Worth Any Price
By: Marle
Chapter 5: Haste to the Heart
As Mitsuki and Uraraka departed for the dressmaker's shop, Uraraka became distracted by the buzz in the grand hall. Servants were decorating and running around, meanwhile, she noticed Iida, Midoriya, and Todoroki sitting at one of the long banquet tables. Midoriya had his forehead down on the table, while Iida held his head and appeared to be in pain.
"Deku! Iida!" Uraraka cried out, releasing her arm from Mitsuki to hurry to them.
"Oh, Good Morning, Uraraka. I'm surprised you're up and about." Prince Shouto observed, sipping on a cup of tea.
"Uraraka," Iida groaned, not looking up at her, "Are you feeling better? We were worried when King Bakugo wouldn't let us come to see you or bring you your things."
Uraraka looked at her friends, confused as to what their conditions were, especially given that Todoroki surveyed their companions and his face fell, "They prepared a welcome banquet on the fly for us to welcome me. It's been a very busy place around here since we arrived yesterday morning. They've sent out messengers to every corner of the Kingdom and to the neighboring ones. I'm sure it's the first time some of the foreign dignitaries have ever been in the Scorched Valley, let alone the Kingdom of Pyre. Envoys started arriving already from the clans and neighboring Kingdoms. Apparently, my father is on his way..."
"Iida, Deku, what's wrong with you two?" Ochaco asked, genuinely concerned as both men barely acknowledged her, "Did you need me to cast a panacea or healing spell?"
"Kacchan's Guards insisted we drink mead and eat with them last night. They were asking about the Sigils of the Gods and why we were gathering them." Deku moaned, "I think they thought if we drank with them too much we'd start spilling more details."
"Oh dear," Uraraka sighed, then turning to Todoroki, "Prince Shouto, did you abstain last evening and keep an eye on them and their mouths?"
Todoroki continued sipping his tea calmly, "No, I drank with them."
"You did?" she asked, "Then how are you okay?"
"I have a high tolerance," He admitted. Shouto leaned under the table, pulling out Uraraka's bag and staff, "Here, Uraraka. I figured you'd want these."
"Thank you, Prince Shouto," Uraraka said, taking her bag and staff, cradling them slightly.
"I've got this, Lady Ocacho. I'll have one of our peers take your belongings back to your chambers." Ibara offered, taking Uraraka's belongings. Before Uraraka could protest, she had already approached one of the servants, who took the items and left in the direction of her room.
Uraraka couldn't help but feel uncomfortable by no one letting her do anything on her own or by herself anymore.
"I should've never had any of that mead," Iida lamented, his attention finally coming to Uraraka. His sunken eyes perked up a little as he surveyed his companions new attire, "Uraraka, you're-"
Deku turned his head to the side so he could see her. His face became flustered as he surveyed Uraraka's beauty. It was the first time in their travels together that the gentlemen had seen her in anything formal or traditionally feminine. Up until this moment, they had only seen her in her traveling clothes.
"What?" Uraraka asked, trying to keep calm as she noticed their study of her. She felt hands fall upon her shoulders, turning to see Mitsuki smiling at her hungover companions. "Isn't she lovely, boys?"
"Mrs. Bakugo," Midoriya moaned, lifting his head pathetically, "It's been awhile. I'm really sorry you had to see me like this as our first reunion in a few years."
Mitsuki shifted her glance at each boy for a moment, taking in the state Iida and Deku were in as compared to the composed and collect Todoroki, "Midoriya, it's been too long, sweetie! How's your mother doing?"
"She's well." He replied, blinking longer than normal as he tried to shake the sensitivity of light to his eyes, "She was very excited that I finally had my magical powers manifest and could begin my journey into manhood."
"Magic, eh? Well, that's great. I know Katsuki used to tease the hell out of you because you couldn't use any. I remember you trying so hard to at least be able to use magic scrolls when we left three years ago, "Mitsuki placed her hands on her hips and shook her head, "Did Katsuki put you in this state?"
