Interrogation

Estelle jittered in her seat while waiting for the police officer to arrive. Her hand was clasped under Bakugo's, his thumb rubbing against the back of her knuckles as he attempted to soothe her nerves. It was only yesterday that the event occurred, and honestly, Estelle didn't feel ready to leave her room.

Something about it put her on the line of vulnerability that she hated. She could only guess it was related to this man nearly succeeding in abducting her. Her nerves were frayed, and she knew her eyes were scanning her surroundings more than usual, but she held on the best she could in hopes of retreating back to her dorm room.

She had woken up that morning within the blonde's embrace, and the duo knew they had to leave the room regardless of their hesitancy. Bakugo had clung to her more than usual, and it was evident since he hadn't let go of her hands since they departed. It was also apparent when they had been approached by the class, who were concerned by the scene they witnessed yesterday, but Bakugo was practically barking them away from her like a rabid dog.

The picture made her laugh, but his protectiveness put her on edge, her heart dropping at the fact she was holding onto him just as tightly. She pushed the thought away, for the time being, allowing herself to be selfish just for a little longer before reality had to set in once again. For now, he seemed to be the only tether keeping her moving throughout the morning.

Mr Aizawa had driven them to the station, offering to join them if they needed the support. The pair already knew he had duties to attend to, so they assured him they would get the bus back and manage adequately without him. Bakugo's words, "We'll be fine; we have each other," Seemed to put the teacher at ease.

When they entered, the officers had given the offer for the two of them to provide their statements separately. Before Estelle could respond, the clingy male snapped at them in annoyance before dragging her into their office with a growl. Humoured by his actions, Estelle didn't argue as he placed his hand on her back and shuffled her to the desk. Pulling back her chair, Estelle was confused as he practically led her to a sitting position and pushed her chair back into the gap beneath the table.

His actions made her feel strange, and as she watched him take a seat next to her, she wondered why he was treating her like glass. It made her stomach flip, squeeze and fall to her feet simultaneously, the flurry of her emotions throwing her for a loop as she tried to comprehend what she was actually experiencing.

"Thank you for your patience. Let's get started," An officer spoke up, the door clicking shut behind him as Estelle jerked in her seat from the interruption. The officer gave the blonde a side-eye from his actions a few minutes ago, to which Bakugo responded with a scowl, his thumb still stroking Estelle's knuckles as he held her hand under the table.

It was then that Estelle and Bakugo discussed the unforeseen event. The female hadn't processed it entirely, but as she sat in the office, it finally began to sink in as she explained them. Bakugo stepped in once they reached the recount where Estelle was unconscious, and she was surprised to find out he had bashed the man's head against the concrete numerous times.

Questions were answered as he filled out the paperwork, and Estelle's mind was chaotic as she tried to figure out Nyx's involvement with the situation. Only when the man in blue sitting in front of them straightened up with a sigh did she perk up with interest.

"We tried to interrogate the man; we found out his name was Akiro Seki, a frequent visitor at a homeless shelter. We couldn't figure out a motive; he would not budge in questioning. But from what you have told us, he's been conspiring with a villain from your world, correct?"

Nodding an agreement, Estelle didn't hesitate from the opportunity, her mouth moving with hidden eagerness. "Can I speak with him?"

"I am not sure if that's a good idea," The officer answered, hesitancy clear in every corner of his expression.

Realising she would have to push him, Estelle knew that there was a chance she could get some time with Akiro. If she could just find out what he knew, it could help her investigation immensely. "Please? If I can get him to talk, I may be able to get some valuable information."

The hand holding hers tightened considerably as Estelle spoke, and she didn't even have to look over to know Ruby was showing clear disapproval of her request. She ignored him, intent on keeping her gaze steady on the man behind the desk. He seemed to see something within her stare as his head tilted to the side, his lips pursed whilst he debated on his answer.

It was quiet for a few moments before he nodded, muttering, "He wouldn't stop talking about an angel. If that's you, then it'll most likely work."

