⇢ ˗ˏˋ requests: closed
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⇢ ˗ˏˋ will write: smut, fluff, angst, oneshots, multi-chapters, drabbles, AUs, canon x fem!reader, canon x OC
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⇢ ˗ˏˋ will NOT write: crack!fics, OC x reader, canon x male!reader, anything too gross
ׂ╰┈➤Fandoms ⋆｡°✩
⇢ ˗ˏˋ my hero academia, harry potter/ hogwarts legacy, love and deepspace, baldur's gate 3, jujutsu kaisen, game of thrones/house of the dragon
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
ׂ╰┈➤ Important! ⋆｡°✩
— English isn't my first language, so I apologize for any grammar mistakes.
— The characters in my works are AGED UP.
— Reposts of my works are NOT allowed.
— Minors and ageless blogs do NOT interact.
⚡︎ FIRST CHAPTER OF "BEGUILING" IS OUT ON WATTPAD ‼️
SO!! I've been working a bit behind the scenes and finally managed to write something long-term I'm proud enough to post! (will also get to the requests in a bit, sorry about that 😅)
If you like slowburn, chaotic, angsty, funny, steamy, realistic fanfics where the main character isn't too overpowered and the chemistry is palpable — well, here's “Beguiling”, a Weasley twins X OC fanfic!
happy holidays goldie!!! i hope you’re doing well!! 🩷
happy holidays, isa, and to everyone who celebrates them!!! ⛄🎄❄️
thank you so much for constantly checking up on me, i really notice and appreciate the effort :D🫶🫶 i'm doing well!!! just dealing with a lot of exams and personal stuff so i don't have the time to post nearly as much anymore <//33 hope you're doing well too!!!! 💗
i'm currently on a little trip!! here's some photos from a rock cafe i went to today 👀👀
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, end of part one
word count: 8.5k
part list
part two: chapter list
a/n: i'm so glad to start part two :)) but i did struggle with this part justtt a little
“We’re finally out!”
Clear as day, Denki's loud cry echoed in the air. His voice rang through the air, spooking some birds that were resting on a tree. The birds didn’t sound too happy being scared off their resting spot. In return, they squawked at Denki brashly as they flew off, cursing at the blond in some avian language. You pushed aside the last of the bush, clearing the way as the group stepped out of Niniel’s Veil. Finally. The air here felt lighter. Fresh and relieving enough to wake your aching body. After what felt like ages, you were all out of the cursed forest. It’s been far too long since you’ve set foot on ground that you didn’t have to think twice about.
The group emerged into the open, and for the first time in a month, they could see the bright sky. They had gotten so accustomed to the canopies of trees that they’d almost forgotten how clear the sky could be. Niniel’s Veil had disappeared behind you, replaced by the open plains and worn out dirt paths. Actual paths and open fields? The mere sight of it was heavenly. Each of you felt relief in your bones after spending so long navigating those twisted trees.
“Can’t believe we made it,” Kirishima yawned mid-stretch. He let out a low groan, he could finally relax. The redhead let out another loud groan as he stretched, the sharp crack of his back sounding almost blissful. “Almost two months... feels like we’ve been in there forever.”
“Yeah, it felt like we were never getting out,” Mina commented, adjusting the leather strap of her shoulder bag. “That place seriously messed with my head.”
Denki nodded, eyeing the land as though the fields themselves were priceless treasure. You didn’t blame him, you could understand the sentiment. “Thank the gods… we’re finally free.” He groaned, letting out a rather dramatic heavy sigh.
“It was a close call a few times,” you admitted, rolling your shoulders back trying to ease the uncomfortable stiffness sitting on your spine. Your back was killing you, pulsing with an ache. If you could, you’d choose to collapse right here on the ground. However, knowing a certain barbarian, you would consequently get yelled at. Frankly, you did not have the energy for that.
While the journey was gruelling you never did lose the confidence in getting out of the ancient woods, it was only that you didn’t expect to be in there for that long. Your sights fell onto the barbarian who was already looking onwards for the next adventure. As if he had the energy or gold to continue on. That fool needs rest, whether he likes it or not. The smallest of smiles drifted upon your lips before you stepped up beside him. “But we got what we came for.”
“There wasn’t a chance we’d leave without it,” Bakugou muttered under his breath, his tone sharp as always. He was already thinking of the next destination. “Third artefact down. One step closer to the finish line.”
“Could’ve done without the Veil’s tricks, though,” Sero said, his voice carrying the exhaustion of the journey. “That place did not want us to leave.”
Bakugou scoffed, already prepared to get going. The stubborn ox of a man already trudging onwards on the dirt path. “Too bad for it. It was never going to keep me there.”
Denki chuckled, still basking in the victory of escaping. “Y’know, we’re practically legends now,” he declared, pausing just long enough to let the weight of the title hang in the air. With a smug lift of his brow, he gave Kirishima a playful nudge as they walked. “We survived Niniel’s Veil and lived to tell the tale. That’s practically unheard of.”
You’re amused at Denki’s enthusiasm. Was he going to use that fact to charm every tavern girl now? A brand new, glowing achievement to use to impress the ladies? You shook your head at the mere thought. Tilting your head back, you let your eyes follow the drift of clouds across the endless blue, breathing in deeply as fatigue rattled your bones. “I could use a break.” was all you could really say.
“It would be nice to be somewhere that isn’t actively trying to kill us.” Sero agreed with a tired smile stretched on his face.
For now, you had earned a moment of peace. Now only open roads lay ahead. A beat of silence passes before you unfurl your trusted map. Tracing the familiar lines and checking for any surrounding towns. Lips parted, muttering to yourself as you scanned the parchment. The area was sparsely dotted with settlements, but you searched for the closest one. One place stood out to you. Not far at all and decently sized. Perhaps not a town, closer to a village really. It was better than nothing.
Rolling up your map, you spoke up, “We should head to the town of Driffin, it’s only ten miles away.” Your gaze swept over the group before settling on Bakugou, giving a firm look. Emphasising the next words for him. “We can rest there, regroup, and figure out our next move.”
Bakugou gave a grunt of agreement, not in the mood to speak. He was tired, whether he wanted to admit it or not. “Good. We need supplies, too. We’re running low.” Short, clipped responses slipping past his grumbling, already striding ahead.
“I could definitely use an actual bed,” Kirishima’s voice dragged with fatigue. He let out another loud groan as he cracked his neck. “And maybe a hot meal that isn’t dried rations for a change.”
Mina’s eyes lit up at the sound of actual food. Her stomach grumbled at the mere idea. “Yes! A real meal sounds like heaven right now.”
The group started to move with a cheer, already discussing what to do once they reach the town. The lingering tension of the Veil was fading as the thought of Driffin became the next goal. A place with warm food, soft beds, and safety. You led the way, your mind already thinking of falling into some soft sheets. Driffin was a small town, but it would offer the rest you all desperately needed. There was a collective sense of relief, knowing that for the first time in weeks, they were heading toward somewhere safe. Even if it was just for a brief rest. As they walked, the conversation naturally shifted toward the newest addition to the team: you.
Small jokes, murmured reassurances, and the occasional glance in your direction. It was clear that they were glad you’d decided to stick around, to join them on this unpredictable, wild ride. And you were glad to stay as well. These weren’t just people you’d agreed to help anymore. Along the bumpy ride, they’d become friends. It had been a long time since you’d truly connected with anyone. You wanted to stay and see where the journey would take everyone. And, if you were honest with yourself, part of that pull came from curiosity. Bakugou still had artefacts left to claim, and you wanted to see him finish his quest. To be there when it all came together. Kirishima was the first to voice his approval.
“I’m glad you decided to stay. We need people like you.” A grin stretched across Kirishima’s face as he glanced back at you. One by one, the others added to the warm conversation.
“Yeah, no complaints from me,” Denki added, flashing you a thumbs-up. “Plus, she makes things more interesting. The more, the merrier, right?”
Mina’s grin widened as she hugged you from behind. Her looped arms loose as the two of you walked. A light giggle bubbled from the both of you. “Definitely. It’s been fun having you around. You’re good with magic and maps, but you also get the team. That’s not always easy to find,” Mina chimed in with a wink. “More than that though, you’re also not half bad at keeping Bakugou in check.”
You couldn’t help but smirk at that, though Bakugou who was a little ahead, scoffed in response. You couldn’t see it but you knew he had that iconic scowl on him. “Don’t start.” he muttered, not wanting to entertain this conversation in the slightest.
Sero leaned in to whisper into the group, keeping his volume down so a certain blond wouldn’t hear his teasing. “He says that now, but we all know he’s just glad someone else can keep up with his attitude.”
Denki laughed, elbowing Sero in agreement. “Right? I was starting to think he was gonna snap one of our necks eventually. But now he’s got someone else to argue with.”
Sero leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice even more. A sly smirk on his lips as he glanced at Bakugou and you. "Honestly, I think he’s happy someone can argue with him."
Denki sniggered, his hand clasping over his mouth to muffle the sound. Though you could see his goofish grin peeking through. "I thought we were gonna be stuck getting yelled at for the rest of the trip. You’ve given him a new target, and we all appreciate it."
You shook your head at their words. “Glad I could take the heat off you guys, I guess.”
Ahead of you, Bakugou’s voice cut through, his ears clearly catching bits of the conversation. “I can hear you idiots,” he growled, barking back at the two to get them to shut it. “I do not need anyone keeping up with my attitude.”
At his words, Sero raised an eyebrow, glancing at you with a cheeky grin. Thumb jutted out, pointing at the back of the barbarian. “See? He’s already getting defensive.”
Bakugou shot him a glare but didn’t bother to respond, quickening his pace slightly as if to distance himself from the banter. You couldn’t help but chuckle at the exchange, feeling more like you’re a part of this group. It’s a warm sensation that fills your chest as you walk with them, feeling accepted and belonging.
Mina leaned into your ear, her voice lower. “He’ll never admit it, but having you around has definitely made things better.”
"Well, someone’s got to keep him in check, right?" You laughed, already able to feel the heat radiating from the blond barbarian ahead.
For someone who’s been listening all along, Bakugou is much quieter than usual. You pinned it on him being exhausted. He didn’t turn around to look at your smug faces, grumbling with a huff. “..As if you could keep me in check.” the grouch muttered under his breath, quickening his pace to get ahead.
As the group’s chatter continued, you stayed silent. You had come into this team a stranger, but now you were all companions. You had carved out a place among them. The journey ahead was probably going to be long and dangerous, but being with them made it feel doable. It all felt a little less intimidating with them. And if you were going to suffer, at least it would be with them right? As the road stretched out before you, the warmth of Mina’s embrace and the shared laughter from Denki and Sero made you feel closer. You were becoming part of their story.
Before you knew it, the town welcomed you with warmth and simplicity. Cobbled streets and small, thatched-roof cottages giving off a mellow vibe. It wasn’t large, perhaps the size of a village, but it had everything you all needed. A place to rest and recover after the lengthy, treacherous trek through Niniel’s Veil. The sound of chatter from the marketplace filled the streets as you made your way toward the local inn. The one that Denki mentioned had the best honey cakes. Lanterns hung from doorways, casting a soft glow on the cobblestone streets as the group made its way toward the inn.
The inn itself was cozy, a rustic building with worn wooden beams and the comforting smell of hearth fire and honey drifting from within. The group practically swarmed inside, eager for a break from the wilds. Two rooms were secured, but as everyone settled in, Bakugou raised a point. He opened the drawstring coin bag with a low drag, the contents inside being rather sparse.
“We need more coin,” he said, leaning against the doorframe of the inn's common room. His hand bounced the light coin bag, gripping it tight as he continued to make his point. “We’ve still got some left from the last job, but we’d better replenish it before we head out again.”
Kirishima peered into the coin purse, squinting as he eyed the lacking gold. His expression scrunched up at the grim amount. “Yeah, you’re right. We burned through a lot of supplies back in the Veil. If we want to stock up properly, we’ll need more gold.”
Mina twirled a strand of her hair, looking at the bulletin board that hung on the wall. She plucked one of the flyers, reading the description. “We could always pick up a few odd jobs while we’re here. Small towns like this always need help with something, right?”
Denki, who was leaning against the wall, grinned and stepped over to snatch the flyer Mina was holding. It earned a light smack from the tiefling but he was unfazed. “Sounds good to me. Some work that doesn’t involve fighting and running from monsters.”
Sero stepped next to Denki, leaning in to get a read of the job listing. “We could use the extra coin. Who knows what kind of expensive supplies we’ll need for the next leg of the journey?”
You considered the idea, going up to the board and selecting a few job offers that paid decently. “We could split up, cover more ground that way.” As you spoke, you were already handing out a few listings to everyone.
