Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Ah, shit.”

Mariko muttered as she saw another wrong order come back through the window. A look of desperation crossed one of the server’s face as she handed her the half-eaten cake.

“Don’t tell me it’s him again? This is the third time.

Some customer had been causing too much trouble for the past hour, complaining his coffee is too strong, then too hot, then the cake too small.

“He said it’s too sweet. I really think he’s drunk. I’m so sorry, Okamoto-san. ” Mariko let out a sigh of frustration and removed her apron.

“Good job, Misaki. Go take a smoke break or something, I’ll handle this.” She told Misaki, taking the half-eaten cake and dumping it straight to the trash.

They don’t usually get drunk customers. Plus it’s still 4PM. Mariko was not one to judge, happy hour is any hour anyway, but causing trouble just to inconvenience her staff was where she drew the line.

She headed over to the clearly intoxicated man, who was rambling to the people around him. None of them looked remotely interested.

“Sir? I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”

He gave her a sour look and stood up, getting in her face.

“Huh?! Who do you think you are telling me to leave?!”

The moment he spoke, the smell of alcohol hit her face. His slurred words and struggle to stay upright told her he wasn’t just drunk, he was wasted.

“I own this place, sir. So, I’m asking you to please leave.” He seethed, then threw a full-blown tantrum.

Mariko rarely used her quirk. She’s a baker for fuck’s sake. What did she need a quirk for? Flipping croissants? Hauling flour?

Murmurs rippled around the café as an employee stepped in to guide the man out. Mariko debated whether to use her quirk on his drunk ass or handle this in a way no physical altercation occurred.

But he threw the employee a punch. And with that, she was done watching.

She grabbed him, twisting his arm just enough to throw his balance off, not even breaking a sweat. She dragged him out the door. Thank god for superhuman strength.

“I’m gonna need you to calm the fuck down, sir.”

Years of hero training started to kick in. Subduing a belligerent drunk? Easy. The man seemed quirkless, which made things easier fro her. But he sure was a burly muscular man, she could barely wrap her hand around his wrist, so she wasn’t taking any chances.

She took a peek inside the cafe while now straddling the man from behind and saw everything already in order. Her staff were reliable people who made her life as a baker/manager/owner way easier. She already had so much in her plate. They already cleaned up after the mess and called for authorities.

Where are the heroes when you need them anyway?

After minutes of holding him down and him throwing countless profanities her way, police sirens grew louder. The man never stopped throwing a fit even after two police officers grabbed him from Mariko and another pulled her aside for a statement, explaining how the man threw the first punch and it was purely self-defense on her part. Mariko called for the employee whom the man punched and had him recall the events, too.

“I’m fine, boss. His punch barely touched me, almost like a tap.” He reassured, showing Mariko his unmarked face. They eventually decided to not press charges and let the police handle the rest since it’s a very busy day.

“What the fuck happened here?!”

Mariko looked to her right just as she finished talking to the cops. A familiar mop of spiky blond hair and a permanent scowl greets her.

  “About damn time you showed up, hero.” She told him, hands planted on her hips as the police drove off.

“Hey, fuck off. I took a day off.”

Bakugou Katsuki-- aka Dynamight.

They were classmates back in UA. Not exactly the best of friends back then, more like mutual irritants, always on each other’s throats. They tolerated and respected each other enough to acknowledge their friendship as time went by. Mariko bailed on the pro-hero path a year after into being a pro. Finding solace on piping buttercream than throwing punches. 1-A kept in touch, making it a tradition to hang out and drink every weekend at the café and celebrate small wins together. At least, when they weren’t busy saving the city. Or when they needed coffee and a quick grub before going on patrol.

“You? A day off? Shocker,” she threw him a knowing smirk, walking back inside.

“So what brings you here on your precious day off?”

The customers seemed to have had calmed down now and minded their own businesses, not sparing Bakugou a glance. He was in civvies today, hands buried deep in his pockets as usual.

He scoffed, glaring holes on the back of Mariko’s head.

“It’s my mom’s birthday. Hag’s gonna want a cake. You got anything red?”

He followed Mariko all the way to the kitchen, some of the staff greeted him, used to the occasional appearance of heroes that visited their boss. He grunted in response and gave an acknowledging nod. He either responded to Mariko’s employees or she’d chew his head off.

On the way, she checked in with her employee again.

“Take it easy, Shu. Head home if you want. we’ve got it covered.”

He reassured Mariko he’s okay and just waved her off, “Nah, I’m good, boss!”, then goes back to the counter like nothing happened. Tough kid.

She turned back to Bakugou who had been patiently, which is pretty mature of him, waiting for her input.

She checked the fridge, “You should’ve asked me earlier. I could’ve made something special for her!”

“I was busy,” he grumbled.

In the language of Bakugou, it basically slipped his mind. She shook her head in his response and turned back to inspect the display cases instead.

“Does she like red velvet? How about cherries?”

Knowing his mom, she wasn’t picky with how she’d get something different every time she and her husband came by.

She muttered to herself, scanning the assortment of unclaimed cakes.

“Last week she got lemon meringue pie… maybe something different this time.”

When she glanced back, Bakugou was just watching her, unmoving and almost amused.

“Hey, this is serious business, Dynamight. Focus.”

“She’s fine with cherries,” he shrugged, stretching. “She’ll eat anything from this place anyway.”

That earned him a smile, hell, her face even got warm.

“How about this one?” She pointed at a red velvet cake, decorated with red and white buttercream, topped with cherries.

“I made this yesterday, I think she’ll like this one.”

Bakugou came closer and inspected it. “Yeah, that’ll do. How much?”

“It’s on the house, hothead. I’ll go pack it, hold up.” He immediately shoved his card in Mariko’s face.

“No way. Just swipe my card, dumbass!”

“You’re always so difficult!”

Mariko shoved him towards a chair. “I said it’s on me! Now go sit in the corner while I pack the cake.”

He let out a huff and sat down in the chair with his arms crossed. Glaring at the staff who giggled at their exchange.

He watched her closely as she did her thing, rounding the kitchen as she packed candles, toppers, whatever she could grab, and put the cake in the box with ease. He smirked in amusement.

“You know,” he said suddenly, “You could still go pro, renew your license. Never got why you gave it up when you were doing great. Your guys here sure can handle themselves without you…”

It’s been years yet he always brought this up and she’s got the answer down by heart.

“I told you over and over again that I’m happier here. Some people just find their calling late. Mine just turned out to be baking, and I get to supply Sugarman emergency sweets.” She shrugged.

She looked over only to find him with his brows furrowed, body lazily slumped on the chair, “Aww, you miss me that much?”

“Just pack the damn cake!” He snapped. She laughed, his bark always worse than his bite, and went back to boxing it up.

She handed him the boxed cake and wiped her hands off a kitchen towel. “Anything else?” He put the cake on the counter beside him and remained seated, leaning back comfortably, closing his eyes.

“Good, I’ll be here,” he said, settling back down his chair. “Make sure to change quickly, or I’m leaving your ass.”

She tilted her head in confusion at his reply, eyes squinting at him. She looked down at her chef’s coat.

“….What the fuck are you even on about? You can leave, dumbass.”

“Mom told me to drag you along. Now quit stalling, supergirl!”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” She yelled, already on her way to the locker rooms and leave her floor manager in-charge.

As soon as Mariko finished changing out of her work uniform, she and Bakugou settled inside his car and drove off, in bound to his parents’ house.

“Who else is going anyway?” She asked.

“Deku and Shitty-hair, I think. Mom told them to come.”

“How about the rest of the ‘Bakusquad’?” Mariko teased, earning an immediate ‘tsk’ from his side.

He always hated that their little clique was named after him ever since they were first years.

“What?! Isn’t that what you guys are called?” She insisted laughing.

He groaned. “And I told you and the extras not to call them that!”

This made her laugh even harder.

“Then what do I call you guys? You’ve been the ‘Bakusquad’ forever.”

“Our names, dumbass!”

She looked at him with mock amusement.

“Shut up. You never call anyone by their names. That’s rich, coming from you.” His shoulders slumped and he just ignored her as he muttered, “Fuck off, Raccoon eyes said she'll try to make it.”

They kept driving until he suddenly pulled into a flower shop’s parking space.

“Stay put. Don’t do anything stupid,” he said, already getting out.

She gasped dramatically. “Me? Never!”

He rolled his eyes, lips forming a small smile before slamming the door shut.

As he disappeared into the shop, she turned her attention to business inquiries on her phone.

Mitsuki once told her he made it a habit to bring her flowers every time he visited home. She glanced through the window again, remembering this, and saw him chatting easily with the old florist, whom he seemed to be well-acquainted with and was fussing over his (questionable) choices. He sure is famous with the older crowd, she thought.

A few minutes later, he returned, gently tossing a bouquet into the back seat before buckling in.

“Here,” he said, extending a small bouquet of carnations toward her, eyes fixed on the windshield. Eyebrows scrunched.

She blinked, face heating up by the second. “Wh-what for?”

“It’s in exchange for the cake! Just take it—my arms are getting tired!”

She took the flowers, her stomach now a literal zoo.

“Thanks… how suspiciously sweet of you,” She mumbled softly, staring at the bouquet hard as if it’d vanish if she blinked even just once.

Receiving flowers was nothing new to her. She was quite popular back in school. Not only was she decent enough to look at in her opinion, her performance in UA garnered her attention and admirers, too. But her sheer determination to graduate and change her destiny was on top of her list and entertaining flowers and confessions just never made that list.

But this? Coming from him?

GAGGED.

It gagged her to the point of suspicion.

Sure, she and the rest of their friends knew he had a softer side, much to his protest. She saw it in the way he always insisted on helping clean up after their  weekend hangouts—claiming it was just because his apartment was a few blocks away. Or how, back in UA, he’d patiently wait by the door with their friends every day until everyone has finished packing up their stuff, just so they all could walk to the dorms together. He’d always make sure he walked beside her, an excuse to bicker and annoy her.

He never made a big deal of it. He might glare and grumble. He’ll shout every now and then if she teased him about it. But he cared enough.

Quiet. Constant. Never lacking.

She ran her fingers through the flowers-- soft, delicate. Like everything he refused to say.

It’s just the way he was. And that was enough for now.

“What the fuck are you looking at me like that for?!” Mariko’s been side-eyeing him since he handed the flowers to her. He turned the ignition on and pulled back onto the road.

The car ride to the Bakugou residence was wrapped in the subtle buzz of the news coming from the radio. Both of them comfortably silent.

Moments passed, and in the blink of an eye, at exactly 6PM, they pulled up in front of his parents’ house.

As Bakugou turned off the engine, she pulled down the sun visor to look at her reflection, noticing the lack of lip gloss.

“You look fine,” he quipped, unbuckling his seatbelt.

“I didn’t ask,” she muttered, swiping on a layer of gloss.

He eyes her then let out a sigh.

“I know, you always look fine...” He said, already out the door, muttering something she did not quite catch as he grabbed the cake and the flowers from the back seat.

“Just leave your things if you want. I’ll take you home later,” he added.

Mariko took another look at the flowers he gave her and decided to leave them on the dashboard. She left her bag, only taking her phone and cigarette case with her, tucking it in her back pocket.

“Hurry up, supergirl!”

She rolled her eyes at this and bumped her shoulder against his as she caught up, beating him to the door. Before she could knock, Mitsuki pulled the door open.

“Finally—oh! Mariko! You’re here!” she said, pulled Mariko into a tight hug.

“Happy birthday, Mrs. Bakugou!” She greeted, hugging her back.

She heard Bakugou grunt behind her, carrying the cake and the flowers he bought for his mom.

“Stop squeezing her, hag!” he yelled when he saw his mom’s tight grip on Mariko.

Mitsuki pulled away and glared at her son. “Don’t tell me what to do!”

She then turned back to Mariko.

“Didn’t think that gremlin would make you tag along when I told him to invite you.”

Bakugou groaned, handing her the bouquet of roses.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Happy birthday, Mom.”

Mitsuki beamed at the sight of the flowers, also noticing the cake in his other hand.

“Would you look at that! A cake!” she said mockingly as she took the flowers from him.

She turned to Mariko, pointing at the cake.

“You made that, right? Because I will not be eating it if you didn’t.”

“Yes, Mrs. Bakugou, don’t worry. I made the cake.”

She pulled them both inside with so much energy it almost gave Mariko whiplash. Bakugou subtly broke his mom’s grip on her, not that she noticed in the buzz of the party anyway, and just continued walking to the dining room.

With her out of earshot, Bakugou muttered, “She can be overbearing. Just ignore her.”

Mariko shook her head and patted his arm.

“It’s fine. I had years of training being around you,” She jested and walked ahead to the bustling party. Bakugou followed, cake still in hand.

