Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, please enjoy! Also unedited chapter, sorry!
Song Inspiration: Touch by Little Mix
THIRTY | TOUCH
Ochaco walked alongside Kirishima as they went on their mid-afternoon patrol. Bakugo still had another week of recuperation, and by some sort of miracle he was actually resting. It made her worry, since nothing seemed to slow him down for long. That being said, he had never been so badly injured before.
Four days ago, Kamui Woods brought the team together. While they had a few more pieces to the puzzle that was the Daizen 7, they still hadn't come up with anything concrete. Fujimori, their illusive leader, had a powerful quirk that they didn't quite understand. His four followers were undoubtedly loyal, and together they could get just about anywhere in the world. That had them all on edge. Endeavor and Hawks told everyone it would be best to limit electronic information since Ryota, the technopath, was able to intercept messages for intel.
Not only had they learned more about their overall abilities, Shinso believed that everyone in the organization was expendable. He shared the story of Kenzaki, who took his own life in fear of being potentially tortured by the Daizen 7's lackeys. With that information, Shinso and Eraserhead said they would further investigate former contacts and see what they could find out. Meanwhile, Todoroki and Momo were busy trying to pinpoint their headquarters. How they would do that with such little information, Ochaco wasn't sure.
"Going on a patrol almost seems bland now, knowing what we're really up against," Kirishima said, hands behind his head, eyes gazing up through the skyscrapers of downtown Kyoto. He was right too. The patrol had been rather uneventful, but perhaps that was a good thing. "I guess it goes to show that even with dangerous villains looming over us, life goes on."
Ochaco chuckled. "You're sounding rather philosophical over there."
"Well, I did have a near death experience. These past few years, I've never been so close to death before. It's kinda scary, you know?"
"You made it out alive," Ochaco said, stopping at an intersection. "But I get what you mean."
Kirishima dropped his arms to his side and smiled at her. "Sorry, I don't mean to be all doom and gloom."
"No, it's okay. This is part of being a hero, we should talk about the dark sides of our job sometimes."
"I guess you're right about that."
The light changed, allowing the pedestrians to cross. They continued a couple more blocks to the southern end of downtown. A few people recognized them, asking for autographs and pictures, which they both obliged. They headed west, going back to the agency.
Cars zoomed past as rush hour rolled in. Ochaco peeked into the various brick and mortar shops, taking in the bittersweet smells of cafes, listening to the sounds of people chattering and the crinkle of shopping bags. Crows hung out in the trees lining the sidewalk, and the glass of the skyscrapers glistened like a million jewels.
For a brief moment, Ochaco wished this was how things could always be. She understood what Hawks meant when he whined about wishing they lived in a world where heroes had more free time. The bad never seemed to go away though, there would always be something.
"How's Bakugo been?" Kirishima asked, sneaking a sideways glance at Ochaco.
Her cheeks warmed. Since Bakugo had been released from the hospital two days ago, she had gone to have dinner with him. And she had been texting him throughout the day to check up on him, which Kirishima had noticed yesterday during lunch.
"You two have gotten close since that trip to the beach house." Kirishima smirked. "Bakugo isn't good at feelings and expressing himself, but I think he likes you. A lot."
Ochaco pressed her lips together, her face was on fire. Nothing officially was going on between them. They were something more than friends, but not exactly in a relationship. And she'd be hard pressed to say they were dating. It wasn't like they had even gone on an official date. Sure, they went on a cross country adventure, climbed a mountain, and even kissed a couple of times, was that really dating though?
"I'm sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?" Kirishima asked with a small laugh. "I'm happy for him, and you. Bakugo has never ever shown true interest in a woman before and I'm just relieved he's finally living a little."
Ochaco smiled. "I'll be honest, Bakugo has surprised me."
"Oh?"
"There's a kindness in him that I never knew existed."
Kirishima nodded. "Remember back in the club, when I told you that Bakugo was about 98 percent rage? I would say that since you came around, he's more at 90 percent rage."
Ochaco laughed. "You think so?"
"Definitely."
An explosion sounded from their right. Kirishima and Ochaco whipped toward the sound. Smoke billowed over the building like wispy towers. The two exchanged looks, then raced down the narrow side street toward the commotion. A few clusters of people gathered along the path. Ochaco weaved through them, while Kirishima told people to call for emergency crews in case people had been hurt.
