A/N: Thanks to everyone reading this! I've got more notes at the end. I will be going back and editing some of the other chapters for spelling/grammar issues, nothing major. I've realized I've used alternate spellings for names and I'm trying to be consistent. I'm also on and you can find me on Tumblr under the same name. I mostly just repost/share pictures of Bakugou that I'm sure most of you have already seen. ;)

As usual, this is un-beta-ed so all mistakes are my own.

Also, I guess I should mention that I don't own My Hero Academia. That honor goes to Kohei Horikoshi.

...

"Class, we've got a big announcement this morning," Iida's voice boomed through the room as the class was getting ready to start the day. "Everyone pay attention."

Kaylee frowned as she glanced up from her book. Several weeks at UA and she was still struggling to adjust to her new life. Oh, she still had the panic attacks, but with help from her therapist that she saw every week, she was able to get more control over them when they occurred. She still did not like crowds, which was hard considering she spent most of her day with twenty other students in a close-knit community.

The hardest part for her was just trying to talk to the others, especially in casual conversation. She still was unable to start conversations on her own, and even worse, had a hard time speaking in more than a few words at a time. Her therapist said it was her defense mechanism, since the past eleven years were spent in complete confinement, and her captors were not interested in her for conversation. Her favorite part of the day quickly became the evenings, after classes and whatever after school hero trainings the rest of the class took part in were over. She would gather her books, sit in her favorite corner in the common room and eagerly wait for them, always observing, rarely interacting, but loving every second of it.

They were so much fun to be around! Granted, there were times Kaylee thought they might actually kill each other, as some of the fights the students had were quite raucous and violent. Grudges were rarely held though. Harmless pranks, practical jokes, laughter, arguments-Class 3-A acted just as she imagined a family would. They trusted each other; had each other's backs. For someone who spent most of their life in complete isolation, Kaylee was starving for such a family. She just didn't know how to begin. She was sure that to a bunch of future heroes, she seemed frail, weak, and useless. They were probably right.

Chairs scraped the floor and desks squealed as twenty students quickly scrambled to their seats as Iida announced Principal Nezu. Kaylee hadn't seen the mouse since her first evening at UA. She scrunched further down in her seat.

"Good morning students!" His voice was solemn. Kaylee got the impression that whatever announcement was not going to be a good one.

"I'll be making the rounds throughout the school today, but I wanted the third years to hear this first, and directly from me." He paused, and Kaylee felt her pulse quicken.

"It is with great regret that I announce that the decision has been made to cancel the UA Sports Festival this year."

Oh no. Kaylee knew that the UA Sports festival was an important event held annually for the students to compete in. It was basically used to showcase their talents so that they could be scouted and secure good contracts with pro-hero agencies upon graduation. It was broadcasted all across Japan, but was known internationally as well. She had overheard some of the students talking about it at lunch over the past few weeks, and knew they were starting to train for that in addition to their other activities.

The students sat in stunned silence. "I know this is quite a shock, but the UA Board of Directors feels this is the best course of action for the time being."

"What will we do, Principal?" Iida's hand shot up as he asked the question. "We need the Sports Festival to secure good pro-hero contracts."

"Please let me assure you that you will be just fine," Principal Nezu replied. "I promise that none of you have anything to worry about."

The entire class erupted into chaos. Kaylee had to cover her ears as some of the students were practically yelling out their protests.

"Everyone please," the mouse had to shout to be heard over the din. "I know you are all very disappointed about the news, and I understand completely. However, the decision is final. I know you will all accept this with the grace and dignity expected of pro-heroes and will use the time instead to focus on your training. That is all." And with that, he left the room.

Kaylee wasn't sure how she made it through the rest of the day. By lunchtime, the news had made it through the entire school and the hallways were filled with whispers and heated exchanges. Another group of third years, Kaylee heard they were from the business course, started a petition in protest. By the end of the day, most of the students and a surprisingly large amount of faculty had signed it.

That night in Heights Alliance, the mood was somber. Very few students had any interest in their usual jovial activities, and after eating, went straight to their dorms. The few that remained were on their phones so much that Kaylee thought she'd go mad with all the constant notifications sounding and was thankful that no one had thought to get her a phone as of yet. Not that she had any friends to talk or text with.

Once in her room, Kaylee slid open the doors to her balcony to get some fresh air. The weather had warmed up considerably since she started, and the evenings were very pleasant. The damned security light still made it difficult to see much of the night sky, and having another balcony above her meant her view was further impeded. As she gathered up a pillow and blanket to curl up on a chair outside, the sound of voices stopped her.

