A Bubble For Two

Estelle slid her arm into her jacket, her eyes unable to depart from her frame as a plethora of air slid past her lips. She was ready, and Katsuki was due to arrive any moment to begin their date. He had left her a box yesterday, which she received when she returned from Hound-Dog's session.

The package contained a white rose and a small slip of paper detailing the time they were to meet. Estelle wasn't even surprised to find he had gone through her closet already, a pile of clothes sitting next to it, and the woman just knew Katsuki must hate how she paired her outfits since this had become a reoccurring pattern for him.

Her heart twinged with unease the longer she stared into the mirror, her fingers twitching around the bottom of her jacket as she tried to understand the feelings marinating inside her. She didn't know why she felt so nervous; it was only Katsuki.

It didn't help that Hound-Dog's session yesterday had been brutal. Estelle had asked so many questions about the conflict she felt inside herself, and it almost seemed like they had come to an answer, but it was too uncomfortable to think about for too long. What made it worse was that this sudden date directly correlated to her messed-up feelings about the whole thing, and she couldn't help but wince at the coincidence.

"Let me ask you this. Do you battle with yourself on how to respond in normal situations and interactions?"

"I...Yes," Estelle relented, shifting uncomfortably on the couch to avoid the warmness saturating the back of her neck.

"Do you say no to things even if you desire to say yes?" Hound-dog continued, leaning forward on the couch in intrigue as he witnessed her unease spike.

"No."

"..."

Pink-cheeked from his silence, Estelle realised he had proved his point, her eyes averting as she mumbled, "Yes."

"Does you're sense of duty kick in when this occurs?"

"Yes."

"Would you describe it as your human nature battling with your spiritual nature?"

"I guess so."

"Have you ever wondered if you were conditioned to think a certain way? And now that you are free, you struggle with the ability to think with your own wants and desires in mind?"

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"Hm. It depends on how you look at it. Let me ask, what is it that you truly want?"

"To not be confused."

"Estelle, you were raised to prioritise duty over every other aspect of your life, including yourself. The warrior's life is all you know, so you use your duty to spirits to deflect anything deemed human simply because you were conditioned that way. What would it be if you had to choose between being a spirit or a human?"

"I guess...a human?"

"Why?"

"Because I would not have had to bear those burdens, I would have been able to have a simple life."

"So, why do you push the human aspects of yourself away?"

"I..."

"Just think about it. Open yourself up to what you want to do rather than what you should do. Maybe even try to embrace those aspects that you are so afraid of. You may find clarity at those moments. You'll never know until you try."

Pushing the memory away as the knock sounded in the room, Estelle quickly turned and opened the door, her body freezing as it met with ruby red. The inside of her mouth instantly dried at the image, her body flushing as the blonde-haired male loosely stared back at her, his shoulders relaxed as they finally dipped to scan over her body.

Pinking further at his appreciative gaze, Estelle could barely compute his heated look as the words died in her throat. Honestly, it should be a sin how handsome he looked; how the hell was he interested in her when he looked this attractive?

Shaking the thought away, Estelle noted how his clothes matched hers somewhat in the colour scheme, and she was suddenly reminded that the last time this happened, they had been asked if they were out on a date.

'Look at us now.'

It was casual wear, just like hers. An all-black outfit with a flash of pink that brought out his eyes. Cringing at the fact she was probably staring for too long, her face matched her shirt as a smirk grew across his expression. Yeah, she had defiantly taken more than an average amount of time looking him over, and it only became more evident when he raised his arms in gesture. "You can keep looking if you want. I don't mind, y'know."

Pulling back the mortification at being caught, Estelle's mind raced as she hurried to find something to say. Eventually, blurting out, "Shut up. It's not my fault when you look that good."

Broadening his eyes in shock, Katsuki leaned back, a startled laugh leaving his lips as his ears turned red. The smirk plastered across his face twisted into a grin, his straight teeth in sight as he visibly puffed up within the praise.

Averting his vision from hers, the blonde seemed to struggle to formulate a response, a faint murmur leaving his lips despite the narrowness of his eyes. "It's nothin' compared to you. Now come on."

Feeling her cheeks move upwards from the compliment, Estelle knew if she lingered a moment longer, she would probably combust as hard as his quirk. So, taking his palm and pulling him out of the entrance, Estelle raised his fingers to her lips, placing a light peck in thanks as they headed towards the elevator.

