The Man Behind the Screen

Anytime

BAKUGO'S POV

"Bakugo," Sakura said quietly as she approached me and the rest of the adults, who were sitting on the patio furniture in front of the play area they had built for the kids.

"What's up, kiddo?" Usually, the kids approach their parents if they need a snack or drink. They only approach me when their parents aren't here. Most of us had an evening patrol today, so everyone was here except Deku. I don't know why she came to me.

Sakura frowned before looking to the ground, almost like she was scared to tell me something. "Daiki's being very mean today."

"That doesn't sound like Daiki," Pink Cheeks said quietly beside me. I shook my head. Daiki's not a mean child, but he sometimes gets into a mood when he has a lot on his mind.

"Thank you for telling me." I pushed myself to my feet. "I'll go talk to him, alright?" Sakura nodded and sat in my chair as I walked toward the group of kids. As I got closer, I could hear the attitude in Daiki's voice as he talked to Himari.

"No," he cried while reaching his hand out and slapping her arm. "Not sister," he yelled to her. Yeah, fuck that. That's not okay.

"Daiki." My voice was stern as I approached him. His head turned to me and then back to Himari. "Daiki, why don't you go wait for me by the gym door? We need to have a little talk."

He didn't say anything before dramatically stomping away. Even on his worst days, he still listened to me and Deku. "Himari, are you okay?" I asked while crouching down to be at eye level with her.

With tears rolling down her face, she nodded her head. "He d-didn't mean it," she sobbed.

"No, he didn't. But that doesn't make it okay. Do you want to go inside and take a minute to yourself?"

She shook her head and wiped the tears away. "Can I stay with you?" She asked.

"I have to talk to Daiki first, okay? After that, yes. You can sit with the adults if you want. Maybe ask Kirishima for some water and a snack. I'll come get you as soon as I'm done talking to Daiki," I explained. As much as I wanted to comfort her, I had to figure out what the hell was going on with her brother.

"Okay," she said quietly before walking toward Shitty Hair and the rest of the adults. I quickly stood up and made my way through the rest of the children, who were currently running around and playing tag. Daiki was leaning against the front door to the gym with his arms crossed.

"Let's go inside and talk." I don't want all the kids staring at us while I try talking to him. I don't know what's going on with him, and it's not something he needs to share with everyone.

He walked behind me so I could open the door and let us both inside. Since the entire front was made of windows, I didn't bother turning on a light. It was already bright enough.

I walked to the only bench in the room of gym equipment and told him to take a seat. Once he was seated, I sat down on the floor, facing him. "Daiki, why did you say that to Himari?"

"She no sister."

"Yes, she is. Why do you think she's not?"

He shook his head, trying to shut me down. Unfortunately, that's not how we're doing things today. "Daiki, why don't you think she's your sister? You can tell me anything, buddy."

"Daddy Ren say so. Dirty boys not have kids," he mumbled, trying to hold the tears back.

I felt my heart fall to my stomach for more than one reason. "Daiki, when was the last time you saw Ren?"