writingrock

[writingrock]

i have a feeling ur blog is shut down but if you ever come back ill be here!!!

aww what this is cute,, i guess i'll have to come back soon

[writingrock]

pleasepleaseplease dont kill me but chapter 10 will be out this week..... before i go on break tee hee

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [9]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou

word count: 8.5k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: this chapter was definitely on time... don't even..

The first thing you did upon waking wasn’t meditating but checking your map and compass, ensuring the route you’d scouted the night before was still clear in your mind. You couldn’t bear to mess up at this stage of the journey. There were no room for mistakes. You were all too close to the heart of the forest to fumble now. Just the thought of what lay ahead shook off the last remnants of sleep as you traced the lines of your map, reviewing each turn and landmark until you felt confident with your memory. Only once you felt certain did you allow yourself a moment of morning meditation. Not that you had long to. One by one, the others slowly woke up, stretching and yawning as they emerged from their bedrolls, the early morning light filtering softly through the trees.

The group shuffled around the embers of the campfire, sorting up the first meal of the day. Breakfast was simple— rations from the previous day, paired with leftovers from last night. To your surprise, there was little chatter this morning. No one sharing odd dreams or complaining about someone’s snoring. Instead, everyone finished up and moved quietly through the familiar routine of packing up. Mina and Denki moved groggily through their tasks, sharing sleepy smiles as they gathered their belongings. Sero meticulously checked the area, ensuring nothing was left behind. Kirishima was already rolling up his bedroll, efficiently finishing the job. Bakugou was already waiting with his arms crossed over his chest, glancing at the group with a lick of impatience in his eyes.  

“Everyone ready?” you asked, scanning the camp alongside Sero to ensure nothing had been left behind. Though subtle, a quiet sense of anticipation seemed to ripple through the group, sharpening everyone’s focus.

It took a moment for anyone to respond, as each person made a final check of their gear and belongings. Finally, Kirishima broke the silence, springing up with his usual enthusiasm.

“Ready!” he announced, his voice brimming with energy. The others nodded in agreement, echoing his sentiment with determined expressions. But beneath their steady resolve and excitement, there was a hint of anxiety. A trace of worry from awareness of what lay ahead, of the unknown at the heart of the forest.

With everything packed, you led the way, navigating by the route you’d planned. Today, the air felt different, tinged with a subtle magic that pulsed beneath the surface, guiding you toward your destination.The path wound through the woods, the undergrowth thick but manageable. As you pressed on, the landscape began to shift. The tree trunks were twisted and ancient, draped in glowing moss that shimmered in the sunlight. The air cooled, carrying the scent of fresh water and wildflowers, each breath filling you with a sense of purpose. Hours passed in focused silence as the group forged ahead. By midday, the forest thinned, and you stepped into a vast clearing that took your breath away.

The clearing was a perfect circle, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stand guard. The grass was lush and vibrant, soft beneath your feet like a natural carpet. Scattered across the clearing were countless unopened buds, their petals tightly furled, as if waiting for the perfect moment to bloom. At the centre lay a large pond, its surface still as glass, reflecting the sky above. Around it, clusters of night flower buds, their closed blooms hinting at the luminescent display you had seen before.

“This is it,” you murmured, your voice barely more than a breath as you took in the serene beauty of the heart of Niniel’s Veil. The air was dense with magical energy, making every breath feel as if you’ve inhaled fumes of pixie dust. The group stepped forward with their mouths agape in wonder and disbelief. It was as if the forest had finally opened up. And now you were standing at its heart.

Kirishima let out a low whistle, his eyes wide as he took in the sight. “Woah… this place is incredible,” he said, admiring the panoramic scene before him.

Denki stood in rare, quiet admiration. His usual carefree spirit was replaced by genuine awe. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he murmured, almost as if speaking too loudly would break the magical atmosphere.

Mina’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spun slowly, taking in every detail of the clearing. “It’s like something out of a dream,” she said, her voice filled with childlike wonder. The flowers, still tightly furled, seemed to whisper of untold secrets, their vibrant colours muted in the dappled light.

Sero smiled softly, his gaze fixed on the large pond at the clearing’s centre. Its surface was perfectly still, reflecting the sky above like a mirror. “So this is the heart of the Veil,” he whispered to himself.

Bakugou stood a little apart from the rest, his silence not out of indifference but out of something deeper. As expected, Bakugou’s eyes have begun to sweep over the clearing, taking in every bit of detail. You could almost see the gears turning in his mind, already planning the next steps.

But the flowers, rows upon rows of unopened night blooms, created a natural barrier, making it clear that this was not a place to tread lightly. Their petals were still tightly closed, as if waiting for nightfall to reveal their true nature. You knew better than to disturb them, sensing that the heart of Niniel’s Veil was as delicate as it was powerful.

“We can’t set up camp here,” you said, your voice breaking the quiet spell. “These flowers… We should respect their space.”

You led the group a little farther from the clearing, finding a suitable spot where the ground was soft and the view of the pond remained unobstructed. “We’ll set up camp nearby,” you decided, dropping your pack onto the grass. “We need to be ready for whatever comes next.”

Without hesitation, everyone moved into familiar action, setting up tents and organising supplies with efficiency. It was calm among the group, but underneath there was an electric hum of anticipation thrummed through the gaps. 

Kirishima, who had been unrolling his bedroll, glanced up with a grin. “We made it,” he said, feeling rather relieved that they’ve made it this far. He was simply glad to finally be here to wrap up the final ends of the journey. “Now we just have to figure out what’s next.”

Denki, helping Mina build a fire, nodded in agreement. “Yeah, but whatever it is, we surely got it.” Denki sounded determined, also lightened up with relief that they’re a step closer to the end of this journey. “Seriously though, look at this place— it’s like we stepped into another world.” Mina gushed as she arranged the firewood, sparing a glance over to the clearing. 

A low and firm voice grumbled from the trees. “Don’t get too comfortable. The Veil’s not done with us yet. This place… it’s hiding something. We just have to find it.” Bakugou trudged into the conversation with more firewood.

You looked around, feeling the weight of his words. The heart of Niniel’s Veil was a place of mystery, where beauty and danger intertwined, and the sense that you were standing on the edge of something great filled the air. Whatever came next, you knew it would be unlike anything you had faced before. You could feel the Veil watching, waiting, and you were ready to meet whatever challenge it had in store. This place, with its untouched beauty and strange allure, was just the beginning. The pond, surrounded by those enigmatic night flowers, held the mystery of the artefact waiting to be solved.

As the group settled into the camp, Sero rummaged through his pack with a mischievous grin. “Hey, I’ve got something to kill some time,” he announced, pulling out a worn deck of cards. The edges were frayed, and the faces were slightly faded, but they were a treasured item that had seen many nights of banter and laughter on the road.

Mina’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, yes! A card game is exactly what we need right now. What are we playing?”

Kirishima leaned over, curious. “I’m down for anything that doesn’t involve moving. All that trekking took a lot out of me.”

Denki glanced up from arranging the last of the supplies, a grin spreading across his face. “Deal me in. I could use a distraction.”

Sero shuffled the cards with a flourish, clearly proud of his impromptu idea. “Alright, how about we play ‘Dragon’s Bluff’? It’s simple: whoever has the best hand wins, but you’ve got to be a good liar to get away with it.”

Bakugou, who had been stoking the fire with a stick, gave them a questioning look. “Seriously? Sounds like a waste of time.”

You shrugged, already taking a seat around the makeshift table they’d created with a few flat rocks and logs. “Come on, Bakugou. It’s all in good fun. Besides, it’s been a long time since we’ve done something that doesn’t involve fighting for our lives.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes but eventually tossed the stick aside and joined the circle, reluctant to join in. “Fine. But don’t whine when I take all your rations as bets.”

The cards were dealt, and the game quickly turned into a lively affair. Mina tried her best to bluff her way through each round, throwing exaggerated expressions and wild gestures that had everyone laughing. Her exaggeration worsened especially when her hand was terrible. In contrast, Sero kept his cards close, playing strategically and throwing in just enough banter to keep everyone guessing.

Kirishima, honest to a fault, struggled to keep a straight face. Often bursting into laughter every time he tried to bluff, which often gave away his hand. “I’m terrible at this!” he admitted, cheeks flushed from laughing so much. “I swear I’m not lying, but you guys never believe me!”

You found yourself enjoying the game more than you expected, the chipper atmosphere a welcome change from the usual tension. Denki, meanwhile, was in his element, throwing wild accusations and daring bluffs, his animated storytelling a perfect distraction that often led to him winning rounds he had no business winning.

And then there was Bakugou, who played with a focused intensity that turned every move into a psychological game. His expression was impossible to read as he watched everyone’s tells with a predatory patience. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, it was with a smug confidence that had the others on edge. “Nice try,” he’d say, exposing a perfect hand after baiting his opponents into risky moves.

By the time the game had been going for a while, the circle around the makeshift table was filled with laughter, playful insults, and groans of defeat. Mina leaned back with a dramatic sigh, her latest bluff having just been called out by Sero. “You guys are ruthless. I swear I had that one!”

Kirishima shook his head, grinning as he tossed his cards onto the pile. “We should have known Sero had something up his sleeve when he suggested this.”

Sero only shrugged, shuffling the deck once more. “Hey, I just thought we could all use some fun. And besides, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s about the thrill, right?”

Bakugou smirked, gathering up his small pile of winnings— mostly rations and the occasional favour. “Speak for yourself. I’m winning.”

As the game continued, the sky above slowly darkened, stars beginning to twinkle faintly through the gaps in the tree canopy. The group’s laughter echoed softly in the clearing, mingling with the sounds of the forest. As the day faded into night, the sky deepened into a velvet blue. A strange and enchanting transformation began to unfold. From the darkness of the forest floor, delicate buds began to stir. One by one, luminescent night flowers emerged, their petals unfurling in a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty. They glowed with a soft, silvery light, casting an otherworldly luminescence over the landscape.

The flowers’ petals opened slowly, like the shy unveiling of a secret, revealing their inner glow to the world. Their light danced across the field, creating a mesmerising tapestry of shimmering colours that swayed gently in the breeze. In the centre of the nearby pond, a larger night flower began to rise. Its bloom was immense, its petals spreading wide like the canopy of a great tree, casting an even brighter glow that illuminated the entire area with a gentle, otherworldly light.

Kirishima’s eyes widened in amazement. “Whoa, look at that! It’s huge!”

Denki whistled softly, his usual energy replaced with awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like something out of a dream.”

Mina, her gaze fixed on the grand flower, added, “It’s beautiful. Almost surreal.”

Sero nodded, his eyes twinkling with the reflection of the luminescent scene before him. “It’s like the forest is putting on a show just for us.”

You took in the scene, a deep sense of nostalgia washing over you. The sight of the night flowers brought back memories of a time long past, when you had witnessed this same magical event with your father. The memory was bittersweet, a reminder of days spent exploring the wonders of nature with someone who was your father and mentor. It was a blissful memory, one you’d treasure for the rest of your days.

Shaking off the melancholy, you turned to the group, trying to keep your tone light yet firm. “Be careful, everyone. These night flowers are not just for show. They produce drowsy pollen. It’s best to cover your mouths with something, or you might find yourself dozing off unexpectedly.”

Kirishima’s eyes widened slightly, staring down at the innocent-looking flowers. “Seriously? Should we do anything else to stay alert?”

You nodded, pulling a scarf from your pack and wrapping it around your face. “Just be cautious. It’s a beautiful sight, but the pollen can be quite potent. Keep your distance if you start feeling drowsy.”

The group nodded in understanding, quickly following your lead. With their faces covered, they ventured towards the pond, their curiosity piqued by the grand night flower. Each step brings them closer to the heart of the forest's enchanting display. As they approached the pond, the grandeur of the enormous night flower dominated their view. Its petals unfurled in a delicate cascade of light, bathing the surroundings in a soft, ethereal glow. You were willing to bet that the artefact lay somewhere within this captivating bloom, but you needed a closer look.

You reached for your scarf, intending to remove it for a clearer view of the massive bloom before you. But as your fingers brushed the fabric, you hesitated, a sharp reminder flashing in your mind of the danger that the flower’s pollen posed. The air was thick with the faint, shimmering dust, barely visible but undoubtedly potent. Exposing yourself fully to it could prove reckless, and you knew better than to take that risk.

Instead, you tightened your grip on the scarf wrapped securely around your mouth and nose, feeling the familiar weave of fabric pressing against your skin. You considered your options carefully, the gears in your mind turning as you stared at the flower, its petals vibrant and impossibly large, each one curling delicately at the edges as though hiding a secret within.

An idea struck, and you extended your arm, calling forth your familiar, Kyrah, a majestic eagle with sharp, piercing eyes and feathers that shimmered in the light. With a flick of your wrist, Kyrah appeared, wings beating powerfully as it hovered beside you, sensing your intent even before you spoke.

“Kyrah,” you commanded, your voice steady as you kept the scarf over your nose and mouth. “Fly over the flower. Show me what’s inside.”

Kyrah’s keen eyes locked onto the target, understanding your request immediately. Kyrah soared upward, wings cutting through the air with silent grace. As the eagle approached the enormous flower, the view shifted, the petals growing larger, each vein and fleck of colour more distinct. You murmured a brief incantation, your words quiet and deliberate as you tapped into the bond between you. The spell took hold, and your vision blurred momentarily as it shifted, merging with Kyrah’s. In an instant, you were no longer seeing through your own eyes but through those of your familiar, the world transformed into crisp, vivid detail. You saw everything through Kyrah’s sight: the shimmering golden pollen dusting the petals, the delicate movements of the flower as if breathing in time with the forest around it.

Kyrah circled above, giving you a clear vantage point. As it hovered over the flower’s centre, you finally glimpsed what lay within: a cluster of glowing orbs, pulsating softly with a light that was almost otherworldly. The orbs were nestled deep among the petals, emitting a faint, rhythmic hum that resonated through the air, almost musical in its tone. They glowed with a faint, bluish light, each one connected by slender tendrils of translucent vines that seemed to pulse in harmony.

You focused, absorbing every detail, your heart racing at the sight. You had never been this close to this flower when you were here with your father. It was clear that it was no ordinary flower— the sheer size of it spoke volumes. Whatever it guarded was alive, charged with a strange, unfamiliar magic that tugged at your senses. You knew immediately that the orbs were an obstacle to whatever mystery the heart of Niniel’s Veil held. But their exact purpose remained elusive, cloaked in layers of enchantment that you could only begin to decipher. Based on the riddle, you could only assume the artefact would lay in there. 

Kyrah swooped lower, giving you a closer look, but the pollen grew thicker, swirling like a shimmering mist around the orbs. You watched as tiny sparks of energy danced within the pollen, flickering like fireflies trapped in amber. It was beautiful, mesmerising even, but there was also a danger to it— one wrong move and you could find yourself ensnared by the flower’s strange magic.

“Careful, Kyrah,” you whispered, even though you knew your familiar couldn’t hear you directly. The bond between you was strong enough that Kyrah sensed your caution, pulling back just slightly, maintaining a safe distance while still providing you with a view of the orbs.

With a final sweep, Kyrah flew back toward you, landing gracefully on your outstretched arm. The vision shifted back to your own eyes, leaving you momentarily disoriented but filled with the knowledge of what you had seen. The flower was a guardian of something precious and powerful, and whatever lay within those glowing orbs had to be the artefact Bakugou had been searching for. You lowered your arm, feeling the weight of the discovery settle in. 

You took a deep breath, your mind still reeling from what you had seen through Kyrah’s eyes. The glowing orbs nestled within the massive flower were unlike anything you had encountered before. They were humming with an ancient magic that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the forest itself. 

The group gathered around, curiosity etched on their faces as they waited for you to speak. Bakugou’s stares never left you, his arms crossed and posture tense, while Mina and Kirishima exchanged worried glances. Denki fidgeted nervously, clearly eager to hear what you had found, and Sero watched you with a cautious, measured calm.

“What’s in there?” Kirishima asked, a touch of concern in his voice. “You looked like you saw something big.”

You nodded, collecting your thoughts before you began. “I did. There’s a cluster of glowing orbs, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. They’re nestled deep within the petals, and they’re… alive. Pulsating with some kind of magic.”

Mina leaned forward, absorbing your words as she puzzled with the implication of the magical orbs in the flower. What could those orbs do? “Orbs? What do you think they are? Are they dangerous?”

You glanced at her, then back to the rest of the group. “I’m not entirely sure what they are, but they’re not just decoration. There’s an ancient magic to them— one that’s tied to the Veil itself. I think the orbs are protecting whatever lies at the centre of the flower, and we need to be extremely careful. I suspect that the artefact we’re looking for is in there, hidden among those orbs.”

Denki’s brows furrowed as he tried to picture what you were describing. “So, you’re saying those glowy things are like… protective measures or something?”

You nodded, your expression serious. “Exactly. The orbs are like guardians, in a way. I felt it through Kyrah’s eyes. The magic is old, ancient even, and it’s designed to keep intruders out. If we make the wrong move or trigger them, there’s no telling what could happen. They could be traps, alarms, or worse.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with possibilities. “So what’s the plan? We just sit here and wait? Or are you saying we go in blind?”

“We can’t go in recklessly,” you cautioned, meeting Bakugou’s intense gaze. “If we disturb those orbs without understanding what they do, we could set off something catastrophic. They’re too sensitive, and this magic… it’s not something we’ve dealt with before. We need to find a way to disable or bypass them, but not until we know exactly what we’re up against.”

Sero rubbed the back of his neck, glancing toward the flower. “So, what’s our next move? Can we get a closer look without setting them off?”

You thought for a moment, weighing your options. “We’ll need to study them from a distance, carefully,” you began. “I can use Kyrah again to scout further, maybe find a pattern or a safe way through. But none of us should touch the flower or the orbs directly until we have a better idea of what we’re dealing with.”

Kirishima nodded, his usually cheerful expression now marked with caution. “Alright, so no poking the magic orbs. Got it. We’ll play this one smart.”

You hesitated for a moment, then decided to share another critical piece of information. “There’s something else you all need to know. The flower is emitting a potent pollen— similar to the night flowers in the clearing, but much stronger. If we get too close without proper protection, it could knock us out cold.”

Mina’s eyes widened with concern. “That bad, huh? How close do you think we can get before it affects us?”

“Not very,” you replied. “Even from a distance, I could feel its pull. It’s subtle, but powerful. The pollen in the night flowers was enough to make us drowsy, but this one… it’s on a whole different level. If we’re not careful, it could overwhelm us before we even get a chance to react.”

Mina stepped back instinctively, her expression shifting as she processed the information. “So it’s like a defence mechanism, right? The flower lulls you in, makes you drop your guard. If you get too close, you’re done for.”

“Exactly,” you confirmed, watching the swirling particles drift lazily in the air. “The pollen is meant to disarm anyone who gets too close. It’s subtle, but it’s powerful. If we breathe too much of it, we’ll be vulnerable, drowsy, and easy prey for whatever else this place has in store.”

Sero frowned, glancing toward the massive flower. “So, not only do we have to worry about those orbs, but we’ve got to deal with sleep-inducing pollen too? Sounds like a real party.”

“It’s going to be difficult,” you said. “We need to be fully aware of the risks. If anyone starts feeling lightheaded or sleepy, we back off immediately. The last thing we need is someone collapsing before we’ve even figured out how to approach this.”

Bakugou scowled, irritation flashing across his face. “This thing’s got traps on traps. Can’t we just blow it out of the way?”

You shook your head quickly, knowing that would only make things worse. “No. We can’t just force our way through. The flower and the orbs are connected. If we try to destroy it, there’s no telling what kind of reaction we’ll trigger. The pollen could spread, or worse, the orbs could activate.”

Denki, trying to keep the mood light, offered a small grin. “This isn’t going to be an easy one, huh?”

You gave a tight smile, appreciating his attempt to ease the tension. “Unfortunately. But we’re not rushing in blind. We’ll take our time, study the situation, and only make a move when we’re confident we can do it safely.”

The group nodded in agreement, the weight of the challenge before you settled in. The combination of the potent pollen and the ancient magic guarding the flower meant that this would be one of the most delicate operations you’d ever attempted. But you knew you could find a way through, especially with your party. 

“Let’s stay focused,” your resolute tone rings through the group. “We’ll figure this out, step by step. Kyrah will help us map a safe path, and we’ll keep our distance until we’re sure we can approach without triggering anything— or putting ourselves in danger.”

With that, the plan was set in motion. Caution would be your greatest ally in this final stage of the journey, and as you prepared to send Kyrah out once more, you steeled yourself for the challenge ahead. 

Kyrah took to the skies once more, her powerful wings cutting through the air with silent grace as she soared overhead. You focused on your familiar, your vision blurring and shifting until you were seeing through her sharp, keen eyes. The world below came into crystal-clear focus. Every petal, every swirl of pollen, and every faint glow of the orbs within the flower was laid bare before you.

Kyrah circled above the enormous bloom, her movements careful and deliberate, studying every detail of the flower’s structure. The petals were vast and slightly curled, creating layers that shielded the glowing orbs at the centre. The pollen drifted like a fine mist, shimmering faintly in the sunlight, thicker near the heart of the flower where the magic was most concentrated.

As Kyrah hovered, you scanned the area, searching for a path through the dense layers of petals and pollen that wouldn’t trigger the ancient magic protecting the orbs. It was like navigating a living maze— one wrong turn could unleash whatever power the flower was guarding. You watched closely, noting the way the petals shifted ever so slightly, almost as if responding to Kyrah’s presence.

There was a narrow gap between two of the larger petals, a space just wide enough for someone to pass through without touching the orbs directly. It led to a less concentrated pocket of pollen, a rare break in the flower’s defences. You traced the route mentally, marking each twist and turn in your mind, calculating the safest approach.

Kyrah swooped lower, getting a closer look at the pattern of the pollen’s movement. It swirled like a slow, deliberate dance, and you could see faint trails of energy sparking between the orbs, reacting to the shifts in the air. The path was tight and would require precise navigation, but it was there— a possible route to the heart of the flower.

“Good girl,” you whispered, guiding Kyrah back with a thought. She responded instantly, banking gracefully and returning to you. Her presence was a comforting weight as she perched on your shoulder. The vision snapped back to your own eyes, leaving you momentarily disoriented but at the very least, you know where to go now. 

Turning to the team, you relayed what you had seen. “There’s a way in,” you said, your voice steady but tightened with caution. “It’s not easy, but there’s a narrow path between the petals that avoids most of the pollen and the orbs. We’ll need to move slowly and carefully, but it’s possible.”

Kirishima listened intently, nodding as he visualised the route in his mind. “Alright, so we just need to stick to that path. No touching anything we don’t need to.”

Mina glanced at the flower, feeling her nerves buzzing under her skin. “And if we mess up? What happens if we trigger one of those orbs?”

You met her gaze, not sugarcoating the danger. “If we trigger them, there’s no telling what could happen. The magic is unpredictable— at best, we get a warning. At worst… it could be lethal. We have to be precise.”

Bakugou crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the flower. Narrowing at them as if he had a personal grudge against the flower. “We can’t afford any mistakes. You lead the way. We’ll follow your instructions to the letter.”

Sero and Denki exchanged uneasy looks, but they nodded, their trust in you clear. “We’ve got this,” Sero said, his voice calm and reassuring. “Just show us where to go.”

You adjusted your scarf one last time, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. The danger ahead is unnerving but there is no other way. “We move slowly. Keep covered, and follow the path exactly. No shortcuts, no rushing.”

With a final deep breath, you led the way, Kyrah perched on your shoulder as your guide. The flower loomed ahead, majestic and foreboding, but you moved with confidence, every step measured and deliberate. One by one, your team followed, navigating the twisting path through the petals, every motion precise.

You took the first step toward the massive flower, your heart beating steadily as you approached the narrow gap between the towering petals. The air was cool and tinged with the faint scent of the pollen, a fragrance that was deceptively pleasant but underlined by the subtle, magical potency that hummed in the atmosphere. Kyrah shifted slightly on your shoulder, her presence grounding you as you moved forward, guiding the team into the flower’s enigmatic embrace.

The gap between the petals was barely wide enough to slip through without touching the delicate surfaces. Each petal was a vibrant tapestry of swirling colours— deep purples, luminous blues, and shimmering golds that caught the light and refracted it in an enchanting display. As you slipped into the narrow passage, the walls of the petals seemed to close around you, like the mouth of a living labyrinth, pulsating faintly with the life force of the flower.

You moved slowly, each step deliberate, mindful of the swirling clouds of pollen that drifted lazily around you. The faint luminescence of the particles gave the air an ethereal glow, casting everything in a soft, dreamlike haze. You could feel the magic pressing in, testing your every move, waiting for the slightest mistake to entrap you.

Behind you, Kirishima followed, his large frame moving with surprising delicacy as he kept close, careful not to disturb the petals. His breath was steady, but you could sense his alertness, every muscle poised to react if things went wrong. “This place… it’s like walking through a living painting,” he murmured, voice hushed with a mix of awe and caution.

Mina was next, admiring the flower as she navigated the narrow path, her movements light and nimble. She reached out instinctively to steady herself but pulled back just in time, realising how close she’d come to brushing against a petal. “This is… unreal,” she whispered, barely daring to speak louder than a breath. “It’s like it’s alive.”

Sero and Denki moved carefully, their eyes darting around, taking in the strange beauty while keeping a wary eye on the pollen. Sero’s face was calm, but his brows were furrowed in concentration, every step taken with precision. Denki’s movements were slow as he mirrored your every action. 

