Chapter 4
The next morning, Misa's body screamed at her to stay in bed longer when her alarm blared. She winced as she sat up carefully, cursing the villain for hurting her. Her stomach still had the bandage wrapped around it; splatters of blood dried into it. She looked at the mirror in front of her bed and winced at her swollen and discolored neck. "I've definitely looked better." She yawned, wincing as she stretched out of the bed. She desperately wanted to sleep in more, but she remembered that Rin's birthday was today and Misa needed to finalize the present she got the other day for the girl.
After showering and wrapping up the box of goodies that she had found around the mall, Misa placed a small bow to finalize the gift as her door opened. Bakugou stepped in and smiled at the shock on Misa's face. "I have a key you dork."
"News to me. What do you think?" She asked, showing off the blue and white box. "For Rin's birthday." Bakugou smirked at the box and said it looked cute. "Thanks for pushing me to do this today."
"How did Ayami take it?" Bakugou asked while Misa carefully threw on a jacket for the day.
"Seeing as he didn't even recognize the effort of taking down the gun/knife villain...I didn't care that he yelled at me for ten minutes last night." Misa growled, pulling on her baseball cap. Bakugou sucked his teeth to keep his temper in check. "Let's go."
Arriving at the gym, Misa slowly changed and walked to the training mats to find Bakugou waiting for her. Her poker face was hiding her pain well, but Bakugou knew she was hurting.
"No physical training for you today. Just observe."
"I'm fine Bakugou." She told him, crossing her arms over her chest. Bakugou rolled his eyes and poked her stomach slightly, earning a hiss of pain from the feline hero.
"Yeah. You look fine." Sarcasm dripped from his comment. Misa growled and nodded her head at his command; seeing the kids run in excitedly.
Halfway through training the kids, Misa's eyes kept darting over to Rin. The girl looked more confident in her work but her arms looked more bruised since the last time Misa saw her. She cursed internally when she remembered she forgot to bring the flip phone she bought for Rin earlier for emergencies. "Hi Rin, how are you today?" She asked the small girl.
"I'm good! I've been doing the push ups like you told me to. Look!" She smiled, showing off her little muscles.
"Good job! I'm so proud of you." Misa smiled, high fiving the excited girl. "It's your birthday isn't it?" She asked as Rin nodded her head. "So...I got you something. After training, come talk to me, okay?" She asked. Rin nodded her head and went back to training with her partner as Misa analyzed the other students.
"These kids are getting really good." Bakugou murmured while the kids continued with their instructions. "Not argumentative either."
"Only you were argumentative Katz. Gave Aizawa a real run for his money over the years." Misa chuckled while the memories ran in her head. "You and Deku were always the troublemakers."
"Damn nerd." Bakugou said fondly. "You weren't exactly an angel." He pointed out. "Remember it was your idea to do the Halloween Seven Minutes in Heaven game." A deeply buried memory resurfaced at his tease that caused both him and Misa to blush profusely.
"The night we kissed." Misa whispered, hearing Bakugou grunt in response. "We never did talk about that afterward." She continued, keeping her eyes plastered on the kids.
"What was there to talk about? It was a stupid game. Not like you liked me or anything." Bakugou scoffed, trying to cover up his own nerves. "Did you?" Misa looked up at Bakugou with wide eyes as the question left his mouth, debating on whether to be honest with him after all these years. How she couldn't stop thinking about it for weeks. How she tried extra hard in class so he would notice her. How everything she felt about that little kiss kept her up at night. Their eyes met for a moment; the blood pounding in their ears as the seconds crawled by.
"Shira! Training is over now." Rin's voice interrupted the tense gaze of Bakugou and Misa. Both adults jumped and took a step or two from each other as Misa crouched down to Rin.
"Right! I have a present for you." Misa shuffled through her training bag and pulled out the white and blue box for the little girl. "Happy birthday baby girl." The little girl squealed and tore open the box excitedly and saw a collection of candies and bows for her hair.
"Thanks Shira!" Rin cried, jumping into a hug with Misa. Bakugou's heart warmed at the sight until he saw the purple and green bruises on the little girl's arms. He had to figure out what was happening to Rin. The girl ran to the locker room with her gift in tow, leaving Bakugou and Misa alone.