Bakugou skimmed through the job listing, grunting in response. “As long as we don’t waste too much time, I’m in. We can split up, get things done quicker. No point hanging around here longer than we need to.”
Sero looked over at you. “You think we could ask the innkeeper or locals? They probably know what needs doing around here.”
“Definitely,” you replied, glancing toward the front of the inn where the innkeeper was busy tending to a customer. “Small towns like this always have something going on. I’ll ask around.”
Kirishima grinned, getting pumped with renewed energy. How did he always get so energised? “Alright! Let’s do this, then. Some work, some rest, and we’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”
Denki groaned, pushing himself off the wall and letting out a rather theatrical groan. “Just as long as I’m not stuck hauling heavy hay around. My back’s still killing me from the Veil.”
“Don’t worry, Denki. You can get the easy jobs, as usual.” Mina laughed, nudging him playfully.
Bakugou rolled his eyes at Denki’s whining. “If you can’t handle it, just say so. We’ll leave the hard stuff to the rest of us.”
“I can handle it! I’m just saying... a little break wouldn’t hurt.” Denki’s ego bristled at his friend’s reactions. So he defended himself, straightening up as he picked out one of the listings.
The group began to disperse, spirits lifted by the idea of a few days of lighter tasks and the promise of proper beds and warm meals. As you headed toward the innkeeper, you felt the weight of the journey finally begin to ease— no high-stakes battles or cursed forests, just a few odd jobs in a peaceful town. Everyone split off in smaller groups, hoping to get these jobs done quickly. Working together on simple mundane tasks.
Right?
A few, easy, peaceful odd jobs.
“How are you this bad at catching chickens?!” you yelled, exasperation dripping from your voice as you swatted a flurry of feathers from your face. This was far from being easy or peaceful.
Your unfortunate partner for this task, Kirishima, was in the middle of tripping over a fence, trying to grab a particularly nimble hen. “I’m trying! These little guys are faster than they look!” he huffed, scrambling to his feet with a huff. Despite how good he was at combat, chasing chickens seemed to be his undoing.
“Maybe try not scaring them off like you’re a charging brute?” you snapped, trying to corner a few chickens that had scattered at Kirishima’s last attempt. Your eyes followed the frantic blur of feathers, and you lunged, managing to catch one by the legs. Victory surged through you, but as soon as you had it in hand, another three took off in the opposite direction. This was going to be a long afternoon.
Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. He looked lost and guilty for being this bad. “Sorry! I don’t think chicken catching is my strong suit.”
“No kidding,” you muttered, holding the squirming chicken close to your chest as you tried to strategize. Squinting at the chickens that scrambled about. "At this rate, we'll be here until next week."
Just then, Denki wandered up, casually leaning on the fence, clearly enjoying the spectacle. “You two look like you’re having a blast,” he called out with a punchable smug smirk plastered on his face. “Need some help or should I keep watching?”
“Oh please, by all means, watch while we do all the work,” you replied sarcastically, rolling your eyes as another chicken darted past Kirishima’s feet, completely unbothered by him. Not even fazed when Kirishima tried to swoop in to catch it. He was seriously bad at this.
Kirishima shot Denki a look, rising up with his hands on his hips. “Come on, man, either help or— oh!” He cut himself off as another chicken darted between his legs, causing him to spin and nearly lose his balance again.
Denki laughed, hopping over the fence in one smooth motion. “Alright, alright, I’ll save you two. Honestly, how hard could it be?”
…
Denki’s confidence lasted for all of ten seconds before the chickens, seemingly sensing his cockiness, scattered even faster. He dove for one but missed spectacularly, landing face-first in the dirt. Well, that went about as well as you thought. You weren’t sure why Denki was so confident but it did not last.
"Nice save, Denki," you said dryly, holding back a laugh as he pushed himself up, spitting out a bit of dust. A smidge of dirt still on his cheek.
“They’re slippery!” he protested, brushing dirt off his clothes. "I thought this would be easy."
“Yeah, no kidding,” you muttered. “We’ve been chasing them around like headless chickens out here.”
Just then, Bakugou’s unmistakable voice barked from the distance, louder than necessary. His voice alone was enough for you to give up and simply collapse. Not this meathead. “What the hell are you all doing?! They’re chickens, not enemies! Get it together!”
You groaned. Another one to join this chicken party. “Great, now he’s watching.”
Bakugou approached, arms crossed and that familiar irritating look on his face. The one where he was so sure he could do better. The one that always has you fighting to wipe it off him. “You catch ‘em by herding them together, not running around like idiots.”
“Oh, now you show up with the advice,” you shot back, glaring at him. Frankly annoyed at both the chickens and the introduction of Bakugou. And honestly, the overwhelming sensation of the heat, the flutter of feathers and the sticky sensation of sweat. What you would give for rest. “Why don’t you come down here and help, then?”
Bakugou smirked, ready to prove him right and you wrong. He was enjoying the chaos. Could’ve stayed and watched you idiots run around like the same chickens that were meant to be captured. But he stepped forward nonetheless, going over the fence. Not because he’s a saint. Because he wants to rub it in your face. “Fine. Watch and learn.”
In one swift motion, Bakugou lunged and snatched a chicken by the wings, holding it up victoriously. A cocky, smug smirk aimed directly at you. “See? Not that hard.” Your eye twitched. Not that hard. Great! So, how about fifteen more?
You wanted to argue as usual but Kirishima and Denki exchanged a look with you. And then you all shrugged. At least with Bakugou’s help, maybe you wouldn’t be chasing chickens all day. With Bakugou herding the flock, things went a little smoother. Though there were still a few close calls, like Denki tripping over his own feet and you nearly losing your grip on a particularly feisty hen. By the end of it, the group was covered in dirt and feathers, but the runaway chickens were corralled back into their pen.
Panting, you wiped sweat from your forehead. “I never want to see another chicken again.”
Kirishima laughed, dusting himself off. Relieved that he no longer needed to run around chasing those birds. “Who knew they could be so tough to catch?”
Denki stretched, wincing from his earlier fall. Eyeing the chickens that are now in their coop. “I could eat them right about now.”
“Could’ve been faster.” Bakugou huffed. Generic response expected from him.
“Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, exhausted at having to hear his grating voice after all that chicken catching. “Next time, we’ll leave all the chickens to you.”
Bakugou sneered. “You are all useless.”
The panting from all the running, the scratches on your arms, and the feathers sticking to your clothes— everything seemed worth it when the farmer handed you the bag of coins. Finally. Money. Gold. You let out a breathless chuckle as you tucked the pouch into your pocket, wiping the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand. "All that for chickens," you muttered to yourself, still feeling the adrenaline buzzing through your veins.
As you caught your breath, a thought crossed your mind. Right. How are Mina and Sero doing?
It didn’t take long to spot Mina, darting across the square with a large box precariously balanced in her arms. She caught sight of you and, despite her loaded hands, gave a quick wave. "Hey!" she called out, her voice cheerful even in the midst of her task. "Finished wrangling chickens?"
“Barely,” you called back, chuckling. You jogged over to her, still feeling the exhaustion from the chicken job. "What’s all this?"
"Deliveries!" she replied with a grin, adjusting her grip on the box. Ensuring it doesn’t slip her fingertips. "The local shopkeeper needed help, so I’m running stuff around town. Sero’s out gathering ingredients for the local alchemist. We figured we might as well get some extra work done while we’re here. You wanna lend a hand?”
You raised an eyebrow, glancing at the box she was struggling with. “Sure, why not? Need any help with that?”
"You read my mind. This thing's heavier than it looks." Mina laughed, eagerly handing the box over to you. Shifting it carefully into your arms.
You took the box from her, realising she wasn’t exaggerating. You let out a surprised grunt at the weight. “What’s in here? Rocks?”
"Close enough," she replied, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. "It’s herbs, oils, and some other stuff the apothecary ordered. Apparently, they don’t do light packages.”
As you both made your way through town, Mina filled you in on Sero’s task. "Sero’s out by the woods collecting rare plants for some fancy potions. He could probably use a hand if you’re up for it. He's been out there for a while now.”
You nodded as you shifted the box in your arms. "Gathering plants sounds nice actually. I’ll help him out after we drop this off."
Mina grinned. "Great! He’s just outside of town, near that big oak tree. You know the one. I’ll catch up with you guys once I’m done with these deliveries."
Together, you dropped off the box at the apothecary, whose delighted smile made the heavy lifting feel a bit more worthwhile. After helping Mina with the deliveries to the apothecary, the two of you headed toward the bakery, where another delivery was waiting. You figured you’d help her with another run when you saw the large stack of boxes waiting at the bakery’s front. Maybe Sero would be fine on his own. But just as you were about to lift one, you both ran into Denki, Kirishima, and Bakugou coming down the street.
Kirishima raised an eyebrow, noticing the boxes Mina was struggling with. “What’s Mina doing with all those deliveries?”
Mina skidded to a stop in front of them, the box wobbling dangerously in her arms before she regained control. “Oh, I took on some delivery jobs for the local shops! This box is for the baker down the street, but I’ve got a few more to run around town.” She set the box down for a moment, catching her breath. “Honestly, could use some help with the rest. Sero’s out gathering ingredients for the alchemist, and it’s a lot more running around than I thought.”
Denki, still catching his breath from the chicken fiasco, groaned. “More running? I’m not sure I’ve got it in me. I barely survived the chickens!”
Mina laughed, giving Denki a playful shove. “Come on, it’s easy work compared to what we just did. No angry chickens involved. Plus, the baker promised free pastries if we help out.”
Kirishima perked up at the mention of baked goods, like a dog hearing the shake of the treat jar. “Alright, I’m in! Could use a good snack after all that running.” He was already stretching his legs to get ready for this arduous task of delivering boxes around.
Bakugou glanced at the pile of boxes with a sigh. He too was tired, even if he didn’t want to admit it. “Fine, let’s get this over with. But I’m not wasting all day on this.”
With them helping Mina, you slipped away. Mina had more than enough help. You headed toward the edge of town where Sero was gathering ingredients. As you walked, you couldn’t help but take a moment to enjoy this. Simple small-town work, as mundane as it seemed, was a nice change of pace from the life-threatening chaos of your usual adventures. It was good to have these moments— easy, everyday jobs that reminded you what normalcy felt like. When you reached the oak tree, you spotted Sero crouched near a patch of wildflowers, carefully inspecting the plants. "Need some help?" you called out.
Sero glanced up, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey! Perfect timing. I could use an extra set of eyes. This alchemist is picky. Only wants the best quality stuff, and I think I’m going cross-eyed from staring at plants."
You chuckled, joining him at the patch. Kneeling down on the soft ground as you squinted at the fauna. “No problem. Let’s get this done, and maybe we’ll actually have some time to relax today.”
"As long as the alchemist doesn’t send us back out here for more." Sero said with a dry laugh, already looking back at the patch of greenery.
With the two of you working together, the task felt easier, and the sun started to dip lower in the sky. Hues of orange bathed the both of you crouched under the oak tree. You were grateful for the simplicity of the day’s work, even if it had involved quick chickens, heavy deliveries, and now, herbs. As you and Sero crouched among the rows of herbs, the earthy scent of freshly turned soil filling the air, you glanced over at him. His eyes sharply focused on the plants, fingers deftly plucking the right leaves. You watched him for a moment before deciding to speak.
“Sero, what do you think of the journey so far?” you asked as you reached for another plant. You didn’t know him all that well, and this felt like a good moment to change that.
Sero paused for a second, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he tucked the herbs into the collection bag. "It’s been... intense," he admitted, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Definitely not what I expected. But it’s been good. You know, three artefacts in and we’re still standing, so I’d call that a win."
“You’ve been here longer than I have. Any regrets?” You smiled as you tucked a few more herbs into the collection bag.
He shook his head, reflecting back on this wild journey, his grin widening. "Nah, no regrets. It’s been crazy, but I’m close with everyone now. You get used to the chaos, and besides, it’s not every day you get to hunt down ancient artefacts. Keeps life interesting."
“Used to all the chaos?” You chuckled, shaking your head as you plucked a few leaves from the plant in front of you. Getting used to all this chaos would make it hard to go back to normal life.
He shrugged but his next words were genuine. “Chaos, sure. But it’s not just the danger and the running around. It’s the group. Being around you guys makes it easier. Even when things go sideways, I know we’ll figure it out.”
You think back to the memories in Niniel’s Veil. The trek, the caves and the heart of the veil. “Yeah, we’ve definitely been through a lot already, but it’s just getting started.”
Sero hummed thoughtfully, tucking a few more herbs into the bag pinned by his belt. “You’re fitting in pretty quick, though. It’s not easy to jump into the middle of something like this, but you’ve handled it well.” He paused for a moment, then added, “It helps that everyone’s pretty tight. Makes the whole journey feel less like a job and more like an adventure.”
