Bakugo woke with a start, his heart thundered in his chest. A traitorous tear fell down his cheek. He panted, out of breath, as if he ran several miles. But what made him feel this, sense of loss, this sense of danger and rage was unclear. The harder he grasped onto the dream the further it slipped away. Like always, trying too hard to remember his dream caused a headache. He rubbed his temple for a moment. Then with a deep sigh, he sits up and rubs the sleep from his eyes. He checks the clock, 2:30 pm. He needed to get up. Then with another deep sigh, he hauls his ass up. A quick but boiling hot shower helps relax and recharge. After he dresses in a tank top and jeans before going to the kitchen and digging through the fridge. A small amount of rice and a boiled egg was what Bakugo ended up eating.

Sitting at the table, he pulled his bag closer and began to rummage through it. A few coins hid at the bottom, his first aid kit, and his fighting clothes. Opening his first aid box he checks his supplies. He needed New bandages, some painkillers, and a few more miscellaneous items. Checking the cash jar, Bakugo counted out what he was willing to spend. Then With a note on the table for Deku, he leaves.

It was 4:00 pm by the time he left the apartment. The summer heat is worse outside the house. Happy he only had a tank top on today he shoved his hand in his pockets and began walking. Several blocks away was a general store. It was his preferred supply store as they usually had big sales and deals. He could always find a good antibiotic cream on sale here, Expiration dates can kiss his ass. He entered through the automatic door and the blast of air from the air conditioning turned his sweat cold.

As he grabs a basket and begins to look through the store he feels eyes watching him. A glance over his shoulder proved him right as an employee was spying on him. Poorly spying but following him nonetheless, he ignored the employee and kept to himself as he shopped. It wasn't uncommon for him to be followed in stores. He's even had the police call on him multiple times. Accused of shoplifting, he always proved his innocence. He used to resist the search by the police, Feeling enraged he was targeted. But nowadays he just didn't want to deal with the headache of being arrested. He still felt the same rage and embarrassment, but he tucked those feelings away, leaving them brewing for the ring. Nothing made him feel better than knocking out an opponent with all those buried emotions.

As he began to peruse the different deals on pain medication, he heard small feet wander up to him. Looking to his side, a kid no more than 2 waddled up to him. A cute kid with what little hair they had pulled on top of their head. With big curious eyes, they grabbed Bakugo's collar and babbled. Bakugo's lips twitched a bit into what could have been the beginning of a smile when a scream filled his ears. The child's mother runs up and snatches her child from Bakugo's side, causing it to start to cry.

"Stay away from my child." She snapped.

"Maybe keep your kid on a leash," Bakugo replied.

"What! How dare you." She sneered.

"Yeah yeah. How dare I? How could I? What's wrong with me? He must be dangerous. I've heard it all before, lady. Just take your kid and go." He dismissed them.

"Ug, disgusting quirk user." she spit at him as she turned to leave.

"Maybe actually watch your kid next time!" he called after her.

Whatever. Just a shitty extra. He dismissed it and went back to calculating price differences.

This wasn't uncommon either. Children under a certain age were always innocently curious, with no fear of him, and Bakugo never minded that curiosity. It was such a refreshing change from the adults' reactions to him. It was the adults that caused a scene. As a teenager, All he did was help a kindergartener stand up after falling, and it was like he murdered 50 people. A crowd had formed and yelled at him, even if they knew nothing of what was going on. Quirkless always seemed to bunch up together when it came to a quirk user. Like numbers would protect them or some shit.

With his medication selected he walked up to the cashier who eyed him.

"This all today sir?" He gave a half-hearted smile.

"Yeah," Bakugo confirmed as he watched the numbers add up. He's under budget by 100 yen. A small feeling of triumph spread through him. Bakugo pocketed his money and put his purchase in his bag. Leaving the store is a slow stroll.

Long ago his mom told him to never let others know what he actually felt. To never let them know they evoked any emotion from him. The bastards were nothing but mobs and They didn't deserve any part of him, not even his anger. So, Bakugo walked the streets with his head held high, a slight slouch in his back, and a confident stride.

It was another half-hour walk to Nakai Partners. Pushing the door open he's greeted by the familiar bored voice of the old hag.

"Bakugo, it's been about a week."

"Hey, old hag. Got anything for me." He sat.

