Nabu Island

Estelle watched on with boredom as she sat with her class in homeroom. Mr Aizawa stood in front, his usual tired eyes gazing at the students as he prepared to start his speech. Estelle could tell that this was bigger than expected since the teacher had a map behind him. Her suspicions were correct once he began to speak.

"The hero work recommendation project. You'll be stationed on Nabu Island, an outlying island in southern Japan. The previous resident had gotten too old and retired, so the lucky people of Nabu Island will have to depend on you until a successor arrives."

"We'll be doing real hero work!?" The class shouted back in cheer as Estelle remained in her chair with a deadpan. The students fell into fits of excitement as the female gazed at her bracelet with a frown.

"I wasn't done talking yet! Quiet down," Aizawa grunted, his hair raised with his annoyance. "There we are. While you're there, you'll be completely on your own, with no teachers to help you or pros to back you up. You'll be responsible for everything that happens. Good or bad."

"I'm not going."

Turning his head to face Estelle, Mr Aizawa nodded in approval. "Yes, I expected that answer from you. I understand you have a lot to do here. Do you need the class to be aware of anything whilst they are on their trip?"

"I'll give someone a spirit monitor. If it beeps, get in contact by any means necessary and stay out of its way. Your only job will be to keep civilians away until I get there. I'll be as fast as I can. You shouldn't run into any problems, though, since I haven't come across anything in the area before. Got it, cadets?"

"Yes, captain!"

Estelle gave a slight smirk at their responses and shook her head. What was it with all of them calling her captain now? Kaminari sure gave her a title by accident.

Bakugo and Estelle lounged on the couch together. The blonde was completely slumped over Estelle's legs as he cuddled into the pillow with boredom. It was more silent than the previous nights, and he wondered how the mute interactions they shared had turned into late-night conversations about absolutely nothing.

So, now that they were back to quiet, he couldn't help but wonder what caused the change. Shuffling around to gaze at Estelle, he found that she was staring at her bracelet with unrecognisable emotions. This time though, he was glad that it wasn't with grief.

"Hey," He grunted, catching the female's attention.

"Hmm?"

"Who are you giving the monitor to?"

Raising her eyes to look up at rubies, Estelle answered, "I was going to give it to you to carry. Whoever patrols can have it on them in case there is a signal."

"Hm, at least you'll have a peaceful week."

"That's true," Estelle answered humorously, her lips tilted up.

"Just don't overdo it and get yourself killed now that we won't be there to bug you."

"You mean that you won't be there to bug me."

"Tch, same thing."

"It isn't, but sure."

"Annoying brat."

It was quiet for a few moment's as Bakugo grumpily manoeuvred around the couch once again. Raising an eyebrow in question, Estelle was greeted by a flip-flopped Bakugo, who landed his head onto her lap with a thud that made her knees jerk up.

"Oooh, someone's needy."

"Tch, I'm not needy! I'll blow you to hell and back if you say something like that again! Brat!"

"Oh hush it, Ruby, lie down and let me turn that frown upside down."

"What the fuck..."

"Too much? I read it online."

"I figured, but no. It's fine," the blonde grumped back in a softer tone.

The next day, Estelle and Bakugo woke up on the couch to the rest of the class rushing around the common room. Surprised, the two jerked up from their places as they quickly rubbed the sleep from their eyes.

Turning to face different students, they realised that they weren't paying attention to the pair. It took a few moments from their foggy brains to discover that they were gathering the last remaining things before leaving for the island.

Glancing at each other with surprise, the pair eventually realised that the class weren't shocked at all with the current predicament that they were in. Looking back on it now, Estelle and Bakugo realised that they hadn't been subtle at all, considering the blonde shouted all hours into the night.

Jolting up from the couch, Bakugo quickly headed into his room to grab his bags whilst Estelle went upstairs into her room. Taking a spirit monitor out of her bag, Estelle moved back downstairs to find that the class were putting on their jackets and doing their final bag checks.