"So, this has been some day, huh?" Uraraka's voice drifted from the balcony next door.

"Yeah, it's been surreal. I wonder what's going on. Even after the attack on USJ in our first year, they went on with the Sports Festival like nothing had happened," Deku replied. Through the thin curtain fabric, Kaylee could see both figures standing close together on Uraraka's balcony. They were facing the grounds opposite, and Kaylee watched fascinated as Deku's hand idly traced patterns on Uraraka's back. She knew it was wrong to spy, but she didn't want to interrupt them. They seemed so close.

"Did you get a chance to talk to All Might?"

"No, he didn't know anything either, although I saw where he signed the petition," sighed Deku. "Did you see how many faculty signed? It was almost like a who's-who of pro-heroes!"

Uraraka chuckled, lightly nudging his shoulders. "Silly fan-boy." He chuckled softly.

"Everyone was so quiet this evening, though. I couldn't stand being in the common area for longer than it took to eat," Deku said after a slight pause.

"I know, right? Bakugou especially, as he's won the last two festivals. I thought he'd have a nuclear meltdown over this, but he's not said much today," Uraraka replied.

"Kacchan has been unusually quiet these past few weeks, period. I tried to get him to talk to me the other day but he just told me to mind my own business and go to hell. Kirishima said he got told the same thing."

Kaylee felt her heart plummet. Since the evening of the training session, she'd not spoken to him. Bakugou, in turn, didn't speak to her either, although there were times when she could feel him watching her. She'd slightly raise her head only to see the back of his, so maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part.

She had no idea what the hell had gotten into her that night, other than that she'd just lost her damned mind. After the training session, the class wouldn't stop talking to her, they crowded around her and just kept pressing her for her thoughts. It made her crazy. That night, when he approached her, kept pushing her for an answer, she just snapped and…

Told him what she thought. She had wanted to write how much of a hero he'd been that day, running back into that collapsing building when it really shouldn't have mattered-they weren't real children, just dummies. But not to him. Even though she'd been strangely fascinated by Bakugou all that first week, watching him for that one hour during the training session told her everything she needed to know about him. He cursed a lot. He was rude to his friends. Impatient. Strong. He never gave up. Bakugou was a hero.

He was perfect.

After she'd told him that, he didn't say anything, just got up from the table and left. He looked almost stunned, which puzzled Kaylee for a few days afterwards.

"...something with Kaylee?" Hearing her name snapped her right back to reality. Kaylee inched closer to the open doors, a death grip on the pillow she was holding.

"What do you mean?" asked Deku. His head was now resting on the top of Uraraka's.

"Mina and Tooru said that Kendo from 3-B had told them at lunch that the night Kaylee showed up, several large black cars were spotted at the main building. You know, they had flags on them and all, like what the prime minister or the president would be in," Uraraka explained in a hushed voice. "It's just odd that she shows up then several weeks later the Sports Festival gets canceled."

"Hmmm. I think this is just circumstantial," Deku said as he placed his arm around her, pulling her closer. "Shoji said that he overheard some faculty talking about Kaylee's family. Said they were just insanely wealthy and sheltered her to the point where she was completely isolated."

"Like some sort of Yakuza's daughter? Or like Tony Soprano? She's half-American so that would fit!" Uraraka asked eagerly, as though she was excited at the thought.

"Maybe," Deku answered. "It would explain why they would have her enrolled here, if you think about it. UA is one of the safest places in Japan. With all the security they've got in place now, we're like a fortress."

"But why have her in the hero course, Deku?" Uraraka's face was in profile, and Kaylee could see her frowning at the boy. "I mean, I think she's nice and all, but she's scared of her own shadow! She doesn't belong here."

Kaylee winced. That hurt, but she knew Uraraka was correct. There was silence for a moment, and a gentle breeze wafted the sheer curtains across her face. She hadn't noticed the tears falling softly until the warm air hit her face.

"I think," Deku said finally, "I think it's because of us. You know, if you think about it, we're added security. Twenty potential bodyguards, not including the faculty here. No media is allowed. She'd be completely safe."

"But the Sports Festival-" protested Uraraka. "We need that to get good contracts. My parents-"

Kaylee didn't think she could feel much worse than she did at that moment. She knew Uraraka's reasons for wanting to be a pro-hero. And now, one of the people that Kaylee could actually call a friend here at UA was hurt because of her, and blaming her for the loss of the Sports Festival. Which probably was her fault.

