Work Text:
Katsuki is a menace but he is not the one leading the field of Public Relations havok. Katsuki is forced to concede his rightful place at the top of the list of unmanageable heroes, acknowledging that in front of a microphone certain others are worse than him.
The one who wears that prestigious crown is Todoroki Shouto.
Todoroki is not a dumb oblivious asshole despite his reputation. He is perfectly aware of social behaviors. The class carefully worked on Todoroki's skills over time to form a fully functional understanding of people and popular culture. Deku focused on empathy. Kaminari boosted his sense of humour, and Sero and his twice-damned book club explained in great detail dramatic irony (which Katsuki will never forgive them for until the day he dies). The training completed years ago.
There is no excuse for today.
Todoroki knows exactly what he is doing. He simply does not care to behave if there is no gain for himself. Weaponized incompetence to the highest degree, that half-and-half bastard choosing the lazy path of least resistance and playing the fool. Drives Katsuki crazy how Todoroki pretends to be awkward and stare blankly to get a rise out of others or win some unknown mental battle.
To up the annoyance factor, the crowd loves Todoroki for it. He gets called endearing, his rank rising sharply after each 'misstep'. If Katsuki wants to debase himself, he could act that way too. But no - the less Katsuki involves himself with the reporters, the better for his paycheck. The sport of avoiding squawking reporters is extra training of his stealth skills.
Deku is as useless as Katsuki in front of a microphone but for wildly different reasons. The moment the fight stops and the vultures begin circling Katsuki makes himself scarce, Deku doing the same by ducking behind a cop car.
Todoroki does not give a shit, and stands there like the red and white target he is. Immediately, he gets flanked despite the blood matting down one side of his hair and the small child clinging to his arm.
"Amazing work, Shouto!" The reporter coos. The bright outfit and impractical shoes screams gossip rag hag. Katsuki inches closer. If he is going to be overtaken by Todoroki once more, Katsuki deserves to at least be entertained. "You are so good with the children. According to our sources, your sister has had her second child. Congratulations to her and your family! Are you loving being an uncle?"
"Yes." Todoroki says.
The silence stretches. The reporter laughs awkwardly and starts stupidly digging a deeper hole. Fucking amateur. "Wonderful. Your fans are starting to wonder when you will grow your own family, especially because the rumours of you and Creati are going wild! Do you plan to have as many children as your father?"
Oh shit. Yikes. Katsuki shares a disbelieving glance with Deku, the other hero actually gasping at the audacity.
Todoroki's face barely twitches. "To have children will be difficult for me."
The interviewer makes a sympathetic face. "Because of the family trauma?"
"Because I'm gay." Todoroki says boredly. "I'm going back to work now unless there are further questions on this incident?"
Deku saves the day, his super cool robot suit whirling into action as the impulse to save is greater than the persistent social awkwardness that plagues the nerd to this day. The flabbergasted reporter is shooed away with a bright, desperate smile. Todoroki passes the rescued child to the paramedics, looking to the untrained eye to be unbothered by the shockwave his declaration sends through the nation - but Katsuki sees the barely hidden glee.
Fucking menace.
Party poppers and streamers explode in their faces as Deku, Todoroki and Katsuki get off shift and walk into their favourite bar. Snarling, Katsuki shakes the paper pieces out of his hair. The swarm of his ex-classmates and current coworkers push past him to slap Todoroki on the back.
"Congratulations on coming out!" Iida says, his arms chopping excitedly.
"Of course, it's dinner time and I'm hungry." Todoroki replies. "The balloons seem excessive."
Sero laughs and tugs Todoroki down to their booth. "Oi, don't pretend. That's a big step even if you did it out of spite for nosey reporters."
"I am proud of you," Yaoyorozu beams.
"It's good to be honest and open," Deku adds. "I still don't like how he cornered you like that though. Your private life is private. They shouldn't demand access to those types of things."
Katsuki takes a chug of the beer Kirishima passes him. "Nah, it's stupidly funny. Their dumb shocked faces acting all surprised. All those assholes are running around like Todoroki stabbed a man rather than admitting what anyone with half a brain noticed years ago."
"Huh?! I didn't notice."
"Exactly."
The table has a full spread of greasy bar food and Katsuki turns his full attention to the most important thing - getting some food in his starving stomach. Nachos and wings, deep fried pickles and mozzarella sticks, loaded potatoes wedges and waffle fries. Katsuki grabs a piece of flat bread and scoops up a good amount of hummus, chowing down. After a hard days work, his body craves fuel and there is nothing like enjoying the smorgasbord of a feast laid out. He crunches on a few carrot sticks in a show of balance but this is a night out - a celebration of Todoroki's identity or whatever. Katsuki is going to eat good.
