♡ Second Chances ♡

♡ Second Chances ♡

♡ Katsuki Bakugo ♡

♡ Cw: gender neutral reader, villain reader, bad mental health, bullying, language, angst, no happy ending ♡

♡ 3.7k words ♡

♡ I think I might turn this into a series... thoughts are appreciated because I liked this a lot! ♡

Your footsteps made soft thuds against the pavement. Your walks home after school were always lonely and quiet, but you preferred them that way.

"Hey, look who it is," you hated the voice that rang out behind you.

Why here? Why now?

You only wished you could curl up into a ball and let the world swallow you. It would be easier than the encounter that was about to happen.

"What the hell do you want, Bakugo?" you snapped as you turned to face the blond and his friends.

They walked towards you surrounding you.

"What's this?" Bakugo asked taking some of your belongings from your hands.

"Give it back," you demanded while reaching forwards toward your things.

Bakugo was just much quicker and stronger than you were. He pushed you away while moving your things further away.

His shove was harder than intended. It sent you crashing into the pavement below you. You let out a small noise in pain and shock when you hit the ground.

"Aw, are you gonna cry about it?" Bakugo asked towering over you.

Your bottom lip trembled slightly as tears did begin to well up in your eyes, but you swore not to let him see how he got to you. You clenched your hands into fists as your blood boiled.

"Just leave me alone, Bakugo," you snapped. "I would never cry over someone stupid like you."

His face went into shock with everyone else's. Even you were a bit surprised at your outburst, but it was the only way you could stop from crying. However, it was out of character for you.

"You hear that, guys?" Bakugo taunted lowering himself to your height on the ground. "They think they're all tough now. Is that what you think? You're tough?"

"N-no," you stuttered.

He laughed leaning backwards in an overexaggerated manner, "How pathetic."

He dropped your things in front of you. All your belongings scattered all over the sidewalk.

You began picking up your things trying to keep yourself together.

"What a freak," you heard Bakugo laugh out as he walked away.

Both of his friends who were with him were laughing uncontrollably.

What a freak.

That phrase echoed in your mind.

Your feet carried you home without much or any thought to it. You were focused on him.

What had you ever done to deserve this hate? You were top of your class and had a very impressive quirk, yet you still received more hate from everyone than even someone like Deku. It didn't matter. Who cares what they all thought? They're the... freaks.

It was dark all around. There was a dim light that beamed from right overhead. Silence filled the room. There was a thick air to everything that was happening.

The door opened. Your head snapped in its direction.

In walked none other than the pro hero you wanted to see least of all.

Katsuki Bakugo.

"Y/N?" he questioned.

"Yeah," you rolled your eyes.

"What the hell are you doing getting caught up in this mess?" he asked sitting across the table from you.

He still threw his weight around as if he owned whatever space he was in. He had a different air about him now. He was a bit calmer, but you could still sense his tense nature. He hadn't changed that much.

"I don't know what you're talking about," you shrugged.

He sighed, "We know you're not innocent. We caught you in the act."

"You didn't catch me doing anything," you snarked.

He got up with an annoyed groan.

You flinched a bit half-expecting more of the assault he caused you as kids.

Instead, he moved to the corner of the room. He shut off the camera that was in the corner. Then he shut off the blinds to the large window opposite you and the small one on the door. Then, he unplugged a recording device at the end of the table.

Finally, he sat across from you again.

"This is off the record now," he spoke. "What happened? What's going on? If someone put you up to this all you have to do is-"

You started laughing interrupting him.

"What?" he asked.

You calmed down a bit, "You really think that someone put me up to this?"

He paused for a moment, "Well, you were so determined back when we were kids to become a hero. You had an amazing quirk. I just-I guess I assumed that you-"

"Don't assume," you snapped.

"So, you meant to do all of this?"

"Of course I did."

"Why? What happened?"

"Why would you care what happened to a freak?"

It hit him like a load of bricks right to the skull.

"No," he breathed out.

You smirked and leaned back in the chair, "That's right, Bakugo. You the number two pro hero helped in my villain story."

"I didn't think you wou-I mean we were just kids," he explained.

"Words hurt," you spoke.

"I never knew," he said as if he was putting everything together... and he was. "I was so stupid back then."

"Seems you aren't much better now," you snarked.

He just looked at you.

"What?" you asked. "Did you think I would turn out a success story like Deku?"

