Chapter 15: Guard dog

It took a good couple weeks before Akane was back on her feet again. Of course, she did her best to convince her caretakers otherwise — pacing around the hospital room when she should've been resting, dragging her IV stand through the halls, sneaking outside for fresh air at any given opportunity — until Aizawa saw no choice but to discharge her. At least, at home in his apartment, he could keep a closer eye on her.

Akane readjusted in her bed, huffing shortly. She was happy to be back in her own space, of course, but having Aizawa's constant presence hanging over her was getting a little bit…intrusive.

"You don't have to stay, you know," she tried to tell him. "I'm sure Class 1A needs you a lot more than I do."

Leaning against the doorframe, Aizawa crossed his arms. "Class 1A isn't running around with two broken ribs on the mend."

Akane looked away. She didn't want to argue with him; not after all he'd done for her; but she also didn't want to concede defeat. One more day stuck in a bed, just glaring up at the ceiling, was going to drive her insane. Sure, her bedroom ceiling beat the hospital ceiling by a long shot, but it didn't change the fact that Akane was not the 'lying down' type. She was too used to being punished for any such indulgence, even if that 'indulgence' was simply a form of self care.

Still standing in the doorway, Aizawa told her, "Everyone needs rest sometimes, you know. No one's going to judge you for it. Least of all me."

It was like he had just read her mind. Akane froze, wondering if she'd been too obvious.

"Or maybe…" Aizawa reconsidered, "it's not my judgement that's worrying you."

At that, Akane tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Aizawa hesitated, like he wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to divulge any more information. Finally, he sighed.

"They've been asking about you—your friends. Todoroki, Midoriya…and Bakugou."

"Oh." Akane couldn't help herself. She blushed. "Right."

"You want to see them? Now they know about our arrangement, I could arrange a visit." And then, muttering, he added, "Provided Todoroki acts as a chaperone."

"No," Akane blurted out, blushing harder. "I, uh…don't want them here."

For a second, Aizawa panicked, wondering what had made her so nervous. Then he remembered. This was her space — their space. A private sanctuary that only he and his new daughter shared. It had been hard enough getting her to feel safe in his home when it was just the two of them there, but if they had visitors? Akane had come a long way, but clearly, she wasn't ready for that step yet.

"I'll see them at school," Akane went on. "When I'm better. Right?"

Finally, Aizawa walked into the room. He perched on the edge of Akane's bed, smiling down at her. "That's right."

And yet, behind that gentle smile, Aizawa was distinctly aware of a whole other issue. One that had nothing to do with Akane's internal bleeding, broken ribs, or staggered healing. This issue was far more…political. Because seeing Akane through her recovery was only the tip of the iceberg, after which point, she'd have to face UA High School again. The bullies' suspension would end right around the time she returned. And as for Kiera Mikan, the key perpetrator? Well, she had been apprehended a couple days after the incident, but there wasn't enough hard evidence to keep her out of school.

Aizawa might have been a pro hero, and a teacher at UA, but no matter how hard he tried…he could only shield his daughter from so much.

xxx

It took a grand total of three seconds before Akane found herself a bodyguard.

She had hardly stepped through the grand front gates of UA High before Bakugou stepped out from around the pillar. God only knew how long he'd been standing there, waiting anxiously for her to arrive, and yet, he tried to play it off. He simply swept in, matched her stride, and walked her straight to the building.

"You're still limping," he grunted.

"Good morning to you, too," Akane said.

Other UA students took note of the pairing; class 1A's strongest hanging out with class 1A's weirdest; as they whispered and chattered amongst themselves. It was impossible to avoid, as over a hundred up-and-coming heroes were all walking in the same direction, getting pumped for another full day of class and training.

Akane gripped her bag straps. Her knuckles glowed white with strain as she tried (and failed) to block them out.

"Apparently Kiera from Class 3B beat her up pretty good."

"Seriously? I thought she was supposed to be strong."

"Yeah, at hand-to-hand maybe. But if the rumours are true, she might as well be quirkless."

They were slandering her, of course — not even Bakugou's threatening aura could dissuade the nastiness — but something about their words made Akane breathe a sigh of relief. They don't know. They still don't know who I am.

Bakugou, on the other hand, was far less comforted by the gossip. His fists were practically smoking with smothered explosions, clenched and shaking at his sides.

Between gritted teeth, he growled, "Say the word, newbie, and I'll blast them all to hell right now."