And he is in good company. Yaoyorozu clinks her glass of white wine against his beer as they trade dishes back and forth. Katsuki chews loudly enough to block out most of the gossip going around them. Todoroki is gay, he is happy to be gay, he doesn't care if people know. Katsuki does pry himself away from the spicy fish tacos to glance at the awkwardly supportive text Endeavor sent Todoroki, cackling in glee.
Katsuki eats and drinks, the night lingering. Sober pro-heroes settle their tabs and head off to the night shift leaving other drunker ones talking loudly amongst themselves. Katsuki finally fills the empty hole of his stomach, satisfied and uncaring of the upcoming heartburn. Yaoyorozu cleans off the plate of spinach dip and she relaxes with a sigh.
"That was delicious." Yaoyorozu pats her mouth daintily with a napkin, folding it into perfect triangles in her lap afterwards. Her phone buzzes and she picks it up, smiling lightly. "Ah, please excuse me. My parents want me to call them, it looks like my cousin had her baby!"
Katsuki makes a face. "Urgh, babies."
Yaoyorozu giggles and flaps a hand, pointedly not disagreeing with Katsuki's assessment as she steps away from the table.
Todoroki nabs the last fry, munching noisily. "These are good. Why didn't you save me any?"
Bakugou scoffs. "You snooze, you lose. Got to be faster than that."
"At... eating fries?" Todoroki pouts. "Don't be mean to me, Kaminari calls me a baby gay now."
"Baby gay? Seriously?! Are you forgetting I had front row seats to your big gay awakening ten years ago with that loud mouth bald guy?"
Todoroki stares off into the distance wistfully. "Good memories."
Katsuki makes a face, violently disagreeing.
"You should reconnect with him!" Deku hiccups. "Kacchan, you got his number right?"
"Why the hell would I have that assholes number?"
Deku says nothing, his wobbly drunk expression pointedly needing no words.
Katsuki crumples and thumbs open his contacts, sending the offending number to Todoroki. "Goddamn it. Get better taste, idiot."
Todoroki beams happily at his phone. "Thank you."
"Invite him to the event in two weeks!" Deku encourages.
"Ah, should I? Usually Momo joins me for the fundraising."
"Yes but this one is less fancy right? Perfect for a date."
"That's your perfect date?" Katsuki smacks Deku lightly on the back of his head. "Idiot! No wonder you're single. No, don't listen to the nerd. Go take the big boy out for a swim in the ocean. Show off your legs in short swim trunks, get him to put sunscreen on your back and build a damn sandcastle. And then also do the stupid lame fundraiser."
Deku whines wetly, holding his head. "So mean! And what's your excuse for being single? Auntie says you're avoiding home again."
"Stop talking to that harpy, for fucks' sake. Want me to have a heart attack, asshole?"
"Stop using that threat, you know it makes Midoriya sad."
"Fine, I'll be nice."
The drunk flush on Deku's face deepens, the tears in his eyes drying up. "Really Kacchan?"
"No, you idiot!" Katsuki shouts, peeling off into a cackle of glee. "Go cry, you baby gay."
"Huh? I'm not."
Todoroki and Katsuki share a look.
"Do you want to tackle... that?" Todoroki trails off, waving a hand vaguely at Deku.
"Nope, I'm out of here. Good luck."
Katsuki tosses money in Deku's direction to cover his portion of the bill, definitely moving in a way that absolutely can not be called a cowardly retreat from trying to explain the nerd's own sexuality to said-nerd. Todoroki is out and proud now, it's his rainbow or whatever. He can deal.
Dodging the crowd, Katsuki goes to the back exit, his ball cap tugged low. The late night air is chilly and Katsuki glares at the moon when he steps quietly out of the bar.
It's nearly silent. Nearly.
A familiar feminine voice is talking at the far end of the alley way, heels clacking noisily on the ground as she paces. Yaoyorozu is oblivious to Katsuki presence, her phone pressed against her ear and her hand clenched at her side.
The defeated slump of her shoulders is alarming. Immediately on edge, Katsuki stays by the door, standing guard. He can't hear all she's saying but he knows a fight when he sees one.
"Yes, but - no, father. Please - listen." Yaoyorozu's head bows lower.
Katsuki sneers. He pushes away the temptation to do a grab and smash of Yaoyorozu's phone. Instead he noisily kicks a can, making a loud rattling sound that instantly sends Yaoyorozu into a prepared fighting stance. She sags in relief at seeing Katsuki's raised eyebrow and bites her lips, shaking her head at her phone.