"I promise you, we will be just fine. Principal Nezu was adamant that it's not happening this year and nothing we do is going to change that. I'm disappointed too-I really thought I'd have a chance to beat Kacchan this year, but we're just going to have to train extra hard on our work-studies."

"Yeah," Uraraka sighed wistfully. "I guess you're right. Plus-Ultra and all that."

He chuckled again, dropping a kiss on Uraraka's cheek. "Come on, let's go in."

The next day was Kaylee's weekly meeting with Mr. Aizawa, and she wasted no time getting to the point.

"Was the Sports Festival canceled because of me?"

Mr. Aizawa paused as he started to pour the tea. "What makes you think that?"

Oh, she was not in the mood for this. "Come on Mr. Aizawa. The whole school is already talking about it. It makes sense. I started here under abnormal circumstances, and now something as huge as the Sports Festival gets canceled?"

Mr. Aizawa offered her tea. "Who exactly is saying that?"

Kaylee took the cup, blowing on it to cool it. "I'm not a snitch."

He sighed, rolling his eyes. "No, Kaylee. You're not a snitch. You'd have to speak to people to be one."

She winced at that comment, then turned her head to gaze out the window. He was right, but it still hurt.

"The fact is," he continued, "You're not fitting in here as well as we would have liked to see. Your therapist says it's going to take time, but time is one thing that you don't have here. You've been here for over a month. Graduation is in March, eight months away."

He paused to sip his tea. "I told you the first day, I can't imagine what your life has been like up to this point. But you are going to have to work harder. I've talked to your other teachers and they all say the same thing; you barely speak unless spoken to, you startle easily, you're…"

"Weak," she finished. "I get it. I'm weak. Useless. I should have never left that warehouse in Kamagaski."

Mr. Aizawa set his cup on the table with a deafening thunk. "Do you really believe that, Kaylee?"

"No. Yes. I don't know what to believe anymore," Kaylee cried, her voice breaking.

"Then why did you escape?"

"Because I wanted to live!" She raised her voice, startling the both of them. "But I don't know how," she finished in a whisper. "I feel like I'm just a bone, watching a bunch of dogs fight over it." She snorted. "Useless. Broken." She took a deep breath, trying to banish such thoughts away. "So, you never answered my question. Was the Sports Festival canceled because of me?"

He sighed. "Honestly, I don't know. It's highly probable. The Sports Festival is a high-profile event that generates an enormous amount of media attention. I'm betting some of those federal agents didn't want to put you at risk to any exposure, and it's much easier to cancel the whole thing entirely."

"But the students, they use the Sports Festival to get scouted…."

"They will be fine without it. Class 3-A has had more than enough exposure since they started. They are going to be well taken care of. Quit worrying so much about them and focus on yourself. I want to see you fitting in. You're sticking out like a sore thumb, and you're going to have to get better."

Kaylee sighed and sipped her tea, defeated. "I'll try."

…..

"I think you're perfect." The words in that raspy, low voice of hers kept replaying in Bakugou's head over and over again, every time he looked at her. He wasn't sure why. Hell, he knew he was fucking amazing, had been told so most of his life by nearly everyone who ever met him; friend or foe.

So why in fuck's name did hearing it from some weak little slip of a girl, who barely could speak more than two words together, who jumped at her own goddamned shadow, get to him so?

In the past few weeks since that evening, he'd done his best to ignore her, which was just as impossible as ignoring an itch he couldn't scratch. In the evenings, she'd sit in the damned corner in the common area, pretending to work on homework, that fucking hair she kept in her face concealing most of her expressions. He could tell she was watching them though, like a stray dog at the pound, longing for some sort of affection.

It pissed him off for some reason.

He'd wanted to confront her about the article he found, but she'd disturbed him so with that perfect comment, he just didn't know where to begin. So, he just kept his mouth shut.

Then there was the announcement about the Sports Festival, which just added to his turmoil. Shit, he really wanted to win that again. He'd be the first student to win that three years in a row since All Might attended UA. Not to mention he'd have yet more pro heroes fighting for him to join their agencies when he graduated.

Fuck, there was something more to canceling that than what the principal said, and Bakugou had a feeling it somehow was related to the new girl. It was too coincidental.

He turned his head to sneak a glance at her. Fuck, she was scrunched down in her seat so low he could barely see the top of her head. Probably trying to hide from the teacher so he wouldn't call on her. Bakugou had noticed that all the faculty had made it a point to call on her today several times in each class, when they'd normally not pay her much attention.

