This story is inspired by and pays homage to the work Baachu, written by MadelynFrost. A big shout-out to the author and artist, I hope you see and enjoy this fanfic!
This is a story about Bakugo's adult life, and when he finds a baby girl on his doorstep. Who is just like him, fangs and all. I wanted to explore how different a parent must be with different kinds of kids. In Baachu, Eijiro Bakugo is kind, sweet, grows plants and sings. Almost the exact opposite of Bakugo.
This will be a bit different. By a bit, I mean a lot. Some story elements will be the same for simplicity's sake, but I still would like to make a somewhat unique fanfic.
NOTE: Severe manga spoilers ahead. If you're anime-only, DO NOT READ! All information within this fanfiction is current with Chapter 268. This work ALSO assumes Bakugo survives all future events post Chapter 268.
Let me know what you think in the comments! I do not own BNHA.
Firework
Chapter One
"LET ME HEAR IT FOR THIS YEAR'S, CLASS 3A!" Present Mic screamed through the sound system. "LET'S SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!"
Cheers drowned out the entire venue as all 20 third year students stepped out in full graduation robes. It was the last day at UA for the fledgeling heroes and students of U.A. High. Shota Aizawa stood by them, as their homeroom teacher. Mic had joked with Aizawa earlier, saying that this was his first class to make it to graduation without a single expulsion. Was he getting soft?
Probably.
"This is so exciting!" Hagakure squealed quietly to Ashido, her robes seeming to float midair. They all made it! They all managed to survive High School, in more ways than one.
First, the Class Rep Tenya Iida. He had taken his brother's name, Ingenium, in stride and was set to take over the large agency. His family couldn't be prouder! Tensei sat in the audience as well, crying happy tears for his sibling.
The Vice Rep, Yaoyorozu was the Valedictorian of the entire year and was highly respected for her intellect and prowess in strategy.
Yuga Aoyama had been cleared of all charges in his role as All-for-One's spy, thanks to his role in the final battle two years ago. Despite his past, he looked forward to a bright future as a Hero, and sought to make up for his mistakes the best he could.
Mina Ashido and Eijiro Kirishima were both joining the Fatgum agency together, being partners romantically and professionally for the last couple of years. They were a terrifying power couple to face in battle.
Minoru Mineta stood a bit taller now in his third year, by about two feet. He still loved women of course, but a rough fight with a villain had somewhat changed his point of view and priorities. He now sported a scar on his forehead, but the experience had a huge impact on his personality and he did his best to improve.
Kyoka Jirou and Mezo Shoji now worked full-time under Gang Orca as search and rescue specialists. Similarly, Denki Kaminari, Hanta Sero and Mineta all worked with Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods in their shared Agency.
Fumikage Tokoyami worked side-by-side with the Number Two Hero, Hawks, who had long since quit his position as the Hero Commission's lapdog. He now lived as a hero because he wanted to, and to further train his protege.
Rikido Sato and Koda Koji teamed up in disaster relief, using their quirks to find and rescue people all over the world. With Sato's masterful baking skills, he fed over 5,000 people a year easily in the wake of natural disasters while Koji relyed on his animals to find any stragglers. The rock-headed boy also opened a small exotic animal shelter and was already working on his veterinary degree.
Mashiro Ojiro, now a black belt in 5 different martial arts, was now working on his very own dojo, where he'd teach fighting techniques while being a hero on the side.
Toru Hagakure was set to be a stealth specialist, and had trained hard to be completely unnoticeable by anyone. She could even turn her clothes invisible now, solving a bit of a problem with the wardrobe department. However, in homage to the late R Rated Hero: Midnight, she decided to stay naked anyway.
Tsuyu Asui was now second mate on the USS Mariner, using her powerful frog abilities to complete ocean missions with ease.
Ochaco Uraraka, while primarily a rescue hero, was also an unexpectedly powerful battle hero. And now that her work study with Ryukyu was signed as an official side-kick gig, she had enough money to start helping her parents with their business. She started small, buying newer equipment to keep up with the workload.
Shoto Todoroki was recognised as one of the class's most powerful members, with his dual quirk and quick decision-making skills. He now outpaced his father, Endeavor on a regular basis and like Iida, was being groomed to take over his father's agency when he retires. Enji Todoroki, though hurt badly in the final battle, was still running the agency at peak performance.
As for All Might's successor…
"We're here…" Midoriya cried. "We did it, Kaachan! We're full heroes now!"
"Shut up already!" Bakugo growled quietly. "We've been heroes for a while now. And stop crying so damn much!"
Midoriya wiped the tears away, spotting his crying mother in the audience. The waterworks restarted all over again. He couldn't help himself. A graying, skeleton of a man sat next to her, with a grin as big as can be.
"Damn kid…didn't I say to cool it with the crying?" Toshinori thought to himself. Midoriya wiped them away again, grinning brightly. As of just a few months ago, Midoriya had fully mastered his quirk, One-for-All, allowing him full access to every quirk that had ever touched the power. He was stronger and faster than Prime All Might and was expected to take the number one spot within the year!
As for Bakugo…
Katsuki Bakugo had learned a lot over the last three years. Graduating UA High was a dream come true for the hero in trai-...no, for the Pro Hero. But nothing was as expected for the young man.
Firstly, he had long since come to terms with his best friend, Midoriya. "Deku", he called him as a way of calling him useless. Sure he had his moments, but for the most part, all of his jabs and outbursts came from a place of mutual respect and friendship. Despite their past.
Once, he believed that Deku was beneath him, even when he was given his quirk. Throughout their first year of school, Katsuki resented his fellow student for daring to catch up to him. To run alongside him. To even think about surpassing him. But now? Deku surpassed him long ago, thanks to not only his powerful quirks, but his sheer willpower and determination as well.
It was Deku who saved his life 2 years ago in the fight against All-for-One and Shigaraki and fought at his side until the end. But that didn't mean he'd ever stop trying! He would surpass Deku one day. He had to.
But it wasn't just Deku. Many people in his life taught him his most valuable lessons. Best Jeanist, the then Number 3 Hero, was the first mentor of his to humble him the best he could. Although the lessons didn't stick right away, Bakugo could not help but respect the man for his tenacity and intelligence. It was only when Jeanist was there when he first introduced himself with his hero name: Dynamight.
All Might did his best as well, guiding him through his wins and, more importantly, his losses. What could he say? He was a sore loser. It was All Might who taught him to show respect to his rivals and build them up. No good tearing others down. That's not how a hero wins.
Eraserhead was incredibly tough on him, pushing him to the max at all times during his tenure at UA. Bakugo always knew the underground hero believed in him. When he was kidnapped, it was Aizawa who stuck up for him against the mass media and insisted he was aiming for the number one spot. He would never forget that.
Surprisingly, Mirko took him on for his 2nd and 3rd years at UA, coaching him to become even more devastating in battle. Though the hero had dropped a few ranks due to her injuries, she was a fierce teacher and Bakugo soaked up everything she knew. The rabbit hero's tenure at UA was short, but she made an impact on all of them.
So as he stood among his peers as the other classes stepped out for graduation, he couldn't help but smile softly. He was proud as hell for himself, of course. But he was just as proud of the rest of his class. Though he'd never say it out loud.
Ponytail was called up to give her speech, which Katsuki was sure would be long-winded and thoughtful. Which it was. He listened here and there, but his mind was elsewhere during the ceremony.
Where does he go from here? He achieved his dream of becoming a hero like All Might. He graduated from UA. He was still working at the Endeavor Hero Agency, but he put in his 2 week notice that morning. He had to make his own name somehow. Could he establish his own agency? Right now?
Bakugo was as prideful as could be, but he wasn't stupid. He didn't have the funds right now to make his own agency. But did he need one? Couldn't he just freelance, do the paperwork himself? No, he'd hate that. Let the other scrubs do all the legislation, what else was the business course for?
He frowned. There had to be a way. A path forward. Applause rang out as Ponytail finished her speech. Aizawa stepped up to speak on behalf of his class. It was short and sweet, just how he liked it.
"Frankly speaking, I've never worked with a class with as much potential as these heroes." Eraserhead said. "They have all been a step ahead in their pursuit of their goals, and this is the result. Well done, 3A. Thank you."
"YOU HEARD IT THERE FIRST, FOLKS! LEMME HEAR YA! PLUS…" Present Mic led.