When they walked in, the house was buzzing with laughter and not only did the smell of home-cooked meals hit Mariko, but the warmth of the house as well.

Pictures scattered all over the walls, beautiful ornaments and artworks decorated the space. A trained eye had clearly arranged everything beautifully. His parents being designers really showed in the way the house looked.

He unboxed the cake on the dining table. Mariko snapped out of her awe and helped put on the candle and the toppers.

Hands softly brushing.

Neither of them flinching or pulling away.

Not out loud, anyway.

“Damn! That looks amazing! Bet it tastes as good as it looks, Mariko,” Mitsuki said, inspecting the cake with sparkling eyes. “You’ve outdone yourself again, dear.”

From Mariko’s experience with Bakugou, she knew Mitsuki’s flamboyance was her way of showing appreciation. They were somehow the same person, just in different fonts. So she smiled at her, cheeks as red as the piping on her cake.

“Well, somebody’s gotta make you a cake you’ll actually like to eat on your birthday, right?” The ladies both laughed.

“Keep this up, I might invite you instead of him,” she said with a playful nudge.

“Hey! I literally buy your birthday cakes from her—”

His outburst was cut short by the arrival of Izuku and Eijiro, both carrying gifts.

"If it isn’t the workaholic bunch! Don’t tell me you brought work here on my birthday, Izuku…” Mitsuki teased, pulling him into a hug.

“Of course not, Mitsuki-san! You are always an exception.” They pulled away and she turned to Eijiro with open arms.

“Your hair is always the best out of all of them, Eijiro. You gotta give Katsuki some tips on how to maintain his!”

Bakugou groaned at this and walked back to the dining table.

The warm hospitality eventually made Mariko smile, feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside,  as Izuku, Kirishima, and her chatted with Mitsuki who was later joined by her timid husband.

The familiarity and years of bond made the exchange natural and special. And it's in moments like these that reminded her to just breathe.

Chapter Text

The Bakugou residence was in a constant state of buzz. From the way Mitsuki and the aunties caught up with the latest neighborhood gossip, to Eijiro’s howling and Bakugou’s occasional grunts about Izuku’s stories with his students. With the room full of life and the mouth-watering aroma of the food (what’s left of it mostly), the party sure was a blast.

Mariko needed a break.

Sneaking out to the patio for a smoke break, she leaned on one of the railings and took a long drag. Damn, what a day.

Not even long after, she heard the door open.

“Why the fuck are you out here? Running away again?”

“Shut up. I went out for a breather.”

Bakugou leaned beside her. The heat emanating from him immediately enveloped her. His presence alone owned the space he occupied. He stared at the cigarette between her lips and scowled.

“Kind of ironic that you’re having a smoke break because you needed a breather.” He looked at her pointedly. “You’ll end up dying early if you don’t quit.”

She turned to him and took one last drag before snuffing it out.

“So does hero work, but here we are.”

The corners of his mouth twitched as if to fight a smile. “You always need to have the last word, huh? Smartass.”

They fell into silence as they looked out his mother’s lush garden.

“You alright?” he asked, voice low.

Mariko glanced at him, nodding, “Yeah. Just thinking.”

He nodded back, opting to not say anything for a moment, “About earlier?”

She tilted her head at him in confusion, not meaning what he just said. Like which one? A lot has happened today.

“The drunk guy,” he clarified, “Back at the café.”

“Pfft, as if. Didn’t even break a sweat.” She bragged.

He looked at her, eyebrow raised before clicking his tongue.

“Didn’t know a café needed a bouncer… things could've easily gone south.”

Mariko let out a light laugh, “Welcome to customer service, how may I help you?” she said, nudging his arm with her elbow.

Bakugou scowled and looked away, muttering something under his breath. Probably calling the guy a jackass for the twentieth time today. She didn’t ask. They fell silent once again, fingers tapping the wood of the railing. The both of them occasionally letting out a deep sigh.

“Heard your ranking plummeted down to 15.” He groaned as he clutched his hair in frustration at her sudden attempt at teasing him.

“Don’t remind me! It’s not my fault everybody’s so annoying! Just lemme do my job and let them quit asking for pictures!” He screamed his grievances passionately while Mariko laughed her ass off.

He may have matured (A BIT!), but he will always be a hothead who has zero patience for so called extras.

“What do you expect? You’re a public figure. Acting like a jackass may seem endearing to us but people who don’t know you personally, that may come off as, like you intend, a jackass behavior.” Bakugou scoffed and pouted.

A grown man pouting because his hero ranking went from top 5 to top 15. The consequences of his own actions. He suddenly turned to Mariko, grabbed her face and squished her cheeks together. She yelped in surprise, battling his wrist.

“Hey! Quit it!”

"Then quit being such a smartass. How about you? You really think I’d buy the whole baking being your calling bullshit?” He finally let go of her face, now sore from how hard he squished it.

She rolls her eyes, “Not this again.”

How can she even tell him. Tell any of them? Something in her just snapped after the war. They won but also lost a lot of people. She almost lost a leg, All For One twisting it like fucking filoncini. Recovery Girl sure was a miracle sent by heaven. It’s been years but the scars littering her body would itch just by the thought of it.

Holding on until she graduated took a lot in her. And going pro for a year, she almost lost herself. Before retiring her literal cape, Mariko consulted a lot of people on what to do. Her parents, Aizawa, All Might, Hawks. Just not her friends.

She never had it in her to tell them that the war did a number on her especially when she saw all of their smiles despite everything they went through. It’s like everybody moved forward but a part of her got lost and baking is what really helped her find herself again. It was better to tell them bits of the truth than whole lies. That was the best she can do.

Mariko’s been so lost in thought that Bakugou started to gently pull on her finger, “Stop thinking too much. You’re not built for that.” he teased, voice low but rough.

She rolled her eyes, her face stretching into a smile.

“You’re such an asshole.”

He shrugged, turning his attention to the garden, “Whatever, supergirl. I’m just saying since you won’t say shit-”

“I AM HERE!”

She was about to reply to what Bakugou has said when Mina suddenly shouted, making an entrance only she can pull off.

“Holy shit, Mina! I almost broke the railing!” Mariko exclaimed, hand clutching her thundering chest.

“Oho???? What is this?” She asked pointing at Bakugou and Mariko, “Sneaking off to god knows where for a quick snu-snu?” she said, wiggling her brows to tease the both of them.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP, RACCOON EYES! WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!” Bakugou, obviously having no idea what the word snu-snu means, glowed red in anger.

“I took a smoke break. Geez…” Mariko said as she walk towards Mina.

She looked at Mariko pointedly, “Still smoking? That shit will kill you.” Mariko let out a sigh of defeat as Bakugou added, “That’s exactly what I told her!”

Mina looped hers and Mariko’s arms together acting like they hadn’t just been assaulted in the ears by her war cry.

“Sooooo…  what were u guys talking about?” She sang, giving them a knowing look as she poked Mariko’s side.

“The tension was palpable when I opened the door, you guys didn’t even hear me come in. The fleeting touches, the eye contact… Super spicyyyy.”

Mariko pinched her cheek. “Down, girl.”

Her imagination never ceased to amaze Mariko sometimes.

“We were talking about the drunk guy who made a scene at the café earlier.”

She turned to her sharply, “What?!”

“And hero stuff.” Bakugou chimed in.

“Oooohhhh, heavy stuff, huh. No wonder you both looked so cozy and on the verge of giving each other a smooch.”

“I SWEAR TO GOD!”

Bakugou rushed to lunge at her, leading them both to the living room as Mariko trailed behind them.

“I found them! They were about to kiss, too bad I arrived.”

Mina announced as they stepped inside. This resulted in Bakugou trapping her in a headlock and giving her a noogie. Everybody laughed.

Mariko settled on one of the solo sofas and took the bottle of beer Izuku passed her. They eventually calmed down and fell into conversation about Izuku rambling about his students, Eijiro’s new side-kick, how an old lady asked Mina for a selfie to send to her grand-daughter and the scuffle at the café earlier.

She listened, laughed when a funny bit came, added a comment or two. Just like how they were normally back when they were younger.

Most of the guests trickled down by 10. They made it our mission to help clean up the house before also going home.

“Thank you for the cake, dear.” Mitsuki hugged Mariko as they all crowded the porch.

“You’re welcome. Come by the café anytime.” She hugged her back, giving her a soft pat on the back.

She eventually let go and took Mariko’s hand, giving it a light squeeze as she donned a sweet smile. She smiled back. She patted her hand one last time before turning to the others to also bid them all goodbye.

Masaru gave Mariko a gentle side hug and patted her head before following his wife to the others.

The friends also eventually had to say goodbye to each other, Eijiro gave each of them the tightest hug he can give complete with a whiplash-inducing back-pat. Mina pulled Mariko in for a hug, kissing both of her cheeks and whispered,

“Don’t be stupid,”

before pulling away and skipping down the porch steps. Izuku, ever the polite one, gave Mariko a warm hug and ruffled her hair gently before turning to Bakugou and giving him a nod.

Opening the door of  Bakugou’s car, she glanced at the bouquet on the dashboard and Mina’s words echoed back to her.

“Don’t be stupid.”

She wasn’t.

At least…. She wasn’t trying to be.

But this is hard, man.

This is the type of thinking she wasn’t built for.

The car ride was quiet. Not awkward or uncomfortable. She was tired anyway. So much happened today, her body can’t keep up. It’s been raining lately so the sun barely peeked through the clouds. Her quirk and body relied on solar energy so the last bit of her strength was used to apprehend the man in the café.

Bakugou’s scent lingered in the air, it’s his car after all. He doesn’t put on any music, just let the silence hum with the low rumble of the engine. It’s strangely comforting, making her doze off the whole car ride.

“Oi, Okamoto. We’re here.” Bakugou gently shook her awake, pulling up on her apartment complex. A gray towering building, same as always.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m awake.” She rubbed her eyes and gathered her things, making sure she doesn’t forget the bouquet. He parked the car and didn’t move.

Neither did she.

There was a pregnant pause before he cleared his throat.

“Let’s go.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the car. Mariko followed suit. Always walking home together. The cool air hit them now that the city has quieted down. The hum of cicadas and distant traffic filled the silence.

“Nobody’s gonna jump me in the elevator, Dynamight.” He clicked his tongue, yanking Mariko’s bag from her.

“Don’t be a smartass.”  He said, glaring at her, a finger pressed between her brows, before heading inside.

She let out a laugh and followed him as he stomped like he owns the place. He never really walks. He stomps.

They paused as they arrived in front of her door, one hand digging her keys from her pocket and the other clutching the bouquet. His eyes followed every movement she made.

"Thanks for the ride.” She said, laser-focused on unlocking her door. Mariko turned to him as her door opens, taking her bag from him.

“Don’t mention it, dumbass.” She stepped inside her apartment, looking at him one last time.

“Thanks for the flowers.” His eyes softened for a millisecond before donning a scowl once again, rubbing his neck.

“You like it that much, huh.” His voice low and gravelly. Almost like he’s struggling to blurt it out. Mariko can’t decide whether he’s teasing her or not. She just shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well, who doesn’t?” He scoffed. She thanked the heavens that her porch light died a week ago because she knew her face is heating like an oven right now.

“You’re full of shit. Go inside.” Laughing at him, she nodded and slowly closed her door.

“Goodnight, Dynamight.”

"Yeah. Night, supergirl.”

The moment she closed the door, she let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. It’s quiet again. But different. Emptier.

Mariko tossed her keys on the counter and put the carnations into a water-filled vase. The petals wilted a bit from the heat inside the car. Shame, they were so pretty. It’s not that deep, she thought to herself.

“Don’t be stupid.”

Mina’s voice rang in her ear once again.

Yeah, right. Not being stupid is harder than it looks.

And God knew, she was trying

Chapter Text

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP B-tap

Mariko groaned, stretching out on her bed, trying to rouse whatever nerves were still asleep.

She opened her windows to let the morning air in, the sun barely peeking. Birds chirped in the background and traffic started to pick up as the day started. She leaned on her balcony, hot cup of instant coffee in hand, alternating between sips and her first cigarette for the day.

She poked her scarred leg with her pinky absentmindedly. She took it all in, from the morning haze slowly fading away, to the sounds coming from neighbors who were also beginning their days.

She stubbed out the last of what remained of her cigarette, went back inside holding an empty cup, finally working up the courage to take a cold shower.

Finishing her morning routine by 5:15AM, she took one last look around her apartment, took a deep breath and mumbled a quiet another day, another slay to herself before closing the door.

She treated the 15-minute walk to the café the calm before the storm. It’s a quiet chance to think about what to look forward to. A complete contrast to how she was before her new life. Always flying around, in a hurry to get where she was supposed to be. Plus, she’ll take in all the morning sun she can get.

