Chapter 19

Months had passed and Bakugou and Misa fell into a comfortable routine. Work proved to be easier than both heroes thought would be with their relationship. People pieced together that the couple were together but let them be at work. Misa also had encouraged Bakugou to see old friends again instead of just heading straight home after work; an exciting new endeavor for the explosion hero. He grumbled and argued with Misa when she suggested meeting Jirou and Kaminari for dinner; but he ended up really enjoying himself. So much so, a quiet night at home like usual did not appeal to him much anymore.

Sitting in the calm restaurant waiting for Todoroki and Kaiya to arrive, Bakugou took in the smiling Misa as she retold a story of her solo interaction at work that day. "It was insane. The woman would not let up about the damn milk. She kept arguing the price of it...so not hero work but I was in the area." Misa rambled, a ghost of amusement on her face as Bakugou smirked absentmindedly at her. He loved the girl. He knew that much now. She had broken through the solo mindset he had for years and showed him what true happiness felt like. Misa's story ended as she took a sip of her wine when Todoroki and Kaiya showed up. "Hi!" She squealed, pulling Kaiya in for a hug and kissing Todoroki on the cheek in greeting.

"Sorry we are late guys, we got a little side tracked." Todoroki apologized, pulling Kaiya's seat out for her. Kaiya was glowing as she took her seat and rubbed her hands together. A glistening shine illuminated off her hand as Misa took in the gorgeous cushion cut diamond on her friend's finger.

"Finally!" Misa squealed as she pointed at the ring for Bakugou to understand what was going on. "Oh! I'm so happy for you guys!" She clapped happily, squeezing Kaiya's hand in congratulations. "Took your time dude!" She chastised Todoroki who laughed at her.

"Yeah I did. But I'll make up for it the rest of our lives." He said, kissing Kaiya on her hand.

"Good job man. Happy for you." Bakugou fist pumped Todoroki and winked at Kaiya who giggled. "Well, let's get you guys a drink to celebrate." He motioned the waiter over and got their orders in. He couldn't help but catch Misa's eyes on the ring as she spoke to Kaiya about wedding plans, understanding the tinge of jealousy that she harbored in her eyes. She had written her perfect, fairy tale story in her head years ago. However, times had changed and hearts had broken since her fantasy.

Once the bill was paid, the girls scurried off to the bathroom before they were to leave. "Hey, how are you and Misa doing?" Todoroki asked while he and Bakugou waited outside the restaurant. "I'm your friend here, not your boss."

"We're great. She keeps pushing me to go out more, see people like you guys. I like that more than I thought I would."

"We do miss seeing you. You're not half bad to be around." Todoroki joked, hearing Bakugou scoff at his comment. "Her depression seems to be handled. I haven't seen a bad day out of her yet."

"She goes to therapy every two weeks and is still taking her medicine. But all in all, yeah she is doing really well." Bakugou told him. "I think training with the kids helps her too; it brings a different kind of gratification for her."

"Oh so you don't gratify her enough?" Todoroki teased, hearing another scoff come from Bakugou. Todoroki chuckled and patted his friend on the back. "But seriously though. I'm glad you're both happy."

"Thanks man. She...is everything I want. I just hope I don't screw it up." Bakugou admitted, shuffling his feet.

"You won't. Just don't take ten years to propose to her." Todoroki chuckled. Seeing Bakugou's face pale at the comment, Todoroki nudged him slightly. "You do want that don't you?" Bakugou nodded his head slowly and took a deep breath.

"I'll kill you if you mention this to anyone Icy Hot, but yes." Bakugou growled, rubbing his neck nervously. "For years my goal was to be Number 1. Deku obviously took that role, but I made my piece with it. Camie didn't make me want to be a better person or hero. So I was…"

"Going through the motions?" Todoroki finished for him. Bakugou nodded and a small smile played on his face.

"Misa isn't like that. Even in high school, she challenged me. Pissed me off to no end." He chuckled, remembering their constant bickering. "And now? I want to be with her, see her smile, and hear that laugh of hers." Todoroki smiled brightly at his friends honesty and smacked his back softly.

"You're her number one, if that's any consolation." He whispered, seeing the girls return. Bakugou's heart raced with happiness as Todoroki and Kaiya bid the couple good night.

Back at Bakugou's apartment, the couple retired to bed after washing the day off. "I love being around them. And now they're engaged! That is so exciting." Misa squealed, burying herself into Bakugou as they nuzzled under his sheets. "You ok? You've been pretty quiet."

"I'm good...I just have a question." Bakugou told her, rubbing his fingers lazily up Misa's shoulders. "I saw the way you were looking at Kaiya's ring. Is that something you want?"

"Well it looked insanely expensive…" She started but Bakugou cut her off with a smack on her butt.

"You know that's not what I meant." Misa winced and took a deep breath before meeting Bakugou's eyes.

"I do want that. I wish I had that now...but that's not my reality." She told him, her hands rubbing circles on Bakugou's chest. "Is that something you'd want?" Bakugou regarded the question for a few moments before smirking at her.

"I didn't have a moment to think about it before you. I never thought someone would make me want that."

"You do now? I'm that powerful?" Misa gasped, earning a chuckle from Bakugou.

"Yes dork. You are that powerful." Misa smiled and pulled Bakugou in for a searing kiss when a loud knock sounded from the door. "I'll kill whoever that is." Misa grumbled.

"It's Kiri! Just wanted to say hey and goodnight guys!" He called as Mina chastised him for interrupting Misa and Bakugou. "What? I can't say good night to my roommate and his girlfriend?" Misa giggled into Bakugou's chest as she felt sparks crackle from his palms around her. "Oh ok I'm coming! Sorry guys!" Kirishima called out before departing to his own room.

"That's my best friend right there." Bakugou grumbled, eliciting a laughing fit from Misa. "Oh yeah? You think that's funny? Come here you." Bakugou smirked, tickling Misa's ribs as she giggled more.