Angel In The Infield - Bradley Bradshaw X Reader

ISRAEL HAVE STARTED BOMBING RAFAH! THE PLACE THEY INSISTED WAS A SAFE REFUGE FOR THE PEOPLE OF GAZA! ALL EYES ON RAFAH!

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A dragon's heart - Masterlist

Pairing: Barbarian!Bakugou Katsuki x female!reader

Summary: The dragonblood tribe is known for being cruel, barbarian warriors that slaughter, loot and rape all places they pass through. They are feared among the villagers and even bigger cities. Having lost most of their women to a plague, they're trying to ensure their tribe's survival by kidnapping women from other places. However, they're not the only monsters in human form out there. When y/n experiences this first hand, she has no choice but to ask for help from no other but the barbarian leader Katsuki Bakugou himself.

Heli's Masterlist

Part 1,

Part 2,

Part 3,

Part 4,

Part 5,

Part 6,

Part 7,

Part 8,

Part 9,

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16 (coming soon)

Guys I love this fic so much

CHAPTER 9: KNOW ITS FOR THE BETTER

pairing: aged up!katsuki bakugo x fem!reader

summary: After six intense years in Japan, YN LN has firmly established herself as a renowned gym owner. She's known by many pros for her charm, strength, and boxing abilities. She has a strong support system and amazing friends... her life in Japan was everything she dreamed it would be.

But everything changes one fateful night when a mysterious package appears on her doorstep. No note, no return address—just a plain box wrapped with a single pearly pink ribbon. As she unravels the contents of the box, she’s drawn into a dark, twisted mystery that seems to reach deep into her own past—a past she thought she had buried when she left her old life behind.

wc: 3.6k

warning: mild blood mention

an: no Bakugo mention this chapter :,(

---

FLASHBACK 

“Do you ever want kids?”

The question hung in the air, unexpected and intimate. Turning over in the bed, you met Anthony’s gaze. The golden sunlight streaming through the window bathed his face, making his sharp features even more striking and setting his green eyes aglow, brighter than you’d ever seen them.

You hummed, stalling, as you considered the question. It wasn’t the first time you’d thought about it. You could vividly imagine it: children with little pieces of you running through a sprawling backyard, their laughter echoing as your husband scooped them up, tossing them over his shoulder with ease. You’d envisioned it countless times—three children, to be exact. One, the spitting image of you. Another, a reflection of your husband. And the last, a perfect blend of you both.

Yes, you’d thought about having kids more often than you’d admit. But right now? In this moment, in this life? The thought of bringing children into the chaos you lived in felt wrong—repulsive, even.

“Maybe,” you finally said, your tone measured. “It depends if I meet the right person.”

“Hm.”

His response was low, almost dismissive. The hint of disappointment in his tone didn’t escape you, though. Could you blame him? You’d essentially told him he wasn’t the one you could see yourself building a life with.

And he wasn’t. Not Anthony Moretti. No matter how far you’d sunk into this investigation—or how dangerously close you felt to him—he wasn’t someone you could ever settle down with. Being with him was like standing on the edge of a cliff, thrilling but ultimately reckless.

“I have something to show you.”

“Oh?”

Reaching over to his nightstand, Anthony opened the drawer and pulled out a framed photo. He held it out to you, the movement uncharacteristically hesitant.

“This is Milly,” he said softly. “My daughter.”

The image stole your breath. The little girl in the photo was a mirror of Anthony. Her pale skin, vibrant green eyes, and unruly chocolate curls left no doubt. She was his.

You stared longer than you should have, processing the revelation. Anthony Moretti, the enigmatic and ruthless man you were investigating, had a daughter. And no one knew.

“Your daughter?” you echoed, your voice tinged with disbelief.

“Yeah.” His eyes softened as his fingers brushed over the glass, as though he could reach through the photo and touch her.

You studied his face carefully. Talking about her wasn’t easy for him; the weight of it was etched in every line of his expression.

“And where is Milly?”

“She lives with her grandmother, out of state,” he said, his voice low and restrained. “Her mother died in childbirth.”

The confession hit like a punch to the gut.

“You don’t visit her?”

“No,” he admitted, the frustration in his voice barely contained. “My rights were taken away a few months after she was born. But I swear, I’ll do everything in my power to get her back.”

There was an edge to his tone—sharp, unsettling. It wasn’t just determination; it was the kind of resolve that promised he’d tear through anyone who dared to stand in his way.

“I’m not trying to scare you off,” he added, his gaze meeting yours. “I just thought you should know about her.”

You reached out, your hand trailing up his bicep in a gesture of comfort. “Thank you for telling me,” you said, your voice softer now. But even to your own ears, it sounded forced—to deliberate for the intimacy of the bedroom.

Anthony was letting you in, piece by piece. 

“Do you have a picture of her that’s not in a frame?” you asked, your voice quieter now, almost hesitant.

His brows furrowed slightly, as though the question surprised him. He hesitated for a moment before reaching into the same drawer and pulling out a small, worn envelope. From inside, he retrieved a single photograph, its edges creased and faded from handling.

“This one’s my favorite,” he said, passing it to you.

The image was candid, clearly taken on a whim. Milly stood barefoot in the grass, holding a stuffed animal tightly to her chest. Her smile was wide and unfiltered, her eyes sparkling with joy.

“She looks so happy,” you murmured, your thumb brushing over the corner of the photo.

“She is,” Anthony said, his voice barely above a whisper. “At least, I hope she is. I haven’t seen her in over a year.”

The weight of his words settled heavily between you. For the first time since you’d met him, Anthony didn’t seem untouchable. He looked human—vulnerable, even.

“What happened?” you asked cautiously.

His jaw tightened, and he shifted slightly on the bed, like the memory physically pained him. “Milly’s mother… she wasn’t a good person. She lied about a lot of things, manipulated people. When she died, her family blamed me for everything. Said I wasn’t fit to raise a child.”

“Why didn’t you fight them?”

“I did.” His voice hardened, frustration seeping through. “But they had connections. The system doesn’t care about the truth when someone like me is up against people like them.”

You wanted to say something comforting, but nothing felt adequate. Instead, you reached out again, this time lacing your fingers through his. His hand was warm, his grip firm yet tentative.

“I believe you,” you said simply.

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. The silence was heavy, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt like an unspoken understanding had passed between you, a crack in the wall he’d built around himself.

“I’ll get her back,” he said finally, his voice steady and resolute.

You nodded. “I know you will.”

He studied you for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to trust you with the full weight of his thoughts. “You’re different,” he said softly.

“How so?”

“You don’t look at me like everyone else does. Like I’m a monster.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that. Because, truthfully, there were moments when you weren’t sure what to make of him either.

But here, in this moment, he wasn’t a monster. He was just a man who missed his daughter.

---

When you left Anthony’s home that night, the photograph weighed heavy in your pocket—a silent confession folded neatly into your plans. You’d waited until he wasn’t looking, his attention briefly diverted, and slipped the worn image of Milly from the envelope.