“Definitely feels like an adventure,” you agreed. “I mean, chasing down artefacts, dodging traps, dealing with whatever’s lurking about— it’s not exactly boring.”
“No, never boring. Though I’ve gotta say, after doing this twice before, the stakes keep getting higher.” Sero leaned back on his heels, looking at you with a curious expression. “What about you? How’s it been so far, joining us in the middle of all this?”
You hesitated for a moment, thinking about how the group had quickly become friends to you. It surprised you sometimes, how easily you’d slipped into their rhythm. You hadn’t expected to grow so attached, but here you were, caring more than you thought you would. “Honestly? It’s been... better than I expected. I didn’t know what to think at first… jumping into a group that already had history. But everyone’s been great. And, yeah, the journey can get intense, but it’s been worth it. I’m starting to see why you guys stick together.”
Sero listened to your answer, understanding what you meant. “Yeah, they’re good people. Denki especially, though I’d never say that to his face,” he added with a wink. “He’s like a brother, you know? Always gets himself into trouble, but he’s the first to crack a joke when things get rough.”
You smiled, recalling Denki’s endless humour and energy, even when the odds were against you. “I can see that. He’s good for morale.”
Sero glanced up as if he could hear Denki from across town. “Good for getting on your nerves, too, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”
The two of you continued picking the herbs in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Sero spoke again, his tone more thoughtful. “You know, it’s weird... when I joined this group, I didn’t think I’d stick around this long. I figured I’d help out and then move on. But then the first artefact hunt happened, and by the second one... I don’t know, I guess I just couldn’t leave.”
You looked over at him, curious. “What made you stay?”
He considered that for a moment, his eyes softening. “I think it’s the same reason you’re here now. It’s the people. We might be chasing artefacts and running into danger every other day, but at the end of it, there’s always someone watching your back. That’s not easy to find.”
You smiled, feeling the truth in his words. “Yeah, I get that. It’s not just about the journey, it’s who you’re with.”
Sero chuckled, getting to his feet as he stuffed the last of the herbs into his bag. “Exactly. Plus, someone’s gotta make sure Denki doesn’t step on Bakugou’s toes.”
You laughed, rising to stand beside him. “Guess that’s a full-time job.”
“More than you know,” he grinned, giving you a friendly nudge with his elbow.
As the both of you plucked and gathered herbs for the apothecary, Sero slowly opened up to you. He and Denki, he explained, used to serve as knights in the kingdom of Bruwen— some frigid land up north. The work had its merits, but neither of them ever truly fit into the rigid discipline and formality the post demanded. There were countless times where the both of them got in trouble for their tomfoolery. How they didn’t get expelled sooner, Sero hadn’t had the faintest clue. So they left. Simply because the road beyond the castle walls called to them. They became a pair of wandering adventurers, drifting from one group to the next, taking whatever jobs that paid.
Then came the fateful meeting. How did they come into the dragonborn prince? Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, they quite literally stumbled into Bakugou and Kirishima. Sero chuckled at the memory: Denki had managed to bump into Bakugou, somehow triggering a trap that sealed them all inside. They had bickered every step of the way as they begrudgingly worked together to escape… yet, for reasons none of them could quite explain, it stuck. The four of them just stayed together. And not long after, Mina joined. They’d met her in a bustling little town looking for short work. But, and, as Sero put it, ‘things just clicked.’ From there, they’ve been travelling together.
The conversation ended as the both of you finished up. Sero rose up, brushing the dirt off his hands. “Yeah and well, you’re stuck with us now. Come on, let’s finish up here and meet the others. I’m sure Denki’s found some way to get himself in trouble by now.”
You laughed as you stood up, chucking the rest of the herbs into the bag. “Yeah, knowing Denki, you’re probably right.”
Sero wasn’t exactly wrong. Denki wasn’t an idiot most of the time— but he definitely had his moments, especially when it came to pissing Bakugou off. A special talent of his. The two of you returned with the bag of herbs. The apothecary was definitely strict, taking her time carefully inspecting them. Eventually, the apothecary looked satisfied, choosing to play the both of you handsomely for the meticulous care and effort. You and Sero returned to the inn, pockets full of coins from your errands, only to be greeted by the sight of Denki sprinting around the entrance, with Bakugou hot on his heels.
You groaned, already exhausted just watching them. While it was amusing, you also didn’t want any more problems. "What now?" you muttered under your breath, dreading the answer.
Sero shrugged at you, expecting something like this to happen. “Place your bets. I’m guessing it involves Denki saying something stupid.” Only Denki could get into trouble like this.
As you and Sero approached the inn, you spotted Mina and Kirishima lounging near the entrance, casually observing the chaos unfolding in front of them. Both of them wore matching grins, clearly entertained by the spectacle of Denki running for his life from an enraged Bakugou. You almost felt bad for Denki from how he was sprinting from the barbarian.
Amongst the both of them, Kirishima leaned toward Mina. His grin wide, holding back a laugh as he watched Denki barely dodge Bakugou. “Ten gold on Denki lasting five more minutes before Bakugou catches him.”
Mina snickered at both the bet and the entertainment in front of her. Kirishima had way too much faith in Denki for such a bet. “Oh, please. Five minutes? Bakugou’s about to explode. Denki’s got maybe a minute before he’s toast.”
They both laughed, barely containing their amusement as Bakugou finally managed to grab Denki by the back of his shirt. Even lesser than a minute. Mina grinned and nudged Kirishima to pay up. “Told you. He’s tough, but not that tough.” The dragonborn snickered as he tossed ten gold into her open palm.
Your eyes tracked Denki and Bakugou as the scene continued to unfold in front of you. Denki, with pure luck and desperation, scrambled out of Bakugou’s grasp. The sound of the collar slipping through Bakugou’s grip. Denki immediately took off, sprinting down the inn's courtyard. A nasty roar from Bakugou echoed through the air, his fists clenched in frustration as he stormed after him, his patience practically non-existent.
Denki darted around a corner of crates, laughing nervously as he stammered to reason with Bakugou. “Come on, Bakugou! I didn’t mean for it to turn out this way!”
Bakugou boomed explosively, his anger bursting through his voice. “I’m gonna kill you!”
Poor Denki. You shook your head as you watched the spectacle. Unsure of how to even step in or if you even wanted to. “Never a quiet day, huh?” you muttered to yourself, a dry laugh slipping past your lips.
Sero chuckled as well, watching Denki try to loop around a stack of crates. His best friend still pleading for his life. “Not with those two around.
You both stepped closer to the commotion, Denki’s panicked voice being much clearer now. As if the both weren’t loud enough. “I didn’t mean it like that, Bakugou! It was just a compliment! Technically!”
"Yeah, right, you idiot!" Bakugou snarled, his eyes lit ablaze with fury. He eyed Denki, trying to snatch him up. “I’ve been cleaning up your mess for the last hour because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut!”
Sero raised an eyebrow. Hands on his hips as he asked for more details. “What mess exactly?”
Denki, still running in circles to avoid Bakugou’s wrath, risked a glance in your direction. “Okay, so it was just a little misunderstanding—” Oh— and there goes Denki. He ducked at the last minute and scampered off.
“He started a damn tavern brawl!” Bakugou cut him off, lunging again, though Denki just barely dodged. Was Bakugou just sluggish tonight or was Denki just insanely lucky?
You sighed, already feeling the headache forming. Did they get kicked out of the inn? Were they going to sleep on the streets tonight? “What did you say this time, Denki?”
Denki skidded to a stop near you, hands on his knees, catching his breath. “I– I was just trying to compliment this woman in the tavern, you know? I said she had nice... biceps, or something like that, and—”
“And it turns out she’s the wife of one of the biggest and drunkest guys in the place,” Bakugou growled, finally catching up and grabbing Denki by the back of his shirt again. This time gripping it tight so Denki doesn’t slip away like before. “Which led to everyone throwing punches!”
Denki winced as Bakugou hauled him up, his feet barely touching the ground. “Hey, how was I supposed to know she was married? It was a harmless compliment! People need to be more secure in their relationships.” Amidst the ruckus, Denki was right about that.
Sero snorted at the retelling of the story. Even after knowing Denki for so long, sometimes he couldn’t believe the shit his friend gets into. “So, let me get this straight. With one badly worded compliment and you managed to turn the entire tavern into a brawl?”
Denki flashed a sheepish grin, clearly still feeling the high of the adrenaline. “Yeah, I guess it escalated. But! I think I won that first punch before Bakugou jumped in. Right, man?”
Bakugou’s eyes narrowed as he yanked Denki back, yelling at the troublemaker in his hands. “You didn’t win anything! You hid behind me while I dealt with half the room!”
You massaged your temples, trying to process the absurdity of it all. “And now you’re running around like a couple of kids while the tavern’s recovering from this mess?”
Denki shot you a pleading look. As if his puppy eyes could win his case. “It wasn’t that bad. And hey, we’re not banned... yet.”
Bakugou’s grip tightened, and you could practically see the murderous intent in his eyes. “You’re lucky I didn’t leave you behind in that mess, you damn idiot.”
You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head. Remembering Sero’s words about his best friend. Not an idiot most of the time. For all this trouble, it did lighten your mood. Sure you all had to worry about being banned but this was hilarious. “Well, at least it’s never boring with him around.”
Denki, still caught in Bakugou’s grasp, laughed nervously. “See? I keep things interesting! Just... you know, maybe you can let me down now, Bakugou?”
Bakugou growled but finally dropped Denki, who stumbled before straightening up and brushing himself off. “Next time do us all a favour and shut the fuck up.”
Even after getting rattled by Bakugou, Denki had the energy to give a mock salute. Rather daring since Bakugou could still grab ahold of him. “Aye sir. Message received, loud and clear.”
You sighed, shaking your head, ushering him to get into the inn. “Come on, let’s get inside before Bakugou changes his mind and decides to punt you into the ground.”
As you four walked up to inn’s entrance where Mina and Kirishima were, the both of them lit up. The pink skinned fighter spoke up first, waving her arm at you. “What took you guys so long? You missed the best part! Denki started a full-on tavern brawl over a compliment.”
“We heard,” Sero replied, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Peeking at his best friend, looping an arm around his shoulder as they walked together. “Seems like Denki’s flirting skills are as sharp as ever.”
Kirishima chuckled, watching as Bakugou stormed into the inn. Practically able to see the steam seething off his friend. “Honestly, I thought Bakugou was going to finish what the tavern didn’t.”
“Bakugou might still, if Denki opens his mouth again,” you muttered, shooting a look at the fuming barbarian and the sheepish idiot. You held the door of the inn open as each member walked in. You couldn’t help but ask the long-time spectators of the event. “How bad was it?”
Mina leaned in, eyes twinkling as she replayed the moments in her head. “Oh, it was glorious. Denki tried to compliment some woman, and the next thing you know, her husband’s swinging fists. The whole place went down like dominoes, and of course, Bakugou had to step in and handle it.”
Kirishima joined in, laughing along at the memory. His grin widening as he spoke through a chortle. “Yeah, Bakugou was not happy, but I gotta give Denki credit— he managed to duck out just in time. The guy’s got reflexes.”
Denki, overhearing the conversation as he dusted himself off, raised his hands in mock surrender. Once again, trying to defend himself. “Come on, you guys. I’m not that bad! I was just trying to make conversation.”
Bakugou cut it short with a glowering glare, stepping closer to him. His steps are heavy and his bark is biting. “Make conversation again, and I’ll make sure you’re the one swinging next time.” It quickly shut Denki up, watching him shrink down with a pitiful look.
As the group made their way inside, you couldn’t help but chuckle. Chaos seemed to follow Denki wherever he went, but at least there was never a dull moment. With the group finally reunited in one piece, you all made your way back into the inn, ready to (hopefully) end the day without any more disturbances. The innkeeper was agitated but he wasn’t going to ban anyone. All he wanted was for the group to scram at first light which was not a problem. The group made their way toward the stairs, their tired footsteps heavy from the day’s odd jobs. Everyone was eager to crash into their beds and get some much-needed rest. You followed along, but just as Bakugou began to ascend the stairs, you reached out and lightly tugged on his arm.
“Bakugou, wait,” you called out. There was one more thing you had to do before you turned in for the night. It most definitely couldn’t wait for the morning. He stopped mid-step, glancing back at you with an exhausted, grumpy expression. The others continued up without a second thought, too fatigued to notice the exchange.
“What? I’m not in the mood.” Bakugou narrowed his eyes on you, his voice roughened with the earlier frustrations. He was tired too. So were you. That’s why you were intent on keeping this short.
“We need to talk. About the next destination,” you said, motioning toward the common space of the inn. You knew that he would agree if it was about his quest. “Can we sit down for a minute?”