"No, ma'am, his guards were just being hospitable and we over-indulged."
"You're referring to Sero, Kaminari, and Kirishima, correct?" Mitsuki asked, her tone changing as she raised an eyebrow.
Iida nodded his head slowly, "Those would be the three who kept our glasses full into the night."
"I see," The Queen Mother observed, "What kept you boys up all night?"
On the opposite side of the hall, Bakugo entered near where his table was with Kirishima a few strides behind him. He was surveying the preparations of the Great Hall when he noticed his mother, Ochaco, and her entourage speaking to Deku and his friends at the other end. Despite his agenda and disinterest in what the band of idiots was up to, his feet seemed to have other plans as he turned and headed in their direction.
"My lord?" Kirishima looked past Bakugo, noticed Uraraka then smirked.
As Bakugo walked towards the group, he found himself fixated on Uraraka. She seemed to be glowing from the sunlight reflecting off of the soft pink fabric and the light catching the pearls embroidered into the skirt. There was a hollow heaviness in his chest as he felt his heartbeat start to increase. The sensation immediately heightened his senses.
He wasn't fighting or training.
So why did it feel like it was becoming harder to breathe?
Why couldn't he slow down his heartbeat?
Despite entering earshot of the conversation, he didn't hear a word of what they were talking about. When she turned her head and looked him directly in the eyes, everything else in the room disappeared for a split second. As her attention focused on him and her lips parted to a genuine smile, Bakugo felt the air leave his lungs.
"Kirishima," he muttered so only the two of them could hear, "Something doesn't feel right."
"What's up, sir?" Kirishima's face shifted to concern as he moved in front of Bakugo, surveying his King. Bakugo never got sick or complained about anything. Nothing shook him, nothing scared him so for him to say that something wasn't feeling right stirred a sense of worry in Kirishima until he noticed Bakugo's face was slightly flustered, "Do you have a fever? What's wrong?"
"My chest hurts and it's hard to breathe," Bakugo replied, his eyes not leaving Uraraka. The scarlet-haired defender glanced back over his shoulder at the smiling Uraraka, who then turned her attention back to her companions she and Mitsuki were speaking to. When the situation clicked on what was happening, Kirishima tried to suppress a laugh, much more-so his ecstatic grin.
"You'll be fine, my lord," Kirishima reassured him as they approached the group. Bakugo let out an annoyed growl, his eyes darting over to Deku then back to Uraraka, "Lady Ochaco, you look lovely in that dress."
"Thank you, Kirishima. Okaa-san picked it out for me. I have no sense of style so I kind of just let the girls make me their doll for the day." she said, grasping her skirt while swaying back and forth slowly, "It feels like I'm wearing a cloud."
Her gaze shifted to Bakugo, who raised his head slightly to appear unshaken. Mitsuki grinned mischievously, "And what do you think of your lovely bride-to-be's dress, Katsuki?"
"It suits you." He replied, keeping his voice even and steady.
Ochaco walked over to him, standing before him with a soft expression on her face. Involuntarily, Bakugo straightened up and froze, feeling his face become hot and butterflies in his stomach and chest. Kirishima and Mitsuki pursed their lips and exchanged glances, meanwhile, Bakugo felt a stirring agitation growing. He couldn't figure out what was going on, why he disrupted his day to see her, or why his body was responding to her smile and closeness. There would be plenty of time they would spend together once they were married and he had too much to do to just stand there with her.
"Can we talk later?" She asked, in a meek voice, "Just the two of us?"
"There's a hell of a lot to do today, Ochaco. Your parents should be arriving any minute now and from there you need to go get your dress fitted."
"Before this evening, please?"
For everyone else, Bakugo's temper would've flared in anger and reiterated his final word, but the weird sensations in his chest seemed to calm when he spoke to her, "... Fine. By the time you're done with your fitting, I should be down by the lake finishing up my cleansing ritual."
Uraraka nodded, "Thank you."