Keeping her victory hidden, Estelle could hear the quiet huff of indignation beside her. Bakugo was far from happy as she turned her head to regard him, his frown in full view as he stared darkly at the papers on the desk. The picture made her insides twist, and her lips tilted down as puzzlement hit her bones again.

Clearly, he was unhappy about where this was going.

The officer stood up, informing the duo he would need to get approval for this before leaving them for a few minutes. Bakugo and Estelle marinated in the silence whilst they waited, and her thoughts trailed away, not straying from the teen sitting next to her.

As much as she enjoyed and appreciated his comforting presence, especially at this moment where she felt like she was continuously falling, waiting for her body to hit the ground as her reality sank into her. She knew whatever they were experiencing was now different. It was changing too quickly for her to comprehend, and her mind could only yell warning signs for her to leave the situation.

Her mind would not allow her thoughts to stray from the idea that she was prolonging the soon coming harm. The more time she spent with Bakugo, the closer they became and the more terrified she felt. It felt like she was leading him somewhere, but she didn't know what, yet she was fully aware it was directing him to pain down the line.

She couldn't do that to him; it wasn't fair. Yet, he remained as if he knew where it was going. She just didn't know if he was aware of its outcome. She had told him, reminding him whenever she could that it wasn't a good idea, yet it was like it fell on deaf ears.

She would need to take a step back for the greater good.

The fear growing within her, unknown and uncomfortable as it may be, was instinctively pushed away. It was as if she was building a wall to prepare herself for what she had to do because she couldn't deny the inevitable. Yet, she still felt like she was running in the dark when it came to the aggressive blonde, and it was just so frustrating.

Her mind told her to let go of him, but the hand wrapped around his wrist never faltered. It bothered her. It was like her body wasn't listening to her own rationale. She felt guilty because she could not deny that this was also her fault. She should have done it sooner.

What happened to the idea of one last time? She had constantly told herself that, yet here she was, still surrounded by his presence as if there wasn't a whole other world in the mix and she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.

"You're seriously going to do this?" Bakugo grumbled, jerking Estelle out of her thoughts as he stared her down. He was waiting for her to break the silence, but once he realised she was stuck in her own head, he knew it would have to be him that spoke up.

"Yes, the information he could have would be crucial. I can't pass that up."

"Even after what he did? Are you even mentally prepared to see his ugly face again?" Bakugo rebuked, his face unreadable as he communicated. He understood it was futile to persuade her otherwise, but he knew she wasn't the right place to do this, but the female was stubborn; he doubted she would listen to him.

Grunting in acknowledgement, Estelle slumped, knowing he was right. Still, she was a warrior. It didn't matter how her mental state was, as there were lives potentially at stake. "I'm not made of glass. It's fine."

"Tch, I know you aren't. You kick ass, but forgive me if I need more than a day to get over the fact you could have been dead," Bakugo snapped, his facade dropping as he turned to face her.

Feeling her heart soften, her eyes followed as she observed him. She could see the concern in his gaze, another foreign emotion within them that made her heat up. It was some sort of protectiveness, and Estelle couldn't help but drown in the fact she was undeserving of it. Yet, it surrounded her like a warm blanket.

Suddenly reminded of the names he had called her yesterday, Estelle's cheeks reddened as she turned her head away with a scowl. The amused chuckles of Bakugo chimed within the room, causing her cheeks to flush harder at the fact he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Those damn names would rise a reaction from her at all times of the day like a recurring thought her mind refused to let go of. It would leave her to suffer the aftermath of being blushing red with no explanation for it. It was so damn frustrating, especially since the blonde seemed to catch her every time.

His broad and smug grin would arrive, and Estelle couldn't deny she had the urge to punch his handsome face for what he had done to her because he knew exactly what was making her so damn flustered. The blonde had even purposefully set her off a couple of times by smirking at her knowingly, reminding her as she sputtered in bewilderment and heat whilst she tried to pull herself the fuck together.

What gave him the right to say such sweet things? He must have a death wish for her because, dear lords, she had no idea how to react to the crashing inferno her body would randomly surge into. It was vexing, aggravating and hot. Estelle could easily scream from the frenzy that boy had created, and all he did was smile at her for it.