When Ochaco reached the other end of the side street, flames overtook several buildings. She counted five buildings caught in a fiery swirl. Deep from within the inferno, a pained cry bellowed and rang in Ochaco's ears. It didn't sound quite human either. Kirishima came to her side, eyes scanning the scene in front of them. The heat was violent and oppressive. In a way, it seemed to have a mind of its own. The arms of the flames stretched out, trying to grab onto other buildings.
The sky above faded away, becoming a thick veil of gray smoke. People gathered around, both amazed and fearful of the flames. Ochaco shouted for them to get back and turned to Kirishima. "We need to evacuate anyone inside."
"Hold on!" Kirishima grabbed hold of her before she could go charging in. "These flames, they're not normal."
Ochaco's brow furrowed then she looked back at the flames. He was right. Despite being wild and lashing out with great fury, they weren't spreading beyond those few buildings. That being said, the heat had her sweating. She wiped her forehead and gazed into the flames. They were alive somehow like they had a mind of their own. As if they were searching for someone or something.
A figure of a large man lumbered in the flames. He staggered forward, skin falling from his bone, skin charring with each passing second. Ochaco covered her mouth as he lifted his hand, reaching for her. The flames wrapped around his arms like a vining plant. The stench of burning hair and burning flesh stung her nose.
Kirishima gagged, covering his face. "What the hell is going on?"
"Someone else is in there with him!" Ochaco pointed to another that walked around the burning man. He wasn't burning though. The flames didn't seem to cause the slightest bit of harm to him. She focused on the unharmed figure. Her eyes widened upon realization of who it was: Daichi Shinoda. Before she could process anything further, he smirked and a glittering red rod soared straight for her.
"Uraraka!" Kirishima jumped in front of her, body hardening. The red rod slammed into his arms, fracturing his skin. He stumbled back, as the red rod pushed against him. Ochaco fell to the side and gasped as Kirishima was slammed into a parked car. The metal and glass waned and groaned as his hardened body struck it. The rod pulled back in the blink of an eye and Daichi shook his head. He turned to the flaming man and said something to him.
"Kirishima! Look out!" Ochaco screamed as the inferno man leapt into the air and came crashing down toward him.
The impact created a large crater. The asphalt fractured and the car Kirishima had been on had nearly bent in half. She rose to her feet and ran toward the hole, but something grabbed hold of her ankle and flung her into a telephone pole. The breath in her lungs hitched and pain radiated through her body. She hit the ground and tried to get up on shaking hands and knees.
"I promise I won't kill ya," Daichi said with a smirk. He approached, her vision spotty and blurred. "At least not yet. We might need you."
Ochaco coughed, her breathing heavy. She grasped her upper arm, searching for the weighted ring. Her eyes flickered to Daichi as he stood a couple of paces from her, long red spears like tendrils came from his back, pointing at her. Ochaco took in a deep breath and in a swift motion, pulled the ring from her arm and flung it his way. Just as it was about to strike him, she pressed her finger pads together. "Release!"
The disk smashed into his chest, knocking him onto the ground. He groaned, shoving the weapon off his chest. Ochaco turned to the crater, Kirishima climbed out, blood dripping from the side of his face. The inferno man charged him.
They collided. Kirishima braced and the inferno man drove him back with ferocity of an enraged beast. Sirens wailed in the distance. Ochaco had her doubts that fire crews would be able to douse the flames. The streets had cleared of civilians. Kirishima shoved the inferno man back, his body sharp lines and powerful ridges. He'd entered his Unbreakable form and charged the man with his fist pulled back.
Inferno man flew back into a shop, crashing through the glass. The flames around the buildings died, but his body remained alight. Kirishima dropped onto one knee, his hardening broke away. He touched his wound, examining the blood on his hands.
Ochaco walked over to him, but stopped in the middle of the street. A geyser of flame erupted from the building inferno man laid in. Her eyes widened as his body floated into the air, arms outstretched. He threw his head back and screamed. Red hot fractures cracked along his body, his skin black as ink. A tornado of flame swirled around the city block, leaving only ash and rubble in its wake.
Kirishima darted to Ochaco and pulled her against him, activating his hardening. She buried her face in her hands. The extreme heat singed her clothing and burned her skin. Inferno man continued to scream as the flames swirled around. The sirens had been drowned out, people cried out as their homes and business were set ablaze.
