[Mike holds Bakugo a little longer after he awkwardly returns the hug and finishes speaking. Mike knows he does need this. He needs it quite a lot. He sighs and pulls back slowly. He looks down at Bakugo for a silent moment.]
Thank you. I really appreciate it. More than I can really say. I do want you safe. That's the crux of it. You're a good kid and you deserve to be happy and safe. Well as safe as a hero fighting powerful villains can be. Not wrapped in bubble wrap.
[Katsuki allows Mike to hug him as long as he needs, just waiting it out patiently and quietly. And when he does pull back, and look down at him, Katsuki looks back up at him with this stern yet soft expression. A slightly worried look, from a child who just wants their father figure to be okay.]
I know. I know you just wanna make sure I'll be okay. I get it, and I'm not mad at it.
[There's a few people he'd be annoyed at if they said the same thing to him. But he's never upset when a mentor is just looking out for him. It's their job, and expected of them to worry at least a little. And obviously he has a soft spot for Mike, too.]
But you're a good person too, Mike. You deserve to be just as happy and safe as I do.
[Katsuki's sure there's many people who would agree with him.]
[Mike has a lot of thoughts and feelings buzzing around inside of him. He sucks in a breath and lets it out slowly. Trying to calm the storm of internal bees that are inside. At least he can hear Bakugo still. He swallows.]
Thank you. I don't often feel like a good person inside sometimes. I know a good handful of people who would say I am but I don't often feel it.
[Mike follows and sits at the table. He watches Bakugo move and then those words come out and he blinks once, twice. Did that just happen? He feels his heart almost break. But in a good way.]
That's a big step...Katsuki. Do I need to add kun at the end? I know Japanese. Mom made me learn a lot of languages.
I know this is important. Thank you again, Katsuki.
[Katsuki thinks for a moment about that question, if he should add -kun to the end or not. Usually, if it's an adult calling a child by their first name then yeah he'd add it. However...]
...well. Parents don't use -kun.
[Now that the kettle is full, he'll go put it down and turn it on. And then turn to look at Mike while he speaks to him, leaning his back against the counter as he does.]
I mean, it doesn't really matter to me either way. But if we're going to pretend like we have some kind of dad-and-son bond while we're both stuck here together... don't use it.
[Bakugo has unlocked the true dad tier. Mike's eyes widen as the dots connect. This is not what he expected from this conversation but there it is. Out in the open.]
Just Katsuki it is. [Because is he going to jump go with this? You bet your ass he is. ]
I should introduce you to some people then. If you feel up to it today. Got people from my world here. A couple of friends and my son.
Oh and Emeth at some point. He's a permanently ten year old girl in the castle I'm staying at.
[Katsuki can't hide how sheepish he feels when he's welcomed like that, so quick and easy. He has to look away, but the way his ears were red shows how he's feeling. But he's also... happy. A little bit!! He feels like this was okay, and kind of a natural progression of their relationship anyway. He'll allow this man to be his substitute dad, while his real one isn't around. It wasn't what he expected at all when he first responded to Mike's call for a sparring partner-- but it's not unwelcome.
This place works in very weird and mysterious ways, anyway.]
I've talked to the kid already. She told me that you were a "Prince of Magic"... now I get why.
[But he doesn't want to dwell on that subject more, so quickly he moves along.]
I'll meet whoever you want, though. Just make sure they know I'm easy to piss off ahead of time.
[Katsuki will definitely do his best to be polite. But he can't promise he won't snap if someone tests him...]
[Katsuki is a young man who doesn't fully know how to deal with softness. Which makes sense given what he knows. And he will help his new adopted son learn to feel that kind of softness and still be strong.]
She's a sweetheart. Yeah. She is from a world with kings and stuff so I went with Prince of Magic to help her understand why I was living at the castle.
And the others I'm planning for are good at not pushing buttons on purpose. Unless you piss them off.
Cole is the big one. Fair warning for him though. He's from my world and has a crazy ass past too. Kid was kidnapped by fairies.