She ignored the hitch in his breath, the audible catch instantaneously causing her stomach to flip flop as she tried to hide the visible effect. Lightening her voice, she pretended not to notice his stare as her head bent towards him, "Well, where are we going?"

Katsuki took a deep breath before huffing, "It's a surprise."

Opening her mouth to prod, Estelle wasn't given a chance before her hand was hauled forward; Katsuki lunging to take the lead, so he was the one impatiently yanking her to the exit. Tilting her head back to laugh as he grumbled like he was already late, Estelle could only shake her head as his other hand raised so he could take a look at his watch.

They overlooked the students who caught sight of them, mouths agape as they witnessed matching colours, laughter and hand-holding. Their eyes followed them on the way out, a loud ruckus erupting when the door closed behind them.

"Did you see that?"

"Bakugo got game, for real!"

Estelle lifted a brow at the taxi waiting patiently outside UA, her head tilting in question as she listened to him mutter about how it was easier to get to their destination. He seemed hurried, unable to answer the questions leaving her lips as he pulled her to the side of the car, yanking the handle and helping her inside.

Estelle's heart skipped a beat as the door slammed shut, her gaze following him as he made his way to the other side. It felt bizarre that the small actions he did make her feel so cared for, her throat squeezing as it tried to muster up the courage to accept the small tokens of affection. But, for the moment, Estelle was willing to listen to Hound-Dog, so she would go wherever this led.

As the driver headed towards the destination, the silence was filled by the duo discussing the book Katsuki had been reading to her. Estelle immediately got attached to the main character, so much so that she visibly straightened whenever Harry Potter was mentioned. Katsuki found the action endearing, his lips tilting slightly as Estelle passionately discussed his circumstances, his head bobbing away in agreement as she chatted away.

"But why is Dumbledore sitting back and letting him do all the work? He's the headmaster, for god's sake; shouldn't he ensure the school environment is safe for these kids? Why is Harry forced to take action?"

Katsuki didn't even realise the similarities between the character and Estelle until she started asking these questions. It was almost comical to think that Estelle was fighting for Harry when she couldn't even fight for herself in the same way. He didn't even know if she noticed it, so raising a brow, he rebuked. "Because he was the boy who lived. He was forced to assume that role when Voldemort killed his parents. Sounds like someone I know."

Straightening up to argue, Estelle paused when she recognised he was right. Pursing her lips into a pout, the female folded her arms, her eyes gazing out the window as she listened to the gruff chuckle beside her.

"Tch, you baby. Anyways, we're here."

Taking his words as truth, Estelle moved to open the door only to find harsh words barked into her ear. Her body jolted in shock, and the woman could only wave her hands defensively, hoping to calm down the explosion in the back of the taxi.

"Get your hands off the damn handle, you little brat! I'll kick your ass if you even think about it!"

Feeling the amusement begin to bubble out of her chest, Estelle's hands continued to wave as she vocalised, "Yeah, I got it! I got it!"

"Tch, pain in my ass. Can't even let me be a gentleman," Katsuki hissed, opening his door so aggressively that Estelle thought it might break. Chuffing through her teeth, she could not rid herself of her smile as she witnessed him open her door, his hand held out for her despite the scowl across his face.

On the verge of making a witty comment, Estelle halted the moment her eyes fell on the scene before her. She had no idea what it was, but the colourful circles made her eyes largen, a spark of joy filling her as she tried to understand what this was.

"It's an amusement park," Katsuki answered knowingly, his eyes observing her reaction with a gleam of satisfaction.

"What's so amusing about it?" Estelle instantly questioned, her head darting to his as she shifted to her tiptoes.

Snorting at the question, Katsuki grinned and explained, "It's a park where you go to have fun. There are games, rollercoaster rides and a bunch of unhealthy food."

Estelle knew what games and unhealthy foods were, but she had no clue what a rollercoaster ride entailed. Though Katsuki had always succeeded in taking her places she would enjoy, she was a little sceptical as she scrutinised the far-away circles.

"Like a car ride?"

"Yeah, but it's quite different. You'll understand when we get on one."

Not satisfied with the lack of explanation, Estelle found herself nodding, her mouth moving before she could stop it. "Okay, I trust you."

Katsuki had only taken a step before he stilled, his body tilting slowly as the tightness around his eye sockets slackened. "You do?"