Akane rolled her eyes. "Why, are you embarrassed to be seen with some 'quirkless' weakling?"

She expected him to snap back, or tell her off for speaking down on herself, but instead, Bakugou quietened right down. When Akane snuck a glance at him, she was surprised to see the slightest tinge of pink in his cheeks.

"Bakugou," she said, more confused than teasing, "are you blushing?"

"Shut up."

There it is.

And then it struck her — her phrasing. Even for a secluded, poorly-socialised outcast like Akane, she knew enough to understand the deeper implications of what she'd just asked.

"Look," she said, more carefully now, "if you don't want to be seen with me, it's fine. I get it."

Bakugou's head snapped up. "Huh?"

"After all that happened, it's probably not good for your reputation to be—"

"I told you to shut up."

"Don't be a dick, I'm just saying—"

All of a sudden, smack bang in the middle of the walkway, Bakugou stopped. He seized Akane's wrist, pulling her to a stop as well. And then, right then and there — with the illustrious UA High towering over them (not to mention the dozens of eyes still on them) — he did the unthinkable.

Bakugou cupped the side of Akane's face. And he kissed her.

At first, Akane was too surprised to be angry, let alone afraid. Bakugou's kiss felt at once the most natural and the most jarring sensation she had ever encountered. Kissing him in secret, stolen moments was one thing, but out in the open? For everyone to watch, gasp, and whisper about? She was supposed to be keeping a low profile at school, especially right now, with all these rumours still hanging over her. Making out with UA's most famous first year in a random, public display of gruff affection did not scream 'low profile'.

The kiss didn't last long enough for Akane's thoughts to spiral. Soon, Bakugou tore away, scanning Akane's face — her wide eyes and her raw, pink lips — for any sign of distress.

"That answer your question?" he muttered.

Whether or not Akane had a response, she didn't get a chance to voice it. Bakugou took a step back, forcibly guiding the situation forward.

"Come on," he said. "And quit walking so fast. You're not fooling anyone."

Before Akane knew it, they were walking again, taking a slightly slower pace. The momentary hush that had fallen over the surrounding students upon their kiss erupted back into eager, nosy chatter.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Akane said under her breath, growing increasingly aware of the attention on them.

"I made a promise," Bakugou reminded her, still staring forward. "And I'm gonna keep it."

In an instant, Akane's mind returned to a memory she'd relived about a hundred times since leaving the hospital.

They kissed again, even longer than the first time. When it ended, Bakugou stared into Akane's face, his warm hands still cupping either side of her jaw.

"I swear to God," he murmured, "I'm never gonna let anyone hurt you again."

Akane swallowed. Her mouth was dry, and the gesture felt sharp against her throat, making her wince.

Sensing her discomfort — watching her out the corner of his eye — Bakugou stiffened. As much as it pained him, he needed to explain himself. Say something, or do something, to put Akane's overburdened mind at ease.

"Listen. The last time you got hurt, it was 'cause you were alone. Easy to gang up on. But with me hanging around, it's gonna be a hell of a lot harder for people to screw with you." He smirked triumphantly. "Just let 'em try."

"I'm not defenceless, Bakugou," Akane reminded him. "As long as my identity is secure, I can take care of myself."

"Well, obviously. But as long as these dumb extras are underestimating you, it can't hurt to have some firepower on your side. Plus…" Bakugou paused, looking away to hide his blush. "It's been two weeks since I last saw you."

"Yeah. And?"

"And…I really wanted to kiss you." Bakugou scoffed, trying to offset some of his embarrassment. "Dumb newbie."

Akane bit the inside of her lip, trying to hide her own embarrassment and, if she was being totally honest with herself, her happiness.

"So, basically," she summarised, "you're like my guard dog."

Bakugou scowled. "Huh?"

"Yeah. All big and barking and rabid, but more for show than anything."

"What the—rabid?"

For the first time that morning — for the first time in a while, in fact — Akane gave one of those small, rare smiles of genuine mirth. It was so sweet, so disarming, that Bakugou almost forgot to be angry. Almost.

xxx

The two of them walked into the left-side tower, headed toward the first year lockers. Rather than split up, Bakugou stayed directly beside Akane, waiting by her locker until she had everything she needed. She could tell he was on high alert, constantly scanning the halls for danger. But the way he was standing; tall, broad; wasn't as suffocating as she'd expect. Rather, it was like he was guarding her blind spots. Trusting her to handle the rest.

At least, that's how it started.