"ULTRA!"
xXx
Later that night…
"Everything's on me tonight!" Iida yelled jovially at the restaurant. "So please! Enjoy yourselves!"
"Smile, 'Suki!" Mina made a kissy face as she attempted a selfie with Bakugo. She looked at the photo. "Aww…no flipping the bird at the camera!"
"Fuck off." Katsuki said, still holding the middle finger up. Then Ashido gave him the phone. "T'fuck you doing?"
"We're passing the phone around. Take a picture and pass it on!" Mina urged. Growling, Bakugo snapped a pic of Kaminari trying to balance a root beer bottle on his nose. Which failed spectacularly. He threw the phone to Jirou. "There. Happy?"
"So happy! Thanks for coming, Bakugo."
"Tch," Bakugo sipped his water, hiding his smile. "Whatever, Racoon Eyes." She moved on, checking on Kirishima, who was still laughing at the electric hero. Bakugo sat at the bar by himself, observing the shenanigans classes A and B were getting into. Everyone was invited to their final shin-dig.
"Hey, Kaachan!" Midoriya slid up next to him. "Having fun?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Bakugo thundered. "I'm having fun! God!"
"Your permanent scowl says otherwise," Todoroki interjected, sitting next to Midoriya with a chilled iced tea. "It's ok if you're not."
"I am! I am! Fuck!"
Boom!
"FUCK!" Katsuki blew his water glass apart, spilling its contents on his lap. "God…fucking…here!" He handed some Yen to the disgruntled bartender. He dried himself off, still cursing under his breath.
Todoroki and Midoriya looked at each other, nodding in understanding. They had talked about this before, so Izuku knew what was on his friend's mind.
"Kaachan…are you still going to quit Endeavor's agency?"
"Not 'going to'" Bakugo corrected. "'Have'. I put in the notice today."
"As much as I like annoying my old man," Todoroki said, drying the counter off with his left side. "Now isn't a great time to quit with no other option available."
"I have options," Bakugo snapped. "I'm going freelance. Once I have enough saved up, I'll establish my own agency and outdo both you punks." He accepted the new glass of water. "I'll be the Number One Hero in no time."
"I'm sure you will!" Deku said honestly.
"Shut the fuck up, Deku." Katsuki said calmly. He popped a couple of pills in his mouth before taking another drink. "I can't live under someone's shadow. Gotta be my own hero."
Midoriya sighed. "No changing your mind?"
"Nope."
"Could you talk to All Might first?"
"Already did. Besides, Mirko did it for years and became number five. It's not impossible."
They sat in silence for a moment, watching the party. Kendo and Monoma were playing spades against Shoji and Tokoyami, and were losing spectacularly. Kirishima and Tetsutetsu were having an arm-wrestle, a rematch from their first sports festival. Everyone one of these new heroes had some kind of plan for the future, but Katsuki didn't. Not really.
And he knew it.
"There…is a third option." Todoroki mentioned. "But you will not like it."
"What is it?" Midoriya asked. Bakugo listened, though reluctantly.
"What if…we all quit?" Todoroki suggested. "Between the three of us, no other agency could compete."
The two stared at Shoto. "You mean…" Midoriya asked hopefully. "The three of us…we could start an agency!"
"Exactly." Todoroki confirmed. "Even I would have a hard time doing it myself with my father's resources. But if we worked together-"
"Hell no." Bakugo said through gritted teeth. "Didn't I just say something about being under a shadow?"
"None of us would work for the other," Todoroki continued. "We'd be equal partners and would make decisions by two out of three votes."
"I said no, damn it!" Bakugo yelled, slamming his glass down and hopping up. "You think I need help making my own agency? Think again, Half n half!" He stomped off towards the bathroom, leaving his friends behind.
Midoriya sighed dejectedly. "That actually went better than I thought it would."
SLAM!
Bakugo paced in the bathroom, almost hyperventilating from rage. Start an agency with those two nerds? Not a chance in hell!
He stopped pacing, setting his hands on the clean counter. He looked in the mirror, trying to clear his head. He had gotten a lot better at calming himself down thanks to therapy, but he was still Bakugo.
"Fuckin'...shit…I don't even…fuck!" he muttered to himself. Now that he was alone, he started to think. Really think about the idea.
Working with Deku and Half n Half…maybe wouldn't be the worst idea ever. If they all teamed up, they'd split the agency three ways. That would make it more affordable, but it was still a huge amount of yen to throw together. He had a decent chunk of change thanks to his work study, but he doubted it was enough. Deku would be in a similar spot, but he was just guessing really. Icyhot could probably finance the whole thing himself, but Katsuki would never allow that.
He thought about asking his parents for help, but quickly dismissed the idea. Not after his most recent interaction with the old hag. She didn't even show at the graduation. His Dad did though…
He growled savagely. No. No help from family, even if it was on good terms. He had to do this himself! Or at least have an equal share!
It may cost him, but it was the right thing to do. Even if it cost him in the long run.
He'll figure it out.
Stepping out again to the party, he spotted Todoroki and Midoriya, talking about the idea more.
"For fuck's sake…" he groaned as he approached. "Listen, fucktards, I'm not doing a partnership. It's as simple as that."
Midoriya shook his head. "No! Actually, we were just talking about…uh…"
"I have an idea for you." Todoroki stated plainly. "My father owns a place. A warehouse, actually. He may be willing to give it to you."
Bakugo was floored. "Why would your old man just give me a building?"
"Because he's retiring." Todoroki answered.
"WHAT?" Both Bakugo and Midoriya yelled, making everyone look their way. Midoriya laughed nervously. "It's fine! We're ok! Heh…"
Once everyone had gone about their business, they both leaned in closer to whisper. "Endeavor's retiring? When was this?" Midoriya demanded.
"Told me last night," Todoroki answered. "Says he's done enough for a lifetime, wants to leave it to the next generation."
"Tch…" Bakugo understood. He really did, after everything the old man went through. "Fine, but what's so damn special about this warehouse?"
"It's one of his old personal gyms. It's in the middle of the city and is practically unfindable if you've never been there before." Shoto shrugged. "I thought you might be interested in it as a headquarters, at least to start."
"That's amazing!" Midoriya gushed. "An old pro gym! Kaachan, you have t-"
"Shut it!" Bakugo hissed. He turned back to Shoto. "How much you want for the place?"
"He won't ch-"
"How. Much. Damn it." Katsuki growled. He wasn't getting a free ride. No sir.
xXx
Two years later…
"Help! Villains!"
"RRRHHAAAAAA!" A shark man was rampaging through the city streets, causing nothing but destruction in his wake! With his huge mouth, he started to eat a sedan full of people!
"Someone please!" A young woman screamed from inside, covered in broken glass. "HELP!"
"DIE!"
BA-BOOOOOM!
The Shark went flying from the street-level explosion, which had missed the civilians by about 2 feet. The car plopped back onto the asphalt as two boots hit the ground. The man was dressed for combat, wearing a black and orange tank top in the shape of an x across his chest. Black pants with metal knee guards for further protection and offense. Huge grenade shaped gauntlets around both arms, sloshing with nitro-sweat the hero created himself. He also had grenades, bullet belts, and a large strafe panzer unit made for long range attacks on his back. Two explosion shaped hair-pieces jutted out of his spiky blond hair, with a simple marquee mask covering his red eyes.
The man was the definition of destruction.
"Hey, punk." Dynamight grinned under his mask. "Let's dance."
"RAAAA! KILL YOU!" Shark rushed towards the Pro Hero, to which Bakugo gave an exploding uppercut, forcibly closing the villain's gaping mouth.
"That's MY line, dumbass!" Bakugo laughed. He turned out of the way of the villain's meaty fist and pulled the pin on his gauntlet, point blank.
"BA-BOOOOOOM!"
A huge explosion blasted Sharky into the concrete, which created a huge crater from the impact. In seconds the shark villain was unconscious, shrinking down to a more manageable size. Only his pants remained of his clothes, but they were in tatters. Bakugo bent down to check his pulse. Alive. And a black tongue to boot.
"Trigger." He muttered. "Better include that in the report." There has been an uptick in trigger related crimes lately, despite the police's best efforts. It's been nothing but clean up lately.
Once the cops had the guy locked down, he gave his statement and exploded away, soaring through the city.
