Meeting The Parents

Estelle woke up completely tangled in limbs. Taking a moment to understand where she was, she realised her legs were intertwined with Bakugo's. Feeling the warmth that surrounded her increased her desire to stay within the steady embrace. Sighing deeply, Estelle mustered up the courage to move.

Hearing his groan of discontent didn't deter her as she sat up. The male who was beginning to awaken reminded her of the events a few hours ago. It didn't seem like they had gotten much sleep, but Estelle already felt better. Not great, but better.

Startling when she was pulled back onto the bed, Estelle looked at the blonde with wide eyes as he snuggled further into her warmth. His arms that encircled her felt like an inviting haven; it was almost too much for the female.

Frowning as his head moved to lean against her chest, Estelle observed the blonde as his breathing evened out once again.

Why didn't he go last night? After all the horrible things she had barked out within her fury, he stayed. He didn't falter once in his attempts to remain by her side. It was terrifying for Estelle. She had always been used to people distancing themselves from her; hell, she was usually the one that instigated it. But, he was the first to truly see the depths of her solitude.

And he stayed.

This loud, bothersome male had done what most others would have never imagined. The sheer determination and willpower he carried around in his life deterred him from doing that.

But couldn't he see that she was just trying to do what's right? Why was he so unwilling to see her side of the coin? It was like he point-blank refused to acknowledge any of it so he could get what he wanted. She didn't even know what he wanted; he wouldn't leave.

He was making her get used to his presence daily, and Estelle was terrified that he would become such an integral part of her life here that it would crush them when she finally went home. Why did he not see that?

Estelle could already tell the outcome wasn't going to end well. The two of them were stubborn to a fault, and she dreaded to see how this panned out. Estelle wasn't doing him any favours by softening to his demands. She had done this before, so many times. The number of ghouls and spirits that tried to be her friend but gave up soon after was in the hundreds. So, what makes him so different?

"Stop thinking," Bakugo grunted sleepily, his deep voice leaving a pang in her stomach.

Scoffing, Estelle's hand moved up to Ruby's head as she toyed with his hair. She could feel the exhaustion in his body, and with more care, than she'd like to admit, she muttered, "Rest more."

"I should be saying that to you."

"I have to patrol and visit the Commission."

"You can be late," Bakugo rebuked, his head tilting up to Estelle to gauge what she was thinking. A slight frown landed on his face when he noticed that she was weary, and he could only guess it was from the massive development yesterday. Now that Estelle knew who was behind the mask, does that mean she was one step closer to getting home? He didn't even want to ask. "When will you be done?"

"Around lunchtime, why?" Estelle chimed back, unsure why he was asking.

"Because you need another break, we'll leave once you're back."

Estelle simmered in her dilemma for a moment. She had just thought about their relationship and how she needed to cut that off, but she also recognised she had been horrible to the male last night, and he still stayed. Not wanting to argue and put him through that again so soon, she gave a slow nod of agreement.

The grin on the male's face felt like a balm to her soul as he held an internal victory. She could only imagine what was going through his head right now, and it was probably a surprise that she agreed so readily.

Pulling her further into his embrace, Estelle slowly slackened within his arms. His arms were wrapped around her completely; she was practically using his body as a bed. Jolting as he shuffled for a moment, Estelle was on top of him as he held her. His hands invoked a strange concern as they continued to move on her back. It was almost like he wasn't satisfied with how much he could hold, so he shifted his hands to grasp as much of her as possible.

'Is that because of yesterday?' Estelle wondered with a frown, another pang of fear hitting her bones.

"Do you wanna talk about last night?" Bakugo grunted, noticing her change in demeanour. His ruby eyes scanned her, a frown on his lips as his hands rubbed her spine.

Shrugging, Estelle answered, "Well, not really, but I figure I should apologise for how extreme I acted."

"But, in some twisted way, You meant it?" He questioned, still bothered by the words she spat out so quickly. He knew she didn't mean it, but there was a dying need to hear her confirm it. The room stifled as his heart lowered to his stomach, waiting for a response.