Bakugo headed into the room soon after, ready as if he had woken up at the same time as his fellow classmates. Rolling his suitcase across the floor, he met Estelle in the middle of the room.

"Here. Don't break it," Estelle warned as she handed the device over.

"Tch, I know. Don't get yourself killed."

"My dead body will be here to greet you," Estelle answered back with a deadpan. She hadn't noticed the sweatdrops around the room from her morbid response.

"Grrr, you brat!"

"I'm kidding. You wouldn't find a body."

"Lioness!"

"Kaachan, we have to go. The bus is here!"

"Shut it, Deku! I'll be there in a second!" Bakugo growled back with a glare leaving more sweatdrops to fly around the room once again. As the class slowly trailed out of Height's Alliance, each of the students gave their own goodbye's to Estelle as they left.

Nodding to them all in parting, Estelle turned back to face Bakugo as he made his way to follow his classmates. Circling back to meet her briefly, he muttered, "There's premade food in the fridge. All you have to do is heat it up. Try not to torch down the building with such a simple task."

Bewildered, Estelle's mouth dropped slightly in stupefaction. "You made food?"

"Tch, like l have been doing all year Lioness. Keep up. I'll see you when I get back."

Still stunned, Estelle didn't manage to form any words before the door clicked shut behind him. Giving a soft smile, she muttered into nothingness, "Thank you."

Estelle's day was typical after that as she worked on patrols and hero duties. She was starting to get used to controversies when she was noticed in public, but they were still annoying to deal with. Forcing those feelings aside, Estelle continued to save those in need and battle off spirit activity.

It was a different feeling to be thanked after helping a civilian; it wasn't something that she was often used to. Humans generally feared her back at home, and they had started to warm up to her within the military groups the longer she stayed. But, to have them show gratitude for doing a simple deed was like putting her heart on a cliff, ready to fall at a moments notice.

Since she had no obligation to go back for lunch and dinner, Estelle remained outside for most of the day. Later in the evening, she returned and headed into the kitchen.

Making her way to the fridge, Estelle felt awkward. She always avoided reheating her plates because, in all honesty, she had no idea how to work the microwave. Scanning the contents of the cold box, Estelle realised that Bakugo had made a plate for her every day he was gone. When did he find the time to do this? Why would Bakugo do this? Surely he didn't think she would really burn down the kitchen...would he?

The first plate on the top of the pile caught Estelle's attention by the paper stuck on the top of the chloroform.

It was instructions on how to use the microwave and oven.

Standing in disbelief, Estelle stared at the plate in utter confusion. How did he know that? Putting her perplexion aside, Estelle muttered into nothingness, "Thank you."

Reading further down, Estelle read the final words of his note.

'You're fucking welcome - Ruby.'

Letting out a loud laugh at the coincidence, Estelle turned back around to give her first attempt at the microwave. She had managed well, thanks to Bakugo and ate her meal in a peaceful bubble. Estelle was okay with that; she liked her bubbles.

Startling at the ringing noise within the night, Estelle dug into her pockets to pull out her phone. With her eyes on the screen, she grunted, "Report."

"Lioness."

"Ruby?"

"Didn't burn down the kitchen, did you?"

"Of course not. Well, thank you for that, by the way."

"Tch, I had a feeling you would be utterly useless in the kitchen."

"Hey, it's not my fault. I was taught various ways of stabbing a troll before realising you can use a knife to butter bread."

"That...is not surprising in the least. But still, what the fuck."

"My sentiments exactly. Nevertheless, was there something you needed?"

Raising a brow from the sudden silence on the other end of the phone call, Estelle opened her mouth to check if he was still there. Before she could speak, she was cut off by the blonde who had seemingly found his words again. "I had patrols, and then these two kids decided to waste my time by calling for help. It was just a dumb prank, but now I'm wide awake. How bothersome."