'That asshole.'

"Sorry I took so long. We have approval; follow me when you're ready."

Thankfully paying attention to the vibrations on the floor, Estelle was prepared as she turned around and nodded. The blush on her cheeks was luckily fading, and Estelle was thankful she didn't have to deal with the mortification of being caught like that. Standing up, Estelle shifted to the officer as she asked for another minute alone with the blonde. The officer nodded in accord before leaving the room to stand outside the door.

Estelle turned back around to face Bakugo, who was still sitting in the chair, she could see the perplexity in his eyes, but Estelle knew she couldn't have him come with her. "You should stay here; I'll come back to get you when it's time to go."

"What?! Why the hell would I do that?!" Bakugo yelped, jumping from his seat as he answered back with irritation.

Narrowing her eyes, Estelle pursed her lips as she tried to think of her next move. She didn't know how to explain it to him in a way that wouldn't make the stubborn idiot demand his attendance.

Seeing the thoughts clear as day on her face, he stepped forward, determined to prevent her from thinking of a foolproof plan. "What is it?!" He demanded.

Sighing, Estelle slumped slightly. She hated interrogations, and she especially hated how manipulative she had to be to get the information she wanted. Her stomach twisted at the knowledge of what these things entailed. "I don't want you to see me like that."

Staggered, Bakugo furrowed his brows in confusion. "I don't care about that, but if you think I'm going to leave you alone with the person that almost took you from me-us, you have another thing coming."

"Bakugo..."

"There's nothing you can do that would make me change my opinion about you. Stop thinking like that," Bakugo grumbled back, his thoughts completing his sentence, 'I want to know everything about you.'

Sighing, Estelle knew she wasn't going to convince him. The knock on the door signalled that time was up, and Estelle knew she had to try one last time before her hand reached the doorknob. "I already despise myself for what I'm about to do; I would rather you not be there to witness it."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Bakugo was glad Estelle hadn't argued any further as she trailed behind the officer and his partner to the interrogation room. Leaving them and Bakugo on the other side of the two-way glass, Estelle's heart dropped to her feet as she prepared herself for what she was about to do.

She hated it, and she wished there was an easier way of going about this. But Estelle knew she had to suck it up like she always did, for the lives of the masses were more critical than her misgivings. Estelle had to remind herself that this was what she was built to do, and even though she hated it, she had to use it to her advantage, no matter how revolted she felt.

Bakugo sucked in a deep breath once Estelle was close to the paedophile's vicinity. Gritting his teeth, Bakugo clutched his hands to hold himself back from storming into the room and beating the crap out of him. Bakugo's only reprieve was that he knew that the bandages wrapped around Akiro's head were done by him. He understood he had to keep himself in check to remain in the room, and he would deal with it to make sure Estelle was okay.

Estelle's final words would have made him stop if it were any other day. But, he knew the state she was in and how she seemed to hate what she was about to do only troubled him further. He had no idea what to expect, just like any other situation related to the girl, but internally, his gut instinct told him to not leave her alone.

He tried to stop clenching his jaw once they began to ache, but it was futile as he watched Estelle get closer and closer to the man cuffed to the table. Akiro was hunched over and muttering to himself as if he hadn't noticed the new arrival.

Estelle strolled closer, her footsteps alerting him as he glanced up, widened his eyes and jerked up from his seat. The cuffs attached to the table hindered Akiro's movements, and he jerked back down to his chair once he realised he was still trapped.

The blonde nearly bowled over in fury once he saw the man's eyes light up and the ecstatic grin stretch over his entire face. "Angel! You came for me! I knew you would realise the connection we have, but so soon! I am so relieved! Can you get these chains off me?"

Estelle bit back the bile in her throat as she sauntered over to the table he was cuffed to. She knew exactly what she had to do, but her thoughts would not stray from Bakugo, standing outside the room. Sending him an apology through her thoughts, Estelle forced her lips to tilt up slyly as her butt landed on the table. Her legs immediately moved to each side of him, anchoring on the handles of his chair as she looked down at him.