He looked like he might protest for a second, but then he sighed, realising this was important. Plus, you weren’t going to let it go. And even though all he wanted to do was to sink into a mattress. This was a needed conversation. “Fine,” he muttered, following you down the stairs and into the dimly lit common area. You both settled at a table near the fireplace, the crackling of the flames filling the silence between you. Bakugou leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. He got comfortable in the creaky wooden chair, a grunt leaving his lips.
“So, what is it?” he asked, wanting to get this over and done with.
You rested your arms on the table, your demeanour shifting to being a bit more serious. “I want to know what the next riddle is for the next artefact. We need to be ready, and I need to understand what we’re walking into.”
Bakugou shifted in his seat, clearly considering whether to share the details now or brush it off until later. But after a moment, he sighed and pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pants. “The riddle’s a pain in the ass, like the others,” he mumbled, unfolding it for you. “Listen to this.” He tossed it onto the table between you, the edges frayed from being handled too many times.
Bakugou showed you the latest riddle that pointed to the next location of the artefact. Whoever had hidden these relics across the continent had been considerate enough to leave riddles for each one. A twisted sense of generosity, if you had to guess. How kind of them to make this a scavenger hunt, you thought dryly.
Seek the tomb where spirits weep,
Beneath the city,
where shadows dwell,
In halls where silence casts its spell,
A king's dark past and secrets lie,
Where whispers of the restless sigh.
In crypts where ancient secrets sleep,
Solve the tales of Edresa's yore,
Each riddle etched on walls of lore.
You couldn’t help but feel that this wasn’t just another clue. It was a warning, etched into the lines of the riddle, daring anyone who sought the artefact to tread carefully. A chill slithered down your spine, prickling your skin. Edresa’s catacombs? Rather grim, if anyone asked you. Edresa was a prosperous city, full of life and trade, with bustling marketplaces that made it the heart of the region. But beneath all that vibrancy lay a shadowy secret, a network of ancient catacombs that few dared to speak of. To be honest, you hadn’t heard much about the labyrinthine tunnels beneath the city, but you knew someone who did.
“Edresa, huh…” you muttered softly to yourself, the name stirring memories of a dear friend who resided there. If the riddle pointed to Edresa, it might not be as impossible as it seemed. He could help you. He always had before.
Bakugou’s gaze sharpened when he noticed the shift in your expression. “You know the place?”
You nodded, but quickly waved it off. “Yeah, I know it,” you said, keeping your voice neutral. Not wanting to worry him this late. “But don’t worry about it right now. I know what to do. Get some rest. We’ll talk more in the morning.”
Bakugou narrowed his eyes at you, clearly suspicious. Not that his trust was faltering but he much rather knew what you were thinking. He wasn’t one to walk into something without knowing all he could. And he wasn’t going to have you withhold information from him. “If you’ve got a plan, spill it. If there’s something you’re not saying—.”
You shook your head, firm in your decision. You’ll tell him tomorrow. “You’ve done enough for today. We’ve all been running ourselves ragged. Just go to bed, Bakugou. I’ve got this.”
His jaw ticked at your dismissiveness. He didn’t want to wait till tomorrow, how could you not understand this. “Like hell I will. Spit it out before I drag it out of you.” Bakugou grumbled, his eyes sharpening into a glare.
You held up your hands in mock surrender. Not wanting to fight or agitate him any further. It was simply just a heavy topic that’s easier to swallow when he wasn’t sleep-deprived. “Seriously, I’ll handle it. Go rest. We need you sharp tomorrow.” You reassured, giving him a look to trust you.
Bakugou hesitated for a moment, then grunted, clearly still unconvinced but too tired to argue further. You were stuck with them anyway. It wasn’t like you were going to run off. “Fine. But...” He shot you one last look before pushing back from the table and heading for the stairs. “We’re talking in the morning. No exceptions.”
You firmly nod, meeting his gaze as you reassure him once more.“Of course,” all you could muster was a small smile. As Bakugou disappeared up the stairs, the weight of what you had to do settled over you. Once the room was quiet, you let out a long breath and reached for the crystal pendant around your neck, feeling its cool surface against your fingertips. The soft glow within it flickered to life as you concentrated, your breath wavering as you prepared to make the call.
The pendant warmed in your palm, and after a few moments, the familiar voice crackled through the connection. Holding it tightly, you closed your eyes and whispered an incantation, your voice barely a whisper. After using this gadget so much, it’s something you know how to use fully. The crystal warmed in your palm, and after a moment, the faint outline of a figure began to shimmer within its depths.
"Come on, answer…" you murmured to yourself, feeling the magic connect.
Then that calm voice speaks up.
“Been a while since I heard from you, what’s going on?”
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a/n: this chapter took a while to make, idk why i was struggling so much but enjoy!! @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr @qardasngan @rednicotine @318474hello @d4rlinxs @sgtrjivc @ky0ruuu @naliarefira @katsukispubies @kitsunetori
➠ Pairing: Hiccup Haddock x Reader
➠ Genre/Trope: Soulmates
➠ Type: Series
➠ Word count: 1.9k
➠ Warnings/Tags: angst (?), trauma, swearing (eventually), emotional damage, depictions of violence, canon-typical violence
➠ Summary: You’re a dragon hunter, and he’s a dragon rider – two opposing sides of a battle started long before you were born. Why has fate put you together, then? (OR, alternatively, a Soulmate AU in which you receive the wounds your soulmate receives (and feel the pain they do)).
➠ Author Notes: haha whaddup kids back from the dead for the 230838th time! new hyper-fixation makes brain go brr so now I have an entire new fic to pump out. Let's hope its everything you want and more — LMK if you want a part 2!
+Ao3 Ver.
You’re seven years old the first time you feel it.
It doesn’t happen during training or while chasing gulls across the rocky beach like a lunatic, or even from stealing honey bread and running headlong into a fence post—though those incidents are much more frequent.
This one happens while you’re still, too still, swinging your legs at the edge of the dock. The air is clear and bright, the wind sharp with sea salt. The boats bob gently, and you hum to yourself as you thread bone beads onto a frayed cord, half-lost in thought.
Then, out of nowhere, a sharp, thudding pain blossoms on your upper arm, like a punch from nowhere, deep and bruising and hot.
You let out a shriek. The beads scatter into the sea as you flinch, tumbling backward and slamming your heel against the edge of the post. That part hurts too, but it’s normal pain. Familiar.
This new ache in your arm? It's foreign. It settles under your skin like something unwelcome.
You rush home crying, clutching your limb, tears and snot running freely, shouting incoherently about curses and invisible fists and how you didn’t do anything wrong.
Your mother goes very still, and her expression shifts, softening as she pulls you into her lap. She brushes your hair back from your face, listens to your ramblings, and then lets out a long sigh. Not because she doesn’t believe you, but because she does.
“You felt it,” she says softly. “Your first one.”
You blink, hiccupping through the snot. “What do you mean? It hurts, Mama.”
Her hand finds yours. “It wasn’t yours, sweetheart. That pain? It came from your soulmate.”
You freeze. The word sounds made-up, like a story. “My… what?”
She explains all of it then. About the ancient bond between souls, the kind that links pain across space and time, forged before your first breath. How some people are born tethered to another—someone far away, someone they may never meet, but whose wounds you will always feel. Whose pain echoes in your bones. Whose injuries whisper along your skin like ghosts. Some call it fate. Others call it a curse. But it’s real.
"The gods don’t pick for peace, my love," She said. "They pick for balance.”
And balance, you learn, is not always kind.
You’re sixteen when the bruises stop being rare.
They happen almost every other day now—blows to your ribs, lashes across your shoulders, twisted ankles, bloody lips, large gashes. Some are dull. Others leave you doubled over. Once, you woke up vomiting from a head injury you never received.
Another, more agonizing time, you woke up feeling like your left leg had been completely torn off. That kept you out of commission for over a week — it was the most brutal and soul aching pain you’ve ever felt, both physically and mentally.
Everytime it happened after that, you cursed the stranger whose pain you carried.
What kind of life do they live, your soulmate? Who could possibly get hurt this often and still survive? A warrior? A criminal? A fool? You guess. You imagine.
You hope that one day it stops.
But it never does.
You’re twenty now, and you wake just before dawn to the sound of shouting, the sound rising and falling through the village like thunder.
Your eyes snap open, your body already tense before your mind catches up. You barely register the half-formed dream fading behind your eyes before the searing pain cuts through your ribs like a knife, jagged and brutal.
You gasp sharply, curling onto your side, breath hitching. For a moment, you can’t breathe at all. It’s like being crushed under a boulder. You dig your nails into the furs and fight to stay conscious.
Not again. Please not again.
Your bones scream beneath your skin, as though something struck them from the inside. Eventually, the pain ebbs, fades to a dull throb like it always does, and you lie there, sweating, the screams outside continuing.
Your soulmates hurt.
Again.
Just like yesterday.
And the day before that.
And the week before that.
And you’re tired.
Not just of the bruises or the stabbing aches or the disorientation when your knees give out for no reason. You’re tired of not knowing. Of never seeing their face. Of living someone else’s violence like a shadow.
You shove the blanket aside and throw on your light-grey tunic, lacing your boots with shaky fingers. Whatever’s happening outside has the entire village on edge. You push through your front door into cold morning air and the weight of a dozen running footsteps. Words fly past you, and you can just barely catch them:
“Captured—”
“Alive—”
“It’s him—”
“The dragon rider—”
The words land in your gut like stones. You follow the sound, drawn by a sick pull in your chest, like fate tugging you forward by the throat. The shouting thickens near the central square where a crowd has formed, and you slip through it quietly, unnoticed.
By the time you reach the courtyard, half the village has gathered near the gate. People murmur with a strange mix of awe and fury, parting just enough for you to see the commotion past the walls. There’s a group of riders—your own, warriors who fight the fiercest of battles—dismounting from their horses, and ...him. A man.
He’s a figure of ragged movement, bent slightly, face shadowed by matted hair, blood smeared down one cheek like war paint. His wrists are bound, and he’s being dragged behind a horse like some mangy dog, but when he lifts his head, you freeze.
He’s young.
You don’t know what you expected—some towering brute, battle-scarred and monstrous—but not this. Not someone your age, with pale skin and defiant green eyes that still manage to burn through the blood and dirt. There’s no pride in his expression, no smugness, but there is strength—defiance carved into every feature on his face. A quiet, stubborn refusal to yield.
The guards jostle him forward like livestock, and someone behind you shouts, “It’s a dragon rider! They got one alive!”
Alive. You don’t remember the last time that happened. The riders who work with dragons usually fight to the end. They don’t surrender. They burn, drown, vanish into the skies. They die with their beasts. But this one—he’s still breathing. Still fighting, stubbornly, like a true Viking would.
The voice of Ragnar, both the chief of the village and your uncle, cuts through the rising chatter like a blade. “Bring him through the gates!”
The crowd presses tighter. You step forward instinctively—just a little, just enough to see. Then the rider falls, legs stumbling and giving out. One of the guards kicks him, hard, in the back of his right leg, and he crumples into the dirt with a grunt.
You flinch. Then—
You feel it.
Much like the pain you woke up to, another wave slices through your calf muscle—deep, sharp, searing like a burn that spreads too quickly. Your knee buckles under the phantom force and you let out a sharp cry, staggering to the side. Someone brushes past without noticing, but the pain—your soulmates pain—roots itself in your muscles. You clutch your leg, panting.
What the—
When you lift your eyes, the rider is being hauled upright again. Blood trickles down from the corner of his mouth, staining his chin, and you taste it before you see it—copper and salt, burning your throat.
No. Your stomach turns, a sick realization dawning over you. No, no, no—this can’t be what it looks like.
But it is, and deep down, you already know it is. The constant bruises, the broken rib last spring, the dislocated shoulder you woke up with midwinter that left you bedridden for three days—none of it was yours. All of it was his.
Ragnar steps forward, towering and stone-faced, arms crossed. “What is your name, boy?”
The rider doesn’t respond — he doesn’t seem to be much for words, at least at this moment. He lifts his head slowly, grimacing through his split lip. You can see the effort it takes him to stand, but he does it anyway, chin raised, back straight. There’s something in him—not arrogance, but stubbornness. His eyes scan the crowd for a moment and—
They stop on you, gaze landing on you like a slap, and something changes in his expression. It’s slow at first, but it’s there. Recognition—as if the mere sight of you clicks something in his brain. He sees the way your hand is still clutched to your leg. The way you haven’t blinked since his eyes found yours.
He knows.
You don't have to wonder how, or if he’s questioning it. You suppose it hits him the way it hit you a few seconds ago — not necessarily in a way that makes sense, but a guttural feeling of connection.
You watch his eyes shift – the recognition turns into surprise. Then confusion. Then something else. His lips part slightly, like he's trying to speak but his voice is refusing to come out.
