Detonate ((BAKUGOU KATSUKI X OC))

Chapter 12

Courtney and Bakugou reported to Glacier's office once leaving the City Scape with an apprehensive air fitting the silence.

Bakugou stood at her side as she stared at the handles of the double doors they had been standing in front of, gaze fixated on her scowling face. He didn't know what was preventing her from going inside, but she didn't stop him when he rose his fist to knock for her.

"Come in." Glacier's voice beckoned them inside, and Bakugou elbowed Courtney in the arm to get her attention.

"Don't be nervous." He said when she looked up at him. He had been expecting her usual glare, but was surprised by the softest expression he had ever seen on her face. She almost looked like a frightened little kid.

Courtney didn't say a word, and instead moved forward to open the door. They entered to see that Glacier was sitting at her desk, and a man in a two-toned black and white suit stood beside her. He gently swung a pocket watch by the chain with his free hand in his pocket, and stared at Courtney with completely white eyes. The sight of him not having a mouth unnerved her, and she subconsciously stepped closer to Bakugou's side.

"Miss O'Connor," Glacier stood as she greeted her. Her attention lingered on Bakugou. "And Mister Bakugou, what a surprise."

"He... wanted to tag along." Courtney spoke sheepishly.

"If you're sure you're comfortable with him being here, then I won't oppose to it," Glacier walked around her desk to stand in front of Courtney. She gestured toward the man that stood behind her. "This is Hypnotic, he will be assisting us with your dream problem."

"Miss O'Connor," the sound of a man's voice echoed inside her head, and she jumped. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I hope I can be of assistance to you and help you understand the nightmares that plague your sleep."

"R-right," Courtney cleared her throat. "Better now than never, I guess."

"Very well," Glacier smiled reassuringly at her as she motioned for her to take a seat in the armchair in front of her desk. She did as she was told, and Hypnotic took Glacier's place in standing in front of her while Glacier led Bakugou a few feet away. "Best to keep your distance until we see what we're dealing with. We don't know how she'll react."

Bakugou kept his eyes trained on his partner, and could physically feel her anxiety from where he now stood by the window. The glare on his face hardened, and his hands turned to fists in his pockets. He wanted to do more than just stand there and watch. He wanted to help her.

"Alright," Glacier said, coming up beside Hypnotic. "Are you ready?"

Courtney tired to straighten up. "Let's just get this over with."

"Keep your eyes on the center of this watch," Hypnotic instructed, and held the pocket watch he continuously swung in front of her face. "And count back from ten. When you hear my fingers snap, you will fall into a deep sleep."

"Ten, nine, eight..." Courtney felt the lull of her eyelids as Hypnotic used his powers on her. "... seven, six, five..."

As she reached one, her head fell slack, and Hypnotic snapped his fingers. His powers caused a swirl of grey clouds to form around her, expanding throughout the room with images of whatever was happening inside Courtney's head playing before them. It appeared to be viewed from Hypnotic's perspective, and Bakugou's brow furrowed at the sight of Hypnotic walking up to a metal table.

He peered down at a younger version of Courtney, who looked groggy and uncomfortable with her wrists tugging against the chains that kept her in place. The lab she was in was dark, with flashes of red light being the only thing to illuminate her features.