His sector of Japan wasn't the nicest place in town when he first got here. Crime ran rampant and police didn't patrol often, leading the whole neighborhood to go downhill. Even local heroes were corrupt, taking bribes from various gangs to not show up at certain times or places.
Then almost two years ago, Dynamight came to town. As soon as Katsuki set foot in Shiena, he began cracking down on every criminal he could find. With every hack he took down, it became clear that the whole city was overrun by a hierarchy of gangs, running protection rackets and organized crime. The city was so small and run down, no one could be bothered to clean up the cesspool.
But the leaders of these gangs never saw it coming. Dynamite shook down every criminal he caught, discovered their identities in mere days, devised a strategy to catch them, organized the local police force and brought them all to their knees. All by himself.
Now, almost every gang in town was practically none-existant, due to him actively hunting them down. He even arrested several of the "heroes" the gangs had bought out and demanded new ones be sent down from the hero commission. There were still many problems here, but all the ones he could fix, he did. He quickly ran up the rankings after apprehending over 400 criminals in his first year of lone hero work.
The problem was funding. The government had cut the city off as a loss due to its disrepair, "cutting their losses" they said. But Bakugo was having none of it. It was a twice a week ordeal, but Bakugo would routinely pay a visit to the local government to advocate for crime prevention. Better schools, better infrastructure, the works. He gained a reputation within the local government as a real pain-in-the-ass.
And now, as he ka-boomed his way through the city, things were definitely looking up. Shops no longer had bars on the windows during open hours and people could walk down the street without fear of robbery. Even the tell-tail booms of Dynamight's quirk was enough to keep crime at bay as he patrolled. He was even able to leave for a bit without things falling apart.
"Hey Dynamight!"
"Look, it's Dynamight! Say hi, sweetie!"
"Hi, Dyny!"
Bakugo twirled midair as he passed, his form of "hello" to civilians without actually stopping to talk. Seemed to be enough for his fans, though the vast majority of them were centralized here in Shiena. That was fine with Bakugo. He hated the popularity part of being a hero. People were animals sometimes. But ultimately, it made his job easier when the people he was saving trusted him, or even liked him. Eraserhead taught him that years ago, ironically. If he makes his public interactions rare, it makes them more valuable when he does actually stop to chat or give an autograph.
Whether they liked him or not, everyone in the city respected him. Criminals feared him, of course, but he had gone to bat for ordinary people multiple times in his short career. One time, he made the police reopen a case because the villain he apprehended was actually being controlled by a quirk no one else knew about. Any other hero they had would've let that go, but not Katsuki.
He was meticulous like that.
Finally, he landed at his agency, a three story warehouse he bought from the former number one hero. The first floor was the reception area, where extras could go to report crimes or seek assistance. The second floor was the gym, where heroes could train with various equipment or spar without damaging anything. Seeing as it was Endeavor's old training gym, the whole interior was fire-proofed, perfect for Dynamight and other fire-based heroes. It was a membership deal too, so a hero didn't even need to be part of the agency to use the place. The third floor was office space, where Dynamight and other heroes would do paperwork and investigate without distractions. Bakugo's office was there too, so he could be alone when needed. He also installed a man hole on the ceiling so he could climb to the roof for some fresh air or leave immediately to respond to a crime in progress.
And so he can drop into his office upon arrival without having to talk to anybody, like he was doing right now. Best invention ever. Landed in the center of his office, rolling his shoulder from the fight as he stretched out. He looked at his four, no, five whiteboards filled with details about his various cases. Contrary to popular belief, he did have sidekicks. But he did so much hero work on a regular basis, even on his downtime, that the few sidekicks he had just mostly patrolled the area. He was a true workaholic. And he had results.
"Boss, you have a visitor." His intercom buzzed from his desk. He tisked, pressing the phone.
"Who's there?"
"Deku, sir."
"Fuck. Send him in, Trace."
"Will do, sir."
He plopped down at his desk as the double doors opened up. Midoriya walked in, grinning like the sun as usual.
"Hey Kaachan!" Deku had gone through some changes as well over the years. He was a lot more muscular now, with a long yellow cape adorning his back. His base green costume had remained the same, for the most part. He got rid of the rabbit mask ages ago, thank god. White arm and leg bracers supported his movements and reduced kickback, though he didn't need it much nowadays.
"Deku." Bakugo grunted, typing out a report. "What do you want?"
"Just checking in," Midoriya said matter-of-factly. "You've been off the radar lately, wanted to see if you-"
"I'm fine." Bakugo interrupted. "Couldn't be better really."
"If you say so…" Midoriya shrugged. The truth was, no one had really seen or heard from Bakugo for the last couple of months. Not even Kirishima could get a hold of him for more than a few minutes lately. Sure, hero work could be consuming, but Shiena wasn't nearly the crime-riddled cesspool it was just a couple years ago. He had time on his hands.
Time that he spent training, patrolling, working, sleeping…eating…and not much else.
"You know," Deku said softly, grabbing a chair to sit in front of Dynamight. "It's ok if you're not ok lately. I don't know what's going on, but we're all here for you."
"I told you I'm fine, Deku. Don't talk down to me." Bakugo snarled, picking up some files and storing them away. He stood up, pacing slightly. "Just because I don't get out much doesn't mean I'm not happy.
"I never said you weren't," Midoriya assured him. "But-"
"No buts!" he snapped, an explosion popping in his palm. He slowed down, breathing deeply to calm down a notch. "I…said…I'm…good." He said slowly.
Midoriya raised his hands in surrender. "Ok. Just…if anything happens, or if you need us, just call, alright?"
"Fine, Mom," he replied sarcastically. "If something weird happens, you'll be on speed-dial. Happy?"
"Yes!" Midoriya beamed. "I gotta go, seeya Kaachan!"
"Got it. And take the man-"
WHOOOOOOSH! Before he could finish, the Number One Hero had already dashed out the door at full speed, presumably blowing every sheet of paper in his agency.
"-hole. Shit." Bakugo swore, sitting back down. He pressed his intercom. "Trace, get clean-up out here."
"Already called them, sir."
"Good. As you were." Trace, one of his sidekicks, was easily his most reliable team member at the Ground Zero Agency. Her quirk was Tracer, which allowed her to track anyone's location after a glance, no matter where they were in the world. Incredibly useful for hunting villains down if she can get eyes on them. And for tracking down Dynamight if he ever got in too deep or hurt.
He leaned back into his chair. As it was now, Bakugo was the Number Two Hero in the official rankings. And it wasn't even close, hasn't been for the last three years or so. He and Deku were neck and neck for a while, with Icyhot taking the top occasionally, but no one could compete with All Might's successor. Not by a long shot.
But over time, Bakugo grew ok with that. It frustrated him sure, but expecting to catch up with the fucking chosen one was just going to depress him. Besides, he was still Number Two. If it weren't for One-for-All, he'd be the indisputable number one in Japan!
And he'll never stop trying to reach it, of course. But deep down, he knew it wasn't going to happen. Not until Deku passes his power on. Which he can't do. Not ever.
All in all, he figured he was pretty satisfied with his life! He didn't need all that extra shit that Deku had. Sure he had a wife, a house, the number one spot…
His cell buzzed on the table, jerking him from his thoughts. He picked up.
"Hey Shitty Hair."
"Hey, Bakubro! We're getting drinks for Kaminari's birthday! Care to join us?"
"Can't. Got too much work right now."
"C'mon, you haven't hung out with us in…forever, ok? It's at that McCurdy's in Tokyo. Be there, ok? Thanks bro!"
"Hold the fuck up, I'm not-"
Click!
"FUCK!" Bakugo yelled, slamming his phone down. "Let me finish, dammit!"
Truth was, it had been a while since he saw anyone from UA. He'd just been so swamped lately. And the depression didn't help…
"Grr…fine!" He grabbed his phone, shooting Kirishima a text. What time?
xXx
That night…
"HAPPY BIIIIRTHDAY, DEAR DENKI…HAPPY BIRFDAY TOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUU!" Kirishima and Sero sang drunkenly, with Kaminari laughing uncontrollably. Jirou was there too as Kaminari's ride home, covering her mouth with giggles. Kirishima, though drunk himself, checked in on Bakugo.
"Hey bro…you good? That's like, drink number six, innit?"
"Shaddup, sharky," Bakugo slurred back. "'M fine. Stop botherin' me."