Bakugou’s expression is locked in a fierce concentration. Scanning every detail for every possible threat. He moved with a predator’s grace, avoiding the pollen with sharp, deliberate motions. “Keep moving,” he said, more a reminder to himself than anyone else. “Eyes on the path.”

The air grew colder as you descended deeper into the flower’s core, the light dimming to a soft, bluish hue that emanated from the glowing orbs nestled at the centre. They pulsed with a quiet rhythm, each beat sending ripples of energy that made the pollen shiver and dance in response. You could feel the magic intensifying, a low hum that resonated in your bones, urging you forward and warning you all at once.

You glanced back, ensuring everyone was still on track. The team’s faces were set with persistence, shadows and light playing across their features as they moved with you. The narrow passage twisted slightly, curving inward as it led you closer to the flower’s heart. The walls tightened, forcing you to duck and weave to avoid brushing against the shimmering petals. It felt like walking through a tunnel made of silk and starlight, fragile and impossibly beautiful.

The path opened slightly as you reached the centre, the glowing orbs now directly in front of you, suspended in a delicate tangle of tendrils that pulsed with the flower’s lifeblood. They were mesmerising, each orb swirling with light and shadow, tiny storms of magic contained within translucent shells. The air around them was thick with power, and you could feel it brushing against your skin, prickling like static electricity.

You raised a hand, signalling the group to stop. Everyone froze, their breaths quiet, eyes locked on the orbs that guarded the artefact within. The atmosphere was charged, and the slightest disturbance could unleash whatever ancient force lay dormant in the flower’s core.

“We’re almost there,” you whispered, your voice barely more than a breath. “Stay focused. We can’t make any mistakes.”

One by one, you led them closer, moving along the narrow path that wove between the orbs. Each step felt like navigating the edge of a knife, the tension almost palpable as you manoeuvred through the intricate web of petals and magic. The flower seemed to sense your presence, its petals fluttering faintly as if acknowledging your careful intrusion.

The centre of the flower opened up slightly, revealing a clear view of the artefact—a small, intricately carved steel sphere set within the web of glowing orbs. Its surface was etched with ancient symbols, each line glowing faintly as if whispering secrets from a long-forgotten age. You could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on you, the culmination of your journey so close and yet still wrapped in layers of magic and danger. With a deep breath, you steadied yourself, knowing that the next steps would determine the outcome of everything you had fought for.

“Alright,” you said softly, your voice carrying the gravity of the task ahead. “We need to take this slowly. No sudden moves. We retrieve the artefact, and we get out. Together.”

Kirishima nodded, his jaw set with determination as he followed your lead, every muscle taut with focus. Mina crept behind him, her gaze flickering between the glowing orbs and the artefact at the centre. Sero and Denki moved in tandem, their footsteps silent, their breathing shallow as they navigated the delicate path. Bakugou, at the rear, kept his eyes locked on every detail, ready to react at a moment’s notice.

The orbs pulsed softly, casting faint shadows that danced along the petals. As you inched closer, you noticed the orbs were not just suspended—they were subtly tethered to the artefact by thin, almost invisible strands of light. These connections pulsed in sync with the orbs, like a web of veins pumping magical energy directly into the artefact. Whatever magic protected it was still active, alive, and watching.

You paused just a few feet away from the artefact, signalling for the group to halt. “We can’t just take it,” you said, keeping your voice low. “It’s connected to the orbs. If we pull it free, we risk setting off whatever defences are still active.”

Mina’s brow furrowed as she stared at the thin strands of light connecting the orbs to the artefact. “So how do we get it without triggering… whatever this is?”

You considered the question, examining the web of light for any weaknesses or patterns. “We need to sever the connections,” you said thoughtfully. “But carefully—one wrong move, and we could set off a chain reaction.” It was a dangerous task but you saw no other option.

Denki looked uneasy, glancing at the shimmering web. “So, like detaching it? Do we even know what happens if we break those links?”

Bakugou’s eyes flicked over to you, his expression serious. “We’ve dealt with traps before. We just need to stay sharp. You got this,” he said, his confidence in you clear. 

You took a deep breath, steadying your nerves as you reached for a small, precise blade tucked at your side. “Kyrah, keep watch,” you whispered, sending your familiar to hover above, vigilant for any changes in the flower’s behaviour. You carefully moved closer, extending your hand to the nearest glowing strand. It vibrated faintly, humming with energy that prickled against your skin. 

The first cut was a slow, careful slice, the blade barely grazing the strand before it severed with a soft, almost musical twang. The orb shivered but remained stable, its light dimming only slightly. You let out a deep breath you had, the ache of fear pumping through your chest. 

“First one’s done,” you whispered. “No sudden changes.”

The team watched in tense silence as you continued to sever the strands, each cut deliberate and precise. With every connection you broke, the orbs pulsed more faintly, their light waning as the artefact’s glow grew stronger. You were making progress. Goosebumps prickled at your skin as you continued this arduous process.

Just as you were about to sever the final strand, the flower shuddered, its petals quivering as if sensing the impending loss of the artefact. The pollen in the air thickened, swirling around you in a shimmering cloud that pulsed in time with the remaining strands. You felt a tug at your consciousness, as though the flower itself was reaching out, testing your resolve.

“Almost there,” you said, your voice strained but steady. “Stay focused. We’re almost through.”

With one final, careful motion, you cut the last strand. The artefact glowed brightly, freed from its magical bonds, but the moment was bittersweet. The flower let out a soft, mournful hum, as you reached forward, gingerly lifting the artefact from its resting place. It was warm to the touch, thrumming with residual energy, and as you held it up, the symbols etched into its surface seemed to shift and shimmer, whispering secrets of a bygone era.

“We’ve got it,” you said, turning to the group, relief flooding through you. The team exhaled collectively, their tense postures easing as they realised the worst was over.

Kirishima clapped you on the shoulder, his grin wide and full of admiration. “You did it. We did it.”

Mina looked at the artefact, her eyes bright with wonder. “It’s beautiful… and we finally have now.”

Bakugou’s gaze lingered on the artefact. A satisfied smirk crossed his face. “Took you long enough,” he teased, though there was no mistaking the pride in his tone.

With the artefact in hand, you all began the careful retreat, retracing your steps through the flower’s pinched path. The journey out felt lighter, the tension of the unknown replaced by the exhilaration of success. 

As you emerged back into the clearing, the weight of the artefact in your hands felt like both an end and a beginning— a key that would unlock the next chapter of your journey. Emerging from the night flower’s cavernous interior, the group breathed in the fresher air of the night, the effects of the pollen gradually fading. The flower’s glow dimmed behind them as they made their way back to the camp, ready for much needed rest after the taxing climb and the encounter with the potent pollen.

The trek back to camp was subdued, each step heavy with exhaustion. It seemed even with some protection, the pollen still seeped through. Some are more affected than others. The effects of the potent pollen were clear: Denki and Mina, both more affected than the others, stumbled with a driftiness that made their movements lethargic. Kirishima and Bakugou lent their support, guiding them carefully through the forest paths. 

As the group arrived at camp, the firelight cast long shadows over the clearing. Mina and Denki were already half-asleep, their eyes struggling to stay open. You and the others gently helped them settle into their bedrolls, tucking them in with a soft touch to ensure they were comfortable and warm. The faint glow of the fire danced across their peaceful faces, a stark contrast to the earlier intensity of the night.

Once the two were settled, you joined the rest of the team around the fire, where the relic rested on a small cloth spread out for examination. The relic was a striking metal sphere, exquisitely crafted with intricate astral carvings that seemed to shimmer with their own inner light. The metal surface was etched with swirling patterns, delicate yet profound, and at its centre, a glowing purple light pulsed softly, casting an ethereal glow that flickered like stardust.

The team gathered around the fire, their faces illuminated by the gentle light of the relic. The warmth of the fire provided a welcome contrast to the chill of the night, and the group’s mood was one of both relief and contemplation.

Bakugou, still catching his breath from the climb, examined the relic with a mix of satisfaction and wariness. “So, this is it, huh?” He grunted, “It’s taken us this long, but we’ve finally got it.”

Kirishima nodded, his gaze fixed on the glowing relic. “I’m glad we got it, but I also can’t help but think of how much further we still have to go.”

Sero, who had been silent for most of the evening, finally spoke up. “This is a big step, though. We’ve managed to retrieve the third piece. There’s still more to do, but this is a solid victory. We can rest tonight, regroup, and then figure out our next move.”

As the fire crackled softly, Bakugou took another look at the relic, his expression thoughtful. “We did good tonight. But Sero’s right,” He looks to Sero as he speaks, agreeing with his words. “Let’s not forget that this is only the beginning. We’ve got more pieces to find, and more dangers to face. But for now, we rest.”

The team nodded in agreement, the weight of their journey momentarily lifted by the sight of their hard-earned prize. The fire’s warmth and the relic’s gentle glow provided a moment of tranquillity before the next phase of their adventure.

As the night deepened and the firelight flickered, the group settled into a relaxed quiet, each person lost in their own thoughts, contemplating the journey ahead. The relic, now a tangible symbol of their progress, glowed faintly in the firelight. Though exhaustion weighed on everyone, there was also a quiet feeling of accomplishment. Everyone had come so far. 

You quietly rose, slipping away from the camp and heading toward the clearing where the night flowers bloomed. Their soft, luminescent petals glowed under the moonlight, swaying gently in the cool breeze as if they were breathing along with the night. You wanted to pick them— gathering some of the pollen for future use. Last night’s collection with Bakugou hadn’t yielded anything as powerful as these, and you couldn’t pass up the opportunity to gather more. It was potent, and who knew when its properties might come in handy again? You moved carefully, taking care not to disturb the flowers too much as you began collecting the shimmering dust into small pouches.

As you focused on your task, the crunch of footsteps on the forest floor reached your ears, and you turned to see Bakugou making his way toward you. He approached with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “You’re not sneaking off to get yourself into more trouble, are you?” he asked, his hands on his hips as he towered over your kneeled form. “Last thing we need is you knocked out cold from this crap.”

You smiled faintly, amused by his thinly veiled concern. “I’m just gathering some of the pollen. Figured it might be useful later on.” You gestured to the glowing flowers, their petals delicate and otherworldly. “Besides, someone has to make sure we’re prepared for whatever’s next.”

Bakugou raised an eyebrow. "Weren't the ones from last night enough?" He remembered the previous night's foray in the woods, the moonlight casting long shadows as you both carefully harvested the blooms.

You shook your head, focusing on the task at hand. "These are different; they're much more potent," you explained, emphasising the unique properties of the new flowers. Your hands worked deftly, ensuring not a speck of the valuable pollen was wasted.

Bakugou huffed, his expression softening as he stepped closer, inspecting the night flowers. “These damn things… I’ve never seen anything like it.” He hesitated for a moment before reaching out to help, carefully holding open one of the pouches as you brushed the pollen into it. The task was simple, but the quiet between you was easy, almost comforting.

As you and Bakugou worked under the glowing canopy of night flowers, a gentle silence enveloped the clearing. The delicate pollen sifted into the bags you had brought, each grain shimmering like stardust in the moonlight, tiny flecks of magic that seemed to hold the secrets of the Veil itself. 

“You’re pretty damn meticulous about this,” he remarked, glancing at you from the corner of his eye. “Guess that’s what makes you good at what you do.”

You shrugged, the corners of your lips curling into a small smile. “It’s just part of the job. But it helps to be thorough… ”

As you finished filling the pouch, Bakugou glanced up at the night flowers above, their glow softening his usually sharp features. “You know, this whole thing… it’s not how I pictured it. Working with you, I mean. Thought you’d be more of a pain.”

You laughed softly, tying off the pouch and meeting his gaze. “And here I thought you’d be impossible to work with. Turns out we’re both stubborn, just in different ways.”

Bakugou smirked, shaking his head. “Guess that’s why it works. Anyway, don’t go hoarding all this crap. I don’t want to find out it’s toxic the hard way.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that slipped onto your lips. “I promise I won’t poison anyone. But thanks for the help.”

The serenity of the moment made you reflective, memories tugging at your thoughts as you worked. You watched the delicate night flowers sway gently in the breeze, their glowing petals casting a soft, ethereal light. “You know,” you began, breaking the comfortable silence, “the first time I saw these night flowers bloom was with my father. We were on a similar trek through a magical forest. He said these flowers were special, that there were countless wonders like this in the world.”

Bakugou’s eyes remained fixed on the task, but his quiet attentiveness encouraged you to continue. “What else did he say?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual, tinged with genuine curiosity.

You smiled faintly, letting the memory wash over you like a warm breeze. “He told me that there’s so much more out there, beyond what we can see. He hoped seeing things like this would inspire me to travel, to explore as much as I could. It was his way of encouraging me to never settle, to always seek out new experiences, no matter how far or dangerous.”

Bakugou’s fingers paused for a moment, and you could see the weight of your words reflected in his expression. He didn’t often speak of his own past, but you knew there was something about your story that resonated with him. “Sounds like he knew what he was talking about,” he said, almost begrudgingly, as if admitting a truth he rarely voiced. “There’s a lot out there, and it’s easy to forget that when you’re stuck in one place, dealing with the same old crap.”

The quiet moment between you was soon interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on the forest floor. Sero and Kirishima emerged from the shadows, drawn by the glow of the flowers and the hushed conversation. They hesitated briefly, not wanting to intrude, but curiosity got the better of them.

“Hey, what are you two doing out here?” Kirishima asked, trying to sound casual but clearly intrigued by the sight of you and Bakugou working together under the glowing canopy.

You glanced up, a bit surprised but not displeased to see them. “Just collecting pollen. It’s valuable, and we could use it for all kinds of things. Might come in handy later.”

Sero shot Bakugou a sly grin. “Looks like you’re having a heart-to-heart. We figured we’d crash the party and lend a hand.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes but didn’t bother arguing, instead handing Sero an empty pouch with a gruff nod. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You’re here now, so don’t just stand around. Grab some pollen. We need all the help we can get.”

Kirishima joined in, his broad smile contagious as he took his place beside you. “So, what’s the story with these flowers? They really bring back memories, don’t they?”

You chuckled, shaking your head as you continued your careful work. “They do. My father had this way of making everything seem magical. These flowers... they always look the same, every time I see them, but somehow they never lose that sense of wonder.”

Sero glanced over at you, peering at the pollen you've collected. “Sounds like your dad was a pretty inspiring guy. No wonder you’ve got such a sense of adventure, always looking for the next big thing.”

The four of you worked together, gathering the reflective pollen in a rhythm that felt natural, the task transforming into a shared experience. The gentle glow of the night flowers illuminated your small gathering, casting a warm, soft light over the clearing. Kirishima’s voice broke the quiet, his tone lighter, more playful. “So, what’s next after this? Another adventure waiting around the corner?”

You laughed, glancing over at Bakugou, who gave a small, begrudging nod, his usual stoic expression tinged with a hint of anticipation. “We’ll see,” you replied, your smile genuine. “For now, we’ve got a good haul of pollen and a bit more of the night’s magic to savour.”

As you continued to work, the atmosphere was filled with an easy companionship, the earlier tensions of the journey momentarily forgotten in the gentle glow of the night flowers. The night flowers, which had once been a reminder of your past, now symbolised the experiences you were all gathering together. Under their glowing canopy, your bonds strengthened. The journey and friendships were growing, day by day, moment by moment.

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a/n: one more chapter oh my god oh my god @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr @kitsunetori

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[writingrock]

Guess who hasn't written chapter 9 at all?

[writingrock]

everytime i come back from uni im so exhausted to write please get me OUT

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [8]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou

word count: 9.1k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: relax, i was a day late. don't kill me for it.. anywayss, this is like a slice of life episode. just some antics hahah

A day of rest was long overdue for the team. Especially after getting lost in those cave systems for god knows how long. Navigating through those tunnels had drained the group’s energy and dampened the spirits. Leaving everyone in desperate need of a break. Even after getting out of the caves, fatigue clung onto each and every one of you— in the slightest of movements and in every breath. Bakugou, who was usually relentless in his pursuit of the artefacts, had to concede that pushing on without proper rest would be reckless. It was clear that the group needed time to recover before continuing on.

At the first light of dawn, you woke before the others. Even after a long rest, the weight of the recent events feel heavy on your body. You winced as you shifted, the soreness from all that time spent traipsing through the caves making itself known. It made sense why your muscles ached like this, but it didn’t make it any easier. Sitting in your bedroll for a moment, you took in the cool, fresh morning air, savouring what you had lost when you were in the caves. Like a finely tuned clock, you felt the familiar pull toward your morning meditation.

Quietly, you lifted yourself out of the bedroll and made your way toward the grove of trees around the camp. Climbing one of the sturdier trees, you perched on a solid branch, finding comfort in the ritual that had become second nature to you. Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath, letting the soft rustling of the leaves and the faint songs of early birds fill the space around you. This was your way of centering yourself, clearing your mind before the challenges of the day began.

Just as you began to lose yourself in the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds, something small and hard struck you lightly on the shoulder. Your eyes snapped open. What was that? Spinning your head around, you scanned above you before looking down at the ground below, but nothing seemed out of place. Seeing as there was no sign of what actually disrupted you, you brushed it off. It was probably nothing, perhaps just a squirrel that happened to drop its acorn on you. You closed your eyes again, leaning back to regain your focus once more.

Moments later, another object hit you, this time with more precision. It hits your forehead which slips out a curse. Your fingers rubbed the area that had been hit, snapping your head sideways to search for the culprit. That was most definitely on purpose and not some squirrel. Your irritation flared; you hadn’t managed your usual meditation, and you’d been looking forward to just one moment of solitude. This was definitely not amusing. Whatever was happening, it wasn’t some critter. Someone was doing this on purpose. You watch your surroundings for a moment before shutting your eyes again. But this time, you were intent on catching who it was. 

Prepared for another interruption, you opened your eyes just in time to catch Bakugou mid-throw, his arm cocked back with another pebble in hand. The mischievous smirk on his face was unmistakable— he was thoroughly enjoying himself. As it turned out, you weren’t the only one awake.

Bakugou, restless as ever, had already risen. And for reasons known only to him, he seemed intent on disrupting your peace. Perhaps he couldn’t sit still in the quiet of the morning, or maybe he simply couldn’t resist being a nuisance. 

“Really, Bakugou?” you called down, annoyance scrunched on your face as you peered down at the guilty. “What are you, five?”

He shrugged, entirely unrepentant. He didn’t even care that he got caught. “Just making sure you’re alert. Can’t have you zoning out too much— it’s bad for your reflexes.”

You rolled your eyes, barely suppressing a smile. “You were just too bored weren't you?”

“Hey, I’m just keeping things interesting,” he retorted, tucking the last pebble back into his pocket. “You looked too peaceful up there; it was disturbing.”

You shook your head, crossing your arms as you leaned back against the tree. “Well, congratulations. You’ve disturbed my peace. Feel better?” You can’t help but let a smile tug on your lips. Sure, it was frustrating to be disturbed but you couldn’t help but find it funny.

 

“Much,” Bakugou replied, his tone light. Greeting you with that smirk as he turned on his heel and walked back to camp.

As you climbed down and headed back to camp, Bakugou’s laugh echoed ahead of you. The irritation you’d felt slipped away. The exchange had a strangely affirming undertone— a reminder that your bickering, however annoying, had become its own form of connection. It was a chaotic rhythm you’d both fallen into, that had become integral between the both of you. They were both infuriating and, in their own way, reassuring. If there ever came a day where the two of you didn’t bicker, you’d be worried. 

You nudged Bakugou lightly as the two of you made your way back to camp. “I’m going to gather some herbs from the forest,” you said, as the breeze gently blew past. You figured that you both could prepare some breakfast before the others woke up. “They’ll help the group recover faster. Think you could whip up some oats while I’m gone?”

Bakugou glanced at you, his brows furrowing slightly at your request. “What, you think I can’t manage something as basic as oats?” he grumbled, rolling his eyes at your suggestion. Shoving his hands into his pockets and kicking at a stray rock in his path, clearly mulling it over.

You nudged him again, this time with a small smile. “Come on, it’s not that hard. Just boil some water, add the oats, and don’t burn anything.” There was a heavy emphasis on the last part. “The group could use something warm, and I’ll be back before you know it.”

He shot you a mock glare, already moving towards the campfire where a pot and some supplies were stashed. “Please, I’ve got this. I’ll whip up something better than those bland rations you usually eat.”

You chuckled, appreciating the shift in his tone— an offer to do more without directly saying it. “Yeah, I trust you. Just keep it simple for now. We need something hearty to start the day.”

He nodded, the smirk fading into a more serious expression as he considered the task. “Fine. I’ll get it done. But don’t take too long. If you’re late, I’m eating your share.” His features softened, in deep thought about how he was going to make the food.

You grinned, a playful glint in your eyes. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” he shot back, already thinking about how he had the stomach for two portions. 

You chuckled, appreciating the banter as you turned toward the forest. Bakugou’s cooking was surprisingly good— one of the rare talents that contradicted his otherwise fiery and rough attitude. As you disappeared into the trees, you could already hear him grumbling to himself, the clatter of pots and pans filling the camp. The sound gradually faded as you ventured deeper into the woods, your focus shifting to the task at hand: finding herbs. 

Back when you were charting Niniel’s Veil with your father, he’d taught you how to identify certain herbs that could revitalise a weary group. In magical forests like this one, the natural properties of such plants were magnified so it was beneficial to seek them out. You scanned the forest floor, remembering his lessons, searching for the telltale signs of the rare flora hidden among the trees.

Meanwhile, Bakugou begrudgingly gathered the supplies he needed, setting up near the campfire. Despite his grumbling, he moved with efficiency, adding water to a pot and setting it to boil. Watching the water bubble before he tossed in the oats and some dried fruits he found in his pack. As the oats thickened, he sprinkled in some seasonings, stirring absently as he kept an ear out for the sounds of the forest. Though he’d never admit it, he was tuned to your presence, listening for any sign of trouble. Just in case you somehow stumbled into trouble first thing in the morning. He still needed you to navigate through the forest so there wasn’t a chance you were getting into any sort of trouble before you accomplished your role as the guide. 

It wasn’t long before the scent of simmering oats filled the air, a warm, comforting aroma that blended with the crisp morning breeze. Bakugou glanced around at the still-sleeping forms of the group, their faces etched with lingering exhaustion. He didn’t have to care— didn’t have to go out of his way to scrounge up extra ingredients— but it mattered. To lead this group, the very people who made his journey possible, he knew he had to look after them too. For him, effort wasn’t optional. If you were going to do something, you had to do it right. And that meant caring, even when it wasn’t easy for him to. But he had his ways of showing he cared and the group knew that. 

While you combed through the underbrush, gathering herbs with efficiency, your nose picked up on the comforting smell of oats and spices. It must be Bakugou. The hearty, warm scent began wafting through the air, mingling with the fresh scent of pine. You smiled to yourself, knowing Bakugou would go the extra mile, adding his own touch to the meal if he could. Whatever he was adding, it smelled delicious. 

Minutes later, you reemerged from the forest, your hands full of fresh herbs and a satisfied smile on your face. You spotted Bakugou hunched over the pot, stirring with a focus that almost made you laugh.

By the time you returned, the smell of warm oats, slightly spiced and perfectly cooked, greeted you. Bakugou stood by the fire, stirring the pot with focused precision. He glanced up as you approached, a small but unmistakable look of satisfaction on his face.

“Looks like I didn’t burn the camp down,” he said, handing you a bowl with a grin that was more smug than usual. “Think you’ll manage not to poison us?”

You accepted the bowl, shaking your head with a smile. “I’d say it’s a good morning if we both make it through without a disaster. And for the record, these herbs will work wonders. Trust me.” You eyed the bowl and noted the dried fruits and the slight drizzle of honey, the scent of cinnamon hitting your nose. Bakugou must have gone through some effort finding these additions. In turn, you brought out the small sack of herbs you collected, peppering them into the pot of oats and also into your own serving.

Bakugou watched you work, the small, thoughtful touches you added to even a simple meal. For a moment, there was no bickering, no sarcasm— just a quiet, shared task that felt almost normal. How long did these moments usually last? Just a few bare minutes. He nodded, stirring the pot one last time. “Good. We’ll need everyone at their best soon.”

Together, you finished preparing the meal, a simple but hearty breakfast that would warm the body and ease the mind. As the rest of the group slowly woke, drawn in by the scent of hot oats and herbs, you and Bakugou exchanged a brief look. This rare small act of care, tucked into the routine of camp life, was enough to remind you both of the strange, steady bond you’d forged along the way.

“Oh my god, is that actual food?” Mina mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she shuffled closer to the fire. “And not just dried rations? I must be dreaming.”

Kirishima followed shortly after, stretching his arms with a groan that seemed to echo through the quiet clearing. He ran a hand through his messy hair, still shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, and gave Bakugou a weary but grateful smile. “Man, this smells amazing. I didn’t think I’d wake up to anything this good.”

Bakugou glanced up from his stirring, trying to mask his satisfaction with a casual shrug. “Don’t get used to it. Just figured we could all use something decent for once.”

Denki, still leaning into his morning grogginess, practically stumbled toward the fire, eyes still half-closed. “Ugh, I think my soul just left my body. I can’t believe I actually smell something nice for once. What’s the occasion?”

Sero, without a word, grabbed the first bowl he could reach, plopping down near the fire with a grateful sigh. “Bless you, Bakugou. Didn’t think you had it in you, but here we are. A proper breakfast in the middle of nowhere.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, but there was a flicker of amusement in his gaze. “It’s just oats. Don’t start crying over it.”