Kaminari entered the room, bowing to Bakugo and his mother, "Your graces, Tetsutetsu just returned with Lady Ochaco's parents."
"We get to meet your family!" Mina squeed, hugging Uraraka from behind.
"I guess this means we should pull ourselves together," Iida remarked, nudging Midoriya. Deku shook his head as he stood slowly. Todoroki got out of his chair, joining the girls as Iida and Deku sauntered over.
Daringly, Uraraka reached out to Bakugo, grabbing his arm and gently locking hers with his. To her surprise, he didn't make a fuss or yank away. Instead, Bakugo quietly put his opposite hand on her arm, stood up tall, and lead her ahead of the group. Kirishima offered his arm to Mitsuki, who took it, to serve as the Queen Mother's escort.
Watching her son walk arm-in-arm with the woman he deemed worthy to be his Queen made her heart flutter with joy. She leaned into Kirishima and whispered in his ear, "Do you think they'll make a good match?"
"I think he's already grown quite fond of her," he replied, "But I'll do my best to counsel him because - well - I don't think he has any idea on what love is or any concept of romance."
Mitsuki rolled her eyes, "He was never interested in any of that. The best I did was make him take dance lessons because he would need some redeeming quality to attract a woman. He only went through to them because his teacher said it'd make him a better fighter. Please, Eijiro, help him. "
"I'll do what I can, but the rest is up to them to decide."
When they reached the foyer leading to the landing platform, Tetsutetsu walked with Uraraka's Father and Mother at his side. The two were looking around, flabbergasted and astonished in the wonder of the palace.
"Mom! Dad" Ochaco shouted, letting go of Bakugo's arm and running to meet her parents.
"Ochaco!" Uraraka's mother cried, hugging her daughter tightly, "Sweetheart, what's going on?"
"This dragon appeared and turned into a man, who brought gold and gifts with an invitation saying you were getting married to a king!" Her father chimed in, "What's this about?"
A nervous laugh escaped Uraraka's mouth, "Well, I'm getting married."
"What?" They exclaimed in unison.
Uraraka put on her best smile, turning back to Bakugo, "Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet my fiancée, King Katsuki Bakugo of the Scorched Valley."
Bakugo stepped forward, approaching Mr. and Mrs. Uraraka with his shoulders back and head held high. Mitsuki, Kirishima, Kaminari, and Deku watched with baited breath, praying he would not do anything rude or offensive to his future in-laws. To everyone's surprise, Bakugo bowed to them, "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Uraraka. I trust your journey here was easy."
"Well, I've never ridden on the back of a dragon before," Mrs. Uraraka giggled.
"Your Highness, I think there must be a mistake," Mr. Uraraka began.
Bakugo raised his eyebrow, controlling his features to mask his mild irritation at the question, "And that would be?"
"Your Highness, we're not rich by any means, we're not of nobility, nor are we even aristocracy." he continued, "We were very grateful to receive your gifts and gold, however, I believe somehow you might have gotten the wrong impression. Our daughter is our princess, but not in a royal sense by any means. There is nothing we could offer you as a dowry for her, much less anything that would be suitable for someone of your position, King Bakugo."
"I'm aware of these things," Bakugo said, "However, I didn't decide to marry your daughter on the presumption that she was rich or from a royal bloodline."
"Then why? And why so fast?" Mrs. Uraraka asked, her voice full of concern, "We're happy if it's what makes her happy, but this all seems so quick. I mean, how did you two even meet? Ochaco has never been to court and there are no royal events in our town."
"I met her on the battlefield when she came into my kingdom with her companions." Katsuki replied, with a smile, shifting his gaze to Ochaco, "Your daughter is the first woman to match me in battle. It was her strength that enraptured me, but it is her kindness, compassion, and ability to inspire others that is why I am determined to marry her."
Kaminari leaned into Kirishima and Mitsuki, "Did either of you think he was capable of talking like a normal human being for longer than five minutes? Because this Bakugo is actually behaving like a King should to his guests."