"No man, hic, you don't look so hot right now," Kirishima reasoned, despite his own stupor. "I can call Mina to give you a ride too…"
"NO! FUCK, I'M FINE! SHIT!" Bakugo roared, stumbling to his feet. He steadied himself, making it out the door. "You idiots…thinking I need help all the damn time. Just…need some air."
"But-" Kirishima tried to stop him, but was pulled in by Denki for another game of beer pong. Bakugo stepped out onto the street, dizzy as all hell.
"Fuck…am I gonna regret this later…" he groaned. He started walking aimlessly down the street. It was late, at least 2am, so most partiers had started to go home by now. It wasn't long until he bumped into somebody. Someone familiar…
"OMG! Almost spilled my, huh? Bakugo?" The scantily dressed woman asked. Bakugo tried to focus on her face, but was still pretty drunk.
"Beat it, extra. Don't need any…" he slumped forward!
And everything went black.
…
…
…
…
"Ugh…" Katsuki rubbed his eyes in the morning light. Wait, morning? He blinked, bounding out of bed and immediately bending down from the headache. Hangover. "Fuckin' hell…" He was in…a hotel room? He looked around. Some of his clothes were on the floor. How did he get here? He went to pick up his shirt and pants. Unbeknownst to him, due to his hangover and general confusion, a person-sized lump was on the other side of the bed, rising and falling with breath.
After getting dressed, he took inventory. Phone? Check. Wallet? Check. Everything in it? Check. Keys? Check.
Wait, his phone! He checked the device, seeing 17 missed calls. "Shiiiiit…"
Knock knock knock!
"SHIT!" he half-yelled. He crept his way to the door, checking the peephole. Sighing, he cracked the door open.
"Hey, Shitty Hair."
"BAKUGO!" Kirishima yelled from the hallway! "You're ok-mmph!" A hand covered the man's mouth from the door.
"Shut it! You're too loud. How did you find me?" Bakugo grunted. Kirishima jerked his thumb to his side. Trace had been there the whole time without him noticing. She was in full hero gear too, her purple trench coat contrasting with the rest of the hall. He was just that out of it.
"Are you hurt sir?" Trace asked quietly, taking off her glasses.
"I'm fine…just hungover from…Sparky's birthday, right?"
"Yeah…then you left the bar and we hadn't seen you since." Kirishima filled him in. "After morning hit, we called Trace to track you down. What happened?"
Bakugo slid out of the room, letting the door lock behind him. "Not sure…I must have paid for the hotel though…weird night."
"Definitely a first," Trace said casually. "First night out drinking?"
"Hell no…but…" Katsuki rubbed his eyes, some of last night was starting to come back. But first…
"Trace, take me home."
"Yes sir," Trace led him to the elevator with Kirishima. On the car ride home, Kirishima recounted their efforts to find him throughout the night, even going as far as calling Ingenium and Deku to search for him until Kirishima remembered Trace's quirk.
Normally, Katsuki would be yelling at him to be quiet, or mad that he called Deku. Instead, he tried to piece the night together. He remembers having fun, laughing…maybe a girl was there? Couldn't say.
He'd remember someday.
xXx
Almost a year later…
"Kid, you gotta know that fighting me isn't a good idea! What's your deal anyway, huh?" Dynamite yelled, holding a teenager down on the ground. He caught the idiot spray-painting a wall with his quirk. When the hero asked what he was doing, he tried to spray yellow paint in his face to escape. Though his cheek and ear were positively yellow and his hair was blue, Bakugo didn't take kindly to the sudden move. He picked the teen up, pushing him against the wall.
"Graffiti isn't a serious crime, you know! Don't make it worse by attacking a pro hero or running away!" He tisked, letting the kid's arms free. But not letting the kid escape either. He pointed at the red wall.
"Repaint this wall with your quirk. Now." Bakugo ordered.
"Uh…" the kid said numbly. "I can't match a color exactly." Bakugo leaned in close, gritting his teeth.
"Figure it out." he growled. "Or I can arrest you right now for evasion and illegal quirk-usage." The kid gulped, shook his fingers and started painting red. The color was pretty close to the original. But not close enough for Katsuki.
"That's scarlet," Bakugo criticized. "The wall was cherry before you came along."
"What the hell man!" he groaned. "What's the difference? Why do you know the diff-"
"Don't worry about it, just get on with it. I'm not leaving until its exactly-"
Ring-ring! Ring-ring!
"Rrrgh, keep painting." Bakugo picked up his cell. "Deku, whatever it is, I'm sure you can-"
"KAACHAN! I NEED HELP HERE!"
"Hold it, what?" Bakugo was floored. "What's happening?"
"Some kind of high-speed villain, heading towards your district! Kinae and Maro street! I can't pin him down!"
"Got it! I'm headed there now!" Dynamite yelled. He whipped towards the vandal. "You don't move until the job's done, or I'll find you later. Don't. Try. Me."
The teen nodded fearfully. Without another word, Bakugo took off, dialing his earpiece to Deku, who was coming in hot. "What's his trajectory!?"
"NORTHEAST, COMING IN FROM NORTHEAST! HURRY!"
"QUIT TELLIN' ME WHAT TO DO, DAMMIT!" he roared back, blasting his way to the cross-streets. "Couldn't you use Transmission?"
"Can't! The kickback could-"
"Got it got it got it!" Pointing himself northeast from above, he took his entire grenade belt and threw it down, letting the belt reform into a large grenade web to block the street. He cleared his throat and shouted at the onlookers.
"ALL YOU EXTRAS NEED TO CLEAR OUT RIGHT FUCKING NOW! GO!"
It was a mere 10 seconds before every civilian, who all knew Dynamight very well, escaped to safety. A good distance from his trap, he primed his grenadier, pointing it downrange.
"Trap's ready, send him my way!" he yelled into his ear piece.
In seconds, Bakugo heard a thundering sound from afar. If this villain was too fast for Deku, he had to time this right. The thundering got closer and closer. He didn't even see the speedster right away when they came rocketing down the street, colliding with the black net.
KA-BOOOOOOOM
The glowing villain went rolling for a whole quarter mile, followed by Dynamight and Deku. The smoking net had triggered every single grenade in Bakugo's arsenal, which knocked the villain out cold. Deku wrapped the blue villain further with Black Whip, his tendrils entangling his target to prevent escape.
"Thanks Kaachan…" Deku huffed in exhaustion. "Don't think I could've caught him without you!"
"IDIOT!" Bakugo yelled. "You're faster than ALL MIGHT! How did this loser outrun you?!"
"He's fast! I think his quirk uses nuclear fission to propel him forward. It's fascinating, really!" Midoriya gushed. "I'm just glad I was able to aim him at you!"
"What about Pink-Cheeks? She's all about traps."
"She's showing too much now, remember?" Midroiya asked, puzzled. Oh yeah, Ochaco was pregnant now, Katsuki forgot in the thick of things.
"Also, have they always been so…colorful?"
"Tch! Shut up, Deku!" Bakugo snapped. "What's his crime anyway?"
"Shoplifting."
"..."
"..."
"You're fucking with me, right?"
"Nope. Petty theft, at best. I would've let him go with a warning too." Midoriya contemplated. "But he just had to run! Guess he's used to outpacing the cops."
"Must be…oh shit!" Bakugo remembered. "You got this idiot?"
"Yeah, why-"
BOOOM!
Bakugo exploded away, returning to his original capture. He turned the corner…
And on the wall, written in green paint: "DYNAMIGHT SUCKS ASS" Several orange dicks were spread across the wall too, with little explosion effects painted around them.
"...rrrrRRRRRRGGGAAAAAAAH!" Dynamight screamed towards the heavens! That brat got away! "FUCKING SHITTIN' HELL! I'LL KILL THAT MOTHERFU-ACK!" He took a knee, clutching his chest in pain. "FUCK! SHIT! GAh…fuck…calm down…calm down, damn it!" he cursed, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out some pills, dry swallowing three of them. "Damn it…gotta relax…relax…" He rubbed his temples, doing his best to lower his blood-pressure. "Relax, Katsuki. Chill." He took a breath, getting back up. His agency wasn't far, so he decided to walk back. After some painful walking, he changed course to his apartment. He'd file the paperwork (and put out a bolo out of spite) tomorrow.