Kirishima took a bowl and put a spoonful into his mouth. Moaning softly as the oat sat on his tongue. “Man, I could get used to waking up to breakfast like this.” His sleepy smile stretched into a wide grin. “Can we expect you to make breakfast like this more often?”

Bakugou grunted, ladling out the oats into a bowl for everyone. “Don’t get used to it, shitty hair. It’s a one-time deal.”

You laughed, grabbing a bowl and handing it to Mina. “You’re just lucky he’s in a good mood today. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Mina eagerly accepted her bowl, taking a quick bite and sighing in delight. “Oh man, this is so good. The herbs really make it. Did you guys plan this or something?”

You grinned, settling down next to the fire with your own bowl. “Just a happy accident. I went to gather some herbs, and Bakugou didn’t burn the camp down making the oats.”

Bakugou shot you a playful glare. “Keep talking, and I’ll burn yours next time.”

Denki laughed, scooping a big spoonful of oats into his mouth. “This is perfect, though. I’m feeling better already. We should do this every morning.”

Sero nodded in agreement, savouring the warmth of the food. “Thanks, you two. We really needed this.”

Kirishima, his bowl already half-empty, gave Bakugou a light punch on the shoulder. “You’re spoiling us today, man! You outdid yourself, Bakugou.” 

Bakugou shot Kirishima a half-hearted glare, but the corners of his mouth quirked up. “You guys are acting like I’ve never fed you before. Just eat before I take it back.”

As the group dug into their breakfast, the atmosphere shifted into a lighter mood.  Laughter and light conversation filled the camp, the simple pleasure of a hot meal binding everyone together in a way that felt easy and natural. Something that you guys haven’t had for quite a while from being lost in those caves. 

Despite his grumbling, Bakugou’s eyes flickered with a quiet pride as he watched his friends eat. It wasn’t just the food that warmed them— it was the feeling of togetherness. These small moments were what kept them going. The journey ahead was going to be arduous, but for now, everyone could sit by the fire, eating the homely oats and chat amongst themselves.

The group couldn’t sit still for long, even on a much-needed rest day. Rather than do nothing, they decided to be a bit productive while making the most of the downtime. With the forest abundant in resources and a nearby lake promising fresh fish, the team set off to gather food, restock supplies, and enjoy a rare day free from the usual pressures of their journey.

Naturally, it didn’t take long for things to turn competitive.

Mina, always full of energy, was the first to throw down the challenge. “Alright, let’s make this interesting! We split into teams and see who can catch the most fish or find the best stuff in the forest. Losers cook dinner tonight.”

Kirishima hollered excitedly, bouncing up to his feet at the suggestion. “Sounds like a plan! But let’s make it fair and do random teams. We’ll draw lots.” The group was always up for a friendly competition so there wasn’t a peep of disagreement.

Denki eagerly got some sticks, getting to work and making them into marked sticks for the team selection. In a matter of minutes, he pulled out a few marked sticks, mixing them up before handing them around. “Alright, let’s see who’s stuck with who. No complaints and no switching, got it?”

You all drew sticks, the excitement bubbling as the teams formed. You and Kirishima ended up together, both of you exchanging determined nods. Mina and Sero were paired up, already joking about who would do most of the work. Denki and Bakugou, a rather humorous duo, were stuck with each other. Most couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of Denki beaming while Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“Guess we’re partners,” you said to Kirishima, bumping his shoulder lightly. “Think we’ve got this?”

“Hell yeah,” he grinned, cracking his knuckles. “We’re going to crush it.”

Mina and Sero were already plotting their strategy, with Sero teasing Mina about how her ‘loud arse’ would scare all the fishes away. “At least I’ll bring the charm,” Mina shot back, playfully shoving him.

“With that charm, we’ll be lucky if the fish don’t jump out of the water just to get away from you.” Sero quipped with a grin, just before Mina smacked him on the head. 

Unfazed, Mina argued that with Sero’s logic, it would actually help them if the fish jumped out of the water. To which, Sero quickly retorted, “Only if you can actually catch them mid-air, which isn’t happening.”

Denki, meanwhile, was trying to pump himself up despite the horror of being paired with Bakugou. It’s not that they weren’t friends but somehow he’s always managed to get on Bakugou’s nerves the fastest. “Alright, Bakugou, we’ve got this. What’s the game plan?”

Bakugou shot him a glare, snatching a fishing rod from the pile. “Just stay out of my way, Sparky, and maybe we won’t lose.”

“Why do you always have to be like this?” Denki wailed.

With teams set, everyone scattered. Kirishima and you taking a sunny spot along the lake’s edge, Mina and Sero heading off toward a cluster of rocks near the water, and Denki and Bakugou claiming a shady spot further down, the latter already grumbling about being paired with the group’s resident moron.

As the competition began, each team settled into their rhythm. Surprisingly, Kirishima proved to be a natural at fishing. His patience paying off as he steadily reeled in one catch after another. While you adjusted your line and tried to mirror his technique, Kirishima flashed you a grin every time he caught something. “I never thought fishing would be this fun!” he laughed, pulling another fish from the water with ease. “Guess I’ve got a knack for it.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle as you baited your own hook. “You’re definitely making me look bad over here.”

It turns out, you’re not the greatest at fishing, but you managed a decent haul—  nothing compared to Kirishima’s impressive bounty. You were glad to have paired up with the secret fishing master because on your own, you stood no chance. What started as just another part of the competition ended up being a surprisingly enjoyable afternoon. You hadn’t expected to have so much fun fishing. But with Kirishima, time flew by and the peacefulness of the lake simply boosted the experience. 

Halfway through fishing, the both of you agreed that perhaps gathering some vegetation would be good. Not just for the competition but for rations (and possibly for dinner if you both lost). So when there were ten minutes left, you focused on foraging along the bank, gathering wild berries and herbs that would be perfect for snacking while hiking through the forest trails.

Mina and Sero, though slower to start, eventually found their rhythm after plenty of playful banter and a few clumsy, miscast lines. Their teamwork improved with each failed attempt, finding the cause behind their mistakes and working on it together. However, the peace of the lake was frequently shattered by their antics. Every time a line broke or a big fish slipped away, they let out loud, dramatic screams of frustration, making it impossible for the rest of the group not to laugh. And of course, there’d be yelling from Bakugou on the opposite side telling them to keep it down. Though you weren’t sure if he was referring to Mina and Sero or Denki. But despite the noise, they managed to pull off a decent amount of catches.

Denki’s endless chatter filled the air around him and Bakugou, who remained laser-focused on catching fish while doing his best to block out Denki’s ongoing monologue about strategy, bait, and every random thought that crossed his mind. Despite their mismatched partnership, they worked surprisingly well together— Bakugou’s efficiency and Denki’s unexpected insights making for an oddly effective team. It turned out that, beneath all the rambling, Denki’s chatter actually held some useful tips that helped with fishing. On top of that, Denki’s persistence with fishing helped. With each fail, he kept slinging the fishing line for the next attempt. Did he get bullied for every mistake? Yes. What did you expect from Bakugou?

Throughout the day, laughter echoed around the lake. There were triumphant shouts when someone caught a big fish, playful jeers when lines tangled, and groans when Denki nearly fell into the water trying to land a catch. Each team gave it their all, fueled by the competitive spirit and the promise of not having to cook at the end of the day.

As the sun began to dip, the teams regrouped to compare their hauls. You and Kirishima had done well, your basket full of fish and wild greens. Mina and Sero, while not the most successful, still managed a respectable showing and were more than happy to tease each other about it. Denki proudly held up his best catch—a sizable fish that left him beaming, while Bakugou crossed his arms, satisfied with the stack of fish they’d accumulated.

But when it came down to it, the results were clear. Denki and Bakugou had just edged out the rest with their large load of fish brought by their sheer determination and surprisingly good teamwork.

Bakugou looked pleased with the results, wearing a smug grin as he boasted about knowing he’d win, even with Denki as his partner. Confidence radiated off him, his haughty smile only growing wider. “Looks like you all better start prepping for dinner. Hope you can cook better than you can fish,” he taunted, clearly enjoying his victory. Denki very quickly corrected it to our victory. 

With the competition settled, it was clear that Mina and Sero had drawn the short straw: dinner duty and dish duty. Though they laughed off the loss, there was an unmistakable glint of determination in Mina’s eyes as she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Sero, ever the good sport, joined her, already teasing her about the inevitable mess they’d make.

“Well, guess it’s our turn to feed everyone,” Mina said with a mock sigh, grabbing the nearest pot. “You all better be ready for a masterpiece— or at least something edible.”

Sero grinned, nudging her with his elbow. “Hey, don’t worry. We’ll make something you’ll actually want seconds of. Maybe.”

Meanwhile, you and Kirishima, coming in a respectable second, were tasked with cleaning up and preparing the extra fish as rations for the road ahead. Sure both cooking and preparing the fish for rations were both taxing but you didn’t mind the chore; it was better than cooking at least in your opinion. Plus it gave you a chance to relax a little while still being productive. It was a mindlessly repetitive procedure where you could just zone out and enjoy the simplicity of it. 

Kirishima set up a small cleaning station, expertly gutting the fish handily. “Man, we didn’t win, but hey, at least we don’t have to cook and clean,” he joked, shooting you a smile. “Besides, this isn’t so bad. Could be worse.”

You nodded, taking the fish he handed you and laying them out to dry. “Yeah, I’ll take dish duty over making dinner any day. But hey, I think we did pretty good out there.”

Kirishima chuckled, his easy going nature shining through as he worked. “We make a good team. And this way, we’ve got enough rations to keep us going if the next stretch of the journey gets rough.”

As Mina and Sero worked on dinner, they bickered and joked, turning the task into its own kind of challenge. Mina tried to add a touch of flair with spices she’d foraged earlier, while Sero kept things simple, ensuring they didn’t go overboard. The scent of sizzling fish filled the air, mingling with the fresh herbs and a hint of wild garlic, making everyone’s stomachs rumble in anticipation.

Denki watched from the sidelines, occasionally throwing in an unsolicited bit of advice. “You know, I think you should add more of that seasoning, Mina. It smells kinda bland.”

Mina shot him a playful glare, brandishing a spoon. “Do you want to come take over? Be my guest, Denki.”

Bakugou, having already staked out a spot by the fire, glanced up from his self-appointed task of sharpening his blades. “Just don’t screw it up. I’m starving.”

Sero smirked, flipping the fish expertly in the pan. “Relax, Bakugou. We’ve got this. You’ll be licking your plate by the end.”

As the food cooked, the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. You and Kirishima finished up your work, stowing the cleaned fish on the drying rack and tidying up your station. With the two of you working together, the task was quick and efficient. Before you knew it, everything was packed and the fish were set to dry overnight for rations. You both made a mental note to remind each other to collect them in the morning. It would be horrible if either of you forgot all the hard work put into those dried fishes. 

Returning to the campfire, you settled in beside Denki and Bakugou. The camp buzzed with lively chatter and laughter, the kind of energy only a day of playful competition and shared effort could bring. As you looked at Mina and Sero, you couldn’t help but laugh nervously. You weren’t entirely sure if the meal would be any good but you tried to keep good faith in them. Even if the fish looked slightly burnt.  

When dinner was finally ready, Mina and Sero proudly presented their creation— a spread of freshly cooked fish, roasted vegetables, and a simple herb sauce that brought everything together. It wasn’t fancy, but it was hearty, delicious, and exactly what everyone needed after a day of lighthearted exertion.

Sero set the last dish down with a flourish, grinning. “There you have it! A Mina and Sero special. Enjoy, because we’re not doing this again anytime soon.”

The group dug in, laughter and compliments flowing freely. Even Bakugou, who could be notoriously critical, nodded his approval between bites. “Not bad. You both might just make decent cooks.”

The fire crackled softly as the meal wound down. Stacks of empty plates pushed to the corner, hanging onto the promise of being washed later. The group settled into a familiar, comfortable rhythm of conversation, teasing, and the occasional story. The responsibilities of their journey felt a little lighter, and the spirits of the group had been lifted. Everyone seemed more at ease, their spirits lifted by the much-needed break. This rest day had been exactly what the group needed. It gave them time to reconnect and recharge. They’d spent the day competing, laughing, and finding joy in small moments that had been rare during their travels. For tonight, there was no urgency pressing down on them.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in deep shades of indigo and violet, you glanced upward at the darkening expanse. The first few stars began to twinkle, fragile pinpricks of light against the growing night. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the cool, crisp scent of evening.

You paused, letting the soft murmur of conversation around the campfire wash over you. Then, almost on instinct, your voice squeezed through the easy chatter. “What do you guys think about some stargazing?” you suggested, making heads spin your way. “The area by the lake would be perfect, and it’s a clear night tonight.”

The group fell silent for a moment, each of them considering your offer. You felt a memory surfacing from the depths of your mind— nights spent with your father, learning how to read the stars, their ancient patterns a guide through the endless sky. It was a skill he had passed down to you, one that had always brought a sense of peace and wonder, no matter how dark the night. Your heart thrummed lowly in anticipation, waiting for their opinions on the nighttime activity.

Kirishima was the first to speak up, the sound of his voice pulling you to look at him. “That sounds like a great idea,” he said with a grin, his eyes already reflecting the soft light of the stars. “We could do with more relaxation.”

Mina nodded eagerly, her earlier excitement mellowed by the tranquil night. “I’m in. I love stargazing— it’s so peaceful. And who knows, maybe we’ll see a shooting star!”

Sero stretched, his earlier banter fading into a more contemplative mood. “I could get behind that. It’s been a while since I’ve just looked up at the sky without worrying about what’s coming next.”

Even Bakugou, who had been quietly finishing his meal, gave a noncommittal grunt, which you took as agreement. “If you’re going to drag us out there, you better have something interesting to show us,” he muttered, though you could hear how softened his usual grumble. Maybe staring at stars sounded stupid but he was curious about it anyways. 

Denki bounced to his feet, seemingly enthusiastic by your suggestion. “Stargazing? Count me in! I’ve always wanted to learn how to read the stars. You know how to do that, right?”

You smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through you at their collective interest. “Yeah, I do. My father taught me when I was young. The stars have their own stories— maps of the sky that can guide us, if you know how to read them.”

With the decision made, the group gathered their blankets and a few extra rations, then followed you down to the lakeside. The walk was quiet for most part, usually interrupted by the occasional hoot of an owl, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. The moon had risen, casting a silvery glow across the landscape, making the path easy to follow.

When you reached the lake, the scene was almost magical. The water mirrored the sky above, the stars twinkling both above and below, creating the illusion of standing between two worlds. You spread out the blankets, settling down with your friends around you. The firelight from the camp was a distant glow, leaving the lake bathed in the soft, natural light of the stars.

As you all lay back, eyes fixed on the sky, you began to point out the constellations you knew so well—the familiar patterns that had guided travellers for centuries. “That’s Orion,” you said, tracing the outline of the hunter with your finger. “Just above Orien’s belt, there is the Pleiades cluster. They say if you can see all seven sisters, you’ll have good luck.”

Denki squinted, his head resting on his hands. He was trying to count them but it seemed he lost track of them each time. “Looks like a bunch of dots to me, but I’ll take the luck.”

Mina giggled, nudging him with her elbow. “It’s about the stories, Denki. I love how each star has its own tale.”

The group listened intently to your story telling, their earlier playfulness replaced by quiet wonder. A brief glance at Bakugou showed you how placid he could be. He seemed to have relaxed, his gaze fixed on the stars as you shared their stories— the legends of the constellations, how sailors had used them to navigate the seas, and how each star had its place in the grand tapestry of the night sky.

You pointed out a few more constellations you recognized, your voice soft but confident as you traced the patterns with your finger. “And over there, you can see the Big Dipper. It’s part of Ursa Major, the Great Bear.”

Mina sighed contentedly, her voice soft. “It’s beautiful. I never realised how much there was to learn just by looking up.”

Kirishima nodded in agreement, his usually bright eyes reflecting the starlight. “It’s like… a reminder that there’s so much more out there, beyond all our worries.”

Sero chuckled quietly, adding, “And to think, we were all just arguing over fish a few hours ago.”

As the night deepened, the conversation slowly tapered off, voices growing softer, more reflective. One by one, the group fell into a comfortable, easy silence, content to simply be in each other’s presence. For a little while, under the endless expanse of stars, there was a shared peace that words could not capture. Eventually, fatigue settled in, and one by one, your friends began to drift back to their bedrolls. You stayed behind, your gaze lingering on the stars, savouring the solitude. The constellations above seemed brighter, their ancient stories whispering secrets you could almost hear, and you allowed yourself to get lost in their silent guidance.

But your quiet contemplation was abruptly interrupted when a small pebble struck your shoulder, pulling you from your thoughts. You turned, scanning the area, but no one was in sight. Still, you didn’t need to see him to know who was responsible. With a knowing sigh, you shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Bossy,” you muttered under your breath, caught between amusement and exasperation. Even without seeing him, Bakugou’s presence was unmistakable— always pushing, even in the smallest of ways.

You knew he’d tossed that pebble to make sure you’d get some sleep, his roundabout way of showing he wanted you well-rested for the journey ahead. With one last look at the stars, you sighed and relented, accepting his silent insistence to join the rest of the group. Standing, you brushed off your clothes, feeling the weariness of the day settle into your bones as you made your way back to camp.

As you lay down on your bedroll, the stars lingered in your mind’s eye, their quiet brilliance still vivid against the night. Despite his gruff exterior, Bakugou’s subtle care was oddly comforting, a reminder that even in his own prickly way, he was always watching out for everyone.

Wrapped in the peace of the evening, you felt a small, contented smile tug at your lips. The sky, the stars, and the unspoken bonds with your companions were enough to ease you into sleep. The night’s gentle calm wrapped around you like a warm, familiar blanket, carrying you into dreams where the sky stretched on forever, endless and reassuring.

As the sun began to filter through the treetops, casting golden rays over the camp, you found yourself lost in thought. The past two weeks in the Veil had been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs— not to mention the most recent events underground. But amongst all this chaos, you’ve managed to grow close to your newest comrades. Your morning meditation was interrupted by the sound of voices. Sero, Denki, Mina, and Kirishima were beginning to stir, their chatter and movements signalling the start of a new day.

“Morning, everyone,” you called out as you folded up your bedroll and began packing away your things.

“Morning!” Denki replied with his usual energetic enthusiasm. “I hope everyone slept well. I caught some more frogs last night, so breakfast should be interesting.”

Apparently, Denki woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t fall back asleep. So he figured he could catch some frogs for rations as some productive midnight activity. Not that anyone was really complaining, sustenance was key to surviving. 

Kirishima grinned as he rolled up his bedroll. Already being an upbeat presence in the early glow of morning light. “Ready to hit the road again? I can’t believe how quickly this journey is flying by.”

In comparison, Mina was still yawning. Groggy from waking up. She nodded in agreement, stretching her limbs as she rose from her bedroll. “It’s been a wild ride, but we’ve made it through. Hopefully, today will be a bit smoother.”

Similar to Mina, Sero looked slightly groggy. But otherwise in good spirits. Sero added onto the conversation as he brushed his bedhair back. “Yeah, let’s just hope the rest of the journey isn’t as rough as the caves. I think we could all use a break.” A yawn leaving his mouth as the morning settled into his body. 

You gave them a reassuring smile. “We’ll get through it. Just a little more to go, and we’ll be done with this part of the journey.”

Bakugou, overhearing the conversation, grunted in agreement but kept his focus on his packing. He glanced at you briefly, before turning back to his pack. Neatly folding his bedroll as he checked off his mental checklist. 

As the camp began to clear and preparations for the day’s journey were underway, you felt a quiet sense of contentment. The bond you had formed with everyone had become something truly special. What started as a favour had grown into something far more meaningful. You’d come to genuinely treasure the friendships you’d made here. It’s odd to think of what would have happened if you declined or if you missed Mina’s call. Where would you have been now?

With everything packed and ready, you joined the group in preparing for the final stretch of the journey. As you walked alongside Bakugou, where the bickering was once more starting. But even so, you didn’t mind. After all the arguing and jabs you both have exchanged, it’s part of the routine. As the team set off, the road ahead seemed a little less daunting. It was the last stretch of getting to the heart of the Veil. As the day wore on, the forest gradually began to change. The trees grew thicker, their trunks gnarled and twisted with age. The underbrush became denser, and the air felt charged with an ancient energy, as if you were approaching something sacred. The group’s banter faded into a more focused silence as the realisation that they were nearing the heart of the forest settled in.

Eventually, the group found a small clearing nestled among the trees, a perfect spot to set up camp. The ground was soft with moss, and a gentle stream bubbled nearby, providing fresh water. The light of the setting sun cast a warm, golden hue over the area, giving it an almost ethereal quality.

Bakugou took a deep breath, scanning the surroundings. “We’ll camp here for the night. Rest up, because tomorrow we’ll need to be ready for anything.”

The others nodded in agreement, and the group set to work unpacking their gear. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with a shade of burning orange. The air was  filled with the sounds of rustling fabric, clinking metal, and the crackling of a fire being lit. The final leg of their journey was close at hand, but for now, they could enjoy the peace of the forest as they prepared for whatever challenges awaited them at its heart.

As the last rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting an amber glow over the camp, you unrolled your map and checked your compass. The forest was growing darker by the minute, shadows lengthening as the night crept in. You traced the route with your finger, following the winding paths that led deeper into the woods, toward the very heart you had been seeking. Perhaps the cave had been good luck in disguise. Despite the trials you had faced within its cold, unforgiving depths, it had somehow brought you all closer to your destination. 

You turned to the group, who were now scattered around the camp, tending to their own tasks as the fire crackled warmly in the centre. "We’re closer than I thought," you announced, your voice cutting through the quiet hum of the forest. “If we push on tomorrow, we should reach the heart by midday.” nThere was a moment of silence as your words sank in. Then, a wave of excitement rippled through the group.

“That’s great news!” Kirishima said, his eyes lighting up. “We’ve been through a lot to get here. It’s good to know we’re almost there.”

Denki grinned, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. “Finally! I can’t wait to see what’s at the heart.”

Mina clapped her hands together, her usual enthusiasm undimmed by the journey’s hardships. “This is it, guys! We’re so close! We can’t mess it up now.”

Bakugou, who had been quietly stoking the fire, simply nodded. “We finish this tomorrow,” he said, his voice low and resolute. “No screw-ups.” His expression is still as serious as ever but there was a hint of relief on his face. He must be glad that they’re closer to finding the artefact. 

Dinner that night was a simple affair— rations and leftover frogs from the morning were shared among the group, seasoned more by the spices. You all ate quietly. Which wasn’t often for most meal times as it was usually filled with chatter. But the meal was filled with the kind of silence that was comfortable. A comfortable silence that spoke volumes about the closeness you all shared. It was the silence of a team that had endured and would continue to endure, together.

As you finished your portion, you set your plate aside and stretched, feeling the slight tension in your muscles ease as you did so. The night was fully upon you now, the sky above dark and dotted with stars. You glanced toward the edge of the camp, where the shadows of the forest seemed to dance just beyond the reach of the firelight. The cool night air carried with it the faint, familiar scent of wildflowers, and you felt a pull to explore.

“I’m going to go scout for the night flowers,” you said, standing up and brushing off your hands, your eyes already drawn to the deeper parts of the woods.

Before you could take a step, Bakugou’s voice stops you. “You’re not going alone,” he grunted, pushing himself to his feet and grabbing his gear.

You raised an eyebrow, surprised but not entirely shocked by his decision. “I’ll be fine. It’s just flowers.”

Bakugou shot you a look. “Don’t care. I’m coming.” He’s firm in his decision and isn’t going to change his mind. Even if you try to, you can’t convince him otherwise. Besides, he’s already up and walking towards you. 

He barely waited for a response before motioning for you to lead the way. Already moving at his ‘normal’ walking speed— the kind where he’s already steps ahead of you. Part of you wanted to argue, but the truth was that you didn’t mind the company. Plus, having him accompany you was an extra layer of reassurance and protection. The two of you moved away from the fire and toward the forest, the sounds of camp fading behind you. The night felt deeper here, the starlight filtering through the trees in patches, illuminating your path just enough to see. 

The night air was cool as you and Bakugou ventured into the depths of the enchanted forest. The path ahead was barely visible, but the subtle glow of the moon filtered through the leaves, casting silver patterns on the ground. As you moved deeper into the forest, the surroundings began to change. The air felt charged with an energy that hummed beneath your skin, a sure sign that you were nearing the heart of the forest. The leaves on ancient trees shimmered faintly in the moonlight, as if each one was dipped in stardust. The underbrush was a vibrant green, dotted with strange, glowing mushrooms that pulsed softly in the dark. You straightened up. If there were glowing mushrooms here, those nightflowers are closeby. The further you walked, the more alive the forest became— almost as if it was breathing, reacting to your presence.

“This place,” you murmured, more to yourself than to Bakugou, “it feels different. Like the magic is thicker here.”

Bakugou nodded as he scanned the surroundings. “We’re close,” he replied with a quiet focus.

As you walked, a soft glow appeared in the distance, distinct from the moonlight filtering through the trees. A cluster of night flowers had bloomed in the middle of the path, their petals radiating an ethereal blue light. They were smaller than the ones you'd seen before, but no less beautiful.

You knelt beside the flowers, carefully plucking one and tucking it into your pouch. "These must be part of the heart’s magic," you mused aloud, more to yourself than to Bakugou.

He crouched beside you, watching as you pulled out your map and began scribbling notes. “What’re you doing?” he asked, his tone curious but guarded.

“Marking the route,” you replied, glancing up at him briefly. “So we can find our way back here tomorrow if we need to.”

Bakugou’s eyes flicked between your map and the glowing flowers. After a beat, he gave a small nod of approval. “Good thinking.”

