A second chance.

Chapter 2: Heart clench.

The day started in the best way possible—with laughter. You were half-awake when you felt the bed dip and a weight land squarely on your stomach.

"Time to wake up, Mommy!" Katsura sang, bouncing like a kid hopped up on sugar. Her wild curls framed her face as she grinned down at you, clutching her All Might plush with one hand and using the other to shake your arm.

Groaning dramatically, you turned away. "Five more minutes," you mumbled into your pillow, hoping she might take pity on you.

But Katsura was having none of it. "Nooo! You promised pancakes! Chocolate chip ones!" she whined, tugging at your arm.

You cracked an eye open, met with her determined little pout—a look far too similar to her father's.

"Well," you sighed, pretending to think about it. "I suppose I could get up... but only if you help mommy."

Katsura giggled, bouncing on the mattress again. "Yay!"

In the kitchen, the pancake-making process was, as always, controlled chaos. Katsura perched precariously on the countertop, kicking her legs and humming a tune as you mixed the batter. Every time you turned your back, her small hand snuck into the bag of chocolate chips. You pretended not to notice—until the chips started disappearing at an alarming rate.

"Hey!" you gasped, feigning outrage. "Those are for the pancakes!"

Katsura giggled, her mouth already full of stolen sweets. "They're for me too!"

You shook your head in mock disapproval but couldn't hide your grin. Grabbing the whisk, you handed it to her. "Alright, little thief. Mix this up."

With exaggerated seriousness, Katsura took the whisk and began stirring, sending tiny splatters of batter everywhere. You chuckled, grabbing a towel to wipe some off her cheek.

When the first pancake hit the skillet, Katsura leaned closer, watching the bubbles form. "This one's gonna be shaped like Daddy's gauntlet," she announced proudly.

"Oh, is it now?" you teased, raising a brow. "Looks more like a blob to me."

Katsura gasped, pretending to be scandalized. "Mommy! It's art!"

After breakfast, the living room transformed into a battleground for heroes and villains. Katsura insisted on being Dynamight—her father's alter ego—and spent the next hour stomping around the room, throwing imaginary explosions at you.

"You'll never defeat me, villain!" she yelled, striking a pose with her fists clenched. Her expression was fierce, but the missing front tooth added an adorable charm that ruined her attempt at intimidation.

"Please, Dynamight! Have mercy!" you pleaded dramatically, collapsing onto the couch like a defeated villain.

"No mercy!" she declared, jumping onto the cushion beside you. "Boom! Boom!"

You clutched your chest, pretending to be struck by invisible explosions. "You got me!" you gasped, falling in slow motion. "Tell my plants... I love them."

Katsura dissolved into giggles, her tiny frame shaking as she tried to stay in character.

"Heroes don't laugh!" you teased, reaching out to tickle her sides.

"Mommy, stop! Heroes don't get tickled!" she shrieked, squirming away but unable to stop laughing.

Later in the day, you took her to the park. The air was crisp with the first hints of autumn, leaves just starting to change color. Katsura sprinted toward the playground the moment you arrived, her curls bouncing with every step.

"Watch me, Mommy!" she called, already climbing the ladder to the top of the slide.

"I'm watching!" you shouted back, shielding your eyes against the sun.

She slid down with a triumphant whoop, landing at the bottom in a heap. Unfazed, she popped up and ran toward the swings next. You followed at a leisurely pace, smiling as she demanded, "Higher, Mommy! Push me higher!"

You gave her a push, and she soared higher and higher, her laughter carrying through the breeze. In moments like this, everything felt perfect—just the two of you, lost in your own little world.

After the playground, Katsura led you on an adventure through the trees lining the park, insisting she could find a secret base.

"We'll need a hideout in case the villains attack," she explained solemnly, crouching behind a tree and peeking out like a seasoned spy.

"Oh, of course. Can't be too careful," you agreed, crouching beside her, playing along with all the seriousness the game demanded.

"Daddy says heroes always have a plan," Katsura added proudly.

Your heart squeezed at the mention of Bakugou. She adored him, emulating him in ways that made it impossible not to think about what could've been. But you pushed the thought aside, focusing on the moment.

After a while, you both flopped down on the grass, watching clouds drift lazily across the sky. Katsura leaned against you, her little hand slipping into yours as the sun warmed your skin.

"I love you, Mommy," she murmured sleepily, her voice soft.

"I love you too, baby," you whispered, pressing a kiss to her curls.

By the time you got home, Katsura's energy was finally beginning to fade. You set her up with crayons and coloring books at the kitchen table while you started dinner. She was humming to herself again, drawing tiny explosions and stick-figure heroes with wild abandon.

But then everything shifted.

"Mommy..." Katsura's voice wavered, catching your attention. You turned to see her clutching her stomach, her face pale and pinched with discomfort.

"It hurts..." she whimpered, doubling over as tears welled in her eyes.

Your heart dropped. At first, you thought it might just be a little stomachache from the chocolate chips or the running around. But then her breathing grew fast and shallow, her small body trembling.

"Katsura?" you whispered, rushing to her side.

Her teary eyes met yours, and panic gripped you like a vice. You didn't wait—didn't think. You grabbed your phone, dialing Bakugou with shaking hands as you carried your daughter to the car, your mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Hope you all enjoyed! If you have any ideas for the story feel free to comment them and I'll consider!☺️