Chapter 30

Hotaru's P.o.V

I felt a sudden chill run down my spine, shocking me out of my slumber. Why was it so cold?

I looked around and knew I wasn't in the hospital, anymore. I wasn't even in Japan. I wasn't anywhere. The entirety of the space around me was just black, empty, darkness.

"Hello?" I called. My raspy and broken voice echoed as I felt the ground-or whatever held me up-begin to shake.

Suddenly, set apart from the darkness, was a large beast. It was a snake-like being with two red, glowing, eyes. It was made of shadows that were somehow darker than the world around it. It felt...familiar.

"Kiyo...?" I raised an eyebrow. The shadow-being let out a hiss.

"We need to talk," Kiyo's voice was smoother than I remembered. It had a slight reverb to it.

"Like hell, we do. You left me to die!" I shouted. Kiyo's glowing eyes had narrowed at the comment.

"No. We were growing apart and I-" "Save the excuses. If you had simply been there, Katsuki and I wouldn't have been taken!" I clenched my fist. The bleak world around us changed in a fraction of a second. The black emptiness turned blood-red. I realized Kiyo was taller than I had originally thought. The snake's body coiled upwards, making it about eight feet tall.

"Your longing for the boy clearly made you deaf to the words I tried to speak," Kiyo said in a cold way. She almost sounded...disappointed.

"Just leave Katsuki out of this, okay?! He saved my ass when you wouldn't. I can barely fucking talk, now!" I felt tears well up in my eyes. I was positive that my face was red from my venting.

"Watch yourself around him! I don't want you getting hurt!" Kiyo raised her voice.

"Katsuki isn't like Anchin! He wouldn't make a promise if he couldn't keep it," I was shaking with rage.

"You don't know that. You haven't known him for that long. I'm simply trying to protect you from becoming like me," Kiyo said with a stern tone. I scoffed.

"I wouldn't be stupid enough to believe him," I spat. Kiyo went silent. I took the few moments of silence to calm down. Wth a few breaths, I was ready to hear what the spirit had to say.

"I left you alone in the forest because I knew you were heading towards danger. I thought it would be my fault...So, I decided to let you go towards the boy. I figured he would keep you safe..." she said quietly, narrowing her eyes. I furrowed my eyebrows skeptically. I never knew Kiyo could fear anything.

"Do you expect me to believe that?" I sighed.

"No...I was wrong...Nothing either of us could have done would have saved you from All For One," Kiyo said. The world around us began to change again. This time, it wasn't a color, but a scene. It was the forest in which UA held the training camp. I gave Kiyo a questioning look.

"It didn't matter in the end...but the boy did better protecting you than I ever have or could," Kiyo's shadow body turned towards the screen-like space behind us.

I watched Katsuki run with me in his arms. He looked down and I knew the look in his eyes. The sympathy that filled them. When Compress came out of the shadows and marbelized him, he held me closer to him. I softened my gaze as the screen switched to a different moment.

Katsuki was strapped up in the Villain League's hideout. It must have been after All For One took me because he was demanding to know where I was. The villains gave him an answer that only made him even more upset. The blonde's panicking state made me finally let my tears go. I forced back my sob as I looked back at Kiyo.

"Why are you showing me this?" I asked, voice barely audible.

"Because I wanted you to see it. I guess I was a little jealous of your relationship with the loud blonde. Now I know I must let you go...I'm not the only one who cares about you, anymore," Kiyo lowered her snake-like head until she was down at my level. I whipped the tears from my eyes. I couldn't stay mad at her. She had good intentions but she acted on them wrong.

"I understand if you don't feel like continuing this conversation. I'll let you get back to the loud blonde, now."

Just like that, I woke up.

3rd P.o.V

Bakugou called for Hotaru as he began shaking her shoulders. The purple-haired girl slowly opened her eyes. Bakugou scanned Hotaru's confused face. Sweat was trickling down her forehead, mixing with her tears once they reached her cheeks.

"What the hell, Lizard Girl?!" he didn't let go of her. Hotaru sniffled.

"Sorry...I guess I was dreaming a bit too lucidly," she let out a pained laugh that turned into a cough. Bakugou locked eyes with her, tightening his grip on her shoulders. Hotaru examined him with a worried expression.

"You're scaring me," she muttered quietly. Bakugou narrowed his eyes. After a minute of simply staring at her, he let her go. He stood up and turned away so she couldn't see his face and he could see out of the room's window. The nurse must have opened the curtains.

"You started crying and screaming...I didn't know what to do..."

"Katsuki..." Hotaru softened her gaze. Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows and folded his arms.

"I tried so hard to protect you in the forest. I ended up being no fucking help. I feel so godamn useless. I couldn't even save you..." Bakugou dug his nails into his arms.

He clenched his jaw and spoke through grit teeth, "I feel so fucking worthless...I can't stop thinking about it. I was so weak and you just..."

Bakugou was cut off by a sudden pressure on his back. He widened his eyes a bit and lifted his head up as he recollected his thoughts. His mind went blank, as if he was hypnotized.

"Don't..."

"Don't do that."

