ALERT [ BAKUGO X OC/READER]

Safe

"Crystal," Bakugo called, holding her semi-conscious self up.

"Crystal," he repeated again. It was getting harder and harder to support her weight.

The air against the sludge on her skin felt cold. It coated her throat and her mouth. She was breathing through the liquid, but her breath caught onto a blob, making her cough.

Bakugo looked down at the girl in his arms, eyebrows stitched together with concern. Her eyes were closed, face drained of color and body shivering in fear. She closed in on herself, slightly balling up as she released a whimper.

He tried to cover her in his warmth, holding her closer to his body. Golden tears cascaded down at the reminiscence of her dark childhood.

Bakugo had never seen her so vulnerable, so prone to danger. She always seemed so strong that seeing her in such a state made his heart drop.

She didn't feel anything, couldn't think any thoughts. She didn't realize when Bakugo and her other classmates worked together to rescue her and himself.

Her head wasn't messed up or in disorder. It was just stuck. It was blank. Empty.

"Crystal..." She heard someone whisper.

"Crystal," the same voice said.

As her she gained consciousness, she felt a warmth. A familiar musk tickled her nose.

She found herself inching toward it, nuzzling it's source.

"Crys?" Bakugo said when she nuzzled against his hand.

She was lying with her head on his lap, his hand held against her cheek with her own hand.

She blinked awake to find herself in that awkward position - though she couldn't say she disliked it.

She sat up slowly with Bakugo's assistance.

She was in a car, being driven by Bakugo's father.

"Take it easy," Bakugo said.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Todoroki and Deku and the others came to rescue us - not that I needed it. And long story short, Dad's driving us home, to our place. And...I know you can't return home when your irises are golden."

"Yeah..."

She felt like she should tell Bakugo about her childhood. Otherwise, she'd feel guilty for not telling something so important to her most cherished, and possibly, only,true friend.

"About that," she added, "There's something I need to tell you."

She could tell he wanted to know about her childhood, her always-absent mother and what exactly happened when her dangerous quirk first showed, but she knew he was trying not to force her.

"A-alright," he looked somewhat puzzled by the random statement.

"We're here!"

They stopped in front of the house that was basically, also Crystal's.

"Thank you!" She thanked Bakugo's father as she walked towards the house.

He just sent her a nod.

The calm of the night was interrupted when Mitsuki came crashing out the door.

"Katsuki! Crystal!" She engulfed the two in a warm hug.

"I'm so glad you're safe," Mitsuki smiled as she caressed Crystal's cheeks.

Crystal felt the familial love unfamiliar. It was almost foreign. But she didn't mind. Because for the first time in a while, she felt loved.