You want to look away, but you don’t; can’t, really. His eyes stay on yours, even as one of the warriors speaks up. “He said his name was Hiccup, sir.”
And your world spins, even more than it already was before.
Because you know that name.
Everyone knows it. The rumors have traveled across every village on every wind—the dragon rider, the Night Fury, the boy who rides shadows and fire and turns hunters into fools.
A beat passes, and Ragnar scoffs. “A runt. The most dangerous dragon rider on the sea is a boy with no armor and bad posture?”
Someone laughs. Someone else spits. But he—Hiccup—doesn’t answer. He doesn’t look away from you, even when another guard steps forward and drives a fist into his ribs.
That’s the one that breaks you.
You fall hard this time, doubled over with a cry of pain that tears from your throat before you can stop it.You slam a hand against the stone floor, fingers trembling, and through the haze, you hear Hiccup grunt in pain as well. You're both on your knees now, different parts of the courtyard, breathing in sync through gritted teeth. Hundreds of people stand between you and him, but they are all too enthralled with Hiccups presence to acknowledge exactly what is happening, and you don’t know if you’re grateful or not for that yet.
Hiccup lifts his head again, jaw tight. The moment your eyes meet once more, something silent passes between you. Not pity, or fear, or disgust—all of which would be normal in this situation, normal to a Viking who tames dragons surrounded by a village who hates them. Rather, it’s something gentle; a kind of apology, an acknowledgment that he’s the reason you’re in pain.
Then the guards drag him away, and you force your gaze downward because for some reason it doesn’t feel right watching him fight and scream and struggle against their grasps.
You can’t hear what’s said between them. The blood in your ears is too loud, and your thoughts are a mess of disbelief and rising horror as you struggle to find your breath.
Your soulmate is a dragon rider.
And he’s everything your people were taught to destroy.
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, end of part one
word count: 9.6k
part list
part one: chapter list
a/n: i'm back from hiatus! my bad for leaving without posting chapter 10 whoops
The mornings were becoming a familiar routine. It was almost always either you or Bakugou who rose first, both mainly due to habit. There had only been one morning when Kirishima beat you both to it, but that was only because he couldn’t sleep. The early hours were quiet, the world still cloaked in the soft hues of dawn. Today was no different. You stirred from your bedroll, blinking away the last remnants of sleep as the first light of day filtered through the tall trees.
As you sat up, your eyes met Bakugou’s across the camp. The dragonborn barbarian was already awake, just as you’d expected. You’ve seen him every morning up and early. He was sitting by the fire, the embers still glowing faintly from the night before, casting a soft light over his features. Was it weird to admit that you’ve come to recognise how he sat? His posture, that quiet intensity in him during these still, solitary moments. You inched closer to him, curious to what he was up to this morning.
Bakugou held the artefact in his hands— a cold, metallic orb etched with ancient markings that seemed to shift and shimmer in the morning light. It was the third artefact in his quest, three out of the six needed to complete the set. The journey to retrieve it had been gruelling (but even that was a tame word to describe it). It had been filled with traps, challenges, and near-misses, but Bakugou had finally claimed it, wrestling it from the heart of Niniel’s Veil. He had fought hard for it, and now it rested in his grasp, a tangible reminder of how far he had come.
His fingers traced the intricate symbols engraved on the orb, each line and curve telling a story only the ancient artisans who crafted it could fully understand. Bakugou’s grip was firm, his thumb brushing over the cold metal almost absentmindedly, as though testing its weight and meaning.
You stood, stretching out the stiffness in your limbs before making your way over to the fire. The early morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew and woodsmoke. As you approached, Bakugou glanced up, his crimson eyes meeting yours. There was no need for words; you both had gotten used to the unspoken rhythm that had developed between you. A rhythm of mutual respect and begrudging trust.
“Morning,” you said, settling onto a log opposite him, the warmth of the fire seeping into your waking bones. You watched as Bakugou continued to study the orb, deep in thought.
“Morning,” he grunted in reply, not sparing you a glance. The draconic prince continued to study the orb in his hand, analysing every curl and curve of the metal. It was a while before he said anything. When he did, you couldn’t help but jolt slightly from the sudden intrusion of silence. “Three down, three to go,” he muttered, more to himself than to you. His voice was quiet as he contemplated the progress of his journey. Even after collecting the third artefact, his body exuded tension of the challenges still ahead. He couldn’t relax.
You nodded, your attention drifting to the orb in his hands. The markings glinted faintly, reflecting the firelight. “You’re halfway there,” you said, a note of cautious optimism in your voice. “You think the next one will be any easier?”
Bakugou’s grip tightened slightly on the orb, tensing from your question. You could already tell his answer from his sudden tension. “Nothing’s ever easy,” he replied, greeting you with a familiar stubbornness. “But it doesn’t matter. We’ll get them. One way or another.” He turned the orb over in his hands, staring at it with determination that could burn someone. The answer was so… him. You weren’t surprised by his answer, you were starting to wonder why you bothered asking. “I can’t wait to bring them home.”
You’ve grown to admire the conviction in his words whenever he voiced about his journey. Despite the endless trials and the constant bickering, you had come to commend Bakugou’s unyielding determination. He was annoyingly relentless, always pushing forward no matter what and refusing to back down from danger. You couldn’t stand him at times but it was his drive that kept you all going, even when the odds were stacked against you. Not everyone was as unrelenting as him. His kind of persistence was personalised to him.
You watched in silence, captivated by the way Bakugou’s fingers traced the intricate markings etched into the cold metal surface of the orb. Each line, each symbol, held a story older than any of you could truly fathom. And it seemed, Bakugou was stubbornly attempting to decipher it. As his thumb brushed over the ancient carvings, you could see a rare softness in his usually intense gaze.
Bakugou’s lips moved as he whispered the words, his gravelly accent peeking through. “Irthir,” he murmured, the Draconic language rolling off his tongue with a quiet, dulcet cadence. “Knowledge…” he bothered to translate it for you, even if you understood.
He paused, turning the orb slightly to get a better glimpse of the words. You could hear him muttering to himself, reading the text with his expression momentarily unguarded. “Isk,” he continued, his voice even softer, almost as if he was speaking to the orb itself. “Star…”
He glanced up at you, turning the orb so you could see the carvings. Honestly, you were surprised he was bothering to turn the artefact around to show you these carvings. You recognized the words after studying it for a moment. Cursive strokes of Draconic carved into the orb with a delicate precision. The words weren’t directions or instructions, they were descriptors that signified what the orbs truly represented. Knowledge. Stars. They were symbols of wisdom and the cosmos itself.
“Knowledge… and star,” you repeated, letting the meaning sink in. It wasn’t just about finding a path or unlocking a hidden location. These orbs represented core elements of a forgotten legacy. “It’s not just a key,” you said quietly, your gaze fixed on the intricate script. Expressions you couldn’t fully understand but there was an inkling of an understanding. “These words… they’re markers of what the orbs stand for. Knowledge. Stars. It’s like each one embodies a different aspect of what the planetarium was built to honour.”
Bakugou nodded, wishing that he could unlock its secrets just by sheer will. “Yeah. These orbs are more than just a way in— they’re pieces of our legacy. They’re what made the dragonborn strong, we were connected to the stars.”
He had told you about his quest in rare, hushed moments. How the dragonborn planetarium, a sacred place of learning and celestial study, had been sealed for 130 years when the keys got stolen. It was a place where the ancient dragonborn had gathered to commune with the stars, where rulers had sought guidance, and where the history of their kind had been recorded in the constellations above. Without the orbs, the planetarium remained locked, its secrets lost to time and the stars unreachable.
For Bakugou, it was a deeply personal journey. Finding these artefacts wasn’t just about unlocking an ancient structure; it was about restoring what had been taken from his people. It was about reclaiming a throne that had been left empty, a legacy interrupted.
You watched him, seeing the fire in him as his hands cradled the orb. He couldn’t wait to return these pieces to their rightful place, to stand beneath the vast, celestial dome of the planetarium and see the stars as his ancestors once did. To take his throne onced he’s pieced his history together.
“So these orbs… they’re like the heart of the planetarium,” you said, your voice filled with newfound understanding. “They represent what was lost. The wisdom, the connection to the cosmos. You’re not just unlocking a building— you’re unlocking everything your people stood for.”
Bakugou’s grip on the orb tightened, thinking of his people and how they’ve been robbed of their history. “Damn right,” he said with his voice low, enunciated with a sharp bite. “These are our birthright. I’m going to return them, and when I do, the planetarium will be whole again. Our history won’t be some forgotten story. It’ll be there for everyone to see.”
Bakugou’s words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his resolve. This quest was always more than just a pursuit of ancient artefacts. Anyone could go on an artefact hunt. But this was about reclaiming a lost legacy, restoring a piece of history that had been stolen from his people. And with every artefact recovered, that goal felt a little more within reach. You watched as he carefully tucked the orb away, being careful as he was handling something infinitely precious to him.
“Once you have all six,” you said, your voice breaking the contemplative silence, “you’ll finally be able to see what the planetarium holds. The stars, the history… everything your ancestors left behind. It’ll all be there, waiting for you.”
Bakugou’s hard stare flicked to you,the sharpness in his eyes softened. He couldn’t help but soften even a little when it came to this topic. “It’s not just about seeing it,” he replied, his voice quieter now, almost reflective. Much different to the tone he had before. “It’s about bringing it back. Making sure everyone knows what it means to be dragonborn. The strength, the wisdom… we’ve lost too much of it. But once I open that planetarium, it won’t be lost anymore.” He was doing it for his people, for the generations that had come before him and those that would follow. It was a weighty responsibility, one that Bakugou wore like armour.
Bakugou stared into his drink, his expression guarded but slowly relaxing. The bard watched him carefully, fingers tracing idle patterns on the rim of his mug, his curiosity evident beneath the calm facade. The still tavern was their backdrop with the real focus was on the story Bakugou was recounting— the one that had held the bard’s attention from the moment it began. Bakugou was surprised he was still telling the bard this story, but something kept him going. In fact, he felt compelled to continue, as if stopping now would leave too much unsaid.
“So,” the bard said, his voice edged with the kind of genuine interest that made his living. “After you got the artefact, and you were standing there with the orb… What was going through your mind?”
Bakugou’s eyes flicked up, meeting the bard’s. He leaned back slightly, the chair creaking under his weight, and took a slow sip from his mug before setting it down with a soft thunk.
“What was going through my mind?” Bakugou echoed, as if testing the question. His gaze drifted to the inn’s door, as if his home was just beyond it. “I was thinking about what it all means— the planetarium, the legacy, my people… It’s not just about finding these damn artefacts. It’s about everything they represent. The stars. Our history. It’s about making sure our story doesn’t end up as some forgotten tale.”
The bard listened intently, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. “And unlocking the planetarium will change that? Bring it all back?”
Bakugou’s grip tightened on his mug, his knuckles white against the dark wood. “I knew it would. My people lost something when those keys went missing— our connection to what made us strong, what made us dragonborn. The planetarium isn’t just some relic. It’s the core of our history. For all of us.”
The bard leaned in, his interest piqued by the raw conviction in Bakugou’s voice. “You talk about it like it’s more than just a throne you’re after. Like it’s personal.”
Bakugou’s eyes flashed, a brief but unmistakable flicker of vulnerability crossing his hardened expression. “It is personal,” he admitted, his tone laced with an edge that spoke of years of unspoken burdens. “I wasn’t just doing it for the throne. I did it because it’s what my people deserve. They need to remember what we are. Who we are. And I was the only one who could make that happen.”
The bard nodded slowly, absorbing every word. He’d heard countless stories of quests, of battles fought and won, but there was something uniquely fierce in the way Bakugou spoke. Something that went beyond simple duty or ambition. “So in the story, you’ve got three of the six artefacts now,” the bard said, wanting to hear more of this tale. “That’s halfway. But it sounds like the hardest part is still ahead.”
Bakugou nodded, his gaze distant. “Yeah. The next ones did not come easy. But I was ready to tear the damn world apart if I had to.”
“But we had to get out of the Veil first.”
As the group pressed on, the dense trees of Niniel’s Veil slowly began to thin, and the path ahead grew clearer, though the air still carried the weight of the ancient magic they had encountered. The journey out was quieter than usual, their thoughts lingering on the trials they had faced and the artefact now in their possession. While you and Bakugou had definitely reached a place of mutual trust and understanding, it hadn’t put an end to the arguments. Not that it surprised you. The bickering was still as frequent as ever, a constant push and pull that seemed to be woven into the fabric of your relationship.
You led the group through the winding forest path, Bakugou’s presence was a constant at your side, his eyes scanning every twist and turn with an intensity that never seemed to waver. But his commentary? That was a different story.
