Festival Preparations

Estelle sat on the couch as the class behind her held a meeting about the festival a month away. Her tongue peeked out between her lips as Estelle concentrated on the wooden strings on her lap. Her eyes squinted as she wove the pieces together in an intricate way. She would never have expected to make one of these things for herself, but there was a first time for everything.

She ignored the shiver on her neck from the feeling of being observed. Figuring that it was a classmate, Estelle didn't fulfil her innate need to look behind her in favour of completing her makeshift creation perfectly. She didn't know how Kiko did it so well; he must have had practice on his side.

The bracelet was nearing completion when she heard the students' voices behind her. Tying the final pieces together, Estelle held a small smile of achievement as she placed the jewellery on her wrist. It had felt odd with her wrist bare, and she figured it wouldn't hurt having something to tide her over for the time being.

"What should we do?!" Ashido asked, catching Estelle's attention. Turning to face the class, her eyes briefly ruby gazing at her before making it to the female in question.

"I don't know much about popular music, so I'll leave that up to you guys", Ojiro stated bashfully.

Estelle watched in confusion as Jiro talked in terms that she didn't recognise. "Does anybody play base or anything?"

"What's that?" Estelle asked with bordom. The class turned to her, stunned by her innocent question. Bakugo was the only one who understood why she was asking. Estelle had become fond of music, but that didn't mean she knew the ins and outs of it. She recalled the previous conversation with the blonde, her mouth turning into an o shape as she answered her own question.

'It's stuff to make music.'

The class didn't really know how to respond to that, so Estelle waved them off to continue conversing with themselves. When Bakugo started hitting something, Estelle looked up again to view the scene, a deeper understanding hitting her as she listened to the beat.

'Oh, so they hit that to make the sound.'

"That was awesome! You've got to be our drummer!"

"No way am I making a fool of myself up on that stage. We're doing this because we wanna let the other courses blow off some steam, right? But we're the ones who caused the stress to begin with. So, we're just trying to make ourselves feel better. This is gonna seem like a slap in the face from the people they can't stand," Bakugo snarked back as he pushed to leave the room.

"Don't be rude! We're just trying to help!" Hagakure screeched out as an angry cloud flowed out of her invisible body.

"That kinda thinking is what I'm talking about! Why do we have to be so concerned about how these weaklings feel? Stop trying to get on their good side! We're not here to make friends; we're here to fight! If we're gonna put on a good show, then we can't hold anything back! Let's murder everyone in UA with killer music!"

"Bakugo!" Classmates shrieked out as they rushed to gather around him. Estelle stayed by the couch, watching the scene with a strange feeling pilling at her gut. A low smile glinted at her lips from his aggressive words. It was classic Bakugo. It almost made her feel warm.

It was the evening when Estelle made it back to the dorms. She had strolled in with the work-study crew as they had coincidentally met on the way back. Estelle didn't need to catch up like the rest of them; she caught up when she could, and luckily Mr Aizawa was pretty lenient on her in terms of grades and homework.

The class were still talking about their plans for the event. Estelle listened with confusion as they tried to inform the group of everyone's roles in the concert. Estelle was a bit clueless on her own part to play. She point-blank refused to dance.

"Who'll be singing?" Tsu asked.

Estelle took a step back; she also refused to partake in that. "Not me." She muttered back resolutely.

Estelle left the group to make some tea from the stash Momo had left in the kitchen for her. Sighing to herself, she strolled back in with her mug and took a seat on the couch. Happily ignoring everyone else, Estelle was startled to hear angelic singing.

Turning around, Estelle watched with the rest of the class as Jiro sang. It was soothing, and Estelle found that she liked music even more. Shifting back to her mug as the class cheered for their student. Estelle fell back into a blissful bubble. She held no use for them, so she would drink her beverage with all the joy she didn't have. Estelle liked her bubbles.

From the few brief phrases that Estelle had overheard by accident, she knew that the class were still figuring out the logistics of who was doing what. Sadly, before her cup had finished. Her heaven was interrupted by Ashido.

"So, do you want to be a part of the dance crew?" She invited sweetly; the class turned to her from the question. Estelle remained quiet during the process, and now that everyone had been sorted to their allocations, they had no idea where to place her.

Before she could shut down the answer, Estelle jumped at the hand on her shoulder. Kirishima glanced down at her with an apologetic smile but spoke up once he received a nod back in acceptance. "Y'know. I think you should be in the crowd to watch."

"Huh?! Why? This is a class event!" The class rumbled back. Kirishima raised his hand to quieten them so he could explain.

"Estelle is new to music! So, I'm sure it would be really manly for her to experience her first concert!" Kirishima beamed.

Estelle was evidently stunned since her hand slipped and the mug fell. She caught it quickly; without spilling a drop of her drink and turned her head away with a pale blush. "I'm surprised you remembered that."

"Oh! So that's why you asked what instruments were!" Kaminari piped up understandingly.

Estelle was uncomfortable with the whole situation and Kirishima's thoughtfulness. She felt the need to explain the strange circumstance. "Well, I don't know if it's a thing on the human's territory. But yeah, I found out about it a few months ago. It's...really nice."

"Then it's settled. Estelle is going to be our designated fan!"

Estelle scowled at the term before the unsettling feeling appeared back into her soul. "Shouldn't I do something?"

"No way! You should get to experience it! We'll make sure it's the best concert ever! Nothing else will compare!"

Estelle softened from the words, her eyes holding some appreciation for the class around her, beaming in excitement. They registered that it was there and broadened their smile.

'Great idea Kirishima!'

"That's it! Everyone's role has been decided! We have the band team! The special effects team! The dance team! And our designated fan!" Iida exclaimed out to each individual group.