Bakugou stayed close to Akane all the way to class 1A's door. He went so far as to plonk himself at the desk next to hers, completely ignoring Aizawa's designated seating plan.

Kirishima pulled up at his desk — that is, the desk Bakugou had just claimed as his own — and grinned.

"You know," he said, "if you wanted to swap seats, you could've just asked."

Bakugou just grunted in response. He was too busy taking stock of the classroom, like at any second one of the students might transform into a villain.

So, instead, Kirishima tried to get Akane's attention. Still grinning, he leaned against her desk. "Too manly for his own good, am I right?"

"That's one word for it," Akane responded.

"Oi," Bakugou snapped. "Quit crowding her, shitty hair."

Kirishima lifted his hands off the desk, surrendering. "Whatever you say, man."

He flashed Akane one final grin before carrying his books to Bakugou's desk. The second he turned away, Akane flashed Bakugou a disapproving glare. Bakugou pretended not to notice.

And yet, despite Bakugou's best efforts, it took Aizawa all of five seconds to enter the room and spot the disruption. Another five seconds later and Bakugou was ordered back to his desk, as per the 'non-negotiable' seating plan. Muttering angrily under his breath, Bakugou had no choice but to heed his teacher's word. Kirishima took his designated place next to Akane once again.

She'd been willing to let it slide that once, but Akane was secretly relieved that Aizawa had resolved the situation. As much as she appreciated Bakugou's concern, she also wanted things to go back to normal — at least, 'normal' by her own unusual circumstances.

At the end of the class, Akane considered passing Aizawa a quiet word of thanks. She lingered for a minute after homeroom ended.

"Sorry about Bakugou," she said, "I should've—"

"How are you doing?"

Akane stopped in her tracks, surprised by Aizawa's urgent tone. But her failure to respond instantly only made Aizawa more concerned.

He demanded, "Anyone causing you trouble? Making you uncomfortable?"

"What? Oh, uh, no. Not really."

"You sure?"

"I mean…we haven't even had first period yet. Give it time."

"I'm serious, Akane. If there's anything, at any point, that puts you on edge, promise you'll call me."

Akane nodded, trying not to show her annoyance. "Promise." Just like I promised last night. And this morning. Do we really need to go over it all again?

"Good." Aizawa relaxed. Or at least, he tried to, exhaling heavily. "I'll keep an eye out, too."

And that was that. However protective Bakugou was acting this morning, Aizawa was willing to top it. But, in typical Bakugou fashion, he wasn't going down without a fight.

The second Akane stepped out into the hall, there he was. Waiting for her. It was all she could do not to roll her eyes.

"You know," she told him as they walked to first period. "I'll want to talk to Todoroki at some point, too."

The very mention of someone else's name made Bakugou bristle. "Later."

This was how the morning progressed: Bakugou, sticking to Akane like glue. Aizawa, keeping tabs on her with a laser-like intensity. The rest of class 1A keeping their distance; knowing they'd only cause trouble if they infiltrated Bakugou's strict bubble of protection. Akane kept waiting for things to loosen up. She should've known better.

But this whole 'protection' thing was starting to feel very overbearing. It tapped into memories Akane would rather not recall: her every movement monitored, every intrusion thwarted, every encounter shielded. It didn't matter that Bakugou and Aizawa had only the best of intentions. If this kept up, she was going to snap.

During the first break, Akane insisted on heading up to the roof. God knew she could use the fresh air. Todoroki chose this moment to intercept, meeting them on the stairs.

"Akane," he said. "You're back."

"Thanks for stating the obvious, icy-hot," Bakugou snarled.

Akane elbowed him. Bakugou resorted to a silent scowl.

"I'm back," she confirmed. "And all in one piece."

"We were concerned when you didn't respond to our messages," Todoroki told her. "Were you still healing? In a lot of pain?"

Akane paused, unsure of how to respond. Todoroki's open earnestness seemed to have disarmed her even more than Bakugou's grumpy stoicism.

"Maybe she just wanted a break from you, ever think of that?" Bakugou filled in for her.

"Bakugou," Akane warned. "I didn't— I mean, I wasn't—"

She had to pause again. What could she possibly say that would get through to them, without exposing her own vulnerability? She couldn't confess that she was too scared to face them, or talk to them, after what happened. She couldn't just own up to her embarrassment, guilt and shame. She didn't want them to see her, or to even know she existed, until she was healed. Until all reminders of what happened — with Kiera, her past, her weakness — were long faded.