“You’re taking us the long way around,” Bakugou muttered, crossing his arms as he shot you a pointed look. “We could’ve cut through that clearing back there and saved time. You’re dragging us around in circles.”
You rolled your eyes, barely glancing back at him. “Oh, really? And what, you think you know this place better than I do now? I’ve seen that clearing. It’s full of brambles and unstable ground. But hey, if you want everyone tangled up or falling on their asses, go for it.”
Bakugou scoffed, irritation flashing across his face. “Yeah, yeah, keep talking. I’m just saying, there’s always a faster way if you dared.”
“Oh– Just–” you interrupted, cutting him off before he could finish. You stopped in your tracks, turning to face him with a fierce look. “Just go to the back and quit disturbing me. Shut up and trust me.”
For a moment, Bakugou looked like he was about to argue. But then he saw that look in your gaze, and after a tense pause, he let out a frustrated grunt. You weren’t going to deal with his squabble today, he could tell by your burning stare. “Tch, fine. But if you screw this up, don’t come crying to me.”
With a begrudging roll of his eyes, Bakugou fell back, letting you take the lead. His presence was still palpable behind you, an imposing force of energy and frustration, but he didn’t push further. You felt his eyes on your back, but he stayed silent, allowing you to navigate the winding path ahead.
“Good,” you muttered under your breath, more to yourself than to him, as you refocused on the task at hand. You led the group deeper into the woods, the tension from the heated exchange slowly dissipating, replaced by the familiar rhythm of the journey. The forest was quieter now, the soft rustle of leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures mingling with the steady crunch of footsteps.
Mina slipped into step beside Bakugou, her movements fluid and quick as she matched his pace. She glanced at him, catching the subtle signs of frustration still simmering beneath his composed exterior. Bakugou’s eyes were fixed ahead, scanning every part of the woods and the path with relentless focus. But Mina knew him. She noticed the telltale tension in his shoulders, the way his grip on his scimitar tightened every so often, as if bracing for the next challenge.
Mina knew Bakugou well enough to see that he wasn’t just annoyed— he was wound up, caught between his instinct to charge ahead and the realisation that, for now, he had to follow. There was a restlessness in him that the slow, careful pace of the group did little to soothe, and it showed in every subtle clench of his jaw, every glance that lingered a second too long on the back of your head. Sure, he’s been letting you lead this whole time, but it still bothered him from time to time.
“You good?” Mina asked, her voice light with genuine concern. She nudged him gently with her elbow, trying to draw him out of whatever storm was brewing in his mind. “You’ve been gripping that scimitar like you’re about to fight the trees.”
Bakugou huffed, though the corner of his mouth twitched. “Just thinking,” he muttered, “This whole place puts me on edge. Too damn quiet.”
Mina could understand his unease. This forest has not been a fun ride in the slightest. “Yeah, I get it. But hey, you know she’s got this. We’re in good hands, even if it’s not the fastest route.”
Bakugou’s sights switched to Mina, still slightly annoyed by the whole ordeal. “Yeah, yeah, I know,” he grumbled, loosening his grip slightly. Not wanting to get nagged by Mina.
She glanced at him, her smile suddenly taking a teasing tone. “So,” she began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them, “I’ve been thinking... We should ask her to join us for the rest of the journey.”
Bakugou’s response was immediate and predictable, his brows furrowing as he let out a sharp scoff. “Hell no. You think I want her tagging along, running her mouth at every turn? She’s got a real attitude problem. Always got something to say, always pushing my buttons.”
Mina rolled her eyes, undeterred by his initial resistance. “Oh, come on, Katsuki. You know she’s been more than just useful. She’s saved our skins more than once, and you can’t deny she’s a damn good navigator. She’s got skills we need.”
Bakugou huffed, his gaze narrowing as he looked straight ahead, refusing to meet Mina’s eyes. “Yeah, and she’s also stubborn, always talking back, thinking she knows better. Doesn’t listen, always questioning every move. She’s a pain in the ass, Mina.”
Mina suppressed a smile, knowing that behind all his grumbling, there was something else. “And yet, you haven’t told her to get lost, have you? If she were really that much trouble, you would’ve sent her packing a long time ago. You don’t keep people around who aren’t worth it.”
Bakugou’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he said nothing, his mind replaying the countless moments where you had proved yourself, the sharp exchanges that somehow kept him on his toes. You were frustrating, no doubt, but he couldn’t deny your competence or the way you challenged him, forcing him to think in ways he often avoided.
“She’s not useless,” he finally conceded, though his tone was grudging. “But that doesn’t mean I want her tagging along the whole way. She’s a handful, always questioning everything I do. It’s annoying.”
Mina nudged him again, a wide grin on her face. She was starting to convince him. “Yeah, well, maybe you need someone like that around. Keeps you from getting too comfortable. Besides, it’s not like you two haven’t figured out how to work together. She’s got guts, Katsuki, and you know it. You might not say it out loud, but you respect her. And if you’re being honest, you’d miss having her around.”
Bakugou let out a frustrated sigh, knowing Mina was right but unwilling to give in so easily. “Fine, we’ve got a decent working relationship,” he grumbled. “But that doesn’t mean I’d miss her and I definitely am not looking forward to more of her lip.”
Bakugou glanced at Mina, his expression conflicted. He couldn’t deny that the cartographer had earned his trust, that they’d developed a rhythm, a way of working together that, despite the arguments, it felt… right. But letting her in further, admitting that he valued her presence? That was a harder pill to swallow.
“She’s trouble,” he muttered, but his tone had softened slightly, still stubborn in fully admitting everything Mina was saying. “But she gets the job done. Doesn’t back down, even when things get rough.”
Mina seized the opportunity, her voice gentle but insistent. “Exactly. And that’s why we need her. Look, I know she pushes your buttons, but she also pushes you. We’re not going to get the rest of those artefacts without some serious help. And deep down, you know she’s more than capable of handling what’s ahead.”
Bakugou scowled, the fire in his eyes flickering with annoyance. Did Mina always have to say shit that stung true? He hated to admit it, but there was something about you that had grown on him, even if it was hidden beneath layers of irritation and sharp-tongued banter. You were resilient, ‘not an idiot’, and had a knack for navigating both the land and the dynamics of the group.
“She’s a pain,” he repeated, but this time it lacked the bite. Seemed like he couldn’t continue to insult you. His tone was faltering. Thankfully, you weren’t there to hear it. “But fine. She can stick around, as long as she knows I’m not here to babysit.”
Mina grinned, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re not fooling anyone, Katsuki. We both know you’d rather have her with us than not. And I think, deep down, you kind of like that she doesn’t take your crap.”
“You’re delusional,” Bakugou scoffed, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “She better not get in my way, that’s all,” he grumbled, but there was no real malice behind his words— only the implied agreement that you were, in some infuriating way, exactly what the team needed.
Mina smiled to herself, knowing that despite his complaints, Bakugou had already made up his mind. She had seen the way he watched the cartographer when she wasn’t looking. The way he listened to her ideas even as he grumbled about them. There was a part of him, buried deep under all the mindless quarrels, that valued her presence more than he’d ever say. As they continued on, Mina glanced back, watching you navigate the path with your usual air of confidence. It was clear: the journey was far from over, but with you by their side, they were stronger for it, even if Bakugou would never quite say it out loud.
“So,” Mina began, her tone casual but with a teasing flair, “you’ll ask her to come along?”
Bakugou kept his gaze forward, his jaw tightening briefly as he considered her question. He didn’t answer right away, and for a moment, it seemed like he might deflect, but then he sighed, running a hand through his hair in a rare gesture of hesitation. “Yeah,” he said finally, his voice gruff but firm. “I’ll ask her.”
The navigation through the forest had been going surprisingly well, each step forward feeling more assured as the group followed the winding path you’d set. The dense trees of Niniel’s Veil seemed less menacing, and the way ahead was clearer with every turn. That is, until a faint, melodic giggle rippled through the air, light and playful, yet unsettlingly out of place.
You froze, instincts immediately on high alert, as the sound echoed faintly around you. The others paused too, their eyes darting through the trees. Before anyone could react, a flurry of movement caught your attention. Small figures darted between the trunks, their forms barely visible— a blur of shimmering wings, trailing stardust-like glimmers that faded almost as quickly as they appeared.
“They’re fae,” you muttered, recognizing the mischievous energy that hung in the air. “Stay sharp. They’re trying to mess with us.”
The fae were everywhere and nowhere all at once, flitting just out of sight, their presence marked only by flashes of colour and the occasional burst of soft, teasing laughter. They moved like wisps of smoke, intangible and unpredictable, using illusions to bend the light and twist the terrain around you. A path that seemed clear one moment would shift subtly, leading you into a thicker underbrush or looping back in impossible ways.
Mina squinted, trying to keep her focus. “Great, just what we needed. Tricksters with magic. I can’t even tell what’s real anymore.”
Bakugou’s frustration flared, his gaze snapping to where one of the fae had momentarily materialised— a small, ethereal figure with gleaming eyes and a taunting grin. He lunged, but the fae vanished in an instant, leaving only a swirl of sparkling dust behind. “Damn pests,” he growled, glaring at the empty space. “They’re just trying to throw us off. We need to keep moving.”
But the fae weren’t making it easy. Every step seemed to shift the forest around you, the trees warping, paths intertwining and unravelling in a kaleidoscope of illusions. What looked like a straightforward route would suddenly transform, becoming a tangled mess of thorns or leading the team in circles. The laughter of the fae filled the air, light and musical, yet carrying an edge of mockery as they watched your growing frustration.
“Everyone, focus!” you called out, trying to cut through the chaos. “They’re using illusions to mess with our senses. Don’t trust what you see.”
Kirishima stepped forward. “We’ve got to stay close. They’re trying to separate us.”
Denki stumbled, catching himself on a tree that shifted under his touch, the bark melting into a cascade of leaves that swirled around him. “This is ridiculous,” he muttered, eyes wide as he tried to regain his bearings. “It’s like the whole forest is playing tricks on us.”
As the fae circled the group, their shimmering forms flickering in and out of sight, their presence was more than just mischievous— they were curious, playful, and far too clever. They darted close, their translucent wings shimmering like dragonfly scales in the dim light, and with each pass, they whispered teasing comments that were sharp as thorns yet laced with a childlike amusement.
One of the fae, with iridescent emerald eyes and a mischievous grin, flitted close to Bakugou, eyes sparkling with interest. “So fierce, so angry,” it giggled, its voice high and airy, like the chime of a distant bell. “Trying to hide the fear behind all that rage, are we? Such a temper! Are you sure you’re not just a walking tantrum in armour?”
Bakugou’s scowl deepened, his fists clenching at his sides as he glared at the fae. “Tch, get out of my face,” he snapped, swinging his hand through the air where the fae had been, only for it to dart away, laughing. His eyes flashed with irritation at the insult and teases. These little glorified mosquitoes.
Another fae, pale as moonlight with wings that shimmered like silver, hovered near Mina, its gaze flitting from her hair to her bright eyes. “Ah, aren’t you adorable,” it cooed, almost mockingly. “Laughing so no one sees the cracks, is that it? But we see you, little spark. You are… scared.”
Mina’s smile faltered for just a second, her expression tightening as she swatted at the air. “Oh, shut up,” she muttered, her cheerfulness wavering as the fae’s words struck a nerve. She forced her usual grin back into place, but there was a slight tremble in her hands, betraying the anxiety the fae had so easily picked up on.
Twin fae, delicate and quick, buzzed around Sero and Denki, its laughter soft and teasing. “Oh, these two,” it sang, darting between them. “Always joking, always pretending nothing bothers you. But the forest sees through your jokes.”
One of the twins circled around Sero while the other drifted toward Denki, gliding through the air with ease. The air seemed to grow colder with their presence, the playful tone of their voices laced with a sharp blade. Mockery wrapped in silk.
The fae closest to Denki tilted its head, golden eyes gleaming with cruel delight as it hovered inches from his face. “Oh, look at this one,” it purred, voice sweet like a lullaby gone wrong. “So full of jokes and chatter… but we hear the trembling in your thoughts. Afraid you’ll mess up again, aren’t you? That this time, you won’t be enough. That they’ll all see you’re just pretending to know what you’re doing.”
Denki flinched slightly, his hand tightening around the hilt of his blade, but the fae only laughed, the sound airy and maddening.
Meanwhile, the second twin circled Sero with a slow, deliberate elegance, studying him with an unsettling smile. “And you…” it hummed, drifting behind his shoulder. “The one who’s always watching from the edge, pretending you’re fine. Tell us, what scares you more: being left behind, or realizing no one would notice if you were?”
The words hung in the air like smoke, curling into the spaces between heartbeats. Sero’s jaw tensed, but he said nothing, eyes narrowing as the fae continued to orbit him.
