I'm Fine

Walking into Heights Alliance was a mission in itself. Estelle was getting used to the fact her classmates would crowd her every time an event happened. Assuring the students that everything was okay and she just needed to get some sleep didn't seem to suffice as they babied her like a newborn.

"I'll get some tea!"

"Tch, your food went cold. One minute."

"What happened!?"

"You aren't still injured, are you?"

And on it went. Whilst Estelle ate, she informed the class of the events that had taken place. Her mood grew sour the more they crowded around her. She was tired. Would they leave her be?!

Eventually giving up her niceties, Estelle let out a growl to those around her. "Give me my bubble!"

"Huh?" The students responded, flabbergasted at her abrupt response.

"Bubble! Give it to me!"

"Um, Estelle. What are you talking about?" Kirishima questioned, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"This. Right here!" Estelle gestured to her general vicinity in a motion of a circle. "Bubble! My Bubble! Don't pop it!"

Sweat-dropping at her roundabout way of saying, leave me alone. The students took a step back as they eyed the female. Watching as she slowly relaxed, Estelle gave a satisfied nod when her circle was clear. Understanding bloomed, and they couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. At least she was being more expressive of her needs.

"You...Couldn't have just said personal space?" Izuku questioned shyly, a smile still on his lips.

"Bubble!"

Thankfully getting the message, the students let her know that they were glad she was safe and okay before immediately leaving her alone. Giving them a smile of appreciation for being so understanding, Estelle ate her food in peace before heading upstairs.

It was later in the evening when Shoto knocked on her door. Holding onto the doorknob with a frown, Estelle was internally surprised he showed up at her entrance.

Estelle guessed that she had answered a few of his questions when she informed the class of today's events. Looking back at it, Estelle could see that he was holding back. He didn't want to talk about his concerns in front of the others.

Opening the door ajar with a sigh, Estelle allowed Shoto to enter the room. Once she took a seat, Estelle gestured for Shoto to sit on the chair by her desk. The two-toned male followed her invitation, sat down and immediately gazed at his own hands. Estelle allowed her eyes to flicker over him before understanding gripped her stomach.

'He's conflicted.'

Permitting him the time to muster up the courage to speak his thoughts, Shoto refused to glance at her as he sorted out his thoughts. Estelle leaned back against her headboard and examined him whilst he debated within himself. The stillness of the room droned on until he finally spoke up.

"On one hand, I would like to thank you for helping my old man when you could. On the other hand, I feel like he didn't deserve any help. I thought you hated him, so what's caused the sudden change? Did he do something?"

He was struggling to find an answer, and he was hoping Estelle would be the one to provide it. Unfortunately for Shoto, Estelle couldn't - because at the end of the day, this was his internal emotions. Nobody else's.

"I never told you before, but Endeavour called me over due to a spirit sighting. He then told me about his change; how he wanted to do everything he could to make things right. Of course, I called him an asshole, but I could see no deceit in his words. Still, I threatened his ass if he failed," Estelle explained.

"Of course you did."

"That doesn't matter, though. My opinion does not matter."

"It does; I want to know. You seem to hate my old man as much as I do. So, when I saw you supporting him, I couldn't believe my eyes. "

"Oh, I hate the bastard, don't get me wrong. But, if he's trying to be better, why would I stop him? My issue wasn't entirely with Endeavour, but it was what he represented. I resented that; I despised it, really.

"Shoto, at the end of the day, whether you feel like he deserved it or not. It doesn't matter what I feel; it matters what you feel. There is no wrong answer because you are entitled to judge any way you like. Endeavour hasn't done much yet; this could only be the first step. It's up to you if you want to let him change - or keep him in the box you deem safest in. There is no wrong answer."

Silence.

It rang out in the room like a heavy blanket, an uncertainty Estelle had seen before back on Shoto's face as he battled his head and his heart.

Startled, Estelle felt the heat of Shoto's warm side as he held her in a one-armed hug. She heard the meek voice of the male ring out in her ear as she remained frozen in his embrace. "Thank you, you always know what I need to hear."