It was pissing her off. He could tell, with the way she'd go stiff right before she had to answer. She'd bite her lip and that raspy voice would waver just a little. Damned if that didn't please Bakugou for some twisted reason. So far, the only emotion she showed was fear and it irritated the fuck out of him.

He turned his gaze away just as Aizawa walked in. Applied Ethics in Modern Hero Society was the last class of the day and also the most boring. The combination of the subject along with the way Aizawa lectured in his monotone voice could put anyone in a coma. Bakugou could not wait to get this over so he could go to the gym or the track. He definitely needed to explode some things to release some tension.

"Today we're going to have a theoretical exercise. You will have thirty minutes to solve this problem, then we will discuss your answers," Aizawa said, barely containing his own yawn.

He wrote the problem on the board:

A small passenger ship containing 150 political refugees from Mordor has been drifting for days without power 5 miles off the coast of Gondor. The ship is damaged beyond repair. Rations are low and several passengers need medical assistance. Gondor has just signed a ceasefire with Mordor ending a decades long conflict. You can only send in 5 heroes from your class and you can't send yourself. Choose wisely.

"You have thirty minutes, starting now.". Aizawa curled in his yellow sleeping bag and began to doze off.

Thirty minutes later, Bakugou grinned triumphantly as he finished writing. What a ridiculously easy assignment. This class was stupid anyway.

"Time's up. Hands up for those of you with the correct answers," Aizawa said as he shrugged out of the sleeping bag.

Bakugou shot his hand into the air at lightning speed. "Yes, Bakugou. And you know to use your classmate's hero names."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. First, I'd send in Creati to access the medical care and create life rafts. Uravity would be next to move everyone to the boats. Cellophane could tape all the boats together. Sugarman and Deku, with their power quirks, would be strong enough to get the boats to shore."

Aizawa nodded approvingly. "Next?" Others had the same idea, or similar, since Yaoyorozu, Uraraka, Sato, Sero, and Deku couldn't use themselves.

"Todoroki? What do you have?"

"As much as it pains me to agree with Bakugou on anything, this is a solid plan," the Icy-Hot bastard said. Bakugou smirked.

Aizawa paused. "So everyone here is in agreement with Bakugou?"

Bakugou couldn't help the smug smile. He knew he had the best answer, but it's still nice when even the whole damned class of extras agreed with him.

"Kaylee? We've not heard from you yet. What do you think?"

A small squeak came from the new girl's direction. Bakugou's eyes rolled in exasperation. What the fuck was Aizawa even asking her for? She wasn't a hero and had no fucking clue about any of this. Fucking useless.

"Well, Kaylee?" Aizawa demanded. She swallowed nervously and fidgeted with her hands. "Do you agree with Bakugou's plan? Will the passengers be saved?"

"No," came the whispered reply.

"What the fuck?" Bakugou nearly jumped out of his seat in rage. "My plan is perfect and you know it!"

"No," she said again, only slightly louder. "The passengers are still going to die."

The entire class started talking at once.

"How can that be?"

"Come on Kaylee, Kacchan's plan is a sound one!"

"Mais oui! C'est magnifique!"

"Enough everyone!" Aizawa raised his hands to silence everyone. "Bakugou, sit down!" Bakugou slammed his body back into his chair. He hadn't even realized he'd gotten up. Seriously though, what the fuck was she thinking?

Aizawa turned back to the new girl and Bakugou almost swore the teacher hid a smile in the thin wraps around his neck. "Kaylee, why don't you explain to this class of potential heroes why their plan will fail?"

"Because the ship contains political refugees from Mordor and it's inside Gondor's territory. Gondor will violate the ceasefire if it offers asylum to the passengers. Gondor cannot withstand another military conflict with Mordor; it's defenses are too weak. They'll send the passengers back to Mordor, who will at least imprison them or just outright kill them." She stated all of this like she was reading from an encyclopedia or something.

"BULLSHIT!" Bakugou shouted, nearly knocking his seat over this time. "I saved all of those passengers!" Son of a bitch, he was nearly seething in rage. How dare she call him a perfect hero then suggest he's incapable of saving anyone? Did she think him weak? The fuck did she know?

"You merely delayed their deaths!" She snapped back, her voice rising with every word. Shit, she'd tossed her hair back out of her face, her dark eyes blazing with emotion. She was staring right at him, and Bakugou had to fight the urge to take a step back.

"Enough!" Aizawa's hair started floating around his face, his eyes starting to glow, a sure sign the teacher was about to get really angry. Bakugou sat back down again. Stupid pathetic weakling.