The two of you worked in silence for a while, gathering a few more of the flowers. The quiet of the forest wrapped around you like a blanket, thick and comforting. These flowers were a good indication that you were getting closer to the heart of the Veil. You knew that the closer one got, the more the Veil would react, pushing out illusions and tricks to confuse travellers, steering them away from their goal. But you wouldn’t fall for them, not with your added notes mapping out the general path. You had prepared for this, marking every significant turn and landmark. With your careful planning, you felt confident you could navigate through whatever the Veil threw your way.

You handed Bakugou a few flowers to hold, half-expecting him to smack them away or grumble about it. To your surprise, he accepted them carefully, cradling the delicate blooms in his large hands. Without a word of complaint, he tucked them away securely, his rough exterior momentarily softened by the gentle task. The rhythmic sounds of your movements, paired with the soft glow of the night flowers, brought a sense of calm to the forest around you. The warm light from the flowers made the forest feel more alive, more vibrant, than you had ever noticed before.

“You sure these things are worth it?” Bakugou finally muttered, glancing down at the glowing flowers he was now holding, their soft light casting faint shadows over his hands.

“More than you know,” you replied softly, still taking in the tranquil beauty of the forest around you. "They sell well, and they're important for potion-making. These flowers have natural sedative properties, often used in sleeping potions or to calm the nerves. Besides, it’s good to have some on hand for reference— it lets us know we’re on the right path."

Bakugou gave a thoughtful grunt, still examining the delicate blooms. "Sleeping potions, huh?" he said, sounding mildly intrigued. "Guess they’re useful after all."

You nodded, continuing to pluck a few more of the glowing flowers. “Yeah, and with the Veil pushing back as we get closer to the heart, it helps to have something to guide us. These flowers only grow near the heart of the Viel, so the more we find, the closer we’re getting.”

Bakugou's eyes flicked back to the glowing flowers in his hands, the soft blue light reflecting on his face. “So, these things grow near the heart, huh? And you think the Veil's trying to push us off the trail?”

With a soft huff, you inspect the flowers closely. “That’s how the Veil works. It reacts when you get too close to something it wants to protect. The illusions, the sense of getting lost— it’s all part of the magic. But these flowers? They have a unique shape to them. As long as we can follow them, we’re headed in the right direction.” You explain Niniel’s Viel’s defences to him. 

He grunted in acknowledgment, then glanced around, as if expecting the forest to shift or change at any moment. “The closer we get, the worse it’s gonna get, huh?”

You gave a small smile, appreciating the way Bakugou was taking this seriously. “Exactly. It’ll try to confuse us, make us doubt the path. But we’ve got a few things working in our favour. These flowers are one of them, and the notes I’ve been taking will help us retrace our steps if we need to.”

Bakugou scoffed lightly but without his usual edge. “Good thing you’re the guide. I’d blow up the damn forest and hope for the best.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, the sound soft in the quiet night. “Somehow, I don’t think the Veil would appreciate that strategy.”

You resume the flower picking in silence. The forest felt almost serene in this moment— no threats, no looming dangers, just the steady hum of nature around you. You’d come to expect tension and obstacles, but this peaceful reprieve was unexpected, even calming. It was peaceful, in a way that felt almost sacred—two people, once strangers, now working together with a shared purpose. After a while, you decided you’d collected enough, carefully keeping the last few florets into your pocket.

"Didn't expect this kind of peace out here," Bakugou muttered, breaking the silence.

You smiled softly, brushing some dirt from your hands as you rose to your feet. “There’s more to these places than danger and darkness. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it.”

He stood up next to you, his gaze lingering on the flowers glowing softly in the dark. “Guess so,” he murmured quietly. 

As you made your way back to camp, the path felt noticeably shorter. The way back was easier to navigate compared to finding those nightflowers. Now that the task of gathering flowers was behind you, your steps were more assured, knowing where you were headed now. The familiar sounds of the campfire and the faint murmur of voices in the distance reached your ears as you approached. It seems that the others were still awake, probably winding down from the day. With the flowers safely tucked away in your pack and the path memorised for future reference, the journey felt lighter.

“Thanks, by the way,” you said as the campfire came into view, the orange glow welcoming you back. 

Bakugou perked up at your sudden gratitude, looking at you sideways. “For what?”

“For sticking with me tonight. And… for trusting me.”

He shrugged. “You’re not so bad.” 

You smiled at that, a warmth spreading through your chest that had nothing to do with the fire as you reentered the camp. Tomorrow, you'll reach the heart of the forest. But tonight, you’d rest easy, knowing you weren’t facing it alone. As you and Bakugou returned, you both found spots by the fire and settled down. The others were still awake, scattered around in various states of rest and conversation. 

Mina looked up first, her face brightening as she saw the two of you approach. “Hey, you’re back!” she called, drawing the attention of the others.

“Yeah, and we’ve got some good news,” you said, pulling out your map and kneeling beside the fire to spread it out. “We found some night flowers that mark the path to the heart of the forest. We’re close— really close. If we push forward tomorrow, we should reach it.”

The group leaned in, eyes widening as they took in the map and your words. Kirishima’s face lit up with excitement, clearly piqued by the prospect of nearing the heart. “That’s awesome! We’re finally getting there.”

Denki grinned, the tiredness in his eyes momentarily replaced by a spark of energy. “Man, it’s about time! I was starting to think this place would go on forever.”

Sero let out a low whistle. “So tomorrow’s the big day, huh? I’m ready for it.”

Mina clapped her hands together, her pink hair glowing in the firelight. “I can't wait to finally reach the end!”

Bakugou remained silent, sitting just behind you on the log as he watched the others react to the news. His gaze flicked over the map before he looked up, a satisfied smirk coming across his lips. “Finally,” he mumbled.

You could feel everyone’s excitement mingled with a sense of relief. Tomorrow would be the culmination of all their efforts, the moment they had been working toward since they entered the forest. But as the excitement settled, the exhaustion from the day’s journey began to take its toll. The group’s earlier energy slowly faded as the reality of needing rest set in.

“We should all get some sleep,” you suggested, rolling up the map and tucking it away. “We’ll need our strength for tomorrow.”

Kirishima nodded, already stretching out his arms with a wide yawn. “Yeah, you’re right. We need to be at our best tomorrow.”

Mina let out a small sigh, rubbing at her eyes. “I’m so ready for bed. Man, I'm exhausted.”

Denki and Sero exchanged glances before Denki chimed in, “Agreed. Let’s hit the sack.”

One by one, they started to settle into their bedrolls, the camp growing quieter as everyone prepared for sleep. The excitement of the upcoming day lingered in the air, but it was tempered by the heavy blanket of exhaustion that had fallen over the group.

Bakugou, after ensuring everything was in order, finally moved to his own spot, glancing back at you with a brief nod of acknowledgement before lying down.

You found your own spot by the fire, pulling your bedroll around you as the warmth of the flames flickered against your skin. The night was peaceful, the sounds of the enchanted forest now a gentle lullaby as the group drifted off one by one.

Tomorrow, you would reach the heart. But for now, sleep was mandatory, a moment of rest before the final push toward your goal. As you closed your eyes, the image of the glowing night flowers lingered in your mind, a reminder of the journey that had brought you all together and the trials that still lay ahead.

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a/n: this one is extra long but gosh only two chapters before part one ends aaaa @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[writingrock]

chappie 8 will be slightly late today but its okay guys :D

[writingrock]

a few more chapters left until part two ,,, arghhh

part one: the tale of two lovers

notes: strangers to lovers, fantasy universe, bakusquad, slow burn, fluff, slight angst, draconic language and culture, other tags to be added ... status: ongoing - this will be updated weekly, every Tuesday.

part list

pairing: barbarian!Katsuki Bakugou x fem!reader

chapter list

chapter 1

↬ excerpt:

The bard shrugs, resting his elbows on the table with an air of quiet conviction. "Stories are what keep us alive. They remind us of where we’ve been, what we’ve survived, and inspire others to forge their own paths. Besides," he adds with a grin, "I have a feeling your story is one worth hearing."

chapter 2

↬ excerpt:

Denki and Sero exchanged glances, both grinning now as they walked behind you. “I think they’re gonna get along just fine,” Sero whispered.

“Or kill each other trying,” Denki added with a laugh.

chapter 3

↬ excerpt:

There were a couple of things Bakugou noticed about you. It was natural that he was slightly curious about the latest addition to the party. After all, he needed to know if you’d be a threat to them, whether you were loyal, or if you’d bolt if the second things got too rough. Being suspicious of people was second nature to him—he didn’t know anything about you, and you weren’t exactly an open book either.

chapter 4

↬ excerpt:

“She’s not what I expected. That’s all. She’s got guts, I’ll give her that. But the Veil—” He trails off, his thoughts drifting to the dense, dangerous forest. “The Veil isn’t a place for anyone who isn’t serious. She’s not just a mapmaker. She’s… stubborn. Determined. Like she’s got something to prove.”

“Well then,” the bard asks, his voice softer now. “Did she prove it?”

chapter 5

↬ excerpt:

As more time passed, more facets of your character and abilities were unveiled, particularly within the complexities of the woods where your skills were most apparent. The group grew increasingly curious by your depth of knowledge and confidence with which you navigated both the physical and mystical aspects of the forest.

chapter 6

↬ excerpt:

“Karshoj, I thought you were an expert on these shitty woods!” Bakugou cursed, his voice smouldering with frustration as he kicked a nearby rock, sending it skittering across the ground. His fiery eyes locked onto you, anger practically radiating from him.

chapter 7

↬ excerpt:

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice slipping back into its usual hardness as he took the lead once more. And Bakugou’s quest was barely halfway done. There were still more artefacts to find, more trials ahead. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. And right now, the biggest obstacle to overcome was getting his group together and getting out of the caves.

chapter 8 [upcoming]

↬ excerpt:

A day of rest was long overdue for the team. Especially after getting lost in those cave systems for god knows how long. Navigating through those tunnels had drained the group’s energy and dampened their spirits. Leaving them in desperate need of a break. It was clear to the group that they needed time to recover.

chapter 9 [upcoming]

chapter 10 [upcoming]

comment if you want to be in the taglist for this series

taglist: @/chocogoldie @/devils-adversary @/l0kisbitch @/miikii0 @/onlyisaa @/sleepisfortheweakpooh @/helena-way07 @/enzstr

[writingrock]

so much to write, so little time to do so :(

[writingrock]

I fear... I only have two days to write chapter eight.....

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [7]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou, violence, mentions of caves, mentions of spiders and goblins, descriptions of violence, mentions of cooked frog

word count: 8k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: I literally just finished writing this soooo ,,, not proofread :P

The cave’s darkness was stifling, pierced only by the faint glow of the floating light orbs you had conjured. Their soft light cast wavering shadows on the weathered rock walls as you and Bakugou moved forward. Your footsteps were barely audible against the oppressive silence of the cavern, the sound swallowed up by the vast emptiness around you. It had only been two hours since the both of you had risen from your uneasy rest, the air between you still heavy with the lingering cold.

Neither of you had exchanged much in the way of conversation since you both awakened. The only real interaction was when Bakugou had flicked your forehead to jolt you awake, grumbling something about how you’d been “grossly leaning on his shoulder” while you slept. You’d opened your eyes groggily, half annoyed and half embarrassed, but said nothing, pushing yourself upright and preparing to move.

Now, as the two of you pressed deeper into the cave, the silence continued to stretch between you. There was no need for words at the moment for the both of you knew to concentrate your efforts in finding your friends. The soft scrape of your boots against the uneven stone floor was oddly calming as you made your way through the tunnels, the subtle sound offering a welcome distraction in the eerie silence. 

After what felt like hours of trudging through the labyrinth, the passage opened up into a small chamber, barely large enough to accommodate the two of you. The walls were etched with faded, ancient markings, some faintly familiar as forgotten languages. Symbols that hinted at the cave’s age and the lost civilizations that had once claimed it as sacred ground. Scattered relics lay broken and abandoned, remnants of a history that had long since turned to dust. The air was warmer here, a welcome change from the chill of the tunnels.

“What do you make of this place?” Bakugou’s voice piped up as he inspected the enclosed space. Squinting at the strewn about relics and eroded markings. He was curious, of course. He’d never been to a place like Niniel’s Veil, and now they were deep in the underground network of this cursed thicket. Besides, it gave him something else to look at after hours of staring at nothing but rocks and cobble.

You knelt, brushing your fingers over one of the carved symbols, feeling the worn grooves under your touch. “It’s ancient. They appear to be from a civilization that disappeared centuries ago. This cave might have been something sacred to them.”

Bakugou grunted, his focus more on your reaction than the history around the both of you. “So it’s just another empty room?”

“Maybe,” you said, standing and dusting off your hands. “But it’s more than that. It’s a reminder that we’re not the first to be here. They were here long before us, and now… all that’s left are echoes.”

Bakugou leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he studied you. “Do you always get this sentimental over old rocks?”

A chuckle escapes your lips as you push yourself up from your knees. “Not sentimental— just thoughtful. It’s easy to forget that we’re a small part of something bigger. What we do might be remembered, or it might not. But it matters to us now.”

For a moment, Bakugou was silent, his gaze shifting from the faded symbols to you. “You ever think about whether people will remember us? All the crap we’re going through?”

His question caught you off guard. In general, you weren’t even close to understanding how often Bakugou silently reflected on himself. Sure, you knew he was sharp and always thinking, but you hadn’t realised the full extent of it— the constant stream of thoughts and reflections he went through daily. What you saw was just the surface. Beneath it was a mind always analysing, evaluating, and recalculating, far more than he let on. Whether it was recent events or his own skillset. He was always analysing himself and others under a microscope. His mind never truly rested. Constantly pushing himself and others to be better, sharper, more prepared. He has a library of deep thoughts that he sifted through daily, though no one else could see it. It was a private, internal dialogue for only himself. 

It wasn’t like him to be openly reflective, but perhaps your words had stirred something in him, forcing him to consider things he usually brushed aside. “Maybe,” you said, your voice quiet. “But even if they don’t, it’s enough that we know what we did.”

Bakugou shifted off the wall and walked over to you. “You’re a strange one, you know that?” There was no malice in his tone, it wasn’t meant to be an insult. It seemed you had surprised him more than he’d ever admit out loud. 

You meet his gaze with the smallest smile. “Probably the closest thing to a compliment from you.”

He chuckled, focusing on you for just a brief moment. “Take it or leave it,” he said with a shrug. There was a pause as he considered his next words, sorting his thoughts out before he spoke again.

“You’ve got layers,” he added, his voice gruff, as if irritated by his own thoughts. “And that’s weird. I don’t have time to figure you out, but... I’m going to.” You’re not just part of the background. 

His words hit harder than you expected, and for a moment, you paused, letting them sink in. There was weight in what he said, it was enough to make your heart beat just a little deeper, like a subtle warning that he was starting to see beyond the surface. You did have layers, more than you let on. A deeper part of you that you’d carefully kept hidden from most people. It was easier that way, safer. And yet, a part of you wanted him to try. There was something about the challenge of him figuring you out. Even if the truth might endanger you. 

Those nights you spent talking about home, sharing fragments of your past, barely scratched the surface of who you both truly were. There was so much left unsaid, layers of history, pain, and vulnerability that remained hidden beneath carefully constructed defences. It was as if you were both dancing around the parts of yourselves that mattered most.

“I could say the same about you.” You sighed softly, maintaining eye contact with him. “Maybe we’re not so different. You just haven’t figured me out yet.” He, too, had his own mysteries, his own layers buried beneath that rough exterior. You found yourself wanting to dig into them, to see what lay beneath his grumbles and glares. 

Bakugou’s gaze didn’t falter at your words. He didn’t say anything at first, just studied you with that sharp, calculating look he always had when sizing up an opponent or a situation. Except this wasn’t either. It was different. He let out a low grunt, his arms still crossed but the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “You think you can figure me out?” he asked, his tone questioning your grit. “Good luck with that.”

“Save the luck for yourself, I just need time.” You dryly chuckle, letting it echo in the dark chamber. 

There was a pause between you, thick with the silent secrets hanging in the air. You both had hidden depths that neither of you had fully explored. But the prospect of peeling those layers back and finding out what lay underneath, excited you more than you wanted to admit. It was dangerous, the kind of thing that could get messy, but maybe that’s what made it so enticing. 

“You really think you can handle what’s underneath?” his voice toned down significantly, gauging your reaction with a furrow in his brow. A notion of a dare in his words. 

You couldn’t help but laugh, the tension of the moment breaking slightly. “Oh my god, who knew you were the edgy, brooding type?” you teased, a smirk tugging at your lips.

Bakugou’s anger flared up at that moment, a vein popping out on his forehead. It was always jokes with you “Tch. Keep laughing,” he barked as he crossed his arms over his chest, snapping his head away from you. “Not everyone’s as simple as you think.”

You leaned in slightly, trying to look at him after you teased him and ruined the moment. “I know that. I just didn’t expect you to be so… dramatic about it.”

It wasn't long before he barked back. “Shut up. I ain't some dramatic, moody loser.” Sure, sure he wasn't. You can't help but laugh at him again, to which Bakugou responds with a sharp glare.

At some point, your laughter dies down and you take your time to think on his words. Looking at Bakugou with a softened expression as you truly considered his words. The challenge still hung over you both with a hint of humour. There was more to him, you knew that, but maybe uncovering it would take time— time you were more than willing to give. Was what he hid inside that bad for him to ask that question? You weren't sure but you were going to find out.

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” you finally say. Seriously this time.

For a moment, you both just stood there, the air between you charged with the crackle of static, the palpable energy breathing life into that abandoned, ancient room. It wasn’t just about the journey anymore or the mission. It was about you and him, two people with walls built so high that the idea of breaking them down felt both terrifying and thrilling.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Bakugou finally muttered as he turned away slightly, the weight of his words lingering in the space between you.

You let out a small laugh, more to break the tension than anything. “Same goes for you, Bakugou.”

He glanced back at you. The mystery of figuring each other out— was it just going to be a game? No, it was real, and you were both in it now. “I guess we’ll see who figures out who first,” he spoke in an undertone, sounding serious yet there was a flash of warmer, something deeper.

“Guess we will,” you echoed softly.

The light orbs highlighted the sharpness of his features and the intensity in his eyes. Despite the rough edges, there was definitely something else there, something you couldn’t quite place. But you would be intent on discovering the man behind those hardened crimson eyes. 

The tavern is a far cry from the caves. The warm, golden light from the hearth is one that the group wished they had when they were navigating those cavernous tunnels. Bakugou sits at the edge of the light, half-hidden in the flickering glow, his posture relaxed but his eyes distant, lost somewhere far from the safety of the room. 

The bard’s fingers idly pluck the strings of his lute— a soft, absent tune that fills the lulls between words. Leaning forwards with widened eyes, not with fear but with the kind of fascination only a storyteller could have, he is eager to pull every detail into his next song.

“Oh, how treacherous!” he breathes, gasping softly whilst his legs swing with excitement. “To face such dangers and live to tell the tale— it’s no wonder you’ve got the scars to prove it. But tell me, how did you escape those dire straits? Surely, there must have been a twist, a desperate gamble?”

Bakugou stares into the depths of his mug. The memories linger, flashes of battle, of chaos, and the relentless push to survive. His fingers tighten slightly around the mug, the only outward sign of the turmoil beneath his calm exterior. “It was hard,” he says finally, his voice rough, almost distant. The simplicity of his words carries a weight that silence cannot. He doesn’t elaborate, doesn’t offer more than what is needed. There’s a quiet strength in his restraint, the kind that doesn’t need to explain itself.

You were tired of being stuck in this godforsaken cave. The faint, eerie glow of phosphorescent fungi barely pierced the darkness around you both. The cold stone pressed in from all sides, the silence almost deafening. Every second felt like an eternity as you moved forward, hoping to find your companions. A knot of worry began to form in the pit of your stomach, but soon you realised there was no time for that. You no longer had the luxury to worry.

The silence shattered. A sudden clamour echoed through the cavern as goblins burst from the shadows, their guttural cries filling the air. The sound of metal scraping stone and their footsteps growing louder sent adrenaline surging through you. Without hesitation, you and Bakugou shifted into position, instinctively falling back to back.

“On your right!” you called out, slashing at a goblin that lunged toward you with a snarl.

Bakugou reacted instantly, spinning around and slicing through the goblin with a swift, deadly swing of his scimitar. The creature let out a final shriek before crumpling to the ground. “I’ve got this side. You take the left!” he barked, his fist sparking up a ball of flame. 

With a nod, you shifted your focus to the left, where a trio of goblins was attempting to flank you. You dodged under a wild swing of a crude club, driving your dagger into the side of one goblin before spinning and kicking another squarely in the chest, sending it crashing into the jagged rocks. Behind you, the metallic clang of Bakugou’s scimitar echoed as he made short work of the remaining attackers. His blasts filled the air with heat and light, the force of each explosion sending goblins flying.

A goblin tried to sneak up on Bakugou, creeping through the shadows with a dagger raised, but you spotted it just in time. “Behind you!” you shouted.

Bakugou whirled around, eyes blazing with fierce intensity as he swung his scimitar in a powerful arc, sending the goblin flying into the cave wall, where it slumped lifelessly to the ground. “These bastards just don’t quit,” he growled, slightly winded but still standing.

You wiped a smear of blood from your cheek, catching your breath as you scanned the dimly lit chamber. “Tell me about it.”

As if on cue, the last goblin fell, and an unsettling silence settled over the cave. You exchanged a tense look with Bakugou. There was no need for words; you both knew you had to press on. The cave grew darker as you ventured deeper, so much so you had to conjure up the light orbs again. You were trying to conserve your magic but it couldn’t be helped. Every step echoed softly through the twisting tunnels. After what felt like hours, faint voices echoed ahead, their familiarity felt like a lifeline. Those voices… could it be? There was no time to freeze or discuss, you and Bakugou quickened your pace. Rounding a final corner, you were met with the sight of Denki and Mina, bruised and exhausted but alive. Relief flooded through you as you stepped forward, ready to bring your scattered team back together.

“Denki! Mina!” you called out, relief flooding your voice.

Mina looked up, her face lighting despite the tiredness. Her genuine smile shining through. “Took you long enough!”

Denki, leaning against the wall to catch his breath, managed a weak grin. “You guys wouldn’t believe the crap we’ve been through.”

Bakugou scanned the area for threats before giving a curt nod. Huffing at his mates and masking his concern for them. “Save it for later. We need to get the hell out of here.” But he couldn’t hide it fully. All of you saw a trace of relief in his voice, a small sign that despite everything, he was glad to see them alive. The four of you regrouped, the exhaustion of the battle weighing heavily on your shoulders, but the simple fact that you were together again strengthened you to push forward.

Now, all that was left was to find Sero and Kirishima, but it wasn’t going to be easy. After all, it had taken you and Bakugou countless hours just to track down Mina and Denki. The cave felt endless, a sprawling labyrinth of shadowed tunnels and jagged rock formations that seemed to twist and turn in every direction. Each step only added to your growing frustration, as if the darkness itself were mocking your efforts.

You, Bakugou, Denki, and Mina moved cautiously through the cavern, your steps slow and deliberate. The only sounds were the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional drip of water echoing through the cavern, a constant reminder of how far you were from the world above. It was a haunting reminder of how easy it would be to lose yourselves down here. Every new tunnel looked the same, each shadow concealing untold dangers, and the simple existence of the unknown pressed heavily on your mind. No map, no compass. Just you and lady luck. Still, you pressed forward, knowing that somewhere in this underground network, Sero and Kirishima were waiting to be found.

The light orbs flickered, casting shifting shadows on the cave walls. You eyed them carefully, silently willing your magic to hold steady. The last thing you needed was for the light to fail you in this dark cavern. Now and then, the orb lights would catch on something unsettling— skeletal remains of a long-forgotten traveller, a grim warning of the cave’s dangers. A grim reminder of the cave’s dangers. But you refused to let that be your fate. It wouldn’t be the group’s fate either. You wouldn’t allow it. With each step, your resolve hardened. No matter how lost you all were, you knew you could get them out of here.

“How long have we been down here?” Denki muttered, his voice hushed as if speaking too loudly might stir something unseen. “Feels like days.”

Mina, walking beside him, kept her eyes focused straight ahead. Trying her best to mask her fatigue. “Too long. We’ve got to find the others and get out of this place.”

Bakugou said nothing, he stared intently on the path ahead. His eyes scanned every shadow, every crevice, diligently for signs of danger or a potential exit. You could sense the tension radiating off him— the way his shoulders were set, the iron grip he kept on his weapon. He was on high alert, and it was clear that every nerve in his body was wired for a fight. But it was impossible to miss how exhausted he really was. The slight sag in his body, the drag in his step. It all betrayed the weariness he was trying to hide.

The cave had taken its toll on all of you, sapping your strength and gnawing at your resolve. The bleak air, the identical rocks that made it feel like you were running in circles, the darkness you struggled to fend off with your dwindling magic, and the constant uncertainty were wearing everyone thin. Even after a brief rest, the weight of the journey bore heavily on your shoulders, each step forward a battle against exhaustion and doubt.

Yet, amidst the peril and gloom, there were fleeting moments of warmth—small gestures, shared glances, and quiet reassurances that broke through the darkness. It was these brief moments that kept you moving, fueling the determination to keep going, no matter how endless the cave seemed. 

The group paused at a small cavern where a natural spring trickled down the rock face, creating a soothing, melodic sound that contrasted sharply with the eerie silence that had followed you for hours. Bakugou stood at the edge of the pool, his reflection rippling in the water as he bent down to refill his canteen. You approached, your footsteps light on the uneven ground, and knelt beside him to do the same.