"You just made her day." Bakugou murmured, nudging Misa gently. She had tears pricking the corners of her eyes when he asked, "These are happy tears right?" Misa nodded at him and buried her head in his chest.
"Don't say anything...just be here." She whispered. Bakugou wrapped his arms around Misa tightly to give her some peace, careful of her bandaged stomach. She's probably wishing someone would have done this for her years ago. "I have an idea. Don't let Rin leave until I come back." Misa instructed Bakugou and tore off to the locker rooms.
Moments passed by and Rin came walking out of the locker room to the pick up spot parents were supposed to wait at. All the kids met up with their guardians as Rin hung back twirling her hair in her fingers. "Hey Rin? Where's your parents?" Her big eyes looked up to Bakugou with a slight concern in them when she answered him.
"Daddy went out late last night so Mommy is probably looking after him." Bakugou winced at the answer, unsure about what to do. Thankfully, the familiar smell of cherry blossom filled his nostrils as Misa came up beside him.
"Why don't you come have lunch with me for a birthday treat? I know a cute little cafe around the corner." Misa asked Rin. "I can call your mom and tell her I'll drop you off later." Bakugou smirked at the excited squeal that escaped Rin at the offer.
"I'll call them. Can I crash your little birthday lunch?" Bakugou asked, seeing Rin nod excitedly. Misa smiled and led Rin out of the facility, their hands entwined. "I'll meet you there." He told Misa, pulling out his phone to call Rin's parents. "Hello, this is Dynamite. Shira and I were hoping we could take Rin out for her birthday? We will bring her home before dinner time."
"Oh yes. You're her teacher. Did you say Shira was there too? Oh how nice." The mothers' voice sounded. "It's her birthday? I completely forgot. It's been a bit hectic around here. Oh no! I'm supposed to pick her up now." The frazzled voice continued.
"It's okay, that's why we are asking if we can take her to lunch and drop her off?"
"That would be great. Thank you so much. Just when you do drop her off, remind her not to ring the doorbell. Her father hates that." Bakugou narrowed his eyes at the comment but ensured the mother no doorbell would be ringing. Once he hung up the phone, a heavy feeling crept into Bakugou's stomach. Something was definitely not okay in Rin's home. Maybe Misa was right in her accusation.
Bakugou met Misa and Rin at the corner cafe, Rin excitedly snacking on a cupcake. "Dessert before lunch?" Bakugou queried, eyeing Misa who blushed.
"There's no rule against a little sweet before savory." Misa told him as he took his seat. Their knees brushed under the table and a tingle of nerves shot through Misa. She prayed her blushing cheeks weren't obvious, keeping her eyes on Rin. Bakugou froze in place, not wanting to pull his knee away.
"What's for lunch?" Bakugou asked as air returned to his lungs.
"I got you a spicy gyudon beef bowl." Misa told him, her eyes not daring to look at him. Bakugou knew she was flustered about the conversation earlier about their kiss and the contact under the table. He then decided he was going to have fun with her. "What was that? I couldn't hear you?" Bakugou teased. Misa sighed and said the order a little louder, still not looking at him. "Oh Misa, it looks like you have something on your cheek; here let me get it." Bakugou tried reaching for her blushing cheeks before Misa smacked his hand away gently.
"Behave…" Misa tried to say through a flustered voice. Bakugou smirked and saw he made an impression. "Ass." Misa whispered, figuring out his game when she saw the smirking bastard.
"My mom and dad don't talk like you two." Rin's voice said through the tension, alerting both adults to the child.
"How do they talk?" Misa asked, eager to know what Rin had been going through.
"Loudly. They yell a lot." Rin admitted nonchalantly. "I just stay in my room when that happens." Bakugou looked at the paling Misa and knocked her knee a little to get her focus.
"Does it happen a lot?" Misa asked, clearing her throat.
"Kind of. Mom cries a lot too." Rin said, her eyes finding their approaching lunch. "I never get a treat like this though." Rin smiled, digging into her noodle bowl. Misa and Bakugou shared a sad look before nibbling on their lunch. They let Rin talk about whatever she wanted to, sharing smiles and laughs with them as their meal came to an end. Misa paid for the lunch before Bakugou could get his wallet out; earning a scowl from the man.
