion goes off, sending smoke and debris everywhere. Bakugou glares down at the scene from his spot on top of a nearby building, unamused. 

"These guy are most definitely not with the League." Miruko mutters, and Bakugou nods his agreement. As much as he hated the bastards, they had their own ideals. And blowing shit up just to blow shit up did not fit into any of them. Chances are, these are just some weirdos using the Leagues name to gain some traction. How pathetic.

"Well alright then." Miruko says, standing up and stretching. "First lesson. What do you see?"

"A bunch of losers."

"Other than that." 

Bakugou sighs, looking harder at the people below. "There's only a few of them. They're got some sort of weird devices that they're using to blow shit up, not sure what it could do if it came in contact with skin. Right now damage is minimal, and it looks like the civilians have all evacuated."

Miruko nods her approval, eyes never leaving the ground. "Good. So to start out, we're gonna teach you how to kick." She pats her thighs, muscles pronounced even under her sweatpants. "You've got to squat, and use your strength to push off. Try not to use too much force though, once I ended up caving in the roof of a building. Yeah, the police were not happy with me."

Bakugou snorts softly, not bothering to tell her that he wouldn't have to worry about that.

"But anyways, you push off and hopefully you'll get enough air. Once you go that, you kick your leg up and gravity will do the rest. Just make sure you hit your target. But a kick to the neck from this height will probably kill somebody, so aim for the shoulders."

That sounded simple enough.

Bakugou squares his shoulders, crouching down some before pushing himself into the air. His leg comes up, and then he's rushing down to meet the pavement. His goal was to hit the boss, but he misses and ends up taking out on of his lackeys instead. 

Thankfully, there's a body under him to break his fall, so the landing is decent.

But not good enough.

"How'd that go, rabbit bitch?" He calls up, watching as she cocks her head to the side, wispy silver strands falling with the movement. "Pretty good for your first try kid. But more like this,"

And then she jumps off the building, cement crumbling under the force of it and she kicks her foot up like she'd instructed, twisting once in the air before landing a solid hit right on some guy's poor jaw. He skids to a stop a few feet away, Miruko's foot planted firmly on his cheekbone. 

"Holy shit..." Bakugou whispers. "That was cool as fuck."

Miruko beams, puffing her chest out. "I know. Hawks, you wanna try?" She shouts at her friend, who just shakes his head. "Kicks aren't really my thing."

"Bullshit, you're just mad you've got chicken legs."

To her credit, Miruko manages to ignore the younger hero spewing insults. "Alright, try again."

Bakugou nods, blasting himself back up to the top of the building they were just on. The criminals look beyond confused, but one glare from Rumi keeps them firmly rooted to their spots. 

"My darling intern is going to use you losers as target practice, and you're gonna stand still for him like good little sacks of cow manure, and maybe I won't break your ribs and make you eat them. Alright?"

The remaining thugs just nod stiffly.

"Alright then." She nods, clapping her hands together before placing them on her hips. "You can jump down again kid!"

Katuski grunts before squatting back down again, trying to go higher as he lifts his leg and falls back down to the Earth. This time he hits his intended person, nailing them right in the chest. 

"Awww see?" Miruko says, gesturing towards him. "I knew you could do it, what a natural!"

"But it's still not good enough." Bakugou says. "I wanna jump higher. And how did you do that spinny thing?"

"Bring your leg up higher." Miruko states. "The force of the kick should push your body into an arch."

"And how do I hit them hard enough to make a dent in the road? Like that." He points to the guy that Rumi is still standing on, the pavement reduces to small pieces under the body of the criminal. 

"Practice." She shrugs. "The higher you go, the more speed you pick up, the harder you can hit. It all ties together." 

Bakugou nods a bit, a small frown on his face as he concentrates. He blasts himself back up to the ledge, jumping back up (albeit higher this time), his leg kicks up with more force, hitting a weird height before he spins twice in the air. The blonde falls with much more force this time, and the criminal he's aiming for doesn't manage to work up the nerve to run before he takes a hit to the gut that sends him sprawling to the ground. 

Bakugou steps off of him, looking down and noticing the dent in the street. It's not nearly as big as Miruko's, but impressive nonetheless. 

"Wait a minute," His trainer interjects, waving her hands. "How'd you pick that up so fast?"

The blonde shrugs, feigning nocholance. But his eyes widen a bit at the praise. "I just took what you said and applied it you weirdo."

"But how'd you get your leg to kick so high?" She stammers. This kid was going to give her some answers whether he wanted to or not. "I swear I thought you were going to kick yourself in the face!"

"It's called flexibility, short stack." He smirks, kicking his leg up again. Miruko shudders a little at the way his foot reaches past his head. "It's kinda gross." She says, "But also kinda cool."

She ponder for a while before snapping her fingers. "Here's what we'll do. You tell me your stretchy secrets, and I'll help you build your thigh muscles. That way, you can jump higher."

Bakugou nods immediately. "Yeah, alright." He says, "We can do that."

"Hey idiots!" Hawks shouts, swooping down from god knows where and dropping multiple criminals at their feet. "You lost a few."

"Huh?" The two of them blank, looking around to realize that three of them had indeed ran off while they were talking. 

"Yeah." Hawks scoffs at their surprised faces. "Guess they weren't trying to wait for their turn to get slammed into a hospital bed. So they waited until you guys were occupied beating the crap out of their partners before making a run for it." 

"Oh." Miruko mutters, before shaking it off. "Oh well, we got them in the end."

"I guess." Bakugou shrugs, kicking at a stray rock. "Still kind of want to practice some more." 

"Uh Uh." His teacher wags a finger. "You said you would make a carrot cake if I came to the store this morning. So we're going back to the apartment." Beside him, the kid lets out a loud groan, but Miruko could care less. "Come on, let's get to it. And since I'm feeling so generous, we can get started on your new workout routine right now."

"Really?" Bakugou asks, looking skeptical. "How?"

Without warning, Rumi hops onto his back. "You can build your thigh muscles by walking me home."

"You're fucking annoying." He huffs. "And insane if you think I'm gonna do that. This route is mostly uphill!"

"You think you're gonna get anywhere moaning and groaning like that? Suck it up! Onwards, my noble steed!" She shouts, pointing off into the distance. 

"Fine." Bakugou snaps, "But don't blame me if I get my sweat all over you." 

Hawks is left to carry the groceries. 

-

Later that night, Bakugou makes Salmon and rice.

It's good, but all Rumi really wants to eat is her carrot cake, that she eventually gets. It sits on the table in all it's orange glory, covered in frosting. The sight almost makes her want to cry, but she doesn't. Keigo would never let her live it down.

So she settles for ruffling the brat's hair, earning an indignant huff as he hands her a slice. Then the three of them sit on the couch and watch a bunch of losers suck at game shows. They're barely watching it, the day's activities catching up to them. 

"Tomorrow," Miruko yawns, rubbing her eyes. "I'll teach you how to roundhouse."

"I already know how to roundhouse you hag."

"Yeah, but you don't know how to do a Miruko roundhouse. Fractured a dude's skull once. It was an accident, but it still worked."

Equally tired crimson eyes stare at her for a moment before Bakugou chuckles a bit. "I can name a few people I'd love to hit with that."

She raises an eyebrow. "Like who?"

Bakugou brings up fingers as he lists them all. "Deku, Icy Hot, Eye Bags, Baldy, that one fake bitch from the Provisional Exams...that bastard really pissed me off." The scowl is back on his face.

"Well." Miruko says, "Next time you see that bitch, just dropkick him."

"Will do."

-

Aizawa sighs to himself, trying to ignore all the calls blowing up his phone. 

Eri and Shinsou both stare questioningly at the buzzing device, but Aizawa can't be bothered to explain.

They were all calling about the same thing. 

Sure, he could handle one of his problem children stopping a purse snatcher on his way to an internship. He had his license, and no one was injured. 

Lovely, wonderful, whatever. 

And of course he expected to see Bakugou on the news eventually, and with the hero he'd chosen to intern with, it might have come with a 'Wanted dead or Alive' poster. But what he hadn't expected was to see pictures of him pushing the number five hero around in a shopping cart, while scolding the number two hero in a local super market. 

That was fine too. Sure, a little weird but nothing Aizawa would be concerned about. 

What had really taken the cake was the countless pictures of his student launching himself off a building to slam thugs into the concrete. There were multiple angles, pictures both blurry and high quality alike. One in particular has good enough sound for Aizawa to hear the cracking of the road as Bakugou kicks someonel into it. Miruko sees weirdly proud of him, clapping and such. He suppresses the urge to groan at the way a few criminals escape while they talk, just to be brought back later by an annoyed looking Hawks.

"I need a nap." Aizawa groans, running a hand down his face. He refrains from calling the Golden Boy though, he's sure the blonde's classmates are probably bombarding him with enough questions anyways. 

Chapter Text

Bakugou watches from on top of a building as some lowly criminals attempt to rob a bank. It was a laughable attempt really, unorganized and taking far too long. They'd fail to get away with the money if the police were here, no less the number five and number two heroes. 

So, Miruko proposes for him to do it on his own.

"What the hell, hag?" He asks, and even Hawks sends her a weird look. 

"Oh, come on. These guys couldn't hurt a fly." She waves a hand dismissively. "This'll give you the opportunity to handle things like a real pro would do. And if you need help, I'll swoop in and save the day." She puffs out her chest, and Bakugou side eyes her. 

"I don't need anyone to save me you loser." He states, "I'll take these assholes out quick as hell!"

"Oh will you now?" Miruko asks, a sly smile on her face that usually meant nothing but trouble for Bakugou. "How quickly?"

He looks down at the scene before him. There's about ten guys and one girl, and no civilians around. None of them seem to have quirks that can do much damage, but he doesn't know every single one. No hostages are in sight. 

Light work. 

"Twenty minutes."

"How about fifteen?"

"Ten." Bakugou is never one to back down from a challenge, but even he knows he's cutting it close. 

Hawks seems to know it too, placing his hand in between the two of them and scooting them apart. "Let's meet in the middle in say fifteen." He sighs, "And don't be too prideful to call for backup."

"Yeah, yeah." Bakugou shrugs, standing up to stretch his limbs. "I got it Bird Brain."

Miruko seems intrigued, staring a fifteen minute timer on her phone and watching as her intern jumps into the fight, guns blazing. Hawks sits beside her, mildly concerned. "You sure that was a good idea?" He asks. 

"Who are you worried for?" She snorts. "The kid or the criminals?"

He shrugs, scratching his cheek. "Bit of both, I guess."

Bakugou puts his training to use, dropping his leg on top of one guy and the roundhouse kicking another. 

Two down, eight to go.

"Hell yeah!" Miruko shouts from the roof, way too enthusiastic for someone watching their intern beat the crap out of some criminals. 

Bakugou tries to block her out, dodging the oncoming hits as the rest of the group gangs up on him. Exactly what he meant earlier, they were stupid. Why not send some people after him, and then the rest can escape with the money? The idiot squad could come up with a better plan than this. Lost in his mind, he barely catches the fist that's swinging towards his left side. 

"Tighten that left side up Bakugou!" Miruko yells down at him, "And watch your back!"

"I know, damn it!" He shouts back, sidestepping the person trying to attack him from behind before kicking them in the back. 

"Well you might wanna hurry up!" She advises, "You've got eight minutes left."

Bakugou just nods, sending an explosion into the last guy. He topples over onto the concrete, and the blonde sends a smug look up at his teacher. "Did you see that?" he asks, "I did it with time to spare!"

"Whatever." Miruko rolls her eyes, "It's not like I expected anything other than that. Wrap them up so we can go, I'm getting hungry."

With a scoff, Bakugou does as instructed, removing the capture tape from his belt and wrapping the criminals one by one. 

During that process, he realizes two things. 

The first, is that two of these bastards are missing. The second, is that there's a truck about to ram straight into him.

Bakugou manages to blast himself out of the way, watching as the vehicle skids past him and around the corner. All three of them watch in stunned silence before Bakugou takes off after it, thoroughly annoyed. Hawks is about to go help, but Miruko shakes her head. "He's still got five minutes left. And besides, the kid can handle himself."

And handle himself he does. 

Bakugou shoots through the air, following the truck as it turns recklessly through the streets of Fukuoka. The car is fast, but not fast enough to outrun the power of the student's explosions. He catches up quickly, connecting himself to the back of the car. He opens the back door, grabbing all three duffle bags of cash. They hadn't managed to get away with more than that, thankfully. 

Back out the truck he goes, climbing along the side of it and holding on. Apparently whoever's driving sees him in the rearview mirror, and starts to drift off to the side. It confuses him, until Bakugou realizes that this guy is trying to squish him into the side of a building. There's nowhere for him to go, and the truck is drifting closer and closer to the side of the road. 

Bakugou uses his arm to brace himself, his gauntlets taking the brunt of it. The metal slides alongside the building, and comes apart, leaving his arm bare. He curses to himself, tossing the last few pieces of material off and to the side. He holds onto the truck, pushing off the building with his leg. The truck lurches dangerously to the side.

Wait a minute.

That just might work.

The driver is still swerving, trying to lodge Bakugou into another building. This time, he plants his foot firmly on the structure, using his leg strength to push the truck off track. It tilts again, but not enough.

One more time.

He gets his chance, and this time the truck falls onto it's side. Bakugou stands on it like a surfboard, moving forwards to wrench the passenger side door clean off. The men inside both let out girly shrieks. The truck continues to skid across the road before stopping, and Bakugou breathes out a sigh of relief. He reaches in, and the shaken criminals come without protest, too terrified to do anything but allow themselves to be dragged along. Bakugou restrains them, handing them over to the police who have (finally) decided to show up. Miruko and Hawks are present too, and they make their way over to him.

"How long was that?" Bakugou asks, dusting himself off and dropping the bags. 

"Fourteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds." Hawks informs him, clapping the younger boy on the shoulder. "Good job."

"You little show off." Miruko snorts, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Why didn't you use your explosions to blast the truck off route?"

"Gotta put these legs to use somehow." He mutters, not bothering to tell her that he simply hadn't thought of that.

Hawks reaches into his jacket, depositing a few pieces of metal into Bakugou's hands. "Here's your gauntlet back." He says, smile a little to wide for Bakugou's liking. "It broke in the fight."

"Yeah, I can see that asshole." He snaps, throwing the small pieces back in the older man's face. "You think you're so damn funny, don't you?"

"I'm hilarious." Hawks smirks, "If you weren't so wound up you could be funny too."

"Don't listen to him kid." Miruko advises, "He's only saying that because all his fangirls aren't paying attention to him."

"Huh?" Bakugou asks, "What are you talking about?"

The two of them exchange a long look before smiling and beginning to walk in the opposite direction. 

"Oi, answer me!" Bakugou shouts, "You annoying pieces of shit!"

-

His answer comes the following day. 

Hawks is gone on patrol, and Miruko was acting like more of a lazy bum than usual, claiming that she needed to stay home and catch up on her day time television. 

So Bakugou makes himself sparse and heads to the hardware store. 

He can't do his internship without his gauntlets, and he's not going to injure himself trying. Besides, his legs are still screaming from the stunt he pulled yesterday, so maybe taking it easy was his best bet. Currently, his friends are yelling at him over the phone. 

"That was insane, man!" Kirishima yells over the video call. "The way the car flipped right over! How on Earth did you get that leg strength?"

"Squats." Bakugou states plainly, and it's not a lie. The workout routine that Rumi had given him consisted of a lot of squats and wall sits. Apparently Kirishima isn't satisfied though, whining over the phone about how Bakugou is 'holding out on him.'

"Why are you being so calm?" Kaminari asks, "You're all over the news!"

"Bakugou doesn't care about stuff like that." Sero snickers, "He's a humble man."

"Yeah, right." Mina interjects. "Humble."

"Watch it Raccoon Eyes." Bakugou warns, reaching onto a shelf and grabbing a few things. "When we come back, I'll beat your ass twice as hard."

"Absolutely not." She replies, "You're not coming near me with a ten foot pole. I don't know what they're feeding you over there, but we're never sparring again!"

That earns her a snort, and Bakugou shakes his head. "I'm eating the same things I always eat."

"Nah, they've most definitely got you on steroids." Sero states. 

His friends continue to talk over the phone about their own internships, and Bakugou mostly ignores them until Kirishima says something weird.

"Hagakure went back to U.A last night." He says, and the video call goes silent. "Yeah, I heard." Mina says, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "She took her gloves and stuff off during a villain attack to try and sneak around, but she got caught in the middle of an attack. Nobody saw her get hit, and nobody saw her body."

"That's so scary." Kaminari winces. "How long did she lay there?"

"Dunno." Mina shrugs, "She didn't really want to talk about it. But she's back at the dorms now."

Bakugou frowns a bit to himself. It had only been three days. 

"Was it just her?" He asks, and Mina nods her head. "For now, at least. Koda's having a hard time trying to adapt, and you know how Asui gets during the cold seasons. Her hero costume's supposed to help with that, but it can only do so much."

Bakugou nods, trying to continue shopping. There's a tense feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he brushes it off. His shoulders are tense, and he jumps a bit as someone taps him. 

"The hell?" He startles, turning around just to be met with some little kid and his dad.

Fuck, okay.

"Can I help you?" He asks, trying not to sound too mean. 

"Sorry to bother you," The man begins, "But my son is a fan of yours." 

Bakugou lets his gaze trail down to the squirt at his dad's legs, staring up at him through dark hair with an All Might action figure clenched tightly in his hand. His jacket is blue and red, a much smaller version of the U.A gym uniform. It's kinda cute.

"Hey, kid." He greets him, "What's up?"

The boy simply stares, before squealing loudly. "You're Ground Zero!" He cheers, earning a few looks from the people around them. Bakugou tries not to wince, nodding stiffly. 

God, he's really not good with kids.

"I am." He says.

"You were so cool! I saw you on the news yesterday with my mom! You were flying through the air with your quirk, like bang, boom, pow!" He shouts, weaving his All Might figure in the air with his sound effects. "You defeated the bad guys!"

Oh.

Oh.

This kid liked him?

He thought he was cool?

Bakugou smiles a bit, leaning down to reach the kid's height. "Of course I did." He preens, "I'm the best."

"Yeah!" The kid actually agrees with him, smiling brightly. "Hey, hey! Can I see your quirk?"

"Wait a minute..." His dad intervenes, "I said you could just come say hi." He chides, and the kid's smile drops. Bakugou can't believe himself, but he actually feels bad for the little squirt. He brushes off the dad's concerns. "It's alright, he's just excited." He holds out a palm, letting off a few small explosions. 

"Whoa..." The kid smiles, before giggling to himself in childlike excitement. "They're like stars!"

Bakugou nods, before realizing that they're attracted a bit of a crowd. People are filming and cooing, drawn to the sight of a little kid meeting their favorite hero. 

How did his simple shopping trip manage to turn into this?

"Come on Haru." His dad says, "Let's leave Ground Zero-san to his shopping now."

Haru frowns but nods, holding his hand up for a high five. Bakugou gives it to him, receiving another toothy smile before the kid and his dad run off.  

Bakugou blinks slowly, trying to comprehend what just happened. 

"Blasty?" Mina calls from over the phone. "You still there?"

He swallows roughly. "Yeah, I'm here."

-

"Well look who it is!" Miruko calls once he opens the door to the apartment. "Ground Zero!"

"What's up with you, hag?" He asks, dumping the contents of his shopping trip on the ground. 

"Thought your name was Lord Explosion Murder." Hawks mutters from the kitchen. Bakugou just rolls his eyes. "Only to you. My official name is Ground Zero."

Miruko nods to herself, ignoring Hawk's offended shouts. "Well you're all over the news Ground Zero-san." She teases, gesturing to the tv.

The reporter sits in her chair, folding her hands together on her desk while she speaks. 

"The boy that we've identified from yesterday," In the corner of the screen is a weirdly high quality image of Bakugou stopping the truck yesterday, face scrunched in concentration as he flips the truck over. 

He has to admit, that's a badass picture.

"Goes by the name Ground Zero," The woman on the screen continues. "He's the first year student from U.A High, Bakugou Katsuki and the winner of the first year sports festival."

Instead of the muzzled and chained picture he expected to be used, it's one from the cavalry battle. 

Huh.

It doesn't slip his mind that Kamino and the Sludge villain incident aren't mentioned. 

Did people...actually approve of him? Or was there something else happening here?

