Chapter Text
Previously on “Are You Even Real?”
You walked out and shouted to him.
“Bye, Bakugo! See ya tomorrow!”
“Go away!”
You were finally out of sight and hearing range.
“See ya tomorrow…dumbass.”
Thank god you were gone or you wouldn’t have stopped teasing him about that damned rosy blush that appeared on his cheeks.
⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
BEEP BEEP BEEP
You’ve finally woken up! Hooray! You look at your alarm and- ten o’clock in the morning. What the actual fuck are doing waking up this early. Oh well, it’s not as if you can fall back asleep. Once you’ve woken up you can never go back to sleep again until evening. Nice body clock you got there.
“What am I gonna do today?” You mumbled to yourself whilst tapping your chin with your index finger and folding one arm under you.
“Maybe make some different food for Bakugo, visit Tokoyami, call Touya-”
Fuck
You said you’d call Touya back today. Why did you even agree to it? What does he want to talk about with you? You won't find out unless you call him.
And that’s exactly what you did.
One ring…two rings…three rings…fou-
“Well well, you actually did it. You kept up your end of the bargain didn’t you, precious.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. What did you wanna say so badly that you just had to ask me to call you?”
“Aha, so umm…crusty the clown is back…”
“TENKO?!”
“Who else?”
“And what exactly does he have to do with me?”
“You were involved with me, remember? I have an everlasting hickey to prove it. You really know how to mark a guy.”
“Shit… is he going to kill me or something?”
“I hope not. I’m just warning you in case he does something to you or something weird is happening in your life recently. It could link back to him.”
“Um..thanks for letting me know I guess. I honestly thought you wanted to call me for something else.” You yawned and wiped away the sleep in your eyes.
“Actually…I did. That was really the main reason I wanted to get in contact with you. I made a mistake, precious. I royally fucked up. I don’t know what I was thinking. If there any chance of us getting back together I-”
“Stop right there. You’re an ex-boyfriend for a reason. Stay that way. I loved you once and you let me go. I appreciate the meaning behind you breaking things off though. You thought your life back then would impact me severely and affect me to the point where I’d be a criminal like you and Tenko…didn’t you?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I thought would happen.”
“Well it didn’t. It never would.”
“I’m glad. But, I’m good now. I’m a better man! Please, [Y/N]. I never say please to anyone.”
“I’m sorry, Touya. But I can’t put myself through that again. I have never loved anyone as much as I loved you.”
“That’s really nice to hear, not gonna lie.”
A chuckle was heard on the other line. That raspy laugh of his. Nostalgic indeed.
“I’ll tell you what. It may hurt but we can be friends instead of strangers. Are you okay with that?”
“Yeah. I’d rather have you in my life as a friend rather than getting rid of you completely.”
“Then let’s start over. As friends. Hi! My name is [Y/N].”
“Dabi.”
“That’s not-”
“I don’t give out my real name to friends, [Y/N].”
The way he said your name was like a little tease, as if he knew what he was doing to you just by calling you your name alone. Asshole.
“Look, I gotta go. People to visit, fish to feed.”
“Fish to- I thought you said you weren’t interested in pets.”
Nice one. Fucked it again.
“Uhh..I meant like a big animal! Fishes aren’t that bothersome or hard to take care of…right?”
“How would I know? My father never let me have anything let alone a damn pet.”
“Enji was a bitch indeed.”
“Couldn’t agree more. Anyways, I’ll let you go see your little friends.”
“They’re not little!”
“I’m taller than them though. Therefore, little.”
“Ass.”
“I remember you saying you used to love this ass of mine.”
“I’m hanging up now.” You deadpanned.
“Have a good day, sweetheart.”
“Shut up and get off.”
“To you? Su-”
You really didn’t wanna hear the end of that sentence.
Time to call Tokoyami and see if he’s in. It’s been quite some time since you last saw your aviary loving friend.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
Luckily for you, he was in. And he couldn’t be more thrilled that you could finally spend some time with him. It’s been so long after your mother’s death.
The village loved your mother, Nemuri Kayama, more than anything. And her love of the midnight sky was so amusing to them all. Some villagers would often catch her looking up at night and watch the moon shine at the top of a little cliff nearby your lake where Bakugo resided.
She was such a beauty. No wonder you turned out as beautiful as her. She let you take your fathers surname because that’s all you’d have left of him.
