Unexpected bonds

Chapter nine: Growing together

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the local park where the laughter of children echoed through the air. Parents lounged on blankets, sharing conversations and snacks, while little ones darted around, their shrieks of joy harmonizing with the cheerful chirps of birds. In one particular corner of the park, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou were sprawled out on a picnic blanket, their playful daughter bouncing between them.

"Can you catch me?" the little girl exclaimed, her spiky blonde hair fluttering like the petals of wildflowers as she raced across the grass. Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief.

"You're too fast for me, star!" Izuku called back, grinning as he watched her take off. There was something magical about seeing his daughter—Mika—so full of life and energy, traits she had undoubtedly inherited from both her fathers.

Bakugou sat propped against a tree, arms crossed and an amused smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're all bark and no bite, Deku," he teased, his voice low enough so only Izuku could hear. "She's gonna trip and faceplant if she keeps that up."

"Let her have her fun, Katsuki. She's just being a kid!" Izuku replied, beaming with pride. He had grown into a confident parent over the past three years, yet the sheer exuberance of raising a child still left him in awe.

Mika spun around, oblivious to her father's worries, and exclaimed, "I'm gonna be a hero just like you, Daddy!" She showed off a pose, her tiny hands curled into fists and her chin held high.

Izuku's heart swelled at the words. "You already are a hero in my eyes, Mika!" he replied, his voice full of encouragement. He couldn't help but think back to when she was born, the first time he held her in his arms. It was a moment that had changed everything and made the world feel infinitely brighter.

Bakugou rolled his eyes with faux annoyance but couldn't hide the pride that flickered in his gaze. "Yeah, but you're gonna need some serious training if you want to keep up with your old man in the future," he called, his voice teasing yet firm.

Mika puffed her chest out, determination gleaming in her eyes as she effortlessly leaped onto Bakugou's lap. "I'm strong already, Daddy!" She flexed her little arms, putting on a show when she reached for his fingers, squeezing them with all her might.

"Is that so?" Bakugou said, playfully lifting her by the waist and tossing her lightly into the air. She squealed with delight, her laughter joining the harmony of the park surrounding them. He caught her safely, a smirk gracing his lips. "Then, prove it! Race me to the slide, you little brat!"

"Okay!" Mika shouted, taking off without hesitation. Her small legs moved as quickly as they could, and despite the obvious gap between them, she managed to run with all the vigor of a child who truly believed she could win.

Izuku chuckled softly and watched as they raced toward the playground with Bakugou's confident strides quickly overtaking her. His heart was full as he admired the pair, his loves, the three of them making their own little family.

As they reached the slide, Bakugou scooped her up and reached the top first, letting out a triumphant cheer as he planted her safely beside him. "Told ya so!"

"Next time, I'll win!" Mika pouted dramatically, crossing her arms while her eyes sparkled with laughter.

"Sure you will, champ," Bakugou replied, ruffling her hair as they prepared to slide down together.

Izuku joined them at the top, heartwarming scenes of their happiness wrapping around him like a favorite blanket. As they slid down, all three of them shrieked together, the sound rising into the afternoon air, like a song of family.

At the bottom, they landed in a heap, laughter echoing around them while they caught their breath. The feeling of pure joy engulfed them, and for that moment, Izuku realized there was nowhere else he would rather be than right there with them.

Later, as they settled back down on their picnic blanket for a quick snack, Izuku couldn't help but reminisce over the time that had passed. Three years seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. Each moment, from sleepless nights to joyful afternoons like this, intricately woven their lives together. They may have started on a precarious journey three years ago with one fragile heartbeat, but now they were a family of their own—strong, united, and beautifully imperfect.

He leaned over to kiss Mika's forehead before stealing a bite of her sandwich. "What do you want to do next, star?" he asked, his voice gentle and warm.

She thought for a moment, tapping her chin with a tiny finger in contemplation. "Can we play pretend? I wanna be a hero who saves everyone!"

Bakugou raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching as he heard her manage another declaration of heroism. "What's the plan, brat? You gonna save me from my boredom?"

"I can save you too, Daddy!" Mika insisted, giggling as she pulled at Bakugou's arm, dragging him back toward the playground for another round of adventures.

Izuku watched them both with a heart bursting at the seams. This was their life now, filled with laughter, love, and small moments that accumulated into something beautifully grand. And he would treasure every single one of them—today, tomorrow, and always.