"Not this time." She answered, still uninterested in even looking at him. Busy typing away like always.

"Ch. fine," he grumbles getting up.

"Bakugo?" she called. He stopped and turned back to her. She had turned away from her computer, even her hands left the keyboard.

"What?" he asked cautiously.

"You get let off the leash. Right?" she questions leaning closer and softening her voice.

"Maybe," he answered. Cautious as she used the slang term for ring fighting.

"Is… is it really as bad as they say?"

"Why do you ask?" he frowned.

"My nephew, he's also looking for a job. He was considering going in." She explained.

With a long Sigh Bakugo said, "I'm going to be honest old hag. Don't let him do it. There are no healers, and no medics, Unless you're a part of a gang, you don't get paid shit. Every time I enter the ring there's a chance I won't walk out."

"Oh." she frowned, leaning back in her chair.

"As long as he has someone to support him, he shouldn't even step a foot in that direction." He concluded.

"Thank you for telling me. I'll try harder to find more positions." She said,

"It's whatever hag. I'll stop by again in a few days." Then with a silent nod between them, Bakugo left.

He remembered his choice to join the rings. All those years ago. It had been a hard one, one of desperation. It seemed all his life choices were based on desperation.

A few hours later, Bakugo walks through Shura Tora's back door and a beep comes from his collar. A shiver ran through him, and suddenly all the backed-up energy came flooding through his veins. A surge of euphoria fills his senses and the weight lifts off his shoulders and he is more in tune with his body. He can feel his sweat change into something more acidic, as it stings a bit. But not for long, as his body quickly adapts, and even though he leaves a sweet smell in his wake now, he can feel power in his bones. Like this was right, this was how he was supposed to be. Powerful. Unstoppable.

Bakugo walks into the east changing room, there are two changing rooms, the east and the west. They separated opponents from each other, and they had to after all those fights broke out. Everyone was trying to get an advantage by hurting their enemy before the match.

Bakugo shoves the door open and walks in, passing several others inside all minding their own business. He heads to an empty bench and changes into his boxing shorts. He adds support wraps around his ankles and feet. Then he begins to stretch, and do light exercises. Warming his body up and producing sweat. He pops off a few small sparks, getting a feel for his quirk. As he stretches and flexes his body, slowly each person in the room leaves to enter their fight. Some fights lasted hours, some only a few rounds. It wasn't over until one was unconscious or dead. Unlike many others, Bakugo always walked out of the ring, he never had to be carried.

The first fight didn't last long, and the bastard was carried out by two ring employees, dumping the body in the locker room and moving on. No one touched the down man. The second and third fights lasted longer, and both had won, although barely it seemed. One man came back limping with his shoulder dislocated. Bakugo listened to him as he had to fix it himself. A scream echoed through the concrete walls. The Third guy walked back with part of his ear missing, blood dripped behind him as he walked. The thick copper smell assaulted Bakugo's nose. All the fights went similarly, Whether they were dumped in the locker room by others, or walked in injured but victorious.

Finally, it's Bakugo's turn. Putting earplugs in he enters the ring. The roaring of the crowd would be too overwhelming otherwise. Rhythmic stomping and clapping vibrated the air, There had to be at least 300 in the audience tonight. All rowdy and well past drunk. It was the last fight after all. Some annoying extras throw garbage at Bakugo, screaming and shouting. But Bakugo narrows his attention onto his opponent. Across the ring, his opponent must be nearly 7 feet tall, An ugly mug with 4 huge muscular arms. The Man had missing teeth in his wide grin.

Mutant types are rare even among the few who have quirks. And thank god Bakugo didn't have to deal with that. Mutants were more often than not killed at birth. Well, the government says they die naturally when the quirk inhibitor is placed on them but anyone who had half a brain cell knew the truth. So it was dumb luck this man was alive to begin with. The few mutants that do survive to age up, are often killed in the streets, and seen as freaks even among the quirk users. The man must have been targeted and beaten for his entire useless existence.

A tattoo on his chest indicated his association with the Hellflame gang. And based on the marking on his skin, he must be kept underground, out of sight. The Hellflame gang itself was run by the infamous Todoroki family. Rich powerful assholes, most of whom don't officially have quirks. Money could easily buy your way out of an inhibitor.

Bakugo calculated all this information and a plan formed in his head. With a toll of three rings, the match began. Bakugo began the fight by dodging and studying opponents' movements, how quirk works, and how fast he was able to move.