Estelle felt her heart soften towards the naive student within his warm affection. Raising her arm, she offered a squeeze of her own to return his appreciation. Holding on for a few moments - the pair remained in each other's hold as they provided a comfort they both knew Shoto needed.

Still gripping Estelle tightly, Shoto muttered, "You know, that voice in the back of your head telling you that you're a bad person? You should tell that to buzz off because you're a great person. The fact you helped my old man even with all the hate you have for him just proves that."

Started, Estelle stilled as she processed his words. Was that true? She didn't know. What counts as a good deed? Wasn't she just being selfish by letting Endeavour deal with the black Nomu whilst she chased the red-cloaked villain?

Either way, Shoto's words hit her deeply in a way she could not define. Maybe that was what she needed to hear; she still didn't know. Ignoring that for now, Estelle's grip tightened on Shoto in gratitude before letting him go.

Aware that it was getting late, the duo shared a smile as they headed to the doorway. Saying goodnight, Estelle was left feeling empty on her bed.

Estelle ultimately gave up on her task of sleeping and headed to the common room. The feeling of emptiness continued to fill her soul as she turned on the tv.

Her mind could not stop scampering back to the man in red. She felt like she was missing something, something important. But, she wondered if she was overreacting - Estelle was cautious; always was. The number of times she held suspicions that became unfounded was embarrassing. Unfortunately, logic and reason would escape her; her paranoia would run its course at times.

Because of that, she couldn't deny the possibility that this was a fluke. A purposeful mission for her to run around looking for the culprit when there wasn't one. A perfect diversion.

But there wasn't enough information; it was driving her wild.

Groaning in defeat, Estelle let her body slam against the couch as she fell back to lie down. Estelle ignored the words from the television as she glared at the ceiling. Estelle jerked in surprise when Bakugo's face appeared centimetres from her own. The female grumbled to herself in annoyance as she watched Bakugo grip the back of the couch and lift himself over to sit down on the gap next to her.

He was mute as he patted his thighs to invite her to rest. Letting out another sigh of defeat, Estelle allowed Bakugo the pleasure of seeing her flop onto his legs haphazardly. The silent tremor of his body could be felt, but Estelle was too mentally overrun to acknowledge it.

Rubbing her back lightly, Bakugo visibly frowned at the tenseness of Estelle's shoulder. Making a noise of irritation, Bakugo muttered. "What is it?"

Estelle felt a moment of weakness as she turned around to face him. In her lapse of judgment, she asked, "Can you tell me I'm overreacting and paranoid?"

Grunting at the sizzle of pain from the thump Bakugo gave her. Estelle felt a bubble of outrage floating within her stomach as she scowled at him.

"Tch, why are you asking me to lie to you?"

Startled by his answer, Estelle questioned, "What? No, I'm not."

Grabbing the hand that was moving again to lightly hit her, Estelle's glare froze him in his place. Unable to keep eye contact, Bakugo answered. "You haven't been wrong yet, and you've made it this far with your gut instincts. Don't fucking ask me to solidify your own unhealthy thoughts. If something is a red flag, don't excuse it like it's a problem with yourself."

Internally, Bakugo was furious she had even asked. Estelle was not an idiot, and clearly, there was much more at play than she was aware of. Ignoring the instinct that had kept you alive thus far was not ideal. He didn't want her getting hurt if it could be avoided. Like hell would he allow Estelle to dismiss something when she had enough battle strategy to control a fucking army.

Nodding, Estelle could see what he was trying to say. The previous tightening of anger ebbed away from her stomach as she began to relax. The blonde's sweaty hands helped her to unwind a little.

"Jesus, you're like a brick wall."

"My apologies."

"Tch, you're driving yourself crazy with all this stuff," The spiky-haired blonde grumbled. He was internally bothered that there was nothing else he could to do help. What was the point of being a hero if he couldn't support a fellow classmate through a crisis like this? Granted, he understood that this was beyond anybody else's capabilities. But it still pissed him off. It made it even worse to see someone so fucking powerful doubt herself like this. Again, he knew that she would throw down the gauntlet and win when the time came. That's what he liked about her. She never loses.

