Updated: 26/09/21 – spelling and grammar corrections using Grammarly.

My Dear Copycat
Chapter 6

Over the following weeks, four students of class 1-A joined work studies, Deku, Kirishima, Asui and Ochako. They couldn't discuss what they were working on, but they were all eager for whatever it was. Constantly checking their phones and on edge for what was to come. They did not even talk about it with each other, but Bakugo knew there was something big going on and he hated the thought that some of his classmates were getting ahead of him. Especially Deku. But he had his own extra work going on. He had been attending the training program with Todoroki at the weekends and working with May four evenings a week doing either combat training or studying relief operations and rescue management. Which is exactly what Bakugo and May were doing now in the library. They were at a table suited for four people, with notebooks, textbooks and scribbled on paper all around them. May had been detailing the importance of rescue etiquette and certain behaviours when around civilians and/or victims during crises. But Bakugo found it difficult to focus, he was more interested in learning about her father's quirk than stupid civilians. It had been like a wave of calm and serenity had washed over him, bringing his boiling over to less than a simmer. However, so much had happened since the day of the exam, and he had not found the right time to ask.

"You have to remember Bakugo, that while this could be another day in the office for you, for the victims it is the worst day of their lives. They could have lost their loved ones, their homes, communities and their livelihoods. They could also be injured. The last thing they want is some arrogant hero screaming calling them stupid and whatever else. They need a firm but reassuring voice telling them that you are there to help and that everything will be okay...Bakugo? Bakugo? Hello?" she waved a small hand in front of his face, bringing Bakugo out of his thoughts with a blink.

"Oh sorry..." he rested his chin on his hand and fiddled with his pen, watching the pen move back and forth as he waved it in his fingers. Becoming entranced by the motion, he was pulled back out to reality by a surprisingly concerned voice.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah...I have to ask you something. About what you did at the exam," he sighed and looked her straight in the eyes. Her emerald pools looking confused and eagerly waiting for him to continue. "You said you used your father's quirk on me. I never felt so calm before, it was a strange feeling. How does it work?"

She blinked in surprise; she had thought he had forgotten all about that and found it strange that he would bring it up now. "My dad's quirk? Erm, it's called Neurochemistry. He can alter the brain chemistry of any living thing by touch. He can have all sorts of effects, make anyone feel any emotion. But, when he was an active pro hero, he mainly used it to calm civilians so even the most inconsolable person could follow instructions to get to safety. Nowadays, he works in the hospital, he helps those living with neuro disorders or poor mental health. Curing patients' depression and anxieties. He loves his work as he is still saving people. He is still a hero, and I am so proud of him for it," she gave him a gleaming smile.

"Neurochemistry huh? Did you inherit that at all?" he had to pry deeper.

May shrugged, "nah, but I did inherit my Imitation from my mum though. Hers is…similar to mine," she was unsure on how much to say. Her mother was not one she liked to talk about, and she wanted to keep that side of her personal life hidden for as long as possible. She didn't want to damage her reputation or change how her friends will see her. It was something that often kept her up at night. What if they discovered the truth? They would never forgive her. Bakugo would never forgive her. "I was only able to use my dad's quirk on you because I hadn't used it after I saw him last. So I still had it stored up. If I tried now though, it would be really weak or not work at all. I need to see him again." She rested her face on her fist with a smile, she waited for a reaction that never came, he just stared at her lazily, expression unmoving. May gave a little nervous laugh, "I am sorry for not asking first though. Really. But I was worried about what you were going to do. I hoped if I had intervened you would have passed the exam, but I didn't know that I was too late."

"Why would that be your problem?" he growled.

"Someone's got to make sure you don't sabotage yourself in becoming the number one hero, right?" her accusation of sabotage made him scoff and bare teeth. "As hotheaded as always," her smile got even bigger, and she was practically laughing at him.

"Hey! Wh-"

"Your short-fuse is the reason why you failed the exam Bakugo. You need to Mellow-out, haha! Get it?" slapping her thigh with a big cheesy grin.

"I don't need to change who I am to become the top hero!"