It’s been three weeks since the party and waking up to a chaos-filled group chat with the girls the next morning was… something.

Mina sent a photo of Bakugou and her on the patio, deep in conversation, and followed by another of them elbows-deep in the kitchen sink, mid-argument about how he was splashing water everywhere by rinsing a spoon face-up under running water.

“Giiiiiirlllll….. the suspense is killing me!”

“Yearner final bosses:”

“Look at these stupid idiots.”

“Did she sleep already? I’m dying here.”

“They even went home together.”

“AAAAAAAHHHHH stoP TorturinG USSSSS!”

She sure fell asleep as soon her head hit her pillow that night. But they also made sure to clear their schedules the Saturday of that week to bombard her with questions and good thing the boys were all busy. She told them everything (sans the bouquet and the conversation outside her apartment door, Ochaco’s gonna have an aneurysm). With moments like these with Bakugou, she just learned to not dwell too deep into it.

Long has she decided that hoping is dangerous with Bakugou.

The sky softened to a lighter shade of blue by the time Mariko arrived outside the café, the kind of blue that promises a good day ahead. I’ll be the judge of that.

The cute handwritten sign (definitely not hers), Coffee’s gone cold, come again tomorrow is still up. A regular was already waiting outside. She definitely enjoyed her walk a bit too much. They exchanged smiles and Mariko turned the sign now saying Come in while the coffee’s still hot before stepping into the warm embrace of coffee hitting her senses. It became her thing to turn the sign herself, a small gesture to cue the start of the busy day ahead.

Buttery baked goods, prepped for the morning rush, are being stacked one by one in the display cases. A soft hum of the speakers started, playing the playlist of whoever won the morning’s rock-paper-scissor. The opening staff were already buzzing, doing their thing to serve the caffeine-dependent population that will soon pile in for their morning fixes.

“Good morning, Okamoto-san! Had fun on your morning walk?” Hinako, the floor manager, greeted her from the espresso machine, pulling a shot for the regular who stepped in as soon as the sign changed.

“Good morning, Hinako.” She greeted back while inspecting the stacks of pastries in the display cases, noting the improvement of the scones’ shapes, before taking a pretzel to munch on. “These smell amazing…”

A chorus of good mornings, varying in enthusiasm and energy, greeted her as she entered the main kitchen. She hanged her coat and put on her uniform and apron.

“Pans are in the oven, boss.” Kyoya, one of the bakers she's been mentoring, called out.

“The scones have been looking better. Nobody managed to burn anything I hope?” Mariko glanced around looking for anything amiss.

“Yee of little faith, boss. Nothing’s been burnt since April.” Yuta, the pastry chef, chimed in.

“It’s August.”

“See? Character development.” the both of them patted each other on the back, earning a smile from Mariko.

“And I love that for everyone.”

The day was spent finishing cake orders to be picked up, answering e-mails, managing inventory and supplier deliveries, handling difficult customers who kept on picking fights with the staff and taking new orders for the upcoming days.

The last of the closing staff clocked out by 8:30PM, bidding Mariko goodnight as she flipped the sign back to Coffee’s gone cold, come again tomorrow. She stayed back to pipe the rest of the cupcake orders to be picked up first thing in the morning.

After packing the last batch of decorated cupcakes, labeled and tied with ribbons, Mariko stretched her back and winced as her joints pop. She let out a sigh, the sight of used trays and piping bags mocking her.

With nothing but the faint drone of the air conditioner blended with the spin of the ceiling fan in the background, she let out a sigh one last time before heading her way out the backdoor for her fifth smoke for the day. I’ll deal with the mess later

She leaned on the wall beside the door, cigarette in between her lips and lighter in hand. She took a long drag before exhaling the exhaustion of the day, letting the quiet settle. Or rather the potential of it. It’s never really quiet in Musutafu.

But the quiet never really settled. As soon as she hit a smoke for a second time, she almost choked on it when Bakugou suddenly dropped right in front of her with a thud, in full hero suit.

“What the fuck, dude!” She managed to let out in between coughs.

“Told you that shit will kill you!” He snatched the cigarette and stomped on it like it just held his mom hostage.

“That was my last one, you asswipe!” With slumped shoulders, she watched Bakugou obliterate the cigarette into smithereens. “What are you planning on coming here at this hour anyway?”

She led him inside left with no choice now that she’s left with nothing to smoke, his frame barely fitting the doorway.

“I need coffee. Shitty hair’s been talking my ears off for hours and my shift doesn’t end until 4AM.” He plopped down on one of the chairs in the kitchen, taking off his gauntlets and putting them on the counter.

“Hey! No gauntlets on the counter.” She called over her shoulder while she turned on one of the coffee machines.

“So you came here to talk mine off instead?” He grumbled something under his breath before the rustling of his gauntlets, removing them from the counter.

“Shut up. This place looks like a fucking hellscape.” Mariko pushed the mug of coffee towards him.

“You can have all the coffee in the coffeemaker if you’re up for it. You want a muffin with that?”

“You got the blueberry ones?”

She went to the counter and snagged him a blueberry muffin from one of the display cases.

Glaring at the leftover chocolate croissant, she contemplated whether to have it as a midnight snack, or pack it for him. She shrugged and packed it anyway, he needed the midnight snack more than she does. She put in some muffin in, too, for Eijiro.

Mariko went back to the kitchen, a small plate of muffin and a paper bag in hand.

“The fuck is this?” He opened the bag.

“A croissant for you and a muffin for Eijiro.” And pulled out a paper.

“Oh, and your bill. Cash only.” She gave him the best customer service smile she has and turned away to start with the clean-up.

“Stingy brat. As if I’d give this muffin to Shitty hair, this is my money! And-a-muffin-for-Eijiro my ass.” He grumbled before taking an aggressive bite off of his muffin.

“Stingy brat.” She echoed, smiling to herself.

They fell into silence. It’s a habit at this point. The sound of running water and his sips breaking the silence. She tried to get lost in scrubbing off icing on tools but can’t help be aware of his movements behind her.

Maybe it’s hero training kicking in. Maybe it’s nerves. She doesn’t want to know. She focuses on rinsing a bowl instead.

Mariko heard the chair scoot over as he stood in front of the coffeemaker and emptied it. He brought his plate to the sink, Mariko immediately washed it clean. He later leaned his back to the counter beside the sink, mug in hand to watch whatever the fuck she was doing.

“What?”

“What time do you plan on going home?” He asked.

“After this,” then silence again.

“Hurry up, I’ll take you home.” He put his empty mug down then went back to sit on the chair.

“And what? Throw me on your back while you blast off???? I like my dinner inside my stomach, thank you very much.”

Mariko’s never been fond of his mode of commute since they were in high school. If you’re a fan of being thrown like a ragdoll while clinging for your dear life, be her guest. But it’s a big no from her.

“It’s quicker that way! It’s not like you’re gonna fall midair! You act like you don’t fly.” He protested.

“Your way of flying is nauseating. Having to blast yourself once you lose momentum is bile-inducing!” She wiped the counter dry and left him to get her things in her office.

She locked everything up and made sure all lights are turned off. She went back to the dim kitchen, the emergency lights the only ones on, Bakugou nowhere to be found.

“Oi! Okamoto!” Mariko heard him call out from outside. She passed the counter, checking for anything out of place. Satisfied with everything, she finally turned off the lights of the display cases and stepped out the door, securing it.

“You done?”, he asked with a smirk. “Want a round of applause?”

She gave him a curtsey as a joke and shoved him.

“Shut up. And no blasting off to god-knows-where, by the way. We’re walking.” She walked ahead, him falling into step behind her.

“Yeah, yeah.” he muttered, hand shoved in his pocket, the other clutching his bag of pastries.

The sidewalk’s packed this time of night, streetlights casting long shadows and a hum of traffic. Light chatter from people also linger in the air, either on their way home or just about to start their own shifts. Some eyed the armor-clad idiot beside her, earning them a hard glare back. He stomped angrily, muttering something about annoying extras.

“This is why you’re ranked 15th. You’re supposed to give a wave or a nod to civilians eyeing you. Or better, ignore them. Not glare them down.” Bakugou groaned beside her, stomps growing heavier.

“You know how I hate it when you point out my ranking so much with that smug look on your face! Like I fucking care what they think!” His sudden outburst caught the attention of the people passing by, whispering among themselves about what has gotten No. 15 hero Dynamight’s panties in a fucking twist.

Mariko stepped closer beside him and pinched his side.

“What was that for, woman?!”

“Oh, I’m woman now?! You always this dramatic while on a walk? You walked just fine when we were in school…” She gave him a side-eye, silently judging him.

“Don’t give me that look. You’re lucky I even put up with your ass walking alongside these extras! You can easily fly home, I don’t know why you even bother!” They turned a corner, now barren of extras. He shot Mariko a sharp look.

“Getting home quickly is not the point of walking, Bakugou.” She shrugged.

“You shouldn’t be walking this late alone. Creeps are everywhere these days. Can’t even get a good night’s sleep because of those fuckers.” his tone softened slightly.

“Awwww… look at you. Worried and all. I’m not that fragile…” Mariko gave Bakugou a teasing nudge on the shoulder.

He stayed silent at first making her turn to him. His smirk widened, ”Don’t make me blast your ass off to oblivion.”

She nudged him again, “You always have a way with words, don’t you? Maybe write that down on a Valentine’s card and sell it.”

“You gonna buy one?”

“I receive enough cards on Valentine’s. I’ll pass.”

“Yeah? Well, eat shit.”

“Didn’t know you could be so poetic. Who raised you?”

“Myself.”

“Figures.”

They both let out a laugh. Technically only her, he just huffed a laugh through his nose because he, Bakugou Katsuki, is too cool for ijbolitis. The silence that followed is oddly comfortable, familiar in a way that made the breeze feel warmer than it is.

“I think you’re full of shit,” Mariko said eventually, “You’re not walking me home just to be nice. You’re up to something. I just know it.”

“You’re also full of shit for such accusations.” he turned to her suddenly, “Unless….”

Bakugou gave Mariko the look he always had when he’s about to do something stupid.

"Don't you fucking dare! Bakugou!" She stepped back but he stepped closer towering over her.

When did this fucker get so tall?!

“Say my name.” She looked at him like he just grew an extra pair of head and turned to book it but he caught her by the arm.

“Nuh uh. You're not going anywhere. Say my name.”

“Wha- why?!”

She was a flustered mess. From annoyance? From the impending doom of flying off with this shithead? From his hold burning on her skin? From his constant nagging of her uttering his name? She doesn't even fucking know.

“You're being such an asshole right now.” Her attempts of deflecting him seem to fuel his ego further with how big his smirk is.

“I won't do it if you say my name.” He shrugged, mischievous glint in his eyes never leaving.

“Katsuki.”

She said almost in a whisper, resolve and strength slipping through her fingertips. Bakugou leaned in suddenly.

“What? I didn't quite catch that?” He’s mocking her and it’s really starting to get under her skin. Mariko has been refusing and refusing to call him by his name for years, because he never even says her or any of our friends’ names!

“KATSUKI! I SWEAR TO GOD!”

He looked at her, smirk widening more on his perfect fucking face.

“Yes, Ma-ri-ko?”

He purposefully draws out the syllables of her name, relishing at the triumph. She stopped and look at him, squirming under his stare. Her whole body is on fire. If Mariko was a cake being piped, the icing would have melted by now.

“There I said it! Now let's continue WALKING.” Bakugou let her go for a moment.

“I ain't walking all the way there.” He said, stretching his neck and rolling his shoulders. Trying extra hard to flex his muscles for her to see. Mariko stared at him wide-eyed.

“What are you doing?” He tilted his head, mock-innocent.

“What, Mariko?”

Then it hit her.

“Don’t you da-”

Without warning, he grabbed her by the waist and took off, the heat of his blasts trailing beneath them, sparks flying everywhere. Mariko clung onto him like a cat taking its first cold bath, limbs wrapped tight around him.

“YOU LYING PIECE OF SHIIIITTT!!!!!”

This time, he laughed.

Chapter Text

“Okamoto-san? Uravity’s outside, should I let her in?”

Hinako, the floor manager, peeked her head through the door of Mariko’s make-shift office. Mariko, who was deep into working on payroll, poked her head out of her laptop and nodded.

“Mariko-chan!!! I’m so sorry for barging in at such a short notice.” Ochako gave Mariko a shy smile, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. Mariko waved her worries off and gave her a warm hug.

“It’s okay, silly. Is there something wrong?” She led them both to a sofa pushed against a wall beside a small window, right beside her table.

Hinako popped back in, carrying a tray of two cups of hot cocoa and a small plate of vibrant macarons. Ochako’s eyes seemed to light up as she saw the macarons in front of her. They both thanked her before she left.