Ochaco peered over Kirishima's shoulder. Daichi had vanished. He must have lost control of his monster. The tornadoes died away, but a few fires continued to swell on the buildings and few trees scattered along the street. Cars exploded as flames engulfed them. Ochaco flinched as debris battered them. Kirishima trembled then collapsed.
"Kirishima," Ochaco gasped, dropping down beside him. His body was covered in burns and scorch marks. Tears welled in her eyes as he laid on the ground, gasping for air. She shook her head and looked to inferno man. He had landed on the ground, his eyes glowing a feral red like the demon he was.
Her eyes flicked to a sewer cap to her left. The amount of rubble and glass and fractures in the asphalt would be a perfect amount of weapons. She had to be fast and hold nothing back. Clearing her mind, Ochaco focused on one thing: stop inferno man. She placed her hand on the sewer cap, holding it up like a weightless feather then flung it at inferno man. Her target was his head, knock him out, keep him down for as long as possible. Upon impact, she released her quirk. The inferno man toppled over, slamming into the ground.
She ran toward a couple of cars parked just ahead on her right. When her hands touched them both, they floated into the air. As they rose like balloons, Ochaco thrust them forward. Inferno man rose to his feet, unleashing a wave of flames. The cars exploded like bombs. Ochaco went flying backward, rolling along the ground. Glass tore at her hero costume and gravel scraped her face. A groan escaped her as she pushed herself onto her knees. She brushed the gravel from her face and glared at the inferno man.
He soared forward, landing beside Kirishima. His body burst into flame and he screeched, reaching down to grab Kirishima. Ochaco swiped her hands across the rubble surrounding her. Brick-sized pieces of rubble floated around her, shards of glass glinted in the firelight. She rose to her feet and sent the debris flying. The stones and glass pelted inferno man. He didn't block anything, but at least his attention had shifted to her. Ochaco panted, sweat beaded on her forehead.
"I'll kill you," he seethed.
"Not if we kill you first," Kirishima said, kicking the inferno man's legs out from under him. When he landed on the ground, Kirishima's hardening covered his body and he knelt over the ground, unleashing a flurry of punches.
After several powerful strikes, Kirishima got off the guy and stepped back. The inferno man didn't move, his flames had gone out. Ochaco let out a breath of relief. They had finally brought that thing down.
"Are you okay?" Kirishima asked, making his way to Ochaco.
She nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay." Her eyes widened, the inferno man floated into the air, flames coming from the cracks in his body. Before she could say anything, he latched onto Kirishima and flung him into a nearby building. She gasped as Kirishima burst through the brick wall and into the metal shelves within the store.
"Burn! Burn! Burn!" he wailed, throwing his hands in the air. Flames engulfed his body and he bolted toward Ochaco.
"Shit!" Ochaco dove out of the way.
The inferno man whipped around and snarled at her. He charged her once again. Ochaco flung a couple of trash cans to deter him. He knocked them away with ease and soared toward her. His hands clasped around her neck, the heat singed her skin. Ochaco cried out in pain. He slammed her into a brick wall, tightening his hold. He lifted her from the ground, her legs dangled inches from the ground. She clawed at his wrist and kicked wildly, but it was futile.
"Why are you doing this?" Ochaco choked out, squeezing her eyes closed as he slammed her into the wall. Her vision blurred and everything was spinning. "Stop! Please!"
The inferno man opened his mouth, a red hot glow swelled in the back of his throat. Embers fluttered out of his mouth and heat brushed against Ochaco's cheeks. She struggled to break free, but her strength was draining fast as oxygen left her body. Tears welled in the corner of her eyes and a scream escaped her.
"That's enough," Daichi said.
Ochaco was fading. She couldn't breath.
"Kill," Inferno man hissed.
Daichi scoffed and seven tendrils shot from his back and pierced the inferno man. Just before Ochaco passed out, his body burst into rubble and crumbled into a messy pile on the floor. Ochaco slid down the wall and coughed, grabbing hold of her blistered neck. She trembled as her eyes met Daichi's.
"Why?"
