Chapter 36 - Permanent

Summer break would last two whole months. You couldn't believe you'd be away from class nearly as long as you'd attended.

While your mother was doing much better, she opted to stay at a recovery center instead of the apartment she'd rented when you'd moved to Japan. It was easier and cheaper for her to cancel the month to month rental, so you'd be staying in the dorms over break.

You couldn't help but feel the loneliness creep in as you watched all your classmates pack up their suitcases and head home. You would especially miss the squad. The dorm would be far too quiet without all their antics. The dorm would be particularly quiet without Bakugou. You hugged yourself as you sat on your bed, the only bed still covered in a full set of sheets and blankets.

Knock knock. You looked up and saw Todoroki tapping on the frame of your open door.

"Hey there stranger." He walked into your room. "When do you leave me Shouto?" You couldn't hide the disappointment in your tone.

"I came to talk to you about that." You raised an eyebrow as he sat on the edge of your bed. "Momo's parents have offered for her friends to stay at their summer house near Suruga Bay over break. She said I should extend the invitation to you."

"So, I'll just be in a cottage by myself for a summer instead of a dorm?"

"What? No. We'll all be there. At least for periods of time. Me, Midoriya, Iida, Kirishima, Tsuyu..." Your heart filled at the thought of not being left alone. "And I'm sure you could convince Bakugou... if you really wanted to."

"Really?"

"I'll text you the address and all the details. I'm sure Momo will talk to you too. Pack your bags [y/n]." He stood from the bed and headed toward the door.

"Hey Shouto," he turned around, "how're things going with our lovely hostess?" Todoroki smiled at the ground. You giddily smirked at him, wanting all the details.

"Very well. Thank you for asking." His tone gave nothing away.

"Oh, c'mon. You're not giving me anything more than that?" you whined.

"I'll see you on the beach [y/n]."

"Dammit Shouto! I'll just have to ask her!" you called out as he left your room. You laughed to yourself, suddenly filled with a new sense of hope for the coming months.

***

"No."

"Why not Katsuki?" You buzzed around the boy as he packed a suitcase.

"Because I see all these extras enough as it is." He tossed several pairs of socks into the bag.

"But I'll be there too. The whole time. In a bikini." You lounged onto the bed, propped up by your elbows. Bakugou didn't respond. You pouted then changed tactic. "Surrounded by the other boys in the class. You know Denki's already proposed to me three times. And Sero, I know he checks out my ass when I do squats. And hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Mina and I got drunk one night and made out."

"I WILL KILL THEM! NO ONE IS MAKING OUT WITH YOU EXCEPT ME!" You could hear the possessive growl in his voice as he threw down a t-shirt into his bag and crawled on top of you. You smirked as he pressed his hands to either side of your elbows, hovering above.

"You won't be able to ensure that if you don't come," you teased, your tone enticing and smooth. You bit your bottom lip.

"You little..." Bakugou's words were cut off as he crashed his lips into yours. Within a heartbeat his hand was around your back, pulling you closer into him, his tongue breaking through, demanding entrance. You hadn't anticipated his jealousy to lead to the aggressively passionate kiss you received. You released your elbows and wove your hands into his soft hair, running your fingers across his scalp as his lips made their way to your neck. You let out a small gasp which seemed to excite the boy further.

His hand ran down your side, stopping at the hem of your shirt. He paused for a moment, waiting for your consent. You hummed your approval, whimpering as his hand traveled under your shirt, leaving goosebumps along the skin it delicately touched. His fingers skimmed the thin fabric of your bra before shoving the cup up and taking hold of your breast. You moaned as he continued nibbling at your neck, his thumb rubbing over the sensitive skin of your nipple. His lips traveled lower, brushing against your collarbone. When he pulled away a moment later his smile was wicked.

"There. Now they'll know not to touch what's mine." You furrowed your brows and looked down, missing the sensation of his hands and lips on your body. Just above your collarbone, where the fabric of your V-neck met skin was a light red mark, already darkening. Your eyes went wide.

"A hickey?! Really you ass?!" You shoved Bakugou off you, humor clear in your tone, still slightly winded from his touches. The boy laughed and rubbed his fingers over the spot. You swatted his hand away. "Well, this won't last two months. I guess after a week or so I'll be free game again."

