Amethyst. (Katsuki Bakugo x Reader)

Part 16 - In the Eye of the Storm

The ballroom was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. My hand rested on Shoto's arm, his steady presence guiding me through the crowd, but my attention was split. Katsuki stood close on my other side, his scowl as sharp as ever, and although he hadn't said it aloud, I could tell he wasn't planning on letting me out of his sight tonight.

The whispers started the moment we entered.

"That's them, right? The children of Endevour?"

"I heard she used to be the youngest pro-hero."

"And he is the one who actually should be a Hero, not her with that dangerous monster."

"And this is the guy with the short temper, he really shouldn't be a Hero!"

I clenched my jaw but tried to keep my face neutral. The comments weren't new, but now they were tinged with something heavier—fear. The Ice Dragon had revealed more about me than I had ever intended, and now I could feel the weight of that knowledge following me.

Katsuki let out a low growl, his arms crossed over his chest. "These extras need to mind their damn business."

I shot him a look, but he didn't notice. He was too busy glaring at the other guests, daring anyone to step out of line.

On the other side, Shoto remained silent, his face impassive, but I could feel his tension. This wasn't just another event for us. Tonight, we were here under the eyes of the pro-heroes, many of whom had been keeping tabs on Shoto and me long before the Sports Festival.

I was just trying to breathe when a flicker of red feathers caught my eye. My heart skipped a beat as Hawks made his way through the crowd, his vermillion wings folding neatly behind him, his usual easy grin in place.

I hadn't expected to see him. The last time we'd spoken, he'd warned me that there was a growing threat and that we wouldn't be crossing paths for a while. Yet here he was, strolling through the ballroom as if nothing had happened.

"Looks like the star of the show is back," Hawks teased as he approached, his voice low and playful. "Miss me, Dove?"

I shot him a sharp look, trying to push down the irritation bubbling in my chest. "Didn't expect to see you here, Hawks. Thought you were laying low."

Hawks shrugged, his smile never faltering. "Plans change. Besides, you know I can't resist a good party. And how could I pass up the chance to see you again?"

Before I could respond, I felt Katsuki tense beside me, his scowl deepening. He crossed his arms tighter, standing between me and Hawks as if to block him out.

"Who's this bird-brain?" Katsuki growled, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Hawks chuckled, clearly amused. "Ah, Bakugo, right? Heard a lot about you. You've got quite the explosive reputation."

Katsuki didn't look impressed. "I asked who the hell you are."

Hawks raised his hands in mock surrender, his wings twitching slightly behind him. "Easy there. I'm Hawks. An old friend of Y/N's."

Shoto, who had been watching the exchange quietly, glanced between me and Hawks with a curious look. "You've never mentioned him before." Shoto said, his tone neutral but questioning.

I sighed, knowing where this was going. "We've worked together. Hawks was my mentor."

Katsuki snorted, unimpressed. "He seems like trouble."

Hawks grinned, clearly enjoying the situation. "Oh, I'm definitely trouble. But don't worry, I'm on her side."

I gave Hawks a look, silently telling him to ease up. Katsuki was already on edge, and the last thing I needed was for him to get into a confrontation with Hawks. "Be honest, Hawks," I asked, my voice quieter. "Why are you really here?"