“Think the gods are tossing us a small blessing?” you quipped, a wry smile tugging at your lips. It was a bitter irony, considering you were all still trapped in these twisted, unforgiving caves. How long have you had fresh water like this?

Bakugou snorted, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. “Better than nothing,” he muttered, his tone dry but carrying a morsel of gratitude. Even in a place as bleak as this, the brief respite felt like a small victory.

Mina and Denki also bent down to refill their canteens, drinking quietly as they went in for seconds. You and Bakugou sat there for a moment, the quiet splash of water the only sound between you. The cave’s cold, oppressive atmosphere seemed to lift just a little, offering a rare moment of calm amid the chaos. As you finished filling your canteen, you found yourself lingering, your gaze drifting toward Bakugou. For once, the tension between you had faded, replaced by an alien quietude.

“You know,” you began, your voice softer than usual, hesitant but sincere, “for someone who’s barking all the time, you’ve got a decent side.”

Bakugou looked up, one eyebrow arching at your words. He paused halfway, the canteen hovering just before his lips. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

You shrugged, a faint smile on your lips as you raised the canteen to take a sip.  “Just that… I’ve seen how you are with the others. How you’ve been looking out for everyone. It’s not something I initially expected from you.” The cool water hit your parched throat, and relief washed over you. Finally water. It soothed the dryness, quenching a thirst you hadn’t noticed was that bad until now.

“Tch. Who else is going to take care of you idiots? You guys are hopeless without me.” His words are snappy but there isn't a bite to them. Bakugou's gaze drifted back to the water, the faint glow reflecting in his eyes. After a pause, his voice softened, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to you. “But… thanks, I guess.”

You nodded, the silence settling comfortably between you, unpressured and strangely comforting. You’d both been through hell in this journey, and in those moments of survival, something had changed— a strange bond that neither of you wanted had formed somewhat. It was half-baked at best but it was still developing. You had known for a while now that Bakugou was softer than he let on, but you never voiced it. You never gave him a compliment or offered any kind of audible acknowledgment that he wasn’t as bad as he seemed. It was something you kept to yourself. But you figured it was time to take that step: to actually say it out loud. To acknowledge him, even if it felt awkward.

After a few more minutes of quiet, Bakugou broke the silence, his voice gruff but sincere. “You’re not half-bad yourself,” he admitted, still staring at the rippling water as if embarrassed by his own words.

You chuckled softly, caught off guard by his attempt at returning the compliment. Looks like he also had his thoughts on you. “Woah, that's high praise coming from you.”

He rolled his eyes, but a faint smirk slithers onto his face. Hiding it as he takes a gulp of his water. “Shut up or I’ll take it back.”

“Oh no,” you replied with mock drama, dragging the ‘no’ out a few seconds too long. “Taking it back? How horrible.” You feigned shock, placing a hand over your heart to which earns an eye roll from Bakugou. He manages to find a stray rock to throw at you but you dodge it which only makes him grumble. His reaction only made your grin widen as you capped your canteen and stood up. You extended a hand toward him, and after a moment's hesitation, he took it, allowing you to pull him to his feet. As soon as he was standing though, he quickly swatted your hand away, as if regretting the brief show of trust. Classic Bakugou. You couldn’t help but chuckle as the two of you turned to rejoin the others.

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice slipping back into its usual hardness as he took the lead once more. And Bakugou’s quest was barely halfway done. There were still more artefacts to find, more trials ahead. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. And right now, the biggest obstacle to overcome was getting his group together and getting out of the caves. 

The four of you tread carefully through the cave, each step echoes off the damp stone walls, the sound unnervingly loud in the suffocating silence. The stench itself felt like a warning, a natural deterrent, urging you to turn back. But even if you wanted to, there wasn’t an option to do so. Kirishima and Sero could be in the very area where the foul smell was emanating. So despite your intuition warning you of the potential danger ahead, you keep your legs moving through the winding tunnels.

Rounding a corner, you stumble upon a chilling sight. Kirishima and Sero, cocooned in thick, white spider silk, hang suspended from the ceiling like grotesque, motionless marionettes. Their faces are slightly obscured beneath layers of webbing, their bodies disturbingly still. Even through the tangled threads, you knew it was them. 

“Shit,” Bakugou mutters, his fists clenching as he glares at the eerie spectacle.

“We need to get them down,” you say, already stepping forward, but Bakugou grabs your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.

“Wait,” his warning comes heavy with caution. Bakugou’s eyes quietly scan the shadows above, and you follow his gaze. Your heart skips a beat as you spot them. The glint of countless eyes reflecting the dim light. Cavern spiders— massive, grotesque creatures— are perched above, watching, waiting. Their fangs were pulled back, hissing at the group, poised to strike.

“It just had to be spiders,” Denki breathes, unsheathing his rapier, the blade trembling slightly in his grip. Goosebumps rippled across his arms. His quivering yellow ochre eyes darted from one spider to the next, anxiously counting their numbers as his breathing grew shallow.

Mina flexes her fingers, acid magic crackling at her fingertips. “Looks like an ambush.” The translucent acid pooled into a hovering ball above her fingertips as she concentrated, her eyes skirting through the horde of spiders to lock onto a target.

Before anyone can react, the spiders descend, skittering down the walls with unsettling speed. Their hairy legs moving in a frenzied blur, their beady eyes filled with hunger. How long has it been since they got fresh meat? They swarm from every direction, fangs glistening with venom as they charge.

Bakugou moves first, his scimitar cutting through the first wave of spiders with brutal efficiency. “Don’t let them get close!” he barks, his voice ringing with command as he slashes through the horde. His other hand summoned a fireball, and with a swift motion, he hurled it toward the approaching row of spiders, the flames crackling through the air as they closed in on him.

You draw your dagger and hack away at the thick webbing, slicing a path toward Kirishima and Sero while fending off the advancing spiders. One lunges at you but just before it reaches you, a sizzling splash of acid hits its body. Mina’s acid spell melts the creature into a twitching heap, its dying screech filling the cavern.

Denki fights alongside you, his rapier flashing in the dim light, cutting down arachnids with deadly precision. “Keep them off me!” he shouts, swinging his blade in a wide arc, severing several spiders at once as they try to overwhelm him. Bakugou stands at the front, holding the line with relentless force. His explosions light up the cave, launching fiery blasts at the swarming creatures, while Mina’s acid spells keep the creatures at bay, their sizzling hisses filling the air. The spiders shriek and screech, but their numbers seem endless as they press forward in a relentless assault.

Finally, you and Denki reach your restrained comrades. Kirishima is bound tightly in webbing, his normally powerful form limp and lifeless, hanging from the ceiling. Swiftly, you slice through the silk, and his body drops heavily to the ground. You check him quickly— unconscious, but breathing. Relief washes over you, but there's no time to rest. No time to waste.

“Sero, hold on,” you whisper, turning to your other friend. He’s also bound tightly in webs. You manage to cut the silk over his face and you get a view of how pale and clammy he is. As you free him further, you get a peek at a nasty wound on his leg seeping blood. You work frantically to cut him free, your hands moving with urgency. He falls into your arms as you slice through the last of the silk, his body weak and heavy against you.

“He’s hurt,” Denki says, his voice tight with worry as he fends off another spider, keeping the creatures from closing in on you. His rapier moves in swift, desperate strikes, but you can hear the strain in his breathing.

You don’t hesitate. Drawing on the last reserves of your mana, you press your hands to Sero’s wound, channelling healing magic into him. Warmth spreads under your palms, and the light of your spell begins to knit the torn flesh back together. Sero stirs, a weak groan escaping his lips as some colour returns to his cheeks. Silently thankful you had enough magic in you to heal his wounds. His breathing steadies, though his face remains pale. You glance up, catching Bakugou’s eye as he hurls another explosive blast at the advancing spiders. He’s holding them off, but for how much longer, you can’t tell. 

As the healing spell takes hold, Sero’s eyes flutter open, just barely. His voice is weak, but he’s alive. “Thanks,” he croaks, managing a pained smile.

“You’re okay,” you murmur, more for your own reassurance than his.

With Sero stabilised, you and Denki quickly move to help him to his feet. His weight is heavy against you, but with the two of you supporting him, he manages to stay upright. Meanwhile, Bakugou and Mina are persistent with their attacks, dispatching the last of the spiders with brutal efficiency. Acid and fire scorch the cavern, and the remaining creatures screech as they retreat, fleeing into the shadows. The cave falls into an uneasy silence, the sound of retreating legs and dying hisses fading into the distance. Though the spiders had been driven back, the threat of them returning was still large. 

Bakugou wipes sweat from his brow and turns toward the group, his eyes scanning the dark corners of the cave. “We need to move,” he says, his voice low and urgent. “No telling how many more of those things are lurking around.”

Kirishima, now on his feet but clearly shaken, gives a slow nod. Bakugou automatically moves to his side, helping him keep steady as they prepare to leave. “Let’s get the hell out of here,” Kirishima mutters, his voice weary, still recovering from being bound in the suffocating spider silk. Who knows how long they’d been trapped there? If you all hadn’t found them, they would have been dinner for those spiders.

Now reunited, the six of you press on, relieved to have found each other alive. There had always been a gnawing fear that one of you might not make it, but the reality was far kinder than your anxieties. The fact that you were all together, ready to face the next challenge: getting out. The air grew colder, more suffocating, but it no longer bothered you as much. With everyone by your side, it was easier to ignore the elements.

The cave walls seemed to close in on all sides, the air cool and damp as you and Bakugou navigated the twisting tunnels. The flickering light orb in his hand that you taught him to cast, radiated light against the stone. You had exhausted your magic, so the task of supporting Kirishima had been passed to Mina, allowing Bakugou to provide the much-needed light. You walked side by side, the distance between you shrinking with each step. The only sounds were the soft scuff of your boots against the rocky floor and the faint murmur of conversation from behind. 

“Hey,” Bakugou’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. He sounds oddly softer in the confined space. “You holding up?”

Your head turns to peak at him, surprised by the unexpected concern in his tone. You couldn’t quite remember if you managed to keep a straight face or if your shock slipped through, but it didn’t matter— Bakugou did not react to your expressions that time anyway. You knew he cared about his team and always made sure everyone was alright, but he rarely voiced it, especially with you. “I’m fine,” you replied, a faint smile tugging at your lips. “Didn’t know you cared, Bakugou.”

He shifted his sights ahead from your words, grumbling lowly. His general intensity toned down due to the fatigue. You don’t blame him really, everyone is exhausted. “Just don’t feel like dragging your sorry ass out of here.”

“You ought to worry about yourself, you look like you’d be the first one to drop,” you teased, a playful glint in your eyes. It seemed you found a bit of energy to jest. It was hard to resist teasing Bakugou, even when every nerve in your body screamed for rest. There was something about pushing his buttons that made the weariness easier to bear.

Bakugou glanced at you sideways, his eyes narrowing slightly before he let out a begrudging huff. Even at a time like this, you could make jokes? “You think you’re real funny, huh?”

“On occasion,” you said, your smile widening as you continued forward. You can practically hear him rolling his eyes at you as the two of you walk through the caverns.

It felt like another few hours passed before any real progress was made in your journey, the endless stretch of dark, narrow tunnels becoming a blur. Every step seemed to blend into the next, and the crushing atmosphere of the cave weighed heavily on everyone's mental. Just when frustration threatened to bubble over, Bakugou’s sharp gaze caught something. A small glimmer of hope that might help the group finally find the exit.

“Look,” he said abruptly, nodding toward a small opening in the rock wall. “There’s a ledge up there. Might give us a better view of where we are.”

Without waiting for your response, Bakugou strode over and eyed the wall. He grabbed onto the rocky outcrop and pulled himself up with the ease and strength you expected to see from him. You watched for a second, then followed. Though your climb was less graceful, your foot slipped and sent a spray of loose pebbles clattering down the rocks below.

Before you could react or brace for impact, Bakugou’s hand shot out, gripping your arm firmly. “Watch it,” he muttered as he anchored you with his steady hold. “Be more careful, dumbass.” His touch was strong, grounding, as he carefully pulled you up to the ledge beside him. For a brief second, you could feel his heartbeat through the contact. The solid and reassuring drumming of beats on his wrist as he adjusted you onto the ledge.

“Thanks,” you murmured as you steadied yourself, making sure your footing was secure on the ledge. You took a deep breath, your heart still racing from the near slip, and gave Bakugou an appreciative look. That was close.

“Don’t mention it.” He released your arm but gave you a quick, assessing look, making sure you were really okay. Once satisfied, he turned his attention back to the task at hand. “Come on, let’s see what we’re dealing with.”

Crouching on the ledge, you both peered at the stretch of the cavern stretching out below. The vast expanse of the underground world seemed to pulse with an eerie life of its own, shadows shifting and swirling in the dim light. From this vantage point, the labyrinth of tunnels and chambers unfurled beneath you like a forgotten world carved into the earth. Twisting passages snaked off in every direction, each one looking as though it could lead to either salvation or a dead end. The weight of the unknown pressed down on you, but for the first time in hours, there was also a glimmer of hope.

“Impressive,” you said quietly, absorbing the sight. Your eyes tracing the paths below. "Looks like we’ve got options," 

“Yeah, but no telling which one's gonna get us out of here. We’ll just have to choose and keep moving." Bakugou grunted in agreement, his eyes scanning the network of passages as though he was calculating which would be the best path to take. 

But when he glanced back at you, his expression softened. “You… uh...” He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, his eyes darting away before settling back on you. “Fuck…” he muttered under his breath, as if forcing the words out. “You did good back there, with Sero and Kirishima,” he finally said, the roughness of his voice still present but laced with sincerity. “Could’ve been a little faster, but... you did good.”

You blinked as you processed his words. Was he… complimenting you? It seemed like the compliment you’d given him earlier had sparked an attempt to return the favour. It wasn’t often that Bakugou handed out praise, and you could tell he wasn’t used to it. Still, it felt like both of you were trying to ease up on each other, making an effort to bridge the gap. But you couldn’t resist teasing him for it. Letting it slide wasn’t your style.

“That’s the third compliment you’ve given me,” you said, raising an eyebrow with a playful grin. “Are the caves making you lose it?”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Really? Figures I’d regret being nice to a moron like you.” His tone was sarcastic, but it was lighter than usual. “Just… you’re not bad for a mapmaker.”

“Thanks.” you murmured softly, “And you’re not bad for a barbarian,” you shot back, smirking as the familiar banter eased the weight on your shoulders. 

The two of you lingered on the ledge a moment longer, the silence now lighter after the small back and forth between the two of you. Atop the ledge, overlooking the vast cavern, something had shifted, a small but significant change in how you saw each other.

“I think we’re finally figuring out how to work together,” you said, the realisation settling in as you spoke.

“Maybe,” Bakugou replied, his tone thoughtful, almost contemplative. “Doesn’t mean I’m gonna go easy on you.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” you grinned, knowing that Bakugou would still be the same old him even if he liked you. Perhaps a little softer but still all the same. But for the first time, there was a certainty that whatever came next, you knew you could rely on him. 

The two of you inspected the area from above for any promising paths. You sketched potential routes in your notebook, you and Bakugou quietly discussed which options seemed the most viable. The sound of the quill scratching against the paper fills the gaps in the conversation. There was little to no argument due to the high stakes of the situation. The group needed to get out, and there was no time for the usual bickering or careless mistakes. After some careful deliberation, you identified several potential routes that could lead to an exit. Each option came with its risks, but you wouldn’t stop until you found the way out.

“Come on,” Bakugou said after a moment, standing and extending his hand. “Let’s head back before the others think we’ve gotten ourselves killed.”

You took his hand, giving a nod of agreement. His grip was firm as he helped you up, and together, you climbed down from the ledge. This time being extra careful when getting down. Making sure your foot stepped onto the bigger chunks of rock. The path ahead felt a little less daunting now with the makeshift map sketched in your notebook, offering a glimmer of hope for the escape. The air still hung heavy with the weight of the unknown, but at least now, you had a plan.

As you both returned to the group, their anxious expressions softened slightly upon seeing you. “We’ve got a few paths,” you said, holding up the notebook as you shared your findings with them. Bakugou nodded in agreement, and for a brief moment, the usual tension between you all eased as you explained the routes. There was a sense of renewed determination as you all began to follow the new path, the glow of the light orbs casting a hopeful glow against the cave walls. 

Every breath felt harder, every sound echoed unnervingly off the stone walls, and the constant feeling of being watched gnawed at the edges of your nerves. The only thing that kept you all moving was the sliver of hope from the newly chosen path. The air grew cooler as you descended deeper into the twisting tunnels, the damp scent of the cave clinging to your skin. But then, just as the weight of fatigue seemed unbearable, you noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. You paused, inhaling deeply. The air—it was different. Cooler, yes, but fresher too, like it carried something beyond the endless stone.

“Wait,” you murmured, lifting a hand to still the group. Everyone stopped, their breathing quieting as they tuned in.

Kirishima furrowed his brow, sniffing the air. “You smell that?”

You nodded, your pulse quickening. There it was—a faint scent of damp earth, almost like fresh rain on soil. And... pine? The scent of trees, distant but unmistakable, filtered through the air.

The rest of the group perked up, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as hope surged through the ranks. Mina took a deep breath and smiled faintly. “That’s the smell of the surface.”

Excitement rippled through the group, an unspoken understanding passing between all of you. If the air was changing, if you could smell the world above, then you were getting closer. “There’s an exit nearby,” you said, hope threading into your voice.

With renewed energy, you pressed forward, following the path with a sharper focus. The narrow tunnels slowly widened, the jagged rock formations giving way to smoother, more natural stone. The air continued to shift, growing cooler and fresher the further you went, and the oppressive feeling that had weighed on you for hours began to lift.

The sound of trickling water reached your ears, and you soon came upon a small underground stream, its clear waters reflecting the faint light from your orbs. It was another sign— water that likely flowed from the surface. The tunnel sloped upward now, a slow but promising incline, and the scent of pine grew stronger with every step.

You exchanged glances with Bakugou, the unspoken hope mirrored in his intense gaze. “We’re close,” he muttered, his voice rough but full of determination.

The group quickened their pace, moving toward the promise of freedom. And then you saw it, a faint sliver of light piercing through the darkness ahead. The cave walls widened, the rough stone gradually giving way to a natural opening, and the soft rustle of leaves reached your ears, a distant yet welcoming sound. The light grew brighter with each step, guiding you forward until, at last, you emerged into the open air. The cave had spat you out at the edge of a dense forest, towering trees stretching overhead, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze.

You all stood still for a moment, drinking in the sight of the forest and the cool, fresh air, the collective relief palpable as the tension from the cave slowly ebbed away. The sky was beginning to lighten, dawn creeping over the horizon, painting the landscape in soft shades of pink and orange.

“Finally,” Kirishima breathed, running a hand through his hair. “Thought we’d never make it out.”

Sero, still leaning on Denki for support, managed a weary grin. “I never doubted us… well, almost never.”

Bakugou exhaled, scanning the surroundings for any immediate danger. Satisfied for the moment, he turned back to the group, his voice softened by a hint of relief. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re out of that damn cave. Let’s keep moving.” 

The group nodded, spirits lifted by the sight of the open sky. Though the journey was far from over, the world felt a little brighter, and the weight of the cave was now just another challenge left behind. And with that, you all began to make your way out of the cave.

 As much as the rest of you wanted to push on, the cave had drained every ounce of energy from your bodies. Your mana supply was dangerously low, and Sero’s injury, though healed, had taken a toll on him. Everyone was exhausted, the weight of being lost in the labyrinth pressing down on your spirits. So there was a discussion made on recovery. Eventually, it was agreed that the team needed at least a full day of rest. The rest was necessary, even if it meant delaying your journey. Bakugou wasn’t happy about it— his scowl deepened with each passing minute— but he begrudgingly accepted that rest was needed.

It was already the evening so it only felt appropriate to set camp up. The group settled into a familiar rhythm, the forest around you offering a temporary sanctuary from the harrowing journey through the caves. Denki had managed to catch a few frogs in a nearby stream, and though they weren’t the most appetising option, they were food. The fire crackled softly as Bakugou expertly roasted the frogs over the flames, discreetly examining the group to ensure everyone was holding up.

You sat apart from the others, leaning against a sturdy tree, the rough bark pressing into your back as you tried to gather your thoughts. The remnants of the cave still clung to you— the bleak darkness, the fear of being separated, and the close call with the spiders. The forest’s night sounds barely registered in your mind, overshadowed by the fatigue that gnawed at your bones. Despite the relative safety of the forest, the exhaustion and tension of the journey refused to leave your body. Even in the fresh air, it was hard to shake the feeling of being trapped.

“Oi.”

The sudden sound of Bakugou’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You looked up to see him standing over you, a roasted frog speared on a stick in his hand. The firelight cast flickering shadows across his face, softening the sharp lines of his usual scowl.

“You gonna sit there all night, or you gonna eat?” He asked, holding the speared frog closer to you. The musky scent wafted up from the roasted frog, and you hesitated for a moment. You’d never eaten frogs before.

You raised an eyebrow, inspecting the roasted frog meat before returning your attention to Bakugou. “I’m surprised you didn’t eat them all yourself.” You managed a tease as you slowly felt hunger creep up on you. 

“Tch. Just take it,” he huffed, thrusting the stick toward you.

You accepted the offering, the heat of the roasted frog warming your cold fingers. For a moment, your hands brushed against his, the brief contact sending a surprising jolt of warmth through you. He lingered for a second longer than necessary, his gaze flickering to your face as if searching for something, but then he turned away, stomping back to the fire with a grumble.

“Hope it doesn’t taste like leather,” you called after him, taking a tentative bite.

He shot a look over his shoulder, watching you take a bite as he grunts. “Better than starving.”

The frog wasn’t exactly a gourmet meal, but it was surprisingly tender, the meat slightly smoky from the fire. You found yourself appreciating the effort, though you’d never admit it out loud. Bakugou returned to his place by the fire, his back to you as he resumed tending to the rest of the frogs. The night pressed on, the fire burning low as the group settled into a more comfortable silence. The exhaustion from the cave still lingered, but now that you were all together and resting, there was a sense of comfort. The weariness remained, but the shared peace made it easier to bear. 

The forest was alive with the familiar sounds of night-loving creatures, the cool breeze rustling through the leaves, carrying with it the scent of earth and smoke. You leaned your head back against the tree, closing your eyes as the warmth of the fire and the food lulled you into a state of near-relaxation. Bakugou’s gruff kindness lingered in your thoughts, the gesture from earlier and the subtle moments back in the cave. It all confirmed what you’d begun to suspect: there was more to him than you initially believed. Your first impression hadn’t captured the full picture. He wasn’t just a hotheaded loudmouth with zero patience (though that still rang true); beneath all that intensity was someone far more complex. That there was someone gentler beneath all that, someone who, despite everything, still made sure everyone was being taken care of.

There was definitely more to him than you had initially thought.

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a/n: i hope this was alright,, I had such a busy week beforehand. @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[writingrock]

mmmm i'm still writing chapter 7 ,,, send help

part one: the tale of two lovers

notes: strangers to lovers, fantasy universe, bakusquad, slow burn, fluff, slight angst, draconic language and culture, other tags to be added ... status: ongoing - this will be updated weekly, every Tuesday.

part list

pairing: barbarian!Katsuki Bakugou x fem!reader

chapter list

chapter 1

↬ excerpt:

The bard shrugs, resting his elbows on the table with an air of quiet conviction. "Stories are what keep us alive. They remind us of where we’ve been, what we’ve survived, and inspire others to forge their own paths. Besides," he adds with a grin, "I have a feeling your story is one worth hearing."

chapter 2

↬ excerpt:

Denki and Sero exchanged glances, both grinning now as they walked behind you. “I think they’re gonna get along just fine,” Sero whispered.

“Or kill each other trying,” Denki added with a laugh.

chapter 3

↬ excerpt:

There were a couple of things Bakugou noticed about you. It was natural that he was slightly curious about the latest addition to the party. After all, he needed to know if you’d be a threat to them, whether you were loyal, or if you’d bolt if the second things got too rough. Being suspicious of people was second nature to him—he didn’t know anything about you, and you weren’t exactly an open book either.

chapter 4

↬ excerpt:

“She’s not what I expected. That’s all. She’s got guts, I’ll give her that. But the Veil—” He trails off, his thoughts drifting to the dense, dangerous forest. “The Veil isn’t a place for anyone who isn’t serious. She’s not just a mapmaker. She’s… stubborn. Determined. Like she’s got something to prove.”

“Well then,” the bard asks, his voice softer now. “Did she prove it?”

chapter 5

↬ excerpt:

As more time passed, more facets of your character and abilities were unveiled, particularly within the complexities of the woods where your skills were most apparent. The group grew increasingly curious by your depth of knowledge and confidence with which you navigated both the physical and mystical aspects of the forest.

chapter 6

↬ excerpt:

“Karshoj, I thought you were an expert on these shitty woods!” Bakugou cursed, his voice smouldering with frustration as he kicked a nearby rock, sending it skittering across the ground. His fiery eyes locked onto you, anger practically radiating from him.

chapter 7 [upcoming]

↬ excerpt:

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice slipping back into its usual hardness as he took the lead once more. And Bakugou’s quest was barely halfway done. There were still more artefacts to find, more trials ahead. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. And right now, the biggest obstacle to overcome was getting his group together and getting out of the caves.

chapter 8 [upcoming]

chapter 9 [upcoming]

chapter 10 [upcoming]

comment if you want to be in the taglist for this series

taglist: @/chocogoldie @/devils-adversary @/l0kisbitch @/miikii0 @/onlyisaa @/sleepisfortheweakpooh @/helena-way07 @/enzstr

[writingrock]

I hope yall know that chapter 7 will be written in one day because uni had been killing me 🥰

[writingrock]

→ Giving Husband!Katsuki a treat while on call with your friends!

warnings: 18+, fem!reader, oral (fem receiving), mentions of pregnancy.