Bakugou pinned you down again with a mischievous grin on his face. "I'll just have to give you plenty more then." He bent down and you playfully struggled against his advances.

"Okay, okay you win! I won't make out with Mina or give myself to the other boys," you said breathlessly after batting Bakugou away. You looked up into his face. His expression was alive and playful, so much different from his hard stare in battle. "I'm yours Katsuki. But please come anyway?" Your tone was softer, sincere. You reached up and stroked his cheek, his hair.

"You're such a pain." He kissed the inside of your wrist.

"Is that a yes?" A victorious smile marked your features. He let out a 'tsk'. "Yay!" you cooed before craning your neck up and placing a gentle kiss to his lips.

***

The Yaoyorozu summer house was not a cottage. It wasn't some little beach shack. Hell, it wasn't even a house. It was a goddamn mansion, on the water with its own private beach. You knew the Yaoyorozu family was wealthy, but you hadn't expected this.

You felt like such a bumpkin pulling up to the building in a taxi with your duffel bag full of beach clothes, backpack filled with toiletries and electronics and a small temiyage gift of chocolate cookies for your hosts. This was definitely not a 'chocolate cookie gift' kind of residence.

When you had spoken to Yaoyorozu the day before she said you'd be arriving the same day as Tsuyu, Ochako and Izuku. Other members of the class would come for a week or more throughout the summer, with Yaoyorozu herself leaving for a brief period.

You rang the buzzer next to the large iron gate which separated the street from the lush rolling lawn and gardens of the mansion.

"Name?" a crackly voice called through the voice box.

"[l/n] [f/n]. I'm here to visit Yaoyorozu Momo." The gates creaked open before you even finished her name. You tentatively stepped onto the large gravel driveway and walked toward the white building. It had high charcoal grey pagodas and a giant wrap-around porch. Windows lined every inch of the building so you could take in the gorgeous sea views. You could see tatami mats in each room with traditional slider doors for privacy. The whole house was raised on wooden stilts to protect it from high seas and typhoons.

You knocked on the large wrought iron door, hearing the bang echo in the high, open space inside. A moment later the door opened and – I shit you not – a butler ushered you inside. The man took your bags and pressed a button next to the wall announcing your presence. You stared at the high ceilings as you slid your sneakers off and slipped on the provided house shoes.

While the architecture had all been traditional Japanese, the interior was modern. The furniture and kitchen were stark white and sleek. The light fixtures and banisters were all wrought iron and chrome. An atrium sat in the center of the living space, a glass enclosure filled with vibrant green ferns and mosses. It made the industrial surroundings feels much warmer and more intimate.

"You're here!" Yaoyorozu nearly skipped down the stairs, finally embracing you in a warm hug. I didn't realize we were on hug terms. You patted her back and she released you. "I'm so glad you could come. It'll be so much more fun with everyone visiting." She was beaming, completely in her element as a hostess.

"I'm glad I could come too. It would have been really lonely in the dorms all summer." You awkwardly handed her your small tin of cookies. "It's definitely not enough for offering up this place..."

"Oh, no! This is wonderful. Snacks are the best." Yaoyorozu lifted the lid of the cookie tin and smiled at the chocolate wafers inside.

"Are your parents here? I wanted to thank them for letting be stay the entire summer." You peered around as if they were hiding behind a corner.

"Otōsan and Okāsan will be bouncing around throughout the summer, sometimes at work, flying to Europe for a little while. They'll likely show up for a week or so. I'll certainly introduce you when they stop by." You followed her into the kitchen where she added your tin to a pantry stocked high with snacks.

"You mean we have an unsupervised beach mansion to ourselves for two months?" Your tone was unbelieving.

"In so many words... yes." Your eyes nearly bugged out of your head at her casual statement. "But the staff is here to handle basic cleaning and transportation, some cooking. I'm sure they're also here to report back to my parents if anything gets too out of control." You merely smiled and let out a faint sigh.

"Here, I'll show you to your bedroom." Yaoyorozu moved out of the kitchen and you followed her up the stairs and down a long hallway. She pushed the door to the room at the end of the corridor open and your heart caught in your throat. "This will be your room," she said.

You took a tentative step inside the massive room. A gorgeous plush bed was to your left, topped with white bedding and more pillows than you could count. To your right was a sitting area with a television and coffee table. A small desk sat in the corner. But what took your breath away was the beautiful expanse of the bay, showcased through the floor to ceiling high windows that took up the entirety of the back wall.