Flustered, Estelle battled between saying yes and pushing him away or admitting that no, she didn't hate him.

"It doesn't change anything. Whether you did or you didn't. So, tell me the truth," Bakugo gruffed out, a knowing gaze as he regarded the uneasy female.

"No, I didn't," Estelle sighed, her shoulders slumping with defeat.

"I thought so," Bakugo murmured before placing a light kiss on Estelle's head, "But I'm glad."

Blushing, the female scowled, "I thought you said it wouldn't change anything,"

Smirking, Bakugo smoothly stated, "I lied."

"You're an asshole."

"I know. Be ready after lunch."

"Hmm. Where are we going anyway? Or are you not going to tell me again?"

"Tch, I need to pick up a couple of stuff from my place. If we have time, I have something in mind."

"Hm? Okay."

Estelle felt fine on the way there, but for some odd reason, the nerves arrived once she reached the entrance of Bakugo's home. "Stop thinking. You look like your about to ride into battle or something," Bakugo snorted beside her, thumping her head to emphasise his point.

Withering, Estelle batted his hand away and shook her head. "I still don't see why I couldn't have just waited outside."

"Because the old crone would have had a fit knowing I left someone outside. You're coming."

"Hmpt," Estelle retorted with a pout before Bakugo stormed into the house at high speed. His hand held onto Estelle's as he forcefully dragged her through the entrance and to the stairs. Raising a brow at his quick movements, Estelle barely stopped herself from crashing into him when another voice startled them.

"Katsuki! Is that you?! Don't tell me you forgot your - oh, hello." A woman shouted before lowering her voice in surprise once she realised he wasn't alone.

Estelle widened her eyes at the woman before pulling her hand out of Bakugo's. Uncomfortable with the new development, Estelle watched as Bakugo's mother turned to her son with a growl. Yanking him forward, she started yelling as she held Bakugo in a death grip. Rubbing the top of his head vigorously, she could hear, "Why didn't you tell us you were coming over?! And the fact you have a visitor! You and your manners, Katsuki!"

"Get off me, you old bat!"

"Who are you calling old, huh?!"

Snorting, Estelles lips titled up from the scene in front of her. Surprisingly, another voice came into earshot, and she was stunned by how calm it was. "Guys, please calm down. We have a visitor."

The parents of Bakugo turned to Estelle as she awkwardly stood in the hallway. Bakugo was the one to jerk out of his mother's hold to stand next to her, and she was relieved she wasn't entirely by herself anymore. "Tch, this is Estelle. Estelle, this is my mum and dad."

"Call me, Mitsuki, dear."

"Masaru."

Smiling, Estelle observed the two parents with a warm heart. Their aura was hectic, but they seemed like good people. "You are both gorgeous."

Shocked, the two parents turned to each other with stupefaction. Bakugo was the same, enlarging his eyes as he gaped down at Estelle. Shaking his head, he grunted, "Don't need to compliment the old geezers. They don't need it."

Furrowing her brows, Estelle muttered, "I was just telling the truth."

"Tch, yeah, whatever."

Gotten out of her shock, Mistuki let out a squeal as she yelled. "Oh, you are so adorable! Come here!"

In a flurry of motions, Estelle was startled to find Bakugo standing in front of her. Getting her mind to catch up, she realised that a hand was placed on her stomach protectively as the other was on Mitsuki's shoulder. Peeking over Bakugo's side, she could see the stunned faces of his parents as he blocked Mitsuki's movement of coming over to embrace her.

Gratefulness rushed within her that Bakugo managed to stop her in time. It would have been a bad outcome if she had managed to reach her when she wasn't prepared.

"Katsuki?" The woman muttered, bewildered by her son's actions.

Estelle placed a hand on his arm to catch his attention, and when he turned his head down to meet her eyes, she was internally stunned by the heavy expression on his face that resembled a fierce protectiveness. Feeling heat rush to her cheeks and a warmth filling her entire being, Estelle struggled to voice her reassurance. It was strange for the female; she had never felt so cared for, and Bakugo's eyes only seemed to show the depths of his concern. "It's okay. I'm ready now. Thank you."