"I told you," he said as one tendril sliced across her cheek. Ochaco hissed, flinching away from the tendril. Daichi pulled them back and smirked. "We still need you alive for now." He stuffed his hands into the pocket of his dark gray blazer and walked away.
"Wait!" Ochaco cried out.
"We'll meet again." Daichi said before disappearing into the wisps of smoke.
Ochaco let out a shaky breath then collapsed on the ground. She could keep her eyes open anymore. It was too hard, so she gave in and fell into the darkness.
-xXx-
The fire that overtook an entire city block in the southern part of Kyoto had been all over the news for the past two days. Kirishima and Uraraka had been found unconscious at the scene and were immediately rushed to the hospital to have their injuries treated. Kirishima had received multiple first and second degree burns, his hardening had protected him from most of the heat. Uraraka, on the other hand, had received third degree burns around her neck.
The doctors had healed her as best they could, but some scaring remained. Despite what had happened, Uraraka had been adamant about going back to work after a few days of rest. She told Kamui Woods about what Daichi had said to her. His response had been that if they were going to target her anyway, she might as well remain on the case. Bakugo didn't care much for that at all, but at the same time he couldn't argue with her or their boss. He did the same thing after his hand and spinal injury, so it would only make him a hypocrite.
Regardless, Bakugo still didn't want to just ignore that both Kirishima and Uraraka had been attacked and nearly killed. He had just finished visiting with Kirishima, who would be going home tomorrow morning. To Bakugo's surprise, Kirishima apologized to him for not being able to protect Uraraka and even went so far to say had Bakugo been there she probably never would have gotten so badly injured.
Bakugo shut all that down the second it left his best friend's mouth. He bumped his fist against Kirishima's shoulder and gave a small smile. "You kept her alive and you fought hard, you did everything I would have done."
Kirishima stared at him for a moment then stifled a laugh. "Thanks, man."
Sometimes Bakugo didn't understand why Kirishima thought less of himself. Civilians loved him, he was ranked in the top forty heroes, and many companies sought after him to endorse their products. He was an awesome role model for aspiring heroes and even those who were heroes. Bakugo admired him; it was the main reason he'd asked him to join him at Kamui Woods Agency and worked with him as a partner.
At the other end of the burn ward, Bakugo stopped outside of Uraraka's room. The day of the attack, he rushed to the hospital to see her. Unfortunately, she had been unconscious, but the damage to the skin at her neck never left his mind. The blisters, the swelling, the deep red spots, and peeling skin had him terrified. She had woken up the following morning and Bakugo stayed by her side until visiting hours were over. She swore up and down that she was fine, but he just couldn't believe how bad her injuries were.
Bakugo sighed and knocked on the door before sliding it open. He peered inside and saw Uraraka reading one of those silly romance books of hers. He'd actually brought it to her the other day. She looked up from her book and smiled as he came inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He walked over and stood at the edge of her bed.
She closed her book and placed it on the bedside table. "For someone who hates hospitals you sure do like to hang around in them."
Bakugo scoffed. "Well, if my two friends hadn't gone and caught on fire I wouldn't have to be here."
She laughed. "Well, we're both being released tomorrow and then all your pain and suffering will be over."
"Not all of it," Bakugo said as he sat on the edge of the bed. "They're targeting you."
"I'll be okay."
"I know, but I'm still…"
Uraraka raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. "Worried."
"If you want to put a label on it."
She giggled. "Look at you, showing a softer side."
Bakugo snorted and looked away. His cheeks warmed. The walls of her room were eggshell white and aside from the ocean scape painting hanging on the wall over her bed, there wasn't not much else to it. That's the real reason he hated hospital, they were so bleak and dull and just sucked the life out of everything. For a place meant to give people a chance to live, they sure didn't care to make the place feel lively.
"I was thinking about why they would target me. While I'm on the case, I've never really done anything to gain their ire. Do you remember that woman we were supposed to meet back at Mt. Kurama?"
Bakugo looked at her and nodded. "What about it?"
"I asked Kamui Woods about her yesterday. He said she could create gravity spheres and fire them around like cannonballs."
"Okay, so what?"
"Though it hasn't been confirmed, we've assumed that she's been killed by the Daizen 7."
"Sure."
"What if they are after quirks? We know they are specifically looking for healing type quirks. What if they have other niche types as well."
"You think they want some type of gravity quirk."
"Yes."