Mitsuki smiled, shaking her head slowly, "I'm just astonished he's trying to impress them. He's scared as hell right now."
Uraraka felt her face grow warm hearing speak Bakugo highly of her. Despite knowing that this arrangement was a means to an end for him, she wondered if what he was saying was his true feelings. She shook her head slightly, dismissing the thought.
Uraraka's mother looked at her, lovingly, "Sweetheart, is that true?"
Ochaco nodded, clasping her mother's hands, "And we can provide you and dad a good life from now on. You don't need to work anymore if you don't want to."
Uraraka's mother looked at her daughter with searching eyes. The whirlwind of their morning and traveling to Pyre had left her and her husband in a fatigued state, despite the day still being young. Uraraka had always been a romantic at heart, often reading stories about princesses and fairy tales as a girl. As a young woman, her daughter became focused on her magic studies and practices, working her way into the prestigious mage academy in Kajar. However, things had changed a few months ago. While at class one day, Uraraka was called to the Seer of Kajar and told something that made Ochaco immediately come home and pack for a journey. Despite the concern of her parents, Uraraka insisted it was a quest to help her improve her magic abilities and would help them as a family. She never imagined that her daughter could be inferring this kind of situation, "So, your journey ends here, Ochaco?"
It took every ounce of control of her face to keep her smile held, but her mother's words struck a chord and a painful sting burned in her chest, "This is the start of a new one, mother."
Mitsuki moved from Kirishima and approached Ochaco's parents, "Greetings! My name is Mitsuki Bakugo, I'm Katsuki's mother. It's lovely to meet you both."
Ochaco's mother's eyes widened as she looked Mitsuki over, taking her outreached hand. "Thank you for taking care of Ochaco. I'm Haruhi Uraraka and this is my husband, Tamaki Uraraka. Your outfit is stunning, your grace."
"We were just on our way to go get Ochaco fitted for her wedding dress," Mitsuki grinned, "So it's perfect timing for you to have arrived now."
"Dress?"
"Yeah, mom."
Katsuki cleared his throat and turned towards his silver guard, "Tetsutetsu."
"Sir?" Tetsutetsu saluted, his stance straight with vigor.
"Find some way to entertain Prince Shouto and his companions until this evening," he ordered, glaring at Todoroki, Iida, and Midoriya, "Take Ochaco's father to one of the guest suites and make sure her parents have clothes for the evening festivities and tomorrow. Whatever they need, make sure that the servants know to get it for them, am I clear?"
"Crystal clear, my King!"
"W-wait," Tamaki began, turning to Bakugo, "I appreciate the gesture, but if the ladies are going to be busy, then I'd like to help out around here if I can."
"I'm sure Tetsutetsu can help you find something to do." Bakugo replied, "If you'll excuse me. Kirishima, we have things to take care of."
"Yes, your highness." Kirishima acknowledged, turning to Uraraka, "Have a good morning, Lady Ochaco!"
"You too," Uraraka replied, smiling softly. Despite the situation at hand, she was grateful Kirishima was so kind and courteous towards her.
Tetsutetsu nodded to his friend and gestured to the other gentlemen, "If you would please, follow me this way."
Tamaki walked over, giving Haruhi and Ochaco quick kisses on the forehead before following Tetsutetsu. Midoriya, Iida, and Todoroki lingered before following. As they followed a few strides behind Bakugo and Kirishima as they made their way back to the Great Hall, Mr. Uraraka called out, "Your Highness,"
Bakugo halted, turning calmly back towards his future father-in-law, "Yes?"
"Ochaco is my only child. Her mother and I are very proud of the young woman she has become." He stated, "I can tell you're a man of a reserve, but I'm hoping you're willing to tell me the truth in regards to the question I'm about to ask."
Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Bakugo looked intently at Tamaki, "What question is that?"
Tamaki took a few steps towards Katsuki, his eyes filled with a genuine concern and a focus that the King had seen in his daughter's eyes, "Do you love her?"