"Oh, sorry father! I must go now, my coworker needs me. Yes - we will talk more. I'll visit this weekend. Give my kisses to mother." Yaoyorozu tosses the phone into her purse and sighs before sending a strained smile in Katsuki's direction. "Sorry for disappearing, is everyone leaving now?"
"I am. The nerds are still at it." Katsuki glares. "Now why the hell are you looking like a beaten dog for?"
"It's not polite to pry, Bakugou."
"I'm not polite."
That gets a fluttering smile on her face though it doesn't last long before falling away. "I'd hate to burden you with my troubles. Please don't worry, it is nothing I can't handle."
"I've watched you take down thirty homemade bombs in under ten minutes earlier this week. There's very little shit in this world that you can't handle." Katsuki points out. "Don't try to keep me out of a fight if you need backup."
"It's a fight with my parents, not a villain." Yaoyorozu's downcast face is pitiful. "Quirks and hero training are futile in this scenario."
Katsuki sniffs. "Hah? Think I'm just a one trick pony eh? You've met my demon of a mother, I'm an expert in parental disapproval." Yaoyorozu laughs and shivers. She isn't dressed for the weather in her loose knit sweater and long skirt. Katsuki rubs feeling back into his nose. "Fuck it, what do you and your geeks always do? Have tea or whatever?"
"Um, yes?"
Katsuki starts walking. "Fine. I got some at my place. Tea."
Yaoyorozu stumbles to keep up with him. Her big eyes are wide as they step out of the alley and briskly walk the streets. "Are you attempting to invite me for tea?"
"What of it?!" Katsuki snaps, his ears red. "You can drink your hot plant water and tell me what the fuck is going on. S'what people do, right?"
"It is what good friends do, yes. Thank you, Bakugou." Yaoyorozu beams at him, already looking cheered. "But I honestly would hate to impose on you."
"Yup," Katsuki says the word as obnoxiously as possible, drawing out the pop of the 'p'. "I bet you hate it. If you were the type to impose on anyone, I sure as hell ain't your first pick. Too bad - now you're stuck imposing on me."
"You are fundamentally ridiculous." Yaoyorozu laughs lightly behind her hand.
Katsuki accepts the dig, grinning at her.
When they get to his place, Katsuki is reminded about how barebones his bachelor pad is. There's food staples in the cupboard and a full bookcase, plus various tools for maintaining his gear. One TV, one laptop and little else in the way of entertainment. Most of Katsuki's time is spent outside of his place - working, fundraising, going to the gym, bugging his old teachers and Deku at UA.
He isn't ashamed about his lifestyle and lack of luxury. Minimalistic living is fine for him. Still, seeing a woman closest to royalty sitting demurely on his second hand couch does bring shivers to his spine, like his father is shaking his head in dismay from across the city. Maybe he should've taken his parents up on their offer of helping furnishing his place when he moved out.
The kettle hisses and hollers, and Katsuki only has green tea on offer so he tosses a bag in the plain white mug, pouring the boiling water in and handing it to Yaoyorozu in a smooth motion. He pitches a pillow on the floor, sitting down and giving the lady the free range of his small couch.
Before Yaoyorozu can protest, Katsuki waves her on. "Oi, the hard floor is better for my back. Shut up and tell me why you're so pissed at your parents. I thought those two are solid supports."
Yaoyorozu frowns in his direction. Not at him - not really. She is off in space, organizing her thoughts. "They are supportive for my hero work. I was always encouraged as a child, and even when things were scary for that time in UA, they never tried to force me away from my choice to save others. Please - please understand that my parents are good to me. They love me, there is nothing they wouldn't do for my happiness."
Katsuki waits. "But?"
Yaoyorozu sighs and curls around her cup of tea. "But. But - they had high hopes. For me." She sips the tea, and Katsuki tenses. A sheen of tears make her eyes wet and sad. "They thought - I let them assume - that Shouto and I had... intentions."
"Intentions?!" Katsuki's eyebrows head to his hairline. "What kind of intentions?"
"Marriage." Yaoyorozu winces. "Shouto doesn't know they thought that - or if he did, he hid it well. At first I brought him with me to events because he is the best at making excuses for us to leave early. They aren't even excuses! Shouto can say right to the host that he is leaving at any point in the night and everyone let's us go, easy as anything. When I try on my own, I'm always dithering on an explanation and it takes hours longer than I want."
"You're too polite. IcyHot wasn't doing anything you can't do."
Yaoyorozu nods. "I know, but it's not that simple. My parents adore him - like truly, they do. And he is great company. Shouto is one of my best friends."
"And now your parents know he is gay." Katsuki adds.