"What for?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but that lizard thing that attacked you," Uraraka paused and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I think it was created with Ryukyu's Dragon quirk."
Bakugo turned his eyes to the grey speckled linoleum floor. He had to admit, it wasn't a far stretch. The lizard had in some ways seemed dragon-like with those razor claws and scaled armor like skin. Then he started connecting the dots further. At the meeting last week, Hawks and Endeavor spoke of Fujimori being able to create dolls. Living, breathing beings. That being said, they didn't mention anything about him being able to create living dolls with quirks. He stood up and paced in front of Uraraka's bed, the gears were spinning in his mind.
Daichi Shinoda. He could manipulate blood. Crystalizing it into weapons. Bakugo stopped pacing and turned to Uraraka, meeting her gaze. He licked his lips and gripped the footboard of her bed. "Daichi and Fujimori are combining their quirks."
Uraraka blinked. "You think so?"
"It makes sense. Fujimori makes the dolls, Daichi gets people's quirks through their blood. Ryukyu was the only one of the pros that had been completely drained of her blood. It's definitely a viable lead."
"Daichi did cut my face." She touched her bandaged cheek. "But I don't think he got much."
"One drop was already too much."
Uraraka's cheeks flushed a pale pink then she smiled. "You know what, let's not talk about work."
Bakugo raised an eyebrow and shifted his weight from one leg to another. He had come in with the intention of telling her a lot of things, but now all of those issues had left his mind. Except for one. And when he was walking to the hospital, he had all the courage to say it. Being in front of her, he was suddenly freaked out by the thought of asking...no, telling her he wanted her to stay at his place until the whole Daizen 7 situation was taken care of. She'd probably refuse, but if she was a target for them then he'd feel better if she was close by. Besides he had a second bedroom, it wasn't like she'd have to sleep on the couch or anything. And even if he didn't have a second room, he'd take the couch.
"What's the matter?" Uraraka asked.
Bakugo cleared his throat and shook his head. "Nothing, I just...you know what never mind."
"No, come on, tell me."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just that…"
Uraraka patted the empty space beside her on the bed.
He obliged and joined her on the bed. This just wasn't the kind of thing Bakugo did. At least not with a woman that he truly cared about. He'd asked women on dates, he'd invited them to his place before, and all those types of things, but for whatever reason this was different. A good, but stressful kind of different.
Uraraka placed her hand on top of his and gave it a gentle squeeze. He stared at her hand for a moment, then glanced up at her eyes. She smiled at him, that shine was blinding. "Whatever it is, just say it. No judgement."
Was it judgement he was afraid of? No. That wasn't it. His concern came from something a little more deep. More of a fear of her rejecting him. And maybe she wouldn't, but if she did he couldn't force her. It was a big thing to ask, especially when they weren't even dating or a couple or whatever. They were friends. However, friends don't have romantic feelings for each other. Sure, there is love, but not the holding hands, kissing, and intimate types of love.
"Bakugo?" Uraraka poked his cheek.
He stiffened and grabbed her hand, locking eyes with her. "I want you to stay with me until this Daizen 7 situation is under control."
Her eyes widened with what appeared to be surprise, but that was a good thing right? She opened her mouth, clearly at a loss for words as she clamped it shut then glanced around the room. Her hand remained in his though, she never pulled it away, nor did she try.
Bakugo swallowed. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I would feel better if I knew you were safe at night."
She smiled, but remained silent.
"I have a spare room that you could use." Bakugo bit the inside of his cheek. Nervousness waved throughout his body, but he did his best to stay firm and confident on the outside. He hated that he was putting her on the spot. The two of them were still figuring out what was going on between them. Or he was at least. He had feelings for her, strong feelings.
Uraraka laced her fingers with his. "Are you sure?"
The feeling of fingers interlocking with him had his entire body melting. That simple touch had him bubbling with excitement. His lips curled into a smile and he nodded. "Yes."
Uraraka bit her bottom lip. "You know, most guys ask a girl on a date before asking her to live with them."
Bakugo closed his eyes and laughed. Humor was a good sign. She wasn't just telling him what he wanted to hear. He glanced at the bandages wrapped around her neck. What happened to her...he wouldn't let it happen to her ever again. "I figure we go to the beat of our own drum."
She giggled. "I think that is a good way to do it."