Chapter 33

3rd P.o.V

Hotaru was walking out of the speech pathology building where her vocal therapy was held. It was her last day and she was glad to be finished. The place smelled like an old folk's home and there were a few people inside that disturbed her. However, her day got better when she saw Bakugou waiting for her, leaning against a cab.

"Finally. I've been out here for like twenty minutes," the blonde complained.

'Tell him to suck it up,' Kiyo spat. Hotaru was glad she was starting to talk more. The spirit was getting more comfortable with how things would be now that she wasn't the only one who wanted to protect Hotaru.

The purple-haired girl playfully hit Bakugou in the stomach. "Come on, you big baby," she giggled as she got into the cab.

"Hey, you're the one who cried when we watched that stupid robot movie," the blonde scoffed. Hotaru pouted.

"He just wanted to rebuild the Earth and love his little space girlfriend! His robot heart was more human than any of those bastards on that ship," she cried. Bakugou laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She smiled and blushed as she put her head on his shoulder.

"I've got my own little space girlfriend," he said.

Hotaru giggled as she gave him a playful shove, "That was way too corny." Bakugou snickered as he wrapped his arms around the girl. When she tried to escape his grasp, he planted kisses on her neck, receiving a giggle-like-squeal in response.

Soon, the car rolled to a stop and the two were forced to end their little interaction. Bakugou paid the driver and they both got out. They had arrived at the mall, the location of their first real date. UA would be starting classes again in a week and Bakugou figured that he'd take Hotaru shopping. While she was originally against it because she didn't want him wasting money on her, he insisted. When Hotaru realized he wasn't going to back down, she caved but promised herself that she wouldn't ask for anything.

"So, where to, first?" Hotaru held Bakugou's hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"You hungry?" she nodded to his question.

"Starving," she whined. Bakugou smirked as he began walking.

"Then let's eat," he whispered in her ear. The two made their way to the food court where Bakugou bought some pizza and drinks then sat down at a table with Hotaru. The small girl scarfed down the food like it was nothing.

"Damn...I know you have that chick stuck in your head but do you eat for her, too?" the blonde in front of her had asked. Hotaru rolled her eyes.

'Murder him. Murder him, now,' Kiyo deadpanned.

"Laugh it up. You'll pay for it later," Hotaru winked as she got up to throw the trash away.

"Oh, really? How?" Bakugou raised an eyebrow. He leaned back in his chair so he could watch the purple-haired girl. For a moment, he was mesmerized by the playful sway of her tail. She turned around with a half-smile and a hand on her hip.

"You've got a picture of you in your room," she stated matter-of-factly. Bakugou shook his head and set his chair legs down, clicking his tongue.

"That's a normal thing, dumb-" "It's of you and Midoriya."

The blonde froze. He frowned as he stared at Hotaru.

"There were other-" "They were cropped. Don't think I didn't see that. I know why you're hard on him, Katsuki. Hell, you treat him the worst, but I know you have good intentions," Hotaru walked until she stood behind him. Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows at her smugness.

"Whatever," he spat, turning away from the girl. Hotaru sighed before lightly grabbing his face. She pulled him back a bit, making his chair balanced on its back legs. She then leaned over him until their faces weren't but an inch apart.

"I don't want to fight today, so please try to be in a good mood," she closed the space between them and kissed him. This seemed to calm down the loud blonde.

"Let's keep going," Hotaru smiled. Bakugou nodded and stood up. He took Hotaru's hand and made it look like he was going to kiss her. Then, he stopped halfway through the movement. Hotaru raised an eyebrow.

"Now we're even," he whispered before pecking Hotaru on the forehead. The purple-haired girl wore an impressed expression and a light blush as she began walking again.

'You two confuse me,' Kiyo said with her uncertainty clear in her voice. Hotaru giggled.

'You'll get used to it,' she replied inside her mind. Kiyo got quiet, allowing her host to have her time alone with her boyfriend. Needless to say, the teen was thankful.

Later...

Hotaru raised an eyebrow as she watched Bakugou carry her shopping bags with a sour expression. Sometime during their date, Bakugou figured out that Hotaru wasn't going to buy anything and practically threatened her until she began to ask for things she saw. Then, when carrying the bags to the car, refused to let her hold them.

Kiyo had said the blonde was trying to show off but Hotaru retorted it by saying it was only three bags and he didn't have to show off for her. He had done more impressive things, after all.

"You know I can carry three bags, right?" the purple-haired girl had to stop herself from laughing. Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows.