“The thing is, Mariko-chan… Izuku’s having a seminar next week about his experiences before and after the war in one of the schools we frequent for quirk counseling, he’s never really done talks with grade schoolers and you know how kids can be very inattentive if something doesn’t catch their interest,  so I’m thinking of inviting everyone from class to join in on the activities and giving out snacks in exchange for their attention. Is it okay if you can join us? Please???” Ochako pleaded, hands clasped together.

“Of course, Ochako-chan. What snacks do you have in mind? And how many kids are we bribing with sweets? We also make sandwiches if they prefer that.” Mariko took out a notepad to list down whatever Ochako has in mind but Ochako just gave her a sheepish smile and scratched her cheek.

“Well, aside from that… I’m also inviting you to join us.” Mariko stopped for a moment, not expecting such invitation. Upon seeing Mariko’s hesitance, Ochako immediately added, “You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to! It’s just… there’s a girl I counsel in that school that has a similar quirk as yours and she gets teased by kids in her class all the time about her strength and I can tell she’s feeling a bit dejected by it so I thought maybe… you know… you could help- but it’s fine if you won’t-”

“I’ll do it. It’s okay, Ochako-chan. I’ll do it.” Mariko knew how it felt to be picked on. She remembered how her father would tell her when she was younger, “Don’t play too hard with the other kids, you can’t control your strength yet.”

She once didn’t listen and got carried away too much, pushing a classmate too hard. Her classmate went home with a scraped elbow and a sprained ankle. She declined playing with her classmates again.

“Oh, Mariko-chan~,” Ochako threw herself on Mariko and hugged her tight. “Thank you so much, tell me anytime if you change your mind… It’s always okay to change your mind, okay?”

“I will, thank you,” Mariko hugged her back then pulled away. “Looks like I need to find my suit for next week, huh? I wonder where I put it.” She knew exactly where she put it. Tucked away in her parents’ attic.

“I’ll help you find it if you want… I have free time on Saturday.” Ochako nudged her softly. Mariko turned to her and a smiled in relief. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

She knew she needed somebody to be with her and she was thankful Ochako knew that. Because it was hard. Leaving her hero life behind. To not be able to carry on her parents’ legacy. They were great heroes. The ultimate power duo, as the media called them. They retired after the war. Her father losing his speed and flight to All For One, and her mother losing her limbs to Shigaraki. Maybe it was a mistake not telling anybody the true extent of the damage she received. Physically, she was strong. Mentally? It took everything in her to leave it all behind.

Yes. She was genuinely happy where she is now.

But something will always feel missing.

The day finally ended, Mariko spent the whole day mulling over the past.

Maybe I should finally talk to someone.

She kept on kicking a pebble she saw on her walk back home. Anything to distract her from her thoughts. Until she kicked it too hard. It hit a lamp post, leaving an indent. She stopped walking home at this point and instead walked toward a combini and bought herself a well-deserved popsicle (and also a pack of cigarettes because she smoked the rest away for the rest of the day). She sat on a bench outside, biting her popsicle with a plastic bag of instant coffee and cigarettes. She heard a low hum of the vending machine from behind her, a can rattling down.

“Scoot over, bird-brain.” Mariko was mid-bite when Bakugou’s form loomed over her. She rolled her eyes but scooted over for him anyway. He sat down with a can of coffee. “What’s gotten your feathers ruffled? You look ugly with your brows scrunched like that.”

“Someday I’m gonna get rid of you and nobody will miss you but your mom.” Her brows scrunched further, signaling him that today ain’t the day.

“You sure only my mom?”

“Your dad, too.”

He scoffed, “You got Round-face’s invite?”

“Yeah. I get to kick bullies in the ass for it so I said yes.”

“So much for talking my ear off about how a hero needs to act in public.”

“I’m not a hero anymore so, I don’t count.” She shrugged. Bakugou looked at her profile. Still biting onto that popsicle like a psychopath. Suddenly pissed about how nonchalantly she could say that.

“And you’re proud of that?”

He didn’t mean for it to sound so accusatory but it’s done. It did get a reaction out of her.

Mariko was already having a very complicated day and now she had to hear those words from Bakugou. She looked back at him.

“What the fuck does that supposed to mean?” She sat straight, obviously taken aback by his comment.

“Fuck- that’s not- you know what the fuck I mean, Mariko.” He also sat straight, trying to save face, voice rough and sharp.

“You’re being an asshole right now. The day’s not been great to me so I suggest you back off. I don’t have the energy to fight with you.”

“Then tell me,” he waved his hand in frustration. “You won’t say shit on what’s got you to quit. So at least tell me, are you proud of it?” He knew it was a bad idea to push. But he did anyway.

“You’re on your bullshit again? What do you want me to say? That I’m not happy? That this isn’t the life I wanted? Go on, tell me what to say. Tell me exactly what you want to hear.” She stood up abruptly, seething at his accusation.

“For someone who says they’re happy, you sure are defensive. I want to be in the loop of things. I want you to talk to me, too!” He was now towering over her, noses apart. Mariko scoffed and chuckled in amusement.

“Hah! In the loop of things… Don’t act special. Why? Are you so ashamed to be friends with a measly extra that you have to have a reason why you put up with someone like me?! Is that it?!”

The silence that followed was deafening. Only the wet plop of the forgotten popsicle falling on the floor. Bakugou had no words. He, too, didn’t know the reason why he wanted her to talk to him. But he knew he wanted a lot from her. He wanted to be the first one to know what she’s thinking, how her day went or if she was really doing alright. But he couldn’t demand those things from her. He had no right. All he knew what to do was pick fights with her.

Mariko exhaled a strained sigh, the weight of the day pressing against her ribs. She turned away from him and continued her walk home, leaving Bakugou and with no heart left to argue.

Chapter Text

The commute to Mariko’s parents’ house with Ochako was filled with quiet chatter and giggles as both girls caught up on each other’s daily lives. Mariko had to avoid mentioning Bakugou and their recent argument to avoid questions from Ochako. That will have to wait.

The moment they stepped foot in front of her childhood home’s gate, it swung open to a spitting image of Mariko, only blonde with eyes as green as the trees in spring. “Hi, mom.”

They both earned a warm hug from Tomoe Okamoto. Her warmth contrasted the cold steel mechanics of her prosthetic arms. Her elegance translated in the way she talked and carried herself. Confident and kind.

Sliced fruit waited for them in the dining room. Ochako nibbled on an apple slice, scanning the photos lined up on the console. A photo of little Mariko sucking on her thumb, and another of Mariko grinning from ear to ear with missing two front teeth.

“Were you waiting for us by the gate this whole time?” Mariko asked her mother, opening the box of strawberry shortcake her mother loved so much.

Her mother, already taking a slice for herself, replied tapping her ear with a playful grin, “I heard you girls a mile away. Oh, Ochako-chan, don’t be shy, alright? There are more fruits in the kitchen if you want more, dear.” Ochako nodded as she and Mariko downed the bunny-shaped apple slices.

“Is dad still at the office?”

“He told me he’s interviewing students who are interning in his agency today. He’s probably showing them around and introducing them to everybody already. You know how he is.” Her mother replied.

“Yeah… The ray of sunshine on a cloudy day...” Ochako said dreamily.

Tomoe giggled and nodded in agreement. “That he is! He’ll probably be home any minute now.” She took a sip of water and turned to her daughter, “Oh, honey. I forgot to ask when you called last night. What did you need your old suit for? Dad said he can pull strings to have it upgraded if you want? You know. Just in case.”

She and her husband were both curious and a bit elated when Mariko called asking if her suit was still somewhere tucked away in their attic collecting dust. How could she ever let it collect dust?

Mariko cleared her throat as she caught her mother’s attention.

“Ochako-chan kind of invited me to entertain kids in Izuku’s talk. Like a side gig of some sorts. Can I- can I borrow the keys to the attic?” She asked, fidgeting the hem of her shirt.

Tomoe and Ochako exchanged a look before giving Mariko an encouraging smile.

“Why of course, baby, you can,” Tomoe said softly, eyes flicking with quiet understanding. She stood and her hand whirred from gently running it through Mariko’s head. “Let me go get them real quick.”

For an attic, the Okamoto household’s was spotless and well-lit, Ochaco noted. Variations of the hero suits worn by Mariko’s parents throughout their career lined the room and her mother’s katana. The Solar Rush hero: Stratos and the Resonant Force hero: Daybreak. It felt more like a display hall than the dingy attic she imagined.

Framed newspaper  and photos with colleagues and family adorned the walls- a testament to their triumphs, memorabilia and at the center of the room hung a family picture of the Okamotos in their hero suits.

She remembered Mariko mentioning once how her parents had pestered her for a family photo as soon as she received her suit. They had been so excited.

In another corner was a space dedicated to their only daughter,

the Solar Force hero: Morningstar.

Trophies and medals from sports she excelled in, framed photos from her childhood and one of their whole class during graduation, certificates, photos and her diploma from her time in culinary school, and displayed behind a glass case, her last hero suit.

Ochako glanced at Mariko who had an unreadable expression, save for the small twitch of her brows. She eyed the suit with a hint of longing and quiet acceptance. With trembling fingers, she unconsciously touched the glass.

Being part of a family of a long line of heroes weighed on her as she studied her hero suit. She was a result of years and years of quirk marriages.  It resembled the suits of those that came before her, a testament to a long and standing legacy. Her parents’ resolution to break tradition for her drew scrutiny but their daughter’s well-being had always mattered more than legacy.

God, she hated coming in this room.

Mariko’s silence was enough to worry Ochako, “You okay, Mariko-chan?”

Ochako gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze, snapping her out of her reverie. She toyed with a loose thread on her sleeve, eyes glued to the floor. The sound of her pulse started to ring in her ear. She took a deep breath through her nose and finally turned to Ochako.

“Can we talk?” Mariko murmured softly, hands starting to clam up.

Maybe I should finally talk to someone.

Ochako took a deep breath internally, determined to help her friend the way she knew best. “I would love to talk, Mariko-chan.” She led Mariko to sit down on the sofa at the center of the room.

“I just didn’t think they’d actually put that up.” Mariko said, eyes never leaving her displayed suit.

“It’s a waste to just hide it away,”  Ochako gave her a smile. “It’s a beautiful suit.”

Mariko opened her mouth to say something, anything. Seeing her hesitance, Ochako ran her hand against Mariko’s back, “It’s okay.”

“I had a fight with Bakugou the night you visited,” Mariko began, voice trembling. “You know how he is. He’s brash, aggressive and pushy when he wants something,” she released a shuddered breath.

“He kind of asked me if I was proud of it. Not being a hero anymore. I got so tired of his constant pestering to tell him the reason why. He felt like he was not in the loop of things. I feel so guilty because we’ve been through so much shit together but I don’t have the streng-” Her words broke and a small sob slipped through.

“I don’t have the strength to tell you guys that I was afraid and I was so lost. I almost lost my parents because of the war, we lost so many people, we almost lost you. Izuku and Bakugou fought so hard their bodies gave out and Izuku lost One for All.”

Ochako gave her hand a light squeeze, silently urging her on.

“I tried. I tried so hard to keep up but my heart just gave out. I’m just so embarrassed every time I see you guys because it’s like I got stuck and I didn’t know how to move forward. I desperately wanted to be with you guys. My dad lost his quirk but he never lost his shine, my mom fought with half of her limbs intact but her spirit never wavered,” the thought of her parents’ resilience evoked a spark of hope in her.

“So I tried again, trekked a new path. I’m so so happy with what I have accomplished now and I had a lot of help with creating something great with the cafe.” Her throat tightened suddenly.

“But I still somehow feel half-empty. What am I? Where do I belong?” Tears streamed down Mariko’s face. The years she spent holding everything in, all the fear, guilt, and grief finally cracked open and poured out in mere seconds.

Ochako was crying, too. She didn’t expect that one of the strongest women she knew was carrying such heavy burdens.

“I’m so proud of you for finding the courage to tell me all that has been plaguing your mind, Mariko-chan. I never for a second find fault in your decisions,” she smiled softly at Mariko.

“I want to let you know that whenever I see you in the cafe, you shine like your dad because you’ve built something so beautiful, something good. You trying again and finding new purpose shows you’ve got the spirit you admire so much from your mom. They’re very proud of you, like look at all these stuff, they love being reminded that they have you as a daughter.”

Ochako took both her hands.

“Mariko-chan. I always tell you, you can always change your mind. Not just your plans or your goals. You can always change your mind about how you see yourself. You are so much more than what the war took from you. Don’t feel burdened. And if ever the time comes that you’re ready to ask for help to carry the load, I’m here. We’re all here because we love you.”

Mariko looked at Ochako and nodded in understanding. With her lips trembling, she cried again, Ochako pulling her into an embrace.

