STRINGS // KATSUKI BAKUGO [2]

Chapter 65 // Bucket List

Everyone immediately began to prepare for Aizawa's intricate plan as soon as they were able. However, their first plan of business was modifying their costumes, which Momo had already done for you, so you instead moved onto your next personal order of business.

You wanted to see your father one final time before you went to war, a place you knew you weren't going to return from. Not being able to travel to the institution alone, you had Aizawa drive you.

When you entered the facility, you and Aizawa approached the front desk where, conveniently, the employee that had first taken you to seen your father months ago was standing.

The woman smiled sympathetically, not even needing to ask why you were there or who you needed to see.

She led you and Aizawa to your father's holding room where she delivered the same message she spoke during your first arrival. There was to be one person inside at a time.

"I'll be right out here," Aizawa said, not even needing you say or ask anything.

You silently nodded in acknowledgment before entering your father's room, quietly closing the door behind you.

Your father was in the same condition you last saw him in, mute and looking like a corpse.

You sat on the edge of his bed, staring down at his unmoving form solemnly, lips pursed and eyes narrowed.

"Hey, Dad," you began hesitantly, not sure what you needed to say. You just knew you had to speak with him before you passed. "This is the last time we'll be seeing each other."

You hoped the statement would get a reaction, maybe a twitch or some sort of eye movement, but he remained the same.

"There's a war happening soon, one everyone is well aware will be my last fight," you continued. "I just wanted to say goodbye. I know you can't respond, but I know you can hear me, so I'll be able to fight in peace knowing you heard some of my last words." You grasped his limp hand, squeezing it gently for comfort.

"Aizawa has been taking care of me, treating me as though I'm his own daughter," you explained, hoping your words would bring your father some reassurance. "Bakugo has been there for me every step of the way too, but I'm sure you could've guessed that. Betcha couldn't guess we're married though," you tried to smile, but it dissipated quickly. "I'm sorry you never got the chance to walk me down the aisle."

You waited for his hand to squeeze back, but it never did. He didn't react, didn't give a sign he was okay.

"I love you, Dad," you said, giving his limp fingers one last squeeze before you stood, heading for the door.

You paced yourself as you did so, waiting for him to say something, waiting for him to move, but he didn't.

You stepped out into the hallway feeling worse than you did when you entered the building.

"Thank you," Aizawa said to the employee standing beside him before averting his attention back to you, placing his hand on your shoulder. "Is there anywhere else you wanna go?"

You thought for a moment, knowing today would be your only day to check things off your bucket list. You needed to spend the rest of your days preparing for the war and Aizawa's plan.

"I wanna take flowers to my mother's grave," you eventually answered as the two of you began to head back in the direction of the front doors.

"What kind?" he wondered.

You thought about the question deeply, your mind eventually settling on the conversation you and Bakugo had long ago in the hospital, a conversation you were shocked you remembered.

"Lotus'."

[EDITED]