Challenging Pursuit | Katsuki Bakugou x Reader (MHA X BRIDGERTON)
One should never gamble their life. Unless, of course, you have no choice. When the Queen named the you Diamond of the Season, you had seen but one escape: Make a game of it. “Convince the Ton and Lady Whistledown that Mr. Katsuki Bakugou is not the rumoured ruffian we think he is, find him a wife, and you shall have the time you need to find your own match.” How difficult could it be finding a match for the rumoured scoundrel of the season?
Chapter 3: Partners
Read below or on: AO3
(A/N: Updated via the Tumblr app which is… mhm. Yeah. I hope the formatting is fine, I do not have a laptop rn to fix it:’) )
Dinner was quiet. The occasional scrape of metal against porcelain filled the silence as well as the arduous chewing of the thick steak. It wouldn't have been so bad if anyone - you, Kaito, Mr. Bakugou, or the Viscount Bakugou - were to engage in conversation other than "The meal is excellent, compliments to your staff." The viscount Bakugou was not as you had imagined. You would almost have described him as sickly, his demeanour retreated and compliant. It was clear his son took the most after his mother.
Occasionally, you would glance over to Mr. Bakugou who only offered a raised brow in turn. Whether it was annoyance or interest, you were not sure. It did not matter. He had to hear you out eventually and a meal between families was the only chance for you to trap him into a private conversation outside of the dance floor. While he did not reveal his emotions, he ensured that you were aware of his notice regarding the exchanged glances between you and your brother either by tapping your foot with his own or nudging your while eating.
"Are you sure you wish to do this?" Kaito's eyes asked you, a question he had asked prior to extending the invite to the viscount, and further before the meal took place.
"Most certain." Your raised brows and slight tilt downwards of your head confirmed to him.
Your brother had warned you not to get caught up in your own schemes. You had almost immediately dismissed him. You were aware that you were taking up a risk. If you were to be wrong in your interpretation of people's personalities, you would most certainly fall. However, your theories were not based on a whim. You had thought of plenty possible issues and how to work around them, but of course, you could not control everything. "But you can see my reasoning, can you not?" You asked him, leaning over his desk as you employed a face reading exasperation, in hopes your brother would agree to your mad ideas. "Oh you reason extra-ordinarily, but a well constructed argument does not mean it is right."
Yet, he agreed to assist you, because he could see the benefits if your plan failed even if those were not the benefits you wished for yourself.
In the dining room, only the housekeeper, Chiyo, and your lady's maid, Ochaco, were present apart from the guests. The two of them were in on it. If there had been one thing of value your parents had left behind with their passing, then it was the undeniable loyalty and trust between your family and the staff. It had been your mother who had reminded you that positions were passed down by blood, but that birthright a lady or gentleman did not make. Of all the women she had met, she had regarded Chiyo as the most honourable and her closest friend. "It is advantageous to have friends with a higher social standing." She had told you. "But remember who keeps your secrets." The two of them were locks to which only you and your brother had the keys, and you could not have been more grateful for their existence. After the table was cleared, you nodded to Bakugou, subtly, while his father and your brother spoke.
"Apologies, we must excuse ourselves for a moment." Your brother told you, his palm grazing over your shoulder as the viscount followed him, letting you know that it would be quick. As they left, so did Chiyo and soon after Ochaco stood guard just outside.
Bakugou did not allow you the opportunity to speak. The instant the doors clicked shut, he whispered, harshly while leaning in too close for your comfort: "When we had danced, I had not known that you were such a conniving, false snake who would dare to encourage her own brother to organise this-"
"Oh, will you shut it?" You groaned, rolling your eyes. "And fix your posture." You spoke at the standard volume, motioning with your hands around the room with a raised brow. Had he not been aware that nobody else had been there to listen to your conversation. Not that it would have made a difference if anyone had been there, considering Bakugou's behaviour looking incredibly suspicious. "If you would allow me the breath to explain why all of this is happening before the two of them return, I would be most appreciative." You laced your words with sarcasm, a prickly toxin you hoped would push him away and keep him quiet. He clicked his tongue, resting it between his teeth before closing his mouth, granting you your request. "I do not wish to marry you and my brother will not agree to an unconditional contract. It is merely a contract of precaution-"
"Precaution?" He asked, indignant. "Have you lost you damn mind?" He hushed again, though the slam of his hand against the table reverberated throughout the room, the sound likely escaping into the hallway. Ochaco knocked once, wishing nothing more but to ensure your safety. "It's alright, dear!" You called back, getting up from your chair to not follow in his reckless actions. "We will not marry!" You assured him, exhaling deeply. "I can assure you of it. As I said, I would not wish to marry some brute, impatient man such as yourself. You should be grateful, because I am in fact saving you-"
Mr. Bakugou rose from his seat as well, towering over you, his eyes fiery as the light of the candles reflected red in them. You averted your gaze and took a small step back, the heel of your shoe clacking softly. His reputation as a ruffian no longer seemed to be a mere rumour to you, his quick displays of anger almost making you reconsider your deal with the Queen. You were no coward. You would tame him. You turned your eyes back toward him, swallowing the hitch of your breath as you realised just how close he was standing to you, cornering you between table and chair. Either you would sit like a good dog or you would show him who was in charge.