He grit his teeth in pain, popping a pain pill in addition to the heart medicine. He wasn't ready to retire yet, but boy did it seem close sometimes. He texted Trace to let her know he wouldn't be back and kept walking. It was a strange sight, seeing Dynamight not flying wherever he was going, but nobody put too much thought into it. He also took the time to wash the paint off in a public fountain, further attracting attention. Not that he cared much.
After a while, he started feeling better. The meds were finally kicking in. He strode at a steady pace to his apartment, checking in with people he knew on the way. Nothing too wordy, just letting extras know he was around.
He pinched his brow. How did he forget Deku's having a kid soon? He nearly broke his spine hugging him after the news some 5 months ago. Or was it 6? He sighed, shaking his head. He had no business being jealous of that nerd. I mean, yeah he was jealous of the Number One spot, but that wasn't changing soon. But…
He laughed out loud at his own thoughts. "No way…heh." A wife? Kids? He knew a long time ago that wouldn't be in the cards for him. It wasn't his goal! His only goal was to be the number one her…hero…
He glared at nothing for a while, practically smoldering with passive rage. Deku had everything. And he…had nothing! Did he…?
No. He didn't have nothing! He was the Number Two Hero! He was every bit the hero he wanted to be! A hero that always wins, no matter what! He became that hero a long time ago.
But something was missing. And he didn't really know what.
It started to rain as he made his way into his neighborhood. He climbed the metal steps to his apartment, rising to the 4th floor. But as he made his way up there…
"Is that…crying?" he listened closer. It was coming from above. From his door! He quickened his pace up the stairs, arriving home to see the source of the noise.
Down on the doormat, a woven basket sat, covered by an identical lid. Within, sniffling cries could be heard. Bakugo stared at the bundle in shock. He opened the basket.
Wide red eyes blinked at him, filled with tears. It was a baby, wrapped in pink blankets with soft blond hair. The cries stopped as the baby looked curiously at the man.
"Fucking hell…who would do this?" He touched her face. Cold…too cold! He picked the baby up and kept her covered up. She was light, practically newborn by Katsuki's guesstimate. He knelt down, rummaging through the basket for anything else. He found two pieces of paper within the folds. Teardrops stained some of the lettering, but it was still readable.
Katsuki,
Sorry to do this without telling you first. I wanted to take care of her, I really did, but I just can't handle this kind of thing. Don't worry, she's yours. Just look at those little eyes!
But seriously, please don't hate me for never telling you about her. I didn't want to push this on you, but I just don't have what it takes to care for her. And I wanted you to have a say at least.
Please, please take good care of her. If you can't, or won't, I don't blame you. I made the same decision. Just make sure she's well cared for, ok? I couldn't bear it if something bad happened to my baby.
This may be the hardest thing I've ever done, so don't come looking for me. I don't deserve to be in her life after what I'm about to do. She doesn't need someone like me.
Lots of love. Take care of yourself. XOXOXO
The other paper was addressed to "To my Baby", so he didn't read it. Instead he reread the note about 4 times, looking from it to the infant in his other arm.
"Huh."
He read the note again.
"Hmm." He looked at the baby, now sleeping.
"Mm hmm…" he looked at the note. Then the baby again. "...nope." He got up, pacing with the baby in his arms. "Nope. No way. How did…no…there's no way…I never…" He looked at the baby. It doesn't even look like him! This might be a prank of some kind! A sick joke…
But he looked at the baby girl, who woke up again from the movement. Blond hair, red eyes…a permanent glare?
His heartbeat quickened. If it weren't for his meds, he would've been on the floor by now. This little girl looked exactly like him! He started to hyperventilate. There was just no way! He started feeling sick to his stomach…
"NO! No, gotta…gotta get inside!" He grunted, keeping himself together. He shakily unlocked his door and stumbled in, careful not to drop the precious cargo. Bouncing the baby in his arms, he took out his phone and dialed Kirishima.
"Pick up…pick up, damn it! FUCK!" he roared when he heard the answering machine. The baby started to cry again at the loud noise.
"Shit! Shitshitshit, shhh. Quiet…" he tried to calm the child down. With no answer from Weird Hair, his thumb hovered over Deku's number.
If anything happens, or if you need us, just call, ok?
"Ugh…damn it." He pressed the phone to his ear. It rang for a bit.
"...Kaachan?"
"DEKU!" he all but shouted. "I need help. Right FUCKING NOW!"
"ON MY WAY! IS IT A VILLAIN?"
"What? NO! No! It's…I'm not in danger! Fucking-just get here!" he yelled.
"Um, ok? I'm with my Mom right now, but we're close by. Tell me what's happening."
"There's a baby here, at my apartment! And it looks like me and…oh my god, it looks like me but it can't be mine and there's a note and-"
"Katsuki?" Inko's voice interrupted. "Slow down dear, Izuku and I are on our way. Tell me what happened, step by step."
"Hah…ok. Ok." He breathed slower now. Inko was practically a second mother to him, so he immediately started to relax a bit. "Ok. So, I came home and I heard crying…" he told them both everything as they drove to his place, still holding the baby to his chest. He had to stop and slow down multiple times due to the stress, but he managed well enough considering.
"Ok, where is the baby now? And the basket?" she asked.
"Basket's outside," he croaked. "I've got the baby inside. Along with the note."
"Alright, we just pulled up. Sit tight."
Bakugo nodded and hung up the phone. Inko and Izuku stepped in without knocking, carefully stepping over the basket.
"Kaachan? How we doing?" Deku asked lightly. Bakugo gave a small nod, holding the child out to Mrs. Midoriya. Inko gently took the baby, checking on her with experienced eyes.
"She seems healthy," she said, smiling down at the bundle. "Looks a lot like you when you were that age, Katsuki."
"It's not possible…" he mumbled. "I'm…I've never…"
"Never what?" Midoriya asked in confusion. Bakugo tisked.
"I'm not…I'm a virgin, ok!" he snapped with embarrassment. "So it's impossible! It can't be mine!"
Inko played a bit with the smiley baby, who had taken to grabbing her face in curiosity. The hair was unmistakable, though a little smoother than the Pro Hero's. "Katsuki…are you sure?"
Bakugo flushed red. "I think I would know, Auntie!" he shouted stressfully. His phone buzzed. Kirishima had called him back while he was on the phone. "Shitty-Hair, where are you!?"
"Just got off patrol, what's up?"
"I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S UP, YOU MOR-" he shouted again, but Midoriya snatched the phone away. Before Bakugo could kill him, Midoriya explained.
"Let me explain, ok?" he insisted. "You need to stay focused right now. For her, ok?"
He rubbed his temples like they owed him money, but he nodded. Midoriya walked off with the phone. "Hi Kirishima, it's Midoriya. Can you come by Kaachan's place? It's a bit complicated…"
Bakugo stared at the ground, processing this the best he could. Inko bounced the baby on her shoulder, helping her sleep. "May I see the note, 'Suki?"
Bakugo hummed, giving her the paper. She read it carefully while Bakugo fumed next to her.
"It sounds like she knows you," she noted. "Or at least she thinks she does."
"Yeah…I got that." he grunted. "But I swear, Inko, I've never been with anyone like that. Never even had that kind of relationship or anything."
"Well, little miss looks only about 2 weeks old at most," she said, checking the mini-Bakugo over. The baby's eyes were wide open, exploring the world around her. She gave small grunts and coughs, but no smiles or laughs. "So it had to have happened about 10 months ago. Can you remember if anything happened back then?"
"I don't know…" Bakugo racked his brain. Did something happen? Did he meet a crazy fan?
"Kaachan?" Midoriya came back, phone in hand. "You might want to hear this."
He took the phone, putting it on speaker. "What?"
"Hey Bakubro, how're you holding up?"
"Like shit. You on your way?"
"Yeah, almost there actually."
Soon enough, in sweatpants and crocs, Eijiro rushed in the door and bowed to Inko before checking on his friend.
"Hey bro," he said kindly. "How you holding up?"
"Barely." Bakugo put his hands together on his chin. "So what do you have?"
"What? Oh yeah! So," he started. "Do you remember Kaminari's birthday last year?"
"Yeah, Dunce-face got drunk didn't he?" Bakugo recalled. "We all did and-" he froze. He would've dropped something if he was holding anything.
"Katsuki? Are you alright?" Inko asked.