Husband!Katsuki who's lounging on your shared bed on his only day off, clad in dark sweatpants that hang loosely on his hips while watching a cooking show on the TV.

Husband!Katsuki whose ears immediately perk up the moment he hears his sweet wife's giggle coming from the kitchen, being drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Before he knows it, he's leaning against the wooden doorframe, taking in your figure for the millionth time. And each time, without fail, he sighs deeply through his nose, overwhelmed with love for you and the family you were slowly, but surely, creating.

Husband!Katsuki who can't help but feel a little tingle run up his spine when you tell your girlfriends over the phone just how good of a husband he is, in that hushed tone he knows you use only when you really want to fangirl over him. He then watches you move around the kitchen, clearly cooking something, phone left on speaker atop the counter.

Husband!Katsuki who gets an amazing idea the moment you bend over to retrieve something from the lower cabinets, licking his lips and tilting his head to the side to get a better view.

Husband!Katsuki who's pressing against you from behind in seconds, resting his palms on your hips and chin on your shoulder. The little gasp you let out is music to his ears, but not more than your giggle when he begins littering kisses from your jaw to your neck. And when you guide his hands to your ass, hooking his fingers into the waistband of the skimpy shorts you're wearing, he melts and drops to his knees.

Your friends have no idea that you're getting eaten out by your man as if you're his last meal, the only indication being occasional, shivering breaths that they don't quite catch over the speaker. Conversation is flowing, laughter is echoing, and the food is cooking on the stove steadily while your grip tightens on the kitchen counter with Husband!Katsuki licking between your folds, saliva mixed with your slick dripping down his chin.

Husband!Katsuki is normally quite gentle with you, despite what others may believe. Something about this situation, though, the thrill of being caught, ignites a fire in his gut that fastens his movements to hear more whimpers from his gorgeous wife. When your hand flies down to tangle in his locks, he knows he's doing something right, flattening his tongue against your slit to flash a smirk up at your reddened face. The cheeky bastard knows exactly what he's doing.

Husband!Katsuki who meanly shoves his tongue inside you, watching your reaction as you struggle to muffle your moans. It's getting harder to talk about acrylic nails with your girlfriends when yours are scratching against Katsuki's scalp and the others are digging into your cheek. His eyes roll into the back of his head, letting out a groan at the addicting feeling of your walls clenching down on him, not being able to get enough of you even after years of marriage. It's not his fault he's pussy-whipped; you just taste so good.

Husband!Katsuki has half the mind to end the call once you start shaking, feeling your release nearing. The whimpers escaping your lips turn into mewls and soon enough, your thighs clamp down around his head as your hips stutter, rubbing yourself against his face to ride out your orgasm. But he doesn't stop — no, he's far from done with you.

Husband!Katsuki who only relents after making you come four times on his tongue, rising up to his full height and wiping his mouth with a glazed look in his eyes. You're no different, already spent from just a bit of head, half-lidded eyes staring back up at him with the both of you panting. He cages you in against the counter once you catch your breath and drops his voice to a deliciously low whisper, eyeing your lips. The gentle brush of his knuckles against your cheeks is the complete opposite of his bold words, sending butterflies tumbling in your stomach and heat pooling in your core.

“Let me put a baby in you, sweets.”

© chocogoldie 2024.

a/n: quick thing i wrote!! hope it's okay 🫠 as always, not edited nor proofread.

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [6]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou, violence, mentions of caves

word count: 8.4k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: i've been sooo busy this week but i'm so glad i had the weekend to write this chapter out!

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Bakugou’s voice sliced through the low buzz of the forest.  He eyed you from the side as you tread lightly through the thicket.

You didn’t even look up from the map in your hands, the corners of your mouth curling into a derisive smirk. “Not at all, I’m just leading us into the middle of nowhere for fun,” you shot back, your tone dripping with sarcasm. “If you want to take over, be my guest. But I’d bet on the cartographer over the barbarian any day”

Bakugou grunted, his eyes sharpened in your direction but he said nothing more. You had a point, and as much as he hated to admit it, he knew better than to challenge your expertise on navigating these treacherous woods. He learnt from the past few weeks that you were better at navigating the Veil than he would ever be. The rest of the group followed you, trusting your sense of direction after being together for weeks.

The group presses on, the forest around you growing denser with each step. The air is thick with the scent of earth and leaves, and the sounds of distant, unseen creatures create a constant, eerie background noise. The trees loomed overhead, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance in the periphery of your vision. You keep an eye on the subtle changes in the environment, looking for signs that you’re nearing the heart of the forest. It’s been quite the journey. All the way from that pub in Leford to the midst of Niniel’s Veil. A part of you can’t believe that you all have reached this point.

Hours passed as you pressed on, the terrain becoming increasingly difficult to traverse. Twisted roots threatened to trip the unwary, and thick underbrush snagged at your clothes and gear. But you led the way as you always did. Occasionally pausing to consult your map or listen to the faint whispers of the forest around you. The group was thankful to have you by their side, more than you’d ever know. 

Eventually, the light began to fade, and the group’s energy waned with it. Looks like it was time to set up camp. You searched around for a good campsite. Walking through the area with your eyes peeled for potential resting areas. Finally, you find a small clearing where the trees part enough to let in some moonlight. a good spot to make camp. When you finally suggested making camp for the night, there were no objections. The group quickly set up, grateful for a chance to rest. A small fire was lit that warmed the surroundings of your makeshift camp.

The conversation around the fire was subdued but relaxed, the group was talking lightheartedly about poor decisions they’ve made before. Kirishima laughed as he recounted the time Sero almost got his foot stuck in a bog, while Kaminari chimed in with a tale about a prank he’d tried to pull, only for it to backfire spectacularly. Even Bakugou, usually so stoic, chuckled at some of the memories, though he mostly stayed silent, watching the flames with the impassive expression he usually wore.

“It’s been a hell of a trip so far,” Kirishima says, stretching his arms above his head. A low grunt slipping past his lips as he loosens a muscle.“But I think we’re getting closer.”

“Yeah,” Mina agrees, yawning softly as she gazes at the fire. “Feels like we’ve been at this forever, but there’s definitely something different about this place. You can feel it in the air.”

“I’m eager to go home.” Sero says, stretching out and grinning. Rolling his shoulders as he feels his shoulders opening up. “But we’re making good progress, right?”

“Progress?” Kaminari quips, laying back on his pack. “I’m just glad we haven’t run into any more thorn wolves. Those things were a pain.”

Bakugou grunts in agreement, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the firelight. You can tell he’s still on edge, wary of potential dangers that could jump out in the darkness. Even in camp, he refuses to let his guard down. “We’re close,” you say, breaking your silence. “In a few days, we should reach the heart of the forest. That’s where we’ll find the artefact.”

At the mention of the artefact, the mood harboured an undercurrent of tension as everyone knew the real challenge was within grasp. The heart of the forest is elusive, and with it, the artefact they sought. 

One by one, the group members retired for the night, the fire slowly dying down as they crawled into their bedrolls. Before long, the camp was quiet, the only sounds the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The camp settles into the kind of stillness that only a deep forest can offer, the fire’s glow the only break in the darkness.

But sleep wouldn’t come to you. Time passing only seemed to amplify your restlessness. It’s not the first time, and you doubt it will be the last. There’s something about this forest that keeps your mind… busy. With a quiet sigh, you slipped out of your sleeping bag. You grab the habitual items and slip into your boots. Careful not to disturb the others, you moved away from the camp, the soft glow of the dwindling fire fading behind you as you wandered deeper into the forest. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of damp earth and moss. The shadows seemed less menacing now, more like old friends keeping you company as you wandered. 

Niniel’s Veil reminds you of your father. Wherever he is.

You purse your lips at the thought, memories creeping up the edges of your mind. How long has it been since you last saw him? Ten years? Maybe more. The forest feels eerily familiar, stirring a sense of nostalgia that you can’t quite shake. The years have slipped by, but the memory of his voice, his presence, still lingers like a ghost. You lightly pinch yourself, trying to push the thoughts away as you walk through the woods. The familiar rustle of leaves underfoot and the soft whisper of the wind are usually comforting, but tonight, they only serve to amplify the gnawing sense of solitude.

You move through the woods, your footsteps light on the forest floor, but a sudden prickling at the back of your neck pulls you out of your reverie. There’s someone behind you. You can feel it, that unmistakable sense of being watched. The hairs on your arms stand on end as you subtly slide your hand to your dagger, fingers curling around the hilt. In one swift motion, you turn on your heel, the blade ready in your hand. You turn swiftly to confront your midnight stalker.

Your blade stops just short of pressing against a familiar throat. Deja Vu much? 

Bakugou stands there with that same unreadable face he wore at supper. His arms crossed over his chest like he’s just casually taking a stroll in the middle of the night. As if he wasn’t following you in the darkness of the forest. Or even that he had every right to follow you. For someone who claims not to care, he certainly has a way of showing up whenever you least expect it.

“Glad to see you’ve upgraded.” He comments referring to the blade. You cringe slightly remembering the last time with the quill.

“Still stalking me?” you ask, your voice a low, teasing drawl as you press the dagger lightly against his neck. The cool blade against the warm skin of his neck. Your pen was once positioned there. 

He raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a sly smirk. His stony expression melted away, unveiling the amusement lurking underneath. He was enjoying this more than he should. “You always pull a blade on your friends, or am I just special?”

You snort, but don’t lower the dagger just yet. “Friends, huh? Last I checked, you were just tolerating me.”

“Maybe you’re just that hard to ignore,” he shoots back with a twitch in his eyebrow. 

“Careful, you almost sounded sincere for a second,” you retort, finally lowering the dagger but keeping it in hand. “So, what’s the excuse this time? Woke you up again?”

Bakugou gives you a flat look, his snarky smirk dropping. His crimson eyes bored into you as he studied you for a moment. A short moment passes and he nonchalantly replies to your question. “You were wandering off. Thought I’d make sure you weren’t getting yourself lost.”

You can’t help but audibly laugh at that. The edge of your lips tugging upwards as you teased him. “How considerate of you. I thought you trusted me to lead the way.”

“I trust you not to get us all killed,” he fires back, the corner of his mouth twitching as if he’s fighting off a smirk of his own. “But I know this forest messes with people’s heads. Even yours.”

“Worried about me, Bakugou?” you poked at him, stepping a bit closer. 

His expression darkens, the usual intensity that seems to follow him everywhere. “I’m not worried. Just making sure you don’t do anything stupid.”

He falls into step beside you, the silence between you charged with the same tension that always seems to hang in the air when the two of you are alone. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s become familiar— a dynamic you’ve both fallen into without really meaning to. It seems you both are going on a midnight stroll together. Not that it surprises you anymore, it seems the only time you both take time to understand each other is in the dead of the night. So when these nightly talks happen, you embrace them. 

As you both walk, the forest gradually thins out, and the remnants of an ancient structure come into view— a ruined pagoda, half-collapsed and covered in creeping vines. Probably one of the few remaining ruins of that once powerful elvish kingdom. The sight of it makes you pause, the weight of the years heavy in the air around it. It’s a relic of a time long gone, much like the memories you’ve been trying to avoid.

Without a word, you make your way to the base of the pagoda and sit down on a stone that was once part of a grand foundation. Bakugou follows suit, dropping onto a nearby piece of rubble with a sigh, the tension of the day settling into his muscles.

The night is quiet around you, the sounds of the forest muted, as if even the creatures that dwell here know to respect the sanctity of this forgotten place. You glance at Bakugou, catching the way his eyes scan the surroundings, ever vigilant even in this moment of relative peace. For a moment, the two of you simply sit there in silence, the ruined pagoda a reminder of the past, of things lost and found. It’s a fragile peace, but it’s enough for now. Whatever lies ahead, you know this— neither of you is alone in facing it. 

“You mind telling me the significance of that artefact?” you ask. The importance behind the artefact often creeped from the corners of your mind. Wondering what could be so important for a draconic prince to venture out finding them.

Bakugou’s gaze sharpens as he fixes his stare on you, weighing whether to answer. He’s not one to give up information easily, especially about something this important. But instead of a direct answer, he counters you, “You mind telling me what’s keeping you up?” 

You raise an eyebrow, surprised by his quick deflection. It seemed you weren’t the only one with questions. Still, was it that surprising that he had questions about you? You were rather secretive. “Touché.”

Silence settles between you once more, but it’s not uncomfortable. It’s a quiet pause, like the forest itself is holding its breath. The ruined pagoda around you is peaceful in its decay, the stones weathered but steadfast, wrapped in a blanket of moss and climbing vines. The air hums with a soft, otherworldly energy, the kind that only comes from places touched by ancient magic. Fireflies dance lazily in the air, their glow reflecting off the gentle ripples of a nearby stream. Somewhere in the distance, a lone night bird calls out, its song weaving through the trees like a lullaby.

You find yourself almost at ease in this place, this forgotten sanctuary deep in Niniel’s Veil. But the weight of the past still tugs at you, pulling you back to a time long ago.

“I mapped this forest with my father,” you begin, the words coming out quieter than you intended. You hadn’t planned on sharing this, but something about the weight of the ruined pagoda and Bakugou’s unexpected question that loosened the knot in your chest. “We spent years exploring every corner of it, documenting its secrets, its dangers. He taught me all that I knew and showed me the beauty of the Veil.”

Bakugou doesn’t interrupt, his attention focused entirely on you. To have him listen without any snark had strangely become second nature when the two of you were alone. A calmer side both of you wore when delicate conversations arose. 

“He’s been gone for ten years now,” you continue, your voice steady despite the ache in your heart. “Took on an expedition to map out areas on another continent. A big one, from what little I know. But... I haven’t heard from him since. Not a single word. And being here, I can’t help but think of him. Wonder where he is, what he’s doing. If he’s even still alive.”

Bakugou’s expression softens slightly, though he tries to hide it. He shifts, leaning back against the cool stone of the pagoda, the hard lines of his face catching the flickering light of the fireflies. “Must’ve been a hell of a trip if he’s been gone that long.”

“Yeah,” you murmur, your eyes distant as you stare into the darkness beyond the pagoda. “It’s meant to be the opportunity of a lifetime. But a part of me... part of me wonders if it was worth it. If he’s still out there, somewhere, lost in the maps he was always so obsessed with.”

Bakugou grunts softly, a sound that could be agreement or just acknowledgment. He doesn’t offer empty reassurances, doesn’t try to comfort you with false hope. Instead, he just sits there, his presence a solid, grounding force in the uncertainty that’s been gnawing at you for years.

After a moment, Bakugou’s voice cuts through the night, softer than usual. “You know, this artefact we’re after… it’s not just any old trinket. It’s part of something much bigger.” His eyes aimed down at the ground, focusing on the ground as he spoke. Perhaps finding it easier to speak with something dull and mundane to look at. 

“It’s tied to my bloodline,” he continues. The timbre of his voice carries the weight of years of effort and loss. “A draconic artefact that’s been lost for centuries. It was once a symbol of immense power, something my ancestors wielded. The artefact has been broken into six pieces, and together, they unlock the planetarium— a place of ancient knowledge. It belonged to former kings, used for consulting on arcana and astral matters.”

He pauses, the dancing light of the fireflies casting a gentle glow on his face, revealing a glimpse of the resolve etched into his features. “During my grandfather’s reign, a traitorous enchanter within the kingdom shattered that legacy. Stole the artefact and scattered its pieces across the continent. My goal is simple: find all the pieces, reassemble them, and restore what was lost.”

You listen intently, feeling the gravity of his words. “And how many pieces have you found so far?”

Bakugou’s expression tightens slightly, but there’s a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “I’ve got two of the six. The first one was hidden deep within a volcano, guarded by a fire-breathing serpent. The second was buried beneath the icy ruins of an ancient temple, frozen in time. Each piece has been a challenge, a trial that tested my strength, resolve and wit. And each victory has only made me realise how much further I still have to go.”

He takes a deep breath, as if steeling himself for the road ahead. “The remaining four are still out there, scattered in lands both known and unknown. It’s a daunting task, but one I’m determined to see through. For my ancestors. For my legacy.”

You absorb his words, the enormity of his quest sinking in. It’s clear this isn’t just a mission for him; it’s a personal journey, bound by family, honour, and a deep-seated drive to restore what was taken. There was something raw in the way he spoke, a fierce determination that you hadn’t fully understood until now. Every step he took, every battle fought, was connected to this deeper purpose. You could see it in his eyes: the frustration, the unspoken weight he carried, the sense that failure wasn’t an option for him. 

“You’ve come a long way,” you say quietly, your own sense of purpose aligning with his. “And you’re closer to finding them than ever.”

Bakugou nods, a rare moment of vulnerability showing through his body language and softened expression. “Yeah, I guess so. But there’s still a long way to go. And it’s not getting any easier.”

“I refuse to take my throne without finding all the relics,” Bakugou declared, his voice firm and unwavering, each word burned with defiance. His eyes flared with a fierce sense of purpose, a fire that spoke of his relentless ambition and the heavy weight of his unfulfilled duty. There was no room for compromise in his stance; every muscle in his body was tense, coiled with the resolve of someone who would not bend until his quest was complete. 

The conversation settles into a comfortable silence, the fireflies swirling around you as the night deepens. The shared understanding of the stakes and the personal history behind the quest lingers in the air, binding your journeys together in a way you hadn’t expected. The ruined pagoda, surrounded by the peaceful hum of the enchanted forest, becomes a haven of sorts: a place where the weight of the past and the promise of the future can be briefly shared and understood. You pull out your sketchbook, the soft rustle of pages mixing with the ambient sounds of the forest. With a hum, you start sketching the scene around you— the crumbling beauty of the pagoda, the ethereal glow of the fireflies. Your quill moves fluidly across the paper, capturing the serene landscape.

After a while, your focus shifted to Bakugou. You began sketching him as he leaned casually against the ruined structure, his posture relaxed for once. His scimitar caught the moonlight, gleaming as he methodically sharpened the blade with an almost meditative concentration, the rhythmic scraping a quiet counterpoint to the forest’s night sounds. Bakugou always sharpened his weapons during these nightly encounters. Tending to them with such care and responsibility. 

Unbeknownst to you, Bakugou’s attention drifted from the shadowy woods to your sketching. He leaned in slightly, wondering what the cartographer next to him was up to. He catches sight of the drawing taking shape on your page.

“What are you doing?” he grunted, raising a brow at your sketch. Bakugou peered down at the page as your quill scratched against the page.

You glanced up, a low hum leaving your lips as you focused on the drawing. “Just capturing the scenery. And you.”

Bakugou’s expression quickly shifted to a sardonic grin. You could tell that he was going to start some banter. “Oh, yeah? Well, I think I look better in person.”

You chuckled, keeping your attention to the sketch. “This is pretty realistic, actually. Maybe you’re not as good-looking as you think.”

He gave a short, dry laugh as he mused at your answer. “Is that so? I’ve seen decent drawings before, but this one… not exactly doing me justice.”

You shrugged, your playful tone unwavering. “Maybe I’m just capturing your essence— you know, that rugged warrior vibe.”

He snorted, the smirk never leaving his face. “Essence, huh? Is that what you call it when you can’t draw a good likeness?”

You laughed, shaking your head as you added a few finishing touches. “I’d call it an improvement. But if you want a portrait that really captures your dashing good looks, you’ll have to sit still a bit longer.”

Bakugou huffed with a reluctant smile he tried to hide. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t expect me to pose like some pretty boy.”

Bakugou remains silent as he watches you work. The quiet between you, filled with the soft sounds of the night and the buzz of the fireflies. No comments or insults, he’s simply observing you drag the quill over the paper. You continue sketching, letting him watch as long as he wants. The fireflies continue their waltz, illuminating your work, and the serenity of the ruined pagoda envelops you both.

As you finish the sketch, you set the feathered pen down and look at Bakugou with a satisfied nod. “There. Not too shabby, huh?”

Bakugou leans in to examine the sketch, his eyes scanning the details. He grunts with the tiniest hint of approval in his voice. “Yeah, yeah. Not bad. For a cartographer who thinks they’re an artist.”

You let out an amused laugh, giving him a smile at his little jab. “Glad to know I’m meeting your high standards.”

Bakugou smirks, a rare, unguarded smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Just don’t expect me to start posing for you every night.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve had my fill of you.” You give him a short retort. 

With that, he stands, brushing off the dust from his pants and stretching out. “Let’s head back. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

You tuck your sketchbook away and follow Bakugou as he strides back toward the camp, the cool night air brushing against your skin. The forest is calm, with its usual noises providing a soothing backdrop as you navigate the underbrush. As you near the camp, the flickering firelight becomes visible through the trees, like a lighthouse bringing weary sailors home. The others are already settled in, their slow, steady breathing a quiet reminder of the day’s exhaustion. You find your spot near the fire and slip into your sleeping bag with a tired sigh, the warmth of the flames chasing away the lingering chill.

Bakugou settles down close by, his silhouette outlined by the dancing firelight. He gives you a brief nod, a silent acknowledgment, before lying back against the ground. His usual brusqueness seems softened, worn down by the day’s trials and the conversation that unfolded parts of vulnerability from both sides.

“Get some sleep,” he says, trying to maintain the roughness in his inflection. Though he attempts to sound firm, a quiet gentleness slips through.  “We’ve got work to do tomorrow.”

You nod, pulling your blanket up and closing your eyes. The gentle crackling of the fire and the rhythmic sounds of the forest lull you toward sleep. Bakugou’s presence, though not overtly comforting, adds a sense of security to the night. As you lie in your own spot, your mind is still buzzing from the unexpected connection with Bakugou. The night wraps around you as you settle into your bedroll, the fire’s warmth fading as you drift into a well-deserved rest. As you drift off, the echoes of your conversation and the warmth of the campfire provide a brief respite from the challenges that lie ahead.

The forest continues its quiet watch, the promise of tomorrow hanging in the air as you and Bakugou, along with the rest of the group, prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

Back at the tavern, the bard and Bakugou are still by that table near the hearth, the crackling fire adding to the comfortable ambiance. The tavern’s hum of conversation and clinking mugs creates a backdrop of casual revelry, somehow making it easier for the hardened dragonborn to tell his tale. The bard, with a sly grin, opens his mouth to interrupt Bakugou with a curious question.

“So,” the bard begins, his tone light, being cautious of the barbarian’s temperament. “Do you ever think back to that night at the ruined pagoda? You know, when you and the cartographer were having that... tête-à-tête?”

Bakugou’s eyelids lowered subtly, his gaze focused on the flames as if searching for an answer in their swirling glow. He takes a slow sip from his mug, the firelight reflecting off its surface. “Why do you ask? You got some kind of angle here, or are you just nosy?”

The bard chuckled, shaking his head and holding up his hands in mock surrender. “No angle. Just curious. It seemed like that night... you both opened up a little more. I don’t know, it felt different from how you told it.”

Bakugou huffed, setting his mug down with a solid thunk that reverberated through the tavern. The fire cracked in the silence that followed, as though filling the space his words had yet to occupy. He glances at the bard with a stern expression for a moment before he looks back at the fire. “I think it was that night I realised she’s... different from what I initially assumed.”

The bard leaned forward slightly, intrigued. “Different, how?”

Bakugou’s voice lowered, taking on a contemplative mood. “I mentioned this before but I thought she’d be just another talker, someone to tell us which way to go and stay out of the real work. She’s proven herself... despite how stubborn she is, she does keep up with us. Knows what she’s doing in these cursed woods better than most of us would’ve figured out. But when she talked, there seemed to be more going on behind her words. Like she was hiding something, or maybe just... not ready to show it yet.”

The bard nodded thoughtfully, letting the silence stretch for a moment before speaking again. “You thought she was hiding something about the journey? Or something about herself?”

Bakugou frowned slightly, nose scrunched as he thought back to the past. Sitting back in that pagoda with you. Remembering back to his thoughts regarding you at the point in the journey. “I don’t know. At that point in time, probably both. She had this way of acting like she’s got it all together, like she’s already figured everything out. But when you’re around her long enough, you can see that there’s something else she’s not letting on.”

He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “She’s smart. Smarter than she lets on. But there was a distance. Like she was holding herself back from us, from... I don’t know, from fully trusting this group. Hell, I thought maybe that’s just how she is, keeping everyone at arm’s length.”

The bard strummed his lute idly, a quiet, thoughtful sound filling the space between them. “Sounds like you’ve got more respect for her than you’re letting on, too.”

Bakugou grumbles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Respect’s not something I just hand out. It’s more than that, though. She’s a pain, sure, but she’s earned it at that point of the journey.”

The bard leaned back, tapping his lute lightly. “Did you never push her for details back then? Seemed like there was some unspoken stuff between you two.”

Bakugou shot him a sideways glance, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. “I talked enough. And besides, she does eventually reveal more of herself… it just took time.”

The bard chuckled again, but there was something softer in his tone. “Maybe. But back then weren’t you cautious? I figured you’d press her for more details.”

Bakugou was quiet for a moment, the only sound between them the crackle of the fire. His fingers drummed lightly against the mug in his hand, his thoughts clearly weighing on him. “She had her reasons. We all do. I wasn’t there to pry into her life.” He pauses and continues, “Besides, she’s just part of the team. She just needed to get the job done.”