"I understand why you are upset." You spoke slowly, realising that your explaining-everything-out-of-the-blue approach may not have been the best course of action. "I did not consult with you... Nobody did. That was wrong. But please, listen first and decide later. I swear to you that the contract is not definitive and that by the end of the season, you and I can go back to being strangers."
Your palms hand found their way to his chest, softly pushing him back, only the fabric of his shirt preventing contact. Sins had been committed for less. Under your touch, you felt his muscles ease and his breath regulate, allowing you guide him back down to his seat.
"There are multiple reasons why I have assessed this arrangement to be the most profitable for the both of us. I would not have suggested it to my brother if I had not been convinced in it working." You spoke slower than before, the air of anger having evaporated, while your heart was still palpitating from the excitement. You needed to adjust your rhythm. You needed to choose your words carefully lest cause another explosion. "Your father has been threatening you with an arranged marriage in hopes of you producing heirs." You almost chuckled, the corners of your mouth fighting against the incredulous smile. "Ridiculous." You huffed to which he only raised his brows in agreement. "The agreement is that we will spend time throughout the season and allow for us to get to know each other outside of public courting practices. Your father cannot expect heirs if you are not in love with your partner, so he would want to force love upon you."
"So what? You're saying we are being pushed into confinement so that we may fall in love through circumstance?" He asked, unconvinced by where the conversation was going. "I do not see any benefits in this scheme. How is it to my advantage to sacrifice my time to look after some maiden?"
You rolled your eyes at the comment, lifting your hand to stop him from uttering another word so that you might continue your explanation. "We will pretend, of course and at the end of the season we shall mutually decide that we do not wish to marry. It will be of benefit to me because my suitors need competition to truly show how valuable they are. If they see me as some damsel in distress trapped by an arranged marriage, they will try to save me and my popularity shall rise."
“I did not know you were so-“
“Vain? Conceited? Egotistical?” You asked, waiting for his insults to come but he only smirked at your self-description. “I am not if that is what you are implying with that ridiculous expression. However, I have been chosen by the Queen…” You bit down on your lip, something his eyes followed and narrowed at the realisation that there had been more to your plan than just a marriage contract. “I have made a deal with the Queen.”
Bakugou’s face turned into a range of emotions, all of which were hard to pinpoint, though you could definitely notice a glint of interest.
“Don’t be mad-“ You started.
“Don’t make me.”
“I- I have made a deal that I would fix your reputation with Lady Whistledown.” You spoke quickly, quietly, hoping he wouldn’t catch it. He did. Before he could storm out of the room as the sudden tension made you believe he would, you held both your hands up in an attempt to calm him. “It would be beneficial to you as well! Just think about it!” You almost yelled. The scenario had been replayed in your mind over and over again but you could never quite figure out how to breach the news of your dealings with Her Majesty. Dealings done behind his back about him with a monarch by a stranger. You would also have wished nothing else but to never speak again to the person who had done that to you. You opted to not reveal the whole truth. “If you act like a gentleman throughout the season, your father and the Ton will have a new image of you and- and! You will be a free man. Free from your father’s threats. Free from the looming eyes. Think about your future as viscount. Nobody will want to deal with an untrustworthy man, and if your reputation continues to sink, then you and your fortune will drown.”
Before the argument could continue, Ochaco opened the door returning to her position. “Just think it over…” You whispered to him, fixing your seat and posture while awaiting the return of your brother and the viscount. He only grunted, something you could not interpret.
The two guests left soon after. You exchanged a couple words with the viscount, who graciously complimented your behaviour and expressed his hopes for the future. The moment the door shut, you sunk in on yourself, slouching as much as your dress allowed you too.
“So?” Kaito asked.
“I do not know.” You shrugged, your finger moving to your lips as you thought back on your exchange. “He’s infuriating. I judged him wrong… He’s like a wildfire, sometimes bright, sometimes retreated, but always burning.” You sighed, turning to look at your brother. “Certainly, I could have expressed myself better, made him understand how he could profit from our partnership, but my words… I guess we will have to see.” You sounded unsure, occasionally sucking in the inside of your mouth, blurring your words. Kaito received the message, though, offering you a sympathetic look.
Typically, you had considered yourself to be rather eloquent and convincing. However, whenever you tried proceeding diplomatically, you felt bothered. It was like your body wanted to fight him. The arguments you had practiced in the morning had all but turned into a jumbled mess.