"I didn't think you would turn out like this," he admitted.

You shrugged, "No one did."

There was a knock on the door.

"Guess your time here is up," you sighed out in relief.

"Come in," he said.

"We can't allow you any more time," another man said from just outside the door.

Bakugo got up and slumped over, "Yeah, yeah, I know."

He walked out sulking.

"Can't I just do jail time instead?" you groaned.

"It's crucial to the new program we have in place," the man in front of you explained. "This new rehabilitation program for... those who are known lawbreakers."

"You've truly got a way with words don't you?" you rolled your eyes.

The man ignored you and continued, "We've set you up with a hero who we believe will be best to work with you. We hope that you will cooperate and get through this trial period well."

"What if I don't?" you quipped.

"Then you'll be back to jail to serve your time," he explained.

You rolled your eyes with a groan, "Fine. I'll oblige."

"Come on, then," he instructed.

You stood from your seat and followed him.

The hallway which you walked down was dark. The small lights that were along the walls were all tinged yellow. Most of the lights were flickering as if they may go out at any moment.

Great facility they run here.

"Here you are, sir," the man spoke gesturing towards you. "She's all yours."

Your jaw almost hit the floor. You felt your entire body tense. You were seething.

Why him?

"Oh, shit," he muttered.

You turned to the man, "I don't think this is going to work out anymore."

"Did you actually think it would from the start?" Bakugo asked.

You turned quick to glare at him.

The other man chuckled lightheartedly, "If you're referring to your prior history with each other we are well aware and think that it might aid in your rehabilitation."

"Fat chance," you spat.

"Come on," Bakugo snarked.

There was a woman who came to meet with you both. She placed a tracker on you and explained to both of you how it would work.

"So, you're in my custody," Bakugo smirked at you while walking out of the building.

You rolled your eyes, "Don't be so smug about it. I don't plan on making this easy for you."

"Ditto," he nodded. "Come on."

You followed him down the street, "So, what are we doing today?"

"You'll see," he waved you off.

His entire demeanor over this infuriated you. He was such an ass back in school and now here he was getting everything you had ever wanted. No one knew who he really was. It frustrated you to no end. The world must see him as someone so different.

"Here we go," he spoke turning into a very large building.

You looked up to see the large lettering. Must have been some hero agency. Maybe even the one he worked for.

"Where are we?" you asked walking to catch up with him.

"My hero agency," he spoke.

"You're joking," you scoffed.

"Bakugo," a man with bright red hair beamed as he walked towards you both.

"What do you want, shitty hair?" Bakugo groaned.

Huh, who was that?

"Is this the one you were talking about?" the red-haired man asked.

He was a tall figure whose smile should have been terrifying with his sharp teeth barred, but it was warm and inviting somehow. He had bright red eyes that matched his hair. Over one of his eyes was a scar... now that you were looking over his body he had a few scars.

"I'm Kirishima," he beamed. "It's so nice to meet you."

His hand was outstretched towards yours. He looked so happy and excited.

You reached out your hand to take his, "Y/N."

"So, I hear that you and Bakugo went to school together," he started.

"Yeah," you scoffed.

"I bet he was just as peachy back then as he is now," Kirishima winked.

"We've got things to do," Bakugo groaned walking off.

You walked quickly to match his pace.

"He seemed nice," you smirked. "Unlikely that someone like him is friends with you."

Bakugo sighed, "He's my best friend."

"Even surpassing Deku," you chuckled.

"Shut it," he growled pushing you into an office.

You looked around. Everything in the room was so nice and neat and in perfect order.

"Whose office?" you asked.

"Mine," Bakugo shrugged walking towards some drawers.

You scoffed, "No way. Seriously."

"I am serious," he said.

You looked around again. You were slightly stunned that he would have such a nice place. Though, last you remembered he was a bit of a neat freak.

"Here," he spoke throwing some clothes at you.

You quickly grabbed it and held it up. It was a pretty tight looking bodysuit.

"What's this for?" you asked.

"We're going on patrol, and you can't be seen out patrolling in... that," he said gesturing to your jail attire.

You rolled your eyes, "So, where do I change?"

"Here," he shrugged. "I'll turn around."

"As if," you tsked.

"I can't let you out of my sight, so this is the best you'll get," he said turning around.

"I picked the wrong line of work," you groaned.