The twins giggled in unison, their laughter echoing like wind through hollow trees, before darting away in a swirl of glowing wings. Leaving the sting of their words behind like thorns under the skin.
Denki tried to laugh it off, but it came out strained, his eyes darting nervously. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he said, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Sero shrugged, but his demeanour had faltered, his gaze flickering uneasily to the shifting shadows around them. The fae’s words lingered, uncomfortably close to the truth.
Another fae, her wings a vibrant swirl of blues and purples, hovered near Kirishima, inspecting him with admiration and playful disdain. “The brave one,” she murmured, her tone half-mocking, half-genuine. “So strong, so determined— but does the armour hide a heart that doubts? What happens when courage meets the unknown?”
Kirishima’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he straightened his posture. “I’m not afraid of anything,” he said firmly, though his voice wavered slightly. He brushed off the comment, but his fingers gripped his weapon a little tighter, as if holding onto his courage with all his strength.
Then, a fae with iridescent wings and a knowing smile circled closer to you, her gaze piercing, like she could see straight through your thoughts. “And the guide,” she said, her voice a whisper that felt like it brushed against your skin. “Always thinking, always planning, always trying to stay one step ahead. Clever guide… so many maps, yet none for your own heart.”
You stiffened, trying to maintain your composure under the weight of her scrutiny. But the fae wasn’t finished. She leaned in closer, her eyes glinting with a sharp, almost predatory curiosity. “You’re hiding something, aren’t you?” she continued, her tone both playful and accusatory, like a cat toying with a mouse. “Something deeper, something you don’t want the others to see. Secrets are heavy, you know. How long before they weigh you down?”
Your breath hitched slightly, and you could feel the heat rising in your chest as if the fae’s words had reached into the most guarded corners of your mind. You forced yourself to hold her gaze, even as you felt a flicker of something cold and uncomfortable stir within you.
You stiffened, trying to ignore the way the fae’s words crawled under your skin. “I’m not here to play games with you,” you hissed sharply, your voice edged with a defensiveness you couldn’t quite hide. You turned away, focusing on the task at hand, but the fae’s question lingered, echoing in your mind like a challenge.
The fae’s comments were light, almost playful, but each word held a mirror to the insecurities and fears that lingered beneath the surface of every traveller. They flitted about, delighting in the discomfort their observations caused, their laughter echoing through the clearing. It was clear they weren’t just here to disrupt— they were here to unravel, to play with the minds of those who dared to tread on their sacred ground.
The fae continued their game, dancing just beyond reach, their playful taunts making it clear they were enjoying this disruption. You could feel the tension rising among your group, the fae’s influence pushing everyone to the edge of their patience.
Bakugou clenched his fists as he scanned the flickering illusions. A vein popping out from his head as their tricks were starting to give him headaches. “This is getting old. We need a way to see past their damn tricks.”
As the group struggled to navigate the illusions, it became clear that brute force or trying to outsmart the fae might not be enough. The laughter and teasing voices of the fae only grew louder, as if mocking your every attempt to push forward. Realising the futility of fighting magic with sheer willpower, you decided to try a different tactic: negotiation.
You stopped, holding up a hand to signal the group to pause. “These tricks are only going to get worse if we keep pushing through,” you said, glancing at each of your companions. “Fae don’t just mess with people for fun— they do it because they want something. We need to figure out what they want.”
Mina nodded thoughtfully, her eyes darting around to the faint glimpses of fae darting in and out of sight. “So, what do we do? Offer them something?”
Bakugou’s brow furrowed, clearly not thrilled with the idea of negotiating. “We don’t have time for games. Why should we play nice with these pests?”
You turned to Bakugou, meeting his frustrated gaze with calm resolve. “Because they’re in control here, and they won’t let us leave until they get what they want. Let me try something.”
You stepped forward, raising your voice to address the playful fae. “Let’s talk,” you called out, your tone firm but not hostile. “We’re just trying to pass through. We don’t want any trouble.”
There was a moment of stillness, the forest seeming to hold its breath. Then, a faint giggle echoed, followed by a shimmering figure emerging from the shadows. The fae, small and ethereal with wings that sparkled like dew in sunlight, hovered in front of you, filled with mischievousness.
“What makes you think we care about what you want?” the fae chimed, its voice musical and teasing. “This is our forest. You’re the trespassers.”
You nodded, acknowledging the fae’s point. “I understand. And we don’t mean to disrespect your home. But we’re on an important journey, and we can’t afford to be delayed. Maybe there’s something we can offer in return for safe passage?”
The fae’s eyes gleamed, clearly intrigued by your offer. It danced closer, studying you with keen interest. “Hmm… mortals always have something to trade, don’t they? A secret, a memory, a promise, a trinket. What will you offer?”
You reached into your pack and pulled out a small, intricately carved trinket— something you’d kept for situations like this. It was a charm infused with a touch of magic, not particularly powerful but crafted with care. Fae valued craftsmanship, especially if it was something unique or imbued with personal significance.
Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, holding the charm out in the open. “What about this?,” you asked, your voice clear, “we mean no harm and seek only safe passage. In exchange, I offer this charm, crafted with care. Let us leave your domain in peace, and this will be yours.”
For a moment, there was silence. The air seemed to hold its breath, the forest stilling around you. Then, with a faint rustle, the fae began to appear, their small, ethereal forms flitting into view. They hovered around you, their eyes gleaming with curiosity as they examined the charm you held.
One of the fae, slightly larger and more elaborately adorned than the others, fluttered closer, its gaze fixed on the charm. It circled you, considering the offer. The others watched intently, their playful energy momentarily subdued.
Finally, the lead fae spoke, its voice a delicate whisper that seemed to echo in the air. “A fair trade traveller. Your sincerity is noted. We accept your offering.”
With that, the fae reached out, a delicate hand taking the charm from you. As soon as the charm passed into its possession, the oppressive weight of the illusions lifted. The path ahead of you became clear once more, the twisting trees returning to their natural state. The fae, true to their word, began to fade back into the shadows, their mischief satisfied.
“Thank you,” you said, offering a slight bow. The fae giggled softly, a sound more lighthearted than mocking this time, before disappearing entirely.
Bakugou crossed his arms, still looking a bit grumpy but clearly relieved. “Didn’t think they’d go for it,” he muttered, though there was a grudging respect in his tone.
You smiled slightly, feeling the tension ease as you turned back to the group. “Sometimes, it’s not about fighting back. It’s about knowing when to strike a deal.”
With the fae’s mischief finally at bay, the group pressed on, leaving the magical tricksters behind. The trinket was gone, but so were the faeries. As long as you acknowledged their world, they would, in turn, allow you safe passage through it. The journey through should now be smooth.
Once the fae finally fluttered away, their laughter fading into the depths of the forest, an uneasy silence settled over the group. The air felt heavier, as if the playful taunts had left an invisible weight on everyone’s shoulders. The lingering effects of the fae’s words clung to each of you like a thin, uncomfortable fog, difficult to shake off.
Mina let out a shaky breath, her usual cheerfulness dampened as she hugged her arms around herself. “Those little pests really know how to get under your skin,” she murmured, trying to hide the tension in her voice. She glanced around at the others, her eyes searching for reassurance but finding the same shaken expressions reflected back at her.
Kirishima ran a hand through his hair, his normally bright and determined demeanour dulled. “They’re like… they just see right through you,” he admitted, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “All the things you try to push aside, all the stuff you don’t talk about— they just… pull it out of you.” He frowned, clenching and unclenching his fists as if trying to work the feeling out of his system.
Denki and Sero exchanged uneasy glances, their usual easygoing camaraderie muted. Denki kicked at the ground, his smile nowhere to be seen. “Yeah, no kidding. It’s like they were reading my mind or something,” he muttered, a nervous laugh escaping him that sounded hollow. “I didn’t think they’d… I mean, it’s just jokes, right? But…”
Sero nodded with an edge of discomfort. “They’re not just messing with us. It’s like they’re trying to pull us apart from the inside.” He rubbed the back of his neck, as it would rub away this ache he felt. “It’s unsettling. I feel like I’m still hearing their voices.”
Bakugou, standing slightly apart from the group, was scowling at the empty space where the fae had been. He looked more irritated than shaken. “Damn nuisances,” he grumbled, obviously annoyed that the fae had messed with the group like this. “Don’t let them get to you. They were just trying to mess with our heads.” But even as he spoke, his gaze was distant, his own words echoing in his mind.
You felt the uneasy energy radiating off your companions, the quiet vulnerability that hung in the air. The fae had probed deeper than anyone expected, pulling at the frayed edges of doubts and fears that normally stayed buried. There was a rawness in the group now, a sense of exposure that left everyone feeling a little off balance, as if the ground beneath you wasn’t quite solid anymore.
“Let’s keep moving,” you said, trying to inject some steadiness into your voice. “They’re gone now, and we’ve got ground to cover.” But your own words felt thin, strained. You couldn’t quite shake the fae’s whispers, and judging by the expressions around you, neither could anyone else.
The group nodded, subdued but still determined. You all pressed on, moving forward in a tense but unified silence. The usual, easy conversations were absent, replaced by quiet reflection as everyone wrestled with the fae’s parting words. The forest, though seemingly calm, felt different now. More alive, more aware, and you couldn’t help but feel as if you were being watched, your innermost thoughts still laid bare.
The group pressed on, shaken but determined to leave the fae’s taunts behind. By the time you reached a small clearing, the sky had darkened, and the weariness from the day’s events had settled heavily on everyone’s shoulders. Without a word, you all began to set up camp, the familiar motions of pitching tents and gathering firewood providing a welcome distraction from the lingering discomfort.
Once again, the fire crackled to life, casting warm light against the deepening shadows of the forest. As everyone settled around the fire, there was a quiet tension hanging in the air, an unspoken weight left by the fae’s piercing comments. Bakugou had taken his place at the edge of the clearing, arms crossed as he kept a vigilant watch, his eyes trained on the surrounding woods. You, too, sat slightly apart, pretending to be engrossed in tending to the fire, though your mind was still spinning with the fae’s words.
The rest of the group gathered closer, huddling around the fire’s warmth as the chill of the night set in. For a while, no one spoke, the silence between them heavy with the fae’s echoes. Finally, it was Mina who broke the quiet, her voice soft and hesitant.
“I still can’t believe how easily they got under our skin,” she admitted, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. “They just knew… exactly what to say.”
Denki sighed, rubbing his hands together as if trying to ward off more than just the cold. “Yeah, it’s like they could read every thought we’ve tried to ignore. I hate to admit it, but they were right about me… It’s just… easier that way.”
Sero placed a comforting hand on Denki’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, man. You don’t have to explain yourself. We trust you and your skills.”
Mina nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah, Denki. And, Sero, you’re always the one keeping us grounded, even when it feels like everything’s upside down. You guys are way stronger than you give yourselves credit for.”
Kirishima let out a deep breath, his normally bright eyes dimmed with the weight of the fae’s words. “They weren’t wrong about me either. I try so hard to be the strong one, but… there’s always that little voice that wonders if I’m really good enough. If I’m actually strong enough to protect everyone.”
Mina scooted closer to Kirishima, bumping him gently with her shoulder. “You are, Kiri. You’re always the first one to jump in when things get tough, not just because you’re strong, but because you care.”
Sero chimed in, his voice steady and sincere. “And Mina, you’re the one who keeps us going when things feel impossible. You never lose hope and that pushes us.”
Mina smiled, though it was tinged with a bittersweet acknowledgment of her own doubts. “Thanks, guys. It’s just… it’s hard to keep that up sometimes, you know? But hearing it from you means a lot.”
The group fell into a comfortable silence, the mutual support easing the tension bit by bit. They were bruised, but not broken, and the quiet words of reassurance passed between them like a warm, healing balm. Each confession, each moment of vulnerability, felt like a thread weaving them closer together, binding their fears into something stronger than before. From your spot by the fire, you watched them, feeling a pang of envy and gratitude all at once. Seeing your companions open up, comfort each other, and push back against the insecurities that had been so cruelly exposed, you felt a flicker of hope.
As the night wore on, the camp settled into a calm, the sting of the fae’s words slowly fading into the background. The doubts and insecurities the fae had stirred still lingered, but the bonds between you all were undeniable, each moment of shared struggle and quiet reassurance weaving a stronger thread between you. The team’s laughter, though softer now, had returned, warmed by the comfort of knowing that they had each other.
Even though you and Bakugou hadn’t voiced your own vulnerabilities, there was an unspoken respect from the others. They didn’t push or pry, understanding that some battles were fought in silence. It was enough that you were all here, together, each person offering their support in the ways they knew best. There was a mutual understanding that didn’t need words. Neither of you were ready to share, and that was okay.