"Yes. They are upset to say the least." Yaoyorozu hurries to clarify at Katsuki's scrunched up face of disapproval. "Not about him liking men! But they think he led me on."
"Did he lead you on?"
"Goodness, no! Shouto's never done anything of the sort - he is my dear friend. I support him now and always, and I want Shouto to be happy."
"Uhuh. Did you tell your dad that?"
"At length." The grimace Yaoyorozu makes has nothing to do with the bitterness of her tea. "They still think I'm weeping on my couch with a broken heart."
"Your parents sound dumb. Pitying a top ten hero for not being tied down to that smuck Todoroki? Fuck, we should be throwing you a party for dodging that bullet."
There's another one of Yaoyorozu's nice laughs. "Thank you for the thought. Shouto deserves all the celebrations, not me. I haven't even the courage. Heroics is the vocation I've dedicated my life to, I'm very happy to continue as long as possible - without a partner by my side."
"Stick to your guns. You tell your parents to fuck off if they pressure you."
"My time is running out," Yaoyorozu sighs wearily. "Tonight my father brought up... arrangements."
"Arrangements? The fucks' that?"
Her cup clicks on the short table between them. Katsuki's palms crackle automatically, the stress a thick blanket over Yaoyorozu's shoulders as she curls in, holding her middle. There's a flush to her cheeks, a burn of embarrassment. "This weekend is a family event, my cousin's baby is going to be introduced around. During this event, my father says he will be inviting a few select individuals for me to meet. With a goal. He wants an arranged match between myself and an individual chosen by my parents, to lead to life long partnership and marriage."
Ah. Arranged marriages. Katsuki cringes at the thought. The idea of going along with someone his mother chose for him, approved of - sounds like a nightmare.
"Your parents are seriously considering this?"
"I'm afraid so." Yaoyorozu sniffs, rubbing her cheeks. "I'll tell them no. Be firm, as you said, and stand my ground. But they are going to be so disappointed in me."
"I disappointed my parents every day from the ages of five to fifteen. Teaches them fortitude or what have you, keeps their brains young."
"... what?"
"I'm saying you coddle your parents too much. Spoiling them rotten with the perfect daughter act. It'll be good for them to hear no."
"I don't think that is how it works," amusement dances on Yaoyorozu's face. "... is it?"
"Sure. You don't see my parents trying to set me up with some random bozo off the streets do you?"
Yaoyorozu blinks. "Oh goodness, now that's a funny thought. You'd eat the poor person alive, wouldn't you?"
"You get it. My parents could never pick someone that would survive me. That's got to be my choice." Katsuki kicks Yaoyorozu's ankle lightly. "And you get to make your own choices too. Do you think anyone your parents pick will suit you?"
"Maybe?" Yaoyorozu sinks off the couch, joining Katsuki on the floor. Her knees draw up to her chin, her tea forgotten on the table. "My father will make sure the person is from a good family, with their own independent finances and ambition. And my mother will do her best to select someone handsome and kind."
"Sounds like hell."
"I agree. But - my parents want to the best for me. It terrifies them to think that one day they will die and leave me all alone."
Katsuki actually laughs loudly at that. "You? Left alone? With our clingy ass friends still kicking around, I don't think so. Todoroki would marry you, gay or not if you asked - you know you'll never get rid of them."
"You always surprise me with your kindness," Yaoyorozu reaches out and touches Katsuki's gently on the shoulder. "Which is a failing on my part, because you are a good friend to me. I am so lucky to have you in my life."
Katsuki's face warms. "Do not get sappy on me! If you're feeling better, get out."
Yaoyorozu laughs again and takes the offending hand away to cover her giggles politely. "I am feeling better, thank you. If my parents bring a boy like you around, I might actually consider it."
"Ha, as if your parents would approve of an asshole like me."
"Hm, maybe not. But you are right - I have spoiled them. Maybe it would serve them good to have a type like you accompany me instead of Shouto."
Katsuki scoffs, his hackles raising. "A type like me? The fuck, princess. Ain't no one like me around - I'm unique. One of a kind."
Too late Katsuki notices a gleam in Yaoyorozu's intelligent eyes, her lips curling up. "Then it will have to be you."
The trap springs.
"... what?"
"You'll accompany me." Yaoyorozu beams, her hands clapped together. "Be my backup on this - show my parents that I have a strong support system to ease their worries."
Katsuki stares blankly, his mouth open ineffectively.
Yaoyorozu continues brazenly. "It's a perfect plan. You are very famous of course, and while you attend the fundraisers, you role is never to mingle so I don't believe my parents have had the chance to talk to you before. Everyone else is so polite to them, that maybe they think we are more distant than in reality. And the close friendship you have with Shouto will help calm them regarding their fears about Shouto -"
That is one step too fair. "Oi! I never agreed to shit, and I sure as hell ain't singing Todoroki's praises to anyone."