Turning back to his mother, Bakugo grunted, "Be slow with your actions, woman. Don't surprise her."

Shaking away her bewilderment, Mitsuki took a tentative step forward before sweetly asking, "Can I hug you?"

Giving the nod, Estelle was prepared when the older woman embraced her in a tight hug before she could blink. The squealing hurt her ear as she yelled, "Oh, so adorable!"

Awkwardly standing there with her arms out, Estelle's eyes were wide as Mitsuki squeezed her. Feeling ardour flood her bones, Estelle slowly relaxed in her hold before letting go. Letting out a small smile at the older woman, she watched Mitsuki shift back to Bakugo. "I'm guessing you're here for the climbing gear you forgot to take back with you?"

"Tch, yeah. Then we'll be on our way."

"What?! Nonsense! You both can stay for dinner! We'll have it earlier, so you guys make it back in time for curfew!" Mitsuki responded, putting her son into another headlock.

"Grr, you witch!"

"Come on, guys, not now," Masaru spoke up, his hands raised in a futile attempt to calm them.

Estelle watched the scene with a small smile, humour tilting her lips as she regarded the family. She was glad Bakugo had something like that, and she could see where he got his attitude from. It was almost funny seeing a female and older version of him, and she was truly stunning.

"We ain't stay- gahhh stop it, you witch!"

"Don't weasel your way out of this! You came here, so now you're staying! We clearly never showed you manners! Look at you!" The older woman rambled, practically throttling the male as they battled it out.

Hearing a sigh to her right, she turned her head to face Bakugo's father, who was defeated. Biting back her smile, she could still see the love but exasperation within his eyes. "Katsuki, you know how your mother gets. Stay here for dinner."

"What do you mean by that!?" Mitsuki growled back.

"Nothing, Hunny. Come, let's get started on dinner."

"Fine. Katsuki, give her a tour."

"Tch, whatever," Ruby growled as he turned around to face Estelle, who had a slight smile on her face. Clicking his tongue, he muttered, "Well, come on."

Following behind the blonde, Estelle nodded as he showed her various rooms of his house. Stopping in the living room, Estelle was allowed to look at pictures from when he was a child. "You look adorable."

"Shut up."

"No. Seriously, you were a cute kid."

Hearing his quirk crackle and pop, Estelle shook her head to the sound as he followed up with his words. "I was not cute; shut the hell up, Lioness!"

"If you say so, Ruby."

"Cheeky brat."

Turning to another photo, Estelle glimpsed the three of them amid a climb on a mountain. Masaru was calm as he watched a grinning Bakugo and Mitskui racing each other to the top. The family looked so happy, together, fulfilled in a way only a family could.

It just reminded her how alone she was in the world.

"What is it?"

"You have a good family."

Bakugo immediately straightened up from the melancholy words, his heart dropping from the wistfulness in her tone. Growling in frustration, he demanded, "Stop looking at them."

"No, it's okay. I like seeing it."

"No, you like torturing yourself," Bakugo grunted back as he folded his arms in annoyance.

Pushing her emotions away, Estelle let out a smirk to assure him she was okay and muttered, "Nah, I just like seeing your pretty face in all these photos!"

Groaning loudly, Bakugo let out a pout as he turned his head away. His body relaxed once he noted the change in her demeanour, and in hopes of keeping it that way, he gestured to the stairs. "Come, you can see my room next."

"I hope it's not as messy as your personality."

"Why you little-come here!"

Rushing up the stairs with Bakugo behind her, she could hear his quirk go off as he raced behind her. Catching her by his bedroom door, he bestowed lighthearted punishment by copying his mother's action of vigorously rubbing the top of her head. Laughing loudly, Estelle pushed him off before waiting for him to open the door.