"Shut up," he spat. The girl shook her head and sighed. Suddenly, Kiyo pointed something out that Hotaru had failed to notice. They were walking around the parking lot with no clear goal in mind.

'Hotaru, where is the vehicle?'

"You didn't think to call a car, did you?" Hotaru asked, raising one of her eyebrows. Bakugou froze. His shoulders and head dropped. His girlfriend gave him a pat on the back.

"It's okay, Katsuki. We'll walk," she smiled genuinely. The blonde sighed as he picked himself up and began walking with her. She linked her arm with his and kept her warm smile.

"Are you ready for school to start again?" she attempted to strike up a conversation. Bakugou grinned.

"Hell, yeah. I'm gonna kick everyone's ass!" he raised his voice a bit. Hotaru flinched, her sensitive ears twitching.

The loud boy next to her narrowed his eyes, "Sorry."

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're happy," she said. She leaned over and gave Bakugou a peck on the cheek. The blonde smirked.

"Thanks, Lizard Girl."

The two made it back to Bakugou's house. The blonde sat the bags down as Hotaru sighed and she dropped down onto his couch. Suddenly, a big yawn escaped the depths of her chest and throat.

"I'm so tired," the small female mumbled. Bakugou sat down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"You just walked for not even an hour. How can you be tired?" he asked, giving her a puzzled look as she rubbed her eyes. Hotaru shrugged before resting her head on his shoulder.

"Don't question me," she slurred quietly as she closed her eyes. Bakugou couldn't help the smirk that overcame his facial features as he watched her fall asleep. She shifted briefly, snuggling up to the blonde boy's chest. The best part about the moment was that it was so quiet, he was able to hear her talk in her sleep.

"I love you..." she mumbled. Bakugou's face dropped, but not in a bad way. He pondered the words while they were still fresh in his mind. It was the first time she had said to them...Did she mean it? Bakugou shook his head, facepalming at the idea.

'Damn it...' the blonde thought. Of course, she didn't mean it, she was asleep! The words did give Bakugou butterflies in his stomach. He would have said it back if she was awake. Instead of worrying over a missed opportunity, he kissed her forehead and rested his head against hers. He would save that awkward conversation for another time but for now, he wanted to simply enjoy her company.

That Morning...

When Bakugou woke up with no one beside him, he panicked and began to search around the house for Hotaru. He realized that the only thing he was going to find was a note. He sighed before opening it, his eyes feasting on fancy, script, handwriting

"She needs to go home. I don't approve of you two but, sadly, it's not my decision. She enjoys your company and you can provide for her. I don't think I could change her mind, anyway. Sincerely, Kiyo Hime."

Bakugou scoffed before putting the folded paper back down, "Damn. Does she have to show up every time Lizard Girl sleeps?" He grabbed a bottle of water from his fridge and dropped down onto the couch. He missed Hotaru's warmth being next to him but knew that he had to get used to being without her sometimes. His mind wandered back to the night before.

'I love you...'

He didn't have time to think about his thoughts or even figure them out before a beeping came from his pocket. He begrudgingly took his phone out and scanned the screen.

"Hey, Katsuki, I'm sorry about Kiyo. I'm still pissed at her for leaving...Anyway, I hope you had a good night's sleep. I did, at least. I had fun yesterday and we should do it again! Unfortunately, I'm busy today but I'll see you soon!"

A small smirk made its way onto the blonde's face as he red the message from the purple-haired girl. He missed her already...

...

Hotaru frowned as she walked the streets with All Might. She had woken up on his couch and instantly freaked out. Kiyo had calmed her down when she told her host that she had taken control and left Bakugou's apartment. Needless to say, Hotaru was still salty.

'Your body is still weak. That little trip yesterday took more out of you than usual. I was simply looking out for your health,' Kiyo said. Hotaru, of course, ignored her.

"Are you sure you want to come with me? You seem pretty...agitated," All Might pointed out, feeling a little nervous himself. Hotaru sighed.

"Just a little internal conflict is all," she said with a slightly acidic tone. The blonde man's sweat fell.

He cleared his throat, "Well...is there anything you want to do while we're out?" Hotaru thought for a moment.

She suddenly smiled, "Do you feel like ice cream?" the man next to her smirked back, happy that his attempt at a change of conversation topic had worked.

"Alright, then," he chuckled as they continued walking.

'Hotaru...listen,' Kiyo instructed. Hotaru raised an eyebrow as she focused on her enhanced hearing.

"Is that him?"

