Bakugo's Breaking Point ‐ Completed

Part 21

The drive home was quiet, Katsuki sat staring out the window, watching the trees and houses go by in a blur, pretending he was anywhere but here. Running along Honshu’s Pacific coast, like their family used to do when he was little. Back when they had fun, back before he got caught up in being the best, back when his father cared. Every unfortunate thing that happened in Katsuki’s life was entirely his fault, and he deserved every bit of it. But maybe trying to run from it wasn’t his best idea. He never meant to hurt his mother or Kirishima. He just wanted it to end. He hated feeling second best to everyone, especially Deku. He hated that no matter how hard he tried, there was always someone better. He hated that he couldn’t keep his anger in check because every time he lashed out, he would have to face his mother. Overall, Katsuki hated being a disappointment. He didn’t blame his father for leaving. If Katsuki had the option, he would’ve dipped years ago, but something or someone kept in his place.

Mitsuki spent the drive home drumming her fingers against the steering wheel, trying to decide what to do next. No amount of parenting classes or books tell you what to do after a situation like this or how to handle it. Does she send him back to school and into the hands of the hero's, who failed to protect him in the first place or does she keep him home, under her care where she can make sure he’s safe? Does she baby him, treat him like a toddler, taking away every dangerous thing and putting him under 24/7 surveillance, or does she let him choose. Let him talk it out and decide what's dangerous or not if he feels like he can be alone? And it's not like she has anyone to help her out, Masaru is practically dead to her, and she doesn’t want to keep bothering Inko.

“Hey,” Mitsuki said distantly, pulling Katsuki from his overwhelming thoughts, “want to get fro-yo?” she used to take him down to this little hole-in-the-wall fro-yo place when Masaru would go on long trips.

“Sure,” Katsuki said, smiling, turning back to the window. He hadn’t been there since he started elementary school. Before he became the devil he is now, “do you think they still have the cake batter?”

“we’ll have to see.” Mitsuki said, shrugging her shoulders while smiling

The setting sun made the small building a silhouette against the orange tint of the sky. The gentle breeze sent the sweet aroma of dessert scattering throughout the parking lot. At the front doors, a worker was handing out samples of their new flavors, encouraging people to get it. Inside was as busy as it was 10 years ago. The line wrapping around the tables, cluttered with purses and water bottles. The walls were still the same blue and green color pattern with the same ice cream stains. Mitsuki handed Katsuki a bowl, watching as he got the one flavor he wanted and piled boba balls on the top. He anxiously waited by the counter, bouncing and apologizing to everyone that walked by him while Mitsuki took her time getting her fro-yo.

The two sat on the curb next to Mitsuki car, laughing over half-finished bowls of melted fro-yo, telling stories, talking and catching up till the manager kicked them out.

“I’ve missed you,” Mitsuki said, softly stirring her soup of vanilla and strawberry with her finger. She wasn’t entirely sure how she was going to handle their problem, but this little trip helped eliminate some ideas.

“Me too.” he said, smiling at her. Katsuki saw the doubt and confusion cloud over his mother's face, “mom, everything's going to be fine,” he said, placing his hand on hers, “you just need to trust me. And trust the school. We'll figure everything out. I won’t leave you again.” Mitsuki turned towards Katsuki, wiping a tear from her cheek as she hugged him. At that moment, she knew that everything was going to be okay. She no longer had to worry

“I do.” Mitsuki whispered in his ear before getting in the car. The drive home was filled with the cool air of the autumn night whipping their hair in different directions, jamming out to old bands that no on listens to anymore, lots of speeding and making up for the lost years.