And then there is my biological son Max. He is kind of a fairy now but other things. He can probably explain it better than I can. I'll tell him to not piss you off on purpose. He is a shit stirrer.
[Katsuki nods along as Mike starts to list off the different people he wants Katsuki to meet. Emeth, the apparently permanent ten year old from a world with kings and queen. A guy named Cole, who's from Mike's world and has been kidnapped before. Katsuki immediately feels some empathy for him, as he had been kidnapped himself. In fact, when the word "kidnapped" is mentioned Katsuki visibly straightens his posture up and looks a bit more alert. Listening more intently as he describes the last person. His real son, Max.
It's good that his biological son was here with him, Katsuki thinks. He'd imagine Mike freaking out at the idea of leaving his son behind with that evil wench still there... so he feels a sense of relief for him.
...and also feels a need to compete with Max. But he ignores that. Katsuki's not Mike's real son!! He doesn't need to be jealous!!!!]
What are fairies like? I've only seen them in movies or video games.
[Katsuki is curious, since Cole had been kidnapped by them and Max was apparently one himself. Is Max itty bitty then? Like how fairies usually are in media???]
Fairies are weird. They're not like in the movies or video games. Not really. They're creatures who have Titles. These names or well titles that give them power. The Queen of Magic is a fairy title my mother stole. So she is now Queen of Magic and has rules she has to follow.
Same with others. Cole could explain it better than I can. But they also have a lot of power. In their realm of Arcadia, they have complete control of everything. And I mean everything. They write the story, the rules, and it just happens.
They don't have a lot of weaknesses either. Cold iron is the biggest one.
Apropos of Nothing, what flavors do you like in cake?
[Katsuki listens as he gets a couple of cups ready for the two, while the water in the electric kettle finishes boiling. So, fairies aren't like how they are in media. They have these roles, or "titles" as they're called, and each one has a set of rules to follow. And they also have their own realm where they have complete and utter control over everything? Yeah, that's definitely not alike the fairies Katsuki has seen on TV. And he'll definitely have some questions for Cole, since he seems to know more.
He's about to ask Mike if they're tiny, because that's the biggest thing he's curious about, but then Mike switches the subject and asks about Katsuki's favourite cake. It's extremely obvious why he'd be asking, and Katsuki's immediate reaction is to make a face as he expects some kind of party to go with that cake.]
None of 'em.
[Which isn't a lie that he's saying to try and get Mike not to make him one. He just.. doesn't enjoy sweet stuff..]
If you're thinking of making me somethin' for my birthday, you'd be better off giving it to someone else. I don't like sweets.
[He likes red bean buns... but that's not a cake!]
[Mike is glad to answer more fairy questions but right now, cake seems like a more fun conversation. Which it is given Bakugo's sudden distain.]
I see. So is it just the sweetness or also the texture? Just want to make sure here. You know you can make cake spicy and savory and stuff. Just defends on how you make it.
[PICKY CHILD... though as he's saying that, he's making a cup of coffee for himself. Even though he doesn't like it... but he's making one because Mike is also making a cup!!]
[Mike can work with that. Super sour. Add in the others. Oh he can definitely work with that. Prepare, Bakugo, for the best dessert you'd ever fucking had.]
Any thing besides flavors you won't eat? Being a picky eater an all. Last food question or we're both gonna get hungry.
[Katsuki smiles for just a moment at Mike's last comment about them getting hungry-- it just felt like such a dad thing to say. And asking in general what foods Katsuki doesn't like. Was he planning on making a whole ass meal??]
...well... I don't like the fatty parts on meat. Or raw mushrooms. Or nuts.
[Just some random foods he doesn't usually partake in.]
And I don't really like greens, either. But I eat 'em anyway 'cuz they're supposed to be good for me.
[He's very serious about his health and what he eats!!]
[A birthday boy gets a birthday meal. And clearly Bakugo has particular tastes. Which Mike wants to take into account for when he cooks. And probably has a chef's son help to make sure it's perfect.]