Estelle deadpanned.

She really detested that term.

Estelle tiredly watched the television as time ticked away. It was much later in the evening, and the class had decided to head to bed, leaving her alone to her thoughts. She had just finished her last sweep of the UA grounds and was ready to at least try to get some shut-eye. But, she knew it would be a fruitless attempt.

The last time she had gotten a good night's rest was when Bakugo stayed the night in her dorm room. It was a surprise when she woke up the following day to Bakugo sleeping as he sat up against the headboard, his hand still wrapped in her hair. She had expected him to leave when she had fallen asleep, and she could only guess that it was his original plan.

Even though Bakugo had helped her that night, Estelle was not keen on making that a repeat occurrence. That wouldn't be good for the two of them; the fact the pair were still spending time together was bad enough. Bakugo was just too stubborn to leave her be; she had mentioned the issue numerous times but was always bonked on the head or just blankly ignored as he changed the conversation.

She couldn't deny that she enjoyed his company; it was pleasant. But that was what's so tricky about it. It was like she was constantly battling herself around him, and it drove her wild; why did he need to add this stress onto her life? Wasn't living already enough? He would disagree.

To her dismay, the eyes Estelle was fond of stared down at her as she looked up from the couch. As the pairs met, Estelle let the scowl show in full view. Why was he always there?

Suprise was next as Estelle scanned Bakugo's features. He was tired, clearly struggling to sleep himself tonight. The feeling of understanding bloomed within her as she sighed to herself, internally screaming to not do what she was defiantly about to.

She couldn't help herself; his eyes were supposed to be harsh and aggressive like they usually were. The worn and weary eyes that he would gain from nights like these always struck a chord within her. She guessed it was because they were so similar to her own.

He was strong; Estelle had no qualms about saying that. But, he was human, and he had been affected by the events like everyone else. But, Bakugo was kidnapped - an experience no individual should have to go through. It was traumatic, a heavy memory to carry. She would have thought him insane if he wasn't affected by it.

She felt like a hypocrite saying this to herself, but Bakugo was too prideful to let any of that show. He was strong enough to deal with it, and he could - but Estelle could never seem to find it within herself to decline his request with those ruby eyes.

Realising she was taking too long to respond, Estelle silently patted her lap to let the blonde know she had accepted her place for the night. Grunting at the sudden dip within the couch, Bakugo flung himself on top of her silently. It was only when her fingers caressed the tresses of his hair that she heard his groan of approval.

No words were exchanged as the deep rhythmic breathing of Bakugo filled Estelle's ears. It was only when Bakugo's arm reached out to wrap around Estelle's back that she gasped in surprise. Pulling himself deeper, Bakugo snuggled against her stomach, his nose rubbing against her belly button as he took in multiple deep breaths.

Her mouth moved to question him but was stuck in her throat as he clutched and snuggled on her lap. Unsure of what to do next, Estelle slowly began her light petting again as she stared down at the male in confusion. Why with her of all people? Surely there must be more inviting individuals in the world.

The scent of spices hit her nose again, and Estelle became increasingly familiar with it. Now that she was enveloped in it, Estelle could detect a hint of sweetness under the surface. 'It smells a bit burnt. How peculiar,' Estelle wondered to herself in the dim light of the room. Turning her eyes down to a still Bakugo, Estelle's brows raised in stupefaction at the fact he had managed to fall asleep.

Carefully manoeuvring around the solid male, Estelle thought she was home free to leave him be. She forced her body to relax when a hand suddenly made contact with her arm. Cursing herself for almost hitting the sleepy male, Estelle was startled when the grumble of the firey Bakugo cut her off.

"Stay," He grunted, his eyes slightly open to openly gaze at her. The deep gravelly voice of drowsy Bakugo caught her off guard, and Estelle confusingly took a moment to collect herself before responding.

"Rest", Estelle murmured with her hand on his to remove his grip on her arm. She had assumed his grunt was one of acceptance, but she was mistaken again as he clasped onto her tighter and pulled her back onto the couch.

Laying on top of Bakugo with a thump, Estelle grumbled in annoyance as she tried to stand back up, her own tired eyes gazing at him with vexation. As Bakugo held his arm around the top of her shoulder tightly, Estelle found herself struggling to pull herself out of his hold. She knew she could do it if she activated her abilities, but something told her not to. She assumed it was because she would most likely hurt the male. Plus, Bakugo deserved his rest.

"Stop moving, Lioness. Get some sleep."

Still grumbling, the stubborn Estelle continued to shuffle in an attempt to leave. The sound of Bakugo caught her attention once again.

"Tch."

Glowering at Bakugo in annoyance, Estelle lifted a brow when she noted the hidden mischief in his eyes. Stilling slightly, she watched as Bakugo grew a slight smile on his face.

"You look fucking cute when you pout like that."

Lamenting to herself, Estelle slumped against Bakugo's side to hide her warming face. A flurry of emotions she could not even fathom to recognise bubbling up inside her. Why was he so fucking aggravating? Why won't he just let her go to her bed? And what was with the compliment?

Bakugo's chuckling broke her out of her wallowing, and Estelle couldn't help but raise her head to give him another slight death stare. "I am not cute," She hissed back.

Smirking, Bakugo shook his head at the female. "Nah, you're fearsome - like a lioness."

"That's better."

"Hmm, now shut up and go to sleep," He grumbled, closing his eyes as his hand laid flat against her back to keep her in place.

"Bakugo..."

"Shut up; I don't wanna hear that crap tonight. You're not getting out of this. Just accept it."

...

"Goodnight, Ruby."

...

"Night, you fearsome Lioness."