Once they finally entered the room, Estelle scanned the area with intrigue. Bakugo had always seen her space, but she had never been to his dorm, so she had no idea what to expect. Surprisingly he was a bit of a clean freak, but what caught her attention was the All Might merchandise around the room.

"You admire the guy a lot, huh?"

"Tch, yeah. He's the best so far. But, I will beat him."

"I'm sure," Estelle nodded thoughtfully.

Double-taking at her easy response, Bakugo eyed her as she scanned the posters. Typically, people scoff at the idea of beating the number one hero. Even though he was praised for his quirk his whole life, that was a hurdle he had yet to cross.

Her easy acceptance made him fuzzy inside, and as he watched her, he realised that she did have faith in him. Even though she was strong and could probably beat the hero herself, it was never her goal. She was humble about her powers; she never used them unless needed. Most people don't do that; they use whatever capacity possible to climb the ladder. But, she didn't care; she only cared about getting the job done.

Stepping forward, so he was breaking her bubble, Bakugo's suspicious face was inches away from her as he scrutinised her with a ridiculous expression. Sweatdropping, Estelle didn't know whether to laugh at him or slither away in awkwardness.

"You think that?"

"Uh, yes?" Estelle answered, taking a few steps back to breathe. The blonde wasn't having any of it as he took another few steps forward, a smirk on his lips when Estelle's back hit the wall. Broadening her eyes, Estelle flushed when he continued to keep in proximity. "You're bursting my bubble here."

The smirk only broadened on the male's face, and Estelle was forced to recognise the small flip in her stomach as his face drew ever closer, so their noses slightly touched. "We can just make one for the both of us; I'm sure you'd like that, hm? Since you are so keen on having a bubble."

Flushing, Estelle widened her eyes as she looked up. The fire was lit in her core from his response as she suddenly became actively aware of every movement. His gaze bore at her, which only succeeded in raising the tension within Estelle, and the mischievousness and something else she couldn't pinpoint seemed to make her feel like she was drowning.

Yelling at herself to snap the heck out of it, Estelle forced her eyes to stare down into rubies. Feeling the air flicker from the sudden heat between the two, the unspoken challenge was set. "You think you're worthy enough to be in my bubble?"

"Tch, hell yeah. Nobody else is."

"Hm, how sweet."

"Katsuki! Estelle! Get down here!"

Estelle felt awkward as she sat at the table with Bakugo's family. She sat with Ruby as the plates were handed out. Giving her thanks, Estelle started to dig in with the hope of avoiding the darting eyes around the table.

"So, Estelle. I didn't realise you were the guardian when you came in. Tell us about yourself," Mitsuki started, her eyes holding intrigue as she gazed at the younger female.

Wincing, Estelle could see Bakugo's glare from the corner of her eye. The longer the silence lingered, the more frantic Bakugo's movements got as he motioned to his throat to cut the conversation off as soon as possible. But clearly, his parents were stubborn like he was as they just gazed at Estelle with expectation.

"There isn't much to say. I grew up training to be a warrior, and the war broke out when I was older. I led spirits into battle - I was the general. We won the war, and I was brought here soon after."

The only response to her blunt honesty was suffocating silence. Hoping to relieve them of their shock, Estelle turned to the male on her left. "Can you pass the salt, Ruby?"

"Tch, sure."

"A war?!" Mitsuki cried out loudly, her utensils slamming against the sides of her plate harshly. Disbelief surrounded her aura as she stared down at Estelle, her mouth slack whilst her brain registered the words.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And you were a general?! You led these so-called spirits as a child?!"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"What about your parents?! Adults?! Surely someone would have stepped in?!" Mitsuki pried further, her mouth closing like she had told herself to pull it together.

"There were none, Ma'am."

"Dear Lord, how old were you?"

"I do not know my real age, but I would guess twelve or thirteen."

Bakugo snapped his head towards Estelle, his eyes widening alongside the rest of his family. He should have known, and some part of him was aware that she was incredibly young when thrust into the life she lived. But to have her say it out loud. It was a shock to the system.