Got it it all in here. [He taps the side of his head.]
I'd ask how you are with surprises but I have a feeling the answer is explosive. So on your birthday, I am coming over with a meal and a cake and we'll just sit and talk the two of us. Then you can open your presents from me. Sound good, son?
[Good guess on the surprise part!! Katsuki loathes surprises... he's the kind of person who likes to be prepared at all times. So when people suddenly spring things on him, even positive, he usually reacts horribly. Extremely angry.
He appreciates that Mike instead just cuts to it and tells him what he has planned. And it sounds... nice. Katsuki might not like parties, but he doesn't mind a one on one meeting. And of course, even mean ol' Kacchan likes presents too.]
...yeah, that sounds good. D-Dad.
[Katsuki says it a little awkwardly, and while looking the other direction to hide how shy he felt saying "dad". It'll be easier the more he says it!!]
Um... thanks. For wanting to do that with me in the first place.
[It isn't a hard thing to guess. Bakugo doesn't like parties, is picky, and not used to big displays of affection. Surprise parties would slam all of those. Which is why Mike is going to do something small, just them. A first year birthday for the two of them.]
Good and you're welcome. A dad should make sure his son is happy for things like his birthday.
But I reserve the right to embarrass you even when it's just us.
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Thank you. I really appreciate it. More than I can really say. I do want you safe. That's the crux of it. You're a good kid and you deserve to be happy and safe. Well as safe as a hero fighting powerful villains can be. Not wrapped in bubble wrap.
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I know. I know you just wanna make sure I'll be okay. I get it, and I'm not mad at it.
[There's a few people he'd be annoyed at if they said the same thing to him. But he's never upset when a mentor is just looking out for him. It's their job, and expected of them to worry at least a little. And obviously he has a soft spot for Mike, too.]
But you're a good person too, Mike. You deserve to be just as happy and safe as I do.
[Katsuki's sure there's many people who would agree with him.]
Remember that.
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Thank you. I don't often feel like a good person inside sometimes. I know a good handful of people who would say I am but I don't often feel it.
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[Katsuki can tell that Mike is a bit overwhelmed, and it makes him feel a little guilty. So he looks to the kitchen for a moment before back at Mike.]
...do you want something to drink? I can make some tea or get you some water.
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[Katsuki hates coffee, but he'll make some for Mike. He motions for him to follow, as he goes to the kitchen and prepares an electric kettle.]
...by the way. I want you to call me "Katsuki" from now on.
[The boy says this as he turns on his tap, and then holds the kettle under it to fill it.]
It's my first name. And in Japan, you only let people you really care about call you by your first name.
[And after today he thinks Mike has officially leveled up when it comes to how much he cares about him.]
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That's a big step...Katsuki. Do I need to add kun at the end? I know Japanese. Mom made me learn a lot of languages.
I know this is important. Thank you again, Katsuki.
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...well. Parents don't use -kun.
[Now that the kettle is full, he'll go put it down and turn it on. And then turn to look at Mike while he speaks to him, leaning his back against the counter as he does.]
I mean, it doesn't really matter to me either way. But if we're going to pretend like we have some kind of dad-and-son bond while we're both stuck here together... don't use it.
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Just Katsuki it is. [Because is he going to jump go with this? You bet your ass he is. ]
I should introduce you to some people then. If you feel up to it today. Got people from my world here. A couple of friends and my son.
Oh and Emeth at some point. He's a permanently ten year old girl in the castle I'm staying at.
Welcome to the family, Son.
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This place works in very weird and mysterious ways, anyway.]
I've talked to the kid already. She told me that you were a "Prince of Magic"... now I get why.
[But he doesn't want to dwell on that subject more, so quickly he moves along.]
I'll meet whoever you want, though. Just make sure they know I'm easy to piss off ahead of time.
[Katsuki will definitely do his best to be polite. But he can't promise he won't snap if someone tests him...]