"Self-pity only makes things worse...Trust me," Hotaru muttered softly. She closed her eyes as she rested her head against Bakugou's back. She could feel a few drops of sweat that bled through his shirt. They were most likely part of his reaction to her crying in her sleep.

"In the words of someone who once helped me through a similar situation, you need to quit doubting yourself. You've put up with more crap than I could imagine, so don't start backing down now," the purple-haired teen said with a kind tone. Bakugou let his arms fall beside him. It was like her touch had calmed him down instantaneously.

"You've just gotta tell yourself you're not all those things you are. Don't believe the negative thoughts," Hotaru sat there, forehead still between Bakugou's shoulder blades. Neither of them wanted to move. The room was dangerously quiet as Bakugou took a deep breath. Hotaru noticed the shakiness of it.

"Hey..." she made him face her, "Look at me." She gave him a warm smile; his face cupped in her hands.

"You're the bravest, strongest, and most prideful person I know. You have every right to be all of those things. I know you couldn't do anything in the forest and-to be honest-no one could have. It was a large attack that was unavoidable," she held Bakugou's hands in hers.

"Nothing that's happening right now is your fault. You're the same guy who is going to kick the shit out of his goals and become the number one hero," she said, a tear rolling down her cheek. She stared directly into his eyes, empathy shining through, for she had been in his situation before.

Bakugou's jaw hung open. A few moments later, he pulled Hotaru into a tight hug, little to no hesitation in his action. She hugged back, a bright smile beaming on her face.

Both teens were startled by the knock that came from the door. They jumped as Hotaru's nurse walked in, "Hope I'm not interrupting anything." Hotaru shook her head.

"You're fine," she sighed. The nurse nodded as she put a bag on Hotaru's bed.

"You ready?" the woman asked. Bakugou gave Hotaru a confused look.

"What's happening?" he asked. Hotaru quirked an eyebrow. She paused before chuckling nervously and scratching the base of her neck.

"I guess...I forgot to tell you I was getting discharged, today..." she forced a smile as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. Bakugou facepalmed.

"How do you forget something like that?"

"Sorry, Katsuki..."

Outside the Hospital...

Hotaru took in the outdoor air. When she exhaled, she smiled. Air with a scent that wasn't mixed with blood...Not something she thought she'd miss. Bakugou elbowed her gently.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked. Hotaru gave him a quizzical look.

"I figured that you'd like a few more days away from that bitch you call a mom," he shrugged. Hotaru smirked, a wave of relief washing over her. She had dreaded talking to her mother. She knew she'd be mad because she had to spend so much money on medical bills and medication that Hotaru would definitely not receive.

"Thank you," she sighed. Bakugou nodded towards the car waiting in front of them.

"The Old Hag called us a cab. She's making food, too," he explained. Hotaru shook her head as she approached the car.

"You're mom's so nice. You should really treat her better," she scolded before hopping in the back seat. Bakugou rolled his eyes as he got in next to her.

He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, "Whatever."

"I'm serious," Hotaru giggled. Bakugou frowned.

"And I'm the fucking King," he rolled his eyes. Hotaru playfully elbowed him in the ribs as the car rolled away from the hospital. She was excited. She could finally start her life again...

One Cab Ride Later...

Bakugou helped Hotaru out of the car. The girl instantly noticed they weren't at an apartment complex. She recognized the surrounding buildings and the small patch of forest behind them.

"Why are we here?" she asked. Bakugou stayed quiet as he grabbed Hotaru's arm and began walking.

"H-Hey!" the purple-haired girl let out a simple cry before ceasing all objections. She let herself be led through the forest. She felt a warmth in her heart when she realized Bakugou remembered the exact location...

"Come here," the blonde walked through the vines that had grown out to create a make-shift wall. Hotaru followed him to one of the stone benches. They sat down together.

"You never answered me, you know?" Hotaru joked, smirking slightly. Bakugou sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment.

"Did you really mean what you said?" he asked. Hotaru gave him a confused look but with a little thinking, she managed to guess what he was talking about.

"Of course! You're a certified badass!" she grinned, pushing Bakugou playfully. The blonde forced a dry chuckle as he pushed her back.

"You okay?" Hotaru asked, noticing Bakugou's sudden seriousness.

"I guess," the blonde sighed, running a hand through his hair. Hotaru looked off into the distant forest. The dense trees hid them from anyone else's view.

"You can talk to me, you know," she said softly. Bakugou frowned. He had paused. A few minutes later, he spoke with hesitation.

"Do you ever just think that you're meant for something greater-something bigger?" he asked. Hotaru raised an eyebrow.

"We all do in a way, yeah...What's this about?" she asked. Bakugou stood up. He held out his hand and Hotaru grabbed it, standing up, too. She looked directly into his eyes.

"I know there's so much shit that's happened to us-and it's still happening-but I don't know if I can do it alone. I used to not feel so lonely because I thought I only needed myself...but then you came," he said, staring right back into hers. Hotaru felt a lump form in her throat as he spoke.

"Katsuki, I-" "Shut up and listen."

"You were there for me even when I didn't want you to be. You stuck around and confided in me. I know it sounds so fucking stupid but I've wanted to protect you since we first met," Bakugou put his hands on Hotaru's shoulders. He held her tightly.