"He was spotted today in a hardware store in Fukuoka, where he's been rumored to be taking part in an internship with top pro heroes Miruko and Hawks. In the images above, he's shown talking with a young fan."

Bakugou watches the tv for a little while longer before shrugging it off. He's got some gauntlets to fix. 

Since his original one was destroyed (and he's got some new ideas to add in), he'll have to start from scratch. Which means he doesn't have time to waste watching stupid news stories, and answering his classmate's stupid phone calls. 

But he does anyways. 

Better to get it over with. 

"Blasty!" Mina shouts when he answers the video call. Over half the class are online, demanding answers from him. "Don't you idiots have anything better to do than spend your time worrying about me?"

"Yes." Todoroki says at the same time Kaminari says, "No."

"Well then why are you here, half and half?" Bakugou squints at him, laying his blueprint out on the floor in front of him.

The Icyhot bastard simply shrugs. "Midoriya and the others were going to talk about of internships, I simply joined because I didn't want to be bored."

Yeah, whatever that was.

'Midoriya and the others.' Gag.

"Are you repairing your gauntlets Kacchan?" Deku asks, and receives a grunt in response. "What are you going to do with them?"

"More support. My Howitzers put a lot of stress on my shoulders. Maybe some more areas to store my nitroglycerin, and a-"

"Booooringggg." Kaminari yawns, receiving a glare from Bakugou. "We're not going to talk about how Bakugou is stealing all the attention?" He shrieks. 

"And the babes!" Mineta adds on. "All the cute girls are talking about him! It's not fair!"

Katsuki gives them both flat looks. 

"Whatever."

"No, It's not whatever Bakubro! You gotta take credit for your manliness! People are comparing you to Hawks!"

"Huh?" 

Kirishima holds his phone up to the screen, a news article showing up. It has two pictures side by side, one of Hawks and the little boy they ran into at the store, and one of Bakugou and Haru from earlier. The title reads;

Bakugou Katsuki, Future Top Ten Pro?

"That's bullshit." He waves it off. "I'm gonna be number one, no doubt about it."

"Dude." Sero groans, falling backwards and out of frame. "You gotta stop being so nonchalant about this crap."

-

Bakugou somehow manages to get his gauntlets done in the time it takes those losers to tire themselves out talking. Sighing deeply as the day's event catch up to him. 

He takes a shower, practically having to drag Hawks away from the mirror. 

Miruko is snoring loudly from her room and well, if Bakugou accidently suffocates her in his irritation he can't be held accountable.

When all is said and done, he curls up on the couch. 

His phone lights up with one final text message. 

It's from Aizawa. 

I'm proud of you Golden Boy. Keep up the good work.

Bakugou sleeps easy that night. 

Chapter Text

Bakugou ducks, watching as a sea of feathers fly above his head and embed themselves in the wall behind him.

There’s no time to recover, because Hawks is shooting forward to grab him by the wrist. Bakugou’s first instinct is to let off an explosion, harsh enough to make the hero back off, but he’s immediately reminded of Miruko’s earlier instructions.

No quirk usage.

That would be fine, except for the fact that Bird Brain can use his quirk all he wants.

While he was trying to come up with an alternative however, Hawks takes the opportunity to flip him onto his back and effectively knock the air out of him. He’s not done though, and Bakugou has to blink away the stars in his eyes in order to roll out of the way of an oncoming curbstomp.

Hawk’s shoe is just inches away from Bakugou’s face, a dent in the floor where his head used to be.

He scrambles to his feet, letting loose a right hook and then a left, both of them dodged easily. It frustrates him to no end, the way Hawks is barely breaking a sweat fighting him, meanwhile Bakugou is constantly on the defence from his harsh attacks.

The older blonde is looking him dead in the eye, expressionless. Bakugou swings, misses again. There’s a subtle quirk of the lips.

And then he sees red.

He’s throwing punches randomly, and the sloppier he gets the more amused Hawks seems. That only serves to make Bakugou angrier, and more rash. He speeds up his blows, feigning a right hook, and Hawks dodges, just to get nicked in the temple with a left hook instead.

Hawk’s face betrays his surprise before it morphs into a much more serious look than before.

Serves that bastard right.

Bakugou tries to punch him one more time, but when it connects he feels his fingers explode in pain. He recoils, and gives Hawks the perfect opportunity to kick him in the face, sending him sprawling to the mat.

The student blinks, staring at the ceiling in confusion.

He lost.

Bakugou growls low in his chest, banging his injured hand on the mat and hissing at the pain that rushes up his limb.

Hawks offers to help him up, but he pretends he doesn’t notice.

Miruko is less than amused, hopping from her perch on top of some stacked matts and walking over.

“That was terrible.” She says flatly. “How many times are you going to get thrown on your ass before you realize that getting pissy whenever you start to lose is a surefire way to get beat up?”

“I wasn’t getting pissy.” Bakugou snaps at her reflection in the mirror, breathing out harshly through his nose.

“You were.” She states, placing one hand on her hip. “You got frustrated you were being deflected so easily, and instead of turning that negative energy into something productive, say a harder hit perhaps? You ended up getting sloppy, and your form suffered.”

Bakugou frowns, feeling like a scolded child.

“Hence,” Miruko nods to his throbbing hand, “That injury. How’d you manage to work yourself up so badly that you forgot to make a proper fist?”

“Dunno.” He shrugs, pushing himself up off the mat. “This whole thing is stupid as hell. I’m used to fighting without my quirk, I made sure to train like that. But for some reason, today was just-”

“Different.” She finishes for him. “Because Hawks was far more experienced than you. You’ve gotta understand kid, skill levels will always be an issue out in the field. There’s a chance that you’ll fight people way older than you, or way bigger than you, or way faster than you. But you need to improvise and overcome. Otherwise, you’re as good as dead.”

Bakugou feels a bit stupid now, realizing that his teacher had just been trying to teach him a lesson. It was annoying, sure, but it helped him realize quite a few things that he still needed to work on. That was what he came here for anyways, right?

“Stop making that face, it’s giving you wrinkles I didn’t even know you had.” Miruko snorts, tossing him a water bottle.

Bakugou catches it, chugging half the bottle.

“Take a break, and then come back.” She orders, already walking off somewhere.

“You finally gonna spar with me?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. The Rabbit hero simply shoots him a look over her shoulder. “Nope.” She smiles, “You’re going quirkless with Hawks for the time being until I’m positive you’ve put everything I’m teaching you to use.”

“What a load of bullshit.” Bakugou scoffs, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah I hear you.” Rumi waves her hand. “Once you’re done pouting, we're going back home, you're too high-strung for training." She notices he's about to open his mouth, but she keeps talking anyways. "And then, you're going to take a damn shower and tell me what's wrong with you."

He’s too shocked that she noticed to protest, simply clamping his mouth shut and glaring off in another direction.

Great, now he’s got two Aizawa’s.

When Miruko comes back, he’s much calmer. She seems to approve of that, walking beside him back to the apartment in silence. Bakugou does as he was instructed earlier, the warm water of the shower helping to work the tension from his back.

“Alright kid, what’s up? You’re usually not so tense during practice.”

“It’s those shit classmates of mine.” Bakugou sighs, drying his hair with a towel violently. “Some more of the went back to the dorms last night.”

“You mean they quit their internships?” She asks, brows furrowed. “I heard they were letting you guys back out, but I didn’t think anybody would take the opportunity. Who was it?”

“The frog bitch.” He responds, “And the human flashlight.”

Miruko grimaces. “You know the reason?”

“Deku said that the frog chick couldn't handle the weather. For some reason the place she was interning at got a short break of really cold weather." He grimaces. "Her body just kind of shut down."

“That’s rough.” Miruko sighs, “And the second one?”

“No idea. Apparently he won’t open his mouth to anyone about it, not even Aizawa. But there was a really bad earthquake over in France. Lots of casualties.”

Miruko nods, resigned. “That’s just the world we live in now. I hope U.A made the right decision sending you guys out on internships knowing what's going on."

“Yeah, me too.” Bakugou chuckles bitterly.

“You’re worried about somebody.” She says, like it’s a statement and not a question. It rubs Bakugou the wrong way.

He could deny it, sure. But the old hag is just gonna give him that stupid look she does when she doesn’t believe a damn word he’s saying. So he doesn’t.

“The idiot brigade. They’re always doing stupid shit, getting into trouble. They’re got zero self-preservation skills. Named themselves the ‘Bakusquad’ of all shit, even after I told them to screw off.”

Miruko snorts. “They sound like some real charmers.”

Now that he’s started talking, Bakugou just can’t seem to stop. His inner worries free-falling from his mouth like water from a leaking faucet. “And I'm not sure how do deal with all this damn press. It's like suddenly, everybody's talking about me again. And I can handle that, I'm not a damn baby, It's just that...they were never nice? About it I guess until recently. All of a sudden everyone's switched up. They went from blaming me for All Might's downfall to making sappy ass posts about me on social media."

The smile Miruko makes is bitter, one of understanding and empathy. "They did the same thing with me when I was your age. Still do, actually. Everyone always had something to say about my temper or my mouth, and never looked into how I was as a hero. It really grinded my gears you know? Endeavor is the largest pile of fucking garbage I've ever seen, but they praised him like he was some kind of god. I guess in their eyes he was."

Her voice goes quieter. "But the Media's never black and white. Back in your first year, people's idea of you may have been mostly negative with some positive opinions here and there. But since your teacher stood up for you at that conference, and people heard about what you did to save your classmate, the positive opinions outweigh the bad. It's not fair, and you have a right to be mad about it. But it's just something you'll have to learn to deal with as a hero."

Bakugou frowns, understanding but not exactly happy. "It's all so annoying."

Miruko smiles genuinely this time, standing and dusting off her legs. “Alright you little gremlin, change of plans.”

“What do you mean?” Bakugou asks. "What are we doing?"

"Let's go do something fun for the day. There's some movie showing later tonight, don't know if you'd be interested in seeing it though."

"What's it about?" The blonde questions, stretching his limbs out over the couch. 

"It's a documentary on Hawks. He jumped at the opportunity and wouldn't shut up that he got a movie before me." Miruko rolls her eyes. "He wants to go see it, probably just to show off. But you know how he is, he'll probably sulk unless we go."

Bakugou shrugs, "I'm fine with going. Bird Brain's not the worst hero on the planet to go see a movie about."

"I'm gonna tell him you said that."

"Don't you dare."

-

Bakugou has never been one for movies. 

Sitting in closed corners of other people watching a bright ass screen for an hour and a half is not his idea of fun.

But he's got nothing better to do, so to the movies he goes.

"You gonna answer that?" Miruko asks, leaning over to look at his phone buzzing in his pocket.

"No." Bakugou says shortly, lacing up his shoes by the front door. "It's nothing important. Probably just the idiots blowing up that groupchat again. I swear they have too much free time for a bunch of hero students on internships."

"Not everyone can stop trucks with their legs, Bakugou." Rumi teases, "Some of them are busy learning first aid."

"Ew." He groans, "First aid was boring as fuck to learn about. But Recovery Girl made me take a course after I kept showing up to her office after training."

Rumi snorts. "So what did you learn?"

"First aid was kinda basic. Treating burns and wrapping wounds and shit. But apparently I did so good with that she wanted to teach me about disaster medical operations." He says the last part in a mimicry of Recovery Girl's voice, causing Miruko to bark out a laugh. "Aren't your hands literally toxic?" She asks, "What if you poison someone?"

"I don't fucking know." Bakugou scoffs, "I'm not a damn rescue hero, I can't help people like that. But it comes with the territory I guess, and I'll hug that shit nerd before I put anything less than my best towards something."

"That's so typical of you." She shakes her head fondly, before smirking slyly. "Who knows...maybe you'll end up saving the day again, brat."

-

Apparently, whatever his classmates are talking about is important because they won't shut the fuck up.

He was getting so many dirty looks over his vibrating phone that he had to step out of the theatre to check. Miruko sends him a questioning look, but he just waves her off. The only reason he hasn't turned his phone off by now, is because even though they're all dumb, his classmates have more sense than to blow up his phone for no reason.

Out in the hallway he opens his phone, watching the messages pour in one after another.

Damn Nerd:

Hi Kacchan

I know you don't like me texting you and all 

But I've got a really bad feeling

It's kind of like what All Might was talking about? The Danger sense?

It usually only acts up when things are happening around me but...I don't know I feel like it's connected to you for some reason.

Can you just pick up? Please?

Kacchan where are you?

Alright, that's more than weird. What was Deku talking about? Sure, Bakugou knew he had some weird sort of Spidey Sense thing that went off when danger was near, but what did that have to do with him?

He checks some more messages.

Round Face:

Bakugou? Do you know what's wrong with Deku? He's been muttering for hours and saying your name, and I don't know how to help him.

He's saying you're in danger.

Where are you, exactly? Fukuoka right?

It's getting worse Bakugou, pick up the phone please. For Deku's sake.

So the nerd was worried about something happening to Bakugou. He wasn't on the greatest of terms with him, but Deku wasn't the type of person to freak out over nothing.

He keeps reading.

Shitty Hair:

Bakubrooo where are you man? You're not answering our texts.

Midoriya's really sick dude.

We're telling Aizawa.

I'm sure you're okay, but better safe than sorry.

Please be okay.

Raccoon Eyes:

You're scaring us here Blasty

Midoriya's in quirk suppression cuffs, he was on the verge on running to Fukuoka to check on you himself

All Might's getting uneasy too

You're freaking Aizawa out, if Nedzu hadn't told him to stay here he'd be on a train to you right now

And I would be too

Oh, fuck.

Aizawa.

Sensei:

Katsuki I swear on everything, if you get yourself killed halfway across Japan I'm expelling you.

I've got to wrap you problem children in bubble wrap when you get back.

If anything happens, be smart and remember your training. Listen to Miruko.

All of this does nothing but put Bakugou on edge. Everything becomes overwhelming. He clicks on Aizawa's contact name, calling him immediately as he paces back and forth. The floor is sticky under his feet.

Aizawa picks up immediately.

"Katsuki where are you?" He demands, and there's muffled shouting in the background. 

"It's Bakugou?" That sounds like Denki. "Is he okay?"

"I'm fine." He mutters, looking around the area. He's not sure if it's the texts, or something actually wrong, but the hairs on the back of Bakugou's neck stand up. "What's going on?"

"Where are you?"

"Movie theater."

"Which one?"

"Dunno." His mouth feels dry, the soda machine is rumbling loudly where it sits across the room. "It's the one in the mall. I don't see anything out of the ordinary." He continues, looking around.

Nobody is around except the workers at the concession stand that are shooting him concerned looks. It's dark outside, the rest of the mall shut down and closed off to the public after hours. The only place that's still open in the theatre.

So why is there a man standing by the water fountain?

"Wait a minute." Bakugou whispers, "I think I see somebody."

"At the theatre?"

"Listen, I know it sounds weird and all." And it probably does, but something in Bakugou is gnawing at his conscious. He squints his eyes, moving closer to the glass doors. 

There's a walkie talkie hooked to this guy's hip, and he's talking into it. Maybe security? No, he's not wearing the yellow vest that come with the uniform. A custodian? Nope, there's not a cleaning supply in sight. Maybe he's a thief? But then again, thieves don't exactly stick around to get caught. 

He looks like he's waiting for something.

Is that what the walkie talkie's for?

Orders from someone.

The orders for what, Bakugou's not trying to find out.

He bolts for the door, ignoring the shouts of the theatre workers as he jumps over the dividing ropes and shoves the door open. The loud volume startles the man, who takes off immediately after seeing him. 

Bakugou takes chase, projecting himself forwards with his explosions. But this guy is weirdly fast, sprinting back and forth so quickly that Katsuki can't blast himself in the right direction quickly enough.

Fuck.

Shit...he's gonna lose the guy at this point, and if he's the cause of whatever was causing Deku to freak out so badly, Bakugou wasn't going to chance that. How was he supposed to catch this guy?

He racks his brain for an answer, trying to think about what to do. They're on the floor level of the mall. Height advantage was something he had learned to take into consideration during his internship. Aizawa had always told him that sometimes it was best to make yourself quiet. Unseen. 

Bakugou blasts himself up to the second level. He can still see the ground floor thankfully, watching in silence as the man notices the lack of explosions and slowly comes to a stop. "What the hell?" He whispers to himself, skeptical. "No way that psycho kid just up and bailed."

Rude.

Bakugou watches as the man spins around in circle, paranoid. Serves that bastard right.

Slowly, the blonde begins to creep off to the side. Positioning himself above whoever the hell this was on the balcony, and crouching on it. But he doesn't jump down just yet.

The man picks up his walkie talkie, shouting into it frantically. "It's the kid. Saw me and chased me across the damn mall."

His (Boss? Partner?) yells something back across the line, annoying the man. "This was your fucking plan! You said he'd be watching the movie. How was I supposed to know he'd come out and see me?"

The hell?

Had someone been tailing him?

God, couldn't he get one moment of peace? Why did this shit always have to happen to him?

"No I can't fight him." The man hisses. "He's stronger than me. If you were here Nakamura, we'd be able to take him down. I don't even know why you sent me here by myself anyways. You know my quirk isn't as effective without you!"

Apparently this man is also stupid, since he just revealed a shit ton of information, including his partner's name to Bakugou.

Stupid.

Bakugou decides that he's heard enough, jumping down and slamming his foot to the guy's back. The walkie talkie falls to the floor as the criminal scrambles to get up, but Bakugou is quicker, stadling the man's back and pulling his wrists behind his back.

"Shit." Despite his cowardly nature, this dude seems pretty hell bent on bucking Bakugou off his back like some kid of bull, squirming and kicking like a kid in a doctor's office. "Hold still damn it!" Katsuki hisses, but that only serves to make the man move more.

Bakugou rolls his eyes, adjusting his grip to hold both his wrist with one hand and digging in his pocket for his abandoned phone. Aizawa seems to have gone silent, probably prosumming the worst from his students silence. 

"Aizawa." He calls, and he can hear the deep sigh of relief that comes from his teacher. 

"I'm assuming you handled it, Problem Child?" He asks, receiving a snort. "Yeah, I caught him. Some weirdo with a walkie talkie. Fucker's been tailing me."

"You've been getting followed?" Aizawa asks, a little confusion seeping into his usually reserved tone. "For how long?"

"Dunno." Bakugou shrugs, before snapping a bit at the man under him. "Would you just fucking-you know what?" He mutters, holding his phone between his ear and shoulder as he rips his shoelaces from his shoes, using them to bind the wrists of the man. "He's about six feet tall, maybe six 'one. Brown hair, blue eyes. Pretty skinny, about one hundred and sixty pounds. Dressed in all black."

"Got it."

Satisfied, he stands up to step out of his shoes. But then the ground shakes, sending Bakugou sprawling to the floor. "Fuck!" He hisses, "Is that a goddamn earthquake?"

Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, Bakugou's seen his fair share of them. But the timing is just too off. 

And once the shaking stops, his suspicions are confirmed. 

The man is gone.

-

"When I get my hands on that fucker, I swear I'll-"

"Bakugou." Hawks says firmly. "Now is not the time."

It takes over two hours to evacuate all the citizens and workers from the building, and to make sure that no one is hurt.

Katsuki is more than pissed throughout at how he let that man get away, and about how once again his internship has been ruined by some asshole. The knowledge has put everyone on edge, Hawks and Miruko included.

"This is bullshit." Bakugou spits, "Absolute bullshit."

"This is something you'll have to deal with as a pro-"

"I'm seventeen!" He snaps, "I should be able to go to the movies without somebody trying to target me!"

"You need to get yourself together." Hawks advises him sternly, "You're going to worry the civilians."

"Fuck the civilians!"

"Enough." Miruko growls at them, shutting both boys up effectively. "Put your personal issues aside and do your damn jobs. Bickering like children isn't going to get anything done. We need to secure the scene."

Bakugou rolls his eyes, feeling his frustration reach a boiling point. "Whatever." He scoffs, "I'm calling Aizawa." 

"Bakugou Katsuki-"

By then, he's already stormed off. He's mad at Miruko, mad at Hawks, mad at the damn nerd, the shit civilians, himself. How did he let that guy get away? He was supposed to be a hero. What if someone had gotten hurt? What had all his training been for then? Nothing?

Aizawa picks up as soon as he calls. 

"Are you okay, kid?" He asks gruffly, and Bakugou can't bring himself to answer. 

"Alright then, I guess that was a stupid question. Do you want me to come see you?"

"Fukuoka is far."The blonde sniffs, "You're probably tired."