It wasn’t a decision you made lightly. You told yourself it was necessary, a calculated move in the larger game. Hard evidence that could be used to build a case against him, to ensure that someone like Anthony Moretti would never have the chance to raise a child.

Still, guilt gnawed at you as you walked down the dimly lit street, your steps echoing in the stillness of the night. He had trusted you, had let you see a part of himself no one else was privy to. And you had repaid that trust with betrayal.

You pulled the photo from your pocket and unfolded it under the glow of a streetlamp. Milly’s innocent smile stared back at you, her joy untainted by the chaos surrounding her father’s life.

“This is for the best,” you murmured to yourself, though the words felt hollow.

Anthony Moretti was a dangerous man. A manipulator. A criminal. And yet, for all his faults, the way he had spoken about Milly was different. It wasn’t the cold calculation you had expected; it was raw, heartfelt, and full of desperation.

But desperation could lead people to do terrible things. And you couldn’t let Milly’s future be another casualty of her father’s world.

As you tucked the photo back into your pocket, you made a promise to yourself: you’d do whatever it took to ensure Milly grew up far away from Anthony’s shadow.

The investigation wasn’t just about taking down Anthony Moretti anymore. It had become personal.

PRESENT

“We can't go straight to the hotel. It’s not safe.”

“We’re not,” You replied, your tone clipped. “But we have to make a stop first.”

Without another word, you grabbed James’ phone from the cup holder and entered an address you’d memorized a hundred times, hoping you’d never need to use it. But now, the time has come.

“Just take me here. It won’t take long,” you said, your voice firmer than you felt.

Reaching into the backseat, you pulled out a duffel bag and rummaged for a pair of hoodies and sweatpants. As you began unzipping your bloodstained hero costume, James shot you a sharp look.

“What are you doing?”

“Changing. I can’t show up looking like this,” you said, gesturing to the dried blood smeared across your suit.

“In the front seat? Are you insane?”

Rolling your eyes, you muttered, “Just keep your eyes on the road.”

James sighed, muttering something under his breath about your reckless behavior, but he focused back on driving. You slipped out of the costume as quickly and discreetly as you could, pulling on the oversized hoodie and sweatpants. Wearing a bloody hero costume to this particular doorstep wasn’t an option.

When you finally arrived at the destination, your heart was pounding harder than the drive warranted. “Wait here,” you instructed James, already unbuckling and stepping out of the car.

The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of a porch light. It was late—far too late for an unannounced visit—but there was no choice. This couldn’t wait.

The door creaked open after a hesitant knock, revealing a woman you hadn’t spoken with in years. Her hair was streaked with gray, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of you.

“Y/N?” Her voice was soft but tinged with shock as she opened the door fully, stepping aside to let you in.

“Where’s Milly?” you asked, urgency in your tone.

“She’s asleep upstairs,” the woman replied, frowning. “What’s going on?”

You didn’t answer, instead brushing past her and heading up the familiar staircase. The woman—Patty—hurried after you, her questions trailing behind.

“Milly,” you whispered as you eased open the door to her room.

The tiny girl lay sprawled across her bed, her hair a mess of curls and her cheek pressed against the pillow. She stirred at your voice, her sleepy eyes blinking open.

“Miss Y/N?” she murmured, a bright smile breaking across her face as recognition set in.

“Hi, sweet girl.” You crouched down beside her. “Do you want to go on a little road trip?”

Her eyes lit up instantly. “Yes!” she squealed, tossing off her blanket and bouncing with excitement.

“Good. Pack a bag, okay? Just a few things you’ll need for a little while.” You brushed her hair back, smiling softly.

“Okieeee!” she chirped, already diving into her dresser.

As she busied herself, you stepped back into the hallway, where Patty stood waiting at the top of the stairs, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“What’s going on, YN?” she demanded.

“Anthony’s back,” you said grimly, meeting her gaze. “And he’s after me. He knows that wherever I am, Milly isn’t far.”

Patty’s face paled. “You told me we were safe here. Milly has school—her friends. We can’t just leave!”

Taking her hands in yours, you spoke with quiet urgency. “Patty, please. I’ll keep you both safe, I promise. But I need to get you somewhere secure until Moretti is gone for good.”

Her lips trembled. “And how long will that take?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted, hating how uncertain you sounded. “But you have to trust me.”

For a moment, Patty said nothing, her expression flickering between fear and resolve. Finally, she nodded, her shoulders sagging under the weight of the situation.

“Fine,” she said softly. “But this better not take long.”

“It won’t,” you promised, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of your resolve.

You turned back to the room, where Milly was proudly holding up an overstuffed backpack. She looked at you with unshakable trust, her innocent faith driving a fresh wave of determination through you.

“Let’s go, sweet girl,” you said, reaching for her hand.

You were running out of time, and Anthony Moretti wasn’t far behind.

---

James glanced at you through the rearview mirror as you helped Milly into the backseat, strapping her in securely. Her backpack sat on her lap, nearly as big as she was, and she clutched a small stuffed rabbit tightly in her arms.

“You care to explain what’s going on now?” James asked, his tone sharp but low enough to keep from alarming Milly.

“Not here,” you replied curtly, sliding into the passenger seat. “We need to get moving first.”

Patty sat in the back seat, her arms wrapped around herself, watching with an expression that was equal parts fear and helplessness. You gave her a reassuring nod through the rearview mirror, though the lump in your throat made it hard to believe your own confidence.

As James pulled away from the curb, you glanced back at Milly, her bright eyes fixed on the passing streetlights. She didn’t ask questions, trusting you completely, and that trust was heavier than anything you carried in your bag.

James finally broke the silence. “So, Anthony Moretti is back. Care to explain why we’re suddenly kidnapping a child and her stuffed rabbit in the middle of the night?”

“It’s not kidnapping,” you shot back, keeping your voice even for Milly’s sake. “I’m protecting her.”

“From Moretti?” he pressed, his knuckles tightening around the steering wheel.

“Yes.”

James sighed, his frustration palpable. “You can’t keep dancing around this. You’ve got to tell me the whole story, Y/N. What’s Milly to Moretti? What’s she to you?”

You hesitated, stealing another glance at Milly. She was still staring out the window, her little fingers tracing patterns on the foggy glass.

“She’s his daughter,” you said finally, the words heavy in the confined space of the car.

James’ reaction was immediate—a sharp inhale, his jaw tightening as he processed the revelation. “His daughter? And you’ve been hiding her all this time?”

“Not exactly,” you said, your voice quieter now. “I’ve been making sure she stays safe. Patty and I worked out a plan before I left for America. Milly doesn’t know who her father is, and it’s going to stay that way.”

James shook his head, his disbelief evident. “You really think you can outrun him? You think Moretti’s going to stop looking?”

“I don’t care what it takes,” you snapped, your tone firmer now but still quiet. “Milly is staying safe, and Moretti is staying as far away from her as possible.”

James glanced at you again, his skepticism clear, but he didn’t argue. He knew better than to try to change your mind when you were this determined.