Panic filled her, a blaring filling her head that maybe she shouldn't have articulated such a truth. The urge was instant to push the admission away, but that wasn't what today was about, so Estelle battled the instinct as her eyes soaked in his features. She had promised Katsuki a day of truth; she could do that. "I do. With my life."

The hand holding hers tightened, a guttural noise leaving Katsuki's chest before she was met with a heated temple. He had moved quickly, a hand on the back of her head as he pecked her crown. Drawing her forward, his tone was gentle as he responded, "Come on, sweetheart."

The term of endearment seemed to cover her like a warm blanket, a tiny smile playing on her lips as she followed behind him. She barely noticed that he was skipping the line, his phone at the ready as he showed the booking to the clerks at the metal stands.

When she gave him a questioning look, Katsuki only smirked before continuing their trek inside.

Estelle didn't have the chance to get a better look at these so-called rides before Katsuki pulled her into a seated kart. Giving him an uneasy glance, the blonde seemed perfectly content as he pulled on her straps, helping her arms inside before sorting his own. She could only stare into the abyss of trees covering the tracks, her heart beginning to speed up as the premise clicked in her mind.

Distracted by the metal bars coming down in front of her, Estelle could only stare as an employee checked them over briefly. Whirling her head to Katsuki when the worker finally departed, Estelle found horror beginning to line her face as she witnessed Katsuki's sadistic grin.

Feeling her heart twist, Estelle's voice was wary as she asked, "What's happening?"

His lips turned manic, splitting his cheeks as his head tilted back to belt out a laugh. Her jaw dropped, her heart thudding in her chest as his laughter refused to stop, turning more evil by the second she began to wonder if he was possessed. When he finally glanced at her, she didn't feel any better. "I'd never put you in harm's way. But, we gotta go big or go home, Estelle."

Feeling her hands tighten around the handlebars, Estelle's voice shook slightly as she warned, "Katsuki..."

Three

"Hold on tight!"

Two

"Katsuki, wait!"

One

"Katsiki, seriously, what the fu-AHH IS HAPPENING?!"

The blonde seemed to have lost his capacity to speak, peals of merriment surging past his lips as he observed the female beside him. "BAHAHAHAHA!"

"KATSUKI-AHHHH-RUBY-WHATTHEFUCK-KATSUKI?!"

"WHAHAHAHAHAH"

"OOooOh MY GOD, WHAT THE FUCK, WHAT THE FUCK, WHATTHEFU-AHHHHH"

Bleary-eyed, Katsuki cackled, tears beginning to pinch at the corner of his eyes as he witnessed Estelle screaming like a banshee. He had purposefully taken her on the fastest and largest ride, a deep desire filling him on her reaction to something utterly out of her depth. He wasn't disappointed, his gut beginning to hurt as he howled it next to her.

"WE'RE UPSIDE DOWN, HOW IS-AHHHHH?!"

Unable to breathe, Katsuki couldn't keep himself together as the kart slowed to a halt. It only worsened as Estelle gradually moved her head, eyes wide with utter stupefaction and disbelief. Her hair was scattered everywhere, looking like she had escaped another warzone and had no idea what to make of it.

The picture only exacerbated his state, his lungs wheezing for air as Estelle gaped at him like a fish. He really tried to calm himself as the handlebars automatically lifted. Still, he could not soothe his shaking hands, which stemmed from his trembling body, puffs of entertainment leaving his lips as he took Estelle's harness off.

Taking plunging breaths, Katsuki helped her out of the kart, his mind instantly noting her trembling body from such an extreme amount of sudden adrenaline. Though he had fulfilled the sadistic part of himself, Katsuki had done his research. He knew the sudden adrenaline shock may be too much for her, but he didn't think it would have been a trigger considering her ability to go into battle. Still, he wanted to be safe. The last thing he desired was for her to be upset at her reaction, especially when it was out of her control.

So, tenderly leading her to the bench, which sat close to the queue, Katsuki allowed a few minutes of quiet to soothe her. His arm rested around her shoulders, his hand lightly tracing circles on her skin as he patiently waited for her trembling body to ease.

He was relieved when it calmed, but the emotion didn't last long as he detected the frown plastered across Estelle's lips. Sucking in a deep breath, Katsuki felt the beginnings of alarm bloom in his epicentre while questioning his assumptions. Shit, did he take it too far? Did she want to end the date already?

"That was evil."