"Class, Kaylee is correct," Aizawa began. "This is what's known as a Kobayashi Maru, or in other words, a no-win situation."

"I don't believe in those," Bakugou, Deku, Todoroki and a few others in the class said simultaneously.

Aizawa grinned. "This exercise was once used as a final character test before the student graduated. Years ago, one student managed to cheat the system and the administration stopped using it as a simulation exercise. However, I still find it to be a useful teaching tool. At some point, each of you will be faced with such a decision as a hero."

Deku raised his hand. "Who was the student that cheated?"

"All Might." Aizawa paused, letting them mull over that. "He didn't believe in no-win situations either. Class dismissed."

Bakugou took his sweet time gathering up his books, while Aizawa and the rest of the class scattered to leave for the day. Even though he swore he was done with her, he spared another glance in her direction. She was also packing up her things, however, her hands were trembling so she could barely get her books inside the bag.

And Bakugou fucking lost it.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He shouted, not even realizing he'd used his quirk to clear three rows of desks to get to her. Bakugou got right in her face, his breath stirring the pale hair that had fallen back around her cheeks.

"Why are you even here? The fuck do you know about trying to save anyone? You're no fucking hero! You're just weak!" Goddamn it, he was nearly shaking with his own rage. Who the fuck did she think she was?

"FUCKING LOOK AT ME!" he roared. What the hell was wrong with her that she couldn't even acknowledge him? Was she thinking he was somehow beneath her? Playing some sort of sick game by saying he was perfect, then practically calling him a fool in front of the whole class.

"You don't belong here!" He snarled. His fists were tightly clenched with the urge to grab and shake her. Suddenly, he felt an icy breeze wash over him.

"I SAID ENOUGH!" Aizawa had returned. His hair was flying around, his scarf poised, ready to wrap around it's victim. Eyes flashed bright red. "Both of you. My office now." He turned and strode from the room without even looking back.

By the time they'd reached Aizawa's office, Bakugou was nearly shaking with anger and if he was honest, a lot of that was directed at himself. Every muscle in his body was locked tight. He felt like shit.

I just fucked up real bad. He wanted to apologize but didn't even know where to begin. He started to turn to her, but Aizawa interrupted him.

"Kaylee, wait out here," Aizawa ordered, gesturing to a bench near the door. "I'll deal with you in a moment. Bakugou, in here."

Bakugou sighed and followed his teacher inside. The door shut behind him with a quiet thud.

"Start talking." Aizawa turned to lean on his desk facing him, arms crossed. While Bakugou had been in trouble several times throughout his time at UA, this time felt different. Aizawa was pretty good at concealing his emotions, but he had his tells. This time, there was no emotion in his voice, and that kinda freaked out Bakugou.

"You used your quirk on me." Bakugou's voice was soft, controlled, belying the seething emotions just underneath.

"What?"

"You used your quirk on me," he repeated again, this time louder. "You didn't have to do that, and it pisses me off that you think I would have hurt her. Like I couldn't control myself. I'm not some stupid first year anymore."

Aizawa cocked his head to the side in puzzlement.

"I don't get it," Bakugou continued, starting to pace. "I've worked so hard, I've grown so fucking much since I first got here. I'm stronger. Better. And I was damned awesome when I got here. So it fucking infuriates me that you'd think I was going to use my quirk on her. It'd be like kicking a starving puppy."

Aizawa rubbed his chin in thought, still silent.

"It's not like she's got a quirk that could even compare to mine, if she even does have one. But we're not supposed to talk about it. It pisses me off that she's here. She doesn't belong here." He increased his pacing, going from one side of the room to the other. "I don't get her. I don't get why you're hiding her here."

"Hiding? What do you mean?"

Bakugou couldn't take it any longer, the words quickly spilling from his lips. "I found an article about her online. Some podunk town in the States. Article misspelled her name, so that's probably why it showed up when nothing else did about her. Stupid Americans. It said her family had been killed-her mom was some sort of ambassador or something. They couldn't find the girl's body and called off the search." He sighed, relaxing a little after that confession. It was nice to at least get that bit off his chest.

That got Aizawa's attention. He straightened from the desk. "Who all has seen that article? Have you talked to anyone?" Aizawa sounded worried. "Do you still have it?"

"I'm not a fucking snitch!" Bakugou retorted hotly. "I know how to keep secrets." He pulled up the article on his phone, and showed it to Aizawa. He didn't mention that he'd had it bookmarked.