“Where are we headed, then?” he asked, his tone resigned.

“There’s a safe house,” you said. “It’s a few hours out of the city. No one knows about it, not even Moretti.”

James nodded, adjusting his grip on the wheel. “Let’s hope you’re right.”

In the backseat, Milly yawned, her tiny voice breaking the tension. “How far is the road trip, Y/N?”

“Not too far, sweet girl,” you replied, forcing a smile. “You can take a nap if you want. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

“Okay,” she mumbled, snuggling into her seat with her stuffed rabbit.

The car settled into a tense silence as the city lights faded behind you, replaced by the dark stretch of highway. Milly’s soft snores were the only sound, her tiny frame relaxed in sleep.

“You really think this is going to stop him?” Patty asked after a while, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s a start,” you replied, staring out the window. “Moretti won’t stop until he finds me. But if he thinks I have Milly with me, I can keep him off your trail. I’ll make sure he never gets close to her.”

“And if he finds you?” she pressed, her voice cracking slightly.

“Then he deals with me,” you said simply, your tone colder than you intended.

Patty flinched slightly, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she turned her gaze to the road ahead, her hands twisting nervously in her lap.

The miles stretched on, the car filled with an unspoken tension. You reached out to adjust Milly’s blanket, your heart squeezing at the sight of her peaceful face.

Whatever it took, you would protect her. Anthony Moretti would have to go through you first.

---

The car pulled off the highway onto a narrow, winding road bordered by tall trees that swayed in the night breeze. The gravel crunched under the tires as James slowed to navigate the uneven path. Ahead, the silhouette of a modest cabin came into view, tucked deep within the woods and shrouded in darkness save for the faint glow of a single porch light.

“This is it?” James asked, cutting the engine and glancing at you.

“Yes,” you replied, your voice low. “It’s safe. No one knows about it.”

You turned to Patty, whose fingers were clenched tightly around her bag. Her unease was palpable, but she nodded silently, steeling herself.

“Let’s get inside,” you said, unbuckling your seatbelt and stepping out into the cool night air.

Milly stirred as you gently lifted her from the car. She blinked sleepily at you, her curls sticking to her damp forehead. “Are we there?”

“We’re here, sweet girl,” you said softly, brushing her hair back. “Let’s get you inside and back to bed.”

James carried Patty’s bag as you led the group up the porch steps. The wooden boards creaked under your weight, and you felt a brief surge of paranoia, your eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. But the woods were quiet, the only sounds were the rustling leaves and distant calls of night birds.

Fishing a key from your pocket, you unlocked the heavy door and ushered everyone inside. The air smelled faintly of cedar and dust, the cabin untouched for months.

“Make yourselves comfortable,” you said, flipping on the lights. The warm glow revealed a simple but cozy interior: a worn sofa, a small kitchen with a table for four, and a staircase leading to the second floor.

Patty set her bag down by the couch, looking around uncertainly. “It’s... small.”

“It’s safe,” you corrected, gently setting Milly down on the couch. She clung to her stuffed rabbit, her eyelids already drooping.

“You’ll both have the upstairs bedroom,” you added, turning to Patty. “It’s got a lock on the door and plenty of space for Milly to sleep comfortably.”

Patty nodded, her expression softening as she crouched down to stroke Milly’s cheek. “Come on, honey, let’s get you to bed.”

“Okay,” Milly mumbled, her voice thick with exhaustion. She reached for Patty, and together they ascended the stairs, disappearing into the room above.

James leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms as he studied you. “What’s the plan now?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “You’ll stay here with them for a few days, make sure everything is secure. I’ll go back and deal with Moretti myself.”

“You really think that’s going to work?” he asked, his skepticism clear.

“It has to,” you said firmly. “I can’t let him near her, James. You’ve seen what he’s capable of.”

James nodded slowly, though his expression remained troubled. “Alright. But if you’re going to face him, you’re going to need help. You can’t do this alone.”

“I’ll figure it out,” you said, though the weight of your words felt heavier than ever.

The cabin was quiet now, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards above. You leaned against the wall, staring out the window into the dark woods. Anthony Moretti was out there, and you knew it was only a matter of time before he made his move.

For now, though, Milly was safe. And that was all that mattered.

MORETTI'S POV

The night was alive with the sound of rain hitting the pavement as Anthony Moretti stood in the shadows of a dimly lit alley, his dark coat blending seamlessly into the night. The soft glow of his cigarette illuminated his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the intensity in his green eyes. He exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around him like a predator waiting to strike.

“She took her,” Anthony growled, his voice low but dripping with menace.

The man standing opposite him, a wiry figure with nervous eyes, nodded quickly. “Yes, boss. The girl and the grandmother both. They cleared out right before we got there. She must’ve had a backup plan.”

Anthony’s jaw clenched, his hand tightening around the cigarette until it crumbled in his fingers. He dropped the remnants to the ground, grinding them under his heel.

“Of course she did,” he muttered, his mind racing. “She’s too clever to leave anything to chance.”

“What do you want us to do?” the man asked cautiously.

“Find them,” Anthony said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t care how far she runs or how well she’s hidden. I want every contact, every ally she has tracked down. If she thinks she can take my daughter from me, she’s got another thing coming.”

The man nodded again, already backing away, eager to escape Anthony’s wrath.

“Wait,” Anthony called, stopping him in his tracks.

“Yes, boss?”

Anthony stepped closer, his towering presence forcing the man to shrink back. “This isn’t just about finding them. It’s about sending a message. If anyone tries to help her, they’ll regret it. Do you understand?”

The man swallowed hard and nodded. “Understood.”

“Good,” Anthony said, his lips curling into a sinister smile. “Now get to work.”

As the man disappeared into the night, Anthony remained in the alley, his mind consumed with thoughts of you. He could still see your face, the defiance in your eyes as you stood your ground against him. It was infuriating—and intoxicating.

But this wasn’t about you. This was about Milly.

His daughter. And he would do everything in his power to find you both.

---

TAGLIST: @emmaafinchh @faetoraa @iissza @theasgardianmexican

If you haven’t read this get ur butt on this

CHAPTER 11: KNOW ITS FOR THE BETTER

pairing: aged up!katsuki bakugo x fem!reader

summary: After six intense years in Japan, YN LN has firmly established herself as a renowned gym owner. She's known by many pros for her charm, strength, and boxing abilities. She has a strong support system and amazing friends... her life in Japan was everything she dreamed it would be.

But everything changes one fateful night when a mysterious package appears on her doorstep. No note, no return address—just a plain box wrapped with a single pearly pink ribbon. As she unravels the contents of the box, she’s drawn into a dark, twisted mystery that seems to reach deep into her own past—a past she thought she had buried when she left her old life behind.

wc: 3.6k

an: Another cliffhanger I'm sorry, dont be mad at me.

---

If there was one thing Katsuki Bakugo wanted in his current life, it was you. After the car crash, rage consumed him, his mind bent on tearing apart the driver responsible. But everything shifted when he heard Kirishima's frantic voice calling his name. The look on Kirishima's face made his heart plummet into his stomach.