She could not have her emotions interfere with this, not with information and lives at stake. The intel could help keep the people of this world safe. She would have to suffer through this, her fingers digging crescent moons into her palms that weren't in view.

Forcing her breathing through her lungs, Estelle and those in the other room watched as Akiro's face scanned her, his eyes falling directly between her legs as he licked his lips. His eyes practically popped out of his head as he tried to lunge for her with frenzied abandon.

Estelle forced back her flinch, keeping her eyes steady as she gazed at him. Internally she could feel her veins turn ice cold, every facet of her being holding disgust for herself and the man in front of her. The mantra of keeping the people safe rang out in her head, and she shoved all of her emotions into a box and surrounded it with brick walls to get through this.

The hitch in Akiro's breath was unmistakable as Estelle leaned back, her legs still on either side of him. At that moment, every person watching knew Estelle had caught him hook, line and sinker. And, she had done so without a word.

"Angel, you aren't close enough; let me touch you," he practically whined, his eyes still between her legs as if he had forgotten where he was.

"If I'm the angel, does that make you god?" Estelle questioned, her eyes low as she ignored his previous words.

Bakugo felt sick.

Akiro's breath was heavy under her stare, his body seemingly on fire as he struggled with the cuffs. From the shock on his face, he was obviously experiencing what he imagined every night. The men outside the door grimaced at the look, knowing the thoughts in his mind were beyond grotesque.

'He looks like he's about to jizz right then and there,' They collectively thought.

"Hm? What is it? Do you not like the idea of being my god?" Estelle sighed, prodding to get an answer so she could get the hell out of there as quickly as possible.

"No! No! Of course I do, angel." He pleaded, practically a puddly mess, as he stared at her like he was in a trance.

"If you want to be, you'll need to earn it," she answered, her tone husky as she reeled him in further. Her emotions were now locked away, prepared for the mission to be complete.

"Wha-what do you need me to do?! I'll do it! I'll do anything for you!" Akiro cried, still fighting the metal chains as he tried to reach her with his hands.

Knowing that now was the time to strike, Estelle leaned forward with a pout, her eyes low to emphasise her lie. Her tone was almost childlike as she murmured, "There's a man who wants to hurt me."

Jolting, those watched in disbelief as the demeanour of the homeless man switched in front of their very eyes. The whimpering mess he had become suddenly turned dark, his body leaning forward, eyes fierce with promise as he vowed to her as his life depended on it. "Tell me, I'll do whatever you need."

Inclining back with a sigh to ensure he was left wanting more, Estelle's tone was cunning as she responded, "Y'know Nyx? It wounded me to find out you worked for him. Because he's the one who wants to hurt me. Why would you join him? Did you want to hurt me too?"

Bakugo's eyes broadened along with the older officers at how easily she played this man. It was like she had done this before, the words leaving her lips as she took advantage of his lust to get what she needed. It impressed them how Estelle quickly had managed to realise what would get through to him. Yet, where she had done this before entered their minds. Bakugo was the only one to shake the thought from his head, the wisdom in his mind that Estelle only did what was needed to succeed; the girl would never do it out of her own volition. It pained him to know how much she did for others, and he understood that he didn't even know it all.

The blonde watching held mixed feelings. Internally, Bakugo was massively impressed at how she controlled the interrogation. It was stunning how she moved with dominance, playing her victim like a fiddle as she maintained the conversation. It heated up his insides to see her like that, and he had to lick his lips and pinch himself to bring himself back to reality.

Yet he was also feeling a rising animosity with the man across from her. Bakugo thought he couldn't despise Akiro more, but now he was the one who got to experience Estelle like that, and the teen couldn't help the urge to tear down the door and drag Estelle far away from him. Red eyes scanned the female intently, his heart almost beating out of his chest as if he was the one in cuffs. Honestly, the thought was intriguing. He wouldn't mind if he was being interrogated by her. Not if she looked at him like that.