After dodging a pair of left fists, Bakugo throws a wicked grin across his face as he attacks full force. Using the light from his explosions to blind his opponent, Bakugo zips around the man. As the man lunged where he thought Bakugo was, he struck the man with a powerful blast. The crowd cheers and booed, and without missing a beat Bakugo uses his foot to kick the man in the head. A few teeth flew from the man's mouth, and he stumbled, losing balance. With one more explosion Bakugo knocked the man out. With one foot raised on the collapsed man, Bakugo raised his fist in arrogant victory Smiling a vicious grin.

After holding his pose for a few moments, Bakugo walked off back to the locker rooms. Once inside he lets his posture sag a bit and lets the ache of exhaustion take its toll. Rolling his shoulders, he started to change. Checking the time, Bakugo assessed that his fight lasted maybe 25 minutes. Which while not record-breaking, was his best against such a large opponent. The last giant he fought took at least an Hour to bring down. His grin grew as he let his accomplishment settle in his ego.

The sound of the door creaking open pulled Bakugo back. Looking around, the only other soul in the room was the unconscious fighter from the beginning. Takayama's laugh filled the silent space as he approached Bakugo. Handing him an envelope of money. Bakugo didn't even bother to check it.

"Well Bakugo, are yeah leaving for the night," Takayama asked.

"Was about to."

"Could you take out the trash for me, I don't want a corpse rotting in here," He asked, pointing to the man on the floor.

"Do it yourself." Bakugo snapped.

"I got 15,000 yen right here in my hand. Take the guy out and it's yours." he smiled.

"I'm not your garbage boy," Bakugo growled.

"I think otherwise." His smile grew, waving the cash in front of Bakugo's face.

Bakugo snatched the money and counted it before gathering his things. Wearing his backpack on his front, He grabbed the heavy, unconscious man and slung him on his back, before exiting out the door. His steps were followed by Takayama's ugly guffaw.

Dragging the man wasn't that big of a deal really, and for 15,000 yen it was worth it. But Bakugo's pride felt threatened. Still, he dragged the man out the door and up the concrete steps, dumping the body next to some trash cans.

Staring at the man, Bakugo sighed and after checking his pulse, left shaking his head. The man had died. It wasn't uncommon, usually a friend or family member to come and get the losers from the locker room. But not in this case. Bakugo couldn't help but wonder if his body would be left next to the trash. Dragged out by a stranger and abandoned. There wasn't anything he could do for the dead, He had his own problems to deal with. It wasn't uncommon in this area to find dead quirk users, Either they were drug addicts or fighters without a gang. The police had all but abandoned the area.

It was late when Bakugo finally stumbles into the apartment, ready to just crash. A quick survey of the apartment showed he was alone. The note on the table Bakugo had left was still in the exact same place. Bakugo checked the time again and growled. Deku is late.

Deku had been late on several occasions, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. Once after a day shift, Midoriya found a Lost little girl and helped her find her family. Always playing the hero. If Bakugo had done the same thing he would have been arrested and would have had all kinds of accusations thrown at him. Another time Deku fed a homeless man who was sick, giving him some medication too. Bakugo had to go out and look for the idiot, finding Deku talking to the man without realizing how late it was. The man was also a quirk user, probably kicked out of any hospital he walked into, and had several missing fingers. A telltale sign he was a gang member.

It would be just like him to be late, but as always, Bakugo threw on a sweatshirt and stormed out of the apartment. Bakugo couldn't leave him alone out here, he was gullible and far too trusting. It wouldn't surprise Bakugo to find him caught by some gang. He strolled the streets, looking for any signs of the green-haired nerd.

Turning the last corner Bakugo came upon the convenience store, only to stop dead in his tracks. Police lights, broken glass, a small crowd. Ice ran through Bakugo's veins as he ran to the group. Pushing people aggressively aside until he made it to the front. Blood. There was blood. Frantic Bakugo searched for anything that told him Deku was ok.

"Oh thank goodness. Bakugo right?" A short fat man asked running over.

"Who the hell are you,"

"I own the store…" He began to answer.

"Okay and? Where is Izuku?" he asked.

"That's the thing. There was a fight."

"A fight? "

"Yes I'm not sure about the details, but supposedly Midoriya tried his best to stop the fight and ended up hurt."