One by one, they drifted off to their bedrolls, carrying with them the warmth of their friends’ words, letting the crackling fire and the cool night air lull them into a well-deserved rest. Except for you, of course. Like many nights, sleep eluded you, your mind too full of thoughts to allow rest. And the words of the fae didn’t help. You stared up at the sky, the stars winking down at you through the canopy of trees, their light soft and distant. But tonight, someone else was awake.
Suddenly, a tuft of blond hair came into your vision, and before you could react, Bakugou’s face hovered over you, his intense gaze locking onto yours as you instinctively sat up. His expression was unreadable in the dim light, but there was something quiet in his eyes. More contemplative than usual.
“Can’t sleep?” you asked softly, your voice barely louder than a whisper.
Bakugou grunted, his usual brusque manner softened by the lateness of the hour. “You either, huh?” he replied, his voice low and rough, like gravel shifting underfoot.
You shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Nope. Guess we’re both stuck with our thoughts tonight.”
For a moment, neither of you moved, the silence stretching out between you. But then, as if wordlessly deciding on the same course of action, you both stood, brushing off the loose dirt and leaves from your clothes. Without another word, Bakugou jerked his head towards the trees, a silent invitation for a walk. You nodded in agreement, and the two of you set off into the night, leaving the warmth of the campfire behind.
This part of the forest was different at night. Calmer, almost serene, with the sounds of nocturnal creatures quietly rustling through the undergrowth. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and the air was cool against your skin, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and pine.
You walked side by side, the soft crunch of leaves beneath your boots the only sound between you. Neither of you spoke, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a shared stillness that gave you both a moment of much needed peace.
Eventually, the trees began to thin, revealing a small, hidden pond nestled in the heart of the forest. The surface of the water was smooth as glass, reflecting the moon and stars like a mirror. Willows draped their long, trailing branches over the water, their leaves whispering softly in the breeze. It was a place of quiet beauty, untouched by the day’s trials and the lingering tension from the fae’s encounter.
Bakugou stopped at the edge of the pond, his gaze fixed on the water as he took a deep breath. You followed his lead, settling down beside him on the soft grass. The willow branches swayed gently above, creating a natural curtain that made the world beyond seem distant and unimportant.
After a while, you glanced at Bakugou, catching the way his expression had softened in the moonlight, the usual hard lines of his face relaxed in the peaceful surroundings. You settled beside him, drawing your knees up to your chest as you stared at the pond, the reflections of the stars shimmering just out of reach. For a long moment, neither of you spoke, content to simply exist in the shared stillness. The silence was comfortable, wrapped in the unspoken understanding that had grown between you over time.
Finally, Bakugou broke the quiet, his voice softer than you were used to hearing. “You don’t have to say anything about earlier. About… what those fae said. It’s none of their damn business anyway.”
You glanced at him, surprised by the blunt but genuine reassurance in his words. There was no demand for explanation, no pressure to open up. Just a simple acknowledgment that whatever you were carrying, it was yours to hold, or to release, on your own terms.
“Same goes for you,” you replied, feeling thankful for his concern. “You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Not me, not them. We all have our stuff. And it’s okay if we don’t want to talk about it.”
Bakugou’s eyes flicked to yours, he was appreciative in his gaze. “Yeah. Guess we’ve all got shit we’d rather keep to ourselves. But... it’s good to know we’re not the only ones.”
There is another moment of silence before he awkwardly breaks it. “But…” he said gruffly, with a trim of gentleness. Shifting to make eye contact with you, despite how weird he felt about it. “I’m not one for talking about… that kind of crap. But if you ever need to… you know… I’ll listen.”
He was trying. The realisation brought a smile to your face. You nodded, appreciating the offer for what it was. “Thanks. But honestly, I’m okay. Sometimes it’s just… better to keep some things to yourself.”
“Yeah,” Bakugou agreed, his gaze drifting back to the pond. “Just means you’re handling it your way. That’s not a bad thing.”
You nodded, feeling a quiet sense of relief settle over you. The fae had tried to pry open wounds you weren’t ready to share, but here, sitting by the pond with Bakugou, you felt no need to explain yourself. It was comforting.
The night wrapped around you like a familiar cloak, the willows whispering softly as the two of you sat in silence. The pond shimmered gently under the moon’s light, and for a moment, the weight of your unspoken fears didn’t feel so heavy. You were both here, under the same sky, gazing into the still waters, silently easing each other's restless thoughts.
The peaceful silence between you stretched on, the soft rustle of the willow branches and the gentle ripple of the pond the only sounds in the quiet night. But then, Bakugou broke the stillness with a question, still staring out over the water.
“So, what are you gonna do after all this?” he asked, not looking at you directly. “When we’re out of this damn forest?”
You glanced at him, surprised by the sudden question. For a moment, you considered your answer, feeling the weight of the question more than you’d expected. “Honestly? I’m not sure,” you admitted, your tone light but tinged with uncertainty. “I don’t really have any big plans. I’ll probably just go back to taking commissions— mapping out new places, charting paths that haven’t been drawn yet. There’s always something out there that needs a map, and people pay well for a good one.”
Bakugou nodded, though his expression tightened slightly, as if he’d expected something different. “So, just back to the same old routine, huh?” he said, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. “Figured you’d be aiming for something bigger, considering all the lip you’ve given me about my plans.”
You raised an eyebrow, catching the snark in his tone. “And what’s wrong with that? Not everyone’s on a grand quest, you know. Some of us just like having a job that pays the bills.”
Bakugou rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Big important cartographer, mapping the unknown, blah, blah, blah. But don’t you ever get bored of the same old thing? You’re good at this— better than good. Hell, you’ve kept us from getting lost more times than I can count.”
You raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by his sincerity. “Is this you admitting you’d be lost without me?”
“Chaubask vur kepeshk karshoji,” he shot back with some draconic slang, clearly already frustrated with you. You always had to step on his toes. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone was lighter. “I’m just saying, you’ve got more to offer than drawing maps for strangers.”
A moment of silence hung between you, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. You were trying to understand what he was trying to say. But he was going to spell it out… once he stopped hesitating. Bakugou let out a defeated sigh as he finally gathered himself to speak. “Why don’t you stick around?” he asked, almost sounding like he regretted asking already. “Join us. We’re not done yet, and you’re already in this deep. Might as well see it through to the end.”
You blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. “Join you? On your adventure? You sure you want to deal with me tagging along, Bakugou? I’m pretty sure I annoy the hell out of you.”
Bakugou shot you a sideways glare, but there was no real heat behind it. “You do annoy the hell out of me,” he admitted, crossing his arms over his chest. “But you’re not useless. You know your way around places, and you’re not afraid to stand your ground. Besides, we could use someone who can actually read a damn map.”
You smirked, raising an eyebrow at his reluctant compliment. “Wow, Bakugou, that’s almost sweet. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were actually trying to be nice.”
Bakugou snorted, rolling his eyes. “I’m just stating the facts. Doesn’t mean I’m suddenly all warm and fuzzy.”
You chuckled, shrugging casually. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. But hey, I’ll take what I can get. And don’t worry— I’ll keep you from getting lost, even if it means dragging you by the ear the whole way.”
“Just think about it. Better than wandering around aimlessly looking for the next gig, right?” he muttered, almost dreading your answer. Were you going to say yes? Or would you reject the offer?
You tilted your head, considering his offer. “I don’t know, Bakugou. You really think you can handle me sticking around? I might drive you crazy.”
Bakugou rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You already drive me crazy,” he shot back, his tone teasing. “Besides, if anyone’s gonna push my buttons, I’d rather it be someone who knows what they’re doing.”
You grinned, folding your arms as you leaned in slightly. “Oh, so you admit you like having me around, huh? Who knew you had a soft spot for the difficult ones?”
Bakugou snorted, but his smirk didn’t fade. “Don’t get it twisted, idiot. I just prefer my headaches to come from someone who actually knows how to pull their weight. Makes it worth the trouble.”
“Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that. Just don’t blame me when you end up regretting this.” You chuckled, shaking your head.
“Regret? Please. If I’ve put up with you this long, I’m pretty sure I can handle whatever else you’ve got.” Bakugou barked, his smirk still firmly in place.
You laughed, crossing your arms as you looked at him. “Big talk coming from the guy who nearly loses his temper every time I call him out. You sure you’re ready for more of that?”
Bakugou’s smirk widened, challenge and confidence all over his face. “Bring it on. You keep me on my toes, and I’d rather have you around than deal with idiots who don’t know what they’re doing. I know you’re not gonna back down, you’re stubborn as hell. ”
You paused, studying his face. The familiar scowl that had softened just enough to let something real slip through. “You’re not getting rid of me, huh?” you said, pretending to mull it over, though your mind was already made up.
He shrugged, trying to play it cool, but you could tell he was waiting for your answer. “Damn right. So what’s it gonna be?”
What could go wrong? What did you have to lose?
Just because you felt like it, you paused. Giving a moment for this to really settle before you answered. In time, you gave him a lopsided grin, finally letting the decision settle. “Alright, I’m in.”
Bakugou stilled for a moment, registering your acceptance. Registering that you would be coming along for the journey now. He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head as he leaned back against the willow tree. “Hope you’re ready for it, Sthyarli.”
“Tiamash.”
And with that, the decision was sealed, unspoken promises hanging in the cool night air. You and Bakugou remained there, the water reflecting the stars above, and for once, the future felt just a little less uncertain. Whatever came next… at least you knew that you had this tiamash to deal with.
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a/n: it's going to be part two soon eek!!! sorry this took soo long but i'm back guys, i swear @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr @qardasngan @rednicotine @318474hello @d4rlinxs @sgtrjivc @ky0ruuu
Warning: flirty talk, spicy vibes, and grown-up stuff. When Bakugo finds out she's inexperienced, he doesn’t judge… okay, he does, but he also volunteers real fast
"Seriously?" Bakugo asked, voice still rough from sleep, like the words scratched his throat from how damn incredulous he was. He propped himself up on one elbow, leaning in just enough to find your face in the shadows of the room, like he needed to see your eyes to actually believe it.
"Never? Like, never never? Not even a little?"
You turned your face away, dodging his gaze like that could somehow save you from the embarrassment. Heat bloomed from your neck to the tips of your ears. You crossed your arms, as if that could shield you from his expression—that dangerous mix of amusement and mischief that always made you feel stupidly vulnerable.
"Why the hell would I lie about that?" you snapped, defensive, curling slightly into yourself. "You think this is funny or what?"
"Nah, nah." Bakugo chuckled low, that raspy tone he used whenever he was about to say something you knew would piss you off. He flopped back onto the couch, head resting beside yours, and his hand—big, warm, sure—slid lazily over your waist, like this conversation wasn't actively setting your brain on fire.
"Shit..." he muttered, still smirking. "You're so fucking pure I feel like a goddamn degenerate just touching you."
You growled at him, like that could erase your existence from the conversation, but he only laughed harder.
"You're telling me you dated three dumbasses and none of them earned a blowjob? I don't know if I should give 'em a medal for being useless or thank 'em for leaving you untouched."
"You're sick," you muttered, a knot forming in your stomach—half nerves, half... something else you really didn't want to name out loud.
"I volunteer as tribute," he said suddenly, with that annoying confidence you hated and loved at the same time, leaning in just enough for his voice to brush against the skin under your ear. His warm breath made your skin prickle. "If you're gonna make your debut, better be with me. I'll train you, grade you, give you a final exam—whatever you need..."
You stared at him, horrified.
"Training?"
He raised an eyebrow, his grin totally out of control now. "Well, if you're gonna bite, better it be me. I’ve got high pain tolerance."
"Katsuki!"
"What? Gotta be ready. First-timers are like puppies—use their teeth for everything."
You covered your face with both hands, half-laughing, half-praying the couch would just open up and swallow you whole.
"No rhythm," he went on, completely unfazed, counting off on his fingers like he was listing groceries. "Forget to use their hands. Swallow air like they're training for a free diving comp. And that's if they don’t gag in the first sixty seconds."
"Shut up!" you laughed.
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to. Ever," he said, his voice dipping into something lower, serious.
You fell silent, caught off guard by the shift. His fingers moved softer now over your waist, more like comfort than teasing. Bakugo could be a dick, yeah. A world-class asshole. But sometimes—with you—he could be sweet, too.
"But if one day you do wanna try..." he smiled again, and his eyebrow arched in that smug way, "you know I’ll take one for the team."
"You're insufferable."
"And yet you’re dying for me."
Content @ghostlycamil4 2025. Do not copy or modify.
Big strong men who fuck you like you weigh nothing. Who pull you back so easily during doggy that you can't find purchase. Who lift you so easily in cowgirl and bounce you on their cocks like a fleshlight. Just big strong guys who act like you weigh as much as a bag of feathers 😵💫