When Bakugo was twelve, his only concern was getting good grades, so he was the best at UA. To think Estelle was fighting for her life and those around her was just staggering to compare. It made him understand even more why Estelle was the way she was. He never thought of it like that, but now he couldn't seem to get rid of the deep-rooted aching in his heart. Resisting the urge to pull her in, Bakugo clicked his tongue before focusing back on his food.

"Stop chewing so loudly, Katsuki!"

"Don't tell me what to do, ya old bat!" Bakugo barked back, still chewing his food loudly as he continued to eat with intensity.

Frowning, Estelle wondered why the male was constantly disobeying his mother's orders. Was that normal? Estelle always assumed you would listen to your parents like she did her boss. Bonking him on the head, Estelle muttered, "Listen to your mother."

"Tch, whatever," Bakugo grunted back, his chewing rate decreasing after his rough response.

Casually beginning to eat again, Estelle ignored the stunned looks of his parents as he ate like a civilised person again. Then again, she understood why he wasn't. This food was fucking amazing - she could see where Bakugo got his culinary skills from.

"That...was incredible," Mitsuki muttered to herself.

Pretending she didn't hear that, Estelle questioned them about their lifestyle. She was surprised to find out they were fashion designers. "Like you create clothes?"

"Yeah, we decide what they look like," Masuri continued.

"Oh, fascinating. Do you enjoy it?"

"Of course, we tried to see if Katsuki would have an eye for it, and he does, but he has no interest in it," Mitsuki explained.

"Tch, I hate sewing machines."

"You blew it up."

"I HATE sewing machines."

"Hmm, that makes sense. Your outfits always look good on you," Estelle added thoughtfully before taking another bite.

Hearing his hands crackle and pop, Bakugo growled back at Estelle with the heat on his face, "Don't stay stuff like that, Lioness!"

"Hm? Your aversion to the truth is very odd."

"It's not that!"

"What is it then, Ruby?"

"You just say them out of the blue!"

"What do you expect?! Do I have to prepare you for every compliment?!" Estelle perked up, her eyes sparkling with fire as she challenged him.

"Yes!"

"Ruby, I will compliment you; please prepare yourself and your quirk. Your outfits look good on you."

"That's better!"

"No! It's completely idiotic!" Estelle barked, unwilling to back down from the challenge.

"She's right."

"You're supposed to be on my side here?!" Bakugo cried back, fury on his face as he shifted his head to his parents.

"Even they can see you're being dumb; accept defeat!" Estelle started with a massive smirk on her face from their agreement.

"Grrr! Whatever!"

Bantering between themselves, Estelle and Bakugo completely missed the looks from the adults. The rest of the meal was pretty tame after that, and the four chatted away as they got to know each other. Estelle warmed up to them pretty quickly as it wasn't hard to see their love for each other, even if it was portrayed differently.

"It was lovely having you over, dear. You should defiantly stop by some other time."

"Of course, I'll make sure to visit before I go back home," Estelle confirmed, a small smile on her face as she regarded the two adults.

Ruby was already behind her, lugging his climbing gear as he reached for the door. She completely missed the stilling of his movements behind her as she spoke, but his parents noted the clench of his fists.

Frowning deeply at Estelle's words' apparent effect on their son, they eyed Estelle with a soft look of understanding. Noticing the shift in the air, Estelle connected their eyes in confusion.

"Make sure you do," Mitsuki finished, eyeing the girl with a severe expression in hopes of preventing her from turning just yet.

Nodding in agreement, Estelle turned around to face Bakugo, who had just exited the hall. Chasing after him, Estelle was forced to pick up the pace when she noticed he was walking faster than usual.

"What's got you in a hurry?"

"Tch, nothing, shut up."

"Hm, okay."

Silence rang out between the pair, and Estelle stuffed her hands in her pockets as she abled along beside the blonde. Hearing him grunt for her attention, Estelle was surprised by his question. "Why did you promise to see them again? They're nothing exciting."

"Oh. I've never been around parents, and it was nice to experience that with such good people. I would like to do that again. They really love you."

"Yeah, I know."