You quickly changed out of your jail clothes and pulled on the bodysuit.

"Do I get anything to go over this?" you asked.

"In the drawer over there are some other clothes," he waved to where he got the suit from. "Just get something you want to go over that."

"So, if I can pick something else why this then?" you asked.

He walked over to a cabinet and began taking out his own gear and suiting up, "Because it's the new protocol for this program."

"Whatever."

"Think you can keep up?" Bakugo asked as he ran in front of you.

Your eyebrows furrowed and you smirked at him, "You know I can."

"Remember, stay close to me, and don't get involved," he called out over his shoulder.

He started running into the battle that was going on in the middle of town. You were quick to chase after him. If you got too far away from him your tracker would go off which would alert the authorities. After one strike you were back to doing your time. However, you'd be lying if you didn't admit that you liked this.

"Over here," he called.

You quickly caught up to him after he had to make a series of maneuvers. You weren't authorized to use your full quirk abilities, but you were able to score a permit with this release for limited use. With that in mind using your quirk made it much easier to keep up and avoid the battle going on all around you.

"Bakugo, look out!" you yelled out to him.

He directed his attention to the oncoming debris from the battle. He threw a blast at it and was able to shatter it before it had a chance to hit him. Behind him was a group of citizens huddled together trying to take cover. You both had helped to save them.

"Cover me!" he yelled back.

Without missing a beat you were hot on his heels helping him to avoid all the attacks while he worked to take down villains.

Surprisingly, the two of you worked together very well.

Maybe he had changed some.

"Sure, here are the rest of the cuffs I used," Bakugo spoke handing over the quirk cuffs he had used on the villains.

"Y/N!" Kirishima called from behind you.

You turned and waved to him.

"How did you like that?" Kirishima asked.

You had really just come down from the adrenaline rush the battle gave you, but you were honest, "It was something else."

"Had fun, huh?" Bakugo asked nudging your arm.

You rolled your eyes.

"Don't ruin it for her," Kirishima scolded him before turning to you. "You know, you did a really good job saving those people."

"What are you talking about?" you asked.

"Those people that were about to get hit by the debris I crumbled," Bakugo chimed.

"I didn't do anything," you shrugged.

Bakugo rolled his eyes, "Yes, you did. I didn't see it. If it weren't for you, they would have been crushed with me."

"I didn't even realize," you spoke in awe.

"So, you mean to tell me you only yelled to me because it was about to hit me?" Bakugo smirked.

"Don't push it," you snapped.

"Not only that, but you worked to help take down two of the strongest villains we have on the streets right now," Kirishima chimed.

"It was nothing," you waved them off.

Kirishima started walking away when he called over his shoulder, "You two should try and get along better. You make a great team."

You looked over to Bakugo who was looking angrily towards Kirishima.

"I still don't see how someone like him tolerates your attitude," you giggled.

"One could say the same about you," Bakugo snapped.

You just continued to laugh and roll your eyes.

"Come on, loser," Bakugo groaned walking off. "It's about time for you to go back."

It was a fairly quiet walk back to Bakugo's agency. He didn't seem like he was interested in talking to you, and that was alright with you. He hadn't changed much. Maybe to others, he was different, but to you, he was the same.

"Get changed," he told you as you entered his office again.

"Don't we have some time?" you asked.

He sighed, "Being a hero isn't always just fighting. It's a lot of paperwork too."

"Is that what you're going to do now?" you pressed.

He sat down and started taking off some of his gear, "It's what I'm going to do. You're going to get changed and wait on me to finish the initial part of my report."

You sighed.

Still, you changed and plopped down on a chair in front of Bakugo's desk.

You just sat and watched him. There were small scars that littered some of his face, neck, shoulders, and arms that you hadn't noticed before. His eyebrows were furrowed as he stared intently as he typed up his report. That was probably why he had wrinkles around them along with the dark circles that were just starting to become visible under them.

"You should take a picture, it'll last longer," he smirked not looking up at you from his work.

"I was just admiring how ugly you were," you snapped back, crossing your arms and looking away.

"Good come back," he snickered.

There was a softness to him now. He was more relaxed and playful than he had been.

"So, can I ask why you chose the life you did?" he asked.

You thought for a moment about how you wanted to respond, "Because of people like you."

He looked up at you from his computer. He just stared for a moment waiting for you to elaborate.

