Smoke and Embers | Bakugo x reader fanfic

The Party

Bakugos Point of View

I splashed cold water on my face, letting it wake me up as I leaned over the sink. It was already late, and I wasn't exactly thrilled about this party. 

But showing up early wasn't my style anyway. I'd rather make an entrance once everyone else was already settled. 

It was easier to blend in that way, and I could get a read on the place without having to deal with too many people right off the bat.

I ran my hands through my hair, taming the frizz just enough so it didn't look like I'd just rolled out of bed. 

My hair never stayed down, but at least now it looked less like a damn bird's nest. After a quick look in the mirror, I decided it was good enough. 

Who was I trying to impress, anyway? 

Not like I was doing this for anyone.

Pulling on my jacket, I headed out the door and down the sidewalk, the chill of the evening air biting at my skin. 

But as I reached the street, I caught sight of movement across the way Y/N's front door swung open, and she practically bolted out, looking like she was in a hurry. 

Late, as usual.

A smirk tugged at my lips. "Oi, what's the rush? Can't even manage to be on time for a damn party?" I called out loud enough for her to hear me from across the street.

She turned to me, and I noticed the way her expression shifted when she realized it was me. 

Her eyes lit up, and she gave me this bright, almost relieved smile. "Hey, Katsuki! I didn't think you were coming!"

I rolled my eyes, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets as I walked over to her. "Yeah, well, someone's gotta make sure you walk out of there alive."

She laughed softly, falling into step beside me. "I'm just glad I've got my best bud with me." 

Her voice was playful, but hearing her call me that made my skin crawl.

I grunted, glaring ahead. "Tch, quit calling me that. It's annoying."

She nudged my arm lightly, clearly amused. "Oh, come on. You know you love it."

She couldn't be farther from the truth but I didn't bother responding, keeping my pace brisk.

"So, do you drink?" she asked, glancing at me from the corner of her eye. "Or is that not your style?"

I shrugged. "I'll have a drink or two. Helps me chill out, I guess. I don't like getting too messed up, though." I didn't like admitting that out loud. But, I'd seen what happened to people who went overboard—getting sloppy, saying dumb stuff. It wasn't for me.

Y/N nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah, I get that. I drink, but mostly only socially. I'm pretty bad at knowing my limit. Especially since I'm a total lightweight. I'm one of those giggly drinkers too so good luck dealing with me."

I shot her a sideways glance, noting the way she said it so casually. "Yeah, well, watch out for Kaminari's punch. Guy likes to spike it with God-knows-what. Wouldn't put it past him to try and knock everyone out for the night."

She laughed like it was a joke, but I wasn't kidding. 

That idiot had a reputation for going overboard, and the last thing I needed was to deal with her stumbling around because she couldn't handle his concoctions.