Ground Zero kicked the door open, moving carefully not to bump anywhere the box he was carrying, despite the initial brusqueness.

Feeble whining came from it as he crossed the dark hall, following the golden pools of light that the Christmas Tree projected from the living room.

«Fine, fine.» he grumbled between his teeth «You are in the warmth now, let me just google what the hell you guys need to survive.»

Entering the largest room, mildly lit by the Christmas lights that you insisted in arranging, Bakugo Katsuki froze for a second.

He was expecting to be completely alone in the house.

After all, he was the one who dug his heels in working on Christmas Eve instead of spending it with you, starting that stupid fight.

And yet, there you were, asleep on the armchair like a goddamn cat, still wearing your hero outfit.

A higher-pitched whimper erupted from the box and he cursed, lightly shaking it.

«Shush!»

«...Katsuki?»

You rubbed your eyes and blinked, turning to the shadow on the entrance.

He pressed his lips together.

«Yeah.»

You frowned when you noticed the box.

«What's that?»

«Hum, just something I found.»

He placed it on the floor, and the lid jumped. Your eyes widened.

«Something?»

You slid down the armchair and opened it.

One of the three puppies inside pulled back, frightened.

«Oh. My. Goood!» you squealed «Who are these fluffy guys??»

«Some bastard left them at the edge of the street.»

«What the fuck?»

«Oh, but I saw him.»

Detaching your eyes from the pups, you glanced at your man.

His signature crooked smirk hovered on his mouth. His mask was loose around his neck, but he was still wearing his hero costume, and some minor bruises adorned his face.

«And...?»

«Unfortunately I can't kill that scum, but I scared the shit out of him. I don't think he will do this crap ever again.»

You smiled at him fondly.

Bakugo might seem a harsh guy (or pro hero), but you knew he had a kind heart.

Like you knew why he insisted in working on Christmas Eve.

During those days, the streets were awfully short in heroes, and crimes risked to go unpunished, or someone could get hurt.

Of course Deku was working as well, but with the two best heroes patrolling the town, villains thought twice of starting shit during Christmas.

You turned back to the little dogs, who were staring at you with big humid eyes.

One of them was brave enough to move some trembling steps closer and give a tentative sniff to your hand.

You giggled and scratched his head. He jumped, at first, but soon his tail started wiggling around.

«The kennel was overwhelmed and wouldn't take them.» Bakugo growled, moving his gaze to the side and curling his lips.

«Aww, you're as cute as these little guys!» you cooed, finally lifting one in your arms and cuddling your face in his long fur.

«I'M NOT CUTE!» he snapped, as always.

You snickered and got back to your feet.

«We should have some milk powder to dilute. You pups must be hungry.»

Still pouting, the hero followed your movements around the living room and the adjacent kitchen while you prepared a liquid meal for the puppies.

His gaze softened without him even noticing.

«What are you doing here?» he lowly asked.

You stopped, turning to him.

«Mm?»

«Why are you home? I thought you were to spend Christmas Eve with your family.»

You chuckled and shrugged, reprising your work.

«I figured the city could use one more hero tonight. You and Deku didn't leave me much work anyway.»

Bakugo frowned.

He knew you as well and, while he didn't doubt your words, he had the feeling that it wasn't all.

You probably didn't want him to come back to an empty house, even after all his yelling.

He walked over your moving figure.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around your waist, and lips brushed your bare shoulder.

Your heart raced in your chest, like every time.

You still couldn't believe that Bakugo Katsuki, aka Ground Zero, the number 2 hero in the whole country, chose to love you.

An involuntary grin bent the corners of your mouth and your fingers entangled with his fiery blond hair.

«Shall we feed the kids and then take out these outfits?»

You felt his smirk against your skin sending shivers down your spine.

«I like this plan.»

Smelling the milk in the air, the three cubs started whining loudly all together.

Bakugo scoffed behind you.

«Here you go, daddy.» you sneered, turning in his hold and shoving a warm bottle in his hand «Do your hero job and feed the children.»

His wide eyes dropped on the milk.

«You're kidding, aren't you, woman?»

You patted his arm and moved to the box.

«Ups, some of them left some more gifts here inside.»

He growled in frustration.

«Merry Christmas, King Explosion Murder.»

«Merry Christmas, you beautiful bitch.»