The burning need to have himself be the only one to receive those dark eyes festered inside of him, a deep-rooted want singing in his veins as he watched the scene. Bakugo just knew that if he was in Akiro's position, he would probably respond in the same way. She looked so enticing, and her confidence always made his insides turn.

"No! No! Never! He told me he was your father, and you had gotten into the wrong crowd! He said he wanted you to be safe with him and me, so I agreed!" Akiro explained, desperately hoping the reasoning would be enough to finally be let loose.

"You just believed him?" Estelle questioned, her lips shaking slightly as she acted her ass off.

"I am so sorry, angel! So sorry! Forgive me, please!"

"You haven't earned it yet. Tell me everything, and If I deem you worthy, I'll remove the cuffs," Estelle ordered, her facade dropping as she scoured for more information. Akiro didn't seem to notice, his attention too focused on convincing her he was on her side.

The watchers and Estelle stood by as the man rambled for dear life, giving every detail of their brief encounter. Estelle hadn't expected for there to be so little information and bit back her own disgust at herself that she had done so much for nothing. The story he was spitting was clearly a facade orchestrated by Nyx, but there was one detail that had caught everyone's attention. "As I was leaving, I heard him speak to another that I didn't see. He was barking out orders, telling them to make some gate bigger so more could get through for the next event!"

Straightening up, Estelle widened her eyes as she grabbed onto Akiro's shirt to pull him forward. Her eyes were fierce as she yanked him to stare deeply into her glaring eyes. "Did he give a date?! Anything that would relate to this gate?!"

"No, he never gave anything like that! Just that it would happen soon, and the others would join him!" He continued, eyes locked into her own as he spoke with distress.

Her eyes scanned him quickly, desperately hoping to find some indication that he was lying, but she could not locate any. Estelle's heart dropped at the knowledge that more spirits were trampling through the gate. Likely too many for her to handle.

Her fingers twitched within his shirt, her heart beating frantically at the knowledge that she was not prepared for that many battles. This wasn't good, and she would have to work harder to make sure those around her were safe and that the people in this world were protected.

Even though it wasn't as much as she wanted, she was glad she was given a wake-up call to the reality of the situation. It indeed was a war Nyx wanted, and she would have to get her battle plans ready because it would be a bloodbath. She would have to make sure the humans were far away, she would require more light spirits on her side, and she needed to get up and start planning.

Beings threw out the term 'war' too carelessly, so when Nyx had said it. She had assumed it would be a few battles, which would be the end of their dispute. But she was wrong, he was genuinely preparing for an all-out war, and he was ready to tear down the planet to get to her and her power.

If Nyx was working on increasing the gate's size, is that why she was abruptly meeting light spirits? Is that where the sudden increase has stemmed from? She had thought it was a mere coincidence that these things started happening now, but if the numbers were increasing and the bridge was getting bigger, he succeeded somewhat in completing his mission.

Damn him to misery. Estelle would rather perish than let that bastard win. There was no chance in hell she would allow him to harm these people, and she knew if he got to her, then it wouldn't just be this world in jeopardy, but it would also be her own world. He wouldn't stop there; the madman would keep going until he's torn everything apart. Estelle could not lose; she refused to.

"Please! That's all I know, angel! Let me be your god! let me take care of you!" Akiro shrieked, breaking Estelle from her rambling thoughts of Nyx's plans. Getting up from the table, Estelle slowly walked to the door as he pleaded for her to turn around and return to him. Fat tears began rolling down his face as he begged, and Estelle forced her face to remain impassive as she turned around to give one final cold response.

"You are not worthy," She replied simply, shutting the door behind her. She flinched as the anguished wails muffled through the door, leaving her to grip the handle with white knuckles. Her mind held too much, unable to stay on a single thought as it battled through Nyx's plans and the sheer disgust she kept for herself and what she had just done.

The emotions she had blocked off seemed to be crumbling, and she was quickly trying to cover them in cement so she could find solace when she was back at Height's Alliance. For now, she needed to get her shit together.

The officers and Bakugo watched her, eyes are drawn as her demeanour shifted as soon as the door closed. Bakugo stepped forward, his hand raised up in concern as he muttered her name. "Estelle?"