Aizawa's eyes quickly read the article and then it seemed he relaxed some. His shoulders lost some of their tension as he returned Bakugou's phone.

"So why is she here?" Bakugou finally asked. "None of us believed that bullshit story you gave us."

Aizawa gave a wry chuckle. "No, I never thought you would." He sighed. "In any case, I'm not at liberty to give any more details."

"She doesn't belong here," Bakugou said again.

"You've certainly taken an interest in her. Why is that?"

Bakugou frowned. "I….I don't know," he stammered, running a hand through his hair. Aizawa may be his favorite teacher at UA, but he wasn't ready to get into a heart-to-heart with him. "At first it was because she just stuck out so much, despite the fact that she was trying to hide. I thought she might be that creepy blood bitch with the League of Villains, but decided she couldn't be." Bakugou glanced at Aizawa who motioned wordlessly for him to continue. "Then, I found that article and started watching her for real." He sighed again. "I don't like that she's so fucking fragile. The longer she stays here…" Bakugou didn't really know where he was going with this but just felt relief at finally being able to talk to someone about all of this.

"Look, I don't know how much you heard back there…."

"I heard enough," Aizawa said, not giving anything away.

"Ok, so you probably heard me being a complete asshole. " He saw Aizawa smirk. "Yeah, so anyway. She just seems so...like she's going to break or something."

"If she's not already broken," Aizawa whispered, just loud enough for Bakugou to hear. Then, Aizawa kinda gazed off in the distance, and started talking to himself, much like Deku sometimes did. "But the thing about something broken is that you can still repair it. Even make it stronger so it doesn't break again." Aizawa began his own pacing.

"What?" Bakugou frowned, puzzled. What the hell?

"Yes, this is an idea." Aizawa nodded, now gazing approvingly at Bakugou as though he suddenly had the answers to all the world's problems. "It's perfect!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" There's that fucking word again.

Aizawa clapped his hands, rubbing them together with glee. "I'm talking about you, Bakugou. Train her."

"Train her? To do what? You said she can't use whatever quirk she has…."

"I'm not talking about her quirk! Train her to just be stronger. Basic fighting styles. Anything to give her some confidence!" Aizawa looked near maniacal at that moment, and Bakugou wasn't sure what the fuck he was talking about.

"Confidence? Fighting?" What the fuck did he know about training anyone? He wasn't a fucking teacher. He didn't have the time to spend trying to deal with her, he was too busy training, working on being the number one hero.

"You're the best student in the class when it comes to fighting, even without your quirk. Plus, you've got more confidence than any other person in this school. Fuck knows you could spare some for her."

"Yeah, but Mr. Aizawa…"

"And besides, I trust you. You're got so much control over your quirk, there's no way in hell you would accidentally hurt her, like you said earlier."

"Now wait just a goddamned minute…" Bakugou tried again.

"Besides, you want to be the number one hero, don't you?"

"I will be the number one hero!"

"What's that All Might used to say? If you can't save everyone, then help the ones you can save." Aizawa grinned devilishly. "I mean, I guess I could always ask Midoriya, or Todoroki or even Iida…."

"Now, wait just a fucking minute!" Like hell was he going to let Deku, Icy-Hot, or that four-eyed bastard do whatever the fuck Aizawa was talking about. Bakugou frowned, his brow furrowing in concentration. If someone was going to help her, train her to fight or whatever, it might as well be the best person in school. Maybe he should do it.

"...but I figured Kaylee deserved to learn from the best," Aizawa ignored him.

"I'll do it!" Bakugou shouted. "I'll fucking train her. In a few months time, you won't even recognize her!"

"Excellent!" And before Bakugou could even get his thoughts together, Aizawa opened the door.

"Kaylee, come on in."

"Please don't send me away," she whispered as she slowly walked in. "I like it here. I'll do better, I promise, just please don't make me go back."

Aizawa gently took her shoulders to steady her. Bakugou thought she was going to pass out. "Kaylee, calm down."

"...they'll send me back to the hospital. Or worse. Please, Mr. Aizawa…" Fuck, she was frantic, and probably hadn't even noticed Bakugou standing near her.

"Who are 'they'?" Bakugou asked.

"...I didn't mean to. I wasn't going to hurt him, I swear. It just happened." She held both her clenched hands up to Aizawa.

"What are you talking about? Holy shit, your hand!" Bakugou noticed one of her fists had bright red drops slipping through her fingers.