After a long silence, Ochako mumbled against her shoulder “And for Bakugou, he’s a dummy. You know that best out of all of us. I think he’s just worried you shut him out completely. He hates being last at everything.”

They finally pulled away.

“Yeah, he’s the king of miscommunication after all.” Mariko chuckled.

“He’ll come around eventually. He can’t stand not bickering with you anyway.”

The both of them now turned their attention back to her suit.

“Let’s just hope it still fits.”

Mariko unlocked the case, and took the suit out, leaving the cape. She put it against her body to get a feel of it again.

“Bet your ass will look good in it.” Ochako’s comment made the both of them laugh. The attic suddenly not feeling as suffocating as before.

“Look at you, using such big words.”

Their laughter echoed through the attic, warm and tired.

Then a booming voice rang throughout the room.

“My little Morningstar!”

Hayao’s broad frame filled the doorway, all solid muscle wrapped in a softness that made his hugs feel like sunlight. His espresso locks and bright blue steely eyes mirrored that of Mariko’s. “Hi, dad.” She looked at her father with fondness, his bright grin rivaled the sun itself.

He immediately engulfed both of the girls into a strong, warm hug. By the time he let go, Ochako’s face was as red as Momo’s hero costume.

“Hello there little Ochako! I have heard great things about your organization from Keigo. Congratulations!” He ruffled her hair. Ochako had short-circuited at this point, letting out only sounds of gratitude.

“Hearing you girls’ laughter was like music to my ears! Very wonderful!” Hayao saw Mariko holding her suit and let out a bark of laughter. “And would you look at that! Your old suit! You thinking of dusting it off?”

Mariko looked at her suit in her hands and smiled, infected by her dad’s energy.

“Just for the day, dad…”

Hayao beamed and patted her back full force as he always had out of habit. “Splendid, my little morningstar! That’s all it ever takes,” He tapped his temple, one hand planted firmly on his hip. “One day to remember what you’re made of.  I even wear mine to sleep some nights!"

Hayao grinned as big as the sun.

Mariko groaned softly, “Dad…”

“What? It is fun! I haven’t convinced your mother to match me just yet but someday I will for sure!” Hayao then clapped his hands together. “Now who is ready for dinner? Come on, ladies. Dinner awaits!”

He strutted to the kitchen in his usual enthusiasm, ready to orbit his wife who had been busy cooking up dinner. Mariko shook her head and chuckled at her dad’s antics before realizing Ochako’s silence throughout the ordeal, dazed and blushing 10 shades of red. She gave her a light nudge, “Ochako-chan.”

“Yes?! What?!” Ochako’s flushed face never died down and only seemed to deepen. Mariko laughed and squeezed both her shoulders.

“You’re not subtle, Ochako-chan.”

With this, Mariko followed her dad to the kitchen, leaving a still star-struck Ochako.

Chapter Text

“Don’t let your cape get in the fucking way out there, bird-brain.” Bakugou bumped his shoulder against Mariko’s forcefully.

Never missing a step, she bumped him back. “Don’t let your big head get in the fucking way of everyone, porcupine-head.” 

“My big head gets the job done, shitface!”

“My cape ALSO gets the job done, asshat!”

They both got in each other’s faces, noses touching and arguing in gritted teeth. Tokoyami had to pull Mariko by her cape while Izuku held back Bakugou by locking his arms over him.

“Hey! You two! Quit it with the lover’s spat and get in formation!” Mirko yelled as she and Tomoe watched from their side, both sporting prostheses swiftly made to fit after the stand-off with Shigaraki weeks ago. Tomoe whispered something to Mirko and giggled like gossiping village aunts.

“Tch… Whatever…” Bakugou backed down, stuffed his hands inside his pockets and gave Mariko one last snarl before going to his assigned position.

Mariko scoffed and stuck her tongue out at his retreating form. She caught her mother’s eyes and received a knowing smile. She smiled back bashfully then gave her mother one last wave before Tokoyami tugged her cape to their position with their mentor and her father.

Mariko looked around as she checked her gear for the umpteenth time. Everyone had their game-faces on. Ready to face the horror of the day. She turned to look at her father, glowing like a lightstick and fully charged up like herself. He was looking directly at her mother, a look of promise that both of them come back to her in one piece.

She held her father’s hand giving it a light squeeze.

“Dinner’s at 7.” .

She looked at her mother once again. 

Her mother’s words before separating rang through her head and she was reminded of the hug the three of them exchanged earlier. 

Bakugou stood beside her, arms tucked tightly on his chest. They exchanged looks of understanding and nodded in acknowledgement. He may be a prick and a bully but he was dependable.

They were going to win this war. Come hell or high water.

But it was a mess.

They would gain one step ahead of One for All but he would push back harder and gain two steps more.

Everyone was spent. 

Hawks’ wings, once luscious and full of life now looked like a chicken plucked for cooking. Hayao’s glow was slowly depleting as the rain clouds slowly rushed in. And Endeavor was an arm lighter and heating up from powerful blow after powerful blow.

Mariko and her friends looked as bad as the pros. Jirou just lost an earjack after the coordinated attack to break All for One’s armor, and Mariko’s leg was busted.

All for One managed to grab her by the leg using one of his many quirks. In an attempt to break free before All for One reached for her neck, she twisted her whole body except for her leg, loosening the tyrant’s grip on her. 

Despite all of this they fought on. 

“You were supposed to use Prominence Burn!”

Endeavor joined them once again, just launching Vanishing Jet Burn against All for One catching him off guard.

Endeavor blew out steam, attempting to cool himself down and glanced back at Hawks, “It’s a move I can’t use repeatedly. I have to tear apart his defence and make sure I don’t miss!”

“We’ll give you the boost you need. Just focus on burning bright!” Hayao took one look at Mariko. The adrenaline numbing her leg that’s been growing a deeper purple by the minute.

With no time to lose, the both of them pushed Endeavor straight back down to All for One. Endeavor’s fire burned Mariko’s palms but she paid no mind.

They both pushed Endeavor and All for One through the trees and finally shot them both up to the open skies.

“PROMINENCE BURN!”

The skies flashed bright as Endeavor burned All for One into a crisp and everything went silent.

Mariko and Hayao immediately hovered closer just below Endevor as his fires died down.

“Endeavor, let him go!” 

He immediately let’s go as Hawks’ voice pierced through the silence, flying closer. They surrounded All for One once again and braced themselves just as All for One started to regenerate into a younger body.

He floated downward, light as a feather. Hayao and Hawks scrambled to follow him. 

But moments later hundreds and thousands of clones of Twice and an unrecognizable Dabi emerged out of nowhere and overwhelmed the entire place.

Rain clouds rushed in along with the mayhem. All for One flew off immediately. Hawks and Hayao sped off to his direction.

Mariko and her friends managed to reunite through the chaos.

As soon as Hawks and Hayao flew off, Tokoyami and Mariko nodded firmly at each other. Tokoyami followed suit to All for One’s direction while Mariko stayed with Ochako, Tsuyu and Jirou.

“We got your back, Ochako-chan,” she managed to let out as she punched a Twice clone into a disgusting sludge. “Go get Himiko Toga!” 

Ochako ran off as Mariko ripped clones from left to right, never stopping. She shot up, and swooped down, flying through multiple clones that got in Ochako’s way. Her cape was working overtime in absorbing as much sun it can get under the harsh weather.

The ground rumbled and the skies raged. Everyone was holding on in doing their best to prevent Twice from continuing to multiply and All for One from reaching Shigaraki.

Then a bright light flashed.

Mariko hovered and shook off a clone from her shoulder to look at the source of the blinding light as it dimmed and saw Hawks’ unconscious body falling from the dark skies.

“Hawks!”

She immediately flew to catch him, her father’s weak and battered body just close by. She put Hawks’ body down gently and ran to Hayao, “Dad!”

Hayao sat up, groaning. His suit’s glow has gone out, having spent all his power.

His eyes then grew wide on seeing All for One lift Hawks by the neck and slowly take his quirk for himself.

Mariko turned to the direction his eyes was glued on.

Rage immediately filled her.

Not thinking about the consequences, she zoomed to his direction and pulled All for One by the hair. She smashed his head down to the muddy ground.

But All for One managed to get ahold of her cape, dragging her down with him.

“You pesky Okamotos. Always in my way!” He laughed while he slammed Mariko down the ground multiple times.

He lifts her up by her torn cape and Mariko spat down at him. He chuckled as Mariko’s spit ran down his face.

“I finally got you.” 

All for One reached for her neck.

But at the speed of light,”No!!!”

Hayao pushed Mariko away. Using the last bit of his strength. But unable to move faster than usual, All for One gripped his neck instead.

Hayao glanced back at Mariko, All for One’s hands gripping his throat tightly.

“Fly, Mariko.”

“Ah!” 

Mariko woke up, hovering a few feet above her bed clutching her covers. She was then startled by the sound of her alarm going off from her night stand, finally growing aware of her surroundings. She was home, in her room, on her bed. Or above.

She plopped back down her bed with a light thud to shut her phone off and ran her hands down her sweaty face.

“Shit.”

The gates of Shizuoka Primary School opened to reveal the pastel blue truck with the Bloom and Butter Café logo plastered in brown letters decorating it. It was early in the morning but the place was already crowded with heroes from Ochako’s agency rushing all over the place to prepare it for the activities.

“Okay, guys. Remember that kids are tougher customers than adults. They’ll tell you exactly what they think with zero inhibitions. Plus, making them cry is off the table. Unless they’re being little shits.”

Mariko briefed her team for today's event consisting of Misaki, Kyoya and Sato.

Misaki shuddered at what Mariko said, having flash-backs of the drunk man she waited on. Kyoya diligently noted down every reminder his mentor gave them with brows furrowed in determined seriousness. Sato-san, the eldest of the staff, hummed in approval as he drove the food truck. Adding additional pointers on what to expect from kids, him being a family-man.

 Mariko spotted some of her high school friends helping with the preparations.

She pulled at the collar of her suit under her jacket as her throat suddenly dried up a bit, remembering her dream.

Ochako and Tsuyu spotted the truck and approached as soon as they parked just by the courtyard.

“Good morning, Mariko-chan, kero.” Mariko hugged the both of them the moment they climbed out the van.

Ochako rubbed the back of her neck as she looked around.

“Sorry for the chaos this early in the morning. Everybody is a bit excited since the entirety of our class is present…” 

Mariko assured her that the morning rush is nothing new to her and introduces her team to them both. 

“Is it okay to ask you for help with some of the streamers around the place, Mariko-chan? Please… we kind of had to put up more because it looked so sparse but it looked just fine last night but when morning came it looked like an afterthought and it just doesn’t look great now, we had to buy more so early in the morning because Momo-chan and everyone already have their own tasks to do and I’m worried Tsu-chan and I can’t finish it in time and-”

Ochako rambled on, a mix of nerves and excitement streaming out of her.

Tsuyu shook her to stop before she fainted while Mariko waved bother her hands in panic to get her attention.

“Of course, Ochako-chan! I will. Let’s get to it, we’ll be finished in no time.”

Mariko took her jacket off, tossing it inside the passenger’s seat of the truck, and gave one last look at Misaki, Kyoya and Sato.

The three of them gave her a thumbs up, telling her they had everything under control. She nodded and gave them a thumbs up, too, before joining Ochako and Tsuyu.

“Is that really boss?!” Kyoya whispered, earning an elbow from Misako and a shush from Sato.

“You look great, Mariko-chan, kero.” Tsuyu bumped shoulders playfully with Mariko, making both of them snicker as they dragged the faint-looking Ochako.

They passed by some of their friends who already arrived and got excited over Mariko wearing her old suit.

Hagakure clutched her hand with her gloved ones and squealed in happiness. “Your suit still looks as pristine as ever, Mariko-san.” 

Izuku stared at her in full awe and commented, “It really is! The material’s still reactive to the sun even without the cape, too. The solar cells are starting to glow!”

The wrist guards and the lines tracing her Prussian blue suit from her collar down to her boots are slowly gaining their sun-like glow the more she’s exposed to the sun. She hadn’t worn it in so long that the weight of everyone’s eyes made her skin prickle.

Her face flushed. Should've kept the jacket on. 

Scanning the area, she realized Bakugou along with a couple of others are yet to arrive. She inadvertently let out a sigh of relief, not ready to look at his smug face if he saw her in her suit glowing like a Tesla light bulb.

As the others dispersed to their tasks, Mariko took in a deep breath, steadying herself for the long, noisy day ahead.

Tsuyu and Ochako noticed her intake of breath and rubbed soothing circles on her back. 

Mariko, Ochako and Tsuyu flew around the school courtyard to put up more streamers and finished in less than ten minutes.

“Phew, that’s the longest I’ve flown in a looong time.” Mariko puffed out a breath, the morning sun shining down on them. Her suit fully charged up.