Enough of that, too much heartbreak.
Tokoyami was happy to see his friend after all this time. The most interaction you had with him lately was him giving you that book. Just a quick pop in, pop out. Nothing more, nothing less.
Knock knock knock
He opened the door..he had a crow on his shoulder. How peculiar but not surprising. He loves birds after all.
“Hey, Toko! So good to see you!”
You both engaged in a friendly hug. It lingered a bit too long but it was excusable since he missed you.
“And who is this little guy?”
“His name is Dark Shadow.”
“Dark sha- fitting.”
Again, how peculiar.
“Do come in, I have an assortment of teas and snacks.”
“Tea? I wasn’t aware you liked such a fine, sophisticated beverage.”
“Not that much, really.”
Lightbulbs were visible over both of your heads and you spoke in unison.
“Momo.”
“A sweet girl but please lay off of the tea forcing.” You grimaced and your friend was laughing alongside you.
“It is really good to see you smile after all these months and possibly years.”
“I don’t know how and why I’m smiling either. I’ve had the strangest couple of days lately.”
“Care to share?”
“I don’t mind at all.”
He doesn’t need to know that you’ll keep a certain merman out of the conversation.
“You know my ex-boyfriend, right?”
“Which one, there were many?”
“The one who-”
“Hold on a minute!”
You stood up so fast and pointed an accusatory finger at your dark haired, mullet-having ass of a “friend”.
“I was simply jesting, [Y/N].”
“Keep it that way, bitch.”
“Your vocabulary has gotten more…experienced.”
“Trying something new. Anyway, the ex, the criminal. Well, former criminal now.”
“Yes, I remember. I do believe he went by the alias of “Dabi” or am I mistaken?”
“Nope, spot on. So he called me today and he wanted to know if I would consider giving him a second chance.”
“Preposterous! He broke up with you. How dare he.”
“I know right.” You sipped your tea.
Meaningful and meaningless banter alike was thrown around the room. You were both so happy to be in each other’s presence since it had been quite a while. It was starting to get dark. You didn’t wanna keep your little merman friend waiting. You had such an…interesting day you almost forgot about him. Not surprised there in the slightest.
“Oh my goodness! It’s almost seven! I had such a great time, Tokoyami, that I completely lost track of time itself!”
“I agree, our time together today was most uplifting.”
“Maybe we can do this again someday, at your house again or mine or even somewhere in the village!” You clasped your hands together in happiness. How joyful you are. Stop it immediately.
“I’d like that. You have my number don’t you?”
“Mhm! I do.”
“Then I shall text you the details of our next meeting. Feel free to tell me you can’t make it. I understand you’re a busy person.”
Busy. Yeah, right.
“I will. Thank you for this evening again, Toko. I honestly didn’t expect myself to be caught up in a conversation that would last all these hours.”
“Anytime, [Y/N].”
You were expecting a simple hug but a quick peck on the cheek wasn’t expected at all. How bold of him.
“Have a good night.”
“You too.”
And with that, you exited his humble abode and made your way to the clownfish himself. You're lucky he can’t read your mind or else he’d be ripping you a new asshole by now.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
“Hmm, I wonder if he’d like it if switched it up this time. No prawns, but something else that is seafood like.”
You thought to yourself.
“Maybe I should tex-”
Idiot. He’s a merman. Not a human. The fish bitch doesn’t text. Wow, you really forgot he had a wholeass tail attatched to his lower body. Your memory is worse than I thought. God damn.
You finally decided on what to give him, but caved in and brought some garlic prawns just in case he didn’t like the new variety of different foods.
Thankfully, you remembered to bring your diving gear that you borrowed from what’s his name…Shouji? Yeah, Shouji’s uncle so you could be as safe as can be around him.
It was that time again. The time to see Katsuki motherfucking Bakugo. He’s an absolute hoot, am I right.
You arrived at the lake once more, a bit later than planned but not too late. You hope he’s still there but hold on to said hope remembering him recalling that merfolk don’t sleep although it is a choice.
You hear subtle splashes, maybe it’s him or maybe it’s just small waves crashing against the little rocks decorating the place.
“Hello? Bakugo?! It’s me! [Y/N], your favourite human.”
Nothing.
Complete silence.
A sigh came out of your lips.
You deadpanned once again. “I have food.”