"Well, you were out to become a great hero, but that didn't stop you from being an ass," you said flatly. "I didn't want to fall into a world with people like you."

"Oh, but villains are so much better?" he snapped back.

You rolled your eyes, "Do you even remember how mean to me you were? All the rude comments. You physically assaulted me on more than one occasion."

"I remember," he spoke.

There was a very slight hint of sadness in his voice. It was as if he really felt something over being so mean to you all those years ago.

"That's it?" you asked.

He sighed, "Look, there isn't going to be much that I can tell you that's going to change your opinion of me, right?"

You just looked at him a little surprised at his answer.

"I can say how sorry I am or how I've changed my ways, but that doesn't change the emotional and physical damage I did to you," he continued. "Why bother with someone who is so far gone? That's why I was against this program, to begin with. People like you will do anything to not own up to your own actions as a bad person."

"I'm the bad person?" you spat.

He scoffed, "Sure, I had my fair share of being a bad person back in the day, but I decided that I wanted to do better with my life. What did you do? Decide that you would cause others pain because it's what you went through. I turned all my hate around and finally put it to good use."

"Are you seriously still trying to make yourself sound better than be?" you snapped.

"No, but if that's how you take it then so be it," he shrugged.

"You have no idea what I went through to be here," you spat standing up out of anger. "I tried to push through and get into a good hero school and I got reject after reject. Most other schools didn't want to take in someone 'so talented'. I spent years trying to get into anything and got rejected for it all. I really never was good enough for anything."

"So why be a villain?" he pressed.

You continued, "I couldn't find work. I was living in the villain districts in town because it was all I could afford. I had to make friends where I could. The streets were scary. I had to make it on my own. No one ever cared about me or what happened to me. I was alone. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Did you try for a hero license?"

"More times than I can count. I got denied every time because of my poor skills with my quirk. I never really learned how to use my quirk how I needed to. I never had the proper training."

"So how did you get so good?"

"Eventually, other 'bad guys' started teaming up with me. Villain organizations will pay out more than you think for help. I started working with others and coordinating moves and quirks to learn how to use my abilities more."

A tear fell from your cheek. It was the first time you noticed you were crying.

"Shit," you mumbled.

"You're right, I didn't know any of that," Bakugo admitted. "Why didn't you ever reach out to anyone?"

You scoffed crossing your arms, "Yeah, like who? My school bully?"

"You didn't have anyone to turn to?" he pressed.

"No," you were practically sobbing at this point. "In fact, I met up with some people we used to go to school with in the villain district. They weren't so surprised to see me. They all understood."

"Others would have understood too."

"Like who? No one wanted to help me. I tried everything. There was no one left. We live in a cruel world, Bakugo. You got the easy route in life. I had to take the hard route and look where it got me. Working under you in a remedial program. Some glorious life I could have had, but you ruined it for me."

There was a knock at the door.

"Sit," Bakugo instructed. "Pull yourself together."

You did as instructed. You felt broken. This had brought up so many old memories and feelings. You hated him. Who cared if he changed? He was still the same person he had been before.

"Sir, it's time for you to leave," the woman who had entered the room spoke. "They're waiting for you and... them."

"We're coming," he nodded.

He watched her leave the room and waited a moment. Then, he looked at you.

"It's time to go," he spoke.

"It's probably for the better," you spat.

The walk back was again quiet. Before had been almost a comfortable silence. This... this was different. ]\=

'[The air was thick. There was an obvious wedge between the two of you that neither of you wanted to address. Instead, you would both rather have walked in uncomfortable silence and tension.

Your lungs felt tight. The air felt thick around you. It was hard for you to catch your breath, but like any other time you held it all in and acted as if everything was fine.

The rest of the day was a blur. You just coasted through on auto-pilot. Nothing mattered anymore. You were again reminded of why you were where you were, and it hurt. However, you were alone in this world. You had no one, and that was alright with you.

Once back in your cell you sat on your bed staring straight out in front of you.

"So, how did things go, sir?" you heard one of the guards ask.

"Fine, I guess," Bakugo spoke. "Though, I don't think it's best if I am paired with them for the program."

"That's sad to hear," the guard replied. "We hoped you both would be great fits for each other because of your past."

Bakugo grunted, "Yeah, that's the problem."

You broke down. You were completely broken. Your one chance at anything close to your dream was gone. You were... alone.