"Next time." Misa winked, sending a surge of heat to Bakugou's cheeks.
On the walk home to Rin's, Misa's hands never left Rin's. "We're almost there." Rin said, her tone less enthusiastic than at lunch. Misa tightened her hold on the girl and crouched to her level.
"Rin, does your daddy hurt you and your mom?" Bakugou gaped at the out right question from his friend as his heart beat rapidly waiting for Rin's answer. "Your arms are all bruised sweetie. Your face was too when we first met." Rin looked sick as Misa looked the girl over, rubbing her arms soothingly.
"He gets angry sometimes. I get in the way." Rin whispered. Misa tightened her grip on Rin for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"We can help you Rin; we're heroes." Misa told her, seeing tears prick at Rin's eyes. Bakugou had no words to say when Rin burst into tears and hugged Misa tightly. "Katz…" Misa whispered, pulling Rin into her arms. He looked at her so helplessly, unsure about what they could do without evidence.
"Rin! It's about time you were home." A loud voice sounded from across the street. Bakugou tensed as Misa's eyes burned into the intruder. "Why are you crying?" Rin pulled away from Misa slightly and rubbed her eyes dry before Bakugou spoke up.
"She was just saying thank you to Shira for her birthday lunch." His tone was kind, but his temper bubbled inside his chest. Misa had remained silent next to him, her hand still on Rin. The overwhelming smell of whiskey filled Misa's nostrils as he got closer to his daughter.
"Oh yeah? Right, it's her birthday. Thank you both for taking her out. Her mother and I are busy, you see." He said roughly, reaching for Rin. "Now, come on Rin. It's getting late." His large hand pulled Rin from Misa's grasp as the little girl turned to Bakugou and Misa; sadness pooling in her eyes. "Don't fight. You know I don't like it when you drag your feet. Now let's go!" His voice rose, making Rin jump.
"We'll see you next week Rin, okay?" Bakugou told her, forcing a comforting smile. Misa's eyes burned into Rin and the father as they entered their home, before Misa turned on her heel roughly. "Misa?" Bakugou called, sprinting to keep up with Misa. Her face was hard and her jaw was set as she stuffed her hands in her pockets. "We'll figure something out. We'll get her out."
"That...was my life." Misa whispered, keeping her eyes to the ground. Bakugou's heart tightened at her admission. She never talked about her childhood much back at UA, only pieces of it would come out through in stories. Over the years, there were enough pieces for Bakugou to create an idea of her life.
"What do you mean?" He asked carefully. Misa shook her head and took a deep breath before she answered.
"She was too scared to look at him. She jumped at the sound of his voice. She doesn't have any confidence. That was me." She explained, the wind blowing her hair slightly into her face. "Did you know today was the first time she ever had a cupcake?" Misa asked him, finally looking at Bakugou.
"No, I didn't."
"When we got to the cafe, her eyes lit up when she saw the desserts. That's why I got one for her before lunch. Her father never let her have any sweets." Misa's voice choked as she replayed the memory. "I have to help her. She can't turn out like me." Bakugou stopped her and turned her to him.
"There is nothing wrong with you. You have turned out great despite your childhood. Why can't you see that?" Bakugou told her more sternly than he initially wanted to sound. Misa's eyes bore into him, allowing a few tears to fall. "Why Misa?"
"Because of him!" She cried, her body trembling slightly. Bakugou gasped as Misa cried out, digging her nails into her arms. "He did that to me. I'm fucking twenty-six and he is still in my head!" Bakugou hadn't seen this side of Misa in years; he was unsure of what to do, but he knew he wanted to stop the tears. "I can't...shake him. No matter how successful I become; I hear him saying I'm not good enough...worthless."
"Shut up." Bakugou managed to say through choked breath. Misa gaped at him, wiping tears from her face. "Shut up. I don't want to hear that bullshit." Before Misa could cry more, he held her to him, smoothing her hair down. "He didn't know what he was talking about. You have grown into the best person I know. He was wrong." He whispered, tightening his hold on Misa as her cries stopped. She pulled away, a little mascara running under her eyes, which he wiped away. "Stop looking down on yourself Misa."