Sensing her withdraw, Todoroki leaned forward. "What's the matter?"

As Todoroki leaned forward, Bakugou nudged Akane back, creating distance between them. "The matter is you're invading her personal space."

"Akane," Todoroki insisted, ignoring him, "what is it? Are your injuries bothering you? Are you panicking?"

"Hey!" Bakugou stopped him. "What about 'personal space' do you not understand?"

It turned out Bakugou wasn't totally off the mark: personal space was rapidly becoming an issue for Akane. She found herself taking a step back, not just from Todoroki, but from Bakugou too. It didn't matter that these were people she trusted. People she didn't have to hide from. Right now, they were too close; physically, mentally, emotionally crowding her. Taking words out of her mouth — words she didn't want to say in the place, let alone hear from someone else.

A couple seconds passed before Akane realized the boys were trying to get her attention. They'd stopped bickering long enough to see was drifting.

"Hey, newbie," Bakugou's voice had softened, "you with me?"

"She's holding her breath," Todoroki remarked.

Seeing Akane continue to move away, walking slowly backwards down the stairs, Bakugou straightened. "Woah, woah, just hold up."

"Maybe I should get Mr Aizawa," Todoroki said.

"I can handle this," Bakugou grunted. "Piss off already."

Hearing Aizawa's name — knowing it'd be one more person to worry over her — Akane sped up, eager to escape the situation.

"Actually," she finally managed to get out, "I just want to be alone. For a bit."

Bakugou straightened. "What?" Without thinking, he gripped her wrist to stop her.

By the time Bakugou realized his mistake — pulling back at Akane's sharp flinch — it was too late. He had touched her, without her permission, right as she was on the brink of a panic attack. Instantly, he held his hands up, showing he meant no harm.

"Dammit," he said. "I didn't—"

"Alone," Akane reinforced, straining against her shortness of breath. "Just…alone."

And she took off, hurrying down the stairs and disappearing around the corridor. She understood his feelings, and trusted his intentions, but if she was in that overbearing space for even a second longer, she'd completely lose it. Bakugou cursed once again and frantically moved to follow her.

"Bakugou," Todoroki spoke lowly. Warning.

"I promised," Bakugou growled. I'd protect her.

"It doesn't matter what you promised," Todoroki said. "She wants to be alone."

"Alone to get ganged up on by Kiera's crew? To get the crap beaten out of her again?"

"Of course not."

"Then what for, huh? What the hell good is 'alone' gonna do for her?"

Todoroki considered for a moment, and responded, "It'll give her a chance to breathe."

"And she can't breathe with me?" Bakugou demanded.

"Apparently not."

"Shut your damn mouth, icy-hot!"

Akane wasn't sure where to go. How to calm down. Normally, when she was freaking out, she'd seek solace on the roof, but Bakugou and Todoroki were blocking that path.

Seeing no other option, she made a bee-line for the girls' bathrooms. At least in there she'd be able to lock herself in one of the stalls, where no one would bother her until next period started. But she just so happened to have to pass by the teacher's lounge to get there, where — naturally — she bumped into…

Aizawa stepped out, seemingly from nowhere, as if he'd been expecting her. In a way, he had been expecting her, or at the very least prepared himself in the event of her arrival. But seeing her walk by the teacher's lounge, he assumed the worst — that she was looking for him, and needed him, because something bad had happened.

"Hey, kid," he said, forcing himself to keep his tone level. "Where's the fire?"

Akane flinched. Not here. Not now. If one more person starts worrying over me, I really am going to lose it.

"No fire," she promised. "Just going to the bathroom."

Not quite buying it, Aizawa tilted his head. "Where's your guard dog?"

"I don't need a 'guard dog' to walk me to the bathroom."

He couldn't exactly argue with that logic. Instead, he just stared at her, waiting for more information. None came.

"Fair enough," Aizawa said at last. "Though, as much as it pans me to admit, I didn't mind him hanging around."

Akane seemed surprised. "You didn't?"

"Bakugou might be an obnoxious, hotheaded piece of work, but he's strong. And I know he'll look out for you."

Akane sunk, realizing that she was right back to where she started — every person in her life who she actually trusted, thrusting their concerns upon her.

"What is it?" Aizawa asked, reading her expression.

"Nothing," she said, too quickly. "I just…still have to use the bathroom."

"Oh." Aizawa stepped aside. "Right."

But he still didn't buy it. Not even as he let Akane slip past him and disappear into the girls' bathroom. Not for a second.