"I'm never too tired to make sure one of my students is okay." The older man says. "So do you want me to come?"

"This is stupid." Bakugou responds bitterly. "This whole thing is stupid, I'm being stupid. I could have stopped him, could have-"

"You are a child, Katsuki." Aizawa stresses. "You aren't expected to take down every villain all the time, and anyone who does is ridiculous and not worth your time. Nedzu and the police are already investigating. And thanks to your description, we've already got a match."

"He got away." Bakugou insists stubbornly. "What if we don't get the chance to catch him again?"

"We will." Aizawa says matter-of-factly. "And when we do, I bet my ass you'd probably be the one to do it. You've got to stop being so hard on yourself. You've been doing nothing but putting your best into everything this past week. And you stopped a situation that could've been extremely bad into something much smaller. You recognized the problem and acted accordingly. That's all anyone can ask for. You did good."

He knows his teacher can't see it, but Bakugou nods anyways, sitting in comfortable silence with the older man. 

Aizawa had a point. Who knows what could have happened to the people in the theatre if Bakugou hadn't interfered. I mean, a guy who can cause earthquakes? What the hell kind of quirk is that?

Wait.

Something about that makes his hair stand on edge.

Earthquakes?

Earthquakes, earthquakes, earthquakes.

"I'll call you back."

He hands up on Aizawa, typing in Midoriya's number and waiting on him to pick up.

The nerd's voice is grating as ever. 

"Kacchan! I'm so glad you're okay! I don't think my danger sense has ever been so bad-"

"Shut the fuck up you nerd. I need you to tell me something."

"What is it?" Deku must hear the urgency in his voice, because he's suddenly serious.

"Why did the disco ball get sent home again?"

"There was an earthquake. In France."

"A big one?"

"Yeah. It was really bad."

That had to be a coincidence. The earthquake that happened today was pretty small. Enough to disorient Bakugou, but not enough to cause casualties. 

"My quirk isn't as effective without you here!"

Fuck.

"And frog face. What happened to her?"

"Bad weather." Midoriya says suspiciously. "It got really cold down there. I think it was like a snow storm or something."

A snow storm. 

Those don't happen much this time of year. 

And not one hard enough to practically send his classmate into hibernation.

There's a pit of dread forming in Bakugou's stomach.

"And the invisible bitch. What about her?"

"There was a villain attack. She got caught in an attack-"

Bakugou grits his teeth, trying not to shout."What was it exactly?"

"Well she didn't say much, but she said it felt like someone had dumped her body in body in a blender. She was shaking all over afterwards."

"Kind of like an aftershock? Vibrations maybe?"

"Yes...Kacchan you don't think that guy you fought today can cause earthquakes do you?"

"I think he can cause natural disasters, or something along those lines. It would explain the earthquakes and the snow storm. And his partner has some kind of vibration quirk, or something else that can enhance them. I don't think they're just targeting me either, I think it's our whole class."

Midoriya shoots off into a ramble, but Bakugou has no time to listen to him. He hangs up, scrolling through his contact list and clicking on a certain one begrudgingly. 

Me: 

Oi

I need to ask you something

Smokey Bastard

Oh? Katsuki Bakugou needs something from me?

Me:

Don't play games with me Kariage.

This is serious.

Smokey Bastard:

Alright, alright. 

What do you need?

Me: 

You know a guy named Nakamura?

Chapter Text

It's easier than you'd think, to sneak out of Miruko's apartment. 

She and Hawks are still a little pissed at him for running off the night before, and neither of them had spoken to him before they went to sleep, staying up to join the video meeting that some of the heroes were having. They were supposed to talk about whether or not the internships should be called off, but they hadn't been able to reach a consensus and yelled at each other well into the morning. 

You know, like real adults.

So thankfully, both of them were nowhere to be seen, which gave Bakugou the perfect opportunity to slip away for the day. 

And of course, that asshole Kariage insisted they meet up in Musutafu. Bakugou wanted to curse him out before he realized that he really needed this info. So he swallowed his words and begrudgingly agreed, but he'd be sure to rip the older boy a new one once he got there. 

Bakugou tries not to look suspicious at the way he pulls his hoodie low over his face. You never knew when someone was around who knew who you were, villain and civilians alike. The last thing he needed was to be recognized in this part of town, especially after he'd snuck out of his mentor's apartment to catch a six-hour train from Fukuoka.

Not to mention he was on his own, and he had no idea who was down here. The last time he'd come was with Kariage, who'd insisted it would be a short trip so he could 'pick something up from a friend.' Yeah, turns out that he needed to collect some money from some guy who scammed him. 

That was the last time Bakugou let him pick where they hung out after school.

Kariage had always been rough around the edges, clad in black with piercings and dark hair. The type of kid that smoked in strictly 'no smoke zones' for kicks and stuck his tongue out at old ladies that stared too hard in the supermarket. 

Which was fine for a little while, but as Bakugou got more focussed on his future hero career, he'd stopped hanging out with Kariage and his crew because honestly, he'd end up getting himself involved in something that would ruin his chances at U.A. Kariage hadn't taken it well, had started a screaming match over the phone that lasted hours before they hung up with a huff. They hadn't spoken since then.

Well, until now.

The agreed-upon meeting space was nothing but your typical dingy alleyway, hidden from the public eye. Bakugou steps in warily after a quick scan of his environment. It's dark, the only light coming from the tiny bits of light that shine from the surrounding apartment windows. He wants to gag as a rat runs by from somewhere on the left, straight past him and out the alleyway. 

"Listen, I don't have all day, Kariage. Can we speed this up?" The blonde calls into the open space, watching as his old friend appears from seemingly thin air. 

"Alright, alright you caught me." He smiles, hands up in fake surrender. "Always the observant one, Katsuki."

Bakugou narrows his eyes, watching as the older boy shoves his hands in his pockets. He hasn't changed much, the same godawful undercut is still sitting on his head, even though his face is less chubby, more rugged, and sharp. Not to mention the guy grew like a damn weed, easily six feet tall now, maybe even taller. The revelation makes him square his shoulders just a bit, and Kariage raises an eyebrow in amusement. 

"Glad to see me?" He teases, and Bakugou is over this conversation already. "Give me what I came for so I can go. I've got business to attend to."

Kariage rolls his eyes. "What business?"

"Hero business." Bakugou miffs, slightly insulted. "What else?"

"A few things." The other boy shrugs. "Like why you're wearing a hoodie when it's so hot out, why you're coming to me of all people for help-"

"It's a disguise," Bakugou informs him. "You know how distinct my face is, if anybody saw me out here I'd be done for."

Especially since Aizawa had given him strict orders not to intervene. 

'You've done enough.' He'd said. 'We'll take it from here.'

But then again, what exactly were they doing? Because the police and that rat everybody likes to call a principal have done nothing but bicker, and the teachers are no help either. Most of the pros are trying to focus on work, and can't even have a civil conversation for long enough to make a simple decision on whether or not to send their students back to the school.

The obvious answer is yes, but U.A is all about their appearances. 

And what could be better for their appearance than one of their star students soliciting help from shady teenagers in back alleys? Kariage's hum knocks him out of his thoughts. "You're gonna have a heat stroke." He says, and Bakugou scoffs. "I could get home if you weren't dragging this shit out."

But like usual, he's ignored, and all he can do is wait and watch as Kariage gets...whatever the hell this is out of his system. Smoke emerges from the other boy, billowing past Bakugou and to the entrance of the alleyway as it condenses to form some kind of wall. It blocks their view of the outside world, and Bakugou shoves his hood down with relief. 

This was the other boy's quirk, producing smoke from his palms that he can manipulate to his liking. It's not nearly the most flashy quirk in the world, because at the end of the day it is in fact just smoke. Barely enough to defend himself with.

It makes sense though and is a little ironic since its owner had a really bad cigarette addiction. He'd been smoking since seventh grade, Katsuki's surprised he hasn't dropped dead by now.

Kariage nods his approval, before pulling a file from the bag beside him and brandishing it with a flourish. It's your standard manila folder, stuffed to the brim with papers and sticky notes. Katsuki reaches out to take it, holding it in his hands and startling slightly at the heavyweight. "How'd you manage to get all this?" He mutters, straightening up and ignoring Kariage's offers to hold it for him. 

"Apparently Nakamura's a well-known guy when it comes to this stuff. I didn't have to look around much at all. He and his brother Satsura don't have the cleanest track record."

His brother?

Must have been that guy from the mall. Not to mention the guy's name was Satsura of all things. He'd assumed they were past the whole; 'Rhyme your children's names' thing.

"Any police records?"

"What do you take me for, huh? Of course, I pulled the police records."

For being such an airhead, Kariage was surprisingly thorough at his job. 

Bakugou rolls his eyes, this time more amused than anything. Now all he had to do was lug this thing back to the apartment, hide it from Miruko and Hawks before they saw it, and hopefully find enough info to get a location or something on this guy.

Then he'd find him, swoop in, kick his ass and then save the day.

Boom.

King Explosion Murder God strikes again.

"I'm not quite sure if I should be scared of the smile you've got going on right now or not." Kariage comments and Bakugou scowls at him. "Shove it, asshole. If that's all, I'm leaving." He makes way to do so, only to be stopped with a hand on his elbow. 

"Wait a second." The dark-haired boy says, dropping Bakugou's arm quickly. "Let me ask you a question."

He scowls deeper. "No."

"Why did you come to me for help?" The older boy looks genuinely confused. 

"Because technically I'm supposed to be in Fukuoka getting ready for the gym right now. Cops and shit told me not to get involved, but It was my fault the guy got away in the first place-"

"Why do I doubt that?" Kariage asks, earning a jab to the ribs from Bakugou. "Alright, alright! Geez, why is your elbow so bony?"

Satisfaction fills Bakugou at the reaction. "it doesn't matter what you think, It's the truth. And besides, I couldn't get the information myself. Nobody was gonna tell a U.A kid information about their possible ally or partner. You've been doing this shit for a while though, which is the only reason I called you. Don't get cocky."

Instead of the smug look he expected, Kariage just looks concerned. "You do know how dangerous this is right? You'll be no use to anyone if you get killed."

"Fuck you! I'm always useful."

"Katsuki, I'm being serious. This guy is no joke, he's got street cred for a reason." 

Bakugou tries hard not to sigh so deeply. "Whatever. Nothing I can't handle, you underestimating me or something?"

"Of course not." Kariage frowns. "I'm just saying that these guys are no joke. Their quirks have a ridiculous amount of possibility, and can cause a lot of damage if you're not careful."

That gets Bakugou's attention, and he looks at the taller boy skeptically. "What do you mean?" Handing over the file as he gestures for it. "The first guy, Nakamura. He can manipulate the weather. Rain, sleet, hail, you name it he can do it. His brother can create vibrations."

Bakugou furrows his brows. "I thought the other one could create something like natural disasters...what was up with that Earthquake the other day then? It was really weak, nothing like the one in France."

"I'm not too sure about that one," Kariage says. "According to some of the people I've talked to, his quirk has a really bad drawback time. It can take him days or weeks to build up enough strength for an Earthquake that big. Not sure if it's true or not."

"So what you're saying, is that he's weak."

"Not entirely. On his own, yeah he'd be pretty easy to take down after a big attack like that. Which is why he relies on his brother I think." Kariage bites his nail slightly. "I don't know Katsuki, maybe this isn't the best idea-"

"If that's all, we're done here." Bakugou states. "Thanks for the info, but I've got to get going. Fukuoka is far from here, and the train will be leaving soon."

Kariage nods stiffly, running a hand through his hair. "I guess. Don't die."

"I thought you were leaving."

The older boy rolls his eyes, throwing his hand up in a mock salute before the smoke that was blocking the alleyway rushes back towards him, momentarily fogging Bakugou's vision. By the time everything clears, Kariage is gone. 

That would almost be impressive, had he not managed to trip over something during his escape. He hits the floor with a loud clang somewhere off to the side, before calling out a meek "I'm okay!"

God, what a loser.

-

It takes far too long for Bakugou to get back to Fukuoka. But the weird thing is that neither Miruko nor Hawks had texted him even once. They had to have noticed he was gone, right? Maybe they were still mad that he'd ignored their orders the other night to go call Aizawa. 

But they'd still call him, right? To make sure he was okay? Even the hag had a tendency to worry sometimes when he was gone too long. 

He bites his lip slightly before giving a small 'fuck it' and dialing Miruko's number. It rings and rings before eventually going to voicemail. 

And okay, he reasons with himself. Miruko isn't usually on her phone, so maybe Hawks was the best option to call. Bakugou does so, but can't shake his growing nervousness when he doesn't pick up.

Damn, okay.

Bakugou watches the scenery fly by outside the window, furrowing his brow at the rapidly darkening sky. 

A storm? 

Nakamura.

He hadn't even had time to look through the file, what a waste. 

Bakugou stands, looking through the window with a scrutinizing gaze as the people around him murmur quietly. Lightning crackles dangerously, far too close for it to be a coincidence. Beside him, a woman holds her daughter closer. 

The blonde grits his teeth, but stumbles back into his chair as something lands on the top of the train roughly. The train begins to shake, and Bakugou holds onto the pole with both hands. 

Okay, so someone was on the roof. 

Bakugou digs in his pocket for his phone, cursing not-so softly as he realizes he has no service. 

"It's probably the storm." Someone informs him, it's a businessman who wipes his sweaty brow with a handkerchief. "No one has service."

Well fuck.

He had no way to contact the school, or his mentors if they were even able to answer the phone. 

People begin to panic more, realizing that this was less of a freak of nature and something eviler. The woman with her child holds her a bit tighter, and the sight makes Bakugou's stomach churn. The girl's got an uncanny resemblance to kid Deku. Wide eyes and snotty note to boot.

Okay, okay think. 

The person on top of the train is most likely Satsura by the way the train is shaking. He could easily derail this thing, but he hasn't done it yet. He's most likely waiting for something. Either a signal or Bakugou himself. 

And if was Bakugou he wanted, then that bastard was gonna get it. 

Katsuki reaches up, ripping his mask off shoving it in his pocket. He stands from his seat again, trying to balance himself as the train lurches. 

"What are you doing?" An old lady asks him, "We have to wait for a hero!"

People nod their agreements. 

"There's no way to contact them, and chances are that things like this are happening all over the city," Bakugou states firmly, lifting his leg and kicking out the window. Wind rushes into the train car, making several people yelp. "I'm a U.A student, I can handle this."

Some protest, saying he should stay where it's safe. Some say that he might just make it worse. But the little girl is looking more frightened by the moment, and without a second thought Katsuki is pulling himself up and out the train, pulling himself up the side and onto the roof. It takes more effort than he'd expected, because of the way the rain makes the metal slick. 

The wind is stronger than he expected, but Satsura seems far from concerned. 

"You took your sweet time, didn't you?" He says. "I was worried you might be getting cold feet."

"What happened to your face?" Bakugou sneers, the mark from his boot still an ugly purple on the older man's face. Satsura glares at him, the train shaking harder underneath them. 

The blonde stumbles, catching his footing. He hates the way that Satsura smirks at him, yelling over the loud wind and honking the train. It makes his ears pop, and he winces.

"Don't slip, Katsuki." The villain says, "It's a long way down."

And it is in fact a long way down, the train suspended on a bridge far above the city. He could possibly catch himself, but it would be a hard landing, no guarantee he'd get out of it without a few broken bones. 

"The only person that'll slip is you, bastard. But maybe I'll decide to wrap you in a pretty bow for the pros once they get here if you decide to cooperate." He states, holding out a palm and allowing it to spark off. The rain is suppressing his explosions, washing away the nitroglycerin and hindering his quirk. 

But he doesn't let it show, he keeps his face as stony as possible. 

Satsura narrows his eyes. "And what would that entail?"

"Well, there's two options." Bakugou shrugs. "You can surrender, tell your brother to call this storm off and wait until backup arrives before you spend the rest of your lives in prison. Or, you can be difficult. Then I'll kick your ass, kick your brother's ass twice as hard, and then drag you by your nostrils to Tartarus myself!"

Bakugou rolls his eyes. He hates this shitty banter before fights, but he can't be the one to make the first move. If he's not careful he'll get thrown off this train and risk the harm of all the people inside. There may be villains hiding inside as well, since any sane conductor would have stopped the train the moment things got shaky. 

Internally he frowns, that's one more problem to deal with. 

The blonde clears his head, trying to force himself to pay attention. One mistake could end up killing innocent people, and that's not something he'll allow to happen, not on his watch. 

Apparently, his words strike a sour chord in Satsura, who growls to himself before launching himself forward. The very air around them seems to shake as he approaches, a deep scowl on his face.

Bakugou slides into a fighting stance, bracing himself for impact. 

The punch that Satsura throws is solid, no doubt forming a bruise on Bakugou's forearms as he throws them in front of his face to block. It seems like nothing special, but the vibrations that are added to the strike make his bones rattle. Pain explodes up his limbs, and there's no time to recover as he takes another blow to the face and one to the stomach. 

"Shit-" He curses, trying to blink away the static behind his eyes as his vision sways. 

"Done so soon?" Satsura sounds awfully smug, and Bakugou wants to blast his face off. 

In fact, that's exactly what he does. 

He waits until the older man comes closer, reaching out with his hand to send Bakugou off the train with another punch before he ducks under the outstretched limb. Bakugou stretches his left hand up and sends a hard explosion straight into the bastard's face. Satsura goes flying, tumbling across the train. 

Bakugou shakes the remaining fuzz from his head, pursuing him.

Bakugou throws punch after punch, trying to find any possible weak spots. He can't use explosions that are too big, there's no telling how much of this the train can take before it flips over. 

It's annoying how hard it is to take this guy down, the vibrations from every hit he takes making his whole body ache with the way it shakes. 

Katsuki breathes heavily, stepping backward and wiping the blood flowing down his face from the nasty blow he just received. Satsura isn't doing much better, heaving from where he pulls himself together. 

The rain is falling heavier, thunder booming. 

His explosions are weaker than usual, but the tension in his arms feels just as painful. His muscles are tired, his ears are ringing, and Bakugou has no idea how he's supposed to finish off this asshole, find Nakamura, beat his ass, and then help any injured civilians while he waits for help. And he still has to find out where the hell Miruko and Hawks are.

His odds aren't looking the greatest, but like hell was Bakugou about to back down from this fight.

Ending this as quickly as possible would probably be his best bet, but nothing seems to be coming to mind. Originally he'd wanted to blast this guy hard enough to knock him out, but there was no telling if the train would be knocked off track from an explosion that big, or if he could even muster one up with all the rain. 

But there weren't a lot more options, and the longer he dragged this fight out, the longer it would take to stop whatever plan Nakamura was trying to put in motion. 

So the second Satsura charges towards him again, Bakugou lets off a large explosion. It sends both of them tumbling, and the blonde has to reach out last minute to make sure he doesn't fall off. 

His ears are in pain, no doubt strained after all the noise. Sighing, he looks around. Satsura's body lies limp on the roof of the train, knocked out cold. 

Huh.

That was all he had to do?

"What a load of bullshit." Bakugou scoffs, forcing himself to his feet. "What a load of bullshit."

Internally he knows he's overreacting just a bit, it had been too risky to pull something like that earlier. But he's tired and injured, and really just wants to sleep.

He's not out of hot water yet though, the train tilts over on its side, just like he'd figured it would, and while Bakugou is cognitive to keep himself standing, Satsura's limp body cannot. 

"Wait, no, no, no, no-"

But the villain is already sliding off the train and plummeting to the ground below.

"Damn it!" Bakugou shouts, running after him without a second thought and jumping off. 

The wind whistles in his already aching ears, but Katsuki's only thought is on trying to reach Satsura. The guy was insane, but he couldn't let him die. he propels himself forwards with his palms, the skin blistering and tearing as he does so. 

When he's close enough, Bakugou grabs him and blasts himself towards the nearest rooftop. They both roll across the cement and the student groans as his back hits an ac unit harshly. 

Holy, shit.

Everything hurts, from his arms to his legs. He's freezing, the rain soaking through his hoodie and sweatpants. 

He wants to get up, to go and help the people on the train, but his body won't cooperate. 

Before he knows it, Bakugou is out cold.

-

Of all the things that Shouta expects when he drags himself into his office, it's not a random teenager sitting in his desk chair. 

He'd been up all night trying to smack some common sense into his colleagues. Why couldn't they understand that the kids were at risk? They were literally being targeted, why not keep them at the dorms where they could be protected? 