"This is my room?" you finally spoke.

"You'll be staying here the longest so I figured you should get the best guestroom. If you go around the corner, you'll see your private bath and closet as well. If you need any extra clothes, we can either go into town to buy some or I'm sure we could find something in the guest closet. People have left all sorts of things here over the years."

You didn't even bother looking into the bathroom and closet just then. You were sure they'd be magnificent. You just wanted to admire the view.

"Thank you Yaomomo. This is amazing." She smiled warmly at you.

"I'll have Kito-san bring your bags up." You heard another booming knock. "Oh, I wonder who else just arrived. Come with me." She took hold of your wrist, pulling you from the majestic landscape.

***

The first two weeks flew by. Izuku, Ochako and Tsuyu stayed over at the house. (Ochako fainted when she walked in for the first time.) You went to the beach nearly every day, rode bikes down to the quaint downtown, took walks along the seashore and helped as much as you could around the house.

You, Ochako and Tsuyu seemed the most adept at cooking and took it upon yourself to prepare most of the breakfasts and lunches for the house. The Yaoyorozu chef handled dinner each night, which was always delicious. As an added bonus you took the time to develop your dessert skills and the house was soon filled with a constant supply of cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and your favorite caramels. Kito-san had been kind enough to offer to send the excess in care packages. You happily boxed up sweets to Bakugou, your mother, and the rest of the squad, knowing Kaminari would appreciate them the most.

You not so subtly pushed Ochako to go on solo walks with Izuku or sat them together at dinner. You were fairly certain you saw him take her hand at one point, but you didn't want to make a big deal about it. She'd let you know if she needed to talk.

Everyone fell into lazy summer morning routines, rarely making much noise until nine or ten, except you. You refused to close the blinds in your room, so every morning you awoke to a glorious sunrise over the water streaming through your windows. You'd stare out at the sunrise for ten, sometimes twenty minutes before you finally pulled yourself from the downy comforter.

You made a habit of running on the beach barefoot before the sun rose too high in the sky. The resistance of the sand made your legs ache in a good way. Once back in front of the mansion you'd toss off your shorts and tank, remaining only in a racing one-piece you'd found in the 'guest closet', and swim out to a tall green buoy about 500 meters off shore. If you were feeling good, you'd swim out twice. Your body exhausted, you'd make your way back into your room and take a cold shower in the open stall, letting the salty sea water run off your body and out of your hair.

By the time you were done, you'd throw on a bikini and wrap, grab a book or manga and make your way to the back porch with a cup of green tea. After an hour or so of reading you'd pull out your phone and get your first taste of your explosive boy for the day.

AngryKitten: My nana is driving me fucking crazy.

You: Why's that?

AngryKitten: She keeps trying to shove food into my mouth like I'm a fucking infant. I'm going to rip out her dentures and blast them into that old crone's face!

You: Note to self. Don't feed you like a toddler. Got it.

AngryKitten: At least if you were here, we could make fun of her together. My mom just keeps smacking me if I even look at her funny.

You: Aww I miss you too Kitten.

AngryKitten: I SAID NO PET NAMES!

You: And I said I don't give a shit what you say.

You: Wanna hear something adorable?

AngryKitten: Not really.

You: I saw Izuku and Ochako hold hands on the beach.

AngryKitten: Why the FUCK are you telling me about Deku's love life?

You: Because it's cute.

AngryKitten: It is ABSOLUTELY NOT FUCKING CUTE and I will block you if you tell me anything else about those idiots!

You: You wouldn't dare. How else would I send you pictures of my new bikini?

AngryKitten: Send now.

You: Maybe later.

AngryKitten: SEND. NOW.

You: Gotta go. Miss you. Bye!

You smiled down at your phone. Bakugou would be in Hokkaido visiting his grandparents for these first two weeks and then had been asked to work on patrols at the Endeavor agency he'd interned at last winter. You wouldn't see him for over a month, so these small interactions were all you had to look forward to.

***

Izuku, Tsuyu and Ochako had left after two weeks of vacation to go spend time with their families. You greeted Kouda, Tokoyami, and Shouji when they arrived the day after.