"I'm sorry...it's so hard sometimes." She sniffed, wiping her eyes more.
"I know it is. But, I'm here to help, okay?" Misa nodded and looped her arm through Bakugou's. "We'll get her out. I promise."
A few silent moments passed between the pair before Misa spoke again. "I think my depression is acting up again." She confessed, stilling Bakugou.
"You stopped taking your meds?" He asked her, knowing that it was hard enough to get her to take them in the first place.
"Yeah. About a year ago. And before you lecture me, my doctor said it was okay to wean off of them if I was strong enough." She explained, stopping at a bridge to look over at the river. Bakugou joined her at the rail, admiring the calm current Misa's eyes found. "But I think with the breakup and work being so hard, my brain can't keep up."
"That's okay. You're only human. Knowing when to ask for help is a major step for you." Bakugou nudged her, earning a smile and a chuckle from Misa.
"Yeah. And that's saying something coming from you, Mr. Independent."
"I prefer Lone Wolf, thank you." He teased her. "Even with the meds, you can still talk to me if things get bad. You helped me with my issues."
"Doesn't mean you owe me anything." Misa pointed out. "I didn't help you so that you can return the favor."
"I know dumbass." He chuckled. "I'm just saying that I'm here for you." He said, stealing a glance at Misa, who smiled back at him. "Besides, I will never be able to repay you for what you've done for me." Misa scoffed at his comment, looking back at the water.
"Shut up."
"I'm serious, Misa." His voice lowered, his hand itching to turn the girl to him to show how serious he was. Instead, he chose to stare at the water, hoping his nerves would calm.
"Katz, I haven't exactly saved your life." Misa teased, but Bakugou winced at her joke. "Katz? What aren't you telling me?" Her voice laced with concern as she placed her hand on Bakugou's arm.
"I'm not completely sure I'd still be here if it weren't for you." He managed to say through bubbling nerves. Misa paled at the confession, tightening her grip on his forearm. "I was on a really bad track in high school. I was rude, mean, and selfish. You put me in my place."
"I'd hardly say that saved your life though." Misa whispered, but Bakugou nodded his head.
"It did. I found...kindness and friendship when I didn't think I needed it. I just saw...darkness some days. I wanted to be the best so bad...I'd have died for it. If you hadn't come along...who knows where I'd be."
"Katsuki…" Misa began but her phone interrupted her sentence. She glanced down at the screen and saw Ayami's number. She groaned and answered the call. "I'm off today Ayami."
"You sound perfectly fine. I know you had a run in with that villain last night, but you need to come in."
"Why? Aren't there more 'qualified' heroes working tonight?" She sighed, remembering his taunt from earlier.
"Don't get smart with me. I'll expect you here in an hour." A with that, the line cut dead. Misa squeezed her phone so tight, Bakugou thought it would actually shatter in her hand.
"I'm sorry Katz, you were saying?" She asked, stuffing her phone into her pocket.
"You have to go, Misa. I heard him."
"I'm not leaving when you were confessing such an important thing to me." She retorted. Bakugou smirked at the sassy woman in front of him, itching to tuck her stray hairs behind her ear. "What?" She asked him, noting the far away look in his eyes.
"We can talk about it another time. You don't want to get into more trouble, do you?" He asked her, walking her back to the gym. Misa smirked, eyeing the explosion hero next to her.
"I live for trouble." She reminded him, a slight tease in her tone. Bakugou's heart raced at the tease, sending a shock to his stomach. "Bad girls like being in trouble." Misa continued, seeing the response from Bakugou.
"Behave yourself." He mumbled, nudging Misa as they walked. Misa chuckled and stopped her teasing, even though she was enjoying the reactions from Bakugou.
After dropping Misa off at her office, Bakugou went for a long ride on his bike, thinking about Misa. The girl never asked for help and carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Seeing her so carefree at the zoo weeks ago and playing with the kids during training warmed the coldest part of Bakugou. She helped everyone first, never herself. But seeing her so vulnerable after seeing Rin, woke a reality Bakugou had forgotten. "She's only human". He parked his bike outside UA's campus and watched it fondly. Many memories hung in those halls that he would always cherish; meeting Misa was one of them. He remembered the first interaction that they had with a fond smile.