"You blacked out, remember?" Kirishima continued. "And we couldn't find you until-"
"-until you found me in a hotel room." he realized. "I blacked out! And that was…"
"Roughly 10 months ago." Izuku finished. "I remember, we were looking for you all night. You could've been anywhere, with anyone!"
"So…it's possible. Even likely…that…oh fuck…" he whispered. "I…did I-"
"Now hold on just a moment," Inko said. "Before anything else, she needs to be fed regularly. We don't know how long she was outside, so she'll be hungry soon if not already."
Bakugo inhaled sharply. He didn't even think about that! Inko handed him the infant.
"I'll run to the market and get some formula, you three stay here and take care of her." The mother instructed. And Katsuki too.
"Leave it to us!" Midoriya said cheerfully.
"Yeah!" Kirishima grinned toothily. "How hard can it be anyway?"
Bakugo glared at their attitude, but then looked to the…his child. Wait, he doesn't know that yet. Not officially anyway.
He cradled the kid in his arms as gently as he could, resting her head in his elbow to provide support. He's held many kids before due to his profession, but usually for a short time to get them to safety. And this wasn't a normal kid who could walk and talk. Pudgy over here was basically a lump! Couldn't even hold her own head up!
Kirishima sat down next to him while Midoriya made some calls, trying to elicit a reaction from baby-Bakugo. Other than firm stares, not much else. This made Bakugo chuckle, but just slightly.
"What am I going to do?" He muttered to himself. "I'm not…not really…you know? Whoever did this must be stupid to think I can be a dad."
The baby curled into his arms, her eyes fluttering closed again. Kirishima's manly heart broke into pieces at the sight.
"Are…are you fucking crying right now?" Katsuki demanded.
"Sniff, sorry! I just…" Eijiro recomposed himself. "It's just really sweet, is all."
"Hmm…" he grunted. He looked down at his supposed daughter. She sure slept a lot. On and off too. "Kirishima, there's just no way. She can't be my kid."
"I mean, does it matter?"
"Eh?"
Kirishima put his hands out in defense. "Hear me out! Even if she's not yours, it's not like she has anyone else? Not that we can tell, anyway."
"What, adopt her?" Katsuki asked. He supposed it wasn't a foregone conclusion. But he wasn't sure.
"Listen," Kirishima said softly. "Whether you keep her or not, there's no shame either way. But you will need to make that choice either way. You can't just dump her, you know?"
"I know that!" Bakugo growled. And he did. It was just so sudden for him. To have to make these kinds of choices.
"For what it's worth," Kirishima patted his shoulder. "I think you'd make a terrific father. You're the manliest guy I know! If anyone can handle this, it's you."
"Tch, have you met me at all!?" Katsuki snarled. "I can't do this! I'm…" He hung his head.
"I'd just end up hurting her. I know it! Just like…like my Mom…"
Kirishima frowned. He had only met Mitsuki a number of times, but he knew she was just as aggressive as Bakugo was, if not more. That's what he was afraid of. He knew what kind of parent she was and assumed he would do the same.
"Listen, I don't know if this occurred to you," he stated. "But you're not your Mom. You're just you. And there are more sides to you than aggro-murder-rage! If there wasn't…we would all have died a long time ago!"
Bakugo looked up at him. He was getting somewhere.
"You have compassion. You have empathy!" Kirishima continued. "You're not just some battle-crazy meathead, you know? And on that point, you do have your own dad too. And he happens to be one of the most mellow guys I know."
The blond sat up, thinking it through. "...my old man is too mellow. He let shit happen all the time, stuff he could've prevented. I wouldn't want that either. Not for her, I mean." He gestured to the baby in his arms.
"So strike a balance," Eijiro insisted. "Be the kind of man you want to be! Because you're not either of your parents. You're Katsuki Bakugo!"
Bakugo looked down at the baby, then to his friend. He nodded. "Ok…I'll think about it…"
Midoriya came back after a minute, putting away his phone.
"I just talked to Aizawa-Sensei," he explained. "He said he'd need a day to get some things together for you, discuss your options."
"Eye-bags?" he asked. "Oh, right. Eri."
"Yeah, he adopted her. Had to go through legal stuff to do it, so he's bringing you the paperwork. Whatever your decision is, he can help." Midoriya said. Bakugo nodded, turning his attention to the baby again.
Then her eyes sprang open, wide as could be.
"Aww…" Kirishima and Midoriya cooed. Bakugo only stared. The baby blinked, wrinkled her nose…
"WAAAAAAAAhicWAAAAAA!" She was practically shrieking with her sudden cries, surprising the heroes!
"Crap! What happened?" Kirishima yelled over the cries.
"I don't know, dammit!" Bakugo yelled back. "Maybe she's hungry?"
"Could be, but we don't have food!" Midoriya called over the canophoney. "Kaachan, do you have any soft foods in here?"
"DO I LOOK LIKE I EAT SOFT FOOD, DEKU?" he roared. "I got leftover chicken, maybe we can grind that-eh?" Something hit his senses. "What the-" he sniffed. Something smelled like…
"Oh. Oh shit." he cursed.
"What? What is it?" Midoriya asked. Bakugo stood up, shoving the baby's butt in his face.
"Smell that."
"ACK!" Midoriya gagged, reeling back. "Yeah, that's it!"
"What's it?" Kirishima asked numbly. Bakugo responded with a baby butt. "HOO! DAMN that stinks."
"Idiot!" Bakugo yelled. The baby cries were deafening the entire time. He carried her gingerly to the kitchen sink and took the old diaper off. The smell hit all three of them like a dead animal.
"Shit! GET THAT OUT OF HERE!" Bakugo cringed away.
"Got it!" Deku plugged his nose and activated Black Whip. Using the tendrils from his quirk, he wrapped and lifted the stinky diaper to the trash can, plopping it in. He then picked up the entire trash bag, keeping it closed. "Kirishima! The window!"
"ON IT!" The Sturdy Hero practically ran for the window and swung it open. Deku threw the trash out with haste, later hearing a pissed off cat yowl with fright.
"Right, stink bomb eliminated." Midoriya gasped. Bakugo washed the baby's butt with the sink's spray nozzle, making a face in disgust. The three men were somewhat clueless, but did their best.
"You missed a spot there."
"No I didn't."
"Yeah, right there."
"Fuck off, I know what I'm doing."
"Anything we can use as a diaper?"
"Stay the fuck away from my clothes, Deku."
"Just asking! We do need something though."
"When's Mrs. Midoriya coming back?"
"Not soon enough! I have no clue what to do here!"
"I thought you said-"
"SHUT UP, DAMN IT!"
While they argued, the front door creaked open, revealing none other than Inko with several shopping bags. "Boys? Are you here?"
"Mom? Thank goodness…" Izuku called from the kitchen. Inko walked in…
…seeing Bakugo holding a naked baby like it was going to explode while Kirishima sprayed it with water. Midoriya was panicking and the baby happened to be having the time of her life.
"Pff…" she giggled at the sight. "I take it she needed changing?"
"An understatement." Katsuki growled. "Didja get diapers?"
"First thing I looked for, here." Inko took over, wrapping the infant in a fresh diaper and a new blanket. "I also got some formula. Kirishima, be a dear and heat up some water please."
"Yes ma'am!"
In mere minutes, the mom easily brought everything back to normal, with the baby drinking from a bottle sleepily.
"I've made the appointment at the pediatrician first thing tomorrow," Inko instructed Katsuki. She and Deku were ready to leave now that everything was managed. "I may still have Izuku's car seat in our attic, so I'll have Izuku drop it off early for you."
"Ok," Katsuki nodded. "Thanks for everything, Auntie."
"Anytime, 'Suki. Don't forget the list!" Inko bowed. With that, she and Deku left him. With a baby. A baby that was supposedly his.
He was not used to this yet.
"Bakubro!" Kirishima grinned, carrying a laundry hamper. "Lil munchkin can sleep in here yeah? With enough blankets?"
"Yeah, it should be fine," he answered. He lowered the little girl into the hamper, who was out like a log. A snot bubble ran down her nose, which Katsuki dabbed with the blanket.
"Alright, you should get home." He told his friend. "It's late."
"Nope!" Kirishima crossed his arms. "I'm staying the night!"