He had barely dropped the man he intended to pummel when blinding white lights flooded the area. Three cars screeched to a stop, surrounding him and Kirishima.

Then, a man stepped out—tall, pale, and with piercing green eyes that Bakugo could never forget. Moretti.

Instinct screamed at him to run to you, to grab you and flee. He tried, unleashing explosion after explosion, each blast aimed at Moretti and his men. But amidst the chaos, Kirishima had disappeared to get help, and Moretti’s men had reached the wreckage.

They were pulling you out of the car. Limp, lifeless. Blood poured from your leg, staining the ground in a deep crimson pool.

“Get in the car, or I shoot the girl,” Moretti commanded, his tone as cold as steel.

Bakugo froze. There was no real choice. His gaze locked on you—your ghostly pale skin, hair matted with blood and dirt. You looked strangely serene, as if you'd made peace with the horror unfolding.

He wouldn’t let them kill you. Not while he was alive to stop it.

So he got in the car, seething with suppressed fury as they bound a tourniquet around your leg and checked your pulse. The contradiction gnawed at him: Moretti threatened your life, yet kept you alive. Why?

Now he sat in a chair too small for his broad frame, wrists bound but mind racing. Across the room, you lay unconscious, your chest rising and falling faintly—a fragile sign of life.

Your skin was deathly pale, a dark wound visible just above the blindfold they’d placed over your eyes. The blindfold seemed ridiculous—after all, you’d been unconscious for hours.

For two excruciatingly silent hours, he hadn’t seen or heard anyone and it was driving him mad.

The warehouse they were in was heavily guarded. Armed men patrolled the perimeter like it was a military base. Inside the room, there was only one door and a single vent leading who knew where. Security cameras loomed over the room, scanning every corner—except behind him.

He flexed against the ropes, testing their strength. He had to get out, to get you somewhere safe.

It was painfully clear now that you weren’t working for Moretti. Guilt hit him like a sucker punch as he remembered his earlier accusations. He’d jumped to conclusions, faster than he ever had before.

The thought of you lying to him, keeping something so monumental hidden, had stung more than he’d imagined. But the sight of you now—broken, fragile—eclipsed his hurt.

If you both made it out of this, he’d spend every day making it up to you.

He knew Kirishima had to be rallying backup, but the real challenge was figuring out where they were.

And then there was James. Whatever your connection to him, Bakugo had to hope James had realized you were missing.

But right now, nothing else mattered except getting you out alive.

---

When you first came to, you were met with complete darkness. A coarse fabric was draped over your face, muffling your breath and adding to the suffocating sense of confinement. You tried to move, but your wrists were bound tightly behind you, the rough texture of rope biting into your skin. The faint ache in your leg brought the memories flooding back—the car crash, the chaos, and then... nothing.

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water. You weren’t sure how much time had passed, but the shift in the air told you all you needed to know: Moretti had found you.

The harsh scrape of a chair across concrete jolted you. You flinched instinctively, your pulse quickening as a familiar presence filled the room. That scent—carmel and musk, faint but distinct—was unmistakable.

“Stupid fucking chair.”

Bakugo’s voice cut through the darkness, low and gruff, filled with irritation.

Relief and dread tangled together in your chest. He was here. They had taken him too. Your heart sank at the realization. Not only had you been captured, but now the one person you’d tried to protect was caught in this nightmare with you.

You remained silent, your breathing shallow as you processed your surroundings. The pressure wrapped around your thigh was unmistakable—a makeshift tourniquet, crudely tied but effective. The pain was simmering, dulled only by the adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

The scrape of Bakugo’s chair yanked you from your thoughts.

“Stop. Head hurts,” you muttered hoarsely, wincing at the sound of your own voice.

The noise ceased, leaving the room to drown in silence once more.

“Fuck, you’re alive,” Bakugo muttered, almost to himself.

“Mmm,” you hummed, your mind still foggy. “How’d Moretti get you?”

“How’d you know it was Moretti?”

The words slipped out before you could think. “He’s notorious for tying people up in chairs. Plus, I can feel him.”

“Feel him?”

“Are you gonna keep asking questions?” you shot back weakly.

His voice darkened, low and dangerous. “Are you gonna keep lying to me?”

The accusation hit you harder than you expected, but now wasn’t the time to argue. “I only lied to you because I care for you.”

“Right.”

The weight of his skepticism pressed down on you. You needed to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Do you have a blindfold on?”

“No, but hands are tied.”

The deadpan response caught you off guard, and before you knew it, laughter bubbled out of you. It wasn’t the right time, and you knew it, but the absurdity of the situation made your head spin.

“Glad to see you still have a sense of humor.” Bakugo snapped, his irritation palpable.

You struggled to catch your breath between fits of giggles. “I’m sorry—it’s not funny… it’s just—how did they even capture you?”

“They rolled up on us after the crash,” he admitted, his tone sharp. “They were gonna kill you if I didn’t comply. I had no choice.”

The laughter died in your throat, replaced by a lump of guilt.

“Yeah, not so funny now,” he added bitterly.

You bit your lip, your mind racing. There was only one reason Moretti would take Bakugo—it wasn’t just about you anymore. Moretti had been watching, studying you, and he knew exactly what buttons to press.

“Katsuki—”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” he cut you off, already piecing it together.

“Why?” you whispered.

"Cause I couldn’t stand there and watch another man take you. Even if nothin’ made sense,” he murmured, the softness in his voice catching you off guard.

“I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you,” you said quietly.

“Did—was anything ever real?”

The question hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Of course it was real. The way your heart beat for him was real. 

“The way I feel about you is real,” you said, your voice trembling.

You could feel his eyes on you, even through the darkness. A smile crept onto your face despite the situation. “Stop staring at me like that.”

“Wha—”

“I have a lot to explain to you,” you said, cutting him off.

“Yeah.”

“Is Kiri okay?” You asked, redirecting the conversation again.

“Yeah, he was able to escape before they got to him.”

Relief washed over you. The plan you and Kirishima had made flickered in your mind. He’d be on his way to the cabin now.

“Good,” you muttered.

Bakugo spoke up, an unusual softness to his voice. “M’sorry. Thought you were working with him.”

You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head even though you knew he couldn’t see it. “I’d never work for a person like Moretti.”

“Then how are you tied to him?”

“No relation. Just a scumbag I want dead,” you said bluntly.

“Tch. Tell me about it.”

“One day,” you promised, your voice dropping to a whisper. “I’ll tell you everything. But right now, we don’t have time.”

The air shifted again, heavier now, as if Moretti’s presence loomed closer. You could sense it before it happened.

The sound of footsteps echoed from outside the room, growing louder. Bakugo stiffened in his chair, and you could feel his energy change, coiling like a spring ready to snap.

“Don’t fucking touch her,” he growled, his voice like thunder as the door creaked open and footsteps moved towards you. 