"Poor man."

"He was so great..."

The purple-haired girl's ears twitched as she picked up the murmurs of the passersby on the street. She narrowed her eyes.

'He's not dead, geez...' she thought as she looked up at All Might. His change in facial expressions told her that he had heard the people, too...

"What do you...What do you do about them?" Hotaru asked reservedly. All Might shrugged.

"If you hear things like that then it means you've left behind something worth remembering. I take pride in the whispers," he said with a sombre smile.

Hotaru stared at him with confusion and intrigue, "I guess you're right..." Her train of thought led her to a question she was hesitant to ask.

'Don't you dare ask that,' Kiyo spat. Hotaru ignored her once again.

"What's going to happen to my mom?" she finally mustered up the courage to speak. All Might paused.

"She...She'll be in custody for a while, I can tell you that. Because of that, you are no longer able to be in her care. You will be placed in foster care and will have to be adopted," he said. Hotaru's eyes fell to the ground at the revelation.

"Oh..." she mumbled. There was a moment of silence. All Might stopped walking and Hotaru realized about five feet later.

"I was thinking of putting in an application..." the hero said. Hotaru's confused expression soon turned to one of shock.

"S-Sir, don't feel like-" "No, no, I want to," All Might shook his head.

"I would just like to ask you if that's what you wanted. I mean, there's still a chance I won't be the one to receive...Well...Are you okay with it?" he asked. Hotaru was frozen. She didn't know what to say or how to even react.

Being All Might's foster child? That seemed like a dream to most kids. Even if he wasn't the number one hero, he still had a legacy worth remembering. That was what he meant earlier. Being a part of something like that...Well, it might have once seemed impossible to Hotaru. Now, she wasn't even sure if she should know the meaning of the word.

"Yes," the purple-haired girl's teary eyes gleamed as she gave the blonde man a big, fanged, grin.

Two Days Later...

Hotaru's P.o.V

The time had come. My new family was mere minutes away...It was scary, yet exhilarating. I could barely contain my excitement and nervousness. I was just so excited to become All Might's daughter!

He had told me that his name was Toshinori Yagi and I didn't have to call him by his hero name but it was taking some getting used to. I understood, though. His career was over, after all, and I was probably about to be his daughter so it was only right.

I wanted to show the man that he wasn't making a mistake. I was going to make my new home different than my last. All Mi-I mean-Toshinori deserved that much after everything that had happened to him and how much he gave to society...After how much he gave to me...

We were in the courtroom waiting for my adoption to be finalized. I was so nervous that I could barely sit still. I unconsciously bounced my leg.

Kiyo lectured me about how it made me look unsophisticated and I should stop. I felt a bead of sweat roll down my forehead as I apologized and stopped. She gave up on me when I started fidgeting with the hem of my skirt, instead.

Speaking of clothing, I was dressed in a simple white dress with black shoes and knee-high socks. The rest of my hair was pulled up into a high ponytail with long bangs framing the side of my face. Toshinori was just wearing the yellow suit he usually wore to work.

We waited as the judge evaluated our case and read it out loud for the stenographer to record. I held Toshinori's hand tightly and bit my lip, unconsciously drawing a little blood.

'Calm down, Hotaru. There is no reason for them to deny you a new family. Especially when it's him. Everything will be okay,' Kiyo encouraged me. I took a deep breath.

'I know...I'm just...anxious...'

After a little bit of waiting, the judge smiled and announced that I was now, officially, Toshinori Hotaru.

I simply couldn't contain my emotions, allowing a stream of tears to fall down my cheeks. A great grin had taken over my face as I wrapped my arms around my new parent. He hugged back, allowing me to cry my joyful tears as he gently put a hand on the back of my head.

"Thank you so much, Sir," my voice cracked as I sniffled. The blonde man hugging me had chuckled in response.

"We're going to face the future together," he said with a loving tone.

'Congratulations, Hotaru. This is everything you ever wanted and I'm happy for you,' Kiyo said. I internally thanked her then looked up at Toshinori. I smiled from ear to ear.

"You saved me once again."

To Be Continued...

It's settled...I will be making a sequel to this story. I'll probably wait a little bit so that I can focus on my other stories for a bit and maybe go back and revise the older chapters of this one.

Thank you to rsaenz18 and Tyrrenxd for helping me make this decision, by the way!

Look out for Lizard Girl; Season of The Damned

Special Thanks To...

pandragonic

Zonta

MercifulOmega

Snowball A.K.A. WinterWolf