Jerking his eyes to her in apprehension, Katsuki felt his knee bobbing up and down as he shifted uncomfortably. He had to know, "But, was it fun?"

Clenching his hand anxiously, Katsuki tensed as he sat at the metaphorical edge of his seat, his vision examining her avidly as she began to answer. "That was..."

His buttcheeks tightened.

"Incredible! I've never felt that kind of rush before! I didn't realise things could even go that fast!"

Utterly taken aback by the abrupt change, Katsuki initially had no idea what to make of it as Estelle beamed as brightly as the sun. Her eyes glistened as she gazed up at him, her body leaning into his as she bounced in excitement. Finally feeling relief, the male slumped, chortling as he soaked in her adorable expressions like a hidden comfort. Grinning when her hands began to move like a child explaining her first day at school, Estelle rambled as if her life depended on it.

"I was terrified, of course! I thought I was about to fly out of my seat! But we never did! And when we dropped from that height, I wondered if I needed to activate my air-bending so we wouldn't die! And when we went upside down, I thought we would never make it-!"

Katsuki just watched her with soft eyes, his head tilting ever so slightly as he listened with ardent attention.

"I don't think I've ever screamed so hard! You were mean for doing that to me, y'know! But, can we go again?!" Estelle continued, inclining further before stopping at gentle rubies. Her heart soared under the intended gaze, her body buzzing as he looked at her like a prized gem. Hesitating as if she suddenly remembered where she was, Estelle felt like she was burning as her eyes averted to the ground.

She hadn't acted like herself. She could feel the flooding of shame and embarrassment course through her as she realised what she had done. What the hell was she thinking? That wasn't like a general-

A warm hand landed on her cheek, harshly pulling her eyes and thoughts back to the ruby-eyed male beside her as he glared with gritted teeth. He gripped her chin, tugging her forward so quickly that she had to place her hand on the bench to brace herself. Now inches from her, his face didn't hide his vexation as he hissed, "None of that. You promised, remember?"

Nodding, Estelle's smile was weak in answer, his words managing to sink into her mind like a leaf in the water. She felt his grip relax from her chin, his finger softly brushing against her lip as his glower turned delicate. How he could look at her with such adoration was staggering, but Estelle could not think on it further as his watch fell to her lips like he was hypnotised, her pulse skipping a beat as he murmured, "We could go on the same ride for the rest of our lives if that's what you wanted. You don't even have to ask, got it?"

Like a pebble hitting the ground, Estelle was unexpectedly assailed with every warm emotion imaginable. Her stomach constricted, her palm drifting to his cheek to mirror his own as she stared at him like she could not believe he existed. Estelle couldn't. The things he said so freely continued to astound her because the type of man Katsuki Bakugo was unparalleled to anyone else she had ever met. When he told remarks like that and did those small actions that made her shiver, Estelle's emotions that she had only just acknowledged seemed to heighten as the days went on.

"You are so precious."

The whisper that left her was never meant to be heard, but it was evident by the curve of his mouth that he had listened to her loud and clear. Leaning forward to peck her lips, Katsuki shifted to stand on his two feet, already marching back to the queue they had already skipped. He merely watched as she rolled on her heels, waiting impatiently for another go on the rollercoaster.

"WOOHOO, YEAH!"

Estelle hadn't even realised that two karts were on the ride simultaneously. But as it came closer, heading in the opposite direction, she heard Katsuki shout as he tugged her fingers. "YOU ALL SUCK! ESTELLE, TELL THEM!"

"WOOHOO, YOU SUCK!" Estelle whooped back, utterly unphased by his demand, as she beamed at the sight of the tracks before them.

"THAT'S MY GIRL!"

"WOOOO!"

Estelle and Katsuki had taken every ride in the park twice before finally deciding to try something else. The duo were having the time of their lives, their gripped palms solid as stone as they drifted between the stalls. Katsuki had been determined to win every game, but Estelle quickly realised many were rigged. That didn't stop her from cheering him on, though she wondered if that only bolstered his competitiveness as he refused to falter until he won a prize.

"Gah! Give me another go!" He yelled to the clerk, taking another three balls to wallop at the cups opposite. Estelle merely observed, giving applause when he finally won a game.

His smug expression didn't leave his face as he decided on the prize; his shoulders raised as he moved around like he hadn't lost the previous twenty games. The otherworldly female waited at the side, watching as he strolled up to her with one of the plushies he had been determined to win.

