As Long As I Have You (BakuTodo Fic)

Chapter One: The Voicemail

Stress. Even as a little kid, it was always something Bakugou struggled with. He could never keep it under control. Constantly, he would worry about the small things. The things that shouldn't matter. The things anyone else would disregard and ignore. But Bakugou couldn't overlook the small things no matter how hard he tried. The problem with worrying about these small things was that they added up so quickly, bubbling up inside his chest like an erupting volcano, spewing lava every which way. Before he could ever realize what was going on, he was acting aggressively towards anything or anyone in his way.

Now that he's older, he's learned to focus not on the big picture, but on each individual step he took. Putting all his energy into figuring out what it was he could do in the very moment rather than what his next moves had to be. He knew his aggression was an issue too and didn't put up a fight when his old hag brought up the option of seeing a therapist. He goes every week. It helps. Or at least, it was helping.

The past week he's been buried alive with assignments, big projects, finals, exam preparations, and other year-end work.

With summer right around the corner, just ten school days left, Bakugou could hardly sit through the rest of class, unable to focus on the lesson. He still had so much to get through. How could he ever finish it all in time? It was going to be impossible! His leg bounced anxiously under his desk and he clenched the loose fabric of his pants in a fist. It was just too much! Ten days wasn't enough time! He's so far behind he'll never catch up! Usually he was able to keep up with assignments and homework, staying above the 80% mark. But ever since his mind started being occupied by something, or rather someone else, he hasn't had time for school. His heart pounded rapidly in his chest as if it were about to burst. He then realized he was shaking like a leaf. This can't be healthy. Tears began to form in his eyes and he blinked them back, feeling a foot rub up against his leg. He looked up. Kirishima, who sat beside Bakugou, noticed his fidgety state and mouthed the words 'Are you okay?'. Bakugou stared at his friend for a moment, then nodded and quickly looked away. It was hard for him to think, so much as breathe at this point. Was he having another panic attack? He suddenly stood from his chair, everyone turning to look at him, murmuring to the people next to them. Bakugou then clutched his chest, balling his shirt, and hid his eyes as he darted for the door. As he left the buzzing classroom, he slammed the tall door shut and started walking laps around the school hallways, something that usually calmed him down. But something was different this time. His heart rate wasn't slowing, his trembles not fading, and his mind was still as loud as a heavy freight train rumbling by on its tracks. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he frantically unlocked it and opened his voicemail, scrolling until he found the one he was looking for. The recording was old, the date on it being March 17th but he refuses to delete it off his phone. Holding his phone up to his ear, he pressed play, letting the soothing voice flood his ears and take over his body. He slumped against a wall, sliding down it to sit on the tiled floor.

"Hello, Bakugou." The voice rang. "I'm just calling to see if you got my email regarding our project. I wasn't sure since I sent it to you this morning and haven't heard back from you yet. I suppose I also called to check on how you were doing. I hope you're alright. You haven't been to class for a few days now and I have to admit, it's been weird without all your usual yelling. Although I never thought I'd say it, I've almost missed your chaos." There was a slight pause in his voice. "Anyway, call me back whenever you can. Or send me an email. Whichever works best for you. I'll talk to you soon." The voicemail ended.

It took Bakugou a minute to realize his breathing was back to normal and he was hardly even shaking anymore. His mind had cleared, his heart had calmed, and the lump that was lodged in his throat had fallen. The awful moment of anxiety had passed and now he sat plunked against a wall, smiling ever so slightly at the name on his screen. He listened to the voicemail through once more before heading back to his classroom to take his seat.