"Of course, we can remove mentioning Shouto from the plan. Anything else we should change in order for this to go smoothly?"
Damn her, Katsuki thinks in absolutely awe. Yaoyorozu is thinking, plotting, fucking scheming - her big beautiful brain narrowed in on problem solving, her strategy clear. Katsuki can meet the parents, be himself and simultaneously scare away any unwanted suitors and destroy the preconceived notions her parents have about Yaoyorozu's life and future.
And Katsuki grins, the possibilities opening up before him. "Fine - I'll do it, I'll go to the stupid meet your parents thing and keep you on my arm the whole time. On one condition."
Yaoyorozu nods eagerly. "Yes, anything!"
"You call my mother and get her off my back."
"Done."
Katsuki gets a message Saturday morning finishing their coordination. Yaoyorozu will pick him up at his place before they head to her parents together. Katsuki showers thoroughly, moisturizes and dresses in a soft burgundy shirt made of high quality material and a pair of loose black slacks - not jeans, and not joggers, and not his fancy fundraising shit, but an outfit less casual than his usual weekend best. He adds a nice wrist watch his grandfather left him and toes on a pair of nice clean shoes.
The mirror reflects a cool, confident picture. His scars are his, the shirt showing off the gnarly web of twisted skin cascading down his arm. Katsuki shifts his stance, checking out his body in a way he usually only bothers with the moments before a photoshoot. Handsome, his father would've cooed. Needs a haircut, his mother would've added.
Katsuki nods, satisfied that he will pass the initial stage of the mission - first impressions are important.
Yaoyorozu's beautifully understated Toyota Century rolls up to the curb and Katsuki climbs in, the shic interior immaculate and clean. Yaoyorozu smiles at him and waits patiently for Katsuki to buckle up before shifting into gear and letting the ride smoothly start.
"Thank you again for joining me." Yaoyorozu says. "You look very nice."
Katsuki clucks his tongue. "Don't thank me, I said I'd do it. Don't flatter me either."
She smiles and laughs lightly at him. "Pardon me, I didn't mean to make you feel shy."
"I'm not shy!" Katsuki hisses. "Shut up. You have a hair coming out of your braid."
Yaoyorozu's eyes flicker to the mirror and her lips purse. One single thick plait lays over her burnt orange blouse, a black curl loose midway. "Oh shoot."
"Keep your eyes on the road. I'll fix it." Katsuki leans across the console and pries free the white ribbon that tied the ends of her hair. He gently brushes his fingers through her silky hair and separates the sections in three. Criss crossing efficiently, Katsuki tightens up the braid. "There, done. Next time come to my place to get ready, none of this half-ass shit."
"At least we match," Yaoyorozu turns left and pulls up to a massive gated estate. "Gosh, is it normal to be this nervous?"
"What do you have to be nervous about!? It's your family, and you're the best of the bunch. Now listen to me, princess - when someone says or asks you a bullshit question, all you got to say is 'no.' That's it! No. Practice. Now."
"Oh, Bakugou! I can't just say that."
"Say it." Katsuki tugs on her perfect braid.
"I will not."
"Close! Say it to me, right now."
Yaoyorozu flushes and pushes him away. Her spine straightens and she stares right at him, fiercely powerful. "No, thank you."
Katsuki grins, bloodthirsty. "Without the politeness."
Yaoyorozu turns pinker. "No."
"Almost there, princess. I've heard you be harsher than that. Show me."
"No." Yaoyorozu says from her chest that time, her sweetness briefly overtaken by that spine of steel Katsuki knows to exist. It is deliciously devious, a strangely intimate word from such a proper princess.
Katsuki pats her hand, easing the grip from the steering wheel. "Perfect. I'll kick your ass if I don't hear it at least once today."
"What if everyone is nice and I don't need to say it?"
Eyebrows raised, Katsuki looks at her. "How likely is that?"
Yaoyorozu's grimace speeks volumes and Katsuki snorts as he slips free of the car, leaving Yaoyorozu to get out on her own. She hands him a big expensive bottle of wine for him to promptly hand over to the couple who linger in the foyer, ready to greet their daughter and guests.
"Momo!" A big chested, shorter woman with classy crows feet and an unmistakable relation of Yaoyorozu cries out joyfully and clasps her hands. They kiss cheeks like weirdo Europeans before Yaoyorozu is passed to who can only be her father.
"I am such a lucky Papa to have a daughter so beautiful, so grand. How are you, my dear?"