Tsuyu hopped beside her, poking her glowing wrist guards, “You look like a Christmas light again, Mariko-chan, kero.”

She took a moment to look at herself, feeling like an energizer bunny.

“How do you feel??? You suddenly look… so… alive!” Ochako exclaimed in wonder as she pointed out her face full of life- cheeks pinker, eyes brighter, and skin a bit more supple.

“I feel great! I never had so much sun in months being holed up in the kitchen. And I guess the suit still works. I feel like I can frost a hundred cakes and never break a sweat!” Mariko joked, the three of them giggled.

“Even in your hero suit, you’re thinking of cakes, kero.” Tsuyu commented.

“Yeah… I guess I am…”

“MARIKO-CHAAAAAN!!!”

The three of them turned to look at the source of the voice, to find Mina full on sprinting towards Mariko with a tear-stricken face.

Mariko catches her in an embrace as Mina cried against her shoulder.

“Why are you crying, silly?” Mariko looked at Ochako and Tsuyu for help only for them to shrug. Also clueless as to what made Mina emotional.

“How can I not cry when your ass is out glowing like a damn lighthouse from afar! I thought I’d be forever lost in sea and never see you wear your suit again!”

Mariko can’t help but laugh at Mina’s theatrics, “Hey! Cheer up! You can borrow it anytime you want.”

“Stop teasing me! That’s not what I meant!”

Mina tightened her grip around Mariko. Stuck like glue and refusing to let go.

Mariko didn’t notice Kirishima, Denki and Sero trailing behind Mina, too occupied with Mina’s flamboyance.

“Don’t keep her all to yourself, jeez!” Kaminaru pulled Mina off Mariko and took her place instead. “Okamoto, you look so cuuuute!”

Mina, Ochako and Tsuyu now fought to pull him off of the unsuspecting Mariko who was too charged up to bothered by Kaminari and hugged him back.

“Huh? Oh, hey guys!” Her wide eyes scanned for Bakugou. Kirishima noticed her eyes straying.

“Oh, Bakugou went to do ‘something important’. Looking nostalgic, Okamoto!” He air-quoted.

Kaminari finally pulled Mariko free. She ignored his first sentence, greeting him and Sero. Not like she cared. Right?

“Uh oh, little gremlins, incomin’!”

They all looked towards the direction Sero pointed out and saw the children along with some parents started to trickle in the school grounds, some interacting with heroes and some running to greet them.

Mariko, unsure on what to do just stood and smiled, giving a small wave. Ochako patted her back in encouragement and gave her a thumbs up.

They eventually had to separate and do their own little thing for the event. Mariko walked back to the food truck, which now had a standee of Hawks with the words, ‘Everything is FREE! Sponsored by yours truly!'

Mariko stared at the standee, mouth agape and asked Misaki, “Who put this ugly thing here?” 

Before Mariko could answer, Hawks emerged from behind the standee looking offended, “Ugly?! You break my heart- well I’ll be damned! If it isn’t Morningstar.”

He ruffled her hair and looked at her suit. She swatted away his hand in attempt to smooth her hair back down.

“Yeah, breathe it in. Great to see you, old man.”

“No wonder I smelled dust from a mile away. What did your parents say when you took that out?”

Mariko shrugged, “Oh, nothing. Just dad telling me about how he uses his as pyjamas.”

“Yeah, that sounds like him, alright… So,” he leans on the standee he procured, “What do you think? Did the layout myself.”

Hawks looked at her, urging her to compliment his creation. Mariko can’t help but scratch her head. 

“I mean- It looks great! The colors clash with our truck but it’s doable…” Hawks looked at her approvingly and nodded his head.

“That’s the trend these days, Okamoto. You should really join social media. Even old folks have Tweeter! Your cafe has Pinstagram and I doubt you don’t run that. E-mails are so old school!”

They walked side by side towards the front of the truck. Mariko laughed at his concerns of her lack of social media presence.

“I’m a busy woman and I have better things to do.” She turned to look at Hawks who’s already munching on a strawberry sando.

“Whatever, kid. What I’m saying is, keep in contact. You don’t check your phone unless they’re business inquiries or send texts unless they’re order updates.” She let out a sigh. He nailed it straight to the head.

“I text dad and mom visits…” She muttered. Hawks raised his brow at her. 

“Your dad texts you first everytime. I know. He tells me. We’re buddies remember? And your mom visits because you seldomly do.”

Another nail to the head. 

She glanced at Hawks, a cup of hot coffee now in hand.

“What?! This is my morning coffee! Plus! I’m a regular, ask Misaki!”, Misaki who was manning the truck nodded, “I just don’t tell you because you’ll shoo me off!”

Mariko chuckled and pushed him by the shoulders.

“Okay, okay. I’ll keep everything you said in mind. The event’s about to start.”

Hawks let out a laugh as she pushed him off the truck, already taking a cupcake from Misaki. 

“Alright! I’m going… but I’ll be back! That doughnut is calling to me.”

He turned to walk away but Mariko calls out to him, “Come by anytime…”

Hawks gave her a grin and a thumbs up, and continued to walk, waving at little kids on his way to the gym.

By 9am the gym was starting to get packed. Parents chatting among themselves, kids running around and playing with some of the heroes present, and teachers and staff double checking everything to make sure the event goes smooth sailing. 

Misaki and Kyoya were assigned to distribute snacks inside with the help of Ochako’s staff.

Sato and Mariko continued to cook up some more pastries and sandwiches for the day inside the truck.

Turned out even before the kids arrived, pro-heroes made sure to snag a snack for themselves.

With the ovens running, the both of them finished setting up.

“Aren’t you gonna go inside before the talk ends, Okamoto-san?” Sato asked as he hawled mini chairs and tables. Mariko took it from him then arranged them in front of the truck.

“Nah, I don’t do well with crowded and enclosed places…” She looked up and eyed the sky.

“Fly, Mariko.”

The blue sky reminded her of her father’s words.

“I’m right where I wanna be. Besides, I’m not an on-duty hero. Kids won’t spare me a glance.”

Mariko had just turned her head towards the sun, soaking it in when high pitched quips rang.

“LOOK! THERE’S A GLOWING LADY BY THE FOOD TRUCK!”

Little footsteps grew louder and started to swarm her.

“Oh, no…”

Sato giggled then left her to deal with the kids’ barrage of questions by herself, “Good luck, Okamoto-san.”

“No. Wait-”

“Does your wrist and boots have lights?”

“Does it light up brighter when you sneeze?

“Can you use use your suit during a power outtage?”

 “Can you shoot lasers?”

“How come I’ve never seen you on TV before?”

The kids poked and prodded her suit. She had no idea which question to answer first.

“Okay, everyone. Speak one at a time, take turns.”

More kids somehow crowded her in curiosity on what the commotion was about. In her attempts to create space between her and the kids, she hovered above all of them then backed away to the truck.

This only escalated the situation as the kids screamed in awe.

Mariko wanted to just shoot up out of the atmosphere and get lost in space.

“Hey!”

They all turned to the booming voice.

Bakugou stood behind the clump of children in front of Mariko.

“Weren’t you told to proceed to the courtyard as soon as you head out the gym?!”

The kids scurried away to the courtyard when Bakugou’s hands started to crackle. Mariko landed down beside him, looking at the kids run off.

“I had it covered.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Yes, I did.”

Bakugou faced her, arms tucked tightly on his chest.

“No. You didn’t.”

Mariko faced him, too, hands planted firmly on her hips.

Bakugou stared down at her. 

He saw her first when he ushered the kids put the gym. At first he was surprised to see her actually wearing her suit. It took a minute for him to compose himself again.

Now that she’s up close he suddenly didn’t know what to say. He felt his ears heat up and the back of his neck tingle. He ran his hand on his neck to stop the tingling sensation and snarled at her.

“No cape?”

He almost slapped himself when he said it. Of all the things he could say. Like “Sorry about what I said last time. I just really miss you.”, all he managed to say was no cape.

Mariko raised her brow at him, disappointed but not surprised at what he said.

“What? Don’t you hate the cape?”

He looked away, lower lip jutting out.

“It’s nice,” he murmured.

She tilted her head as she failed to hear what he just said. “What?”

“You look nice… or whatever…” He walked away as soon as he said it louder, neck glowing red under the sun. 

She was left speechless. Unable to process his sudden compliment.

“Dumbass.” She muttered to her flustered self.

Her thoughts were broken when Ochako poked her shoulder. “Mariko-chan?”

“Yes?! I mean- yes, Ochako-chan?”

Ochako chuckled, having witnessed the exchanged between her and Bakugou.

“Come on, let’s go play with the children. It will be fun!”

Mariko stood still, unsure on what to do. She looked between the food truck and Ochako.

“To be honest, I don’t know how to act around everyone with this on.” She pointed down at her suit.

Ochako gave her a sweet smile, “Just act like yourself. Don’t think about it too much. You’re doing great!”

Mariko smiled back at her, “You’re right.”

“Go on, boss! We got it under control.” Kyoya and Misaki walked by carrying empty food boxes. 

She took one last look at the food truck then let herself be pulled by Ochako.

Chapter Text

The courtyard was alive. Kids, parents, teachers and heroes alike were enjoying themselves.

Mariko and her friends were in their own stations, playing with the kids.

Doing stretches and practicing hero poses with Mina, Sato and Ojiro;

Building stuff in the sandbox with Shoto, Momo and Mineta;

Playing in the playground with Kirishima, Sero, Tokoyami and Iida;

Blowing bubbles with Tsuyu, Aoyama and Hagakure;

Playing instruments with Jirou, Kaminari and Bakugou;

Feeding birds with Shinsou, Shoji and Koda;

And painting with Ochako, Izuku and Mariko.

But Mariko found it hard to blend in and enjoy herself. She was sitting awkwardly, rigid and stiff. She felt so unprepared, not expecting to actually join in on the activities.

Kids would ask her random questions like if she’s a new hero or is she a pretend one. She’d answer some, deflect some and occasionally laugh at some.

All have thrown her questions but one. Hana. The girl Ochako told her about.

She kept mostly to herself, heavily concentrated on painting her very cute version of a cat.

“Hey, you broke the paintbrush! I was gonna use that, too! You break everything you touch!”

Her solemnity was disrupted when one of the boys in the booth shouted. Mariko immediately came to her rescue, standing over them.

“What happened? Why are you yelling at her?” She asked calmly. The boy stands up and points a finger at Hana.

“She always ruins the fun for everyone! Look,” he held the broken brush up. “She snapped it in half!”

Mariko tucks her arms on her chest and stares down at the boy. “Is that reason to yell at her? That’s not nice…”

Hana shrunk in humiliation, tucking her hands behind her. “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it… I still can’t control my quirk, I’ll be careful,” she looked up at Mariko. “Please, I wanna finish painting my kitty.”

Ochako and Izuku’s attention was now fully on the commotion, waiting for what Mariko would do.

Her eyes were watered as she explained herself. Mariko’s heart broke. She sharply turned back to the boy.

“Give me that.”

The boy gave her the brush with trembling hands, Mariko’s glare following his every move. She takes it and dips it on a paint and swipes it on a paper.

“See? It still works… and it fits your tiny hands perfectly. Not all broken things are unusable, sometimes breaking them makes them better.” She hands the broken paintbrush back to him. Mariko’s forehead veins ticked when he turned his back on them.

“Aren’t you gonna say sorry to her?” Mariko stood towering over him. He stood straight as a pole and felt like his ribs were about to pop out from the way his heart thumped under Mariko’s deadly glare.

He looked at Hana with his nose flaring in hatred.

“Sorry!” He sprints back to his table and slumped down his chair. Mariko snarled and clicked her tongue.

She looked down at Hana once again who was now staring down at her feet.

“Wanna tell me about your painting?” Hana looked back at her and her face flushed. She excitedly nodded and sat back down, pulling another chair for Mariko.

“This is our cat, Maru. She’s the same age as me…” Mariko sat beside her and leaned down to look at Maru.

“You drew her so well. She’s a cute kitty.” She commented as Hana continued to paint in her orange spots.

“She is! And she’s really fluffy…”

“I’m sure she gets all the pets she deserves from you.” Hana frowned a bit at what Mariko said. Her brushstrokes slowed down.

“I don’t really pet her anymore… I hurt her once because I hugged her too tight… But she still rubs her face on my legs so I guess I’m okay with that…” She said softly.

Mariko noticed her dejected tone.

“Oh! You’re just like me! But it was my dad. I hugged him so tight when I was your age, he almost passed out...” Her attempt at cheering her up only earned her a look of horror.

She quickly waved her hand. “Oh! Don’t worry! He’s okay! Plus, he’s really strong. We just laughed about it after…”

She sheepishly scratched the back of her neck and cleared her throat. Hana’s shoulders slumped.