"Ah, kids will be kids. I hope you didn't give them too harsh a punishment."

"Tch, Deku held me back."

"I should thank him later," Estelle answered back coyly.

"Hell no! Tch, you love snot-nosed brats too much. Seriously."

"Kids are inherently good; it's the environment that turns them dark later in life."

"Wisecrack."

"You should get some rest; you must be tired from all the heroism you've been doing."

"Uh, yeah. Tons of heroism happening on my end. Definitely." Bakugo sarcastically responded with an unmistakable smirk in his tone.

"Sounds like you need some bad guys to excite your day."

"Yeah, so I can kick some ass and show them who's boss!" He responded with manic enthusiasm.

Chuckling at his comeback, Estelle let out a bland retort. "Uh-huh. Sure."

The next day played over just like the last. Killing hoards of spirits and helping those within the city was becoming the new normal for Estelle. There had been no sightings, warnings or news about the red masked man. She could only guess he was scheming. These things always took time, and he was clearly planning something big, whatever it was.

She wondered if he was working alone. It was the first time the thought crossed her mind that there could be multiples behind the scene. It was just frustrating trying to figure out what the endgame was. Estelle would be in the dark for a while, it seems.

Estelle was in the kitchen, taking out her second plate from the pile Bakugo left for her. She snorted at the second note left stuck on top before trying to work the oven.

'Only losers don't know how to cook. Loser. - Ruby'

It was the same time that night when the phone rang again. Sighing deeply, Estelle watched the phone as it continued to ring before stopping. Figuring that the persistent male would give up for the evening, Estelle jumped slightly when the phone rang again. Groaning, Estelle leaned over to grab the device from the table.

He spoke as soon as she picked up. "You answer when I call."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You owe me for not letting you starve!"

Wincing since she had forgotten that fact, Estelle felt guilty that he put in the time to cook her food, and she tried to avoid his call. Before she could retort, he grunted victoriously. "That's right, Lioness."

"Shut up, whatever."

"Smart comeback."

"I will hang up," she warned back.

"Liar. What are you doing anyway?"

"Debating on watching the next episode of Bake Off."

"The hell?! You ain't watching that!"

"Somone's being a bit possessive. You can just catch up when you get back. Plus, I'm bored," Estelle groaned back as she flopped onto the couch again.

"Tch, I'm here, aren't I?"

"Hmm."

The next day, Estelle realised the phone was still on call with Bakugo. Groaning slightly as she woke up, she heard Bakugo's voice through the receiver. "All right, all right! I'm coming, Dunce Face!"

"Ruby?"

"Yeah, I'm still here. You fell asleep without hanging up, idiot."

"And...you stayed on the line?"

"Shuddup! I forgot to hang up myself," The pomeranian grumbled back harshly.

"And you're calling me an idiot."

"Just for that comment, I'm crushing you to pieces when I get back! Cheeky brat!"

"Bakugo!" Estelle heard Kirishima yell in the background.

"You better go, hero," she muttered into the receiver, her voice mumbled as she flunked back onto the couch like a dead starfish.

"Tch, I'll call you same time tonight. You better pick up the phone this time."

"Yeah yeah, be safe."

"You too."

Estelle decided to switch up the day by visiting Nona briefly. It was a simple chat as she let the older woman know about the current events. Nona was supportive as always, and Estelle found herself sitting at the Beanery and missing the days she spent by Nona's side. Estelle knew that had come to an end now, but the memories would stay for the rest of her life, and they would be held dearly.

Realising the day was pretty quiet in terms of hero work, Estelle took up Shinsou's offer for some training. She still tried to fit it into her schedule whenever she could, but they were still few and far between.

As the pair worked through Shinsou's training, Estelle could see the fast improvement just by his physique. Even if Estelle couldn't be there as much as she previously did, he took all her learning and created the perfect regimen for himself.