Yaoyorozu's smile has a true warmth. "Hi father, you're looking well. I don't believe you've had the pleasure of meeting the friend I brought with me today. This is Bakugou Katsuki."
Bakugou of old would've snarled and glared but Katsuki is on a mission. Aizawa would strangle Katsuki if he heard that Katsuki isn't using all his tools to his advantage in any battle field, even if the field in question is as life threatening as a bowl of jello.
Best smirk on, Katsuki squints his eyes like a jackass. It makes the jagged scar on his cheek stand out, and in his roughest, toughest voice, Katsuki thrusts out a hand to shake. "Hello, Yaoyorozu-san. Thank you for having me."
"Pro-hero Dynamight," Yaoyorozu's father says, idiotically taking Katsuki's hand in his. Katsuki squeezes, amused as Yaoyorozu's father turns red. "Strong grip."
"Yup."
"Bakugou was out with us celebrating the other night, I hope you don't mind him joining us."
"A war hero is always welcome in my house," her mother says as she bows deeply. "Thank you for all that you've done, Bakugou-san."
Urgh, gross. "Whatever. Nice house."
"Please, make yourself at home."
Katsuki stands firm at Yaoyorozu's side, silently glowering. Yaoyorozu's takes control of the situation, leading the social conversations with pretty, placid words. Katsuki nods to an uncle, sneers at a pipsqueak teenager, and marvels at the life the rich leads.
The buffet table calls to both Yaoyorozu and Katsuki. They work as a well-oiled machine, migrating without speaking to the plates of hors d'oeuvres. Katsuki snags a plate for Yaoyorozu and keeps a napkin for himself, eating meatballs and stuffed peppers - Katsuki swallows a cheer as he spots delightfully bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers. The spicy taste explodes on Katsuki's tongue and he blinks back tears of satisfaction.
"Fuck, that's good," Katsuki says to Yaoyorozu, her own cheeks stuffed full with dumplings. "Bring me to all your fancy ass events, this shit was wasted on Todoroki's dumbass taste buds."
"I think Shouto has his likes and dislikes." Yaoyorozu is always so damn polite but Katsuki grins at the wrily undertone in her words, the slight confusion at someone not enjoying these tiny bits of flavour. "Did you know that Sato's catering firm provides all our sweets?"
Katsuki pops a few olives in his mouth and stares blankly. "Who?"
Yaoyorozu's explanation gets cut short when a person appears at her elbow, bowing deep. He is tall, dark haired and Katsuki clocks the stick up his ass a mile away. The fact that he looks nothing like the members of the Yaoyorozu clan is an immediate strike against him.
"Yaoyorozu-san," the man all but simpers. He introduces himself as someone which Katsuki ignores, dubbing the guy a loser, his temper caught up on the encroachment of their little bubble.
Yaoyorozu does the polite, mannerly thing and talks to the loser. "Hello, I don't believe we've met before. Are you a friend of my cousin?"
"Your father invited me," the loser boasts. "He talks about you often. I'm very happy to finally lay my eyes on you in person." The idiot's gaze wanders to dangerous territory.
Katsuki's eyes twitch. "Scram, dingbat."
"Bakugou-san," the loser fails to look anywhere other than Katsuki's chin. "... I wasn't expecting Yaoyorozu to have company. Are you two close?"
"Take a guess," Katsuki shows all his teeth.
"Bakugou is a dear friend of mine. I've neglected to bring him to meet my parents and this event seemed like the best time." Yaoyorozu says.
The loser huffs. "You should've have spoken up earlier. I was expecting to get to know you intimately."
Oh the nerve. Katsuki takes a single deadly step forward and waves his fist in the air. "I got something right here you can get nice and close with."
"Threatening civilians already?" The loser attempts a sneer. "Not very elegant. Don't you agree Yaoyorozu deserves better?"
"I prefer Bakugou's presence to many others, thank you." Yaoyorozu turns to Bakugou. "I see my cousin, would you like to go say hello with me?"
Katsuki hands his dirty napkin to the loser and promptly erases him from memory. "Sure, let's fucking get it done."
The cousin and her partner stand out in the crowd. The tiny bundled up baby looks to be partially potato in origin, the strong root vegetable genes coming from the father. Yaoyorozu's parents fawn over the spawn, the baby's mother beaming as she waves Yaoyorozu and him closer.
"Cousin," Yaoyorozu greets warmly. "How are you feeling?"
Katsuki tunes out that talk and lasers in on scoping out the room. At least three men and one woman keep checking out Yaoyorozu. Not all of those might be planted invites from her parents, they could be regular guests.
"Bakugou-san," Yaoyorozu's father interrupts his thoughts. "I understand that you work with Shouto often. How is he managing the media storm?"