Her eyes widened in fear as she finally saw him. She quickly snatched her fist behind her as she backed towards the door again. "Didn't mean to. Didn't mean to," she chanted over and over.

"Kaylee, listen to me," Aizawa said calmly. "Calm down. It's ok. I'm not going to send you anywhere. Show me your hand."

"But Bakugou…" Fuck, he could see the pulse in her neck practically throbbing. Her chest rose and fell with rapid pants, and Bakugou was reminded of a trapped animal in a cage. Tears were streaming down her face.

"Is safe," Aizawa finished softly. "He's safe. You can trust him. Bakugou, hand me the tissues over there." He nodded to the table across the room.

Bakugou handed Aizawa the box of tissues. "Open your hand, Kaylee." She slowly opened her hand, and Bakugou noticed a bloody lump in the center of her palm.

"What the fuck is that?"

Aizawa gently plucked the object from Kaylee's hand. "Kaylee, it's ok. Bakugou, take this." Bakugou held out his hand as Aizawa dropped the bloody object wrapped in the tissue into his palm.

"Kaylee, look at me. Focus." Aizawa started to wipe the blood from her hand. He got another tissue and clasped it around her pale hand tightly. "I thought I had got to you in time."

"In time?" Bakugou frowned. "Wait, you weren't using your quirk on me-"

"I didn't want him to find out. I didn't mean to. Please, forgive me."

"Kaylee, it's ok."

They were all talking over each other, and Bakugou examined the object in his hand, wiping off the blood with the tissue, revealing a somewhat large glittering stone. It was tear shaped. He held it up to the light, millions of colors reflecting inside.

"Is this a diamond?"

"A 2.25 carat teardrop diamond. Grade D color, grade F clarity," she whispered as she stared at Aizawa. "Please, Mr. Aizawa, they might hurt him if they found out…" she trailed off as huge sobs wracked her body.

"Kaylee, no one is going to hurt anyone."

"Who the fuck are 'they'? What are you talking about?"

Shit, they were talking over each other again. Bakugou moved closer to her, making sure he was in her line of vision. "Is that your quirk? You can make diamonds?"

Her eyes went wide as she glanced back to Aizawa. She swallowed nervously.

"That was a lot bigger than the first one you made. What were you holding?" Aizawa asked.

"My math textbook."

Aizawa grunted, grinning slyly. "I'm sure we can get that replaced."

"Both of you, stop ignoring me and just tell me what the fuck is going on!" Bakugou was getting super pissed again.

"Sorry," she said, wiping the tears off her cheeks.

"Kaylee, my signature is on about five contracts forbidding me from saying anything," Aizawa told her. "But I don't think they made you sign anything, did they?"

She shook her head.

"Well, it is your story, but I suggest you trust Bakugou. Especially since you're going to be working with him a lot during your time here," Aizawa said finally.

"Huh?" She quickly glanced back and forth between Bakugou and Aizawa. "What do you mean?"

"He means I'm going to train you, dummy," Bakugou huffed out, rolling his eyes. "I'm going to help you get stronger."

She bit her lip. "I don't get it, you think I'm weak, everyone does. Worthless. Useless. Why do you want to help someone like me? I don't know how to be anything else…."

Bakugou studied her closely, the bright light in the office illuminating her clearly. Beneath the fear, the tears, the trembling, the damned hair that she constantly kept in her face, he could sense that there was someone else underneath all of that, and it pissed him off that she kept hiding her from him. Them. Everyone. Whatever the fuckers that took her did to her, they tried to break her.

Bakugou suddenly remembered the time he'd been taken by the League of Villains. They tried all sorts of shit with him, and he was only there for a few days. Kaylee survived eleven years. The fact that he'd not been able to find anything about her must mean that she wasn't rescued. She must have gotten out on her own somehow.

"You can be more," Bakugou stated firmly. He was going to make sure of it.

…..

Aizawa stared at both teenagers as he fought to hold back a grin of triumph. Earlier, he'd thought of offering to train Kaylee himself, but knew with his own schedule of work, raising Eri, and all the other things he had going on, it wouldn't be fair to her. She needed something more.

Since he'd walked out of Principal Nezu's office with Kaylee that first day, he really wanted to find a way to help that girl. Maybe it was because of how much she reminded him of Eri. Maybe because it was despite her appearing to be weak and frail, he knew Kaylee was incredibly strong, even if she and the rest of the world didn't realize it. She managed to kill her captors and escape. But she was about to break, just like Bakugou said. Her mental state was much like Eri's when she first came to UA, although Eri was so young, she didn't always understand what had happened to her. Kaylee needed help. A hero.