“Hana… You know why we laughed about it?”

Hana shook her head no.

“It’s because my dad knew I didn’t mean it,” she rubbed Hana on the back for comfort. God, I’m so bad at this.

“Do you think Maru knows I also didn’t mean it?” She asked meekly.

“Why of course, Hana… She wouldn’t try to get your attention if she knew you meant harm. I’m sure she misses your hugs.” Hana’s lips trembled as her eyes pooled.

She immediately wiped her tears away and stood straight.

“I’ll make sure to train hard with my mom to control my quirk so I can give her all the hugs she wants, Ms. Okamoto!” Mariko chuckled and gave her a high-five.

“That’s the spirit! Make sure to finish your painting to show it to her when you get home…”

The exchange didn’t go unnoticed with her friends. Most of them smiled proudly.

Bakugou who was seated in front of a drum set has stopped playing. His grip around the drumsticks were so tight his knuckles turned white.

His gaze would land on her from time to time but something in his chest tightened when she scolded that sissy and interacted softly with the girl.

“Sir? Sir Dynamight? Sir Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight?”

“WHAT?!”

The girl had been tugging on his sleeve, waiting for the next beat he was gonna play. She wailed in shock at his sudden outburst.

“Wha- hey- stop crying, damnnit! Come here! Let your emotions out on the drums!”

He lifts the girl and sat her on his lap, handing her the drumsticks. She stopped crying and started to hit any drum she can reach.

Mariko looked over his way and saw him hyping up the incoherent banging the girl was doing. They briefly locked eyes.

Mariko gave him a soft smile and turned her attention back to Hana who was now comfortably yapping away, making her more comfortable, too.

Bakugou scoffed. His ears and nape started to heat up again.

“Okay, kid. That’s enough. It’s my turn!” He puts the girl down and took the drumstick, banging the drums like he had something to burn off.

Hana and Mariko were stuck hip to hip. They walked around the booths hand in hand and would giggled at something the both of them found funny from time to time.

“Look, Ms. Okamoto!” Hana pointed upwards towards the ornate kites Momo has made that the kids are flying.

Mariko lifted Hana as they both watched the kites glide through the breeze. She shielded Hana’s eyes from the afternoon sun, noticing how hard she squinted.

“Do you want to fly one?” Hana shook her head, wrapping her arms around Mariko’s neck.

“I just like watching them fly. They look so pretty and they’re up soooooo high.” Her eyes stayed glued on the kites.

Mariko looked at Hana as she clinged onto her. At first she stiffened but she eventually welcomed the warmth. She then had an idea.

“You wanna see them up close?”

Hana tilts her head at her, “Like later when they land?”

Mariko chuckles at her innocence.

“Hana, do you want to fly close to the kites?”

Hana’s eyes glimmered and nodded, “Yes!”

“Let’s ask your mom if you can first. Come on!”

With her mom’s permission, Hana giddily braced herself and clung tightly onto Mariko.

“You ready?”

She nods sharply. And with that, Mariko floated up slowly, “I got you.”

Hana seemed more excited than bothered that she’s slowly ascending. Her laughs bubbled in her stomach, infecting Mariko.

“Okay, here we go!”

Mariko held Hana tight as they soared through the sky.

Some pointed and stared at them in awe, marveling at the sight.

They flew by the kites and Hana reached out to touch them.

“You doing okay?”

“Yes! This is so fun!”

They flew a bit higher, careful not to fly too high for Hana’s safety.

Hana tried to catch a cloud. She openned her hands and it immediately evaporates. Her eyes widened in wonder.

Mariko halted while Hana tried to cup another cloud. She eyed the sun again and smiled to herself.

“Fly, Mariko.”

“Ms. Okamoto?” Hana poked her cheek.

“Yes?”

“I’m hungry.”

Hana’s revelation made Mariko laugh. She slowly descended and landed right in front of their food truck, “Let’s get you some food then. Take your pick.”

Bakugou had given up with the drums at this point. He opted standing outside the booth just to sneak glances at Mariko and the pipsqueak that looked too comfortable clinging onto her.

And when she started to fly around, he was a goner.

He noted the way her laugh had consumed his ears, tuning out the sound of the instruments in their booth.

It was warm and bright. Brighter than any sun he’d seen.

And it’d hit him stronger than any punch he’d ever taken.

Her hair moved like water that flowed with her as she glided through the blue skies.

He involuntarily let out a breath he’d been holding.

“Tch… show-off.” He tears his gaze away only to look right back

It was the way she held the kid.

Secure and gentle.

How steady she was against the breeze, adjusting her altitude and the way she would help out the kid adjust her arms to reach kite tails that would drift close.

She made it look so easy. Like she was made for it.

But his eyes narrowed every time Hana Clung onto mariko. Tight, familiar, like she had her wrapped around her chubby little fingers.

He huffed out the moment they landed right in front of the food truck. Not wasting any moment, he walked right up to Mariko as soon as Hana finished picking out her treat and running right back to her mom.

“You got coffee?” Mariko turned to look at him, hands deep in his pockets, gauntlets tucked away in god knows where. “Yeah. It’s that way,” she points at Misaki who’s in front of the counter taking orders.

“Make me some.”

“What?”

He didn’t blink, “make me some.”

She raised her brow at his persistence.

“Your coffee is just coffee in hot water with absolutely nothing in it. Kyoya can whip that up just fine.”

“You already know how I take it, he’ll mess it up.” He tucked is arms tight over his chest.

“He won’t. That’s why I hired him.” She raised her hands to her waist, not backing down. He let out a groan and looked away, “I prefer how you make it.”

There was a pause before she cleared her throat, taken aback by his admittance.

“You have a weird way of saying please.” She said softly then gave his arm a punch and went inside the truck to make him his coffee, not really able to say no.

Bakugou rubbed the arm she punched and eyed her walking away. He welcomed the pain and silently prayed it’d left a bruise.

He caught himself having that thought and cursed himself under his breath. He slumped down on one of the chairs that’s obviously too low and a bit small for him.

“Can’t even say please. He’ll mess it up, my ass. I prefer how you make it, my ass.” Mariko muttered on while she made his coffee.

She involuntarily made herself flush remembering he told her that she looked nice earlier, clicking her tongue. Yet here she was, feeling irritatingly giddy making his coffee.

She poured his coffee in a cup, took two cherry danishes from the display case and went back to him. His cramped figure looked awkward as he leaned his elbows on the table, picking on a flaking paint off of it.

She sat down in front of him and put his coffee and the danishes on the table. He tried to take the coffee, but her hand won’t budge, “You got something to say?”

He rolled his eyes and slumped back down the chair, arms crossed and lower lip jutting out. He mumbled, “thanks.”

She smiled to herself and pushed the cup and one of the danishes closer to him, “You’re welcome, you big baby.”

“I’m not a baby!” He angrily chomped on more than half of the danish then took a sip of the coffee, “See? Perfect.”

“Yeah, whatever.” She bit her own danish and leaned on the chair, looking out at the chaos of the courtyard. Bakugou sneaked a glance at her.

“Hey, you havin’ fun?”

She looked back at him, taking a moment to think. She leaned her head on her hand, elbow propped on the table.

“Yeah. I guess I am. Kids are great. Well, most of them.” She chuckled, “You having fun?”

He looked at her. Really looked at her and leaned closer to the table.

“Yes, I am.” He said softly, not breaking eye contact.

She had to look away. Having no strength to look him in the eye when he’s uncharacteristically looking at her with such intensity.

“Jeez, Louis! Flirting front of my caramel tart!” Hawks quipped from the counter, caramel tart in hand.

Mariko and Bakugou jerked back to their seats and clicked their tongue in unison.

“And having a date while on the clock??? Tsk, tsk, tsk…”

“We’re not-”

“Shut up-”

They both snapped at once, voices overlapping.

Bakugou gave her an offended look.

Mariko made her mission to ignore it.

Hawks pulled out a chair to sit on on their table, grinning triumphantly.

“Joint denial. Very romantic. Love it.”

Mariko rolled her eyes, “You done yet? And You really had to sit here.”

“Why not?” Hawks said, pointing a thumb at Bakugou, “He’s here, why can’t I, too? Continue whatever you two were doing, don’t mind me.”

Bakugou snarled, “I was here first, you old fart!”

Hawks took a bite off of his tart and grinned at him, “Now there’s the three of us.”

Bakugou’s eye twitched and his hands crackled in annoyance. His time alone with Mariko just had to be disrupted again.

Mariko had to hide her face in her hand, whispering, “This is embarrassing.”

Some kids giggled at the strange exchange. Mina was recording while Kirishima laughed, leaning on her for support.

Mariko finally kicked Hawks’ shin from under the table.

“OW- okay! Okay! I’ll leave! I swear, kids these days…”

Hawks stood up but gave them one last teasing look before sauntering away with his tart.

The place was buzzing but the silence was so thick, you can bake it for an hour and it would still be under-cooked in the middle.

Bakugou gripped his cup so hard it almost popped open. He broke the silence first.

“... Ignore him,” his eyes fluttered anywhere but her, “he yaps non-stop.”

Mariko smirked slightly into her danish, “Mhm… Sure.”

His eyebrows drew together. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“He’s just teasing. I’m used to it by now. They’ve teased us since we were kids, it’s cake-walk at this point.” She shrugged, even though her pulsed hammered like crazy under her skin.

“Right. Teasing.”

He almost sounded offended.

Just teasing? Am I the only crazy person here?

“Yeah. Teasing.”

The chaos in the courtyard was slowly dying down as the day is nearing its end.

Mariko sat down on one of the chairs inside the painting booth with Midoriya, Ochako and Hana along with some kids that are also still around.

Mariko’s mind had been wandering off from the kerfuffle with Hawks and Bakugou moments ago.

Men ain’t shit.

“Ms. Okamoto?” Hana snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Look, I made this for you.” Hana held up a painting of her and Mariko flying through the skies, chasing kite tails and clouds.

Mariko’s heart grew warm. She took the painting and looked at it with adoration.

“It’s beautiful, Hana. Thank you so much.” Hana threw herself at Mariko and hugged her tight.

“Thank you, Ms. Okamoto. I promise I’ll control my quirk like you did and one day I’ll paint you more pretty pictures.”

The both of them pull away as her mother call out to her, ready for the both of them to head home.

“I’ll look forward to that, Hana. You tell your mom to come by the café anytime, okay?”

“You know what, Ms. Okamoto. Sir Deku was right. He told us that sometimes not all heroes wear capes. I guess they also make yummy treats like you.”

Mariko smiled at her. Her eyes watering a bit.

Hana ran to her mother and looked back to her to give her a wave goodbye. She waved back, Hana’s painting held tight to her chest.

Midoriya stood beside her and patted her back.

“You were great today, Mariko-san. Thank you so much.”

“You did great, too. Thanks.”

They exchanged a smile, already understanding what each other meant.

The food truck had ran out of everything by this time.

Mariko bid goodbye to her friends when they finished cleaning everything up.

Ochako hugged her tight, “Thank you for joining us today, Mariko-chan. It was so so fun.”

“I had fun, too. Thank you so much for making sure I didn’t miss out… and you know… for everything.”

Ochako took her hand and gave it a light squeeze.

“Anytime.”

“Hey, supergirl!” Bakugou called out behind them, gesturing for them to walk together.

Mariko bid Ochako goodbye one last time then walked over to him, “What?”

“What what? I can’t walk with you anymore? I thought you liked walking.” He scoffed, both of them walking their way to the truck.

“You’re so full of shit.” Mariko chuckled.

“... you mad at me?” Bakugou asked softly. She turned to him surprised. She let out a breath and shrugged.

“Nah…  I’m more frustrated with myself than mad at you,” she said, “plus, I don’t think I can ever get mad at you. You’ll get mad right back if I did.”

She bumped him playfully. He grunted, “Damn right.”

It’s taking everything in him to hold his composure. His tough act never really worked on her so he didn’t have to. He thought of just finally crossing the thin line between them. To do something so reckless.

Maybe he did miss her, who knows.

But he wasn’t sure if it would be okay for her or for the both of them.

She became so guarded when the war ended. He didn’t know how to catch her in the right time. But when the right time did come, he didn’t know how to talk to her.

He’d say to himself, “I’ll just act like it’s no big deal, that she can say no.” But he knew she didn’t deserve that because she deserved the world. And he hated the thought of her saying no.

Bakugou wanted nothing more than to learn how to show her more of him in ways other than bickering with her or exchanging playful insults.

And for the first time in a long while, he’s afraid.

Afraid of what the consequences may be if she didn’t want him as much as he wanted her.

“Well. I gotta go.” They stopped by the truck, all set to drive off.

“Yeah, yeah. You have a business to run. I get it.” He shoos her off, pushing her towards the passenger seat’s door.