"Come again?"
"Are you in love with my daughter, your highness?" he replied, his voice increasing in volume slightly. Kirishima watched Bakugo intently, despite his composed features, he could tell the question took his King off-guard. "I know how court-life works. I may be a humble carpenter, but we commoners hear things too. I don't want her to just be another woman here in your palace."
Bakugo's initial reaction was to defend his honor at the insinuation Uraraka's father was making, but he managed to quell his flared temper. This inquiry was not about him, but the plea of a concerned father for his daughter. "How much do you know about me, Mr. Uraraka?" he asked.
"I know you're one of the youngest rulers of the Kingdoms on our continent, but I also know what you did to become King of this realm." Tamaki's voice shook, not quite in anger but not in fear either, "This Kingdom is a known fortress, but is rumored to be a utopia in the middle of hell on earth. I will admit I was surprised to see green before we landed. That being said, you've got quite a reputation of ruling with an iron fist. I understand that the way things work around here might be different than what we're used to in Kajar, but Ochaco is a good woman. She deserves to live a good life full of happiness and joy - to be loved by the man she pledges the rest of her life to," His fists clenched as his gaze narrowed on Bakugo, who had become visibly uncomfortable by the conversation, "So I ask you again - are you in love with Ochaco?"
"She has not been here long, Mr. Uraraka," Bakugo began, trying to formulate the words to explain his thinking. The last thing this man wanted to hear was his daughter had bet her freedom to get what she wanted and lost, but Bakugo needed to give some sort of answer. For a man who was usually quick-witted and sharp-tongued in his responses, Bakugo found himself struggling to find the words he needed to tell Ochaco's father, "However, I am confident I will grow to love her. I understand your concern for her happiness and I know the reputation that those in power can have, especially against those who have none. But I want you to know that your daughter will never want as my wife. I will do everything in my power to ensure she is well taken care of and I will dedicate my life to her and her alone."
"How do I know that?"
Bakugo smirked in amusement, his true nature peeking through his staged composure, "You're welcome to stay and watch me as long as you want."
Uraraka stood before a full-length mirror, staring at herself in disbelief. At her side was Bakugo's father, Masaru, pinning the dress in various spots to make sure it fit her properly. He looked up at her with a kind smile and asked, "How does that feel, Ochaco? Not too loose?"
"No, it feels fine," she replied.
Mitsuki and Haruhi sat a few feet away in a small sitting area, sipping tea as they watched Masaru work. Ibara, Itsuka, Tsu, and Mina stood on the other side of the room, next to the mirror, looking at the woman who would soon be their Queen.
"You look beautiful, Lady Ochaco," Ibara chimed.
"That dress looks like it was made for you!" Itsuka exclaimed.
But it wasn't, Uraraka thought bitterly. The dress was one of the most beautiful garments she had ever seen. The dress was pure white with a deep scarlet trail down the center and sheer sleeves. Its cool fabric hung off her body, with a sweet-heart shaped top that was a little low-cut for her comfort, but as Masura pinned the dress to her figure, she couldn't help but feel beautiful.
"Now, you'll have the bracelets with the rubies on the tops of your hands," Masura started, "And we'll attach you train once we hem the dress to make sure it's not too long and you're comfortable walking in it. Ladies, I'll be sure to show you how to pin up the dress and train in the back once we finish those additions tomorrow."
"This is so exciting!" Mina clapped.
"Do you mind including a sewing kit? If we have a mishap then we can fix the dress without removing her from the reception." Tsu requested.
Masura nodded, snapping his fingers to his apprentices, "That's not a problem. Hey, can you go get the jewels?"
One of the reasons that the tribal leaders seemed content to keep Bakugo in power was their desire to expand the Kingdom's reach and trade. With this in mind, Bakugo relocated his parents to Pyre and charged his father assisting in the project. Bakugo's father was an affluent merchant, well known for dressing the rich and wealthy of the Eight Kingdoms, and knew how to create the prosperous business. The King's father had taken time out of his busy schedule to personally attend to the alterations of his future daughter-in-law's wedding dress.