Tokoyami's aversions to sunny beach activities led you to take the boys on more hikes and bike rides in the surrounding mountains. You even took a day trip to Hakone and hiked around the low areas of Mt. Fuji. Kouda made friends with all the wildlife and the birds shepherded you through an unmarked trail to a hidden waterfall.

AngryKitten: You trying to make me fat Ashtray? This is the fifth box of cookies.

You: I think what you're trying to say is thank you.

You: And yes. If you're fat, then I won't have to worry about city girls trying to steal you away ;)

AngryKitten: I can't help that I'm the best.

You: Oh, that's right. Nevermind. Once you open your mouth, they'll be turned off. What was I so afraid of?

AngryKitten: Fuck your cookies.

You chuckled and rolled your eyes. You would have paid to see Bakugou's classic glare in that moment.

You: I saw Mt. Fuji today.

AngryKitten: Don't you see Fuji every day? You can see it from the bay.

You: Well, yes. But it was way closer today.

AngryKitten: I'm gonna climb it one day.

You: You like mountain climbing?

AngryKitten: Do you even listen when I speak Ashtray? Yes, I've always liked climbing.

You: Then I'll come with you.

AngryKitten: No.

You: Why not?

You: You don't want me to interrupt one of your bro dates with Kiri?

AngryKitten: Fuck off with that shit.

AngryKitten: You'll slow me down.

You: I will not you asshole.

AngryKitten: Send me a pic and I'll reconsider.

You: Right now?

AngryKitten: Yes.

You: But I just got out of the shower. I'm only in a towel.

AngryKitten: SEND!

You: You first.

A moment later you received an image of Bakugou's devilishly handsome face sneering into camera. He was dressed in his hero costume. He must have just gotten off a patrol.

You: Why aren't you smiling?

AngryKitten: Because I don't have a picture of you in a towel.

While you thought better of it you figured it couldn't hurt to send something. You draped your still damp hair over one shoulder and held the fluffy white towel just above your breasts, a peek of cleavage visible but ensuring you weren't exposed. He would be able to see the dark freckles that now dotted your sun-kissed nose and shoulders. You decided to tease the boy a bit and held the edge of the towel between your teeth. You took a few shots with a mischievous grin on your face. You pressed send.

AngryKitten: GOD FUCKING DAMMIT! I'M IN PUBLIC! HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO WALK AROUND NOW?!

You bit your lip at the thought of causing your boyfriend such a reaction.

You: Do I get one of you smiling now?

Bakugou send a new photo, this time with a close-lipped smirk.

AngryKitten: You'll get a full smile if you drop the towel.

You: I'll talk to you later you dirty boy. Eat your cookies.

You missed him terribly. It hadn't dawned on you until this break that other than the six day period where he hadn't talked to you, you'd never truly been apart. You'd gotten so comfortable being able to sit next to him, tease him, feel his ever-present warmth when he wrapped his arms around you.

***

The rest of your classmates cycled through the house – Iida, Hagakure, Satou, Ojiro and Aoyama each stayed for some period of time, overlapping for a few days. You had become the secondary hostess and designated tour guide.

You met Yaoyorozu's parents the fifth week. They stopped by for a quick overnight visit to see their daughter and check on the house. Yaoyorozu had introduced you and you found yourself thanking them profusely for letting you stay. They waved it away as if a two-month vacation in a beach mansion with servants wasn't a big deal to a teenager. As a small sign of gratitude, you spent a good portion of the day cooking up American treats for them to take back to their main house in Tokyo, having finally mastered your apple crumble.

That was the worst night, as Yaoyorozu went back with them and you were left alone in the house. She wouldn't return for four days, so you found yourself mindlessly wandering the giant space alone. After having constant friends near you, the emptiness felt wrong. You told Kito-san you wouldn't need him or the rest of the staff, as it was just you and you could wash and clean yourself, but he insisted on staying.

The house was so quiet at night. Only the faint hum of the air conditioners broke the silence. It was eerie to sleep in a place so still.

You: You up?

AngryKitten: It's late.

You: I can't sleep.

AngryKitten: Why?

You: I'm all alone. In this big house. It's very unnerving.

AngryKitten: Pretend I'm with you.

You: How do I do that?

AngryKitten: I'm laying next to you and we're watching those stupid cat videos you keep making me watch.

AngryKitten: You're only wearing my t-shirt with those red panties again.

You: Is this gonna turn into something sexy?