"You've done so much for me. I know I can never return all the favors...but I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate it. No one's ever helped me out as much as you," the purple-haired girl softened her gaze, the shine of newly-formed tears creating a glaze over her eyes.

'I love you for that...' she wanted to say. Her cheeks dusted themselves with a light pink color at the thought.

"But...I-I can't..."

"I can't drag you into my mess," Hotaru couldn't stop the falling tears. Bakugou gave her a quizzical look.

"What?" he furrowed his eyebrows.

"There are things beyond our control that I know is going to change so much someday. I don't want you to worry about me. I've made you do that enough and I hate myself for it," Hotaru sniffled as she whipped away her tears. Bakugou's expression turned serious.

"You think I haven't thought this through?" he asked, putting his arms around her waist. Hotaru's breath hitched as she was roughly pulled closer to Bakugou. The redness in her face deepened.

"I will fight your bitch-of-a-mother or whoever this is about. I'll win and I'll make sure you're happy. You've been sad for so fucking long. I think you need a break from all this shit."

When Hotaru looked into the boy's eyes, she knew what she saw. The intense fire of his stare made her body heat up. Did he actually share her feelings? Did he know what he was saying?

Hotaru bit her lip to stop herself from crying any more than she already had. Bakugou tilted his head down and brushed the tip of his nose against hers. The horned girl could feel his breath against her lips.

"I will protect you, Lizard Girl," Bakugou whispered gruffly. He slowly closed the distance between them. Hotaru put her hand on his chest but found she could only do that. Her body wouldn't allow her to stop him. She didn't really want to. She took a quick breath before their lips finally touched.

Hotaru's body was sent into override. She grew warm at the realization that he was so close. She could feel his body heat. Within a few seconds of him kissing her, she was giving in. She closed her eyes.

This was what she had been waiting for.

The way their mouths molded together perfectly was like finding a puzzle that you once tried to put together but never could. Once you located that hidden piece inside the box and put it together, you found the idea of finishing the puzzle after so long was a reward in and of itself.

Bakugou gently pressed himself into the kiss. It was surprising how gentle he was being. That was one of the few things her frantic mind could focus on at the moment. Bakugou somehow managed to pull her even closer. Hotaru's face was bright red and the blonde noticed that when he pulled away.

"You don't know how long I've wanted to do that," he said, voice low and a sly smirk spread on his face. Hotaru was speechless. She tried to talk but found she couldn't. She closed her eyes and silently cried.

"Katsuki...I...I-I don't know if I can..." she mumbled through her tears. She knew she had once tried to block herself off from things like human affection. She once thought she was incapable of loving for the simple fact she had always been told so by her mother and the kids at her old schools.

The fact that she never let herself experience it was something she wished she could change. Now she had the power to and it was with someone who was always there. Bakugou. Bakugou Katsuki was always there and had done so much for her. He was the true friend she always wanted. Now, she could make that something more.

Except she couldn't.

Hotaru watched him hesitate before turning around. He took a few steps then gave her an over the shoulder stare.

"Just think about it," the blonde said. Hotaru's face dropped when she heard the disappointment in his voice. She clenched her jaw and shaking fists as she watched him leave.

'I can't...'

Without thinking, Hotaru ran to Bakugou. He was at the entrance of the little garden so Hotaru was able to pick up a bit of speed. Once she got to him, she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, her tail also wrapping around his left leg.

He wasn't exactly expecting it so when she jumped, he fell back. Both of them hit the ground but neither of them mentioned it. Hotaru had her arms on either side of Bakugou's head, keeping him on the ground. She took a deep breath.

"I can't just watch you walk away, again," she said quietly. Bakugou put his hands on her hips as she straddled him. He didn't try to fight back and simply let her lead. Hotaru leaned down and pushed herself into the kiss.

The purple-haired girl had never kissed anyone, nor had she thought to practice, but she saw her mother do it with many men. That's the only way that woman has ever helped her...and, in the moment, she was grateful. Hotaru paused so she could breathe, her purple hair draping down and brushing Bakugou's chest. She locked eyed with the blonde again. He smirked.

"No one said you had to stop," he said slyly. Hotaru smiled and giggled light before returning to the task at hand.

Hotaru bit Bakugou's bottom lip a little harder than she meant to, drawing a little blood. Hotaru planted another passionate kiss onto his lips, taking the blood from him. Her flames burst to life. This time, however, they were your average red, orange, and yellow flames. The bursting embers danced around the two teens like fireflies.

The two were clearly in love. Bakugou got so caught up in the girl before him that he didn't even hear the buzzing of his phone. It didn't matter, anyways. The two teens deserved the moment. They deserved it and much more.

Can I just say that this chapter is long overdue? I wanted to make them get together in the training camp but couldn't think of a right way to write it. It may have taken a bit longer but I like it this way. I hope you all do, too!

Thanks again, Loves!

Special Thanks To...

sylvanahaster751

animegeek27

joshvarr99

Reviews!

Frost- I'm glad you understand my mess writing, hehe. Thanks for taking the time review. All I can say is yes. Yes, he will.