“He has not said ‘no’, ma’am.” Ochaco said as she brushed through your hair. You had only asked her to keep you company, if she were free, but she liked to keep her hands occupied. Her touch was comforting. Her presence usually calmed you down. Except you still felt on edge. “You will see him tomorrow at the ball… And if I may suggest something?” She asked.
“Of course, I value your opinion.”
“Allow him to speak.” She said and you wanted to protest, but allowed her to finish her thoughts. “You have a very commanding personality, which I admire about you. I am glad to work for a lady who is not allowing others to bring her down, however…” Ochaco put the brush down, moving in front of you so that she may directly look into your eyes. “If you wish to cooperate with someone, you cannot control them, especially not someone with a similarly strong personality. And…” She looked unsure, her eyes darting away yet still meeting yours in the mirror.
“It’s alright, speak freely… I believe I need to hear whatever you wish to share if I want to succeed.” You admitted, your stomach feeling heavy in anticipation.
“Perhaps, apologise? If you have not already?”
“Apologise?” You asked, incredulous. “For what?”
“Forcing this onto him…” Her voice was quieter.
“I am helping him!” You protested.
“Certainly!” She responded quickly, but there was more, her confidence from before having dissipated. Yet, she continued, feeling like you needed the guidance. “But… he does not see it as such. Not yet? Um… If you want him on your side, you should show him you value him as a partner.” Her words had only been intelligible because she had been so close to you. Her brows were furrowed, a deep look of worry mixed with care settling in her eyes. You took her hands. “Thank you… I will consider your words.”
Lady Whistledown had been quiet, but a ball was certain to draw her out. The concoction of desperation, flatter, and the desire to do something as scandalous as dancing without your gloves was just the witty author needed to produce another column. What you needed was to escape the dance floor, your dance card slowly filling up despite you having been careful with your choice of gentlemen. Unfortunately you couldn’t reject them all.
“You seem… distracted. Is everything alright?” You were asked on your fourth dance.
“I assure you everything is quite alright.” You lied, realising just how much you had been looking around to spot the blonde man. “I am simply in need of refreshment.”
“I can fetch you some lemonade.” He said.
“No, it is quite alright. I shall go myself and find my brother as well.” You excused yourself at the end of the dance. The beverage did nothing to calm your nerves or to refresh you. Everything in your schemes had been riding on one person, the only person that had been a mystery to you from the moment you had met him. The Queen, who had decided to grace the ball with her presence, had her eyes following you throughout the evening. She was growing impatient. “May I have this next dance?”
Your back was turned to the gentlemen, your expression all but kind and welcoming. The exhaustion was creeping up on you and you could suddenly feel the cloth of your dress against you and the weight of your jewels. “My apologies.” You said a little pointed, trying to maintain your poise. “Unfortunately I am quite fatigued by the-“ As you turned, you were met with a familiar broad physique. “Mr. Bakugou?” You asked, unsure if the heat of the dance floor had made you delirious.
He did not smile, his face the same stoic, unreadable expression which he carried in public. You had not realised just how much of his personality he had revealed at dinner, seeing him so controlled once more. That same flustered palpitation returned, more subdued by the weight of the atmosphere. “I have thought about your proposal.” There was an edge to his voice, his arrogance escaping the grip of his physical control. He offered you his hand, which you took reluctantly, still uncertain whether he was willing to help. He noticed that blockage right away. “I would not be asking you for a dance so openly if I were completely against your ideas.”
‘I suppose that is true.’ You thought, tightening your grip on his hand as you followed along. Your eyes darted to the Queen first who covered her amusement with a fan. At the very least, she would remain satisfied for another couple days.
“Before you… say anything.” You spoke in whispers, the dance floor allowing you some privacy but not enough to discuss such secret plans. People must assume you were simply getting to know each other first. “I would like to… apologise.” You noticed the slight twitch of his brows at your chopped cadence, as if it pained you to admit you were wrong. Somewhat it did. “I have forced this upon you without consulting with you first. It is your life that is being played with after all… I truly regret how I proceeded…” A pang of guilt shot at you, reminding you that you had not told him the whole truth. ‘The end justified the means.’ You reminded yourself.
His jaw clenched and you expected him to reject your apology. “I apologise as well.” He said instead, a momentary shock making you smile, followed by amusement at his own difficulties at admitting he had been wrong. “Your understanding of my situation was quite accurate and I… was too rash in my judgment.” His eyes shot over behind you, something you took note of as you turned, looking for the same spot. Mr. Kirishima, as everybody else it had seemed, was watching your dance. It seemed that he had been the voice of reason you had needed to convince Bakugou to join in on your schemes. “Nonetheless…” He leaned in slightly, his voice suddenly darker. “Choose to not involve me in your scheming again and I will ensure that our marriage will be hell on earth for you.”
You smirked. “Threat noted.” You said, knowing he had not been serious. There would be no wedding.
”So, partner…” He said, the dance coming to an end. “How do we proceed?”