Not to mention, neither Hawks nor Miruko had even bothered to show up at their second meeting, which was weird since it was literally a video call. So yeah, he was tired and a little delirious. He may be hallucinating. 

But no matter how much Aizawa rubs his eyes, the kid does not disappear. 

"What are you doing here, kid?" He asks. The child doesn't seem to pose a threat, but then again, not just anyone who manages to get into one of the most secure schools in the country and sneak into a teacher's office undetected. 

"You're Katsuki's teacher right?"

Of course.

"Yes, the Problem Child belongs to me." He sighs. 

"Check on him." The boy demands. "Call him, and if he doesn't pick up, get your ass on the first train to Fukuoka."

Aizawa narrows his eyes, on edge. On one hand, he could tie this kid up with his capture weapon and make him squeal like a pig until he gave him an answer. Or he could just take the kid's advice and call the Problem Child, especially considering whoever this is is close enough to warrant the use of his first name.

He goes with the second choice, reaching into his pocket and dialing Bakugou's number. 

He doesn't answer. 

And granted, Katsuki doesn't always answer his phone. Not when he's in a bad mood. But more often than not, when Aizawa calls he answers, no matter how upset he is. So that's not good. 

Maybe he's overthinking, but the absence of Hawks and Miruko makes him try and reevaluate. 

Bakugou isn't answering his phone, and neither are the two pro heroes who are supposed to be looking after him. In fact, not a single word has been heard from the two in hours, almost a full day.

Thoroughly concerned, Aizawa opens his mouth to speak to the kid again, only to find an empty office and the last remaining bits of smoke.

Chapter Text

Bakugou blinks his eyes open, wincing at the way his head pounds. 

"What the hell?" He whispers, rolling over onto his side and gasping at the pain. 

Using the ac unit he bashed against, Bakugou props himself up and looks around. He's on top a roof, and the sun is setting. It had been mid-day when he'd caught the train to Fukuoka.

How long has he been knocked out?

It wasn't raining anymore, but his clothes are still soaked and Katsuki is shivering. His body doesn't ache as much, but his ears still do. So maybe it had been a few hours? For fucks sake, why couldn't he have just stayed awake? A few feet away, Satsura's unconscious body is lying still. 

Grumbling, Bakugou stomps over and ties his wrists and feet together to a nearby pole.

"I'm using your shoelaces this time, asshole." He huffs, before straightening himself and breathing deeply. Alright.

He needs a plan.

Because technically, he's got no idea where Nakamura is, and even he did, he was in no condition to fight. He reaches up, massaging the sides of his neck and wincing at the blood that smears his palms afterwards. 

"I should head back to the apartment." He mutters to himself. It wasn't that bad of an idea, honestly. Bakugou could get out of his wet clothes, warm up, and hopefully find a first aid kit.

Grunting slightly he decides to drag himself down the stairs and out the building, Satsura wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.

As much as he'd like to blast himself all the way to Mirukos apartment, his arms needed the rest. Using his arms continuously without the help of his gauntlets was becoming an issue, he'd have to fix that later.

Bakugou's not sure exactly what he was expecting when he arrived to the apartment, but finding it in near perfect condition was definitely not it. Save for a messy kitchen, everything looked exactly the same as it had when he left.

Furrowing his brows, he makes his way through the space. Nothing seems off, not a damn thing. Even his hero costume is untouched, not a speck of dust on the case as he takes it out.

The first aid kit is still underneath the bathroom cabinet, stuffed to the brim with bandages, rubbing alcohol and burn cream. He bandages his hands and arms, placing rubbing alcohol on his cuts and burn cream on his palms. It stings, but he doesn't have time to dwell on it. There are villains to take down and people to save.

His first stop is going to be the train station. That's more than likely where his train stopped, and a possible hostage situation. It was too risky for Bakugou to go in guns blazing, he'd have to be stealthy, and limit the use of his quirk.

And after that, he'd go for Nakamura.

Everything lead back to him. If he could beat Nakamura, he could stop the storm, which would unblock the signal and hopefully let Bakugou call for help. And if he hit him hard enough, Nakamura might tell him where Miruko and Hawks are.

Once he ties up that bastard, Katsuki can go around the city and try to help anyone in trouble until the pros get here. 

Not the most solid of plans, it's got a lot of holes and not much room for error, but it'll work for now.
-

"They're doing the best they can, Aizawa."

"Well they need to do better, Hizashi." The teacher hisses, pacing up and down the hallway. "The second this is over, I want all my kids back at the dorms. No questions, no arguments."

"I don't think anyone will disagree." Present Mic sighs, rubbing his eyes. "But Shouta, all methods of communication have been cut off. We have no idea what's going on down there."

Aizawa turns around and glares at him. "You're telling me that a whole city with no means of communication is not cause for concern?"

"You heard Nezu. It's cause for concern, but we can't send out a team until we know more. It's too risky."

Frustrated, Aizawa collapses on his chair. "We told him not to get involved with that villain. It's a Hero Commission grade case, you know what that means."

Silently, Hizashi sits down across from him. "Bakugou's going to be fine."

"I know he will, it's just...how many times are we going to fail him, Hizashi? First the Sports Festival, then Kamino, then the war and now this? The kid can't catch a break, and most of this is the school's fault. He's a child, but he holds himself to these crazy standards like it's normal!"

Hizashi seems to share his sentiment, but tries to reassure him anyways. "We're going to get him out of there, and whoever's causing this will have hell to pay. But for now, the most we can do is wait for some kind of word."

It's obviously not what Aizawa is looking for, and it does nothing to calm his nerves. 

The two of them sit in silence, before the older man shoots up from his chair. "Get Denki down here."

"What?" Mic asks, sitting up slowly. "What's wrong?"

"His earpiece." Aizawa responds, already out the room and marching down the hall. "He can create his own communication signals."

"But if there's no signal in Fukuoka, how the hell are we going to get through to Bakugou?"

"If it's strong enough, we might be able to access a radio, it's better than nothing."

-

The train station is packed with people, and it's the worst possible situation Bakugou could have gotten. 

Thankfully the hostages hadn't been kept on the platform, but moved to the terminal instead. There's more room, but there's also a lot of them. Twenty villains, all with guns, and maybe sixty or so civillains. A head on attack would be a death wish, so unfortunately he'd have to be sneaky. 

That meant he couldn't use his quirk. 

And quirkless kid v twenty big assholes with guns wasn't exactly his idea of a nice internship.

Bakugou knows he needs to tip the scales in his favor, but he's not quite sure how to do it. 

He looks around the room again. 

The criminals are rotating across the room every now and then, maybe three or four minute intervals? There's large statues of kitsune emerging from the walls. It would be a good vantage point. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, so if he could just turn the lights off....

A fuse box sits in the far corner, wedged between the wall and an office. 

Bakugou crouches down, crawling between the pillars that are placed around the room. Thankfully he's not far, but it'll be hard to make his way without being noticed. 
Peeking out from his hiding spot, trying to get a glimpse of the room just to jerk back as the criminals rotate their positions again. Breathing in sharply, he goes rigid as someone stops right in front of him. They don't see him, but the smallest movement could alert the whole room to his existence. And while Bakugou knows he can protect himself, he's most definitely not bulletproof. 

The guy wanders off, and Katsuki lets out a sigh of relief. Taking the risk, he looks out again, only to make direct eye contact with someone. 

It's a girl, with pink hair and blue eyes. She's about his age, maybe older. Her eyes widen, and Bakugou glares at her, holding a finger up to his mouth. "Shut, the fuck up." He whispers, and she nods stiffly. 

Bakugou resists the urge to facepalm. 

Her odd movement catches the attention of multiple people in the room, including some of her fellow hostages. They all look towards him, like the idiots they are, and become restless. 

He holds up a hand, telling them to shut up. 

God, why were civilians so stupid?

They look off in different directions, and Bakugou breathes a sigh of relief. He moves again, ducking behind a stack of crates. Little by little he moves across the room, and once the fuse box is within reach, he opens it and tears out every wire. The room is immediately pitch black. 

Loud shouts ring through the air, but Katsuki is already moving. 

Picking them off one by one would be tough, but not impossible so long as he stays out of sight and keeps the noise to a minimum. Like dumbasses, the villains decide to spread out and look for the source of the light outage. Bakugou sneaks up behind one, covering his mouth with his hand much like the other one and watching as he slowly passes out. 

Nitroglycerine lowers blood pressure, a great way to make someone pass out. He'd never used it in training, it was too dangerous. But here, he doesn't have much of a choice. 

Bakugou makes his way around the room, clockwise. The guy who seems to be in charge is barking orders, the sound of his voice blocking out the small sounds and grunts of his falling men. 

One thing Katsuki has always hated, are incompetent leaders. 

Things are going well, until someone comes across the stacking pile of unconscious bodies. 

"Hey, boss! There's someone in here!"

"What?" The man bellows, stomping over. "What do you mean? How did you dimwits manage to let someone sneak in?"

Yikes.

Bakugou keeps going, dragging someone into the shadows of the room as the two guys argue. He's lost count of the amount of people that he's removed, and he scales the side of the wall to stand on top of the Kitsune statue. The civilians looks less worried, more relaxed but still anxious. And that girl is staring around the room, unsure of where he is but still searching for him.

From his spot on top of his perch, he can see that there's only three men left. The Boss man, the guy he's yelling at and one other guy. The third guy is directly under him, and Bakugou shifts his weight sideways and drops his foot right in between his shoulder blades. But it makes a loud sound he hadn't accounted for, and he shoots himself off to the side as bullets impale themselves in the space he just was. 

Yeah, absolutely not. 

The blonde ducks back into the shadows, hiding and trying to catch his breath, but his position's already been compromised and the two are heading straight towards him. 
He's trying to calculate what he can do that will leave him looking more like a teenager and less like a dish sponge before he hears someone shout; "Hey, behind you!"

Two loud thuds sound out, and one of the guns slide near his feet. Confused, Bakugou exits his hiding spot to see the two men knocked out on the ground, and the girl from earlier poised behind them with a giant ass pole. 

"What the fuck?" He questions, squinting at her. "How the hell did you-"

The girl just shakes her head, dropping the pole and clasping her hands together as she bows deeply. "I'm sorry! I just didn't want you to get hurt, especially since you came to save us, and I almost got you caught earlier so I figured that-"

She cuts herself off with a squeak, straightening herself and then bowing again, albeit a bit higher. "I didn't mean to ramble."

With a groan, Bakugou just waves her off. "Whatever. I'd probably be full of bullet holes right now if it weren't for you, so it's fine."

Around them, people slowly begin to talk amongst themselves.

"You're that boy from earlier!" It's the woman from the train, and sure enough her child is clinging to her leg. 

"Yeah. Sorry this took so long, I-"

"Thank you so much for saving us!" She exclaims, "I didn't think anyone was coming, and when we saw you fall off the train we thought you were dead!"

Oh.

Bakugou hopes to god he's not blushing. All the attention is still so new to him. 

"Well, I survived. And I wasn't going to leave you here." He states. "That wouldn't be very heroic of me. And I'm sure some of you are injured, right? From when the train fell?" He receives nods.

"Some more than others." The girl says, quietly. "But, maybe I can help?"

"Help how?" Bakugou probes. "What is it, your quirk?"

"I have a healing quirk. But I can only fix so many things at a time."

Well, that's convenient.

The blonde nods, looking around. There's about sixty people, that's a lot even for Recovery Girl. 

But maybe her stupid first aid course would be worth something. 

Put everyone who's cognitive enough to walk to the side, and work on the others based on injury state. 

"Alright, listen up! If you're well enough to walk, come towards the sound of my voice!" He shouts, watching as the vast majority of the room heads towards him. "Stand over there." He order, pointing to the far side of the room. "We need to take care of the injured." The civilians do as told. 

Bakugou turns to the girl beside him, watching as the jumps a bit under his gaze. "Walk around, see who needs the most help and take care of them first. I'm gonna go see if I can find a first aid kit somewhere." Without another word, he turns tail and leaves. He's pretty sure he saw a staff room on the second floor that could be useful. Carelessly, he kicks the door opened. 

The room is pretty big, and just like he'd assumed, there's a first aid kit strapped to the wall by a fire extinguisher. It's collecting dust, and has no doubt never been used before. 

He's grabbed the box, and is on his way back downstairs when he sees it. 

Sitting on top of a desk pressed against the wall is a ham radio, and a transmitter. 

Whoever the hell was in charge of the universe must have had some sort of change in heart about treating Bakugou like shit, because this couldn't have been any better. 
He drops the first aid kit, and rushes over to desk. They had one of these at home once, but he'd accidently messed it up as a kid when his quirk first manifested. If this one will work correctly, this might just be the opportunity he needs to call for help.

Bakugou reaches for the antenna, and it reaches the correct frequency after a bit of fiddling. 

Okay, that's good.

If this is a train station, they had to have a high level of frequency available, right? But how far could he reach? Musutafu was pretty far from here, and it would be harder to reach with all the buildings and the storm. Should he even attempt to reach that far?

He’s startled out of his thoughts by the presence of someone behind him, and Bakugou reaches out a grabs the wrist of whoever was reaching for him tightly. At the sight of the girl from downstairs, he releases her quickly. 

“Fuck, don’t sneak up on people like that you weirdo.” He curses. “The hell are you doing up here anyways?”

She stares at him with this confused look on her face before shaking it off. “You said you were looking for a first aid kit…” She trails off, obnoxiously shy.

Bakugou groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “I found it, I was just trying to figure out what to do with this thing.” He gestures to the radio and transmitter, watching her face light up.

“Is that a HAM radio?” She shrieks, and the volume makes his ears hurt all over again. 

Fucking hell. 

“Yes.” He says flatly, watching her move past him and dust off the machine. 

“This is great! The transmitter can create it’s own signal, and we can use the radio to call for help!” The smile she has on her face fades slightly. “But will it be strong enough to get through the storm? And all the buildings and stuff...but then again, this is the biggest train station on this side of Japan. It might have a large enough frequency for us to reach it.

"But then again, who would we call? Should we try to reach a specific hero agency? The police? But what could they do against people with such strong quirks? We could try and contact Endeavor, but how would that work if-”

"Holy shit, stop talking.” Bakugou hisses, rubbing his temples. He can barely hear her and she's still giving him a headache. Deku 2.0, how nice. 

She shuts her mouth, before flushing a concerning shade of scarlet. 

“Oh my gosh! I didn’t mean to ramble, I just-”

“Yeah, I know what you meant Pinky.” The blonde waves her off. 

“My name is-”

“Save it.” He cuts her off again. “I need to come up with a plan now, before…” Bakugou trails off as the sky darkens even more and the very earth seems to be forced off quilter by the force of the rumbling thunder. 

“What the hell?” Bakugou shouts over the loud noise, running to the window and looking outside. The night sky is blocked by thunderclouds that roll around in angry waves.

In the distance, he can make out the blurry form of Nakamura. 

That bastard was so fucking dead. 

“Change of plans.” He states. “You’re gonna call for help on the radio, I don’t care how you do it, just get it done.” 

The girl begins to protest, but he holds up a hand. “I have to go stop the person responsible for this.”

“You’re injured though.” She says, "Why not wait until the heroes show up?"

"I know you don't know me, but waiting on other people to come save my ass is never going to be an option. This shit it my responsibility, and I wouldn't be a hero if I waited on someone else to come hold my hand before I decided to take down the bad guy."

The girl lets out a frustrated sigh. “At least let me heal you.”

Time was of the essence, there was no doubt that Nakamura was looking for him, and a train station full of civilians was not the place Bakugou wanted to brawl at. But there was also no guarantee that if he lost due to his injured state, the asshole wouldn’t come and target them anyways. 

“Damn it.” He snaps, collapsing into a nearby chair. “Be quick, would you?”

She nods, placing her hand on his side and doing her healing thing. It felt fuzzy, and left him slightly disoriented. 

He spaces out, staring out the window and watching the storm come closer. Lightning is striking the ground, and the buildings around it, short circuiting the electricity and causing them to catch on fire. 

It's insane how much something as simple as a storm can cause so much damage. 

The blonde is brought back to the real world by fingers snapping in front of his face. 

Pinky is looking at him weirdly again. 

Bakugou reaches down and removes the girl's hand from his body, stretching. "I have to leave." He says. "We can't keep wasting time."

"But you're not completely healed yet!"

"What are you talking about? My side is fine." His voice is flat as he pokes the area his wound used to be. "It's not that big of a deal, and unless you want everybody in here to die, you're gonna shut up and do what I told you, got it?"

"That's not what I mean!"

"Then whatever the hell you're yapping about can wait until later!" Why couldn't civilians just mind their own business? 

The girl just nods again, and Bakugou doesn't give her a second glance before opening the window and propelling himself out with an explosion, heading for where he'd last seen Nakamura.

-

"Am I really the best person for this Sensei? We all know I don't have the best handle on my quirk." Kaminari says, looking at the teachers, staff and police officers all standing around him.

"I wouldn't have brought you down here if I thought you couldn't do it." Aizawa assures him. "We just need to see if you can get through whatever's blocking the signal so we can try to get through."

"Is this about Bakugou?" His student asks, concerned. "We haven't been able to contact him."

"Yes, this is about Bakugou, but also Fukuoka as a whole." Aizawa sighs, rubbing his eyes. "Just do the best you can, please. We can't send in a team unless we know more about the situation."

Denki pouts a bit to himself before rolling his shoulders. "Alright, you can do this Denki. Just successfully reach a city hundreds of miles away and try not to fry your brain in the process, otherwise your friend might die. Just a normal Tuesday, yup."

Everyone watches as he gives himself a pep talk.

Kaminari presses his fingers to his headpiece, and waits. 

The science behind his quirk is a little rocky, because he has to create his own electrical communication signals with his quirk in order to connect to things like radio stations. He's only ever used it during training, or during villain attacks, never for something so serious or to reach someone so far. 

But Kaminari tries anyways.

It's weird trying to search through all these signals to get to Fukuoka, which is all the way on the other side of Japan. He's reaching and reaching and reaching out, feeling the electricity running through his fingers and his earpiece until he hits what feels like a brick wall. 

It knocks the breath out of him, and he has to struggle to keep a hold on wherever he is. 

"What on earth?" He mutters. 

"Is there something wrong?" All Might questions. "What's happening?"

"There's something blocking the signal. It's like a giant barricade, it doesn't feel natural."

Aizawa frowns deeper. "That's odd."

"I'm gonna try to break through it."

"Wait, Denki-"

The blonde doesn't wait, pressing harder and harder against whatever it is that's keeping him from reaching Bakugou. The wall doesn't wanna budge. Annoyed, Kaminari persists, forcing out more of his power to chip away at the wall. His entire body feels warm, he's never used this much power at once and sustained it this long.

His consciousness wants to slip away from him, render him useless. But Bakugou could be in trouble, and Kaminari can't afford to waste time.

Someone's calling his name, but he's not listening.

"Come on..." He groans, pushing harder against the invisible force. It starts to give just the slightest, and something begins peeking through. Like a hand reaching out through fog. 

He grabs onto it and pulls, yanks with all his might. 

They're still calling him, but he continues to block them out. He's so close, almost there.

Suddenly the wall crumbles, and the crackling voice of a girl comes through. 

"Hello? Hello?"

"Hey!" Denki calls back, before lowering his volume. "Hi, who is this? Where are you exactly?"

"Who are you?" The girl asks suspiciously. "How do I know you're not a villain?" The connection is absolute shit, clearly hanging on by threads.

"Huh?" Kaminari shrieks. "You were reaching out to me!"

Aizawa shouts his name again. "Denki focus!"

"Sorry." He says, before addressing the girl again. "Okay, you don't have to tell me your name. Just tell me where you're from."

The other end of the call goes silent before she answers. "Fukuoka. We need help."

He actually did it? He managed to reach someone?

Ayyyy, three points for Chargebolt. 

"Okay, I figured as much. What's the situation?"

"There was a villain attack. Something with the weather, I don't know! My train was attacked by someone, but Ground Zero came and saved us." The girl's voice is wobbly as she recounts her experience. "He's the only hero here, but he left just a minute ago."

Kaminari feels the world screech to a halt. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who saved you?"

"Ground Zero."

"That's Bakugou!" He shouts, turning to Aizawa. "Bakugou's okay!"

His teachers let out a sigh of relief. 

"Well..." The girl begins, "Not exactly."

"What? What happened?"

"He was injured, and I only managed to heal him a little bit before he went off to go fight another villain. I'm not sure if he'll be okay, this guy is really strong!"