"You are who you are Bakugo. But, why do you think Endeavor was always so far behind All Might? He had the strength and power sure, but he could never reach the same level of popularity. He's only the number one now because All Might retired, and how long do you think he can keep that title? Especially when he's got someone as likeable as Hawks at number two?" she sighed, taking a deep breath, she reached out to him. She was unsure if her words were going to sink in and give him something to think about or get her murdered. "Look Bakugo, I'm not saying change who you are. But I am saying…maybe…tailor it a little to be in your favour? Your image as a pro could be a…uh…a headstrong loudmouth who can talk the talk and walk the walk, somebody with passion and fire that never backs down. That's what you want. Not to be seen as a reckless, shouty…brat." She gave him a half-sided smile, deep down she was terrified and wanted the exit. But, instead of murder, he just gave a quick exhaling burst through his nostrils and glared away from her. May wondered how long he would have to stare at the bookshelves before they burst into flames. "I know I know you don't care what anyone thinks. But the thing is Bakugo, the hero ranking list is a popularity contest. If you want to rise to the top, you can't keep behaving like a shit. Use All Might as more of an example than just winning."

After a few incredibly uncomfortably quiet moments Bakugo stood, his face gone back to its emotionless expression he carried often – when he wasn't yelling at anyone that is. "We should go, it's getting late, and we have training first thing," he began to pile the textbooks together as May looked on dumbfounded. Well, he hasn't tried to kill me…yet. Maybe I got through? With a nod, May stood and helped Bakugo clean their table.

When the two left the library, the clear sky was a dark shade of blue decorated by countless shimmering dots and the large half-moon provided them with limited light. They headed back to their dorms in silence with the streetlamps guiding their path. Bakugo had his hands in his pockets and May was fiddling with hers. She felt so nervous and was worried that she had ruined the good friendship that was growing between them, but despite her earlier confidence, she now found herself without a voice and had no guts to glance his way. The tortuous silence between them was deafening, May wondered if he felt as awkward as she did. May's spirits were raised when they reached the private pathway to the Alliance building. But Bakugo suddenly stopped under the light of a streetlamp, causing May to also stop a few steps ahead and look back at him with a raised brow. She began to mentally prepare herself for a telling off or an ass-kicking.

The lamp's glare from above allowed Bakugo to see the worried girl's face properly for the first time since they left the library. He had been mulling her words and her actions since the exam over, "why would you want to help me?" he had treated her so badly and even after he had vowed silently to himself that he would do everything in his power to get her to leave UA, she had still tried to help him during the exam and had continued to try and help him become a better hero and a better person. He knew that she was right, he knew that since coming to UA he developed quite the reputation and frankly was not very popular. Not that he had really cared what others thought. He knew that once he leaves UA and becomes a Pro, his demeanour will impact his hero ranking and probably not for the better.

"Well…" she hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck, her emerald gaze seemed to look everywhere else but him. "That's what friends are for right? I believe you have what it takes to achieve your goal, but erm…someone must protect you from yourself so you can reach number one. And I guess…I guess I felt like that fell to me," she bit her plump bottom lip so hard that Bakugo thought it would bleed, "I know you don't want the help, but you got it anyway. I don't want any credit, I am happy to do whatever behind the scenes you know-?" as she started to go off on a tangent like Deku, her mumbling was cut short when her face was suddenly against his chest. His sculpted arms wrapped around her frail torso and a rough hand landed on her burgundy head as she freed her face from his black cotton t-shirt. After a few moments of shock, May's thin arms went up to return the embrace. Her open palms were flat against his back, her fingertips feeling the lines and ridges of his muscles. He felt so warm against the chill, she didn't want to let go.

The smell of her shampoo tickled his nose, it reminded him of the dark berries from her favourite dessert. His fingers weaved themselves through her hair that she conveniently left down today and hung over her shoulder. He could not believe how soft it was, it felt like he was stroking silk. "Thank you…I trust you'll know when and what to do," he felt her head nod. His tone was something that neither of them had heard before. It was as foreign to him as it was to her. It was low and raspy, but more importantly, it lacked any ounce of aggression and held a fondness and care for the small girl in his arms. He gripped her tighter to which she reciprocated. He had never felt so secure yet vulnerable before. He was never even like this with his parents. As much as he didn't want to let her go, he ended their hug and ruffled her head like a child that garnered a protest as a result. They gave each other a knowing look and a smile before returning to their journey towards the Alliance building.