He had chosen a panda plushie.

When Estelle questioned his choice, he simply answered, "It was the first animal you ever saw."

The female nearly died on the spot, her heart bursting out of her chest as she goggled at him in awe. How did he remember such a small detail? The fact that he had chosen something so thoughtful was mind-bending to her, and the gesture clamped her throat.

Nobody had ever cared enough to remember the details. Nobody had ever tried as hard as Katsuki did. Nobody had ever considered her feelings as Katsuki did. He had the ability to tear into her heart without even trying, nesting a home there that she had never experienced. Katsuki Bakugo did things to her nobody else had ever done.

Leaning upwards to kiss his cheek, Estelle's teeth were showing as she moved back to scour his pink cheeks. "Thank you."

Feeling as if she was thanking him for more than a bloody plushie, Katsuki shifted to hide the rosiness of his skin as he muttered, "It's fine. Let's go."

Unsure why he was leading her to the exit, Estelle knew Katsuki would refuse to tell her if she attempted to ask. So, remaining quiet, she dialled back in wonder as a taxi stood on standby near the pavement. Stunned that the day wasn't over, Estelle was uncertain as she spoke, "You don't have to do anything else. Today has already been amazing."

Swelling from the compliment, Katsuki scoffed, "Tch, well prepared to have your mind blown. I'm not done yet."

Pursing her lips, Estelle felt a little nervous at the fact he was going above and beyond for her. They could have easily stayed at the park throughout the evening, and Estelle would have been over the moon. "Are you sure? I don't want to make you-"

"You ain't making me do anything, screech cheeks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime date, and you'll love all of it."

Feeling the sternness of his voice, and all of the emotion hidden beneath it, Estelle was soft as she replied, "Okay." Taking his hand in hers, she could feel Katsuki squeeze her palm in response, eventually helping her into the car before they set off to their next destination.

Estelle followed Katsuki as he led them through the trees, the air around them becoming frigid as the sky darkened above them. She had expected him to take her out for dinner, considering they hadn't eaten much at the amusement park, but the idea of cooked food lingering in the woods seemed too farfetched for her to take a solid guess.

She was just glad he had never put out fancy clothes for her, they were far too uncomfortable, and the memory of sitting in the restaurant sparked a cold shiver down her spine. It had been beautiful, but she couldn't relax in a place that emphasised such a pristine exterior. Estelle was familiar with the woods; she had spent many years within the wooden bark and muddy grass. It felt pleasant to be there without the notion of a fight.

She felt more secure as she blindly relied on Katsuki to lead her through the darkness; his phone raised upwards as he used the flashlight to measure his way around. She didn't sense the need to use her earth-bending, perfectly content that he knew where he was going.

The moonlight was beginning to rise when they reached the clearing, Estelle's eyes dancing across the small patch of grass as her breathing stopped functioning within her lungs.

Her eyes widened as they tried to take in the small glimmering lights surrounding a few blankets, pillows nestled beside it as a basket sat to the right. It looked beautiful; everything was laid out so flawlessly that Estelle could barely fathom the stutter of her heart and the blood rushing to her head. It was secluded, with trees surrounding them like a semi-circle, her sights able to see the cities in the distance.

How Katsuki had managed this, she had no idea. He had been at her side throughout the whole day, so how?

"I had some help," Katsuki vocalised in the quiet, glad there were still some shadows to minimise his cheeks' tint. He could already see the question in her eyes, finding it effortless as the days passed to notice her ques. He had gotten Kirishima, Sero and Ashido to get everything set up in time for when they arrived. He hadn't expected the effort they placed into the whole ordeal. He would thank them later...probably.

Then again, they owed it to him after the relentless teasing they thrust towards him when the question left his lips. He had nearly killed them all from the explosions that left his palms, a livid expression on his face as he attempted to get them to stop. They didn't.

It was worth it, though. The awe-struck eyes were enough for Katsuki's body to warm, and the blonde found that he wouldn't mind their teasing if he continued to get looks that turned him into a man who had just won first place in literally anything. It made him feel like he couldn't be beaten. It was like he had everything within his grasp. And, god, did it make him feel unstoppable, comfortable, safe, and every other word imaginable. It fulfilled him in a way he would never have expected before he met Estelle.