"Injured how?" Kaminari presses. "What's the guy's quirk?"

"I told you, something with the weather! He's creating some big storm, and it's been going for hours. Look, are you sending help or not?"

"Of course we're sending help, just-"

Present Mic shouts over the commotion. "Kaminari! Calm down."

The student breathes through his nose harshly. "I know, I just need her to help us so we can get help for Bakugou. He's out there all by himself, who knows what could happen?" Denki says, opening his eyes and looking at the people in the room, who seem to be keeping their distance. "What?" He questions. "What's wrong?"

Present Mic laughs awkwardly. "Not much kiddo, you're just...crackling a bit."

Crackling? 

Kaminari looks down at his hands, seeing how his entire body is covered with his power. It branches out over his legs and arms, and dances across the floor, pushing everyone towards the wall of the room. 

"Oh, sorry." He says, "This hasn't happened before, I'm not sure what's going on."

"This whole situation is nothing but stressful and confusing." Mic sighs, "Stay on the phone with the girl, see what you can find out. I assume we have enough information now to send a team?" he questions Nedzu, who simply nods. "Alright then, you and Aizawa can put that together. I'm going to see if I can contact Rumi." With that, the hero leaves the room and closes the door behind him. 

-

Nakamura is a fucking idiot. 

Doesn't even turn around to search for him, and it takes a grand total of two big explosions before Katsuki is slamming himself into the asshole's side, sending him flying a few feet. But he lashes out with his quirk, and a gust of wind blows Bakugou back as well. 

With that, he learns two things. 

One, Nakamura's quirk requires little to no effort for him to control (which explains how this storm has been going on for literal hours) and two, Nakamura has the reflexes of a newborn fawn.

Before he can move forward and attack again, Nakamura is sending down a bolt of lightning that forces Bakugou back some more. More and more appear, and Katsuki is forced to keep his distance.

What a load of horse shit.

"Come at me for real you coward!" He roars, releasing a strong blast and watching at Nakamura barely dodges it. But Bakugou's not done, using one hand to blast and one to maneuver himself in the air as he fights. 

Nakamura amps up his attacks, lightning crackling dangerously as he aims to hit Bakugou. It's annoying having to blast himself so far away, because even being near these things could shock him out of commision. 

Bakugou propels himself to the left, avoiding a stay bolt just to arch his back to avoid running straight into another one. 

The bastard was trying to corner him. 

Well, fuck that.

"That all you got, fuckface?" He snarks, "Huh?"

Nakamura narrows his eyes at him, throwing his body to the side in an attempt to dodge another explosion and frowning at the way his palms scratch against the concrete. 

Wait, what?

Nothing about that move seemed practiced. Trying to learn more, Bakugou throws his palm out and lets off a bigger explosion, watching Nakamura sprint to the other side of the street to avoid it. He's just a regular guy, Katsuki thinks to himself. A regular sack of shit that can't fight despite his overpowered quirk. 

That's why Nakamura is keeping him at such a far distance. 

If Katsuki can just get away through his defenses, if he can get close enough, he can blast this bastard all the way to hell.

The key word here is if.

Because Nakamura seems dead set on keeping him far enough away for this to be impossible. 

The lightning is coming in much greater quantities than before, and much quicker as well. It's hard to get close, but Bakugou doesn't let up, piling on his attacks until Nakamura is scrambling to keep up. Then, Katsuki lets off an large explosion, but he’s not aiming for Nakamura. 

Smoke fills the air, and in his confusion the villain momentarily halts his quirk. 

This gives Bakugou enough time to sneak up behind him and send an AP shot straight into his back. 

Nakamura cries out, falling forwards just to be caught by his shirt collar and thrown over Bakugou’s back. 

He writhes on the ground, the wind knocked out of him. Nakamura wants to do something, anything to get this kid off of him, but the sparking hand poised over his face is warning enough. 

“Anybody tell you that you can’t just rely on your quirk, asshole?” Bakugou sneers, breathing heavily. “Because you made this just a bit too easy.”

“Get off of me!” Nakamura shouts.

“Fuck no.” Bakugou says flatly. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't blast your damn face off."

"Because I know where Miruko and Hawks are." Nakamura looks awfully smug as he says it, but the grin on his face fades quickly as the rage on Bakugou's face becomes more prevalent. 

"Stop fucking around." Katsuki hisses, "In case you couldn't tell, I'm pissed off and not against blasting the shit out of you. What did you do with them?"

Nakamura straightens his face, trying to morph it into something more confident as he lifts his chin, looking the student dead in his eyes. "I'll tell you where they are." He shrugs, "But you have to tell me where my brother is."

Bakugou has to keep himself from smoking this guy in the face with an AP shot, but the urge is still present. "You don't get to negotiate." He snaps. "It won't do you any damn good, considering in an hour you'll most likely be on your way to Tartarus." 

It's not a lie, but it's not the total truth either. There's no doubt in his mind that Nakamura will be going to jail eventually, but he's got no idea when that will be, if help is even coming.

But he doesn't need the pros to finish this, if he could take down one brother he could do the other. 

"Tell me where he is." Nakamura growls. "Or do you not know?"

"Why does it matter? He's not in the position to come help you anyways. Falling off of a train can do that to you."

At the tone of Bakugou's voice, the man underneath scowls at him. "You heroes are all the same."

"All the same how?" Katsuki drawls. "And before you go off on your 'stain was right' spiel, explain to me what the hell that has to do with you attacking my classmates."

The blonde was so damn tired of hearing the same thing from these villains, the ones who had a problem with heroes and decide to take it out on the world instead of trying to go about it the normal way. 

It's stupid.

"What?" Nakamura furrows his brows. "This isn't about Stain you dumbass."

"Then what's it about?" Bakugou scoffs. "What reason could you possibly have for causing all this destruction?" He waves his hand around to gesture to the city around them, exasperated. "And it better be a damn good one, because I'm itching for a reason to blow your shit."

"Are you just going to pretend the war didn't happen?" Nakamura questions, glaring up at him through his dark bangs. "Are you that full of yourself?"

The war?

Fuck, the war with Shigaraki. 

"That wasn't our fault! The League-"

"Was after you." Nakamura answers. "All of this shit...was because of you. But you know that right?"

Bakugou tightens his grip even more, determined not to let the words get to him. "None of that shit was my fault." The words Aizawa and All Might had fought to drill into his head fall from his mouth easily. "It wasn't my fault the villains were after me."

Even to his own ears they sound hollow.

Nakamura can tell, scoffing. "Yeah, sure. All of this is connected, from USJ, to Kamino, to the War. Time and time again the heroes have failed and so have you!"

"What does that have to do with my classmates?" Katsuki grits. "Because even if everything else you were saying is true, they were practically clueless."

"But they fought in the war, did they not?" The older man questions. "And don't think we don't know about Overhaul, villains talk. Your classmates were there!"

"Not by choice!" Bakugou defends. "Our teachers-"

"Are pieces of shit who are too weak to be pro heroes, nevermind training future ones! This year, all of lives lost, the damage caused to Japan has been because of U.A and their students! All of this, every single thing is because of you all! Do you know how many people have been killed? How many have lost their homes, their jobs? 

"But it's all okay, because it 'wasn't your fault' right? You expect any of us to believe that? And you...god you piss me off!" Nakamura heaves, eyes sharp and full of barely concealed anger. "You think you can just walk around, blowing up at everything, causing all these issues and still be a hero? Seeing you in the news, being praised for doing the job you should have done from the start! Atoning for all the damage you've caused, all the blood on your hands! That's what you should be doing, not running around with the number two and number five heroes in grocery stores!"

Bakugou can't even say anything, his throat is tight and his tongue is glued to the top of his mouth. 

"That's why I had to get them out of the way. I had to, because despite all of this they'd still defend you! And where did that get us? Without a symbol of peace, without All Might! If that's the price people have to keep paying to save your ass, then you might as well just die and make it easier on us all!"

The blonde is stunned, far too shocked to even think of making some snide comment. 

Nakamura doesn't seem to care, continuing on his tangent. "The media might have forgotten, and maybe some of the heroes have too. But I haven't, I'm never going to forget. Nineteen heroes died in that war, and you're still alive! You took a stab through the chest and you're still alive, causing problems!

"You're a roach. A pathetic waste of space, just like your classmates and your worthless school full of weak teachers, and all of you deserve to die!"

"Shut up!" Bakugou shouts, "Fuck, just shut up! You're insane!"

"It's what you deserve! All of this, it's for the better of Japan!"

"I said shut up!"

They're both shouting at each other, and Nakamura roars angrily and loses control of his quirk. 

A single bolt of lightning strikes down a few feet away from them, but it's so big that the currents from the electricity travel through the ground and shock them both. 

All Bakugou can feel is intense, burning heat that's gone before he can even process it. He feels like he's just been dropped in the middle of speaker, everything in him shaking like a blender. 

He can't scream, can't cry, can't even even close his eyes as the last bits of electricity leave his body.

Slowly, he feels himself fall to the side, and realizes dimly that Nakamura was also hit. 

Bakugou can feel his heart beating frantically, and the pain in his arms makes him cry out as he reaches down and shoves his gauntlets off, the metal still carrying some of energy from the lightning. 

His body is all pins and needles, and he can't control the shaking in his limbs as he shoots up to his feet. 

What was happening to him? Why was he feeling like this? 

The blonde stares at his body, eyes widening at the lines carving up and down his body. The heat had singed the very clothes off his body, leaving them tattered and hanging loosely from his body. 

His hands pop uncontrollably, smoke billowing from them. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck." He chants, looking around for Nakamura just to see him on his feet already, looking smug. 

"What...how did you?" Bakugou pants, mind scrambled. Where was he again? Everything hurts so bad. 

"I've got a resistance to my own quirk kiddo." He smiles snidely. "And I'm surprised you're still alive honestly, most people would have gone into shock by now. Or maybe..." He takes a look at Bakugou's panicked form and wide eyes before nodding. "Nevermind, seems like you already are. That doesn't explain why you're still standing though." The older man narrows his eyes before shrugging it off. 

"Oh well, it won't matter in a minute anyways. You'll be dead." Nakamura moves his hand around in a circle, holding a ball of air in his palms and watching as it inflates. "You know, this will be painful. I was originally just going to char you to death with that storm up there, but...you got me so worked up earlier I spent my energy on that last bolt of lightning. So, I guess I'll just hit you with this.

"It probably won't kill you right away, air pressure can only do so much. But don't worry, if I aim right you'll most definitely die." Nakamura sneers at him, "You won't be able to hurt anyone anymore."

Everything seems to move in slow motion, Bakugou's arms seem to move on their own, nitroglycerine dripping from them as he reaches out and unleashes the biggest explosion he's ever done. He can feel the already damaged muscles in his arms ripping, but the pain it far from the first thing on his mind.

Nakamura's not expecting it, and uses his wind to push back as hard as he can. 

There's a loud boom, before absolute silence.

The result is far from pretty, and the both of them are tossed like ragdolls in opposite direction. 

Katsuki can feel himself flying, robbed of the ability to move. One moment he's soaring up, and the next he's plummeting downwards. It'll be a quick death. He thinks to himself, A decent way to die, splattered over the concrete. The hag can't force him into another horrendous suit if there's nothing to put it on.

He almost wants to laugh, until he realizes that he's not falling at all anymore. 

He wants to open his mouth and speak, open his eyes and figure out what the hell is happening but he can't.

Bakugou can feel something soft brushing against his skin and the smell of suede. Someone's holding him. 

Hawks?

Fuck, it's Hawks. 

Hawks will take care of him. Just this once, he'll allow it.

The relief washes over him, and his vision blacks out.

Chapter Text

The train ride to U.A is nothing short of tense. 

“Does anybody know what’s going on?” Jirou asks, legs crossed in her seat. “Because Sensei never told us why we were coming back.”

“Do the people at the dorms know anything?” Kirishima questions. “They might have more of an idea than we do.”

Sero shakes his head. “Tsu says that they’re clueless too. The teachers are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, and won’t say anything. Apparently Aizawa called Kaminari to principal Nezu’s office, but that was a few hours ago and nobody’s seen him since.”

“That’s really weird.” Jirou mutters. 

“You’d think they’d trust us a bit more and tell us what’s going on, considering everything we’ve gone through.” Todoroki mutters to himself, and receives a few looks that he raises an eyebrow at. “Come on.” He says, “It’s true. Besides, most of our problems have occurred specifically because our teachers wouldn’t fill us in.”

“He’s got a point.” Shoji shrugs. “It’s hard to trust our teachers when we’re always going off of blind faith. Especially when it’s gotten us hurt.”

“But if they’re bringing all of us back to the dorms, it must be serious, right?” Momo thinks out loud, placing a palm on her cheek. “That’s never happened before, even with the incident as Kirishima’s internship last year.”

Their part of the train car goes quiet. 

“I think this has something to do with Kacchan.” Midoriya says quietly. “No one’s heard from him all day, even though he said he’d pick up when we texted him considering what happened last time.”

“Again?” Uraraka whines. “Gosh, Bakugou’s always getting into so much trouble.” 

“It’s not blasty’s fault.” Mina states. “Despite what everyone likes to think, Bakugou doesn’t go around looking for trouble. People just like to target him.”

The brunette huffs a bit. “Still…”

“Still what?”

“Mina.” Iida says in a warning tone, watching her roll her eyes and slump in her chair.

“I just hope he’s okay.” Mina sighs, fiddling with her fingers. “Knowing Blasty, he’ll fight until he can’t anymore.”

“But what did they need Kaminari for?” Midoriya questions. 

“To see if he knew where Bakugou was? They do know that those two are friends.” Momo offers, but Deku just shakes his head. 

“He’d have been back at the dorms by now, but he’s not. So what’s really going on?”

Iida can tell the conversation is dampening their already somber and anxious mood, waving his hands back and forth to gain his classmate’s attention. “We will find out when we get there! Everyone please try and calm down!”

They look at him before nodding a bit, falling into silence.

-

As soon as their train arrives at the station, Aizawa and a number of pros are there to meet them. 

There's about ten teachers, even more than there were at the summer camp.

"Something is definitely wrong." Midoriya whispers to Kirishima and Todoroki, who both nod solemnly. 

No one dares to say anything on the way to the dorms, not with the look on Aizawa's face. 

They're ushered into the commons, and forced to sit. 

"Everyone listen up." Their teacher orders. "This is serious. Starting effective immediately, no one is to leave these dorms without an escort. Escort meaning staff member, not a friend. I don't care how powerful you think you are, and any failure to to abide by these rules with result in immediate house arrest and possible expulsion. No excuses."

Everyone is stiff. 

Aizawa continues talking. 

"I'm going to give this to you straight, because I'm sure you're all very worried about what's going on. Currently, Bakugou is in the hospital. He's in critical condition, but he will survive."

Midoriya wants to sob with relief, but he can't cry yet. Not until he sees Kacchan, can believe with his eyes that his childhood friend will be okay.

"Earlier today, Hawks and Miruko received a message from the Hero Commission that there was a meeting to be held in Tokyo on what to do about the safety of their interns. That message was fake. There was no meeting, and that was simply an excuse to get them far from Fukuoka.

Taking advantage of their absence, two villains and a multitude of their lackeys, hijacked a train and forged a weather manipulated attack on the city. This may not come as a surprise to some of you, because these villains are the same ones who have been attacking you all."

Multiple people gasp, and a few students go pale. 

"Sensei, what do you mean by that?" Iida asks, surprisingly able to keep the shake from showing through his tone. "Were these premeditated?"

"That is what we're assuming, yes. The earthquakes, the snow storms, all of those were the work of the same villains that attacked Fukuoka this morning."

"But why?" Mina stresses. "Why our class? And why Blasty in particular?"

"They attacked all of us, ribbit. Not just Bakugou." Asui croaks from her spot on the couch. She hasn't quite recovered yet, bundled in multiple blankets. 

"But they didn't go out of their way to make sure there weren't any heroes around." Kirishima says. "They only did that with Bakugou."

"We should be looking at the bigger picture."

"You can't just brush aside something as big as this and claim it's 'for the bigger picture', Bakugou is-"

"Girls." Aizawa says sternly. "Now is not the time for petty arguments. Your classmate is currently in the hospital, we don't have time to waste."

Mina and Tsu both look decently scolded, looking off in different directions. 

"Now," Their teacher continues. "You do have a point Kirishima and Ashido, this was a larger scale attack on Bakugou especially. We don't have a motive just yet."

"Why not?" Midoriya questions. "Were the villains not apprehended?"

"Oh, they were." Present Mic interjects. "They're just not in a position to talk right now, let alone answer questions."

Todoroki scoffs quietly to himself as Sero whispers in his ear. "That's Bakugou for you."

Aizawa rolls his shoulders, "Any other questions can wait. I'm not going to make you stay here while your classmate is struggling, especially since certain problem children can't seem to stay put." He stares pointedly at Midoriya and Todoroki. "So, in that case there are busses waiting outside the dorms to take us to the hospital. They're leaving in twenty minutes, so grab what you need and make it quick. Of course, you can always stay here-"

He doesn't even get to finish his sentence, the class is already fumbling their way up the stairs and to the rooms to get their things, some go straight to the bus. Aizawa sighs to himself, trying to force the tension from his back. Hizashi seems to share his sentimite. 

"Looks like everyone's going." He chuckles in an attempt to dispel the heavy mood. "I didn't think they were all so close."

"They've changed a lot since the beginning of their first year. More together, and absolute in their refusal to leave anyone behind despite their disagreements."

"And the tension between the girls? I haven't seen that before."

"Uraraka doesn't mix well with Bakugou. They've got a mutual respect, but she doesn't like how he talks to Midoriya, and butts in on their conversations, Bakugou snaps at her and swears it's none of her business. Midoriya is usually too torn on what to do, he doesn't want to anger either one. Tsu and Uraraka are best friends, they stick together on that, and Mina is so overprotective of the boys she won't have any snide comments. Especially about Bakugou, she's been stuck to his side like glue ever since the war. He treats her like a little sister, but he won't admit it.

In the end, they're all teens. They don't mean to be the way they are, they're just doing what they think is best. But in the end..." He gestures to the now full bus of students waiting on them. "They'll come together when it really matters."

-

The ride to the hospital is full of discussion. The news has caught wind of the incident, and no one is okay with how the event played out.

"People aren't happy with Miruko and Hawks at all. They're saying they should have their licenses revoked for leaving Bakugou to handle this on his own." Kirishima says, staring at his phone screen. "It's everywhere."

"But didn't Aizawa Sensei say that there was a fake letter from the Commission? They couldn't have known." Momo defends them, looking a bit frustrated. "They shouldn't lose their licenses for that."

"The public doesn't know that." Todoroki shrugs. "They like to jump to conclusions, but I guess it can't be helped considering how young Bakugou is and how much destruction was caused. A lot of people could have died."

"But there were no casualties reported right? No one died?"

"Nope. Just some injuries from when the train fell over, and from some smaller incidents that happened at the same time."

"People are mad at U.A too, for putting their students at risk." Shoji chimes in. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened to Bakugou while he's supposed to be under the school's protection."

"And someone's already caught on to the similarities between the attacks. They're saying U.A should have pulled all the students as soon as they found out."

"The school didn't know, right?" Uraraka asks. "They would have brought us back if they thought we were in danger."

All eyes turn to the teachers, who say nothing. 

"Right?" Midoriya stresses. "Sensei, you didn't know about this right? The school didn't think something like this could've happened and didn't do anything..."

Aizawa's not sure what to say. His students deserve the truth, deserve to know what their staff did. Because yes, if they had pulled back the kids the second they knew about funny business, this wouldn't have happened. Bakugou would've been safe at the dorms, and not in the hospital. It's uncomfortable to say, he knows the students will be upset and angry. But Aizawa won't leave them in the dark, not after it's caused them to be hurt over and over. 

"The school knew it was a possibility, yes."

The outrage and disbelief is clear on their faces as they talk over each other. Aizawa interrupts them. 

"Nedzu assumed it would be best for us to leave you at your internships for the time being to avoid bad press, there was a meeting the day before the attack on whether or not to send you back. We couldn't reach a consensus soon enough."

"So you bickered like children, and Kacchan had to pay for it?"

"Hey, Midoriya..." Satou tries to placate him. "There wasn't much time between then and the attack...maybe-"

"Maybe they should have worried less about appearances and more about the safety of their students!" The green-haired boy exclaims. "Things like this keep happening, and it's not fair! How are we supposed to trust you if you won't tell us what's going on, and won't make the decisions necessary to keep us safe?"

