LOST // BAKUGO X OC

Kota and Kiko

Estelle met the work-study students outside UA with Mr Aizawa, Mirio and Tamaki. They had all explained the next steps with Eri, who was now going to stay at UA to keep her powers in check going forward. Estelle had offered her support in training and supervising Eri when needed and was responded to by Mr Aizawa.

"She has an attachment to you, so we'll most likely need it."

Giving the nod of agreement, the students offered their support in settling in.

"No, go back to your dorms. You're going to have visitors."

-_-

Estelle didn't care for whoever was arriving, so she mainly spent the day hunting for spirits. The amounts were ever-increasing, but Estelle took solace because they remained in the woods and weren't affecting the others.

It was evening by the times Estelle made it back to Heights Alliance. She received a phone call during dinner from the class to arrive back, but Estelle was so overrun that she apologised before hanging up.

Walking through the doors of Height's Alliance. Estelle heard a familiar voice ring out in the air. "Where is Estelle?"

Turning her head down with a weary smile, Estelle grunted out a "Look behind you."

Estelle watched as the child froze and turned slowly to face Estelle. Without wasting a beat, the little boy barrelled into the tired girl, effectively toppling her as he encased as much as he could into a hug.

Estelle let out a slow chuckle and slid her hand into his hair; his hat knocked over from the topple. Giving his head a rub, Estelle shook her head fondly before frowning at the tremble in his frame.

"Shh, Ko. I'm here, kid."

Slowly, Kota raised his head to show his teary eyes. His body trembled as he tried to speak. "I was so scared when I saw the fight at Kamino Ward. I thought you were gonna die as they did!"

Gripping onto Kota tighter, Estelle rocked her body back and forth as she tried to console him. "Didn't I tell you before? I ain't going anywhere, kiddo."

A few minutes later, the little boy got his shaking and crying under control. Estelle's heart ached for him as he tried to pull himself together. She didn't think about the effect this might have had on Kota. She should have been more proactive.

Leaving her grasp for a few moments, Kota shakenly lifted his hand to remove the bracelet off his wrist. Ignoring the gasps of recognition from those around her, Estelle placed her hand over Kota's as he held the bracelet in his grasp.

"You know, that bracelet was given to me by a dear friend of mine. He reminds me a lot of you. Brave and strong. Keep it."

"Wha?! No! You said it was a promise that you'll come back, and you did."

"I know, and that promise has been fulfilled. Look, I made another one. Keep it; I know he would have wanted you to have that one."

"You know when he was watching the fight at Kamino Ward. He held onto that bracelet for dear life." Mandalay added softly.

Estelle's heart hurt from the words, and she gave another soft smile to the child back in her arms. "See, I knew I chose the right person to keep it safe for me."

Kota's bottom lip shook from the words as he gripped onto the piece of jewellery tightly. Halting his emotions, it was clear that something had caught his attention, "You said that a friend gave it to you; who was he?"

Estelle's gaze turned forlorn as she stared down at the bracelet in his hands. "His name was Kiko; he was the first friend I ever made."

Those around the room leaned closer to listen to Estelle's words. Her sadness caught their attention like a moth to a flame.