There he is! Swimming as fast as he could at the mention of food. Fatass.
“Well, well. What do we have here?”
“You’re not my favourite human, dumbass.”
“Are you saying you do have a favourite human?”
“No. And even if I did, I detect jealousy from those abnormally red lips of yours.”
There it was again, that shit eating smirk.
“I’m leaving and taking this delicious seafood with me.”
“Oi! Don’t you dare! I command you to-”
“You what? You command me? Who the hell do you think you are? Royalty?”
You couldn’t believe what he just said so you decided to laugh at his stupidit-
“Yes, actually.”
That tone he used. No gruffness. No rough edges to his voice. Holy shit. He really meant it.
“Holy fuck. You’re actually royalty? Merfolk have a royal hierarchy?”
“Does this discovery intrigue you, human?”
Forget that smirk, forget the smugness. You really were intrigued.
“Yeah!”
His arms dropped and so did his whole face, lips slightly apart in bewilderment. He didn’t expect you to answer let alone so fast.
You got closer to him, now fully entering the lake so you’re face to face with him once again. Too close for his liking.
“Wow! I can’t believe you’re royalty! I can’t believe I’m talking to merman royalty! I cant believe I’m-”
He squished both your cheeks with one hand. Oh so strong.
“Shut up. You’re so annoying and loud.”
“Takes one to know one.”
“What did you say?” His eyebrow quirked up in frustration and a tic mark was evident on his forehead.
You smacked his hand away.
“What’s your status? Oh my god, are you a King? Considering your age.”
“No, but I’m next in line.”
“You’re a prince!”
“What gave it away?” He rolled his eyes in sarcasm. You didn’t like that.
“Are you one of those cliche princes who ran away, or swam in your case, because of your responsibilities and it’s too much for you?” You deducted.
“I live around here! I can't run away, my mother would be alerted easily. Damn hag won’t let me do anything remotely interesting.”
“Then, what is this place to you? Why is it so significant?”
He was silent for a minute or two.
“…It’s a quiet place, it’s a place to think, train even. But, I can’t because you’re here!”
Half truth, half lie. You obviously don’t know it but he’s never been here as much ever since you appeared. You said this place was your anchor, a grounding place. He’ll be damned if he ever told you that you were his anchor.
“Oh, I’m honoured that you thought you could tell me that.” You exclaimed with a blinding smile that put even Izuku to shame.
‘Shit, I didn’t even think of considering not telling the human that.’
You snap your fingers. “Hellooo! Earth to Bakugoooo. Anyone in there?”
“Hands off!”
“Oh you’re back. Now go away again.”
“I’LL KILL YOU!”
“I’d like to see you try!”
“THAT'S IT!”
You expected him to fight back but you didn’t expect him to jump right out of the water and onto you. Laughter erupted throughout the lake's cave, your laughter of course. Bakugo’s growls were his laughter, if he’s even capable of it that is.
Oh, how easy it was to rile him up. It was so funny to you to be able to tease royalty and see him squirm in annoyance. You were obviously going to lose since he’s the one that had supernatural strength, but it was still fun to play around with him.
He pinned you down near the sandy surface and he spoke lowly yet subtly warning you not to try anything else.
“You’re such a fucking dumbass.”
“Oh really? I hadn’t noticed.” There it was, that defiance he loved hated so much.
You were so close to him. You could feel each other’s hot breath on your cheeks. He began to feel like he was losing himself, his composure, everything.
But then you sat up.
“Okay! So, I have a variety today! We have…” You continued in a sing-songy voice, much to his annoyance.
“We have salmon rolls, takoyaki, mussels, oysters, classic sushi and your favourite, garlic prawns just in case nothing else tickles your fancy.”
He was grateful, truly. He may be royalty but none of the chefs made the food as well as you did. He was impressed but he’d never tell you that even if he was dying.
He decided to eat some mussels first.
“…Thanks, human.”
You giggle in delight. “No problem, merboy.”
Mouth full of mussels, he had no choice but to let it slide…for now.
Silence filled the void until a gruff voice broke it.
“Why do you keep coming here, feeding me? Do you want something?”
“No! Why would you think that…nevermind actually. I think I already know the answer. I don’t want anything from you. I just…I just like you and being around you, that’s all.”
You spoke so honestly and truthfully. He blushed profusely. Congratulations, you made Katsuki freaking Bakugo blush.