The bus is silent. 

Izuku sits back down in a huff, fuming. 

-

Midoriya knows he shouldn't have blown up at his teacher like that, really he does. It's just so frustrating, when adults expect them to have such blind faith in them. Feeling around in the dark for a hand that may or may not be there. 

It's a bit hurtful too, knowing that their safety isn't a priority for seemingly anyone. 

But Aizawa is always trying his best to look out for them, Izuku's aware he wasn't the one he should have blown up at. He knows it was his Sensei who called for them to come back to the dorms specifically, because class 1-B hadn't come back to Height's Alliance yet. Vlad King had told them not to worry, to carry on.

What a load of bull.

When they arrive to the hospital, they're escorted to an area all the way in the back. The press is everywhere trying to get in, Izuku has no idea how they even knew which hospital Kacchan is in, but he wishes they didn't. 

They're led to a private room, closed off and only accessible with a certain key card, Kacchan's room is the same way. 

They can't see him yet, he's fresh out of surgery. 

His arms were heavily damaged, the lightning had fried his nerves, and the explosion he let off right after had been far from helpful. 

"I've never seen anything like it." Recovery Girl says grimly. "There was absolutely no feeling in his arms, and the damage was all done in such a small amount of time. By all means, he should never have the ability to move his arms again."

Everyone stares at her.

Midoriya can't even imagine it, Kacchan relies on his hands for his quirk. Without his quirk, Katsuki can't be a hero.

And what would happen if someone told him that wasn't possible anymore?

"But...I did say should." Recovery Girl continues. "Thanks to you, Kaminari."

"What?" Denki looks up from his lap, confused. "What did I do?"

"If you hadn't gotten in contact with that girl, we would have never managed to get to him in time to save him. That combined with the medical staff here was what saved Bakugou. He'll have to get some more work done before his arms are back to normal, but it's not nearly as bad as it could have been."

Kaminari knows that logically, he should be thankful. He should be proud of himself, relieved that Bakugou can still use his quirk. But he's not, the only thing he can feel is the weight on his shoulders that still hasn't fallen. 

"What else?" He asks. "That's not his only injury, right?"

Recovery Girl stares for a while, uncomfortable under all the imploring eyes before sighing. "I can't disclose that information. You're lucky I'm even telling you this, but I figured it would be best if you got at least some peace of mind while you wait. But do rest assured, Bakugou will be okay."

-

Seeing Hawks and Miruko looking so haggard is hard to stomach. 

They're speaking quietly to Aizawa and Present Mic in the corner, looking frazzled. Kirishima heard that they were the ones who found Bakugou immediately after the fight. If the class was freaking out over just the possibility of how bad their friend's injuries could be, it must have been something entirely different to have to see them up close and personal.

With a sigh, Ejirou sinks into his chair. This was the worst, the absolute worst. It had been three days of going back and forth to the hospital, and not a single word from anyone about how Bakugou is doing. They'd have to return back to classes eventually, but U.A is in such hot water now that doesn't seem like a problem he needs to worry about.

But still, Iida is very strict on trying to make sure they stay at least a little caught up. It's a welcome distraction believe it or not, math always seems to occupy at least half of Kirishima's brain power. It keeps Kaminari from fidgeting too much, and keeps Mina and Sero focussed. 

"Man..." Denki sighs, "When are we going to get to see him? It's been forever!"

"His injuries were really bad, Kaminari." Jirou says, "They might just be trying to keep a close eye on him, and he might not even be awake yet. We've got to be patient."

"Yeah, yeah I know." The blonde mutters, closing his textbook dramatically. "I just wish we got something to go off of. The teachers aren't going to tell us anything."

"Aizawa might." Uraraka offers. "He's always checking in with the doctor's on how Bakugou's doing."

"But he wouldn't spill the beans." Sero sighs. 

They sit in dejected silence before Present Mic enters the room, telling them it's late and they need to start heading back to the dorms. 

With some grumbles and moans of protest, they begin packing their things. Kirishima and the rest of the Bakusquad are the last ones out. 

"Come on Mina! We've gotta go or they're going to leave us!" Sero calls, and Mina shouts back. "I've gotta find my phone charger! It's gone!"

"We'll be back tomorrow, let's just go!"

While the two of them bicker, Kirishima shakes his head fondly, glancing down the hall. It's a closed off area, with a door all the way at the end that leads to Bakugou's room. A nurse walks by, flashing her key card and opening the door. 

"Hey, do you smell that?" Kaminari asks, "Smells like smoke."

"In the hospital?" Jirou questions, "How?"

"I don't know, it was pretty sudden..."

"Do you think Bakugou's awake? Was it him?" Mina questions. 

"Bakugou's explosions are loud, and usually smell like caramel. Not smoke." Kirishima trails off, staring hard at the door the nurse just came in. 

Mina rolls her eyes. "Okay then, Mr. Bakugou expert."

Through the thin window, he can see someone dressed in black sneak down the hall.

"Holy crap, someone got in!" 

"Go find Aizawa!"

"He's not here!"

"Get a nurse!"

-

Everything feels fuzzy, like there's static behind his eyes and in his brain.

Bakugou groans, forcing his eyes open and regretting it immediately. "Ugh..."

His room isn't obnoxiously bright, but the artificial light still aggravates his already pulsing headache. "What the fuck?" He whispers to himself, "What happened?"

Katsuki looks up, and startles a bit. Kariage is sitting in the corner of the room, perched on the windowsill. His eyes bore into Katsuki's, expectant. Bakugou looks away with a glower. 

"Well?" The blonde presses. "Are you not gonna say anything, dumbass?"

The older boy gives him that confused look, the same one Deku 2.0 was making...however long ago that was. There's no telling how long Bakugou's been in the hospital, could be hours, days, weeks...

Kariage doesn't say anything.

"So now you decide you want to be quiet for once? How'd you even get in here?"

Still nothing.

Bakugou feels his eye twitch as he whirls around in his bed to glare. "Did you just come in here to stare, you bastard? Because I've got some questions-"

The door flings open, hitting the opposite side of the wall. 

Aizawa, Present Mic and a group of nurses storm inside the room. 

Kariage's wrapped in capture tape before he can even think of escaping, dragged kicking and flailing out the door. 

Everyone watches them go before Present Mic turns to him with a beaming smile, chattering excitedly. 

Bakugou feels his stomach twist as he watches his teacher. He looks the same as usual, save for the eye bags and messy hair. His lips are moving, Bakugou can tell he's talking. The nurses are grimacing, so he's got to be talking loudly. 

Katsuki narrows his eyes, trying to force down his oncoming panic. 

The thought is creeping into his head, burrowing it’s way to the forefront of his mind. He’s been pushing it away for months, because there’s just no way. Things like that, like this don’t happen to Bakugou Katsuki. He’d denied it so wholeheartedly. 

But now all he can think about is how much he can’t hear. 

He looks at the heart monitor. It’s on, the beating of his heart increasing, but he can’t hear the beeping sound that’s supposed to be coming from it. That most likely is coming from it. 

When Kariage had been looking at him weirdly a minute ago, it was because Bakugou asked why he wasn’t talking. Had the other boy been speaking all along? And Katsuki just hadn’t heard him?

The pieces of the puzzle were coming together. 

How long had his hearing been gone? 

The large boom, and sudden silence. His explosion. 

When he was fighting Nakamura, was that what blew his hearing out? Something tells him that’s not it.

That girl from the train station. She’d made that same face. 

The concerned looks, the confusion, the way she snapped her fingers in front of his face to get his attention…

"But you're not completely healed yet!"

"What are you talking about? My side is fine."

"That's not what I mean!"

Had she been trying to heal his ears? She was observant, she probably picked up on it. But Bakugou had left before she’d gotten the chance to explain. 

When he’d crash landed on the roof after his fight with Satsura, the pain that clouded his hearing, and when he woke up, the blood that ran down the sides of his neck and stained his palms. 

His hearing had been damaged for a long time, but over the day it had gradually worsened. 

The last explosion had simply been the nail in the coffin. 

Present Mic is staring at him in concern, but Bakugou doesn’t care. 

He vaguely registers the hot tears as they run down his face. 

“Fuck.”

Only now does he realize he can’t even hear himself speak. 

“Fuck.”

-

Mina expected a lot of things to happen after her teachers ran off in the direction of Bakugou’s room. 

But Aizawa tugging a random kid down the hall was definitely not one. 

“I have working legs, you know.” The kid mutters, “They’re easy to use too, so if you’d just let me go-”

“You can answer my questions later in a jail cell or you can answer it in my office. Because I do have full authority to arrest you for trespassing.”

The teens stare at the kid wrapped up in Aizawa’s capture scarf. He’s covered in piercings, and smells distinctly of smoke. 

“Hey now…” He says, squirming. “Let’s not do that. I was just checking up on Kat-”

“Did you ever consider he wasn’t allowed visitors for a reason?”

“How was I supposed to know? The front desk lady wouldn’t tell me anything!”

“Sensei?” Kirishima asks, “Who is this?”

The boy stares at them, seemingly just noticing their presence before smiling slyly. 

“Kariage. I’m Katsuki’s friend, nice to meet you.”

Kirishima just nods, a tight look on his face. He’s clearly wary of the other boy, unhappy with the way he burst into Bakugou’s room. 

“Whoa, whoa wait. Katsuki? How do you know Blasty?” Mina questions, “And why are you calling him by his first name?”

Kariage makes a face Mina can only classify as ‘constipated’ as he searches for an answer before feigning nonchalance and shrugging the best he can, given he’s wrapped to the neck in Aizawa’s weapon. “We’re old friends, I guess you could say. Just came to check on him.”

“Bakugou’s never told us about you.” Kirishima says matter-of-factly. “Midoriya’s his only childhood friend.” 

The whole squad is suspicious, even Shinsou raises an eyebrow.

Kariage rolls his eyes with a scoff. “That guy? Friends with Katsuki? Yeah sure, that’s about as likely as me getting into a good college.”

That raises a lot of questions, but Aizawa powers through. 

“You all,” He says, staring at his students. “Are to get on the bus. We’ll talk about this later.”

“But is Bakugou okay?” Sero questions. 

“Yes, he is. When I went to grab this one,” He holds up the boy by his feet, leaving him dangling over the floor. “He was awake. Seemed kind of disoriented though.”

“Really?” Denki beams. “That’s awesome!”

Aizawa nods. “It is. You can probably see him tomorrow, so hurry up and head back to the dorms.”

The group hesitates a bit before nodding, making their way back down the hall. They round a corner and are almost out of sight before Mina pokes her head back around the wall, jabbing her fingers at Kariage in a ‘I’m watching you’ motion and sticking her tongue out before leaving. 

Aizawa scoffs before shaking his head, gazing lazily at the child in his grasp. “Now, back to you.”

The kid gives him an uneasy smile and a set of finger guns.

-

Interrogating people has never been Shota’s forte. It’s not something he really had to do as an undercover hero, and quite frankly he didn’t have the patience for it. 

Apparently Nedzu had caught wind of the kid and told Aizawa to take him to the police station instead, and he had to drag the brat kicking and screaming the whole way down there. 

It takes twelve minutes to get him in cuffs, and another ten to keep him strapped down to the table. The kid’s an excellent pick pocket as well, and had actually managed to snatch a taser from an officer before they wrestled it out of his hands. 

The kid, Kariage he said his name was. No last name, just Kariage and nothing else. 

Aizawa didn’t care enough to search through every database known to man for a last name on this punk, he’d probably be gone in half an hour, tops.

“You do understand you’re in a bit of a tight spot here, right? You could be going to jail.” He drawls, sipping on a cup of coffee. 

“It wasn’t that big of a deal, I didn’t touch him.”

“You broke into a hero school and then an extremely high security section of a hospital. Please explain to me how in your mind that’s ‘not a big deal’.”

“Nobody was hurt.” Kariage insists. “And I only snuck into U.A to tell you to check on Katsuki.”

“Right, let’s talk about that.” Aizawa sets his mug down. “How did you know that Bakugou was going to get himself in trouble?”

“With all due respect Eraserhead, my mother didn’t raise a snitch.”

“I’m assuming she didn’t raise you at all. Since you can’t seem to keep out of trouble. Apparently you’re a regular down here at the station.” 

“My mother doesn’t give a shit what I do most of the time.”

“And your father?”

“He can choke.” Kariage grits out. “Up and left when I was a kid, haven’t seen that bastard in years.”

Yikes. 

Aizawa's willing to bet anything that this kid's got abandonment issues. 

Aizawa decides to sit there for a minute and let the kid soak in his own anger. He takes a deep breath looking at his watch. It’s been about an hour since they first got here. 

“You can keep poking me.” Kariage shrugs. “But I’m not telling you anything.”

Aizawa rolls his eyes, standing from his chair. “Yeah, figured as much. I’ll let the police decide what to do with you, don’t let me see you again or this will end very differently. I take the safety of my students extremely seriously, you would do good to remember that.” He glares sharply for good measure, before stepping out the room and closing it behind him. 

On his way back to the hospital, the police station calls to let him know that the kid had swiped a pair of keys and escaped. 

Of course.

Aizawa really, really hopes he doesn’t have to see this kid again. He doesn’t need more children to take care of.

-

The nurses flit in and out of the room, sending him pitying looks.

Fuck them and their pity, Bakugou doesn’t need it, never has and never will. 

Present Mic sits quietly beside him while they run tests, signing what needs to be translated for him. And Bakugou knows a bit of sign language, mostly the basics. He’d put off practicing because he hadn’t needed it dammit , but now he was sitting there like an idiot with no idea what anyone is saying. 

He can feel the frustration bubbling up, and that’s not good for anyone. 

So eventually, Bakugou crosses his arms and refuses to speak to anyone. He just turns over in his hospital bed and stares out the window. It’s dark outside and in his room.

Sitting in complete silence is unnerving, and terrifying. He’s constantly on the lookout between the window and the door. Because someone could come in at any time, Kariage had been able to sneak in just fine. He was in no shape to fight them off, and if he couldn’t hear them he had to see them. He stays awake the whole night.

By the time morning comes, Aizawa is trudging into his hospital room. 

‘Katsuki.’ He signs, ‘I’m glad to see you’re-’

Something.

What the hell did that sign mean again?

He’s got no idea.

Bakugou glares at those hands like they’ve personally offended him (and in a way they have) before huffing and sinking lower in his bed. 

Aizawa reaches in his bag, producing a small box and handing it over. 

Katsuki glances at him suspiciously before snatching the box and dropping in his lap, as if even touching the thing would char his skin. Maybe it would, Aizawa’s never been known as a gift giver. 

Frowning, Bakugou opens it. 

It’s a pair of hearing aids. 

“No.”

He doesn’t look up to see whatever the hell Aizawa is signing back at him, because if he doesn’t see then there’s no way for anyone to argue with him. 

That’s the only good thing that’s come out of this shit.

Aizawa walks around his hospital bed, stopping in front of it and kneeling down to reach Katsuki’s eye level. His gaze is tired, the eyebags deeper than usual. 

It fills Bakugou with a sense of guilt, because he knows people have been worried about him. Especially Aizawa and Present Mic, they were his teachers. How many hours had they spent sitting at the hospital, or talking to the press to try to defend his stupid actions again? How much shit had he put them through this time?

And he had the nerve to bitch. 

With a sigh, Bakugou reaches into the box and slides them on, feeling a bit of his pride wilting deep inside him. 

God, this fucking sucked. 

Aizawa helps him adjust them, and finally Bakugou can hear again. 

It’s all a bit overwhelming, the little sounds that he’d normally pay no heed to coming back after days of silence. 

“Katsuki.”

“What?” He snaps weakly, wanting to rip his hair out at the sound of his own gravelly voice. “If you’re here to lecture me, I honestly don’t want to hear it.”

“I’d like to think after all this time you’d know by now that I wouldn’t lecture you for something like this.”

“I went after the villains when I wasn’t supposed to.”

“I know.”

“Am I in trouble?” Bakugou whispers. “The Hero Commission and U.A….they wanted to keep this under wraps. I wasn’t supposed to do anything.”

“I know.”

“They might take away my license.”

“No they won’t.”

“How do you know?” Bakugou snaps. “I could get in a shit load of trouble, I should get in a shit load of trouble.”

“You would have been.” Aizawa says, “But the general public thinks otherwise.”

The who now?

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“When they caught wind that the Commission was trying to take your license after you’d saved a whole damn city on your own, understandably they were pissed. Went crazy honestly, claiming that you did more than the heroes did.” 

Aizawa stares at him. “And honestly, I agree.”

“I didn’t-”

“Katsuki Bakugou, this is not something that you will argue with me about.” Aizawa’s tone is final, leaving no room for protest. “You couldn’t just stand by and let people get hurt, no one should expect you to. Besides, they're too busy trying to deal with some other things."

Oh.

Oh.

Nobody knows about the file.

They don’t know that he went out internationally and looked for information on Nakamura and Satsura, they just think he saw the attack and helped out.

And Kariage hadn’t told them.

Bakugou just nods numbly, which seems to satisfy Aizawa enough to make him nod. 

“Recovery girl will be here in a minute to talk to you about your condition, so just hold on a little longer, kid.” He stares some more. “This conversation isn’t over though, so be prepared.”

Right, of course. 

With that, Recovery Girl hobbles into the room with her cane. “Hello young Bakugou, can’t say I’m happy to see you here.”

“Yeah well, it’s not really by choice.”

“No..I guess it’s not.” She mutters, walking over to take his vitals and temperature. “I suppose I can’t really lecture you like normal considering you didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter this time. But you still cut things very closely.”

“How close?” A new voice comes in, it’s Miruko and Hawks followed by Present Mic. Katsuki averts his gaze immediately. He can’t look at them right now and he definitely doesn’t want them to know about his injuries, but Recovery Girl is already starting on her tangent.

“I’ve honestly never seen anything like it. There’s the usual injuries that come with Bakugou and his quirk, like torn muscles and a dislocated shoulder. Ear strain, the works. 

But I will admit he seemed to be in pretty decent shape after that girl healed him, but that last fight took such a total on his body. And the lightning strike added a few complications we hadn’t accounted for.”

“Complications like?” Hawks questions. 

“Nitroglycerin is highly reactive to temperature, and the heat of the electricity caused it to start detonating inside his bloodstream. His body tried to expel it all at once, and while it did succeed the recoil was tremendous, leading to the state of his arms.” She nods to his bandaged limbs. 

“Most of your issues will be resolved with another week’s stay in the hospital and some minor rehab. But there will be long standing issues.”

At that, the room’s dynamic becomes somber. Bakugou feels his heart beginning to pound in his chest, and he tries to calm himself down as everyone glances at him. 

Stupid heart monitor. 

“Well?” He asks gruffly. “What are they?”

Recover Girl looks towards Aizawa with a questioning gaze, but all he does is shrug and gesture for her to keep going.

She raises an eyebrow but continues. 

“Of course there will be some lightning scarring of course, and while those usually go away after a few days to a week, with how hot your body got due to your nitroglycerin the electricity reacted a little differently. We ran a few tests, and while most of them should be gone by some time next week, some of the ones on your arms will most likely be permanent.”

At the look on his face, she keeps talking in an attempt to smooth things over. 

“Of course, your nitroglycerin could pull through and get rid of them all, we never really know with you. As for your hearing,” Recovery Girl pausing, setting her clipboard down and looking at him grimly. 

“I’m sorry Bakugou, but you won’t be getting that back.”

And while Katsuki hadn’t been expecting for things to go back to normal, hearing the words that he’d never get his hearing back stings in a different way he’d never felt before. 

“Like I’m sure you’ve already realized, your hearing was already damaged, though I doubt you noticed until it was too late. I will say that this wasn’t entirely your doing, hearing loss is one of the effects of being struck by lightning.” Recovery Girl finishes, placing a hand over his and barely batting an eye as he snatches it back. “You can still be a hero.”

“I know that.” Bakugou snaps. “I’m not stupid.”

“I’m glad you know then. If that’s all, I’ll be taking my leave.” The old lady picks up her things before scurrying from the room quietly and closing the door behind her. 

The adults in the room watch him for a few moments before Miruko breaks the silence, walking over and sitting on the far end of the bed. 

“I’m sorry we weren’t there with you kid.” She sighs, “You should’ve never had to deal with that alone.”

