𝒦𝑒𝑒𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒴𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒 | Katsuki Bakugo x OC

Chapter 31 - Found

Kousuke

The departure of the fallen is rare on the days the sky is overcast, the clouds heavy with rain, the wind whistling with sorrow. For every funeral I've attended, it's always been under the sun's warmth, the kisses of petals fluttering in the breeze, desperately catching onto my tears.

In my youth, I foolishly took those petals as a sign of comfort. As a channel for my beloved ones to reassure me even in their passing. Now, I know those petals only bring warring pain.

Crimson petals of roses remind me of my mother's smile. The way her eyes would crinkle and shine like the brightest of garnets as she laughed, her dimples, her hair, her complete visage taunting me in the mirror.

The bright gold of sunflowers reminds me of my father. His silent strength, facing the sun in his stoicism, shielding his family in his cooling shadow, drinking in the power of the sun.

And the auburn of daffodils remind me of my love. My Suisen. My Aya.

She lays in the daffodil bed we promised to see together, deep in the forest we first met. The flowers are in full bloom, encircling her frigid and still frame, cocooning her in its beauty. She's wearing her country's colors, emerald green velvet blankets her, gold embroidery ornate down her sleeves.

She looks peaceful. She looks powerful. She looks pristine. A true princess who died a valiant death- a true warrior's death.

The funeral of the fallen was a long procession. Generals, soldiers, civilians, children, all fell victim to Godai's attack. My kingdom's funeral rites were given at their pyres, the smoke thick and heavy, much like our sorrow.

Ayane's rites are given by her uncle, the man I trusted as a mentor, who I regarded as a father figure. Haniyasu's royals' always rested in the forest, hidden from the world in deep rooted mystics, an enchanted emerald preserving their likeness in their rest. And once he recites the spell, blessing her soul and letting the mystic wrap around her, he leaves with a hefty sigh.

Master Shosei revealed his identity the night of Godai's attack, weeping with Ayane's bloodied hand in his.

Oh my niece, he wailed, I have failed you yet again.

I couldn't perceive the full truth then, not when I was still clutching desperately onto her, her crimson lifeforce staining my skin, iron grating my every breath, anguish cloying in my chest.

But now seeing her rest—her beautiful lagoon eyes closed forever, her voice already fleeting from my memory—grief brings me to my knees, my heart tearing away as her verity sets in.

The verity of her affections. Of her love.

I never should've questioned it. I never should've turned away from her. The last memory I hold before her death is her frown creasing her face, her freckles dotted with tears from her desperation to stay, to make her truth known.

If only I'd listened, taken her in my arms, breathed in her jasmine, earthy scent, whispered reassurance in her soul. If only.

What I would give to hold her, to kiss her, to crown her my queen. What I would give to spar with her, her sword to my throat, her eyes twinkling with mirth, her smirk taunting my skill. What I would give to feel her laugh, see her smile, to hear her call me her Kou. Oh, what I would give.

I graze her skin one last time, my pinky trailing up hers, a final kiss on her forehead, and whisper my goodbye.

When I stand, a daffodil clings onto my palm, the petals torn and bleeding. I take it as her final gesture of comfort.