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She's a sweetheart. Yeah. She is from a world with kings and stuff so I went with Prince of Magic to help her understand why I was living at the castle.
And the others I'm planning for are good at not pushing buttons on purpose. Unless you piss them off.
Cole is the big one. Fair warning for him though. He's from my world and has a crazy ass past too. Kid was kidnapped by fairies.
And then there is my biological son Max. He is kind of a fairy now but other things. He can probably explain it better than I can. I'll tell him to not piss you off on purpose. He is a shit stirrer.
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It's good that his biological son was here with him, Katsuki thinks. He'd imagine Mike freaking out at the idea of leaving his son behind with that evil wench still there... so he feels a sense of relief for him.
...and also feels a need to compete with Max. But he ignores that. Katsuki's not Mike's real son!! He doesn't need to be jealous!!!!]
What are fairies like? I've only seen them in movies or video games.
[Katsuki is curious, since Cole had been kidnapped by them and Max was apparently one himself. Is Max itty bitty then? Like how fairies usually are in media???]
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Same with others. Cole could explain it better than I can. But they also have a lot of power. In their realm of Arcadia, they have complete control of everything. And I mean everything. They write the story, the rules, and it just happens.
They don't have a lot of weaknesses either. Cold iron is the biggest one.
Apropos of Nothing, what flavors do you like in cake?
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He's about to ask Mike if they're tiny, because that's the biggest thing he's curious about, but then Mike switches the subject and asks about Katsuki's favourite cake. It's extremely obvious why he'd be asking, and Katsuki's immediate reaction is to make a face as he expects some kind of party to go with that cake.]
None of 'em.
[Which isn't a lie that he's saying to try and get Mike not to make him one. He just.. doesn't enjoy sweet stuff..]
If you're thinking of making me somethin' for my birthday, you'd be better off giving it to someone else. I don't like sweets.
[He likes red bean buns... but that's not a cake!]
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I see. So is it just the sweetness or also the texture? Just want to make sure here. You know you can make cake spicy and savory and stuff. Just defends on how you make it.
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[He's a picky child.]
...a spicy cake sounds interesting, though.
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[No sweets for this kid. Seems interested in spicy though.]
Can do. How are you with bitter and spicy?
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[PICKY CHILD... though as he's saying that, he's making a cup of coffee for himself. Even though he doesn't like it... but he's making one because Mike is also making a cup!!]
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[Katsuki has to think for a moment about all the different flavours out there. What else...]
Oh. And I really like sour shit. The kind of stuff that makes your tongue fall off.
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[Mike can work with that. Super sour. Add in the others. Oh he can definitely work with that. Prepare, Bakugo, for the best dessert you'd ever fucking had.]
Any thing besides flavors you won't eat? Being a picky eater an all. Last food question or we're both gonna get hungry.
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...well... I don't like the fatty parts on meat. Or raw mushrooms. Or nuts.
[Just some random foods he doesn't usually partake in.]
And I don't really like greens, either. But I eat 'em anyway 'cuz they're supposed to be good for me.
[He's very serious about his health and what he eats!!]
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Got it it all in here. [He taps the side of his head.]
I'd ask how you are with surprises but I have a feeling the answer is explosive. So on your birthday, I am coming over with a meal and a cake and we'll just sit and talk the two of us. Then you can open your presents from me. Sound good, son?
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He appreciates that Mike instead just cuts to it and tells him what he has planned. And it sounds... nice. Katsuki might not like parties, but he doesn't mind a one on one meeting. And of course, even mean ol' Kacchan likes presents too.]
...yeah, that sounds good. D-Dad.
[Katsuki says it a little awkwardly, and while looking the other direction to hide how shy he felt saying "dad". It'll be easier the more he says it!!]
Um... thanks. For wanting to do that with me in the first place.
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Good and you're welcome. A dad should make sure his son is happy for things like his birthday.
But I reserve the right to embarrass you even when it's just us.
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you ever flip a coin to decide if a character is lactose intolerant
I have not but flipping a coin is so valid. Done it for other things
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