A pair of hands fiddled with the knot of your blindfold, yanking it away. Blinding white light seared your eyes, and you blinked rapidly to adjust. When your vision cleared, there he was: Moretti.

His piercing green eyes bored into yours with a predatory gleam, a smug smile spreading across his face. He looked older than you remembered, the years of prison etched into the lines around his mouth and eyes, but the malice was as strong as ever.

“Well, isn’t this a treat? Two of Japan’s finest, tied up like common prey,” Moretti drawled, his voice dripping with venom. “Dynamight, the explosive hothead. And Y/N, America's sweetheart. Tell me, do you think the public will mourn you more if I kill you together or one at a time?”

The tension in the room thickened like a fog, suffocating and heavy. Bakugo’s crimson eyes burned with defiance as he pulled against his restraints, the cords creaking ominously under the strain. “Try it,” he spat, his voice a razor-edged promise. “See how far you get before I blow your head off.”

Moretti chuckled, a low, mirthless sound that sent a chill down your spine. “Ah, there’s that famous temper. But let’s not forget who’s holding all the cards here, Dynamight.” He gestured to you, his fingers grazing your cheek in a way that made your stomach churn. “One wrong move, and she’s gone.”

Bakugo’s jaw tightened, his entire body trembling with barely contained rage. He wanted to lash out, to reduce the entire building to ash, but the sight of you—still pale, still weak—kept him anchored.

You shifted slightly, your hands numb from the ropes biting into your wrists. Despite the fear gnawing at your resolve, you forced yourself to speak. “You wont kill me.” Your voice was hoarse, but steady enough to earn his attention.

Moretti’s smug expression didn’t falter. If anything, his predatory smile widened, his piercing green eyes boring into yours with a sinister gleam.

“Of course, you’d say that,” he drawled, his voice low and venomous. “But let’s not play coy. I didn’t kidnap you on a whim. I know exactly what you know.”

You froze, the ropes biting into your wrists as your blood turned to ice.

“That’s right,” Moretti continued, circling your chair like a vulture. “You know where my daughter is. The one thing the police couldn’t break out of you, even when you testified. You kept that little secret buried, didn’t you? To protect her, I assume. But how long do you think you can hold onto it when his life is on the line?”

Bakugo’s eyes flicked toward you, sharp with confusion and fury. “What the hell is he talking about?”

Moretti’s grin widened as he watched Bakugo’s expression twist with confusion and rage. “You really don’t know, do you?” he said, a mockery of sympathy in his tone. “Oh, this is rich. Japan’s greatest hero, clueless about the woman sitting next to him.”

Moretti turned his attention back to you, his green eyes gleaming with amusement. “You didn’t tell him?” He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with mock disbelief. “You mean to say you’ve been playing the role of a helpless civilian this whole time? That’s cold, even for you, Nova.”

Bakugo’s gaze snapped to you, the weight of Moretti’s words settling between you like a live wire. “Nova?” he questioned, his voice low and dangerous. “What’s he talking about?”

Your stomach churned, but you kept your expression neutral. “Don’t listen to him,” you said quickly.

Moretti laughed, the sound cutting through the tension like a blade. “Oh, no, no, no. Let’s not brush past this. Dynamight deserves to know who he’s risking his life for.”

He straightened, turning to Bakugo with an almost theatrical flourish. “Meet Nova, America’s former golden girl. Once a top-tier hero in her own right—complete with a shiny little quirk she’s kept hidden from you.”

Bakugo’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing into slits. “You’re lying.”

“Am I?” Moretti raised a brow, then gestured toward you. “Go ahead, ask her. Ask her about the years she spent hunting down villains like me. About the testimony that put me in prison. About the daughter she stole from me.”

“Shut up,” you snapped, your voice cutting through the air like a whip.

But Bakugo was already staring at you, his crimson eyes ablaze with confusion and betrayal. “Is it true?”

You hesitated, the words catching in your throat. 

Moretti clapped his hands together, delighted by the unraveling tension. “Ah, the sweet taste of betrayal. Isn’t it delicious?”

“Shut the hell up!” Bakugo snapped, his glare burning a hole through Moretti.

Moretti’s cold, predatory smile grew as he savored the moment, watching Bakugo struggle with the weight of his words. “And if you thought this was the worst of it, you’re in for a surprise, Dynamight.” He turned back to you, his gaze like a vulture eyeing its prey. “She didn’t just hide her quirk from you, or hide who she was. No, she faked her death.”

Bakugo’s eyes snapped to you, the fury and confusion in his gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. “You were the hero that died in the car accident?” 

Moretti’s laugh echoed around the room, harsh and mocking. “Yes, indeed. That little stunt she pulled after her so-called ‘hero career’ ended. She made everyone believe she was dead—her friends, her family, even the people she’d worked with. But the truth is, she’s been hiding from me. Hiding because she knows I’ll never stop hunting her. Not while I’m still breathing.”

Your heart hammered in your chest. This was worse than you could have imagined. Moretti was unraveling everything you’d fought so hard to bury. Every secret, every lie, coming to the surface in the worst way possible.

Bakugo’s gaze never left you, his expression a mixture of disbelief, anger, and hurt. “Why?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I had no choice,” you said, your voice trembling despite your best efforts to stay calm. “Moretti was looking for me. He had connections everywhere. I couldn’t let him find me, so I made them believe I was dead. I had to disappear. I couldn’t risk anyone else getting hurt.”

He leaned closer, his grin widening. “Your precious Nova here is the reason I rotted in prison for six years. She testified against me. She took everything from me.”

You struggled against the ropes, your voice steady despite the tremble in your body. “You don’t deserve to find her. After everything you’ve done, after all the lives you’ve destroyed, she’s better off without you.”

Moretti’s smile disappeared, replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “You don’t get to decide that.”

Bakugo snarled, thrashing against his restraints. “You touch her, and I’ll kill you. I swear to god, I’ll rip you apart!”

Moretti glanced at him, amused. “Oh, its not her you should be worried about Dynamight. No, I’ll break her—piece by piece— as she watches, until she tells me what I want to know.”

He straightened, motioning to the guard still holding the syringe. “And when she does, I’ll kill her anyway. After all, she’s the reason I lost everything. Call it poetic justice.”

The guard stepped closer to Bakugo, gripping his arm, and panic surged through you. “Moretti, if you hurt him, you’ll never find her,” you said quickly, your voice rising.

That gave him pause. He raised a hand, signaling the guard to stop, and turned to you with narrowed eyes. 

“You know I’m the only one who knows where she is,” you said, forcing yourself to keep calm. “If you kill him—or push me too far—you’ll lose any chance of finding her. Forever.”

Moretti’s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable. He leaned in close, his voice a low growl. “Then start talking. Or I’ll make sure you wish I’d killed you instead.”

Beside you, Bakugo’s crimson eyes blazed with rage and desperation. “Don’t tell him anything!” he shouted. “He’s lying—he’ll kill you no matter what!”