Snapping out of her daze, her expression turned blank whilst tightly holding onto her inner walls. The sympathetic faces of the police officers made her want to ensure that they did not see her break. She was strong, she was a warrior, and she was not weak.

Placing her slightly trembling hands into her pockets, Estelle's voice was void of anything as she asked, "Can we go?"

The two partners in crime turned to each other warily before nodding in assent. They quickly tied off a few things, letting her know they were to return if they recalled anything else and that Akiro would be locked away for a long time.

As soon as the conversation ended, Estelle practically bolted to the door. Bakugo was on her heels, his eyes focused on the female as she scurried away. Her pace slowed slightly when Bakugo growled in annoyance at her fast movements, and when he finally reached her side, the female's throat bobbed as if it was too tight to speak.

Noticing that she needed time, Bakugo remained silent as he opened the doors for her on the way out. Again, Estelle was stoic as they made their way onto the bus. It was quiet as they waited for their stop; Estelle stuck within her brain as her fingers clenched tightly around the metal bar in front of her.

Bakugo watched with concern, anxiety building up within him that she would have another episode. He didn't know the exact cause, but he had a good idea. So, when they reached the inside of Heights Alliance, Bakugo didn't allow her to run away. His footsteps pattered beside her as she quickly made her way to her dorm.

When Estelle tried to close the door on his face, he placed his foot between the gap to leave some space. Estelle's eyes were low, but the apprehension was evident on Bakugo's face as he scanned her, and uncertainty ran through him as he had no idea what he should say. The opportunity slipped from his grasp as Estelle let out a weak mumble. "Please, leave."

"Please don't ask me to do that," Bakugo muttered back, his fingers clenching the side of the door as the pain hit his soul. He was delighted that she was opening up to him, and for her to tell him to leave again was proof that she was still trying to shut him out. And it hurt.

Estelle's eyes closed tightly, the chaos she had endured the last two days, no, the last few weeks, finally getting to her. Her fingers trembled as she tried to push the thought of Akiro and Nyx from her brain but failed miserably. The memories of her past flashed through her eyes. The times she had to do this to others and was looked down on for it. The sneers of disgust as the human's opinion's changed when she gained valuable information from the enemy.

In the spirit world, more often than not, Estelle relied on others for interrogation, especially near the end of the war. It was too much for her, and she hated herself for it at the time because a leader shouldn't show an ounce of weakness. But, Estelle abhorred when others touched her. It was like she wasn't even alive, a property to be used whenever they felt like it.

She was already treated as a sub-set by Nyx. Damn it all to hell; he called her a machine until she left him to reform. She wasn't even worthy of a name; she was just an item. So, when Estelle interrogated the others, it felt like she was back there, an object, nothing.

She didn't even want to think about the time beings and humans had touched her, thinking they possessed her. She could recall one moment she had begged Nyx to stop his crew from barging into her room at night, but all she got was a laugh in response.

"You think you have any control over yourself?! I've told you before, you are mine. I decide what happens to you, so here is an order. Entertain them, will you? They are getting angsty."

Oh, Estelle entertained them, alright. The next night she had sliced three ghoul's throats without remorse. She hadn't even cared when Nyx had enacted punishment, but she refused to back down to the point that they had stopped showing up to her room.

The revulsion only grew when she had to take advantage of lust. The contempt for herself when she used her body to be the basis of her interrogation, the fact that they eyed her like meat. How they tried to demand her submission, which she pretended to give to get what she needed. But, in those moments, Estelle could have wept.

She hadn't even examined the fact her body was surgically fucked over and that she won't even be able to bear a child. Again, forced against her will. She had no choice over her body, and they took it away. When she had found out and tore her room apart in rage, she was simply told that she was property, a machine, nothing.

Realising she had been silent for too long, Estelle's voice wavered as she murmured, "I just need a moment."