“Pfft, god forbid a woman is a successful entrepreneur.”

Bakugou smiled to himself, “Always the last word.”

“It’s because you keep talking.”

Mariko climbed up the passenger seat and closed the door. She poked her head out the window.

“One of these days, I’m gonna make you eat your words.” He buried his hands deep down his pockets. Mariko smirked and told Sato to drive on.

“As long as it’s not today. Buh-bye.”

Bakugou shook his head, feet planted firmly where she left him while he looked at the truck until it vanished from the street corner.

“Okamoto-san, I saw these in the passenger seat this morning.” Misaki handed her a bundle of blue hyacinths.

“Huh? From who?”

“I’m sorry, Okamoto-san. I didn’t really see who left it.” She inspected the bundle for a note and saw none.

“Looks like someone came to apologize, Okamoto-san.”  Sato commented.

“What do you mean?” Mariko tilted her head.

“They mean someone is sorry. I give my wife blue hyacinths as an apology when I do something she doesn’t like, Okamoto-san. She loves them.”

Mariko grips the hyacinths tight, eyeing it.

“That dumbass.”

Chapter Text

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Glasses clinked in Mariko's warmly lit (and packed) café as her friends toasted to celebrate Bakugou's 26th birthday.

The first one to turn 26 out of everyone.

"I told you, extras, I didn't want any part of this!" 

Bakugou yelled as he blew his cake with unnecessary force, toppling the candles over its frosted surface.

"And yet you're here having a toast with us. Kampai!!!" Mariko held his arm up and clinked her glass with his again, proving her point.

He snatched his arm back and scowled, drinking his own glass of soda.

The café was closed for the afternoon. His friends prepared everything from the food to the decorations. And tonight, Bloom and Butter Café was the safest place in Musutafu.

"Why? Did you have plans tonight?" Kirishima nudged his arm.

"I was gonna sleep! Have a day of peace and quiet, at least!"

"Peace and quiet?" Ochako mumbled, "You're anything but peace and quiet."

"HAH??!-"

Mariko stuffed his mouth with a big slice of grilled chicken.

"Shut up and chew, Mr. Peace-and-quiet."

"Come on, you guys. He's old. Of course he needs to sleep early." Sero quipped, high-fiving both Kirishima and Kaminari. Ecstatic at the thought of finding a new way to tease Bakugou.

Bakugou choked and slammed his glass on the table. He chewed loudly, glaring at everybody in the room. 

"That's what you get for tooting and hollering like a madman. Even on your birthday," Mina pointed out, "Don't you know how much sales Mariko-chan had to sacrifice to close the café for your birthday?"

"That guilt-tripping bullshit won't work on me, Raccoon eyes! I could be in my bed sleeping right now!" He turned to look at Mariko. She was raising her eyebrow and looking at him pointedly.

"Oh??? Should we clean this all up? Come on, everybody. Let's wrap this up, he wants to go home and sleep-"

Bakugou pulled her back down as she started to stand up.

"And waste all this food?! Sit down, woman!" 

He shoveled food in his mouth like a starving man, "For a business owner, you're wasteful as shit."

"Look at him... acting like he doesn't want to celebrate but leaving nothing for us..."

"Watch it, Earphones-"

"Tsk. Quit chewing with your mouth open!"

Mariko cut him off. He immediately backed down, shoulders slacked.

"Tch. I wasn't." He muttered.

"Damn, the old married couple is at it again." Mina's comment froze them both.

Bakugou's palms started to sweat like the Niagara falls and crackled. He clenched it hard to hide it, his knuckles turning white.

"We're not-"

"HAH?!!!!! SAY THAT ONE MORE TIME!"

"No, Kacchan!” Midoriya interjected, “she meant you sound like really good old friends! That's what she meant! Haha!"

"Great attempt at trying to diffuse a bomb." Iida whispered to Midoriya.

Mariko couldn't help but sigh in defeat as her cheeks pinked. She cleared her throat to divert the attention as everyone joined in on the teasing

"Okay, okay. You've all had your fun. Focus on the birthday boy." 

"Oh, we are," Kaminari grinned. "It's just that the birthday boy seems unusually well-behaved tonight."

Bakugou scoffed. "I am always well-behaved!"

A chorus of 'NO YOU'RE NOT,' rang across the room.

He clicked his tongue and slumped far back in the chair.

"Awe... he's sulking!" Mina whispered loudly towards Mariko.

He grabs his glass of soda, gulped it all down, then slammed it back on the table, "I AM NOT!"

Mariko hits him playfully hard on his chest, knocking the wind out of him.

"Relax, birthday boy. Don’t break my property.”

He didn’t look at her, but her presence alone made his skin crawl. Their shoulders that would occasionally brush, feet and legs that would bump under the table. It was eating him alive.

And just like that, the conversation picked back up. Hero work, showing each other photos on their phones, promotions, and Midoriya and Ochako’s blooming dating life.

“WHAT?! SINCE WHEN???”

Mariko’s whole body suddenly felt like she just chugged down 3 cans of Redbull.

“Oh, right. Little Miss Off-the-radar, over here.” Jirou pointed at her with her thumb, “It’s all over the news. We wouldn’t even have known if a pap photo of them didn’t go viral last week.”  

All of them turned to the newly exposed couple, who were both sweating bullets and faces red.

“Oh—we just—you know—it just—we— it—just ha—happened!” Midoriya managed to blurt out. 

Mariko glanced at Ochako softly who was seated on her other side, almost smiling. No wonder the both looked extra chummy tonight.

“Guess the high school crush finally paid off, huh.” she poked Ochako gently on the side . This made the poor girl redden more almost blowing steam out of her ears.

“We just thought we’d give it a try, you know! Now that we’re not too busy and stuff.” Ochako nervously said.

Laughter and congratulations echoed as the shock wore off.

“So… wait,” Mina leaned in, resting her chin on her hand, “you two were on a date in that paparazzi photo?”

Midoriya and Ochako had no time to cool off.

“Yeah—uh—we were.” Ochako said softly. Her embarrassment evident from the way she smoothed out the pleats of her skirt.

“Hey,” Mariko poked her side once again, “no need to be embarrassed… we’re very happy for the both of you… it’s cute.”

They both exchanged smiles.

“Remember when we were in high school how flushed you would be when Midoriya does something crazy during training?” Momo added making Ochako cover her mouth in sheer panic.

Everyone started to chip in their share of memory where one of them would act around the other way back when they were kids. 

Mariko laughed with them and looked at them in pure joy, feeling flushed herself at the love that slowly unfolded through time right in front of their eyes. 

Ochako groaned and buried her face in her hands while Midoriya sputtered, “We—we’re trying to be careful!”

“Fuck that!”

Bakugou’s outburst silenced all of them. He immediately regrets it the moment the words slipped out.

“I mean—fuck those tactless paparazzi assholes! They don’t owe you shit! If you want to go on a date, do it! Why hide just because those fuckers are around??? Tch.”

Mariko looked at him with soft amusement. He has slumped back down his chair, gaze shifted away from all of them. His lips pressed into a thin line while his eyebrows scrunched, his arms tucked tightly against his chest. Her chest fluttered as she wondered if he felt as happy as she was at the revelation of his childhood friend’s relationship status. She need not to wonder anymore.

“I dunno…” She broke the silence, “I hate to say this but he’s kinda right.”

“What do you mean you hate to say I’m right?!”

“What’s so bad about loving each other loudly, right?” She ignored Bakugou’s protest and nudged Ochako.

Midoriya and Ochako let out a sigh. Their friends were right. They didn’t need to be careful. They just needed to be in love.

“You know,” Mina said, leaning back and grinning, “the more you two try to act casual, the more suspicious it looks. Feeds the beady eyes of those paparazzis. Kinda cute.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed at her. He knew she wasn’t talking about him. Not really. But there was just something about the way she said it. Their eyes met briefly as she smiled smugly.

The rest of the night was spent gossiping. And gossip they did. If it weren’t for Todoroki’s alarm going off, they wouldn’t have ended the barrages of topics and rumors they plowed through.

Some of them had to go first. Duty calls afterall.

And some of them helped clean up the mess.

The last of them started to head out, having patrols early in the morning. Mariko bid all of them goodbye by the glass doors of the café. The bell chimed as she walked back in to finish the rest of the cleaning to be made.

“I told you, you didn’t need to stay. I got it.”

Bakugou was in the kitchen sink, scrubbing a pot aggressively.

“And I told you, you move too slow. You’ll end up finishing all of this by dawn.”

Mariko rolled her eyes. She took a dishcloth and wiped the plates he had just finish washing. She’d hover from time to time to put it back in shelves too high for her to reach.

“That’s an exaggeration. Even coming from you.”

He just grunted in reply and continued the assault against her pots and pans. She can’t help but smile to herself. He took it so seriously. With a scowl etched on his face, hands covered in pink rubber gloves.

If the sponge can talk it probably screamed for help by now.

The sloshing of water and clinking of ceramics lingered in the air. The silent hum of the air conditioning and the vents paired well with the domesticity of everything.

Mariko focused hard on the quiet sounds that surrounded them. Hard enough to ignore and fight the heat that crept up her neck that never left the whole night. 

She’d say it’s from the beer, but that really wasn’t true.

“You missed a spot.”

“I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Quit making shit up, shitface.”

“Then do a better job, asswipe.”

Their little debate ended as soon as it started.

But Bakugou invaded her senses the whole night. The heat coming from him enveloped her to the point that the left side of her where he sat beside was a lot warmer than her right.

She hated it so much. How it’s consuming her entire thought.

She sneaked a glance at him, trying desperately to read him the way she knew how. But it seems impossible now when they have grown so much.

“What?” He asked.

“…nothing. Just thinking.”

Bakugou scoffed, “I keep telling you, you’re not built for that.”

She punched his arm, obviously taking offence.

“Shut up.”

“You didn’t have to close this afternoon.”

Mariko looked at him. He was already turned towards her when she did, shoulders bumping.

“I wanted to.” She shrugged, focusing back on drying plates.

The silence between them carried on before Bakugou broke it again.

“What’s with that pipsqueak clinging onto you the whole day last week?”

Mariko tilted her head in confusion. “You mean Hana? Little girl with a ponytail?”

“Yeah. That pipsqueak.”

She laughed at the nickname. 

“She’s cute. Plus we kinda trauma bonded in a way. The boys picked on her because she can’t control her strength yet. Should’ve chewed that kid’s head off.”

He nodded, “Hm…”

Mariko turned to him and noticed how hard he has been scrubbing the sink.

“Hey! Gimme that, you’re gonna scrub a hole into my sink.” She took the sponge and gloves from his hand, “dry the remaining dishes, I’ll finish this.”

He scoffed, scowl deepening. She turned to check on him again, eyes squinting.

“Awe… you jealous?” Eyes glimmering in mischief.

He stopped wiping and turned to her sharply.

“Me??? Jealous??!!! Of a chubby fingered, bug eyed child?!”

“Very creative description. Just say you missed me. I won’t hold it against you.” She teased, nudging him on the shoulder.

He can’t help but roll his eyes as he tried to hide a smile that threatened to grow. 

“Miss you? Hah! I’m a busy man. I got things to do.” He tried to act cool about it, not looking at her.

“Sure, sure, Mr. Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.” She smiled at his antics and his failed attempt at acting nonchalant.

Bakugou dried off his hands, wiping it off on the apron he was wearing and leaned his side on the sink facing Mariko.

Mariko took off her apron, taking Bakugou’s apron he handed her.

“Did Izuku ever tell you about him and Ochako?”

“Why would he? It’s their business.”

“I don’t know, maybe because you’re best buds?”

“WE ARE NOT! It’s just bullshit that they sneak around like kids hiding and shit.”

“Well… maybe it’s just easier when… you know… no one’s looking.” She said softly.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

The loud blaring of Bakugou’s phone pierced the quiet kitchen before he can even reply. His cracked screen flashed non-stop.

“Fuck, I gotta go. Dumbass villains, tch.”

He pocketed his keys and phone from the counter, then turned to walk towards the back door. Mariko followed, holding the door open for him.

He stopped by the door, “Go home. It’s late.”

“I will. I can handle myself.” Mariko rolled her eyes at him.

“I know.” He looked at her again, “Hey.”

She paused, looking back at him.

“Hm?”

“Thank you. For the party or whatever.”

Her fingers tightened around the door knob. She was going to tease him but his sincerity made her think otherwise.

And without second thought, she walked up to him. She held him down by his shoulder and gave him a light peck on his cheek.

He froze and whatever he was rushing out for was forgotten.

“You’re welcome, Katsuki.”

Not even waiting for his reaction, she slammed the door shut. Her knees suddenly gave out. The shock of whatever she had just done crashing down on her.

“What the fuck.”