But you weren’t ready to give up. Not yet. You had to play this carefully, or neither of you would make it out alive.

Taking a deep breath, you looked up at him. “She’s dead.” 

Moretti froze, his eyes narrowing, his hand still suspended in the air, ready to give another order. The silence that followed felt like an eternity. Bakugo's furious protests faded into the background as Moretti processed your words.

“What did you just say?” Moretti’s voice was low, dangerously calm.

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to hold your ground. “She’s dead. Milly’s gone.”

Moretti’s gaze turned icy, a flicker of disbelief flashing across his features. “You’re lying,” he hissed. “You’re just trying to buy yourself time.”

But the raw edge of fear in his eyes gave him away. He was already questioning everything.

“I’m not lying,” you said, your voice unwavering despite the terror clawing at your chest. “I knew you’d come for her. After I received your little ‘gift,’ I realized I had to act. She didn’t deserve a life with you as her father, so I did what had to be done.”

Moretti’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. “What are you talking about? What did you do?”

“She’s in a place now where you’ll never reach her,” you continued, your words cold, resolute. “A place where you can’t hurt her anymore.”

Moretti’s expression twisted into a snarl. “WHAT DID YOU DO?”

The room seemed to grow colder at the intensity of Moretti’s roar. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, and his breathing quickened as his eyes locked onto you, as if trying to burn a hole through you with sheer force of will.

You held his gaze, knowing full well what you had just said would push him beyond the edge. “I did what I had to do,” you repeated, your voice firm even as your heart hammered in your chest. “She’s gone, Moretti. I made sure she was safe. You will never find her. No one will. She’s in a place where you can’t touch her anymore.”

Moretti’s chest heaved, his anger mounting with each word you spoke. “No,” he spat, his voice low and dangerous. “No, you didn’t. You didn’t do this. You didn’t kill my daughter.”

“I did,” you said, the weight of your lies sinking deep into your chest. “I made sure she was free of you. From your cruelty, your obsession. I couldn’t let her grow up under the shadow of someone like you. You’re a monster, Moretti. And she didn’t deserve that life.”

Moretti’s face twisted in fury, his eyes wild with disbelief. He took a step toward you, the threat of violence hanging in the air. “You’re lying. You’re lying to protect yourself. Tell me where she is. NOW.”

The guard, still holding Bakugo's arm, prepared the needle, but you hadn't noticed. You were focused on Moretti—the man who had destroyed so many lives, including his own daughter’s. You didn’t back down.

“She’s gone, Moretti,” you repeated, your voice colder now. “I ended her suffering. And now you’ll never get your hands on her. Not now, not ever.”

The silence in the room was suffocating, thick with the heavy realization settling in Moretti’s mind. His jaw clenched, his muscles trembling with barely contained rage, but there was something else there, something darker: desperation. He had nothing left to hold onto.

“You think I’ll let you get away with this?” he growled, taking another step forward, his hand reaching out as if to strike you. But something in your eyes, something in your stance, seemed to hold him at bay. For a brief moment, the fury in his eyes faltered.

“You already lost her,” you said, your voice low, cold with the finality of it all. “And now, the only thing left to you is vengeance.”

The guard beside Bakugo glanced nervously at Moretti, who was seething with rage, but it was clear he was struggling to process the depth of what you had just said. His emotions were a storm, a swirl of grief and anger, confusion and disbelief.

“Take her down the hall,” Moretti commanded, his voice sharp and final as the guard moved from Bakugo to your side.

You glanced over at Bakugo, watching his face twist in confusion and fury as he processed the weight of your words. His protests grew louder, his anger mounting with each passing second. But the guard was relentless, yanking you to your feet and dragging you toward the door.

You didn’t know if you’d ever see Bakugo again, but in that moment, you knew this was the only way. Moretti would stop at nothing to get what he wanted—he’d torture you until you spoke. So, you had given him the answer he was desperate for.

Now, all you could do was hope. Hope that while Moretti took his time with you, it would give Bakugo the chance to escape, to find a way out before it was too late.

---

TAGLIST: @emmaafinchh@faetoraa@iissza@theasgardianmexican @cax-per

where are the callum turner x reader fics hmmm....?

none, absolutely criminal

the best right here

CHAPTER 12: KNOW ITS FOR THE BETTER

pairing: aged up!katsuki bakugo x fem!reader

summary: After six intense years in Japan, YN LN has firmly established herself as a renowned gym owner. She's known by many pros for her charm, strength, and boxing abilities. She has a strong support system and amazing friends... her life in Japan was everything she dreamed it would be.

But everything changes one fateful night when a mysterious package appears on her doorstep. No note, no return address—just a plain box wrapped with a single pearly pink ribbon. As she unravels the contents of the box, she’s drawn into a dark, twisted mystery that seems to reach deep into her own past—a past she thought she had buried when she left her old life behind.

wc: 3.2k

an: This was supposed to be 7k words but I decided to split it into two parts. The second part should be out either tonight or tomorrow morning :)!

---

The guard's grip on your arm tightened as he dragged you down the dimly lit hallway. Your shoes scraped against the cold concrete floor, each step echoing in the oppressive silence. You could barely move your leg, the sharp pain forcing you to drag it behind you. The adrenaline that had masked your injury was wearing off, and only now did you fully register the gunshot wound. The bleeding had slowed however as it only seemed to be a deep graze, the makeshift tourniquet holding firm, but it still hurt like hell. 

As you reached a heavy metal door at the end of the hall, you finally broke the silence. “You’re making a mistake,” you said, looking at the guard, who was too busy enjoying the moment to notice the warning in your tone.

The guard scoffed. “It's over for you.”

Without a word, you snapped your arm up, elbowing him hard in the stomach. The guard grunted, stumbling back in surprise. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make him hesitate.

Before he could recover, you spun around, using his moment of confusion to deliver a swift kick to his knees. He crumpled to the ground, a shock of pain running up his legs.

You groaned as pain shot through your injured leg as well, nearly buckling under your weight. Instinct kicked in, and you lunged, grabbing the edge of the doorframe to steady yourself. The guard staggered, caught off balance, and you seized the moment. He was strong, but you moved faster. Your breath remained steady, your focus razor-sharp. 

“Not so fun when you’re on the receiving end, is it?” you muttered, crouching down to make sure he wasn’t going to get up anytime soon. You pulled his gun from its holster and threw it into an empty room. Making sure he wasn't able to grab ahold of it. 

As the guard groaned on the floor, still clutching his bruised stomach, you knew you had a fleeting window of opportunity. You couldn’t afford to waste any more time—Moretti would realize what had happened soon, and when he did, he wouldn’t hesitate to send more men after you.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you considered your options. You could run, but that would lead you straight into more of Moretti’s men and with your leg that wasn't much of an option. You had to think strategically. 

You took another breath, forcing your body to calm down. That’s when you felt the familiar, electric surge of power course through your veins—the hum of your quirk. 

You closed your eyes for a moment, focusing on the surge within you. You had to do this without hesitation. Without letting fear cloud your control. When you opened your eyes again, the air around you crackled with raw energy.