The capture weapon still needed some work, but Estelle was glad to know that he was learning much quicker than he feared he would. Smiling at the male briefly as he showed off his techniques, Estelle muttered, "See, I told you that you could do it."

"You did."

"Now, look at you. It won't be too much longer now."

"I hope so, Kitten. How have things been with you? Have you gotten any breakthroughs?" Shinsou questioned, an uneasy look on his face.

"Not much, but as you know. Someone from my world is here. If I can find them, I might be able to get the location of the bridge."

"Have you ever thought about staying? Here, I mean. After you close it."

"I have; this world is a lot tamer compared to mine. It would be nice to have a relaxed life, but it's not mine to have."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't belong here, Shinsou. It's a fantasy to think I could just remain," she reminded softly.

"Is it, though? Or, are you just telling yourself that?" He questioned, stepping forward to gaze down at her earnestly.

Shaking her head, Estelle gave a small smile up to the floofy purple-haired male. Holding her hand up to rest on his shoulder, she muttered, "It's the truth. There could be unknown ramifications of staying in a world that isn't my own. I would not like to test the theory out."

"In a perfect world, you were given a choice to stay or go. What would you do?"

'I would leave.'

"I don't know."

Time ticked away as Estelle watched the television in boredom. It was nearing ten, and she was expecting the phone to ring any minute from the irritating blonde. Letting herself be lost within the show, Estelle broke from her gaze when she realised an hour had passed. Shrugging of the fact he was late, Estelle dipped back into the world of lions and zebra.

Another hour passed.

And another.

Frowning, Estelle figured that maybe Bakugo had forgotten to ring her. Shrugging at the strange action, Estelle's eyes slowly began to close the longer time ticked away.

But, something was bugging her.

What was this? Why was her brain being this fucking annoying? He must have fallen asleep, and she should be rejoicing the fact that she wasn't bugged by a single person all day. Growling to herself, Estelle slammed her head back onto the couch pillow and closed her eyes.

Niggling.

Niggling.

Niggling.

'God fucking dammit.'

Sitting back up from the couch, Estelle scowled at her phone. Bakugo wasn't the type of person to forget something like this. He was in her face, persistent in his attempts to remain by her side and blatantly refused any opportunity to leave her be. So, why would he not call her now?

Maybe he ultimately realised that his attempts were fruitless. Finally ready to drop Estelle and continue with his life with the rest of the class. Honestly, she was surprised that this hadn't happened sooner. This was a good thing because Estelle would have detached from any attachments to this world when it was time to leave. And she could go back home to live out her days in solitude.

This was a good thing.

Lying back down, Estelle kept that thought in her brain as she tried to get her mind to shut off. The clock could be heard in the corner, ticking away the seconds as Estelle tried everything she could to fucking fall asleep.

'God fucking dammit.'

Bakugo wasn't the type of person to give up. He had proved that the day Pete passed on and still visited her after the argument. He had established that when he shut down every opportunity for him to leave her be. He proved that when he made her fucking dinner for the seven days he was away.

'Something's not right.'

Picking up her phone, Estelle dialled Bakugo's number for the first time in her life and sat by as the phone rang on. Tapping her knee as she waited, Estelle was eventually greeted with a voicemail machine.

Hanging up, Estelle marinated in the silence as she tried to figure out if she was paranoid or something had happened. Something wasn't right; she could feel it in her gut.

"You haven't been wrong yet, and you've made it this far with your gut instincts."

Hearing Bakugo's words in her head. Estelle stood up as she paced beside the couch. What if she made her way there and everything was okay? That would send out the wrong message, one that she wasn't prepared to show. The bond they've tried so hard to make with her would be solidified within that moment, and all Estelle had worked so hard to do would crumble into dust.

But what if they got hurt without her? She couldn't sit idly by if her suspicions were correct. Estelle couldn't bear to be responsible for any more deaths, and she would be signing the certificate if she was right. Was her need for a distance more important than their lives?

No, it wasn't.

'Screw it; I'm flying.'