“‘S Not your fault.” Bakugou coughs, picking at his nails. “I’m sure you had a reason.”

“Somehow one of them hacked the Hero Commission and sent a fake email for Hawks and Miruko, telling them to meet at a fake location for the meeting. They were too far away to get to you in time.” Aizawa says. 

Is that 'the other thing' the commission had to worry about?

“It was probably Satsura...his brother’s not exactly the brains of the operation.” Bakugou scoffs to himself, and everyone else just looks at him in concern. “What?” He demands. “Why’s everyone staring?”

“Did he...tell you why he did all this?” Present Mic asks, uncharacteristically quiet. 

“Yeah, sicko said it was the class and U.A’s fault we lost so much during the war, and that it would have never happened if the Symbol of Peace hadn’t died trying to protect me. 

He said that if the price to pay for protecting us was so high, we should just fuck off and die already.”

“What the fuck…” Hawks scowls, “What kind of fucked up-”

Miruko holds up a palm. “Not now Keigo.” 

“That bastard and his brother are both sitting in Tartarus while they await trial. Haven’t said a damn word the whole time, just to find out this was their reasoning.” Aizawa glowers. “Not an ounce of guilt.”

"I went to see him earlier this morning." Mic adds, "Said he wouldn't say a damn thing until he got to see Katsuki."

They all seem vehemently against even the thought of putting him anywhere that lunatic, but Bakugou couldn't care less about what they want. "I'll go see him if that's what'll get him to talk."

"Absolutely not." 

"Why not?"

"He just tried to kill you not even a week ago." Hawks says blandly. "I don't even want you breathing the same air as him if I can help it."

"But-"

"We'll talk about this later." Aizawa says. "For now, your classmates are waiting on you. And if you're up for it, they can come see you a few at a time."

Oh.

Yeah, he does have classmates that care about him for some reason.

"They can come in."

His teachers nod before making their way out the room one by one. 

-

"Blasty!" Mina shrieks, throwing herself into him the second she enters the room. 

Somehow he manages to catch her, gripping her tightly. "Hey, Raccoon Eyes."

"Don't ever scare us like that again you asshole, honestly I was worried sick!" She cries, "You were really hurt!" 

"Hey, Mina come on." Kirishima tries to coax her off of him, and after a few moments of tugging he succeeds, only to tackle Bakugou himself. "Dude, you're not allowed to go anywhere without a chaperone!"

"Shitty Hair-"

"I thought I'd never hear you call me by that god awful nickname ever again!"

Was it that bad?

"Yeah, it was. Did you not see the news?"

Had he said that out loud? Apparently.

"No, I've kind of been unconscious." Bakugou says dryly, earning a light tap to the arm from Jirou. 

Sero reaches onto the nightstand, grabbing the remote and switching to the nearest news channel. 

The first thing they see is helicopter footage of the street Bakugou fought Nakamura on, absolutely decimated. 

"The blast destroyed everything within a half mile radius, causing hundreds of thousands in repairs. But this is nothing compared to what could have happened if the villains had succeeded, and for that, authorities and civilians say they're incredibly grateful." The reporter on the tv says. 

Katsuki frowns, he can still see the scorch marks from where the lightning made contact with the ground. His friends do the same. and Kaminari glances not-so-subtly at his bandaged arms. "You doing okay?" He asks. "Recovery Girl said your nitro made it much worse than it initially would have been."

"Yeah...I think..." Bakugou trails off, reaching out to rip the bandages from his limbs. 

"Hey, maybe don't do that." Shinsou warns, trying to reach out and stop him. Bakugou ignores him, Recovery Girl's warnings about permanent scarring too loud in his head to worry about anything else. The bandages unravel slowly, revealing more and more inches of marred flesh. It doesn't look as bad as he'd assumed, slightly faded and a light red color. 

"Oh, Blasty..." Mina whispers, unsure how to comfort him. 

"Dude, we're matching!" Kaminari exclaims, "Hell yeah!"

"You have lightning scars Kaminari?" Sero asks. 

"Of course I do. My quirk literally fries my brains, why wouldn't it fry anywhere else?" He lifts his shirt, turning around to show off the darker scars on his back that line his spine. "They look cool right? It took me a bit to come to terms with them, but the chicks dig it, don't worry Kacchan."

"A-And we got you something!" Kirishima stammors. "The nurses said that your hearing might have been affected, and they wouldn't know for sure until you woke up and they could run tests but-"

"We got you these!" Mina shouts, reaching into her bag and producing a black box. She doesn't wait for him to take it, opening it on her own and shoving it in his face. 

They're hearing aids, sleek black ones with little x's on them in orange like his hero costume. 

"We got Hatsume to make them, so you can use them during training!"

"And there's some less flashy ones if you want them, we just thought it would be cool since it matches."

Bakugou looks at them before scoffing, which turns into a snicker before a full blown laugh. "You idiots." He groans, "You absolute fucking idiots." His laughs dissolve into cries until he's sobbing, body sore and tired as he goes through the motions. 

"It's okay Bakubro." Kirishima smiles, "Let it out."

"Yeah, you're safe with us." Mina beams, tucking his head into her shoulder and somehow smiling broader as he goes with little protest. "Anyone who tries anything will catch these hands."

"Definitely." Sero and Kaminari join in on the group hug. 

It's awkward and stuffy, and most of them have to lean over the bed just to get to him, but Bakugou feels a bit better all the same. 

The knot in his chest loosens. 

-

The other idiots come a visit him, and honestly, Bakugou can't take much more of this.

"What are you doing?"

"You owe me a game of poker asshat, it's been two weeks."

"Fuck off eyebags."

"What? Think you'll lose? You're still 15-20 but I mean..."

"Pass me the cards you wannabe Eraserhead, I'll kick your ass."

-

"Babe! Holy shit I saw you on the news, you were highkey kicking ass and taking names. Teach me your ways, and you better not start holding out on me." 

"Get your tits out of my face Illusion bitch! And Baldy, what are you just standing in the doorway for? Get the fuck in here!"

"Oh come on Tsuki..." Camie whines, "You gotta cut me some slack here, it's been for-fucking-ever since we last hung out, I've been deprived of my favorite dumb blonde!" 

"You're the dumbass here!"

-

"Stop crying ya damn nerd before I blow your fucking brains out."

"Kacchan..." Midoriya sniffles, "I missed you so much!"

"You're getting snot on my shirt!"

"S-Sorry!"

"You liar." Bakugou snorts, "You're not sorry at all." He looks around the room, eyes landing on a very stiff looking Todoroki. "Oi, Icyhot. You're looking mighty stiff over there, you dead or something?"

He looks conflicted, brows furrowed before he decides to blurt out whatever he's thinking. "You're letting Midoriya hug you."

"More like he grabbed me and my arms hurt too much to force him off."

"Earlier you flipped your table because Shinsou beat you at cards again."

"What's your fucking point?"

He kicks at imaginary dust. "I would also like to join the hug, but would prefer not to be blown up."

"Holy fuck, you weirdo."

"Is that a no?"

"Do whatever, I don't care."

-

"I made you a playlist, considering this place holds more negative energy then your bedroom." Tokoyami tosses his mp3 player at him, watching him catch it with little issue. 

"How are you doing?" Dark Shadow asks, coming over just to be shoved away by the beak. 

"Fuckin peachy." Bakugou responds, "Being cooped up in here is definitely how I wanted to spend my internship."

"Well, look at it this way..." Hagakure smirks (at least, Bakugou thinks she did. You never really know), "You can avoid the press this way."

"Ugh." The blonde groans, "I can't fucking stand them, it's been almost a week, why are they still outside the hospital?"

"You're the talk of Japan right now." Shoji shrugs, "It was bound to happen."

"That bastard should have just killed me."

"Bakugou?!"

-

"This is his room." Aizawa's voice can be heard from outside the door, and the whole room goes silent. Everyone was currently jammed in his hospital room for a class study session. 

Slowly the door opens, and in walks Pinky.

"Oh, it's you." He says.

"It's me." She responds, stumbling into the room awkwardly. "I just wanted to see if you were okay, but I met your teacher down in the lobby and he told me that-"

"I'm fine." Bakugou states, "You don't have to worry."

"I'm sorry." Pinky bows deeply, "If I had just been more upfront about what I thought, you might not have lost your hearing during that battle. And I'm truly sorry for that."

"S fine." Bakugou waves her off. "It's not like I gave you the opportunity, and even if you had there was still a chance I would have lost it anyways."

"Still..."

"Still nothing. Calm the fuck down, I'm not gonna kill you. And I don't blame you."

"Ah, I understand." Pinky says before adding, "Then please don't blame yourself either."

Katsuki feels his eyes twitch. "Oi, that's not-"

She moves closer, leaning down to whisper in his ear. "I grabbed your file off the train, I kind of figured you didn't want anyone seeing it." She pulls back, and at his stunned look tacks on. "I destroyed it, so hopefully you weren't planning on using it again."

"Bakugou!" Mineta shouts, "When were you gonna tell us you were pulling chicks?!"

"Hah?"

"I'm not-"

"Do you wanna die you grape shit stain? Stop fucking staring at her, you're making her uncomfortable!"

Mineta sits back down, sulking. "Fine then, don't tell us. Keep allll the details to yourself you woman stealer."

"It's really nothing like that!" Pinky waves her hands frantically, "He just saved me during the attack and I wanted to see how he was recovering!"

"Wait!" Midoriya shouts, "Are you the girl who healed Kacchan?"

"Yes..." Pinky answers awkwardly. "It really wasn't that big a deal."

Immediately the class is on her, thanking her for helping their friend. When they've all calmed down and Pinky is about to leave, Bakugou grips her by the wrist. 

"You should talk to Recovery Girl." He says, "A quirk like yours would be really useful in the hero field."

She looks at him, confused before squeaking, face bright red. "My parents couldn't possible afford for me to attend U.A-"

"Just talk to her. I doubt she'd turn you away, she needs a protege anyways, the old lady looks about ready to pass away."

"Kacchan!"

"Mind your damn business nerd!"

It's not until later Bakugou realizes that he still doesn't know her damn name.

-

"So what do you want to do?" Miruko asks him a few days later. Bakugou will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, finally. 

"What do you mean?" He questions, "I thought I was gonna have to go back to U.A."

"Hawks went to the commission. Spouted some bullshit about how it'd be best for you to remain under our watch for a little longer so we could keep an eye on you, make sure you didn't do anything stupid."

Bakugou bristles slightly. "They bought that?"

"The Commission is all about control, give them the idea that they've got it, and they'll be down for just about anything." She answers. "So what's it gonna be? It's okay if you still want to go back to the dorms-"

"Are you crazy, old hag? Why would I want to go back to the dorms when I could be kicking ass with you?"

Miruko knits her brow. "I figured you'd at least be a little mad."

"Mad about what?"

"Maybe the fact that we left you do deal with that shit all by yourself?" Hawks questions, "Shouldn't you be upset? You lost your hearing because of it."

Bakugou shrugs, gripping his bed sheets. "That wasn't your fault. The bastards tricked you, and you got back to me as quick as you could have, right?"

They both nod.

"Then calm the fuck down, all this sulking and shit is weirding me out." He finishes. "Some things are unavoidable. The best you can do is take it in stride and shove it back up the Universe's ass later."

Hawks rushes over, teary eyed as he flings his arms around the student and shouts dramatically. "There's my little firecracker! I thought you were lost forever!"

"Oi, get off me Bird Brain!"

Miruko bounds over as well, rubbing her knuckles into his head. "Yeah Spitfire, thought you'd never call me a hag again, I almost missed it."

"Fuck off! I ought to take these bed sheets and kill you both with them!"

"I'll kick your ass kid, try it!"

"Rumi please not in the hospital."

-

On the day of his discharge, no one will leave him the fuck alone. 

"You sure you don't want me to carry that for you?"

"For the fifteenth time Shitty Hair, no."

"Well, if you change your mind let me know!"

Bakugou will most certainly not be letting him know.

He only has one bag, and it's literally just medicine and bandages for when he's back in Fukuoka. It barely weighs anything, but his friends still seem dead set on treating him like a newborn fawn. 

"He's not gonna ask for help." Shinsou snickers, "Not even if he was keeling over."

"Do you want to go eyebags?"

"Not until you're actually healed, otherwise it'd be a waste of time."

"Fuck you, I'm never a waste of time."

Thankfully the press aren't outside, but Bakugou figures he'll get a glimpse of them sooner or later. They walk him out to Hawk's car, a little reluctant to just let him go after he'd just been hospitalized. 

"Take good care of Blasty, okay? He never knows when to quit. Make sure he changes his bandages, and drinks plenty of water. He shouldn't train too hard, because he's not totally healed yet and-"

"Mina." Bakugou stresses, "I'm going to be okay, stop being such a damn mom." 

The girl in question frowns before reaching up to tug his ear. "Don't get snarky with me Bakugou Katsuki, I'll kick your ass."

"Fucking- Let me go you bitch!"

"I like this one." Miruko says, looking on with approval. "Can she come with us?"

"No." Hawks says flatly. "One is enough kids."

After a ridiculous amount of begrudging hugs, (honestly Shitty Hair did you really need three?) Bakugou is allowed to sit in the car. 

Hawks and Miruko are in the front, bickering about something or another, Katsuki doesn't really care. He's tired, and a little hungry. Hospital food and beds aren't exactly the greatest luxury in the world, and he can feel his eyes drooping.

"Say kid, which one is better? Katsudon or Sushi, because quite frankly I can't stomach raw fish, but..." Miruko turns around, just to stop talking as she lays eyes on her student's sleeping form. 

"Welp, I guess Katsudon wins this argument."

"Shut up."

The two friends sit in silence for a while before Miruko starts talking again. "Honestly, I just wished I'd gotten a few minutes with that bastard. I swear I would have-"

"Killed him. That's exactly what would have happened and that won't end well for anyone." Hawks says. "It's best things played out the way they did."

"That asshole deserved worse than he got." She snaps. "Katsuki's just a kid."

"It's fine." Hawks simpers, "He'll get exactly what's coming to him. Until then, Bakugou will be safe with us."

Chapter Text

The second they get back to Miruko's apartment, Bakugou collapses onto the couch with a groan.

"I want to sleep for ten years..." 

"You can if you want, but you should probably take a shower." Hawks replies. "You smell."

"Yeah, well..." Bakugou shrugs, face still smushed into the cushions. "I'm feeling lazy right now, so that can wait."

"Keigo's right, kid." Miruko says, "You've gotta change your bandages anyways."

Bakugou groans louder this time. "I don't want to get up."

Miruko stares at him, unimpressed. 

"You can look at me all you want." The teen states, "I don't care. I'm not moving from this couch until I've had my nap." He removes his head from where it's smothered by the couch, glaring through his bangs as he smacks his palm on the arm of his seat. "And there's nothing you can do about it."

Keigo narrows his eyes before relaxing, smiling slightly. "You know what? You're right, you can sleep. Go ahead."

Bakugou looks at him weirdly, probably confused as to why the older boy is giving in so easily before shrugging, too tired to think it over as he turns his back and settles deeper into the couch. The two adults stare at him, allowing his breathing to even out before exchanging mischievous glances. Hawks slinks closer, holding his hands out before reaching down and scooping Bakugou up in his arms, holding him above his head. 

Katsuki lets out a shriek, squirming and kicking. "Put me down, Birdbrain!"

"Like hell!" Miruko shouts, marching behind the two as Hawks makes his way down the hall. "You're not gonna stink up my couch with your weird-ass sweat! And you need to change your bandages before they get infected!"

"Let me the fuck go!" Bakugou snaps, "I'm tired, I want to sleep!"

"You need to wash your ass!"

Hawks stops in front of the bathroom door, adjusting his hold to grip Bakugou by the waist and tuck him under his arm as he turns on the shower. The kid is putting up less and less of a fight, and eventually, he goes limp. 

"Hey..." He whispers, peering down. Hawks shakes him slightly, watching his limbs dangle. "Hey, wake up." 

Bakugou still doesn't move.

Worried that the kid might have aggravated his injuries or passed out or something else detrimental, Hawks sits him straight up again, tapping his face lightly. "Bakugou, wake up."

His worry creates a pit in his stomach as he shakes the seemingly unconscious boy. 

"Rumi, get in here! I think he's-"

Hawks is cut off by a sudden heat and loud boom, and he recoils. "What the hell?" The brat had just hauled off and blasted him in the face. 

"That's what the fuck you get!" Bakugou snaps, yelping as he's dropped harshly. "Ahh, my fucking arm, shit that hurts!" He grounds out through gritted teeth. 

"Yeah, exactly." Hawks mutters, pulling himself off the floor. "Serves you right for scaring me like that. Why'd you even think that was a good idea, letting off an explosion after you injured them like that?"

"I was thinking about hitting you in your ugly mug, that's what I was thinking." Bakugou snarks. "Help me up."

Hawks rolls his eyes, reaching down to pick Katsuki up and settling him on his feet. "Alright, you've had your fun, brat. Take your shower so we can change your bandages, then you can sleep."

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say." Bakugou sighs, "Hurry up and get out."

-

"Hate that damn kid," Keigo mutters, placing a bandage on his cheek. "Aimed straight for my face, the heathen."

"I'm just glad to know what happened didn't change him one bit." Miruko snickers, "Still as stubborn and mean as ever."

"You're only saying that because you're not the one who took an explosion to one of your best features." He says bitterly. 

Just then the bathroom door opens, steam pouring from the open door. "Happy now? I took my damn shower."

"Yes, I am." Miruko replies, "Your clothes are in the room. Get changed."

Bakugou comes back a few minutes later, rolling his shoulders with a grimace. "My fucking shoulders are killing me."

"Recovery Girl did say one of the side effects of being struck by lightning is muscle pain." 

"Yeah, well muscle pain can shove it. I got shit to do."

"Shit to do like what?" Hawks asks, patting the spot beside him on the couch and scooting over so Bakugou can flop down. "Like training for the sports festival." The blonde says, stretching out with a yawn. "I've got to get my win fair and square this year. An indisputable first place."

"Aren't you benched?" Miruko snickers, "Your sports festival is in less than three weeks, how are you supposed to be in top shape by then?"

"I'll heal faster."

"That's not how these things work."

Bakugou doesn't look phased in the slightest. "Well, that's how it's gonna have to work," he announces. "Because I ain't missing it, and I ain't giving anything less than my all, and you," He stares pointedly at Miruko with a flat look. "Need to help me come up with some new moves."

"Not while you're injured." She waves him off, much to his indignation. "If you chill out and recover, I'll teach you some stuff to use on your wimpy ass classmates. Otherwise, you're on house arrest for the rest of the time you're here."

Bakugou feels his eyes twitch, huffing and slouching so much on the couch he starts to slide down.

"You can't be serious," Miruko mutters,

Hawks shrugs, slightly amused as he reaches over to ruffle the younger boy's hair fondly. "It's getting pretty long." He comments. "Are you gonna cut it?"

Bakugou blows the strands from his face harshly. "I thought you were supposed to be helping me change my bandages," he grumbles, tossing an arm over his eyes. "I want to sleep."

Miruko sighs, but Hawks can see the fond look on her face from a mile away. "Alright, kid, shirt off. This will take a while."

Still muttering under his breath Bakugou does as told, discarding the fabric to reveal the marred skin underneath. Miruko tries to keep her face neutral, but she knows that her eyes darken just a bit. That coward Nakamura had caused all of this and gotten away with some burns and a few broken bones after the explosion had sent him flying. 

Katsuki had been in danger of dying, and while he hadn't, the thought was still fresh in her mind. 

"Oi, ease up on the brooding old woman. You're pressing on my arms." 

Rumi glances down to where her hands are wrapped around Bakugou's, the bandages wrapped tightly against the sensitive skin. 

"Sorry." She says, releasing him. "I didn't mean to hurt you kid, I was just-"

"Who said you hurt me?" Bakugou fumes at her, but there's no malice behind it. "You've got to stop pouting over this shit, none of this was your fault. You were all the way on the other side of Japan!"

"That's not what I'm mad about..." She bites the inside of her cheek. "I just think-"

The ringing of a phone cuts her off. Miruko pulls it from her pocket, frowning slightly at the caller I.D before answering. "Hello?"

Bakugou can't hear what the person on the other end of the line is saying, but Miruko looks far from happy. 

"No, what? He’s supposed to recover. The last thing Bakugou needs is-"

"What are you talking about?" Bakugou interrupts. "What do they need me for and who are they?"

Miruko makes a conflicted face before handing the phone to him warily.