"Fine." Better than fine, Katsuki wants to grouse. Damn half-and-half bastard jumped up two rankings.
"Must be strange to be here instead of Shouto. I hope he knows we hold no ill will towards him."
Katsuki furrows his brows and goes straight for the kill. "Huh, so you don't mind that Shouto is never going to marry your daughter?"
Yaoyorozu's father falters in surprise. "Ooh, well - it's disappointing. Shouto is a great young man, he would've have made my daughter very happy. It's important to me that my daughter is happy, you see. She is my most precious gift in this world. I will stop at nothing to make sure she has want she deserves."
"Yaoyorozu seemed happy enough piledriving a two-bit villain into the concrete last night." Katsuki grins. "That was fucking awesome."
"Ah. Yes. You are close to her?"
"We all are. War bonds or whatever. Shit makes her sad and it's our job to kill it. Fuck knows Yaoyorozu sticks up for her people too."
Yaoyorozu's father sighs, his hand tiny on Katsuki's bicep as he pats him companionably. "I'm happy to hear she has friends. But maybe a little romance would be nice. To walk my daughter down the aisle... I'd die happily and at peace afterwards."
"You sick?" Katsuki sniffs critically. "Gonna die soon?"
"I'm in perfect health."
"Then leave her alone, idiot." Katsuki rolls his eyes at the father's insulted gape. "Yaoyorozu knows what she wants, and you can't base your happiness on her decisions, duh."
While distracted, a snake slithers next to Yaoyorozu. A random guy, an admirer going by the angle of his bow and the overly familiar touch to Yaoyorozu's elbow, is speaking to her.
Katsuki does not get why Yaoyorozu is entertaining this. Her proud shoulders slump a little, a tiny glance to her mother at her side too submissive. A good daughter, Katsuki sneers. Her quirk gives and gives and gives literal pieces of her out constantly and here Yaoyorozu is on her day off from saving the world and continuing to give and give.
This guy could be the best man in the universe and he still does not deserve Yaoyorozu.
"Oi," Katsuki butts in. "Aren't we here to see a baby or something? This boozo is a little too old to be coddled."
The man actually squeaks, the awe in his eyes a balm to Katsuki's bristling. "Great Explosion Murder Dynamight, I'm a big fan."
"Nice. Why you bothering Creati?"
"He was introducing himself," Yaoyorozu's mother says, her kind smile focused on the admirer. "This young gentleman is an inventor, I believe he might have helped with Deku's suit."
"Oh, thank you for your help!" Yaoyorozu says. "It's great to have Deku in the field with us again. Bakugou worked very hard to ensure you had the funds to make the best item possible."
"Tch, yeah. Thanks." Katsuki squints his eyes. "Why are you here?"
The admirer flushes and glances shyly between the two heroes. "Oh um. I - I am here to see if Yaoyorozu-san would like to get to know me better? In - in a - on a - well, a date?"
Yaoyorozu continues to be nicer than Katsuki. "That's very flattering. I'm not sure that the time is right for me currently - you know how things are, it's always so busy."
"I can cancel our next luncheon meet, Momo. That should free up time in your schedule," her mother swoops in to add.
Katsuki glares and kicks Yaoyorozu's foot lightly. His eyebrows wiggle pointedly. She cringes at him, her lips downturn. Weak, Katsuki hisses in a wordless whisper. Say it.
"... Mother."
"I'll be free!" Fan boy says.
Yaoyorozu big brown eyes stare pleadingly at Katsuki. Sighing dramatically, Katsuki sets to save her. He deserves a fucking award for being such an awesome support player.
"No." Katsuki bulldozes through their expectations. "Yaoyorozu has shit to do and it doesn't need to involve you."
"What is more important than this? Mukuro-san is such a nice boy, you should get to know each other better, Momo."
"Who?" Katsuki sneers. "And no, Yaoyorozu is busy. Fuck off."
Yaoyorozu palms her red face. "Thank you, Bakugou, please stop swearing at my mother."
"You want my help or not?"
"I do! I appreciate it, just - PG words, please? If possible?"
"What, you think my swearing is gonna hurt the baby or something? That potato ain't gonna remember. It's fine."
"Jaigamo is her name."
"What? Urgh, I don't care. Are we done here?"
"Oh, honey. Do you see?" Yaoyorozu's father gasps, holding his wife's hand tightly. Tears sparkle in his eyes
"I do! How wonderful." Her mother preens. "I am so happy. I'm sorry, Mukuro - I think we will need to pass on your date with my daughter."
Yaoyorozu glances at her parents quizzically. "Mother?"