The bard tilted his head, raising an eyebrow at Bakugou’s attempt to dismiss it all. “Just part of the team, huh? Doesn’t sound like that’s the whole story.”

Bakugou’s grip on the mug tightened slightly, but he didn’t respond immediately. The bard waited, sensing there was more, but careful not to push too hard. After a long silence, Bakugou exhaled sharply. The barbarian grunts, not entirely disagreeing but unwilling to admit it. “Yeah, well, just… just shut up and listen okay? My patience is thin enough.”

“Alright, so what happened next?”

What happened next was a tale no one could have predicted. During one of your treks through the dense forest, the first sign of trouble came without warning: a trap so cleverly concealed that none of you had a chance to react. Not even you. The ground beneath your feet gave way in an instant, collapsing into a gaping void that swallowed the entire team in a heart-stopping plunge. As the earth groaned and split, panic erupted. Dirt and roots clawed at the air as you were pulled into the darkness, the ground crumbling beneath you like brittle paper. 

Sero’s voice cut through the chaos, a sharp, panicked cry. “We’re falling! We’re falling!”

Kirishima’s attempts to keep calm came out ragged and strained, his voice barely audible over the rush of wind and debris. “Hold on to something! We need to—”

But there was no time. The earth gave way completely, and you were all swallowed by the chasm, the ground vanishing beneath your feet in a dizzying cascade of dust and stone. The fall felt endless, the cold rush of air whipping past as their screams echoed in the cavernous space. Everything blurred— screams, the clatter of rocks, the rush of wind— and then, slam. With a brutal, bone-jarring thump, you landed in a sprawling underground cave system. Dust billowed around you, the remnants of your descent settling like a suffocating shroud.

The silence that followed was thick with shock, only broken by the muffled groans and disoriented murmurs of your fellow companion as they slowly pieced together what had happened. From the voices alone, you could tell there was only one other person with you. Shit. Were you all really separated? Pain and confusion hung in the air, mingling with the dust.

You and Bakugou had landed together, thrown into a darker corner of the cavern. The impact rattled through your bones, leaving you gasping for breath, but the injuries were thankfully manageable. Nothing your healing hands couldn’t fix. Wincing, you pushed yourself up, taking in your surroundings with a wary eye. The stone walls loomed around you, jagged and ancient, illuminated only by faint clusters of bioluminescent fungi that cast an eerie, ghostly glow. The air was damp and cold, the silence almost suffocating, and for a moment, all you could do was catch your breath and take in the unsettling beauty of the cavern that had become your prison.

Bakugou rubbed his shoulder, wincing slightly as he glared at the uneven ground beneath his feet. “Well, this is just perfect. Exactly what we needed,” he muttered, his words drenched with sarcasm.

You shook your head, brushing the dirt and debris from your clothes. “Yeah, falling into a cave system wasn’t exactly on my to-do list. We need to find the others.”

“Karshoj, I thought you were an expert on these shitty woods!” Bakugou cursed, his voice smouldering with frustration as he kicked a nearby rock, sending it skittering across the ground. His fiery eyes locked onto you, anger practically radiating from him. 

You grimaced, feeling the weight of his anger, but kept your cool. “I am an expert, Bakugou. But these traps are buried deep with ancient magic, and the Veil’s always shifting.”

He gives you a harsh scowl. Clearly peeved at the situation that they’re all in. “Yeah, well, you’re supposed to be the one catching this crap before it happens. Now look at us— stuck in this shitshow because you missed it.”

You clenched your fists, trying not to let his words sting too much. A part of you felt guilty, but you understood how treacherous these woods could be. From the start, you knew navigating the Veil was never going to be smooth sailing. “I didn’t miss it on purpose, okay? These traps are layered with old magic, designed to mess with your senses. I can’t catch everything before it happens.”

Bakugou snorted at you, glaring. What a weak excuse coming from you. “Yeah, well, tell that to the pit we just fell into. We’re waist-deep in this crap now, and I’d rather not spend the night here.”

You threw him a sharp look, your frustration meshed with guilt simmering under your skin. “You think I’m happy about this? I’m doing the best I can, Bakugou. These traps are ancient— I’m not a miracle worker.”

He huffed, running a hand through his hair, clearly agitated but not entirely unreasonable. In all fairness, this was the first mistake you’ve really made throughout this trip. He’s still pissed at the predicament they are in but knows that nothing good will come out from continuing to argue with you. “Fine. I get it, but we can’t afford to screw up like this again.”

You sighed, your shoulders sagging slightly. “I know. I’m trying, alright? But this place is meant to catch us off guard. We’ll get out of this, we just need to stay sharp.”

Bakugou’s glare eased into a glance, his eyes sharp and calculating. In his mind, already trying to analyse the cave and figure a way out. “Any idea where we are? Don’t suppose you mapped this out too?”

You gave him a wry smile, adjusting your pack. “Didn’t quite anticipate falling into a sinkhole today. But I can try to get us oriented.”

He nodded, but the tension in his jaw was unmistakable. “I’ll check this side. You take the other. Yell if you find anything or hear the others.”

You met his gaze, steady and determined. “Got it. And try not to get yourself killed, alright? I’d rather not have to drag your ass out of here.”

Bakugou couldn’t help but grin at your words, his usual bravado creeping back. “I’ll be fine. You just worry about not falling into any more traps, genius.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle despite the grim situation. “Besides this one occasion, I’ve got a pretty good track record for avoiding those, unlike someone.”

He rolled his eyes but the faint hint of a smile lingered. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s see if you can keep it up. Stay sharp.”

With that, you both turned and headed in opposite directions, the sound of your footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls as you began your search. The cavern was cool and damp, the musty scent of earth hanging heavy in the air, and every few moments the quiet was broken by the faint drip of water somewhere in the distance. Determined to find the others and escape this underground maze, you pressed on, guided only by the dim, ghostly glow of bioluminescent fungi that clung to the jagged walls.

But the deeper you ventured, the more disorienting the twisting passages became. Hours seemed to slip away as you combed through dead ends and winding corridors, your hope of reuniting with your team slowly fading. After what felt like an eternity of fruitless searching, you stumbled back into Bakugou, his expression as frustrated as your own.

He let out a deep, exasperated sigh. “Figures. This place is a damn maze.”

You let out a groan, feeling hopeless from the lack of result. This was going terribly. And to think they were getting closer to the heart of Niniel’s Veil. “Splitting up didn’t work. We’re better off sticking together. No sense in getting lost twice.”

Bakugou grunted his agreement. “Yeah, and maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll find some sign of the others. Or at least a way out of this hellhole.”

Side by side, you resumed your search, moving cautiously through the narrow tunnels. The darkness pressed in from all sides, suffocating and heavy, but you pushed forward, driven by the need to find your friends and escape this unexpected trap. The only sounds were your footsteps and the distant drip of water echoing through the cave. Every so often, you called out, your voices carrying through the cavern, hoping desperately that your scattered comrades would hear you and respond. 

Despite the oppressive weight of the underground, you both moved with purpose, unwilling to let the labyrinthine passages of the cavern break your resolve. The sense of urgency drives you both forward, each of you focused on finding the others and ensuring everyone’s safety.

“I hope they aren’t hurt,” you muttered under your breath, your eyes scanning the dark cave walls, searching desperately for any sign of your missing companions.

Bakugou walked beside you, his footsteps echoing off the stone. He glanced your way, his facial features hardened. “They’ll be fine,” he said, his voice gruff yet reassuring. Hidden in his words, you could hear a whisper of worry. “They’re tougher than they look. Besides, we’ve been through worse.”

You wanted to trust those words, to let them ease your mind, but the worry gnawed at you. You were all in uncharted territory, a network of unmarked caves with no sense of direction or certainty. The unknown weighed heavily on you, and despite your best efforts, concern for the others crept back in. You had no idea what had become of them, and that thought alone was enough to keep your worry alive.

After what felt like endless hours of navigating through the caves, you paused to catch your breath, leaning against the cold, craggy wall. “You think we’re getting any closer to finding them?” you asked, your voice bewildered, tinged with both exhaustion and a slight teaspoon of hope.

Bakugou was silent for a moment, his usual bravado dimmed by the weight of the situation. There was contemplation on his face as he stared down the darkened tunnel ahead. “We’d better be. I’m not exactly thrilled about spending the night in this damn cave.”

You exchanged a determined look. Neither of you were going to give up. There was no room for doubt now. You both had to find everyone and get out, no matter what. Only the shared resolve that kept you both pushing forward through the exhaustion. With a nod, you continued the search, every step guided by the unspoken agreement that you wouldn’t stop until you were reunited with the rest of the team and until you found a way out of this cursed shithole of the cave system.

Despite your best efforts, every twist and turn in the labyrinthine cave only led to more darkness and mounting frustration. Hours of searching yielded no sign of your comrades, and with each misstep, the walls seemed to close in a little tighter. The cold began to seep into your bones, clawing at your resolve, while exhaustion made each step feel heavier than the last. Weary and defeated, you and Bakugou were finally forced to accept the inevitable: rest was unavoidable, whether you liked it or not. Will power could only do so much.

You found a small alcove where the ground was slightly less jagged, and the two of you settled down, backs against the frigid stony walls. The cold… the cold was a relentless adversary of its own. It seeped through every layer of clothing, gnawing at your skin and making it impossible to get comfortable. You started to shiver, your body trembling uncontrollably as the chill took hold, sinking deeper with every passing minute. 

You glanced at Bakugou. For all his toughness, even he couldn’t mask the toll the chill was taking. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, this time to retain warmth. His breath misted in the icy air, and his usual straight face is decorated with discomfort.

You glanced around the cave, your eyes scanning the dim, shadowed corners for any sign of dry wood or leaves. But there was nothing—no fallen branches, no kindling, nothing remotely useful to start a fire. The biting air clung to your skin, chilling you to the bone. Frustration gnawed at you as you cursed under your breath, trying to figure out how the hell you were supposed to make a fire with nothing but cold, damp stone surrounding you.

“How the hell are we supposed to start a fire in this place?” you muttered, your breath forming a cloud in front of you as it hit the frigid air.

Bakugou sat across from you, his jaw clenched as he tried to brave the cold in his own stubborn way. He hadn’t said much since you’d taken shelter in the cavity of the caves, his usual sharp tongue silenced by the freezing temperatures. You peeked over at him, watching as he shifted uncomfortably, clearly just as irritated by the situation as you were.

“Tch,” Bakugou grumbled, cursing the damned gods and forest that put him in this situation. “This cave’s like the arctic tundras.”

You nodded, pulling your cloak tighter around yourself in a feeble attempt to ward off the freezing temperature. “There’s nothing dry here to burn. We might be stuck like this all night.”

Bakugou scowled, his hands tightening into fists. His head snapped harshly to you. “You saying we’re just gonna sit here and freeze?”

“Well, unless you’ve got some firewood stashed somewhere, I don’t see many options,” you replied, teeth chattering as you rubbed your hands together for warmth.

Bakugou shot you a glare, clearly not thrilled with the situation. He looked down at the ground as he let out a couple of curses. “We need heat.”

“No kidding,” you muttered, shivering as a gust of wind howled outside the cave, sending a draft through the small entrance. There’s a pause before a sudden idea hits you. But you don’t exactly like it.

“You know,” you ventured, voice strained. Were you really going to suggest this? And to Bakugou out of everyone? Yes, you were. “We could get closer for warmth. It’d help us get through the night without turning into ice.”

Bakugou turned to you, incredulity painted all over his face. Did he hear that correctly or did he need to get his ears checked. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

You shrugged, trying to keep your composure as another shiver wracked your frame. “I’m just saying— it’s freezing, and we’re stuck down here. It’s a practical solution.”

He glared at you, his stubbornness flaring like a dying ember. “Hah? I’m not cuddling with you, dumbass. I’ll manage on my own.”

You rolled your eyes, exasperated at his word choice. You were not cuddling with this bone head. At most, you just wanted to sit next to him. But of course he jumps into the furthest thing and worsens the visual. “Do you have to call it cuddling? I just suggested we sit next to each other.” You let out a sigh as the cool air nipped at your skin, “It’s not like I’m thrilled about it either. But unless you’ve got a secret stash of blankets or firewood somewhere, we’re going to freeze.”

Bakugou’s scowl deepened, his pride flaring up like a flame refusing to be snuffed out. What you would give to have a stubborn flame instead of his pride right now. “Tch, I’ve dealt with worse. I’m not that desperate,” he grumbled, though his breath came out in visible puffs of mist, betraying just how much the cold was getting to him.

You rolled your eyes, hugging your knees closer to your chest in a futile attempt to conserve warmth.“Suit yourself. But if we freeze overnight, don’t say I didn’t offer.” You settled back against the wall, doing your best to ignore the biting cold. The silence stretched on, broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the cave. 

Bakugou grumbled something under his breath, too low to catch but clearly full of his usual disdain. Yet, as the cold tightened its grip, you saw the moment his resolve faltered. And before you knew it, Bakugou suddenly stood, his eyes narrowing with disbelief that he was actually considering this.

“Move over,” he barked, stepping toward the spot where you sat huddled on the cold stone floor.

You blinked, confused but too cold to argue as you scooted over. “What are you—”

Before you could finish your sentence, Bakugou crouched down beside you, his palms outstretched. With a grudging sigh, he scooted closer, just enough to share a fraction of his warmth without acknowledging it outright. A faint glow began to gather around his hands, and a moment later, a small flame sparked to life, hovering just above his palms. The warmth was immediate, the heat radiating outward and cutting through the chill in the air.

Your eyes widened in surprise. You hadn’t even thought about using Fireball for temporary heat. It wasn’t exactly a practical solution in most cases. After all, the spell would only last as long as the caster was awake and actively controlling it, meaning it couldn’t be sustained through the night. But right now, it would be enough. The warmth radiating from Bakugou’s hands was a welcome reprieve from the bitter cold that had seeped into your bones.

For now, it was better than nothing.

You glanced over at him, watching the way his fire flickered and danced in his palms, the light casting warm shadows across the cave walls. The heat was steady, intense enough to keep the cold at bay, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to relax, soaking in the warmth. The sight of the fire reminded you back when you taught him simple cantrips. When he revealed that he had a grasp on certain fire magic and threatened to throw a fireball— just like the one in his hand— at you. You both have definitely grown from when you first met. You didn’t mention it, but being close to Bakugou also provided some kind of warmth— though you weren’t sure if that was the fire or just the fact that you’re proud to have bridged an understanding with him. Something you thought couldn’t be accomplished from the moment you met him. It’s rough but you both have gotten far. 

It was a strange kind of comfort. Bakugou wasn’t known for being soft or particularly comforting, but in moments like these and those nightly encounters, when his actions spoke louder than his sharp words, you could see a side of him that wasn’t just explosive anger or constant irritation. 

You sat there, feeling the heat from the fire and from Bakugou’s body radiating beside you. The air was still cold, the cave draughty and dark, but the warmth between the two of you was enough to make it bearable. Even if he didn’t say anything, he wasn’t going to let the cold get to either of you tonight.

“If you tell anyone about this…” he growled, leaving the threat hanging.

You smiled softly, knowing you’d won this small battle. “Not a word,” you promised.

“Whatever,” he muttered, eyes fixed firmly ahead as if looking at you would make it worse. “But if you so much as breathe weird, I’m tossing you out.”

You give a nod to his words, hiding an amused smile. “Noted. Just try not to hog all the heat.”

Reluctantly, Bakugou inched closer, his body warmth a stark contrast to the glacial stone behind you. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it was better than freezing. The two of you settled in, the proximity awkward at first, but slowly becoming more natural as exhaustion overpowered any discomfort.

“You better not fall asleep,” Bakugou mumbled, the intensity in his voice dulled this time from fatigue. “If you do, I’m not holding this all night.”

You smirked, glancing sideways at him. “Don’t worry, I’m not planning on it. But I’ve gotta admit, this is... a pretty good idea.”

“Of course it is,” he muttered, eyes focused on the fire. “I don’t just blow things up. I know how to control it.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” you teased lightly, feeling bold despite the situation.

Bakugou shot you a glare, but there was something almost playful in his eyes. He didn’t mind your jokes but he wouldn't let you know that. “I can extinguish this flame you know.”

You laughed warily, feeling the steady warmth from both the fire and Bakugou beside you. The bitter cold that had seemed so overwhelming earlier now felt distant, like a challenge you had already beaten. The silence stretched on, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. The fire flickered softly, and the cold, while still present, no longer felt so suffocating. 

“Well,” you said quietly, “at least if the fire goes out, I won’t freeze right away. Sitting next to you is like being next to a furnace.”

Bakugou huffed, though you caught the faintest hint of amusement in his voice. “Just stay awake, idiot.”

The two of you eventually shifted closer, until your shoulders brushed against each other. It wasn’t much, but it was enough— a small concession neither of you would openly acknowledge. Neither of you was willing to close the distance any further, but the slight warmth from that small point of contact was more than enough. It was just enough to take the edge off the cold, and for now, that was all either of you needed.

The awkwardness between you eased as the shared warmth did its work, taking the edge off the biting cold. It still wasn’t comfortable, and it certainly wasn’t something either of you would talk about later. God forbid you bring this up later. But in the quiet of the cave, with the dark pressing in from all sides, the moment felt… strangely fine. 

The crackling of Bakugou’s controlled flame filled the air as the two of you remained side by side. Sleep tugged at the edges of your mind, but you both stubbornly resisted. Neither of you wanted to be the first to let go of the moment, the quiet strength shared between you. Despite your shared resolve to stay alert, the weight of fatigue pulled at you, making it harder to keep your eyes open. Eventually, exhaustion began to win out.

“Just until morning,” Bakugou muttered, silently agreeing that you both ought to get some shut eye. The flame started to stutter as he struggled to keep his eyes open. 

“Just until morning,” you echoed, thankful that you both reached the conclusion to get some sleep. You closed your eyes as you finally allowed sleep to take you. 

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a/n: honestly a part of me was tempted to make him throw the fireball at the reader for fun. @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[writingrock]

If you go check out my university promo pictures, you can see me in the corner.

Yes! That's me, about to cutely take a swan dive from the third floor.

[writingrock]

╰┈➤ Funfetti cupcakes and a piece of you ੈ✩‧₊˚

boxers kirishima & bakugo x chubby baker fem!reader (request from @stoned-anime-babe )

genre: fluff & smut

warnings: fingering, oral (f & m receiving), praise kink, degradation kink (bakugo calls you ‘slut’ once), penetration, unprotected sex (WRAP IT UP)

Summary: There's this baker with the sweetest cupcakes — and the cutest, most angelic voice they've ever heard.

The headline stares back at you from a random article you stumbled upon and you can't quite believe your eyes. “Worlds' Top 2 ‘Super’ Boxing Champions”, followed by their names which you didn't have time to read because they so casually decided to stroll into your little cornerstone bakery. They stood out like a sore thumb among the vividly colored pastries. With their intimidating height, brooding figures, and outstanding titles, you were frankly taken aback. How did they even find your bakery?

Approaching the counter, you thought they'd ask for some basic baked goods like bagels or buns, maybe even cookies. But the redheaded's order took you by surprise regardless of its simplicity, as did their sudden appearance.

“Hello, miss. We'd like four Funfetti cupcakes, please,” the man politely greeted, a hint of a smile present on his face, contrasting his blond friend who was frankly glaring daggers at you.

It takes you all but a few seconds to snap out of whatever trance you were in, nodding while hurrying to pack their cupcakes. Rainbow cupcakes for some very obviously roughed men. You couldn't help but find it endearing, wondering why they chose your shop out of all the other admittedly better ones. Wondering how they found it, given that it was squished between two tall buildings and not entirely visible, much less frequently visited. It was a small business run by you and your best friend, who was actually an avid fan of boxers, so you smiled at the idea of telling her just what she missed while away on vacation. Getting their autographs wouldn't hurt...

“Here you go,” you say cheerily, handing him the plastic bag as the blond pays without uttering a word.

“Sorry for taking up too much of your time, miss, but I was wondering... How long has this store been here?” the burly redhead rests an elbow on the counter, towering over you easily. “We go to the gym right across the street and I swear I've never seen this place before.”

The fact that you probably passed by them multiple times in the past without having any idea who they were made your heart speed up slightly. You mimic his stance by propping the base of your palms against the edge of the counter as casually as possible, trying not to freak out about having the top two best boxers in your goddamn bakery. With how sweaty your palms were, you were almost afraid you were going to slip and fall, but you pushed the embarrassing thought away to answer him.

“I think it's been seven years since we opened up already,” the response tumbles from your mouth, and the men seemingly can't believe it. Even the blond one's eyes shoot open wider, the only indication of a reaction aside from a scowl since they entered. “Surprising, right? Not many know of us.”

“Hmm, I wonder why that is.” You notice his teeth are unusually sharp as he talks, carrying himself with an air of confidence you don't usually see. It's refreshing and quite charming, if you do say so yourself. “Oh, we forgot to introduce ourselves, sorry. I'm Eijirou and this is Katsuki.”

The blond is quick to interject, “Bakugo.”

“Don't mind him, he's just shy. Thank you for the cupcakes. If we weren't in a hurry, we would've stayed more. But we might come bother you again sometime, yeah?”

“I'm Y/N. See if you like what I sell first,” you giggle at their interaction, scolding yourself for finding them more endearing as you converse. “Also, could I, maybe, get your autographs? My friend's a big fan.”

“So you knew who we were,” Bakugo grumbles, crossing his arms with a raised brow.

“Just how you looked like and your ring names,” sheepishly, you admit, wiping your sweaty palms on your pink apron.

Eijirou elbows Bakugo subtly, “Of course, little miss. Give us something to sign on.”

The following days pass without incident. That is, until Friday. When Bakugo strolls into your shop, gym bag draped over his shoulder and a similar frown to the one he had last time you'd seen him on his chiseled face. What's different about it is the slight roundness of his eyes, regarding you with unfamiliarity rather than aggression. How did you notice something so insignificant, is what you'd like to ask yourself, but he interrupts by placing his order.

“Four rainbow cupcakes,” he mumbles once he reaches the counter, already placing the cash atop it.

“The ones from last time? So, you liked them?” you find yourself asking, dipping down to take them from their glass casing and putting them into a pink box with the bakery's logo.

He watches you work before proceeding to respond, “Eijirou did.”

“Oh.”

Silence hangs in the thick air brimming between the two of you as you take the money and hand him the receipt. He eyes the small piece of paper for a moment, grabbing the plastic bag with his other hand.

“You should raise your prices,” is all he says before he disappears out the door, leaving a very bewildered you behind.

Although brief, the interaction you had with Bakugo can't seem to escape your mind. It's been only three days since then, but it truly had you baffled. He says he doesn't like your baking, but tells you to up your prices? Huffing, you hope Eijirou walks in next time.

To your surprise, he does.

He's a much better conversationalist than the blond, that's for sure. He tells you how his day went and listens intently when you talk about yours, popping a joke here and there that has you clutching your stomach during a fit of giggles. Then, he asks nearly a million questions about your business, like if there are other workers, if you're the one baking the sweets, and if you enjoy doing it. It's a little odd how eager he is to learn more about you without offering much in exchange, but you enjoy his presence too much to question it.

You also don't miss the flirtiness hidden behind words or bad pick-up lines he keeps throwing your way, playing them off as jokes. There's unmistakable chemistry between the two of you, but you're not willing to admit it yet. It's way too early for that, you barely even know the man. This is your second time meeting him, for God's sake. Blaming it all on his stupid, toothy smile and irresistible charm, you return some of the flirty remarks, just to test the waters.

“You can call me Eiji, by the way,” he tilts his head to the side, trying to see more of your face from his impressive height while leaning on the counter, “Or Kiri. Try 'em out.”

“Eiji,” you test the name and see him instantly battle a derpy smile, making you giggle again, “Or Kiri. Hmm, both are great choices. Whichever will I choose?”

The blush adorning the tips of his ears tells you he has a favorite, though. “Eiji. Definitely Eiji.”

“Okay, Kiri.”

He groans playfully, dramatically acting like you've stabbed him in the heart with a lopsided smile on his lips. “Cold. I guess it's deserved, though, given that I've kept you for far longer than I was supposed to. I can't seem to bring myself to leave.”

You both look at your phones and realize it's gotten late, eyes widening in sync. Glancing up at him, you couldn't help but burst out laughing from the panicked look on his face.

“This is serious, little miss! Katsuki will kick my ass if I don't bring him his cupcakes.”

“Bakugo? But he said you're the one who liked them.”

“Huh? He did?”

“Yeah.”

A beat passes and it's his turn to laugh so hard that tears brim in the corners of his eyes and his cheeks flush.

“Classic Katsuki.” He mumbles and takes your hand in his, ghosting his lips over your knuckles. “I really gotta go, but let's talk more next time, hm?”

“More? Sounds like you're going to make me keep the bakery open all night.”

Eijirou heads to the door, smiling over his shoulder at your curvy figure, absentmindedly letting his eyes trail downwards. Your cheeks heat up just from his gaze which seems to strip you of your defenses within seconds.

“Tempting. Bye, little miss.”

Then weeks pass with Eijirou visiting every other day, ordering the same cupcakes each time with the occasional bagel. You grow more and more attached to the man without even realizing it — especially when he walks you back to your apartment after you close the bakery, or when he offers to help with carrying your groceries. The friendship blooming between the two of you is nothing short of enviable, the redhead being the exact definition of a gentleman.

