Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 15: The Waterfall

This Chapter has Mature Content -  if you don't want smut, read the next chapter

The sun rose early, casting a warm, golden glow over the campsite. After a quick breakfast, Katsuki and Valerie set off on a hike, breaking away from his parents for a little time alone. The forest was alive with the sound of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, and the path they followed led them deeper into a part of the mountain Katsuki had called his "secret spot" when he was younger.

After nearly an hour of hiking, they reached a secluded glen where sunlight broke through the trees, sparkling on the surface of a hidden waterfall cascading into a small, clear pool below. Valerie's eyes widened as she took it all in, mesmerized.

"Katsuki," she breathed, glancing back at him. "It's beautiful. I had no idea this was here."

A small smirk played on his lips. "Figured you'd like it."

She grinned, giving him a playful shove. "Are you kidding? I love it!"

Without hesitation, she kicked off her shoes and stepped into the cool, crystal-clear water. Katsuki followed, watching her as she waded into the deeper parts of the pool, her laughter filling the air as she spun around and splashed him.

"Don't start something you can't finish," he warned, narrowing his eyes with a hint of a grin.

"Oh, I can finish it just fine," she challenged, her hands sending another spray of water his way.

A wicked glint flashed in his eyes, and in a flash, he lunged, sending a splash of water her way. Valerie yelped, quickly evading him before sending a splash right back at him. The two of them went back and forth, laughing as they soaked each other.

Eventually, Valerie found herself backing up toward the waterfall, Katsuki advancing on her with a smirk. She knew she'd lost the "fight," but the playful glint in his eyes made her heart race even faster. He reached her, trapping her between his arms, water dripping from his hair and a mischievous grin still on his face. They were both breathless, their faces inches apart.

The laughter between them faded, replaced by a palpable tension as the memory of last night's kiss hung between them. Katsuki's gaze dropped to her lips, and Valerie felt her heart hammering in her chest. Her fingers reached out, brushing against his arm, feeling the heat of his skin under her fingertips even with the cool water surrounding them.

"You're staring," she whispered, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"Yeah, well," he murmured, leaning in just slightly, "I think I've got a good view."

Her cheeks flushed, and she felt herself leaning into him. His hand came up to cradle her cheek, pulling her closer until their lips finally met in a slow, heated kiss. It was tender and soft at first, but the lingering tension made it deepen, their surroundings fading away as they lost themselves in each other.

Valerie wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer as the intensity between them grew. The feel of his hands on her waist, his warmth against her, stirred something fierce within her, and she felt her heart racing. The waterfall's roar became a distant hum, the coolness of the water a welcome contrast to the fire igniting between them.

When they finally pulled back, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting together as they tried to steady their hearts. Katsuki's hand stayed at her waist, his thumb rubbing small circles as if to anchor himself in the moment.

"Last night..." he started, his voice soft. "It made me realize just how much you mean to me. It's getting harder for me to keep my hands off you, to keep control"