"Momo, I won't apologize for worrying. I'm your mother, it's my job to worry about you. But I must say I should've had more confidence in you - you've always known exactly what you've wanted in life, this is not different."
Yaoyorozu lights up like the sun. "Really mother? You mean it?"
"I do," her mother nods. "And I am so proud of your choice. Bakugou Katsuki is a wonderful young man. Having him at your side eases so much of my stress."
"Huh?" Katsuki interrupts, not liking where the conversation is going. "Oi, explain."
Yaoyorozu's mother beams at him, her father daring to pat his back companionably. "What's there to explain, son! You are smart."
"Strong from a good background."
"A dedicated careerman with healthy financial habits."
"And very handsome. You and my daughter make a beautiful couple."
Katsuki rears back in horror. Fuck, mission abort. They've misstepped along the way. Yaoyorozu's parents are way off track. Katsuki isn't part of any couple!
Yaoyorozu chokes on her glass of wine. "Mother! Please. It isn't like that. Bakugou is a dear friend of mine."
"We see that." Her father beams. "Bakugou's reputation preceeds him, he is everything I could've hoped for in a son-in-law, even with his brisk attitude and crass word choices."
"Opposites do attract," Yaoyorozu's mother chuckles.
"What the fuck is going on here?" Katsuki shakes his head at the silently gaping Yaoyorozu. "Creati. Hey."
"Oh my, they are doing it again." Yaoyorozu gasps. "Bakugou, how are they not understanding me?"
"You've always needed your privacy," her mother talks over them. "I'm happy you are being honest with us and properly introducing Bakugou-kun into the family. Do you have strong ties to your family name? Taking ours is an option I ask you to consider."
"Mother!"
"Yaoyorozu," Katsuki emanates annoyance. "Momo. Shut this down."
Yaoyorozu's mother and father continue to be denser than a block of wood. "Oh, do you want to have a short engagement?"
"No." Yaoyorozu says.
The group falls silent. Slowly, a smirk takes over Katsuki's face as Yaoyorozu stands her ground.
Hesitantly, finally getting a clue, her mother starts talking again. "Momo, dear - it's a wonderful match."
"No," Yaoyorozu says simply, plainly. Her shoulders shift back, her head held tall. "No, mother. No, father. I will not be getting married."
Katsuki gets a little light headed, butterflies spawning in his stomach at her assertive and powerful denial. That is the Creati he knows on the field. That is, dare he say it, his friend. Beautiful, independent and strong.
"Sweetheart, please -"
"No. There is no further discussion on this topic." Yaoyorozu sips from her drink. "I will not accept any suitors. I will not accept any proposals or wedding arrangements. No."
"Momo. Be reasonable. You can not remain single for all your life."
"My life, not yours. If I do find someone who matches my needs, who lifts me up and supports me - someone who understands my career will be a priority, who knows my deep ties to my friends and coworkers - someone who I want to marry, who wants to marry me - I won't say no then. But today, right now, my answer is no. I will not marry to make my parents happy. Please stop pushing."
Yaoyorozu's voice echoes in their silent circle. Her hands shake and Katsuki nudges her, offering the support of his steady presence.
Her parents open and close their mouths like fish.
"Get in touch with my mom," Katsuki tells them. "You can start a group for parents of kids with spines. Yaoyorozu - they've brought out those cakes. I'm shoving five in my pockets for the ride home, got it?"
Yaoyorozu stumbles after him, her wrist caught in his hands. She processes what his words and immediately protests. "Ah, but Bakugou, no one is allowed to eat in my car."
"Hah? That's not a 'no.'"
"Eh?!"
"Come on, tell me 'no.' I dare you, princess."
"What? You're going to make me say it?" Yaoyorozu cries in dismay. "Bakugou!"
Katsuki snags a few of the extra powdery donuts for good measure, playing up the feral boy act as the hoity toity party goers stop and stare. His teeth are sharp in his grin when Katsuki bites into the flaky crust of a pastry.
Yaoyorozu flushes a beautiful red and glares with heat.
"Bakugou Katsuki, no!"
Shivers running down his spine, Katsuki tries to remain casual as he grabs a plate and a to-go bag the waitress helpfully offers him. "See, it's easy."
Yaoyorozu comes up beside him and fills her own plate shyly. "You are ridiculous. And you're coming back to my place - I owe you tea."
"No."
"Huh?" Yaoyorozu stops.
"No, I don't like tea." Katsuki says. "Got anything more my style?"
Yaoyorozu looks at Katsuki from the side, her grin cute and small. "No, but I think we can come up with something better together."
"Sure thing, princess. And hey - you did good."
Yaoyorozu's relieved smile is all the thanks Katsuki needs.