Katsuki almost doesn't want to take it, he really isn't in the mood for any more mess. 

"This is Bakugou speaking, what do you want?"

"Ah! Mr. Bakugou, I was calling to see if you were able to come to the station-"

"The hell for? I already gave my statement."

"Neither Nakamura nor Satsura will speak without seeing you."

"They haven't said a damn word the whole time they've been there?"

"No." The man on the other side of the line sounds just as tired as Bakugou feels. 

"Fucking hell..." The blonde runs a hand down his face before glaring up at the ceiling. God, why him?

The plaster doesn't answer. 

"I'll be there tomorrow around noon. Just leave them be until then, don't tell them I'm coming."

The officer sounds relieved as he gives his thanks over the phone before hanging up. 

-

Hawks and Miruko are on edge the entire ride down to the station, grim looks on their faces. 

Bakugou sighs to himself. "I'm going to be okay, you know."

"We know." Miruko sighs, "It's just that-"

"You can't keep me cooped up forever." Bakugou states. "This is something I have to do. This asshole isn't going to go to jail for as long as he should without a proper statement."

"I don't see why you had to come." Hawks mutters. "Wasn't what you told the cops enough to put him away? All of Japan saw what those two did. Letting him see you would be playing right into his hands."

"Nakamura is already getting what he wants by sitting in a jail cell looking smug. At least now he'll have to fess up and give my classmates peace of mind. None of them know why they were being targeted."

Neither of them says anything else, choosing to endure the rest of the car ride in silence. The tension seems to rise as they pull into the parking lot of the precinct and step inside. 

Immediately they’re met with relieved faces as Tsukauchi runs up to them. “Miruko, Hawks, and Bakugou thank you so much for coming.”

“Let’s get this done as quick as possible.” Hawks says, “The sooner we get these two on trial, the sooner we can put this behind us, yeah?”

“Right.” The detective nods, “If you’d just follow me.”

Seeing Nakamura in chains isn’t exactly as appealing as Bakugou had originally assumed it would be. It just feels like a whole bunch of nothing, staring at the guy he’d nearly killed just a week ago. 

Who’d almost killed  him .

There’s a giant burn scar on the side of the bastard's face that stretches painfully as he smiles. Bakugou tries not to look at it as his stomach rolls uncomfortably. There are matching burning on his arms, probably from where the villain tried to defend himself.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t little Katsuki...soaking up all the attention you’ve been getting, huh.” Nakamura croons, placing his chin on his palm with all the smugness in the world. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“Cut the shit.” Bakugou barks, sliding the chair out and sitting down across from the criminal. “I know you’ve been keeping your mouth shut and demanding to see me.”

“Guilty as charged.” Nakamura holds his palms in the air. “So why did you decide to come to see me, hmm? You very easily could have ignored my demands.”

“Because you’re causing a lot of fucking trouble considering you’ll be spending the rest of your shit life in jail.” Bakugou drawls. “I’d like to be able to enjoy the rest of my internship in peace without the police calling me like some sort of parent whose kid is cutting up at daycare.”

Nakamura shrugs, picking at the bottom of his nails. Katsuki can feel his temper rising. What the hell was this guy’s deal? To get his ass handed to him, and then sit in the police station like some sort of petty bitch until he got locked up forever? 

“What the fuck did you call me down here for? Answer me.”

Nakamura snickers, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. “Oh? Losing our temper there, are we Katsuki?”

“I’m not the jackass who tried to level a whole city for shit reasons.” Bakugou hisses, “Don’t talk to me about my temper.”

“My reason was perfectly valid and you know it.” Nakamura glares, his nonchalant act falling at the drop of a hat. It was scary how quickly this guy’s attitude changed. 

“Really?” Bakugou goads him. “Because I recall you saying you wanted me dead over some shit that wasn’t even my fault! A whole class of kids!”

“A whole class of nuisances running around like chickens with their heads cut off, run by a bunch of weakling coward heroes who can’t even protect the people of Japan!”

“The war wasn’t our fault! We had no choice!” Bakugou shouts back. “We didn’t even know it was happening!”

“Bullshit!” Nakamura seethes, leaning forward in his chair. The guard at the door looks about ready to intervene, but Bakugou shakes his head. 

“And so what?” The blonde questions. “So what if we knew? You can’t possibly have expected a bunch of fucking teenagers to do what the pros couldn’t!”

“Doesn’t seem too far-fetched of an expectation when you little bastards were the reason this shit started in the first place!”

“That wasn’t our fault! We’re kids!”

“Kids who have done nothing but lead to the downfall of everything that kept people going in this shit world! All Might...our symbol of peace...he’s gone! All because you couldn’t protect yourself, because you were weak! And your teachers, fuck they’re not much better either!”

“I-”

“Nineteen pro heroes! Nineteen of them died in that war, trying to carry the dead weight of your shit class. And all the people who died as well, we can’t depend on anyone! All of you, you’re the scum of the earth!” Nakamura is breathing heavily, leaning forward in his seat as he rants. 

“There’s nothing I hate more than a bunch of bastards who get others hurt because they can’t pull their own fucking weight! And do you know what we’d do with dead weight when I was your age, bastard?” He brings his cuffed wrists to his neck, sliding them across his throat in a menacing motion. 

“We’d cut it off.”

The tension in the room is at an all-time high, no one dares to move. 

Bakugou can feel his blood singeing in his veins, his breathing short as he looks Nakamura straight in the eyes. 

The older man isn’t fazed, instead, he continues to talk. “You know, you were right in a way, what you said about me following Stain’s ideology. He had a point, killing those who aren’t true heroes. But that’s not enough, you and your class...you’ve proved that that’s not enough.” He smiles broadly, looking around the investigation room and towards the glass that separates them from the investigation team. 

“I say, no matter who they are...if you just kill everyone who’s not worthy, who can’t save people before they have the chance to ruin our country, even more, to leave more people for dead, to ruin the lives of countless others...then that’s when hero society will truly be cleansed.”

Nakamura leans back in his chair again, feet tapping against the floor impatiently. “But I guess in the end, I did turn up getting captured. Locked in the looney bin with the rest of these mindless criminals. But even so,” He looks down at Bakugou’s rolled-up sleeves, the lightning marks still red and angry on his otherwise perfect skin. 

“I guess I’ve left you with a reminder, huh? About how badly you’ve fucked up.” 

“You’re full of fucking shit.” Bakugou scoffs, “I've protected people. My purpose in coming here wasn’t to change your mind, you believe what you believe or whatever. It’s not my job to fix that. 

But my job is to do the best I can. To save everyone because that’s what a hero does. The training camp and Kamino, that wasn’t my fault. It took a long time to come to terms with it, to accept it, but eventually, it happened.

 All Might gave his entire life, his entire body, and soul to win that day. All those heroes who died protecting everyone in the war did too. I don’t give a flying fuck about what you think these damn scars are gonna represent because to me they’re a reminder and a message that I’m willing to give whatever it takes to win.”

“To win?” Nakamura raises an eyebrow. “You think being a hero is all about winning?”

Bakugou sneers at him. “To win is to save, asshole. I’ll do just that with an irrefutable victory, as many as it takes. No matter how many scars, no matter how many burns I'll have to endure.” With that, the blonde pushes his chair back and stands, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. 

“So you can take your shitty views and shove them. I’m gonna become the best damn hero out there no matter what the hell you think I deserve, and those dumb classmates of mine will do the same, you’d better fucking believe it.”

Nakamura is glaring at him from his seat, eyes filled with so much hatred that Bakugou knows there’s no point in speaking to him any longer. 

Miruko, Hawks, and Tsukauchi all pile back into the room. 

“You ready to go, kid?” Miruko asks him, eyes set firmly on him. 

“I need to talk to Satsura.” He responds, “Then we can leave.”

The two heroes side-eye Tsukauchi, who just shrugs. “If that’s what he wants.” He says. 

-

Satsura looks nothing like his brother as he’s led into the interrogation room, head low and eyes downcast. He can’t even look at Bakugou. It’s such a different image from the very man who’d been snarling at him from on top of a train, it gives him whiplash.

“Why’d you do it?” Katsuki wastes no time. 

“Didn’t he already tell you?” Satsura asks bitterly, his arms are held close to his chest. 

“He did.” Bakugou states. “But I want to hear from you. What’s  your  reasoning.”

“Stop fucking around.” Satsura snaps, looking up through his bangs. “Nobody ever cares what I want.”

“No one?” Bakugou probes. “Or Nakamura never cares what you want? How’d you even get caught up in this shit anyway?”

Something’s telling him that there’s more to this than some rotten twins throwing a tantrum over things they didn’t understand.

Apparently, Satsura catches on to what he’s thinking, because he shakes his head. “No, Nakamura’s never forced me to do anything. I went along with his plan from the beginning.”

“And before that?”

“Nakamura’s the only person I have left.” Satsura sighs, rubbing his eyes with his hands. “He’s always been the more straightforward one of us. Quick to action, powerful, never scared of a damn thing.”

“And you?” The way he has to nudge at Satsura to even speak about himself further cements Bakugou’s belief that there’s more going on.

“I was just kind of...there. Timid, shy, a crybaby. I always followed Nakamura around, because even though we’re the same age, he’s always felt like an older brother. Sure, he was a little mean at times but he always meant well and wanted to protect me.”

Bakugou has to force himself to tune in, the way Satsura describes him and his brother bringing back memories of playgrounds and friendships and two little kids that used to run around together. 

“What changed?” He asks, clearing his throat. 

“We’ve never met our dad.” Satsura shrugs, picking at his nails. It was different from the way his brother did it, no smugness to be found. It feels more like an anxious action like he’s cowering away from Bakugou instead of taking him head-on. “We lived with our mom for years, but she died.”

“Died how?” He’s asking the question before he can think twice. “What happened to her?”

“She died in a villain attack. Was trying to walk home after work and got caught in the crossfire.” 

“How old were you?” 

“About your age. It was five or six years ago, I think.” 

Five or six years ago? Satsura and Nakamura weren’t much older than Katsuki, really. It makes him wonder just how differently things could have gone for him. 

“Where did you go after that?”

“With our uncle. He was a nice guy, tried the best he could to take care of us. Always had this ideology that people who drag you down aren't people you should keep around. He’s dead too now, but his death really hit Nakamura hard.”

“How'd it happen?” Katsuki questions, he doesn’t have the best feeling about this. 

Satsura scoffs bitterly, sliding down in his chair. “Kamino.”

“What?” Bakugou’s throat immediately goes dry, “I thought-”

“They leveled a damn city.” The older man seethes. “Did you think there wouldn’t be any casualties? Or was it just easier to live with it if you just pretended otherwise?”

“They told me they evacuated the area.” That's all he can force out. “I-I knew some police officers died, but not actual-”

“Innocent people, yeah.” Satsura finishes. He looks less meek and more confident as he speaks. Bakugou’s not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. “But the difference between me and Nakamura is that I was too focused on the loss of our uncle to even think of revenge. When he started pulling away from me...I thought he was grieving. Until I found he’d been going out and committing crimes, hurting people. 

I never left though, never thought of turning and leaving because he was the only family I had left. I’d always followed him blindly, and this was no different. I guess in the end it doesn't really matter, I still did it. I still went after kids, forgetting that when I was your age I was still looking for a hero, not trying to be someone else’s.”

All of these events were recently new. It makes sense that the twins spiraled as badly as they did. Satsura seems decently guilty, gazing at Katsuki solemnly. 

They both sit in silence for a minute before Satsura speaks again. “I think what really pissed Nakamura off about you was the fact that you’re so unapologetically...you. You know? You don’t back down, and I guess he saw that as you not caring what happened. I did too for a while. We thought you had a perfect life, you know? Rich, famous parents, good grades, and friends.”

Bakugou scoffs, drumming his fingers on the table. “I haven’t seen my parents in god knows how long. They signed over custody to U.A months ago.”

Satsura makes a surprised noise. “Were they...did they-”

“Nothing like that,” Bakugou says flatly, waving off his concern. “They weren’t really home much, always off in another country doing work. I was at the house by myself most of the time as a child. When the school found out, of course, it was an issue, but my parents signed over custody quick as hell. They’re not bad people, just didn’t have the type of lifestyle for a kid.”

“Oh,” Satsura says, quiet again.

“You know you can fix this, right?” Bakugou informs him. “If you comply with the court, they can probably work something out. You’re not a bad person Satsura.”

“I’ve got to atone for my crimes, Bakugou. We’re not the same, everything I’ve done was a choice I’ve made.” The smile he gives is a bittersweet one. 

“You’re still young.” Katsuki insists. “There are people who’ve done worse than you who are being rehabilitated. Your whole life doesn’t have to be thrown away.”

“Like who?”

“That flame bitch from the League of Villains.”

Satsura’s eyes are wide. “The Dabi guy? Endeavor's kid?”

“Yeah.” Bakugou shrugs. “He’s working on it. And you can too.”

“You think so?” His eyes are hopeful. 

“Of course I do,” Bakugou smirks. “I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t.”

-

“Are you sure that was a good idea?” Miruko asks him on the ride home. “Did you really believe him?”

“Yeah.” Bakugou nods, “I can sniff out a liar from a mile away, and Satsura wasn’t one. I just hope he’s not so deep in his guilt that he refuses help.”

“I can respect that.” Hawks shrugs. 

The student stares out the window, looking at the debris that litters the streets of Fukuoka, still recovering from the aftermath of the battle. 

People are standing in the streets, looking at the ruined remains of small businesses and homes. 

“Stop the car.” Bakugou orders, snatching his seatbelt off and jumping out of the car before it even stops completely. “Oi.” He calls, drawing the attention of the citizens around him. 

They face him, eyes widening. “Ground Zero!”

“You guys need some help?” He raises an eyebrow, gesturing to the rubble. “That’s a lot of damn work.”

An old man waves his hands, “You don’t need to waste your time with this Ground Zero, we know you must be very busy.”

“I wouldn’t offer if I thought it was a waste of time.” Bakugou blinks at him before waltzing over to pick up a stack of wood. “Where do you want me to put this?”

“Uh-over there.”

Bakugou does as told, depositing the heavy planks off to the side before frowning. “How long have you guys been out here trying to fix this shit?”

“About a week.” A woman informs him. “The Commission doesn’t have enough people to send.”

Katsuki knows that’s bullshit. “Well, you all can’t just get this done by yourselves. Didn’t you people live here? Where are you staying now?”

Nobody answers him.

“Alright, you know what?” Bakugou rubs a hand over his face before digging out his phone. “I’ve got some idiots who would be happy to come down here and help you out.” 

“You don’t-”

“I’m doing it because I want to.” He cuts them off. “Don’t even think about refusing.”

Not even a day later, the entirety of class 1-A and 1-B are in Fukuoka, trying to help with damage repairs. He’d even managed to get some of the support class down here to work on the more technical things. It wasn’t easy, thankfully they liked him enough after all the hours he spent getting his costume touched up. 

The only issue is keeping Hatsume from adding any unnecessary ‘babies’ to the traffic lights. 

Bakugou wipes the sweat from his brow, hammering the last nail into the front of the newly finished flower shop. “There you go, Ms. J. All done.” 

The lady smiles broadly at him, pulling him into her arms and dropping a fat kiss on his cheek that makes him gag. “You’re such a darling Katsuki, really! You’d be perfect for my daughter Kano, honestly, she needs a gentleman like you in her life!”

Absolutely fucking not.

Bakugou gives her a strained smile anyways.

“Mom…” Comes a loud whine, and Bakugou turns around to come face to face with the daughter in question. 

“Pinky?”

“Ground Zero?”

The girl from the train station is standing before him, looking incredibly awkward. “I see you’ve met my mom…”

“Yeah.” He says, “Real charmer.”

Bakugou's not sure 'charming' is how you'd describe this woman, but she's nice enough if not a little overbearing.

“Kano!” Her mother scolds, “You didn’t tell me Ground Zero was the boy you healed! Honestly, you never tell me anything! This is just like the other day. Can you believe her Katsuki? I had to find out from a letter in the mail that Recovery Girl wanted to see her for training-”

“Wait, you actually did it?” Bakugou asks, baffled. “I thought you’d chicken out.”

“Yeah, well…” Kano flushes, “I had to work up a little courage. You teacher’s really nice, offered to let me stay in the dorms and everything.”

“That’s good.” Bakugou nods, turning his head just in time to find Aizawa waving him over. “I gotta go, but I guess I’ll see you later or some shit.”

“Yeah, you will!”

-

“What do you want, old man?” Bakugou asks, walking up to his teacher. “You looking for me?”

“Yes,” Aizawa says flatly. “Your friend, the one with the smoke quirk. Where does he live?”

“Dunno.” Katsuki shrugs. “He’s the secretive type. And he wouldn’t come to U.A, just in case you were thinking about it.”

His teacher nods. “I figured as much. He’s the reason we even knew something was going on with you.”

“He told you?”

“More like he snuck into my office and demanded I call you.”

“He’s not a total loser, I guess,” Bakugou mutters. “Tolerable at best. You don’t need any more strays though.”

“Don’t worry Golden Boy, you’ll always be my original problem child.” Aizawa reaches down to ruffle his hair roughly, a giant hand covering the unruly spikes. “Tell anyone I said that and I’ll expel you.”

“Like hell, I’d wanna be your damn favorite!” Bakugou snaps, not even bothering to move from the comforting pats. “And I don’t need you to expel me. If eye bags ever found out I’d have to flee the damn country.”

Bakugou decides to take his leave then, sauntering off to go find the idiot squad. He waves to his teacher over his shoulder, “By the way, you might be able to find that asshole at that park by Aldera Middle. You didn’t hear it from me though.”

They spend the rest of the day fixing up the city, and everything looks much better after. 

The class heads back to the dorms a few days later once everything is truly in place, but Bakugou thankfully gets to stay until the end of the week when his internship finishes. 

“Oi, Hag! You owe me some sparring!” 

Miruko turns to look at him before smiling devilishly.

-

“Make sure you call.”

“Yes, mother.”

“And drink plenty of water.”

“Yes, mother.”

“And remember what I taught you, Katsuki. Don’t squeeze too hard or you’ll kill them.”

“Alright you damn hag, I get it! Now let go, you’re fucking suffocating me!”

Miruko’s arms are wrapped tightly around his waist. His car to take him back to the dorms has been here for ten minutes and she hasn’t let go this whole damn time.

Hawks isn’t any better, latched onto Bakugou’s back as he sheds slight tears. “We’re gonna miss you little firecracker, who’s gonna yell at me to eat healthy now?”

“If I find out you’re eating nothing but fucking chicken all day I’ll come back down here to kick your ass personally.”

“Would you really?” Hawks questions, suspicious. “Promise?”

“Don’t go using that as an excuse to get me back down here.” Bakugou chides, shoving him away by the face. “You overgrown baby.”

“All jokes aside.” Miruko sighs, “We’re gonna miss you, kid.”

“Don’t know what the hell there is to miss.” Katsuki shrugs. “The Sports Festival is in two weeks.”

The two gasp loudly, enough to make Bakugou’s ears ache even with his hearing aids on. 

“You want us to come?” Hawks smiles, “Like really?”

“You weren’t going to be there from the start?” Bakugou snorts. “Of course you’re coming. If you don’t I’ll kick your asses.”

“Awww KatsukI!”

“Stop fucking hugging me!”

“You’re a good kid.” Hawks smiles down at him, ruffling his hair. “And you better not let anybody tell you otherwise.”

“Remember your training!” Miruko reminds him as he’s packing his things into the car. “Make sure to invoke fear in your classmate’s hearts!”

“Always, hag!”

Miruko and Hawks are still waving to him even as the car speeds off, and Bakugou watches until they’re no bigger than two specks in the distance. It’s a little sad to be leaving after a month, but all things considered, he did have more things to do at U.A that he couldn’t afford to fall behind on.

“You’ve got sign language practice with Mic later tonight.” Aizawa reminds him from the driver’s seat. “Don’t forget.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Bakugou yawns, “I know.”

“You should probably answer your phone by the way. Your classmates have been texting you all day to try and see where you are. They’re trying to throw a surprise party for when you return, but you didn’t hear that from me.”

The blonde snorts, watching the messages pour in on his phone screen. “And you let them? They’ve probably burned down the dorm by now.”

“Possibly.” Aizawa shrugs. “They’re just glad to have you back.”

“They should be.” Bakugou states. “I’m a national fucking treasure.”

“Of course, Golden Boy.”