He opened the door and let her walk on through first before following suit. Some of their classmates were still in the commune area and greeted them. May stretched her arms up with a yawn, "hey! I'm going to turn in early. Can barely keep my eyes open! See you at the crack of dawn Bakugo," and with that May disappeared to her room for the rest of the evening.

Bakugo had watched her leave before turning on his heel to head towards his own room, it was getting late, and he loved his sleep. But he was stopped dead in his tracks as Mineta was by his feet, his eyebrows wiggling as if insinuating something. With a snarl, Bakugo went to walk around his purple classmate, when Deku's voice ringed from the kitchen area where he had been hanging out with Uraraka and Todoroki. "You two are spending a lot of time together, huh Kacchan?" Deku and Uraraku had very particular looks on their faces that made him want to blow them up, and Todoroki seemed as oblivious as ever.

"What's it to you?!" he bellowed back as he stormed towards his room, completely ignoring Kirishima and Kaminari when they met in him the corridor to get any juicy details. Practically slamming his door in their faces.

He lay awake for what seemed like an eternity. Thinking about what May had said, their arrangement and his future. He no longer fretted or blamed himself for All Might's retirement, not since that night when he fought Deku and discovered the truth about the two. But now he wondered how he could achieve a high a pedestal as All Might had in his prime. I will become bigger than All Might ever was…I will be the best! All Might always had a smile, and always went above and beyond plus ultra! Even now, as a frail old man, All Might was this guardian figure that assured even the heaviest of hearts. Bakugo on the other hand always had a scowl. He had always idolised All Might for his tenacity, his passion and for never accepting defeat. Perhaps May was right, he needed to follow All Mights example more than just his knack for winning battles. With the help she has offered, to protect him from his own temper, he was sure he would one day be number one.

He lifted the hand that still smelt like dark berries and stared. He could still feel her smooth hair gliding between them and he longed for the morning, to see her again and to run his fingers through her smooth locks again. "Fuck…" his hand tightened into a fist, "what are you doing to me?"

The next morning seemed to come around quickly and Bakugo was currently sat on the porch steps waiting for May. A couple of weeks ago the two added an early morning run and light strength training into their training routine. He watched the sun peek above the trees, decorating the sky with warm shades of orange and pink, some stars still visible in the dark blue where the sun hadn't reached yet. It was still very early and most, if not all his classmates besides May would be still asleep. It was the perfect time to be with her, as he got no snarky remarks or suspicious looks. Why did his classmates always make such a big deal out of the two hanging out and training together? The door to Alliance clicked shut quietly behind him, he glanced over his shoulder to see the familiar small girl in her blue training suit. Her hair was up in the same tight bun she used every time she trained now, leaving only her fringe to be disturbed by the gentle breeze that carried the smell of freshly cut grass and mildew. "Ready to go?" she spoke with a wide smile that made him feel light on his feet as he stood. When they first started this morning training, May would complain and groan about being out of bed at this time let alone doing exercise, but now she was perky with a spring in her step. If still looking a little tired around the eyes. Like him, she was someone who loved her sleep. But instead of going to bed early like him, she preferred to sleep in as late as her routine would allow.

"Always," he straightened, looking down at her with a toothy smirk and his usual fierce red eyes had a new gentleness to them that many did not get to see.

Until she started to run off without him and calling back, "come on slowpoke!"

"Hey! I was waiting for you!"

"And now I am waiting for you!" she laughed at him as she ran towards the trees, but she still was not fast enough -without the use of a quirk- that Bakugo couldn't easily catch up within seconds. When he did, he gave her a playful shove and she just laughed at him more. Waving a bottle of water in his face, "you forgot this again," he did not even notice that she carried two academy bottles until now, one of which was his and he gladly took it from her as they carried on their run.