“You-you can't just say shit like that, dumbass!”
“Why not? You wanted the truth, didn’t you?”
“Yes but-”
“But what?”
You swam closer to him. Dangerously closer.
He didn’t know what he was feeling at the time. You both didn’t know each other for long, a few days at least. But it was the endless hours spent that made up for such a short duration.
You moved some hair at his forehead away and slicked it back.
“Come on, Katsuki, tell me. Was my honesty too much for you to handle?”
How you made his cold heart beat. Oh wow, the way you said his first name gave him shivers, he didn’t have the heart to shout at you for saying it without permission. What the everloving fuck were you doing to him?
He snapped out of it and grabbed both of your arms.
“You best stop right now before I drown you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
Now it was his turn. He leaned closer until his mouth was right at your ear.
“Wanna bet, [Y/N]?”
God. Damn.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
Multiple days and hours have passed again. After that little…interaction between you two nothing more happened. You both knew you were playing with fire.
You had nothing going on today. No calls from Dabi, no scares from Tenko, Tokoyami hasn’t even asked if you were busy. It bothered you for some reason that Tokoyami of all people was more busy than you. So what did you do to cure your boredom?
You guessed it.
“MERMAID MAN. I’M HEREEEE!”
Great. Just great. The dumbass is back.
“Oi! For once would you quit being so fucking lo-”
Oh. Oh wow. He’s never seen you wear anything but the diving gear.
Today you were clad in a swimsuit. It showed off your [s/c] skin perfectly in all the right places. Safety be damned. You knew he wouldn’t hurt you. You mostly wore the gear for exploring and to have extra layers in case he did hurt you.
You wore the swimsuit today as if saying you think you’re safe with him. He won’t hurt you and you won’t hurt him. How cute.
Yes! You brought more food! You must be rich if you keep bringing so much food, especially if they’re in different forms as well.
“Maybe try the oysters today? You didn’t eat them last time. I worked hard on them.”
“Guilt tripping won’t work on me, human.”
“Tch, fine. Just eat your damn food.”
He scoffed at you. He’s royalty! How dare you still speak to him like some…some…someone who isn’t royalty!
“You’re here early.”
“There’s not much to do today. Even if there was, I still would’ve gone to see you.”
There it was again, that blush, the quickening of his heartbeat. You got him all kinds of fucked up.
Oh no. Oh no no no NO! He can’t allow it. He won’t allow it. This is so cliché. Him, a merman, falling in love with you, a human. Shittt!!
He dropped his oyster, there is shit all over his face after the realisation of him possibly being in love with you after only knowing each other for a short period of time. Merfolk are supposed to be bewitching and enchanting to humans, not the other way around!
You turned around at the noise of a splash.
“Are you okay? Aha, how did you drop that oyster?”
“I umm…”
“Huh? Oh, stay still…”
What? What were you doing? Why are you getting closer?!
“You have oyster shit on your face.” You giggled quietly and wiped it off of his face with your right thumb while cradling his left cheek with your free hand.
You’ve gone and done it now. That was it. All those times you’ve gotten too close to his face, when he pinned you down and the sand, the laughs, the insults thrown at each other. He loved it and he wanted more of it.
And so, he went for it. He took a risk and readied himself for a slap or any sign of rejection and discomfort.
“Baku? What are you- mmph!”
He kissed you so suddenly. He grabbed you by the waist and pulled you in, tangling his fingers through your hair, deepening it every which way, not taking breaths because he just didn’t want it to be over. If he allowed it to be over then he would feel like he’s dreaming.
Your lips were so soft, like he was kissing a pillow or a marshmallow. They were so plump as well and now they were even more plump after him sucking on your bottom lip.
Oh, right. You need to breathe more than he does. Guess he has no choice but to let it be over.
You gasped after what felt like an eternity.
I just kissed a fucking fish. No, the fucking fish just kissed me!
Your brain was going haywire. What the hell just happened. That was so unexpected!
“Bakugo! What- why? How-”
“Shit, I fucking knew you’d reject it…”
“No! God, no! I just…knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me.”
You just couldn’t let him have the moment, could you? Why are you the way that you are?
“I regret everything.”
“No, no you don’t.”
You got way too close again.
“Do it again.”
You? Commanding him? He must admit, it does look good on you. Oh well, he can indulge himself just this once.