It sounded cheesy in his own head, but it was the truth. And Katsuki wasn't prepared to let it go. His mind was made up ages ago; He would claw tooth and nail to keep her by his side.

"It looks beautiful. Honestly, Ruby, you've outdone yourself."

Huffing with pride, Katsuki revelled in the sensation as he grinned like a winner. He didn't answer, already helping her to the ground before turning to the food basket for them to eat. It was still warm, letting him know that his classmates listened to his instructions and hadn't been the lazy bastards they could be. The accomplished feeling didn't waver as Estelle commented on it, a bliss brimming on her cheeks as he brought out her favourite dish.

Pizza. Estelle loved pizza.

He hadn't even realised how much she treasured pizza until they went out for food after their day at the arcade. He had grumbled about the healthiness, telling her she needed better taste in food before she squared up in disagreement.

"Nona showed it to me when I arrived! I couldn't believe food could taste that good! Sue me for enjoying that so-called greasy junk!"

"Tch, I could make better pizza than this! It's just oil! Your taste buds must be fucked!"

"Prove it!"

Knowing she was teasing him and that Estelle loved anything he made, he exclaimed, "Tch, I'll show you!"

"So, how is it?"

"It's really great!"

"Hah! I Told you I could make better pizza, little brat!"

Choking on her bite, Estelle gaped at him as she tried to unclog her throat, her hand reaching for the water as Katsuki cackled by her side. "Wha-! You made this?!"

"Needed to prove you wrong. Plus, I wasn't putting a greased plate in the basket; that's disgusting."

"They aren't that bad..."

"Your heart would probably give out after a few years of eating that shit. I'm keeping you alive; you should be thankful!"

Pouting, Estelle answered by taking another bite, easily getting distracted as she ate the pizza like it was her last meal. It was messy, but she didn't seem to care as the sauce was plastered across her lips, her eyes closing as she swayed with a contentedness Katsuki didn't see often. He decompressed under the image, observing her swaying like she was listening to a lullaby in the background. He wished every day could be like today, just the two of them being teenagers and having a good time.

Leaning over with a napkin, Katsuki bit back his smile as Estelle continued to sway despite the fact he was wiping her face like it was rash. The full brunt of the pressure pushed Estelle backwards, a light chortle leaving her lips as he insulted her messy ways. He wasn't annoyed as he made himself out to be, the fighting of his lips becoming all too evident as Estelle tried to push him away to take another bite.

"Sometimes, you're like a child."

A puff of a chuckle left Estelle's chest as she answered, "Sorry."

"Tch, don't be. I like taking care of your dumbass."

Flustered by the blunt honesty, Estelle's fingers dug into the crust of her pizza as she tipped her head, the query coming out so quickly that it made him jump. "Do you not get fed up with it? Of me?"

Staggered, Katsuki snapped his head up, his eyes narrowing on hers as a scowl landed across his lips. "The hell you mean?!"

Sucking in her cheeks, Estelle felt a little wary of broaching the topic, considering the day they were supposed to have. But, now the can of worms had been opened, she could feel the desperation within her brimming as it tried to comprehend the rough man. "I've never had anyone pay attention to me as you have. I mean, look at me; I'm a mess. It feels wrong. You should be doing so much more than giving me your time. Do you not get fed up with my insistent pushing? Do you not get fed up with me?"

"Of course, you don't get it," Katsuki breathed out, his stare turning to the scenery as he continued. "I get frustrated sometimes, but then I look at you, and I remember your face when you learned about animals or your eyes when you saw your first sunset, and it melts away. I get it. I can't be mad at you when I understand why you try so hard to push me away. But I can't give up when I know you deserve better, and I want to be the one who gives it to you."

Estelle slanted over, placing her pizza on the plastic plate, observing how his red eyes shimmered in the moonlight as he turned back to her. Her voice was curious, almost miniature as if she was afraid to hear the answer, but something within her pushed on despite knowing the potential outcome. "What if I don't deserve better?"

"Then your delusional," Katsuki instantly rebuked, suddenly finding himself much closer to her than he anticipated. When did that happen?

"What if you deserve better?" She whispered back, a shiver beginning to crawl up her spine as his breath tickled her cheek.

"Then I'll never achieve it because you're the best there is - apart from me, of course."

Guffawing at the cockiness within his words, Estelle gave a fond shake of her head before placing it on his shoulder, her eyes staring up into his as if he had just gifted her the world.