After spending so much time together over the past several weeks, the two had become pretty good friends. They would often spar with words as often as their fists, their conversations always seemed to flow, and they made each other laugh and forget the horrors that awaited them outside of UA in the real world. Bakugo would forget about his dark thoughts, especially those surrounding All Might and his one-sided competition with Deku. Whenever they spent time together Bakugo felt…serene, but this was a different kind of calm than what he felt when she used her father's quirk on him. It was like they were as natural as breathing. Although despite this blossoming friendship between them, the obvious feelings involved, the gift Bakugo had gotten for her and the constant badgering from Kirishima and Kaminari, nothing beyond a friendship had developed between them. They only ever flirted and teased one another but nothing more than that. Kirishima would tell him to make the first move, that is what girls want but he just couldn't bring himself to do it because what if…what if his feelings weren't reciprocated and she just saw him as a good friend? What if she rejected him? It would ruin what they already have and make things awkward. Plus, he would have to kill Kirishima and Kaminari for making him do it in the first place. The embrace from the previous night had true emotion behind it, but one could argue that friends hug all the time and it means nothing romantic at all.

After running for roughly twenty minutes around the grounds of UA, they reach their usual opening in the trees where they did their strength training exercises. They came to a stop and sipped on their water. Bakugo began to stretch his arms and legs, and then May did the same. It was getting brighter out now but the light was still dim within the trees causing defining shadows on Bakugo's muscular structure. May could not help but sneak a peek at his bare arms and thanked the heavens he had decided to wrap his blue UA training jacket around his waist, leaving nothing to the imagination as the sweaty grey vest clung to his torso. Her vision snapped to the treeline as he glanced her way, in fear of being caught out, May jumped straight into their routine which started with squats and rambling about what a lovely morning it is and how the run had worked up quite the sweat. "Let's fight instead," he said as he stretched his legs and arms some more, "no quirks…" he prepared himself for a sparring match and took some steps away from her and shook his hands ready.

May giggled and took an opportunity, "haha okay sure…but let's make it interesting."

He raised a brow, "oh?"

She prepared herself for their sparring match, shaking her hands and getting in a better stance. "A bet, the loser has to take the winner out on a date. And I mean a proper date," May chuckled at his surprised face. It took him a few seconds to compute what she had said, but ultimately, he returned with a half-smirk and agreed to the terms.

Bakugo made the first move, he lunged forward to land a kick, only to sidestep to trick her and get her from the other side. She had caught on to this and blocked his kick and swung a fist towards his face that he easily dodged. The two sparred for nearly ten minutes, as a result of several weeks of them training together, May had improved in her combat skills to such a degree that Bakugo trusted she could now hold her own despite still having a long way to go. Bakugo had started to slow down, making sloppier movements and more openings for her. He was purposefully sabotaging himself. He found himself wanting to lose this match. To lose their bet. He had wanted to ask her out on a date a few times, but the wrong words would always seem to escape him. His insecurities haunting him whenever he tried. But there May was, as confident as ever turning it into a bet. She made it look so easy, how was she so confident?

He predicted that she would go for his legs, to get him off his feet. He made sure he was not firmly planted so her tackle would or should work. But instead of causing just him to lose his balance, May also lost herself and she tumbled. She reached out for the closest thing to her which just so happened to be him. The force bought Bakugo down as well when she fell on her back. Bakugo fell on top of her, he used his hands to take the impact of the ground and so he wouldn't hurt her. His hands were on either side of her head, his arms were shaking, and his elbows gave away, first the left then the right. Leaving him leaning on his forearms. Both of his knees were on the outside of her thighs, and he thanked their previous exercise for already giving him a heated face, otherwise, he would be blushing right now because of their precarious situation.

Their faces were mere inches apart, they could feel the other's breath as they both panted as a result of their sparring match, sweat beading on their foreheads. "I guess I owe you a date," she breathed out, matching his half-lidded gaze. His scarlet eyes fluttered between her emerald ones and her supple pink lips. He felt his heart race, he couldn't tell if it was from their workout or a buildup of adrenaline and instinct taking over his body.