Uraraka's mother walked over, taking her daughter's hands and giving a gentle squeeze, "You look beautiful, Ochaco." her eyes misted slightly, "You look like… well, a Queen."
Ochaco smiled, her eyes watering as well as she leaned down, putting her forehead against her mother's. She could find some happiness in this situation, even if it was just the glow on her parent's faces to see her married.
Masura walked over to Mitsuki, giving her a light kiss before turning back to Ochaco and her mother, "When Katsuki said he had found a woman who matched him in battle, I never would've imagined a woman like her."
Mitsuki gave Masura's hand a light squeeze, "She is quite remarkable though. And I've never seen Katsuki behave the way he does around her. You should've seen him. He was so polite to her parents when they arrived this morning."
"Katsuki? Polite?" Masura asked, warily.
Mitsuki laughed lightly, "Trust me, I would not have believed it if I had not seen it for myself."
Masura's apprentice returned with a large box and stood before Uraraka. Crossing over to Ochaco and her mother, Masura gestured for Haruhi to stand beside her daughter for the unveiling. The apprentice opened the box's lid and tilted it towards the ladies. Both of their eyes widened as they gasped at the sight. Curious, Ochaco's guards peered over their lady's shoulder and joined her and her mother in gawking. Inside, sitting in a royal blue cushion was a series of gold accessories that were the most opulent jewelry they had ever seen. It was jewelry fit for a Queen. The box contained a circlet with rubies and diamonds embedded in it, a pair of ruby earrings, necklace, and bracelets, "These are the Queen's jewels, Ochaco. These are what you'll be wearing at your wedding tomorrow evening."
She was breathless, making a small squeak as she struggled to formulate the words, "I don't know if I can wear these. They're so beautiful."
Masura blinked with a perplexed, but soft expression on his face, "My dear girl, you're beautiful too."
"I've never seen anything so beautiful in all of my life!" Mina exclaimed, "They're going to look amazing on you, Lady Ochaco!"
Mitsuki stood up and moved over, peering at the pieces, "So Haruhi, I think we should find some pieces for you this afternoon. Girls, you need to get your formal wear together and pieces as well."
Uraraka's guards' eyes lit up with excitement, "You mean we get to go shopping?"
"Sort of," Mitsuki replied with a smile, "Think of it as borrowing."
Haruhi looked at Ochaco then back at Mitsuki, "Are you sure? I don't usually wear jewelry except for my wedding ring, so I don't mind."
The Queen Mother embraced Uraraka's mother warmly, then pulled back with a gentle smile, "This is our children's wedding day. We should celebrate and look our best, especially as we meet the dignitaries this evening and introduce you to the court."
"If you insist," Haruhi replied with gratitude.
"Now then," Mitsuki clapped her hands together and turned her attention to Ochaco, "Musume, I believe Katsuki said to meet him once we were done here. Let me take care of your mother for the afternoon and enjoy some family bonding. Have the girls escort you back to the palace and then we'll take care of dressing them from there."
Ochaco nodded, her attention turning back to the mirror. She made a study of herself, straightening her posture and raising her chin in confidence. Originally, she had dreaded the whole arrangement, but with the kindness of Bakugo's parents and her own being with her, she felt her anxiety fading. As the women chartered the tentative plans, Ochaco wondered what Bakugo would think when he saw her in this dress.
