Scars That Mend - Kiribaku Emergency Services AU

Everything Hurts

I woke up to my alarm with a gasp. My dreams had been plagued with visions of Katsuki laying prone on a hospital bed, his flesh dimpling as flames licked up the sheets, engulfing him until he was a ball of fire. I silently thanked my alarm for waking me, dragging myself out of bed towards the bathroom. 

After a shower so long that my skin pruned, I dressed in my nicest crimson sweater and some black jeans and headed out to my car. Dread and anxiety roiled in my stomach as I drove to the other side of town, following the route I had known so well during high school.

I was going to meet with Mitsuki Bakugo.

Tension grew in my body as I parked on the long driveway of the Bakugo family home, knocking gently on the black door. Footsteps approached, and the door swung open to a face I hadn't seen for eight years - the woman who'd taken me in after my Mom had kicked me out, who'd been more of a mother than my actual mother.

"Eijiro," She breathed, her voice hitching in her throat. She'd barely aged over the years, and still dressed impeccably by my standards. I remembered the woman and her husband being in Fashion, so it only made sense for her to dress well. 

"Mrs-" I paused. "M-Mitsuki...I'm sorry-"

Her brow furrowed as she swept me into a hug so tight I could barely breathe, her blonde hair tickling against my nose.

"Don't you dare apologise." She growled, pulling back to pore over my face. "I'm so glad you reached out."

"I'm sorry it took so long," I began, but the woman shook her head and batted away a tear.

"None of that." She chuckled. "Come sit down."

We headed into the lounge, where Mitsuki had already prepared some tea. I joined her on the couch - different from the one they used to have - and waited as she poured me a cup. After she handed the porcelain dish to me, she sat back against the cushions and gave me a sympathetic look.

"I can only imagine what you've been through in the past week." She began, her voice gravelly. Her crimson eyes were ringed with exhaustion. "I'm assuming...somehow...you've remembered?"

I nodded, placing my teacup and saucer on the coffee table. "It was just before-" I felt a choke raise in my throat. "Everything happened so quickly."

"Ah, yes." She mumbled. "I wasn't sure what to expect when we got the call. I...I actually saw you in the hospital that night. I was going to approach you, but..."

"I wouldn't have expected you to, given the circumstances!" I reassured, feeling tears prick in my eyes. "I mean, I was pretty nervous about reaching out after all this time. I didn't know if you'd have anything to say, given...the circumstances."

"None of this was your fault, Eijiro." She shot back, leaning forward to catch my eyes. "You didn't choose to disappear from our lives - that was out of your control. And this..." She shook her head, sending blonde locks dancing around her neck. "This was an attack. Neither of you could have known. You can stop blaming yourself, kid."

"And for the record," She continued. "We never stopped worrying about you."

As I shared a look with Katsuki's mother, I was once again reminded of everything my own mother had done over the years. Lying to me, hiding things, gaslighting me, blaming me for everything. In contrast, Mitsuki was affectionate - in her own way - as well as understanding and reassuring. I'd unwillingly traded someone who wanted the best for me, for someone who wanted to control me. 

"So." Mitsuki barked, sitting up straight. "I'm guessing you'd like to see him."

"Y-yeah-" I spluttered. "I mean, if it's possible. I just got him back after eight years, and I didn't...we didn't get to talk properly before the bomb went off."