Then Bakugou fell right into his hands.

Aizawa knew as a teacher he shouldn't have favorites, but out of all the ones he'd taught, this particular class would always be at the top. Bakugou especially. Not only had the boy grown stronger, both physically and with his quirk, but he'd also worked even harder to become a better person, more than anyone else in the class. He'd grown up. Sure, there were still signs of that infamous temper, but it no longer ruled him. He probably would always have that world class ego, but again, he deserved it, and he had learned to reign that back as well. Aizawa was damned proud of the boy.

Honestly, Aizawa thought he'd have to do a little more convincing to get Bakugou to agree to his plan, but despite all the development that he's shown the past three years, at the end of the day, Bakugou still had traces of that stubborn, angry boy, and some basic manipulation worked just fine. The part about All Might was probably overkill, but whatever worked.

Even though Aizawa mentioned Midoriya, Todoroki and Iida just to see if he could goad Bakugou, he really wouldn't have asked them to train her. No, Iida, as capable as he was, just wasn't right for Kaylee. He'd get too rigid with her, and would be too impatient with her. Todoroki would end up taking pity on her, mainly because she was a girl, and just not take her seriously. Midoriya would try his best, but again, his soft nature would end up just comforting her more than anything, and that's not what Kaylee needed.

Bakugou had proved himself early on that he could treat everyone as an equal. During the Sports Festival in their first year, that fight with Uraraka told Aizawa all he needed to know about how Bakugou fought. He didn't hold back, despite the fact that he had the entire stadium against him. Despite his earlier comments of her being weak and fragile, Aizawa thought that Bakugou may just see the same potential in Kaylee as he did.

"You can be more."

Yep, Bakugou saw it too. This time, Aizawa didn't even bother hiding his grin. He'd be perfect for Kaylee. Aizawa had a gut feeling that this would work.

"I'll make sure you both have time in your schedules for training," Aizawa told the pair. Both of them started as though they'd forgotten he was in the room. Interesting.

"Wait," Bakugou said. "She's not agreed to this yet. So, are you going to let me help you or not?"

Aizawa watched the girl carefully. Her head was down again, staring down at her hand that was still clutching the bloody tissue. The cut wasn't as deep as Aizawa thought, and the bleeding had already stopped. She nodded.

"Not good enough. Look me in the eye and say yes or no."

She raised her head. "Yes."

"Good." Bakugou smiled.

"You can start in the morning," Aizawa turned to start filling out the paperwork, but Bakugou's words stopped him.

"No, we're starting right now," the boy stated. "Kaylee, you need to stand up straight, shoulders back, head up. I want to see you walking around this place like you fucking own it, you got me?"

Kaylee did as he commanded, nodding silently as she suddenly straightened up. Fuck, Aizawa never noticed how tall she was. She was almost the same height as Bakugou.

Paperwork forgotten, Aizawa studied the pair closely, leaning against his desk.

"You look people in the eye when you talk to them, understand?" Bakugou reached out and started undoing the red tie around her neck. "Act like you're a goddamned celebrity and everyone else you see are just pathetic extras. Take this," he said, handing the strip of fabric to her. "No more hiding behind that hair of yours."

Kaylee took the tie and began to pull her hair back. "Ok."

Bakugou turned to Aizawa. "I want full unrestricted access to all UA facilities. The pool, the gym, the training centers. All of them."

"Done." Oh, the other teachers will have something to say about this, but Aizawa would get the principal involved if he had to.

"Here, this is yours," Bakugou held out the diamond to Kaylee, who backed up as though it was a viper.

"No, I don't want it. I hate them," she said definitively.

Bakugou tossed the stone to Aizawa who caught it deftly. "Let's go then. We've got an hour or two of daylight left. We'll be at the track," he called to Aizawa over his shoulder. He held the door for her as she passed.

After they left, Aizawa studied the diamond as he opened his laptop. When Kaylee first showed him her quirk, she didn't glow. When he'd stopped by the classroom to see what the commotion was, she briefly lit up, but apparently Aizawa was the only one who had noticed.

Or maybe he just imagined it.

...

The Kobayashi Maru is from Star Trek. I was watching that the other day, and as my mind usually does, I wondered with our heroes from MHA would do with that type of scenario. I think All Might definitely is the type to cheat it, much like Kirk did-All Might doesn't believe in no-win situations either. I used Gondor/Mordor from Lord of the Rings-seems like something that would appear at UA, since class 1-B used something like that at the cultural festival.