Her body and mind were exhausted and it was only early afternoon. Uraraka rubbed her temples as she walked down the path Tsu had directed her to in order to meet Bakugo by the lake. She was hoping to spend a little more time with her mother and was surprised how fast the dress fitting went. I guess when everything is already picked out for you it doesn't take so long, Uraraka lamented. None of this was how she had imagined preparing for her wedding as a girl. She imagined a romantic proposal with her future husband professing his undying love and devotion to her, a pretty ring, and having fun with the planning of the wedding; the idea of trying on fancy dresses and the excitement of the approaching day. Instead, Bakugo had directly refused a formal proposal, everything was already chosen for her, and her family was thrown into the situation with expedited urgency. Although, Uraraka was grateful for the enthusiasm of her personal guards, as well as the kindness and guidance of Mitsuki. Her mother and future mother-in-law seemed to be getting on well and warming up to one another, which made her feel at ease about the blending of the families. Her heart wouldn't stop aching though. It was obvious upon her first impression that Bakugo was not a warm or affectionate individual, but she was pleasantly surprised at his behavior with her parents. Her thoughts trailed back to the night before with the conviction of his promises to her and the way he had brushed her lips, which caused her body to grow hot and that strange feeling to grow inside her again.
"What's going on?" she cried, lightly slapping her cheeks, "Why am I feeling so weird?" She whined quietly to herself as she round the Palace wall. The trail opened to a large series of gardens, with the cobblestone path becoming lined with pillars that lead down to a large lake, where she noticed someone swimming in it. Assuming it was Bakugo, she continued towards her destination but her attention turned to the flora of the Palace gardens. There were beautiful flowers of various colors, some in tones that Uraraka had never seen before. It surprised her, especially given the exterior terrain outside of the walls, how they were bright and thriving with a pleasant floral scent in the air. For as focused on strength as the culture was, they deeply embraced the importance of respecting the resources and aesthetics that the earth provided. When she looked back at the lake, her gaze scanned the surface and around the edge of the pool of water. Bakugo was nowhere to be found, which made her brow furrow. When did he get out and how did I miss him? Wait, her heart dropped, picked up her skirt, and bolted towards the lake, There's no way, he can't be trapped under water, what if he went too deep? Or hit his head? He could be drowning!
She tore off her detached sleeves before splashing into the water, taking a big inhale as she prepared to shallow dive in. Before her feet left the ground, a gush of water splashed up into her face, up her nose, and disoriented her focus. Uraraka wiped the water from her eyes and looked up, realizing she was face-to-face with Bakugo. "You're okay?!"
"What the hell are you going on about?" He scoffed, "Of course I'm okay… the fuck I wouldn't be?"
"I was walking down here, then I looked away, and when I looked back you weren't there so I thought maybe-" she cried before her eyes trailed downwards. His unruly hair was saturated, dripping onto his chiseled frame. It was the first time she had seen his body close up and in the light. Bakugo's body looked like he was sculpted from marble, though scars adorned all over his torso and arms. As her eyes trailed down his toned abdomen, admiring the crease that began above his hips and led a V-shaped path downwards. Her gaze continued down temporarily before she realized he was naked before her, at which time her eyes immediately darted up to meet his amused expression and smoldering eyes. Mortified, Uraraka screamed, covering her face and turning away, "I thought you were drowning! Why are you naked?!"
"Dammit, Ochaco! Why are you screaming?!" He yelled, leaning his head to one side, shaking gently to jar the water from his ears, "It's not my fault you came running in like an idiot and failed to notice that my fucking clothes were hanging over there. Though," gently he traced his fingers along her jawline, tilting her head up, she parted her fingers, on one hand, face flustered, and eyes fuming, "It was sweet that you were worried about me, my darling." The way he said that to her made the weird feeling stir again inside of her, causing a noise to escape her lips that took them both by surprise.
Daringly, Bakugo approached her, gently pulling her hands from Uraraka's face. Her breathing was labored and she forced herself to remain fixated on his face, refusing to explore downward further, "Oy, Ochaco…"
"Will you please put some clothes on?" Uraraka pleaded, tearing her gaze away as her cheeks heated further.
As he moved away to retrieve his clothes, Bakugo laughed as he reached for his trousers, "I hate to break it to you, my darling, but nudity isn't something that's a big deal around here. I'm surprised, though, especially since you know healing magic. Didn't you have to learn anatomy to become versed in the spellcraft?"