"I do what I have to. I can take a break when I'm done."

"What if you're never done?"

"I will be."

"Tch, death doesn't count."

"Hm."

"I'm serious, Estelle. Take a damn break that isn't related to food or work."

Silence rang out as Estelle tried to think of something she would do in that break, but nothing came to mind. Her life was full of fighting and mysteries; what else could she do? Maybe that was all she was suitable for.

"-Estelle?"

"Wha- huh?"

"Tch. Looks like I have to force you too. I'll pick you up from your room after lunch," Bakugo continued as if she had been listening to that whole time.

"Wait, what?"

"Tch, you annoying brat. I'm taking you rock climbing. That outta give you a decent break."

"Bakugo, this isn't good-"

"Shut up, I don't wanna hear it. I'll pick you up after lunch."

"Bakugo-"

"Goddamnit, Estelle, can't you just accept my offer without thinking about the damn consequences?"

Estelle gazed at the ruby eyed male uncertainly. She had to say no; this was a terrible idea. Not good for the two of them; horrible outcome.

But

Estelle did not want to see that look on his face, unlike last time. Maybe it was just because he looked like a kicked puppy, but whatever it was, it was holding her back from outright declining.

It was silent as Estelle processed what she should do. Annoyingly, the man in question did his usual act and thumped her out of her thoughts. Gazing back up at him with a frown, Estelle could see the evident frustration in his eyes.

"Don't think about it; just say yes."

Estelle fell into his eyes for a moment as his own turned soft. Strangely, his fingers were playing with the threading on her sleeve as he waited for something to happen.

Estelle gave a slight nod of hesitant approval.

It was only when Bakugo let out a broad and smug grin that Estelle felt like she might have made the right choice for once. But she wouldn't know yet; these things were always unknown until it was too late.

Looking at him now, Estelle couldn't help but feel a little frightened of his presence. It wasn't his rough and harsh personality that made her so because Estelle found his upfront words were likeable. The otherworldy female feared that she would like it too much. Estelle was doing poorly at keeping him at arm's length like the rest of his classmates, and she was paying for it.

Bakugo was just too stubborn to accept anything other than a yes. Gosh, what was she going to do? She would have to push him away eventually; she wasn't doing the pair any favours by agreeing to this sporty trip.

'It's just one day; no more after this.' She consoled herself.

Surprisingly, Bakugo was much more chipper underneath his harsh words. Estelle could see the subtle smile peeking through as he talked about the animals on the television.

Her concerns slowly ebbed away from the more she grew engrossed within the show and Bakugo's words. He had gotten better at explaining different animals and seemed to know more facts about them.

Estelle was unaware that she was reciprocating the slight grin as she flicked her head back and forth from the two sources of entertainment. The loud shrieking blonde and the dull commentator's voice was such a fantastic contrast that it could keep her occupied all day. Her mind began to relax as she was pulled away from her thoughts and imported to the animal kingdom.

Estelle stilled when his hand slowly pressed against her hip as the other continued to play with her hair. The heat of his palm made her feel warm, and Estelle had to battle the safe feeling away from her vicinity immediately.

Estelle's eyes connected to rubies as the change in heat made her shiver. His remarks slowed to a lull as his eyes flickered over her frame. As pairs of rubies and brown clashed, Bakugo hadn't even realised that his hand trailed from her hip to her thigh.

Feeling a strange heat take over her face, Estelle forced her gaze away from Bakugo. An uncomfortable tension filled the air for a brief moment before Bakugo continued talking as if it had never happened. Relaxing instantly to the returned atmosphere, Estelle threw the moment to the back of her mind.

'That's was nothing. This is temporary. You can put on your big girl boots after rock climbing. You cannot get used to this.'

Soaking in her own words, Estelle and Bakugo traded words throughout the evening as they spent time together on the sofa.