But there are times when you walk the very thin ledge between friendship and something else. Like when his hands find their way somewhere on your body as if he can't keep them off of you, when his eyes drift down and linger a bit too long to be just friendly admiration, or when his voice lowers an octave as he shamelessly flirts with you. The knowing smirk that always tugs at his plump lips makes your stomach twist and knot and you're not sure what you should do because no matter how much you may like him, you can't forget that he's famous. And fame comes with dangers you probably can't even begin to fathom. Not to mention he and Bakugo are ranked as the top two boxing champions, but also the most desirable ones. That can't possibly be easy to deal with, especially relationships-wise.

It's complicated and it's consuming your every waking moment. So much so that you don't notice Bakugo walking in at first, too engrossed in whatever you were doodling on a tissue.

A hand comes into view, resting beside yours, which quickly catches your attention. Scrambling to throw away the tissue and attend to the customer, you hear a familiar voice... snort?

“Want some paper?”

“Oh, no, sorry about that...” you look up, meeting carmine eyes already staring at you with amusement, heating the tips of your ears, “It's you. Hi, Bakugo.”

He nods in acknowledgment, lips pressing in a thin line.

“Let me guess, four Funfetti cupcakes?” you joke and are already on the move before he stops you by grabbing your upper arm.

“Uh.” You see his eyes widen as if he didn't mean to do that, awkwardly letting go of you to stare at his open palm for a moment, stuffing it then in his pocket. “When do you get off?”

You stare at him bewildered, perplexed, baffled, and everything in between. He was probably the most puzzling man you've met in your life.

“At ten?” you say, but it comes out more as a question than anything.

He runs a hand through his spiked hair, grumbling something to himself.

“Are you oka—”

“Come see my match this evening.”

“... What?”

He doesn't elaborate, just places a ticket on the counter and stomps out of the store.

You end up going, curiosity getting the better of you. How could you let a VIP ticket go to waste? You could've sent your friend, sure, but... There was something about Bakugo that made you want to seek him out in a way.

And you didn't regret attending one bit, because after he mopped the floor with his opponent and wiped the blood trickling from his nose, you could see his eyes searching through the waves of seats. The adrenaline was obviously still pumping through his veins, bare chest heaving from the effort it took to beat the other guy as his wild eyes settled on you, red and dark. Giving you the hottest smirk known to man while tilting his head to let the sweaty locks of blond hair fall from his face, not only did you feel your heart flutter, but you felt it drop in your stomach. He might've been awkward around you, but in this moment, strikingly beautiful and confident, he looked like the man of your dreams.

Eijirou's face flashed through your mind and you felt the smile that instinctively pulled at your lips fall, Bakugo facing the boxing referee now. Your fingers fisted the material of your shirt right above your heart, feeling it thump, thump, thump.

Bakugo comes to visit you a lot more often than before, sometimes with Eijirou by his side. Whenever you see them, you have that aching feeling in your chest telling you that you should not feel that way about both of them, that you should maybe just treat them like normal customers to avoid acting on impulse and ruining their friendship. Every time you fail, their banter far too entertaining to pass off. You have a feeling you're the worst person on earth for leading both of them on and you wish they'd get tired of those goddamn cupcakes already so you could just casually slide out of their life, no matter how much even the thought of it pains you.

“Stop pouting.”

You look up at Bakugo while waiting for his receipt to print, noticing his bottom lip is also sticking out. You quickly school your expression into neutrality, a faint smile ghosting your lips.

“Why?” You hand him the receipt and he traps your hand with his larger one, keeping it in his warm hold.

He eyes the way your fingers fit just perfectly within the crevice of his palm, absentmindedly running his thumb over the back of your hand

“It annoys me.”

You snort, pointing with your free hand in an exaggerated, almost comical, manner at your intertwined hands. “Then what is this about?”

“I don't like seeing you sad,” he rephrases, his voice a low grumble as he frowns and meets your eyes, “It annoys me.”

“Why is that, Bakugo?”

The blond gently tugs you forward by your hand, reaching the other one to tuck some loose strands of hair behind your ear, studying your face while doing so. It makes your heart skip a beat and a gasp unknowingly escapes your lips.

“Call me Katsuki,” he murmurs, his frown deepening while he worries his lip, “And come over tomorrow. Eiji's hosting a movie night.”

You had the day off tomorrow, he knew that. That's exactly the reason why he and his roommate planned the movie night on that particular day, hoping you'd agree and join them. You knew it was a bad idea, to hang out in their apartment with their lifelong friends that he informed you were coming before heading out. If you went, there was no way you could slide out of their life peacefully afterward if your stupid feelings got the best of you. You knew it was a stupid move.

Yet you found yourself knocking on their door the next day either way. With nerves bubbling inside your stomach and the prettiest sundress you could find, you waited patiently. Heavy footsteps resonated from the other side as the door swung open with a bit too much force, revealing a wide-eyed Katsuki.

“Shit, you came,” he mumbled, shoulders visibly relaxing while his eyes trailed over your round curves.

The laugh that escapes your throat sounds foreign, the kind that only comes out in his or Eijirou's presence, “You invited me.”

“I know, I just didn't expect you to actually... Come in.” He moves to the side, letting you walk into their beautiful apartment.

For a place that housed two men, it was oddly pretty. Aesthetic decorations hung from almost every corner, things you definitely wouldn't expect to find in the world's boxing champions apartment. It was really neat, to the point where you could see your reflection on almost every glassy surface — especially in the kitchen—, not a hint of dust in sight. You had a feeling it had something to do with Katsuki, given that Eijirou had mentioned a few times that he was a clean freak. You just didn't think it'd be to this extent.

“Y/N!” Eijirou's excited voice snaps you out of your thoughts, beefy hands wrapping around you in a bone-crushing hug. “You came!”

“Yeah!” you reply between giggles, before he does the unthinkable and lifts you up, arms moving down to hug your thighs as you gasp and your hands fly to his shoulders for support. You've always been on the chubbier side, with soft curves adorning your body in all the right places. You tried your best not to be insecure about it, but you've never let anyone pick you up before because of it. “Eijirou! Put me down!”

He rests his chin on your tummy, grinning up at you, “Why?”

“I'm heavy!”

He makes a face you've never seen before, a mix of disbelief and confusion. “Heavy? I wrestle men for a living, babe. You're not heavy at all.”

“I am, though...”

He frowns at your refusal to accept that he is, indeed, capable of lifting you and more, so to prove it, he lets one of his arms drop to the side as he balances your rear on his forearm, hand gripping your thigh. You fall slightly, coming face-to-face with him while your arms wrap around his neck. You're so close that your nose practically brushes against his, making a breath get stuck in your throat. Usually, the counter would separate the two of you even when you leaned super close to each other. Now, your chest was fully pressed against his, leaving no room between your bodies as he held you with ease, even making a point of walking out of the kitchen and into the hallway, bouncing you up a few times along the way.

“You're perfect, little lady. Got it?”

Feeling embarrassed by his outward display of strength and a little turned on by it, you huff and face the other direction to hide the blush coloring your cheeks. “Sure, okay, just put me down.”

“Not good enough. Say you're—”

“Are you done flirting?” Your head snaps in the direction of the gruff voice, seeing Katsuki lean against the living room doorframe with a raised brow. From what you can tell, he isn't mad, but you sure as hell feel horrible getting caught like this with Eijirou. You didn't want to lead them on, knowing you couldn't possibly choose between them...

“The others are waiting. Come on,” he pushes himself off while you scramble to get out of Eijirou's hold, earning a little laugh from the redhead.

You enter the living room and are met with insistent stares from your friends. They each introduce themselves to you, but when it's your turn, they reassure you that they already know who you are. From their teasing glances at the two men and hushed snickers, you can tell they talked about you quite a bit, which makes you feel even worse. Guilt eats at you throughout the entire night and you're unable to pay attention to any of the horror movies playing on the TV. You worry your lip, head resting on the backrest of their couch, staring at the ceiling. Hoping no one would catch on, you sigh.

“I don't think that's where the TV is,” Eijirou leans to whisper in your ear, a large palm landing on your meaty thigh. He squeezes it comfortingly to earn your attention. “Are you bored?”

On your left, you can feel Katsuki's gaze shift, landing on none other than yourself. He silently scooches closer, his thigh brushing your own without pulling away, despite how much he protested the first time your fingers accidentally brushed against his. If anything, he leans closer to hear you better.

“No, I'm not,” you try to play it off with a small giggle, hoping your chat wouldn't distract the others, “I was just thinking.”

“About?” Katsuki butts in, a scrutinizing gaze that has you slumping further into the couch, heat and guilt pooling in your stomach. Two famous boxers making sure you, an unknown baker, are comfortable. God.

Sighing again, you shake your head and feign a smile, forcing your gaze to the TV screen. “It's nothing, don't worry about it.”

Neither of them seem convinced. Eijirou leaves his hand on your thigh to rub random patterns onto the skin, while Katsuki nonchalantly drapes an arm over the backrest of the couch, preoccupying his fingers with twirling strands of your hair. Their touches, however comforting, still make you fidget during the last movie of the evening. You try your hardest to pay attention and actually jump a few times from the low-budget jumpscares, earning shushed chuckles from the men and gentle squeezes.

But then, before you know it, everyone is saying their goodbyes and leaving. You're the last one to do so, gathering your things and placing them in your bag when you feel a presence looming behind you. Turning around, you meet Katsuki's intense stare, realizing with a gasp he was much closer than you thought he was.

“Jesus, you scared me—”

His knuckles brush against your arm, igniting goosebumps all over your skin. The only word he says has your breath hitching, your heartbeat thrumming loudly in your ears as you swallow thickly. “Stay.”

You're quick to deny yourself of such impossible fantasies, shaking your head and already pulling away from his grasp, a hint of red hair flashing in your mind. “No, no, I couldn't possibly...”

Then you bump into a bigger figure, tensing with the knowledge that he saw this. Saw Katsuki's obvious advance. You quickly turn around to explain yourself, worried out of your mind that both of them got the wrong idea, already planning how you were going to disappear from their lives, probably even having to move your bakery to the other side of the city, going as far as to change your identity — Okay, maybe you were slightly panicking and overreacting, but you couldn't help it.

“Hey, little lady,” Eijirou murmured with a toothy grin, unaware of the war waging inside your head and heart. The moment he placed a palm on your cheek, you realized you were done for, a hand instinctively clinging to the hem of Katsuki's shirt, the blond lurking behind you. “What Katsuki here tried to ask was if you'd like to spend the night. With us.”

Blood rushes to your cheeks, coloring them as said man steps closer, caging you between his friend and himself. He rests a hand on your waist, letting it slowly trail down to your hip while he leans down, his breath tickling the tip of your ear. Huffing, he gruffly speaks. “C'mon, doll. I know you want to.”

Oxygen struggles to reach your lungs and undeniable tension fills the room. It's so quiet for a moment that you hear all of your hearts racing in sync; nervously yearning, pining, and craving. You feel a little dazed, unable to comprehend their request, or rather, the intent behind it.

“With... you? Both of you?” you glance back and forth between them, unsure but not opposed to the idea. You're slightly intrigued, never having imagined the option of not choosing, though still worried it might all be some cruel joke. Surely, they probably had better options out there. Why you? “This isn't funny, guys—”

“We're not joking.” Eijirou interrupts with a look you've never seen before, his firm tone rendering you speechless. “We've been planning to ask you out for a while now, but couldn't think of a better alternative besides inviting you over. A fancy restaurant followed by a perfect night would've been amazing, but I think you can imagine how that would go.”

Paparazzi. Hushed whispers. Rumors. Yeah, you had an inkling that any public outing with the two of them would go array.

“Point is, we like you,” he continues, tracing the line of your jaw with his fingertips, “A lot. And if you'll allow us, we'll make you the happiest woman on this planet.”

Your mouth hangs agape. Your eyes are wide open, staring into Eijirou's as your brows furrow, realization dawning upon you. A throuple. You've heard about it before, obviously, but you never thought it could be your thing. Until now, that is.

“You both want to date me? What gives?”

Katsuki scoffs, wrapping an arm around your middle to pull you back into him. “You say that as if you're not... well, you.”

“But you could have any girls you want. I'm not special or anything...” your voice is laced with a hint of insecurity that they're more than glad to chase away with proper reassurance and care, especially after holding back all this time.

“Why don't we show you just how much we want you, little lady?”

It happens in a flash. You're being carried to their bedroom, this time by Katsuki, and they talk you through how they decided they both wanted to date you — how your voice haunted their dreams and how the taste of your sweets lingered days after they ate them. They seemed to love your smile the most, the warmness in it, but they did compliment your ‘irresistible’ curves as well. The attraction between you wasn't purely off of looks and that lessened some of your worries, the idea of forming a throuple seeming... nice. Achievable.

Soon enough, Katsuki unceremoniously drops you on their bed with a smirk and takes a seat behind you on his knees. Warm palms massage your shoulders, pulling you closer to rest your head on his abdomen and you tilt your head slightly to look up at him. His unyielding stare was going to be the hard part; you weren't particularly shy by nature, but he had a charm to him that always, without fail, managed to make you nervous. Noticing this, he slips a hand under your chin and uses his thumb to rub soothing patterns onto your cheek, clearly not used to comforting someone. It almost makes you giggle, his stiff movements.

“Relax,” he mumbled and lowered your head to see Eijirou kneel in front of you, gently tugging off your socks. He discarded them quickly before his hands traced the softness of your legs, reaching your knees. Raising one leg up on his shoulder, he presses a light kiss to your ankle, gaze trained on your blushing mess of a face.

“Is this okay?” he asks, although he knows your answer. You already told them all about your not-so-little crush and that you've been wondering how you should act on it.

Nodding is all you can do to avoid letting a whimper out, grabbing onto Katsuki's bicep to keep yourself grounded. Eijirou kisses up to your inner thighs where he ventures and digs his sharp teeth into the skin, sucking hard enough to leave a mark.

“Words, pretty,” Eijirou mumbles, licking over the bite.

You can't deny when he's asking you so nicely like that. Closing your eyes to shield yourself from the embarrassment of voicing your needs, you say: “I... I want you to touch me.”

“Where?”

“Everywhere.”

The sinful chuckle rumbling from his throat is enough to send a wave of heat all over your body, gooseflesh following in its wake. “So good for us.”

Eijirou focuses on kissing and marking up your inner thighs while Katsuki guides your face to his, taking your debauched expression. They barely even started and you were already a flustered mess, which made the tiniest smirk curl up at the corners of his mouth before he leaned closer, fingers dancing along your jaw tantalizingly.

“Can I...?” he mumbled, nudging your nose with his. You closed the distance yourself, swallowing the gasp he let out before he caught himself and pushed his tongue into your mouth, cupping your face to deepen the kiss.

He tasted and smelled of caramel, an addicting aspect you found yourself wanting more and more of while your tongues danced and lips melded for moments that seemed to stretch longer than expected. And then you felt the thin material of your underwear getting ripped.

Your eyes widened and you tried to glance down at Eijirou to see what he was doing, but Katsuki had a firm hold on your jaw. He opened his eyes briefly to give you a tiny smirk as he continued kissing you, not letting you look down at the redhead.

“Look at this pretty pussy. God, Y/N, thank you,” he comments with a chuckle, and the blond answers with a low, pleased hum.

Butterflies explode in your stomach, realizing this is the first time he's used your first name. You wanted to ask what he thanked you for, but when his arms circled your thighs and he dragged you closer to the edge of the bed, burying his face between them and licking a long stripe up your heat, you had a vague idea. Thank you for the meal, is what he meant.

Your back instantly arches and Katsuki swallows the mewl you let out, bombarded by the intense feeling. A shudder runs down your spine, hand finding his dark roots to simply hold him there, neither pulling nor pushing. Katsuki nibbles on your bottom lip, eyeing your reactions while his hands leave your face, sneaking down to your shoulders to tug the dress down to your middle, exposing your see-through bra. It matches the color of your dress, with beautiful flowery arrangements akin to the ones on the almost entirely discarded item of clothing. The sight has Katsuki growling and kissing you deeper, harder, instantly copping a feel of your chest.

Eijirou parts your slit with two thick fingers, lapping at your clit while watching the scene unfolding in front of him. You looked heavenly at that moment, your muffled moans and whines going straight to his already painfully hard dick.

“You wore that just for us, little lady? Beautiful,” he breathes against your sensitive skin, gathering your slick and licking it off his fingers before plunging them inside with ease, “You like kissing Katsuki, don't you? You're dripping.”

The blond pulls back just an inch to smirk against your lips, hearing the squelching of Eijirou's fingers going in and out of your hole, “That right, sweets?”

All you can manage is a nod and a breathy whisper, “Yeah...”

He looks you up and down, nostrils flaring at the sight as he groans, “Fuck. Prep her real good, Eiji. I don't know how much longer I can hold back.”

“Of course.”

And it's like a switch goes off in their brains because they suddenly can't keep their hands off of you. Trailing kisses down your skin, occasionally biting to leave pretty bruises he already knows you won't be able to hide unlike the ones on your inner thighs, while Eijirou sucks your clit and pumps two, then three, sinfully long fingers into your cunt. The otherwise silent room is filled with the mewls that you don't bother hiding anymore as you fuck yourself on his fingers and tongue, eyes rolling in the back of your head when Katsuki seals your mouth again. With overwhelming pleasure from both ends, you feel yourself getting closer and closer to releasing, a knot tightening in your lower stomach. But then it's stripped away from you and Eijirou stands up, the whine falling from your lips too pretty to resist.

He grabs your chin, pulling you away from Katsuki's mouth and making you stare up at him. He's panting, chest heaving wildly with half-lidded carmine eyes tracing your every move and tongue coming out to wet his lips that are stained with your essence. Then you let your eyes trail down, having a feeling you're going to like what you see and you're proven right; the outline of his throbbing dick nestled against his thigh from beneath his sweatpants greets you. You swallow thickly, mesmerized by the sight because he's so big, so girthy, you begin imagining how it would feel like to take him. His low voice snaps you out of your thoughts and sends a jolt of heat to your core.

“Lay down on your stomach.” After you do that, he narrows his eyes, pulling you by your jaw closer to the edge. “There you go, pretty. Much better.”

You raise a brow at him, wondering what they'll do next when you feel Katsuki settle behind you once more. A large palm presses in between your shoulder blades and another lifts your hips up just enough for your ass to meet his crotch, the boner he's rocking sending shivers down your arched spine. He rubs it against you once, before he reaches for a pillow to place beneath your hips for support.

“This position okay?” he murmurs close to your ear, placing his hand on either side of you while grinding against your ass again.

They aren't the only ones desperate for this. You've longed for this to happen, no matter how unlikely it was in your fantasies. So you answer him by sticking your ass up further, rubbing his clothed bulge impatiently as a tiny “yes” escapes your lips.

“Come on,” you breathe out, meeting Eijirou's eyes and opening your mouth shyly, knowing exactly what this position was implying.

The men are surprised, but they quickly get to work. Eijirou pulls down his pants and boxers just enough for his angry cock to slip out, the red tip hitting his abdomen and twitching in anticipation. Katsuki does the same, except he instantly grips his base and begins rubbing it between your ass cheeks. Then, he begins feeding you every inch, snaking an arm around your hips and down to your clit to loosen you up further while the other supports his weight to hover a little above you. The moan that escapes your throat at the intrusion is akin to a broken whimper, but it's so loud that Eijirou has to muffle it by stuffing your mouth full, too. One tiny problem is that the redhead is stupidly big, or rather girthy; your jaw already hurts and you have yet to reach the base.

“Haah... You can take it,” he breathes out before you lick the tip experimentally, making him grit his teeth and push his hips forward, “Aaall the way... Mhmm, just like that—”

“Shut up, will you?” Katsuki growls, snapping his hips to your ass as he finally bottoms out, sending your eyes rolling to the back of your head and moaning against Eijirou's shaft.

His head falls down to your shoulder with a grunt he tries really hard to suppress. “Never mind, keep talking... Holy fucking shit...”

“Yeah, her mouth is heavenly too.” the burlier man chuckles, baring his sharp teeth and digging his fingers into your cheeks when you begin bobbing your head. “'M not gonna last if you do that, pretty, haah... Here, let me.”

A hand tangles in your hair and before you know it, he's thrusting into your mouth at a languid pace that has you choking slightly when the tip hits the back of your throat. Katsuki seems to be struggling, hips stuttering and shudders running up his spine each time he pounds into you, reaching that gummy spot you normally can't, but he does it with such force you see stars. It's like he's taking all of his pent-up anger out on you, on your poor cunt that's already fluttering around him and it's so hard to stay silent, although Eijirou deals with that again and again by stuffing your throat full of his veiny cock.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck...” You're sure from the way Katsuki pants in your ear he's enjoying this as much as you are, if not more. “Taking me so well... haah... Hold onto somethin', doll.”

You grab a fistful of the sheets, too full to think, and he starts slamming into you faster. So fast that you're meeting Eijirou's thrusts, nose getting buried in the black hair trailing up to his belly button, their groans and the sounds of skin slapping bouncing off the walls.

Saliva drips down your chin which Eijirou — as much as he enjoyed making a mess of you — wipes away with a thumb. He repeats the motion to the tears falling down your cheeks that you wouldn't have noticed, were it not for the way your vision blurred and obstructed the glorious sight above you. His half-lidded eyes stare back, studying your expression so that he won't actually hurt you while he's biting his lip, a tiny trail of blood trickling down his chin. Oh, you were so fucked.

“Oooh, the fuck did you see, baby? You're squeezing me so hard you might rip my dick off,” Katsuki snorts in your ear, but quickly resumes being a panting mess while drilling faster inside you, abusing your g-spot relentlessly. You can feel his cock twitch with the need to release, your own knot building firmly in your lower stomach.

“Pretty girl, just a little more... So pretty, so good to me... I'm gonna fill this little throat of yours, yeah? And you're gonna swallow all of it like the good girl you are, hng...” Eijirou's mumbling praises under his breath sent shivers down your spine. Soon enough, his hips stutter and warm liquid shoots down your throat like he said it would, forcing you to swallow all of it despite the oxygen quickly running out of your lungs.

The adrenaline has your body convulsing as he pulls out and Katsuki hits your sweet spot again, this time throwing you completely over the edge. A few more pumps in and he's making a mess of your cunt too after getting to hear your moans, biting into your shoulder harshly.

“Yeah, you like that? Getting stuffed full on both ends?” he growls against your bruised skin, licking that spot to lessen the pain while he continues thrusting into you, letting you milk him for all he's worth. “Our gorgeous little slut.”

You're a bit delirious, head falling on the sheets and still coughing from earlier. Even so, you chant a few “yes”'s as the overstimulation begins bordering on some delicious pain when you're suddenly being hauled into Eijirou's arms, whining at the loss of that fullness Katsuki provided.

“My turn, man,” he's pouting at the blond while settling with his back against the headboard, placing your chubby body on top of his lap and straddling his thighs. “Get your flaccid dick outta here.”

Katsuki bristles and shows him the middle finger before wobbling his way into the bathroom, ready for a nice, relaxing shower and some sleep — however, Eijirou seems far from done. You thought that you sucked him off pretty well, yet here he was, cock still hard and dripping with a mixture of your saliva and his cum.

That's when through your lust-filled haze, you remember that despite his incredibly muscular body, you're not the skinniest. And you're sitting in his lap, which can't be comfortable for him. Bracing your shaky hands on his broad shoulders, you sit up, hovering slightly over his thighs. He somehow notices, because he sighs and grips your hips keenly.

“Seems like I couldn't prove my strength before. Let me do it now, hm? Think you can handle one more round?”

“Y—Yeah, but should we maybe switch positions? Isn't this uncomfortable for—”

“No,” he lines himself up to your entrance and slams you down onto his girthy length, your body jerking and a loud cry sounding through the room. “Shiiit... This feels so much better than I imagined...”

He makes sure you're okay, letting you adjust to his size for a moment while brushing his knuckles against your heated cheeks soothingly. Then, a lazy grin pulls at his lips, your heart leaping at the sight.

“For reference, I hip thrust two hundred and ten kilos almost daily.”

“What?!”

He plants the heels of his feet firmly into the mattress, taut muscular thighs spreading just a bit for him to freely move his lower half under you. And then he's gripping the soft handles of your hips so tightly you're sure you're going to find bruises there later and thrusts up until his tip abuses your sweet spot. Over and over again, he sets an unceasingly intense pace that bounces you onto his lap like a ragdoll, each time managing to slip somehow deeper — or at least that's how it feels.

You realize then and there he might just break you, already cockdrunk and mumbling incoherently when you fall onto his chest. He chuckles, kissing the top of your head and picking up the pace, both of you being overly sensitive from cumming a few minutes ago and already feeling the knot build in your lower stomach. It gets better when he twitches and you clamp down on him, earning a deep growl from him you've never heard before as his head lolls back against the headboard, eyes squeezed shut.

“So tight, shit... Been dreaming about this pussy, about your voice...” he mumbles, opening his eyes halfway to stare down at you and hug your middle instead. “I'm gonna love you... hng... and take care of you every day, sweet girl...”

You find the strength to look up at him, teary-eyed, and lean in to press a sloppy kiss to his lips. The metallic taste of his bitten lip makes your skin prickle, a welcome sensation that heightens your upcoming orgasm.

“Kat, too... We'd be the luckiest men if we could be yours,” he whispers against your lips and with one, final thrust, paints your gummy walls white.

With a shaky sigh, you press a tiny kiss to his lips and admit something you've been afraid to for a while, “I love you, both of you...”

© chocogoldie 2024.

a/n: this took so long i'm so sorry guys,,,,, been going thru sm stuff irl that i might go on hiatus for a while 😭 ik this isn't great but i hope u enjoyed it regardless!! not edited nor proofread as always 🫠

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