Bakugo glared sharply. "Shitty Hair, I swear if you don't-"
"You were just handed a baby, bro." Kirishima got serious. "A freakin' baby. I know you only like doing things alone, but this isn't just you anymore." He clapped a hand on Katsuki's shoulder. "Let me help you. At least for tonight."
Bakugo swallowed his words. The redhead was right, though he didn't like admitting that.
"Fine. Take the couch. I ain't got more blankets though."
"That's fine! I'll chill with Bakubaby!" Kirishima grinned, plopping down on the couch. "Think she'll sleep through the night?"
"Not likely," Bakugo read the instructions Inko left him. "Looks like she needs to be fed at least every 2-3 hours. She'll be up again soon."
"How soon?"
"Sniff…"
Both men whipped towards the baby, who already had tears in her eyes.
"WAAAAAAA!"
"That soon!" Katsuki yelled, pulling out another bottle for her to have. In a mere minute, Bakugo had her calmed down again, drinking greedily from the bottle.
"Hey bro," Eijiro nudged him. "Whatever happens, we're with you. No questions asked."
"...thanks." Bakugo gave the baby a pat to burp her, just like Inko showed him, and set her back down. "Better set an alarm…"
"Leave it to me, dude." Kirishima waved him off. "I'm right here anyway. You need rest. And time to think."
Bakugo took a deep breath. "Ok. Let me know if anything happens. I'll see you in the morning."
"Right, goodnight bro."
"Hmm."
xXx
Later that night, Bakugo was still wide awake, staring at the ceiling in his room. He texted Trace a summary of the situation and told her to sub in patrols for at least a week. He never subbed for patrols, so she'd know it was serious. He also sent a text to his parents. He hadn't talked to his mother in years, but he figured she deserved to know.
She wouldn't see it till morning, but the thought of her reaction made his stomach turn. His dad would be more understanding, but was always too mild to placate Mitsuki.
After all, he didn't call them for help. He called Shitty Hair. He called Deku.
He tried his best to sleep. Maybe this whole thing would make more sense in the morning…
…
…
…
GET OVER HERE YOU LITTLE BRAT!
NO, YOU OLD HAG! GET AWAY FROM ME!
…
YOU ROTTEN CHILD! YOU DESTROYED MY FAVORITE THROW PILLOW! HAVE YOU NO RESPECT FOR YOUR ELDERS?
I DIDN'T MEAN TO, DAMMIT! FUCK YOU!
…
LOOK AT YOU, CAUSING ALL THAT TROUBLE BECAUSE YOU GOT CAUGHT! YOU WERE TOO WEAK!
SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!
…
In a wide expanse of darkness, Mitsuki held Katsuki up by his collar in rage. The four-year-old boy squirmed and fought, but her grip was too strong. She yelled incoherently, snarling with uncontrolled fury. Eventually, his own fear turned to rage, and he grabbed her collar.
But the scene shifted. He grew to adult size, snarling in rage at the child in his fists.
The squirming, crying little girl in his fists. Little red eyes flooding with tears. He let go in shock, dropping her. She fell through the dark expanse, leaving him alone.
All alone…
"GAH!" He bolted upright from the nightmare. Sunlight was peeking through the blinds as he looked around. He heard crying from the living room.
"Shitting hell…" Last night came flooding back to him as he picked himself up. He threw on a fresh shirt, one of his skull tees, and strode into the room. Kirishima was out like a light, apparently too tired to hear the bawling baby next to him. He was also cuddling a used baby bottle.
Bakugo tisked, picking up the infant. A quick sniff confirmed she needed another change. And likely more milk too.
He set her on the table this time, changing the diaper as quickly as he could to avoid the smell and heated up a new bottle. Once she was calm, he kicked his buddy awake.
"Heh…wazzappening?" Kirishima slurred.
"Get up idiot," he said. "Did you feed her last night?"
"Yeah…couple, no, three times I think." Kirishima yawned. Bakugo grunted in approval, going back to the baby.
"C'mere, little fart." He said not unkindly. He gave her the bottle, which she turned her head from.
"Uh…not hungry? C'mon, take it!" He poked her mouth with the rubber tip, to which she winced. "Huh?" He touched himself with the tip, letting the milk drip onto his arm. "Shit! Too hot! Sorry, kid." He set the bottle down to cool while the baby cried softly. Apparently the "pain" cry was different from "hungry" cries or "I'm covered in shit" cries.
"Shh, shh, it's ok…" he bounced her in his arms, calming her down. "It's alright. I didn't mean to hurt you. Shh…" Eventually, she stopped crying all together, blinking the tears away and sniffing.
"Jeez, you cry more than Deku." He smiled, wiping a tear away. "Well, almost as much as Deku."
"Brbrbrburrbb…" she seemed to reply. He laughed a bit. "What? Do I look silly, ya puck?"
Baby Bakugo simply blinked up at him. He took to studying her, getting a better look at her eyes. They were scarlet, piercing like his own amber ones. But they were wider than his, like little dinner plates. Her blond hair was spiky, but quite soft to the touch. Her eyebrows were brown, thin, and sharp, giving her a permanent scowl on her face. It was a funny expression for such a small baby.
"That's adorable."
"SHIT!" He jumped, instinctively covered the little girl. It was just Kirishima, who was leaning on the doorframe to the kitchen. "DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE THAT! I'LL KILL YOU!"
"Sure you will!" he laughed. "Anyway, shouldn't we be going?"
"Huh? Shit, you're right." He checked his watch. "Grab the bottle."
Before long, Kirishima was driving down the road, more careful than usual with both Bakugos in the backseat. Bakubaby was currently eating her foot, but Katsuki pulled it out.
"Stop that. It's weird." He reprimanded.
She looked right at him and, without breaking eye-contact, stuck her foot back into her mouth.
A vein popped on his forehead. "Did you…did you just…ignore me?"
He would later be told that she was too young to even think about it, but he could swear the baby gave him a look that said: Do something about it, bitch.
"HAAAAH?" he articulated. The rest of the car ride went something like that the whole way. And every time Eijiro looked through the rearview at them…
They were practically the same person.
They finally arrived at the doctor's office, 5 minutes early. Bakugo strode in like he owned the place, carrying the baby in both arms.
"Hey Kaachan!" Midoriya waved them down. "The doctor is ready whenever you are, just let them know."
"Right." He grunted. "You didn't need to come here, you know."
"You're welcome!" he grinned cheekily. "Ochaco says good luck, by the way."
He cocked an eyebrow. "Does anyone else know?"
"No, just her and my Mom," he answered apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't-"
"It's fine," he assured him. "I'll be back."
Kirishima and Midoriya sat and waited while Bakugo went up to the front desk.
"Appointment for Bakugo Katsuki?" he asked.
"Yes sir!" she typed him into the system. "A nurse will take you back now."
"Thanks."
He and his daughter were taken to an examination room shortly after. He laid the girl onto her back as the nurse started her initial exam.
"Healthy…well fed…you said you found her outside your home, correct?" the nurse asked, feeling the baby's sides.
"Yeah."
"Interesting," she hummed. She took a pulse and listened for her heartbeat. Strong and consistent. "She seems to be a picture of health. No trauma or signs of neglect." She took some other tools out, testing her sensitivity to light and sound. "Senses are good, ears are clear. No gunk. Breathing good…" She took off her stethoscope. "Any signs of a quirk?"
"No, not that I could tell."
"I'll go get the doctor, but she looks fine to me, Mr. Bakugo. No need to worry."
"Got it, thanks."
As the door clicked behind her, Bakugo approached the baby, laying on the crinkly paper. He brushed his scarred hand through her hair, almost absent-mindedly.
"What am I gonna do with you…?" he murmured. The baby had no response. If only she did.
He did decide a couple things last night. Firstly, if the kid wasn't his to begin with, he'd let her go. Foster care would take care of her and he'd continue on with his life.
But, if it was his kid…he didn't really know yet. It certainly changed things. But would he even be a good dad? A good parent? Eh, she probably wasn't his anyway.
The door swung open again.
"Alright, Mr. Bakugo!" a female doctor walked in cheerfully. "It's good to meet you, I'm Doctor Amari. And this…" she checked on the blonde baby. "...must be the mystery baby!"
"Yep, so what do you need from me?" he asked. Amari nodded, giving the baby a physical exam. "Does she have a name I can call her?"
"No name." he answered.