And so, he kissed you again, passionately this time, slowly but with ferverance. Nothing could stop you now. Except the insecure feeling at the back of his head. He knew he shouldn’t be doing this, he knew he shouldn’t be feeling this.
Humans hurt him and his people. Humans don’t live as long as merfolk. Merfolk love longer than humans and feel more, as if they’re emotions are heightened from birth. But right now? He couldn’t give less of a fuck. He’s never felt this way towards anyone and he’ll be damned if he’ll let you go. Not after everything you’ve both shared.
The kiss ended. Finally, it was getting gross, ew.
He cradled your face with his palms, you leaned into his touch.
“So cute.” He thought to himself.
“Cute.”
“Huh? What was that?”
Shit!
“Shit, did I just say that out loud?”
You laughed, of course you fucking laughed.
“I think you just did. But it’s fine. It came from you so I don’t mind.”
He smiled. Oh my god. Now it was your turn.
“Beautiful…”
That certainly caught him off guard.
“W-what?” The fan favourite blush was back, only redder than ever.
“You’re so fucking beautiful…” You told him in the softest voice you could ever manage and you also did your fair share of cradling his face too.
Good choice because he leaned into your touch and purred. That’s right. Katsuki Bakugo just purred. The fins behind his ears twitched a few times. He was enjoying this soft, wholesome time with you a lot. If only his mother could see him now…she’d be fucking laughing, the damn hag.
You let go. A soft, almost inaudible whine was heard.
“Aw, sorry.”
“Wh- shut up! I didn’t do anything!”
“I never said you did, sweetie.”
“Don’t call me that!”
“What? Do you prefer something else, baby?”
Fuck. You.
He growled at that, he did not like to be teased one bit. But, in order to save this precious moment, he sighed and held both of your hands in a tender moment.
“You…you’re my human, right?” He looked up expectantly. God, those puppy dog eyes were so hard to resist. Teasing would just destroy whatever is going on.
So you opted to kiss his cheek. “Yeah, yeah I’m your human.”
A fang revealing smile pulled at his lips.
“You’re my human! You said you’re my human!”
He could not stop cheering. He was so happy. He went underwater and popped back up. He was circling you in excitement. Only the top of his head and nose were visible. Oh my god he was so cute you couldn’t stop giggling.
“I’m your human!”
He jumped out of the water completely, back bent and hair flopping backwards. It was so hard not to call him Ariel right now.
Once he came back down, he hugged you close and tighter than ever before. Wait, has he even hugged you up until now? You can’t recall, but right now? You just didn’t care.
“I don’t care what we are right now, I’m gonna make this work! We are gonna make this work.”
“You think I wouldn't have agreed to be your human if I didn’t wanna make it work, Katsu?”
“Another nickname, really?”
“It’s either that or I go back to fish boy or fish bitch.”
“You’ve never called me fish bitch before.”
“Not to your face I haven’t.”
“We’re breaking up.”
You grabbed his ear.
“No the fuck we aren’t.”
“Convince me.”
“No more food.”
“I’m convinced.”
That shut his stupid ass up real quick.
“So, you gonna tell your folks?”
“I’ll have to. You're lucky we met or else I’d be close to being forced into marriage.”
“You what?” That wasn’t something you liked hearing out of his mouth.
“Yeah, arranged marriages exist where I come from.”
“Tough tits. I’m your human.”
“Such language.”
“Eat my shit.”
“God, I love you already.”
“I sure hope you do because I love you too. Katsuki Bakugo~” You said his name in a lilting tone he’d never forget.
“Maybe, maybe I can try and find something that can make me human sometimes, or maybe something that can make you part of my world.”
“Your what?”
“My world? Does that…scare you [Y/N]?”
Oh no. Please, don’t be scared.
“No! Not at all! You just said something that reminded me of my childhood.”
“Oh yeah? What was it?”
“I’ll tell ya later, promise.”
“Let’s just enjoy our time together for now.”
“I can agree to that.”
And so, with that, you both perched up on a longass rock and Bakugo wrapped his beautiful, black, longass tail around you for safety and comfort and slept the night away. Not caring that you’re still in your swimsuit, and thinking about your future in your sleep. Little did you know, he was doing the exact same, only with a smile tugging at his lips.
He truly loved you, trusted you. And he was going to keep doing that even if it killed him.