Time felt like it stopped when his lips suddenly crashed down against hers. He couldn't stop himself; it was like his body moved without thinking. He wasn't sure if instinct or nature had forced this moment, or if his mind was playing tricks. His hand came up to her flushed cheek, his fingers going around to the back of her head to lift it for a better angle, his calloused thumb stroking her delicate cheek. He could only focus on how soft she felt under him and how tiny and fragile she was. She was so breakable. He couldn't believe she would allow a brute like him to get this close. To hold her like this. Her fingers had made their way to his spiky hair and her other hand gripped his vest pulling him closer. Her subtle moans invaded his senses, everything about her was so addictive, her laugh, the silkiness of her hair, the way her body melded with his, her smell and her taste. May felt her lips begin to ache from his force, but she didn't care, she wanted…no, needed to taste him. He felt her tongue tease his lips as if this was the permission he needed to unleash, his tongue conquered her mouth as he had her thoughts. Their lips haphazardly battled each other, pressing harder, crushing each other's mouth unrestrained. He felt a hunger that could not be sated, he needed more. This was it, Bakugo was now officially addicted to her.

Footsteps and talking within the trees pricked his ears, bringing him back to his senses and he released a frustrated growl. He jumped to feet and pulled May up too. May was left lightheaded and her vision was blurry. Reality suddenly crashing down on her again. Her breathing hitched as she looked at her friend. He made her knees weak, and her brain lost all cognitive function. She was surprised she even heard him speak, "people are coming," he pointed to his hair while looking at hers. His voice was hoarse, and he had to clear his throat. Despite this, he seemed so cool and collected now, while she was a flustered mess hurriedly trying to fix her hair. He smirked at her, proud of his handiwork, "we should probably head back…" she meekly nodded, still blinking to try and fully regain her vision and a working brain.

They simply walked back to the dorms, they needed to wash and change into their school uniforms before heading to classes. As they strolled up the path together, appearing how they normally do so nobody suspects they see Deku, Uraraka, Kirishima and Asui leaving together. All with their gym bags that would hold their hero costumes and gear. They seemed determined and anxious all at once. May asked where they were going, all the four could tell them was that it was an important mission involving their work studies. This made Bakugo growl, he could not stand others getting ahead of him like this. He needed his provisional licence!

Bakugo and May carried on back inside the dorm, both pretending nothing had happened. They went off their separate ways to get ready for classes.

The rest of the class of 1-A who did not have their work studies, including Bakugo and May began to filter out the Alliance building and head towards the main building which was roughly a five-minute walk. May was ahead with Mina, Momo, Toru and Jiro, while Bakugo was further back with Kaminari. Close enough to the girls to see them clearly, but not too close that the groups could hear each other.

"Hey man, did you find out about Mellow's quirk yet?" piped Kaminari.

"Uh…yeah, it's Neurochemistry. He can manipulate brain chemicals in living things. Make them do or feel whatever he wants," he shrugged, a lot has happened since he asked her about it, so he had not thought about it much after their initial conversation. What happened between them in the woods that morning still played in his mind, and he had to battle with himself to not show any visible reaction that his friend may pick up on.

"Wow that is so cool!" the blonde reacted, "I bet he got all the girls no problem huh?" yearned Kaminari, a quirk like that would certainly make picking up chicks much easier!

Something switched in Bakugo, he blinked as the cogs in his head again to turn, "what do you mean?" he snarled, he wanted to be wrong.

"Huh? Oh…well, with a quirk like that you could make any hottie want you…" his hands were against his cheeks, swooning just thinking about the imaginary girls pining after him.

Kaminari eyes peeked open again and glanced to Bakugo, only to notice his facial expression change from a cool and composed one, to one of seething anger. Bakugo glared at the backs of the girls ahead, especially a particular redhead. May was laughing with Mina and Toru, completely oblivious to what was currently transpiring in Bakugo's mind. His chest felt like it had collapsed in on itself, and the raging fire he knew all too well was back with a vengeance, burning brighter than ever before. He will not be made a fool of.