"Share it with me," Bakugo spoke, practically begging as he pleaded with his eyes. He could see the absolute hurt within her lowered gaze, and everything in him just wanted to reach over and encase her into him, like a barrier to the despair she was experiencing. The intense need to soothe her filled him, and he pushed on the door when her lips trembled.

Unable to hold back a tear, Estelle was too late as the floodgates opened. She had hoped to do it in private, where nobody would see it as a show of weakness. She despised herself for this, trying to stop it before it happened because she had managed so much more than this before. Why were things like this getting to her? She loathed it; she barely cried before she got here.

Bakugo swung open the door as soon as he saw the first tear. His arms wrapped around her quickly, pulling Estelle into his chest as he cooed into her ear. "It's okay, I got you. Just let it out."

The affirmation that it was alright only made her tears fall harder, and she whimpered into his shoulder as she ruined his shirt. She tried to move away from him, but his grip tightened as he caringly questioned, "What's got you so upset, pretty girl?"

Hiccupping, Estelle hated the clusterfuck she had created, but she couldn't stop herself from answering his question. "I'm not like that. I'm not like that. I don't like it."

Bakugo cursed when he realised his assumption was correct. His chest squeezed to an uncomfortable degree as he rocked her back and forth. "I know, I know you aren't."

"I didn't like it; I hated it! You believe me, right?!"

"Of course I do, my little lioness. Of course, I believe you."

Realising her breathing was quickening as she was falling further into a panic. Estelle's voice was hurried as she explained, "I never wanted them to touch me. I never wanted it. Never! I don't like it!"

"Shh, I got you. Breathe for me, okay. Just follow my breathing. I believe you; I always will."

Holding his tongue back from the rampaging thoughts in his brain, Bakugo bit back the churning of his stomach. He physically had to prevent himself from blowing up at her words. Because the underlying current made his insides burn, the way she said it...he didn't even want to think about it. Yet his mind stayed on the topic, his fingers clenched tightly whilst his eyes seared holes into the wall behind her. Gritting his heath, he forced himself to calm as he comforted her. Thankfully, her breathing quieted under him, his words seeming to reach right where she needed them.

"That's my sweetheart. Come, sit." He murmured roughly, pulling her to the bed to place her down. He moved to step away, knowing she liked her space but was immediately pulled back at the waist, her arms wrapped around him to stop him from leaving. His heart softened from the action, his cheeks heating up from the vulnerability in her movements. "M'not going anywhere."

The words seemed to strike her out of her clingy thoughts as she quickly let go. Cursing himself for accidentally making Estelle shrink away from him, Bakugo's hands quickly moved to the sides of her cheeks so she would look up at him. "You okay?" he asked, his thumbs rubbing the tears from her face.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Estelle muttered with a sniffle. The apology struck a chord within him, and he couldn't stop his eyes from hardening and the words slipping past his lips.

"What have I always told you?!"

"It's a normal reaction to a shitty situation." Estelle deadpanned, already knowing where he was leading the query.

"Don't roll your eyes at me! It's the goddamn truth! You better get it through your pretty little head before I kick your ass."

"Right."

"Tch, repeat it!"

"Right."

"Gahh, you know what I'm talking about, you little brat! Say it!" Bakugo barked, eyes letting her know he wouldn't back down.

"It's a normal reaction to a shitty situation."

"That's right, baby girl. It is a normal reaction to a shitty situation!" He reiterated, his hands still on her cheeks as he pulled them apart so she looked like a chipmunk.

"Alright, alright!" Estelle chuckled, disoriented at how he had managed to make her feel better so quickly. She shook her head to try to remove his hands from her cheeks. "I get it!"

"That'a girl. That wasn't so hard, was it?!"

"Hmpt."

Finally removing his hands from her face, he stared at her intently before heading for the door. "You need food, and it's past lunch; stay here. I'll bring it up."

"What? No, I can come with you," Estelle instantly argued, a tinge of annoyance sparking that he deemed her too weak to join him for such a simple task.

Sighing, Bakugo turned back around to stare at her thoughtfully. "You look like you've been through the wringer, which you have. It's been a lot the last couple of days. Let me do this for you."