"How hurt."

"He's in U.A Hospital now."

"Fuck!"

Turning on his heel, Bakugo ran. As he ran he could hear the man calling after him. He ran fast and hard, pushing people out of his way as the morning traffic began to fill the street. Not slowing for a second until he came to the large hospital.

Rushing inside he slammed into the counter

"Midoriya Izuku! Where is he?" he demanded. The woman at the counter was in her 40s and had a pinched face, which only narrowed more as she spotted Bakugo's Collar.

"And you are," the receptionist asked, ready to type in his name.

"Bakugo Katsuki, His brother, where is he!" Bakugo demanded again.

"I'm sorry he doesn't have any registered family by that name." She snapped.

"I'm his adopted brother whatever! Just tell me where he is." he began to beg.

"Adopted?" she scoffed, "Yeah we only allow real family members to see patients. So I still can't let you in."

"I'm his only living family! Just tell me where he is, you bitch." he yelled.

"I will not. You are not an authorized visitor! Besides, how can I be sure you're not the one that hurt him? Come here to finish the job." She said,

"I just said I was his family!" he snapped, bakugo's anger starting to reach its boiling point.

"And who knows if you're lying or not? You quirk users, always lying." She dismissed him.

"You useless piece of…"

"Can you step back from the counter before I call the cops?" she interrupted.

Bakugo's face was growing redder by the minute, he shook his anger overwhelming him. But before he could unleash it a voice call to him.

"Excuse me."

Both Bakugo and The receptionist looked to the right, where a doctor stood with a clipboard in hand.

"Your, Midoriya Izuku's family." He asked.

"Yes," Bakugo screamed.

"Not in the records!" The receptionist rebutted.

"I received news that Bakugo would be coming. And that he was indeed family. So follow me."

"UGGG" the receptionist stood about to get in the way.

"I said it was fine." The doctor snapped. She sneered at the two as she took her seat.

Quickly Bakugo rushed over to the Doctor and followed him down the hall. Silence fell between them as they walked. Before long he stopped and opened a door, motioning for Bakugo to enter. And Bakugo regretted it the moment he did. There In a hospital bed, was his brother. Many machines surrounded him and he had several tubes coming in and out of him. Even a ventilator breathed for him.

"A few hours ago Mr. Midoriya arrived with serious injuries, We treated him right away. He had some brain hemorrhaging, and his arms and legs were heavily damaged. It's surprising he made it through surgery. But for now, he is stable." The doctor explained. Bakugo slowly approached the bed and took Midoriya's casted hand in his.

"He's currently in a coma, I don't know if he will wake up or not. He's young and healthy, so the odds are in his favor. But for now, it's a waiting game." the doctor continued. When met with silence the doctor turned to leave, "I'll have your name placed on the approved Visitors list. Is there any number I can contact you at?"

"No."

"Alright, then it would be best to visit often to keep updated on his condition. Feel free to stay as long as you need to tonight, but mind visitor hours for the future. I will see you soon." The doctor concluded shutting the door behind him.

Bakugo stayed for maybe 4 ½ hours, right next to Midoriya's bed. Just watching the machine's work. Every moment he wished his brother's eyes would just open already. But each moment he was disappointed. When he left, he was quiet. The long walk back to the empty apartment felt quiet. The world felt as if it had stopped.

Laying on the floor, Bakugo stares at the ceiling.

Inko had collapsed at work one afternoon. Midoriya was called at work, and he picked Bakugo up before rushing to the hospital. Inko was delirious, her breathing labored and short. The two boys stayed with her for hours, Deku even fell asleep, his head resting on her bed.

"Katsuki." she called,

"Auntie Inko?" Katsuki shot up and took her other hand.

"I'm sorry." she weakly said.

"Don't be."

"Can you promise me something?" she asks.

"Anything."

"Stay together," she instructs.

"Of course, we will all stay together," Katsuki says.

She smiled warily at the boy.

"Stay together." She repeats before falling asleep.

Those were her last words.

Katsuki stands and counts out all the money they have, staring at the small number. Then He makes his choice.

Endnotes

15,000 yen - $94.00

Comas are super complicated and often if someone wakes up they will most likely have lifelong disabilities. I am using this in a work of fiction and am playing by my own rules. Please do not take anything said about comas here as anything close to fact.