"You aren't a burden; if you think that again, I'll smack it out of you."

Estelle could feel her cheeks pinching as his empty threat flew over her head. Eyeing the tiny lights in the distance, she delicately murmured, "This was an amazing date, Katsuki. Thank you."

"Well, it ain't over yet."

"Huh?!"

Checking the time to ensure he was on track, Katsuki could feel the beginnings of restlessness fill him. He wasn't sure if it was too much, but he had figured since this could be the only date they would ever have, he wasn't prepared to waste the opportunity. So, turning to the basket, Katsuki scooped out some headphones that only succeeded in confusing Estelle further.

His grip was slippery as he held out the headphones for her to take, his body on the verge of an eruption as his voice contradicted his emotions. "I wanted to show you something, but the noise could trigger you. I figured it was better if I gave you a choice, so you could decide whether you wanted to wear it."

Furrowing her brows at the vague explanation, Estelle stared down at the headphones for a few beats as she tried to decide what would be best. Eventually glancing up at Katsuki, she bit her lip before asking, "What does it sound like?"

Katsuki's mouth twisted, gripping the headphones tighter as he solemnly responded, "Gunshots."

Estelle paused, her mind whirling as she tried to figure out what on earth could cause such a sound. But she trusted him. If he said they sounded like gunshots, then she had to consider his warning. Estelle didn't want to refuse if he thought it could be a trigger.

What a shame the night would turn out if Estelle had an episode simply because of how something sounded. As much as the thought made her mind batshit about her frailty, the last thing she wanted to do was ruin the night for him because she couldn't handle it. So, Estelle could ignore it, for now, to enjoy whatever he wanted to show her. She couldn't deny the fact she was intrigued.

Nodding after her brief contemplation, Estelle agreed, "Okay, should I put them on now?"

Giving a hum of acknowledgement, Katsuki leaned over to place them over her ears, his head moving back and forth to ensure they were set correctly. Reaching into his pocket to grab his phone, it was hushed for a few moments before the music began to play, a startled jump leaving her before she settled to the gentle melody.

She could see Katsuki's mouth moving, eventually gesturing to his ears to double-check check she couldn't hear. Nodding in answer, she watched as Katsuki calmed, satisfied with the knowledge that the sounds had been blocked.

Estelle observed as Katsuki pulled one of the blankets, his butt smoothing along slightly, so their sides touched. He seemed pleased with the result, throwing it over their shoulders before pointing out to the dark scenery before them, seemingly waiting for something, an eager sparkle in his eyes.

Estelle was happy to wait, her body swaying to the music lightly before she noticed a tiny whizz of light fly into the atmosphere. Pausing, her intrigue only lasted a moment before her sights were blessed by dazzling colours that sparkled to life before her. She could feel her gasp leave her as other colours followed suit, bursts of energy that seemed to shimmer before fading into the darkness.

Her sights could not depart from the stunning scene before her, an uncontrolled rumble leaving her chest when the dazzling colours began to make swirling patterns. It kept going, giving her a steady stream of dopamine as different colours covered the darkened night. She was enthralled. Estelle had never seen anything like it.

Estelle was so entrapped; she had never noticed that Katsuki's eyes never left her face, his head leaning against his knee as he glimpsed pure and unfiltered joy, leaving every inch of her pores. The sounds that left her were unlike anything else he had gotten the pleasure of hearing before. Maybe it was because she could not listen to herself, but Katsuki was fortunate that he didn't need headphones because now, he could hear every tremble of pure delight as they shook through her body.

He didn't care that it wasn't her typical angelic laugh. The fact that she laughed differently when she was so elated made his heart splatter onto the ground from its overflowing fervour. It couldn't be contained; she was so thrilled that her chest squeezed her to the point that her laugh was squeaky. Honestly, it was kind of ugly. But adorable nonetheless.

It was also everything. It outweighed everything else. It captured everything Katsuki always wanted for her. He could never have imagined that he would see it so soon, her face utterly beaming with delight and childlike wonder as the fireworks overwhelmed her eyes. She looked captivating, brimming with life to the point that he felt he had been dunked in expresso. It was invigorating, and god, he wanted to witness it forever.

His lids lowered, gratified as Estelle shot upwards to point at the shape they had inadvertently created with the fireworks. He smiled as she called out, asking if he saw it even though she couldn't hear the answer. Katsuki couldn't look away when she looked more enchanting than the fireworks ever could. He simply basked in her presence, soaking her in like she was the sun, and he lacked vitamin C.