Her body relaxed at his explanation, her eyes suddenly feeling like they needed to rest. Knowing Ruby was right, Estelle nodded in agreement before slumping onto her bed. Bakugo, understanding that she only acquiesced because she was bone tired, rushed quickly downstairs to make some sandwiches.

The students ambling about turned to the blonde, enthusiastic to finally get some answers on what happened yesterday, considering nobody would tell them anything. Their excitement moved to worry when they realised Bakugo was lost in thought as he rushed past them. Waiting for him to come back out of the kitchen, it didn't take long for the ruby-eyed male to leave the room with a tray that held two pairs of sandwiches and a tub of yoghurt.

"Kaachan!"

"Not now, Deku. Estelle's waiting," He rushed out sternly, eyes on the exit as he carried the tray.

"Oh, okay."

Trailing back up, Bakugo opened her door to find she was already dozing off. He relaxed at the picture, suddenly realising the tension he held in his body was beginning to melt away. Lowering the plates onto her desk, he moved to her slowly so she wouldn't startle, his voice low as he murmured, "I got you some food, come on, sit up."

Groaning, Estelle forced her eyes to open before her body tried to close them again. The battle was evident as she continued to jerk herself to wake her eyes, but Bakugo let out a growl after a few failed attempts. "Tch, just open your mouth."

Too tired to rebuttal his demand, she followed his orders, her eyes still closed; Estelle was astonished when she realised he was holding the sandwich up to her mouth. Stunned, she forced an eye open to find the blonde eating his own with one hand as the other tried to feed her. "S'okay. I got it," She mumbled back tiredly, her hand lifting slowly to take the yummy meal.

"Don't be annoying; just eat it."

"Hmpt," she groused, taking a bite from the food in front of her.

They stayed like that, Bakugo feeding her the sandwiches in silence. Estelle had assumed it was over when they finished and moved to slump back to her pillows.

"Oh no, you don't! Open!" Bakugo yowled, the sound of shuffling swiftly filling her ears.

Confused, Estelle opened her mouth to find out he was spoon-feeding her this time. Swallowing unhurriedly, she discovered he had brought yoghurt as well. Whining, slightly annoyed, Estelle wasn't given a chance to complain as Bakugo growled. "It's good for you! And you need the energy. Now eat before I force it down your throat!"

"Charming," she managed to mutter back in humour.

"Tch, I never pictured you as a whiny brat," He retorted, the smirk evident in his tone.

"I'm just tired," Estelle groaned, frustrated he was forcing her to stay awake.

"I know, sweetie. But I'll let you rest when you finish this," the aggressive blonde uncharacteristically softened out.

Snapping her eyes open, Estelle dialled back as the red flushed on her cheeks. He seemed to mainly call her those sweet names when she struggled, but he was saying them now, and Estelle had no idea how to react. "Why do you call me all those things?" She questioned, opening her mouth again for another spoonful.

"Because you can get so fucking adorable I could blow up," the blonde replied simply, putting another spoonful in her mouth.

The further comment hit Estelle's stomach as she squirmed, her body unprepared to handle the onslaught of compliments the blonde was giving her. If she had kept her eyes open, she wouldn't have missed his wide smirk as he scanned her; His ruby eyes dancing over her red frame in appreciation.

Deciding to stop torturing her for a bit, Bakugo recognised Estelle's fear she most defiantly still had around him. He knew that even though things between them had significantly improved, he was worried that the last few days would scare her off.

Especially since she would leave him eventually.

Giving her the last spoonful, Bakugo grumbled to himself as she flipped back onto the bed to pass out. Chucking the empty tub in the bin, he made sure Estelle was covered in her blanket before standing up.

Gazing down at the sleeping female tenderly, the thoughts running through his head hurt his heart. Leaning over to place a glimmer of a kiss on her forehead. He let out a whisper of a wish.

"Don't run away from me."

Author's Note

I can't believe I am on chapter 100! I never thought I would get this far, but I appreciate the support this story has gotten which is why this chapter is extra long! It would mean the world to me if you let me know what you think! No pressure though!