"Alright then, has she been feeding regularly since you found her?"
"Hai, she drank about 7 bottles since last night."
"Excellent," she tickled the baby's foot, causing her to squirm. Good reflex. "And she was outside your residence when you found her?"
"Hai."
"And no sexual activity in the last year?"
"No." Bakugo tapped his chin. "At least not that I can remember."
"Are you certain?"
"What kind of question is that? Yes!"
"O-k," after a few more tests, she straightened up. "As far as I can tell, we have a perfectly healthy, 2-week old girl at 7 pounds. She's under the usual weight for her age, but shows no signs of malnutrition or abuse. We'll take a blood test for more info, as well as confirming DNA."
"Whoa, whoa, blood test?" Katsuki said defensively.
"Just a drop," Amari said calmly. "And from you as well, to confirm whether she's yours or not. Of course, you can still adopt her if she has nowhere else to go, but you'd need to appeal to a judge for that."
He nodded and held out his arm. A small prick, and it was done. The baby screamed bloody murder in brief pain, but settled almost immediately.
"Thank you, we'll also test for any abnormalities. We'll call you back in when we're ready."
"Good, c'mon squirt," he picked the child up and left, finding his friends. Next to them, a shaggy-haired man with pronounced eye-bags looked wordlessly at his former students.
"Kaachan! How'd it go?" Midoriya asked.
"Went fine," he muttered. He sat down with the infant on his lap. "Sorry to bother you with this, Aizawa-Sensei."
"Not a problem, though I can't say this is what I was expecting…" Aizawa got up for a closer look, holding a suitcase. "When Midoriya called asking about newborns and Bakugo in the same sentence, I thought I was asleep again." He looked at the baby, who had entire hand in her mouth."
"She yours?"
"They're still running tests…" Bakugo jerked his thumb at the double doors. "But…I mean, look at her."
Baby Bakugo looked up at the older man, who peered down in scrutiny. Out of nowhere, a fierce glare overtook the infant's face, as if by reflex. Aizawa cocked an eyebrow. The number of times he's seen that face.
"She certainly has your number," he admitted. "Still, blood-relation aside, you have options here." He opened his suitcase, pulling out some forms. "There are lots of different ways to do this, but it comes down to four scenarios."
Bakugo nodded and listened, pulling the baby's hand from her mouth without looking.
"If she is not yours by blood, you may surrender her to foster care or child services without much issue. However, should you decide to keep her, you'd have to adopt her by law as her caregiver. I did the same thing when I adopted Eri." He gave him the appropriate paperwork.
"However, if she is yours, more or less the opposite happens. Unless you choose to surrender her, blood relation, and the note, will serve as evidence enough for you to take immediate custody of her. But at the same time, you may still choose to surrender her to child services, or allow someone else to adopt her."
He handed him that paperwork and closed the case. "It gets more complex later, but those are your main options."
"..." Bakugo accepted the forms, holding the baby to his chest. She had taken to chewing on his shirt, which he barely noticed.
"What should I do?" he finally asked. Even when times were tough, Katsuki always seemed to know what to do and how to do it. But this? This might have been the first time that he had truly asked his teacher, or anybody for that matter, what he should do.
"You're asking me?" Aizawa asked.
"Hai."
"Well, I won't tell you what to do," Aizawa stated. "It's not my life that's upended if you choose one way or another. I can only tell you my experience."
"Ok…" Bakugo gestured to him to continue.
"Taking on the needs of another will consume everything," Aizawa explained. "You'll be taking over all of her care. Her health, her education, her emotional well-being, that's all on you. And if you don't think you're up to the task, then you shouldn't put her in that position. Nothing is worse than a piss-poor upbringing, as I'm sure you know."
Bakugo nodded grimly. If that was the best move, then-
"However," he said sharply, hardening his look. "And believe me when I say this. If you give her up, whether or not she's yours, you will spend the rest of your life wondering 'what if'. You will miss every birthday. Every game, recital and success. Every A in class and every graduation. She will grow up without ever knowing her father, without ever knowing you. She'll never know what kind of man you are, which if you ask me, would be a shame."
His teacher stood up, leaving his suitcase with the younger man. "Choose wisely. I know you'll do the right thing."
Bakugo stood to meet him and shook his hand. "Thanks, Eraser."
"Hmm. Midoriya. Kirishima." He nodded to his other students before setting off. His two best friends in the world looked at him with concern.
"Damn…hits hard when Aizawa-Sensei says it." Kirishima rubbed his neck.
"Mr. Bakugo?" the receptionist called. "Dr. Amari will see you now."
Bakugo turned, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"It'll be ok, Kaachan," Midoriya assured him. "We're here for you."
"...hmph…" he rolled his shoulder away. Despite the action, he muttered. "...thanks."
xXx
"Welcome back, Mr. Bakugo." The doctor said kindly. Bakugo stood ramrod straight, holding the baby in both arms. Seeing this, Amari said gently, "You may want to sit down."
"Heh? I ain't some weakling you know. Whatever you gotta say, I'm ready." He said gruffly. Despite that, he took a seat when Amari held back. With a deep sigh, she handed him the results.
"She's yours," she confirmed. "99.8% match." She held her arms up awkwardly. "Congratulations! Heh…"
Though he had anticipated the answer, somehow the final confirmation was a huge kick in the gut. Bakugo's breath was shallow, processing the news.
She's his. Almost 100% his. There was no denying it now.
He had a daughter.
"I…" he was at a loss. "I can't…" He was suddenly very glad he was sitting down.
"I'll give you some time to process," the doctor said understandingly. "I see you already have the paperwork, so just let us know when you've made a decision."
He nodded with wide eyes. Amari left, leaving the two Bakugos.
One was scared and confused.
The other was curious and content.
Katsuki laid the baby on the exam table and pulled up a chair. He didn't know what else to do, so he decided to ask.
"Hey, um…fuck, don't even know what to call you." He tried again. "Listen, you. What…where do you want to go?"
The baby turned to look at him. She studied his face, taking in her father's identity.
Katsuki looked down, his elbows on his knees. "You…you probably wouldn't want me as a dad, you know?" He laughed darkly. "I'm loud. I curse a lot. I destroy things. I'm not a softy at all." He gripped his knees in anger. He looked back up at her, tears in his eyes.
"I ain't delicate! I'm…I'm broken, ok!" he said hoarsely. "After all these years…I'm not perfect! I'll never be perfect! And becoming a dad…it was never part of the plan! I never trained for this, I'm not prepared for this!"
"Babababa…" his daughter gurgled absentmindedly.
"Don't you understand?" he yelled, tears streaming down his face. "Do you even know what's going on? How shitty a situation you're in?"
She looked at him blankly. Logic wasn't her strong suit, neither was understanding language. She merely blinked at her father, who grew more agitated by the second.
"I'll just…you don't know her, but…I'll just end up like her, you know that? I'll throw things, call you names, call you weak…" he grabbed his head, sobbing and yelling indiscriminately. The baby started to cry from the noise!
"I'LL NEVER BE WHAT YOU NEED! YOU HEAR ME?" he roared. "YOU NEED A MOM! YOU NEED TWO PARENTS! A HOME WHERE YOU'RE LOVED NO MATTER WHAT!"
He grabbed the foster care papers, snatching a pen from his pocket. "Which is why I can't keep you. I'm sorry! I won't be like her! I won't hurt you! You'll be happier…if you just…"
He blinked through the tears, looking at the sobbing baby. She wasn't shying away from him, despite his shouts of fury. Instead, she was reaching for him! Desperately!
And that's all it took. That single sight triggered something in the man. Something primal. His pen stopped at Katsuk-. He felt it pull him forward.
A primal urge to protect.
He scooped up his baby, his daughter, and held her close, soothing her. Like she was his lifeline! She sobbed messily into his shirt, crying uncontrollably. He cried right alongside her.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" he whispered. In the end, he was right. And wrong. But more importantly…
He was a father.
"I won't be like her…" he muttered to the kid. "I promise, I'll never, ever let myself become that."
Her cries slowed down, becoming occasional whines. He held her up to face him. They both had big tear stains, but Bakugo was smiling!
"I'll take care of you. No matter what happens," he swore. "You'll always be my girl."
xXx
And that's the first chapter of Firework! Please review, anything helps!
And yes, I have a name in mind. Check in next chapter!