AngryKitten: It might if you don't interrupt me.

You blushed at your screen. You could almost see Bakugou's smirk in your mind. You got a devilish idea and jumped out of bed and rummaged through the dresser in your giant walk-in closet. You pulled out a black band t-shirt that you'd stolen when Bakugou wasn't looking and found your lacy red underwear. You threw them on and snapped a picture lying in bed. Send.

You: Like this?

AngryKitten: DAMMIT ASHTRAY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME GO CRAZY?!!

AngryKitten: And wait, DID YOU STEAL MY FUCKING SHIRT?!

You laughed as you pulled the neck of the shirt to your nose, breathing in the familiar scent of gunpowder and caramel. It was like he really was there with you.

You: What are you wearing in this scenario?

You were not prepared for the tantalizing shirtless photograph you received. His sweats hung so low you could see the v-lines of his hips. His hair was tussled from laying in pillows and he smirked, his seductive canine showing from the corner of his lips. You threw your phone into the downy blankets, almost embarrassed you'd played along, a fresh blush creeping up your neck.

You: Can I start a petition for you to never put a shirt on?

AngryKitten: Can I?

Your conversation went on into the wee hours of the morning, each teasing the other, taking progressively more scandalous photos and saying things your mothers would certainly have disapproved of reading.

After he signed off, you found yourself scrolling through all your messages from the last few weeks. To anyone else reading them it would surely seem like you did nothing but bicker and tease one another, but you smiled at every line. Your fingertips stopped on key words and phrases, all little notes that showed that he was always thinking about you, always wishing you could experience things with him. You missed him. And if you were being honest with yourself, you were falling in love with him.

***

When Yaoyorozu arrived a few days later, Todoroki was with her. You chose not to comment at their easy touches and quiet conversations as you made your way silently through the large house. You were happy for them. Todoroki deserved someone who looked at him like he was the sun, and Yaoyorozu deserved someone who would truly treat her like a lady.

While they always tried to include you, you opted to stay back. It was new and shiny and lovely to see them together, but it also made your heart ache for when you'd get to see Bakugou again.

The countdown for the following week was ticking in your head. The time almost seemed to slow to push your inevitable reunion further away. But you tried to use the time to rest, train, and fully take in the calm of the house. You knew you wouldn't get the same peace and quiet once the squad showed up.

***

"Sir, a new distributor has been established. And don't worry, I've personally ensured delivery this time. We're ready to send out more units." Janus walked toward a large cabinet at the side of the room. She opened the door and pulled out a plastic bag filled with computer chips.

"Not those." The Hacker's voice echoed in the dim room.

"Have they not been altered yet, sir?" She held up the bag, inspecting the contents.

"I've modified the code. I'll be sending you out with a new batch tomorrow." He faced his many computer screens, not making eye contact with his blonde subordinate.

"What was wrong with the paralysis quirk you imbued into all the previous chips?"

THE HACKER—QUIRK: ELECTRO-QUIRK MANIPULATION. THE HACKER CAN IMBUE TECHNOLOGY WITH THE QUIRKS OF PEOPLE HE TOUCHES. HE CAN EVEN COMBINE MULTIPLE QUIRKS INTO ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY. THE INFUSED QUIRKS WILL TRIGGER ONCE THE TECHNOLOGY IS ACTIVATED (TURNED ON, GIVEN THE CORRECT SIGNAL, ETC).

"While I added an enhancement quirk to the chip with paralysis, the effects still only lasted two or three days. I've found something a bit longer lasting." He pressed a key and a buzzer sounded. "Come in dear."

A moment later a young girl entered the dark space. She was tall and slim, with curly, shoulder length green hair and coal-black eyes. Her silhouette shone on the wall opposite the monitors, further elongating her shadow.

"Janus, I'd like you to meet our newest member, Medusa." Janus took a tentative step, her cane clicking on the hard ground. She looked warily at her boss before scanning the girl who couldn't even be out of middle school, standing firm to give the appearance of age and strength. Her gaze landed on the girl's face.

"You're brave," Medusa said, her voice high and breathy with just a hint of a lisp. Janus' brow furrowed. "Most people know better than to make eye contact with me." She smiled playfully, but it didn't reach those dark eyes.

"Medusa will be contributing to our new chips," The Hacker spoke. "After all, there are few things more permanent than stone."