The guard had begun to stir, and you didn’t have the luxury of waiting any longer. You raised your hand, palm open, and aimed it at the metal door. In an instant, a concentrated burst of power shot from your fingertips, striking the door with enough force to send it slamming back against the wall. The impact was deafening, the metal screeching in protest.

For a split second, the guard froze, eyes wide in disbelief. But it was too late. The shockwave from the blast had knocked him flat, and the surge of power you’d released left the hallway bathed in a low, humming energy.

You didn’t stop to see if the guard would recover. Instead, you turned on your heel and bolted as fast as you could down the corridor, the lightning-fast pulses of your quirk lighting up the path ahead of you. The air seemed to part as you moved, as if the very fabric of the space had been altered by your command.

You could feel the telltale shifts in the atmosphere as Moretti’s men reacted—footsteps echoing, voices shouting orders, the tension rising. They weren’t far behind.

You fired another blast into the ceiling above, causing the ceiling to concave in on itself. You knew Bakugo would be able to blast himself out of the damage. The shock left the hallway filled with swirling electrical currents, disrupting the security systems that Moretti had relied on to track you.

The alarms went off, lights flickering erratically, and that gave you the opening you needed. With a burst of energy, you dashed into a side room, your quirk’s power surging in waves as you manipulated the energy around you to shield your movement. The air hummed and crackled, your energy wrapping around you like an invisible shield, keeping you hidden from view.

You steadied your breathing, the crackling hum of your quirk a comforting reminder that you weren’t powerless even while injured. The side room you’d ducked into was dark and cluttered with old crates and machinery—perfect for buying yourself a moment to strategize.

You crouched low, listening. The voices outside grew louder as Moretti’s men regrouped. They were searching, splitting into teams, their footsteps echoing in the corridor.

“She’s in here somewhere! Fan out!” one of them barked.

Perfect. Let them spread thin.

Closing your eyes, you focused on the currents in the walls. With your quirk, you could feel the flow of electricity running through the building—security cameras, automated locks, even the guards’ radios.

Reaching out, you latched onto the electrical grid, sending a concentrated surge into the radio frequencies. Sparks flew from the earpieces of the guards in the hallway, causing shouts of confusion and panic.

“What the hell?!”

“Radio’s fried!”

“Is she doing this? Damn it—find her!”

Using the chaos, you slipped back into the hallway, keeping low as you moved. The flickering lights cast eerie shadows, but you used them to your advantage, sticking close to the walls.

The guards were scattered now, their communication disrupted, and their coordination in shambles. One of them turned a corner, his back to you. Without hesitation, you surged forward, using the built-up charge in your hand to send a short snap to his neck. He crumpled silently, and you caught his weapon before it hit the floor.

One down.

You pressed on, your steps swift and deliberate. 

A group of guards blocked your path ahead, their backs to you as they shouted orders into malfunctioning radios. You crouched, pressing your hand to the floor. With a deep breath, you sent a ripple through the ground, the cement flooring collapsing under the guards. It hit the guards like an invisible net, their bodies locking up momentarily before they collapsed.

The air around you buzzed with static, your quirk’s energy crackling in your veins. You didn’t feel tired—yet. Adrenaline and determination kept you sharp, each movement precise.

Then, you heard it: a low hum, deeper and more menacing than before. The building’s systems were trying to reboot. Moretti was smart—he’d undoubtedly built redundancies into his security. You didn’t have much time before the lights stabilized and his men regrouped.

You pushed forward, rounding another corner, and finally spotted a heavy reinforced door at the end of the hall. 

Standing between you and the door was a guard who looked far more formidable than the others—taller, broader, and armed to the teeth. He turned as you approached, his eyes narrowing when he saw you.

“End of the line,” he said, his voice cold.

A smirk tugged at your lips. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

With a sharp inhale, you let your quirk surge to full power. The air around you shimmered, and the hallway was bathed in a flickering, glow.

If Moretti thought his men could stop you, he was about to learn just how wrong he was.

The guard didn’t hesitate, lunging toward you with surprising speed. You ducked under his swing, the massive fist grazing your shoulder before smashing into the wall behind you, cracking the concrete.

“You’re persistent,” you muttered, spinning away and aiming a focused blast of energy at his chest. The jolt forced him back a step, but he didn’t go down. Instead, he grinned—a feral, teeth-baring grin.

“Got some bite, huh? Let’s see how long you last.”

He charged again, faster this time. You dodged to the side, rolling into a crouch and sweeping your leg to knock him off balance. He stumbled, his bulk making him difficult to topple completely, but you weren’t giving up.

“Stay down!” you shouted, sending another burst at his arm. The crackling energy wrapped around him, making his muscles seize. His grip on his weapon slipped, and the gun clattered to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, you kicked it far out of reach.

The guard growled, clearly unwilling to back down. But before he could lunge again, a familiar explosion echoed down the hall. Smoke and debris flew into the air, and a moment later, Bakugo came charging through the wreckage, crimson eyes blazing with fury.

“MOVE!” Bakugo’s shout rang out, and you hit the ground instinctively, rolling to the opposite side of the hall just as a deafening explosion erupted. The blast sent the guard hurtling into the office door with a sickening crunch, the impact cracking the wooden frame.

“Fuck, are you good?” Bakugo was at your side in an instant, his hands cupping your face as his crimson eyes scanned you for injuries, his breathing ragged from the fight.

You pushed him slightly away, though your hand lingered on his wrist, grounding yourself in his presence. “I’m fine,” you assured him quickly, your voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through your veins. “Where’s Moretti?”

Bakugo shook his head, his jaw tightening. “I don’t know. He bolted as soon as the alarms started blaring.”

“Damn it,” you hissed, clenching your fists. You closed your eyes, trying to focus, to extend your senses outward. “I can’t feel him. Usually, I’d be able to track his presence, but there’s too much interference in the building. Too many people, too much chaos.”

Bakugo growled under his breath, his frustration as palpable as your own. 

“One of Moretti's men told me he was staying at a motel,” you said, your voice low as you motioned for Bakugo to follow you. 

“This definitely ain’t a motel, sweetheart,” Bakugo muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm as his sharp eyes darted around, scanning for any incoming threats.

“Yeah, no shit,” you shot back, rolling your eyes before a thought struck you. “Wait—you weren’t blindfolded when they brought you in.”

“No, I wasn’t,” Bakugo replied, his voice gruff as he gestured down another hallway. “But this place is a damn maze. The only reason I found you was because of the guards. Made it real easy when they started screaming.”

You sighed, shaking your head. “Well, we need to move. Moretti knows this place like the back of his hand, and he’ll have reinforcements swarming us any second.”

Bakugo nodded, his jaw tight as he adjusted his gloves. “Tch. Let ’em come. I’ve got plenty of firepower to deal with those bastards.”