"I've seen anatomical drawings!" she emphasized, "Not a stark naked man in front of me! The point of healing magic is to heal someone alive, ergo, someone who would be more likely wearing something than say a cadaver! I was studying healing - not necromancy!"
He gave her a lazy smirk as he dressed, "Not that I'd judge you otherwise, but it's not exactly fucking earth-shattering to find you're still a maid."
"Of course I'm a maid, you scoundrel!" Uraraka practically screamed, "I'm so glad my inexperience is endearing to you since I'm sure you've had your fill of women."
Bakugo's amusement completely disappeared from his face as he shrugged nonchalantly, "I've known a woman's touch, but not a woman's warmth."
"What does that mean?" Uraraka retorted, her voice cracking more than she anticipated.
"I haven't fucked anyone, Ochaco" he grunted bluntly, pulling his cloak around his shoulders.
Uraraka shook her head, folding her arms across her chest, "Must you be so vulgar about it?"
"Have you any fucking idea how many rulers have had to deal with illegitimate children and the legalities of providing for said offspring?" Bakugo stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "Not to mention navigating the damn relationship with the child's mother - if it's even yours. That's not even considering if they ever fucking wed and have recognized heirs and then shit becomes a fiasco on who is going to ascend the throne or they try to overpower the government later on. The risks outweigh the fleeting pleasure of the moment."
Uraraka staired, somewhat astonished and dumbfounded by his reasoning. As she processed his justification, the logic was focused and sound, "That makes sense. You certainly have a very clinical way of looking at intercourse."
Bakugo replaced his necklaces around his neck, looking at her intently as he did, "If a man can't fucking control his impulses, regardless of if it is lust or blood-lust, then he is weak."
Despite the aggressiveness in his tone, Ochaco was impressed by his convictions. Somewhere inside of her, she felt a sense of relief that she didn't have to give some basis of comparison to him when they would be intimate. When. The weird feeling crept in again, making her body feel warm and a strange sensation radiate from her core.
"You said had something you wanted to talk to me about," Bakugo stated.
"Y-Yes, I wanted to-" when his calloused fingertips touched her lips and gently silenced her, Uraraka's rich brown eyes met his ruby ones with a questioning gaze.
"Not here," He said quietly, his hand tracing down her side to grasp her hand. Gently, Bakugo tugged her to follow, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips, "You ripped off your sleeves. I guess I'll have to improvise because you're going to want them where I'm taking you."
"It's really hot today," Uraraka remarked, as they paused. Bakugo's attention turned towards the sky, his eyes scanning the clouds intently. She felt a strange magic aura begin to emanate from his body, while the temperature of his hand increased significantly, almost to the point she wanted to pull away. As a dragon's roar echoed from the skies, Ochaco looked up to see the silhouette of the beast descend from the heavens. Recognizing the red dragon as Kirishima, she relaxed and let out a sigh of relief. Katsuki led her to him before releasing her hand, climbing onto the nape of Kirishima's neck. Extending his arm to her, he gestured for her to join him, "What's going on?"
"You were out cold the last time you rode Kirishima," he chuckled, "So that first ride didn't count as your experience riding a dragon."
Uraraka extended out her lip, faking a pout, "Whose fault was it that I was out?"
"Yours, but that was because you went all out on me," he boasted proudly, "I wouldn't have had it any other way. C'mon, I have something I want to show you." Her curiosity took over her anxiety as Ochaco took his hand and he pulled her up to him. When she began to sit behind him, Katsuki grabbed her waist and yanked her in front to sit in between his legs. Before Uraraka could protest, Bakugo pulled her to him so her back rested against his chest, draping his cloak around them. "Relax and trust me."
"What did you want to show me?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation. Wrapping an arm around her waist, while the other moved to have his free hand rest on Kirishima's skin, Katsuki leaned into her, lips gently caressing Ochaco's earlobe as he purred into her ear, "Our Kingdom."