And when she finally pivoted to look at him, pausing the second her eyes met his, Katsuki could feel the bloom within his core spread throughout his body. She seemed to forget the fireworks that had fascinated her for the last few minutes, her body unwinding as she fell into his gaze in a way that made the air catch in his chest.

He knew it. As their eyes and souls connected, Katsuki understood that Estelle had captured his very essence. The realisation wasn't sudden, maybe because he had known at the back of his mind for a while now. But, it felt like the door he had been standing behind had been opened, a door that had always been there, yet he only had to make his way inside and get comfortable.

And so when he raised his hand, brushing the tips of his fingers down the side of her cheek, Katsuki could feel the thought solidify as Estelle closed her eyes, her lips stretching across her teeth as he tilted forward.

"I love you."

It was true; Katsuki did love her. There was no other way to describe his affection any longer. Spending the day with her, simply being in her joyful presence, was enough to grasp the extent of his own feelings. He loved her, dammit. He loved everything about her, even though it sometimes drove him insane.

Estelle could not hear him, yet she understood the sentiment when he brushed his lips against her temple. She raised her hand, placing it on his forearm as her body reddened under his affectionate gaze. Unable to peel her awed sights away from such tender devotion, the desire within her roared to life as she shuffled forward. The warrior had no explanation for her action, just allowing her body to move as it wanted, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders like a lifeline.

Pulling him further into her embrace, Estelle nearly groaned in perplexity as she marinated in her new craving for closeness. The depths of his stare made her head buzz, unable to comprehend that Katsuki was looking at her like that. It made her stomach twist inside out, a seeping of adrenaline starting in her veins as she grasped him tightly. Yet, it still didn't feel like enough.

She ignored that Katsuki was attempting to look at her with flabbergasted eyes. She didn't often instigate physical touch, so the man seemed lost for words as she seized him into a suffocating hold. His hands on her back departed momentarily as he wiped the sweat onto his joggers, giving Estelle a moment to think as she played with the hairs on the back of his neck.

"Open yourself up to what you want to do rather than what you should do."

Pulling back, Estelle hesitated for a few beats, the words replaying as Katsuki soaked in her features. Two sides of herself fell into conflict once again as they battled to the death in her mind. She could sense the niggle of frustration within her gut at herself for being this way; why did she have to fight everything? Even herself?

'Ah, screw it.'

Swooping in, Estelle placed a light and delicate kiss on Katsuki's lips, slanting backwards with rosy cheeks as the blonde visibly computed what had just happened. But, the second it clicked, the female could sense her body taut as the air around them felt heavy to his darkened eyes. His hands slipped upwards as he pitched forward, something unspoken within his stare that seemed to deepen Estelle's heated state, her breaths coming out quicker in response.

It felt hot enough that the need to squirm was evident, yet Estelle could not satisfy that desire as she held onto him, utterly entangled by his stare that quickly swept up all her attention. Yet, It still didn't feel like enough to satisfy the craving within her soul.

Neither of them could find an ounce of care as they lunged for one another, meeting each other like addicts with a fix. The kiss was messy, wild and untamed as they melded into one, a loud groan of satisfaction meeting in synchronisation as they fell back onto the blankets.

Estelle's headphones had slid off her when her head met the pillow, her sights only able to take in the image of lights covering Katsuki's features as her pulse raged through her ears. She had no clue if the blazing lights were still up in the sky, but she could not hear it over the thrashing of her body. Yet, there was no will inside her to find out, the blood within her singing as Katsuki panted above her for air. Yet, It still wasn't enough.

Reaching upwards to cup the side of his neck, Estelle felt her body tremble with delight as Katsuki dived down to meet their lips once again, his growl of appreciation zipping right to her lower stomach as he ravaged her mouth. Feeling his body placed on hers like a safe weight made her hiss in satisfaction, comforted as he covered her frame, his mouth meeting her lips again and again within the secretness of the night.

They stayed that way, completing one another with an unstoppable fervour as if they were each other's oxygen. The little spot in the woods became a bubble of warmth as they lost their inhibitions, letting loose in every kiss and moment apart for air. Every glimpse of a gaze holding unspoken words as they finally allowed themselves to truly feel for the other, just for a moment.

It really was a bubble for two.