Despite the weight of the situation, his confidence sparked a faint smirk on your lips. “I don’t doubt that,” you said, your tone softening. “But we need to be smart about this. If we can get to an exit, we’ll have the advantage outside.”

“Fine,” he agreed grudgingly, though his hands twitched with impatience. “But if we run into Moretti, I’m not holding back.”

“Neither am I,” you replied, your voice firm.

The air in the building was heavy with the scent of concrete dust and smoke, every corner steeped in shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. Your footsteps echoed faintly as you moved, your senses hyper-alert to every creak of the structure or distant voice.

Bakugo suddenly raised a hand, motioning for you to stop. He cocked his head, listening intently. “Hear that?” he murmured.

You strained your ears and caught it—a low, muffled murmur of voices coming from a corridor to your left. Your heart jumped. “Guards?”

“Most likely,” Bakugo whispered, his lips pulling into a grin that was half anticipation, half menace. “Let’s shut ’em up before they call for backup.”

You grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could rush in. “Wait. We don’t know how many there are or if they’ve got comms to Moretti. If they alert him, we’ll lose any chance of catching him off guard.”

He scowled but didn’t pull away. “Fine. Got a plan, genius?”

You nodded. “I’ll take the lead. My quirk can handle this quietly. You stay back, but if things go sideways—”

“I’m blasting the hell outta everything,” he finished with a smirk, his crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light.

“Exactly,” you said, your lips quirking up for a brief second before you pushed forward.

Sliding silently along the wall, you peeked around the corner. Three guards stood clustered near a door, their weapons slung casually over their shoulders. 

Drawing on your quirk, you exhaled slowly and let the power flood your senses. The world around you dimmed, leaving only the vivid threads of the guards’ presence—their heartbeat rhythms, the faint electromagnetic signals of their equipment.

One step forward. Another. The shadows seemed to ripple around you, swallowing your form as you closed the distance.

The first guard didn’t even see you coming. A quick strike to his neck dropped him silently to the floor. The second turned, his eyes widening, but you twisted his weapon out of his hands and knocked him unconscious with the butt of it in one fluid motion.

The third managed to let out a strangled gasp before Bakugo was suddenly there, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him into the wall. “Where’s Moretti?” Bakugo growled, his voice low and deadly.

The guard stammered, his face pale. “I—I don’t know! He’s somewhere upstairs in the west wing. Please, that’s all I know!”

Bakugo sneered and slammed him against the wall one more time for good measure before letting him crumple to the floor. He turned to you, his expression unreadable. “West wing, huh? Guess we’ve got a direction now.”

You nodded, already moving. “Let’s go. The longer we wait, the harder this gets.”

“Damn right,” Bakugo muttered, falling into step beside you. His presence was solid and reassuring, a blazing force that matched your determination.

“Shitty Hair went for backup—if he figures out where we are, they should be here soon,” Bakugo muttered, his eyes scanning the hall for any signs of movement.

“If Kirishima wanted to keep his balls, he would’ve gone straight to the place I told him to,” you shot back.

“What?” Bakugo stopped, turning to look at you.

“When we were in the car, I made him promise that if anything happened, he’d find Milly and protect her,” you explained, your voice steady.

Bakugo’s sharp crimson gaze fixed on you, a flicker of realization crossing his face. “I knew you didn’t kill her,” he muttered.

“I’m a hero, not a monster,” you replied, your tone firm but quiet.

“A hero, huh?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.

You shrugged, keeping your focus ahead. “It’s not exactly the kind of thing you bring up over coffee. ‘Hey, I used to be a hero, faked my death, and took down some major villains.’ Doesn’t make for casual conversation, does it?”

“Tch.” Bakugo’s hands clenched at his sides, tiny sparks crackling in his palms. “And your quirk?”

“Nothing special.” you shot back, glancing at him over your shoulder. “And besides, my quirk’s not flashy like yours. It’s subtle. Perfect for staying under the radar—which was kind of the whole point after Moretti.”

He scoffed, clearly unimpressed. “Subtle, huh? Looked plenty flashy back there when you were knocking people out left and right.”

You sighed, stopping in your tracks to face him. “Katsuki, this isn’t about my past. This is about stopping Moretti before he hurts anyone else. We can have the ‘what else haven’t you told me’ talk later, but right now, we don’t have time for this.”

His jaw worked, and for a moment, you thought he might argue. But then he huffed, running a hand through his ash-blond hair. “Fine. But don’t think for a second we’re done with this conversation.”

“Noted,” you said, a small smirk tugging at your lips as you turned back down the hallway.

The west wing loomed ahead, the corridors narrowing and the air growing colder. You could feel it—a sense of finality hanging thick around you. Whatever awaited in the next room, it was clear you and Bakugo would face it together, unresolved tensions and all.

The hallway stretched ahead, dimly lit and eerily silent apart from the faint hum of electricity. Bakugo stayed close, his footsteps heavier than yours as his crimson eyes darted around, searching for any sign of an ambush. You could feel the tension radiating off him—part frustration, part adrenaline—but there wasn’t time to unpack that now.

“You said you can sense him,” Bakugo muttered, breaking the silence. “What’re you picking up?”

You stopped, closing your eyes for a moment and focusing on the energy around you. It was chaotic, scattered—a mix of fear, anger, and desperation from everyone in the building. But there, buried beneath it all, was a faint, unmistakable pulse.

“He’s close,” you said, your voice low. “Two floors down, east wing. He’s not alone.”

Bakugo grinned, the kind of feral, dangerous grin that made villains tremble. “Good. The bastard won’t know what hit him.”

As you moved toward the nearest stairwell, you caught a glimpse of motion in the shadows ahead. Without hesitation, you grabbed Bakugo’s arm and yanked him back just as a barrage of bullets ricocheted off the walls.

“Shit!” Bakugo hissed, throwing up his hands and sending a concussive blast toward the shooter. The explosion rocked the corridor, and when the smoke cleared, the guard was sprawled unconscious on the floor.

“That was reckless,” you muttered, already moving to secure the guard’s weapon.

“Worked, didn’t it?” Bakugo shot back, his tone dripping with defiance.

Rolling your eyes, you pressed on, your senses sharp and your quirk humming faintly under your skin. More guards appeared as you descended the stairs, but Bakugo’s explosions and your precision made quick work of them. The two of you moved like a well-oiled machine—despite the unresolved tension, your instincts as fighters meshed seamlessly.

By the time you reached the east wing, the air felt heavier, charged with something darker. Moretti was close—you could feel his presence like a storm on the horizon.

Bakugo glanced at you, his fiery gaze meeting yours. “This is it. You ready?”

You nodded, your jaw set. “I’ve been ready for years.”

He smirked, stepping ahead and cracking his knuckles. “Then let’s end this.”

---

TAGLIST: @emmaafinchh@faetoraa@iissza@theasgardianmexican@cax-per

@nombakugoswife1

I have so many fucking issues. But he’s so fine. 😩😩

AND YES, I REALLY WANTED TO DRAW MY VERSION OF AN ADULT BAKUGO OK!!!