Staying in Inko's tavern showed you a few things, unlike how you watched the workers in your castle. You offered your help, willing to learn a thing or two from the woman. Inko gave you small jobs as she cooked meals. Such as chopping vegetables and breaking off the herbs from their stems. From those lessons, you learned to make several dishes that way you didn't have to survive on Bakugou's rabbit stew all the time. During the day, you've accompanied Bakugou to the markets whilst Inko stayed behind. As you ventured through the village, you followed Bakugou in different stores selling weapons and healing resources. It seemed he was preparing himself to leave for his cave as the next day would be the day his end of the deal was complete.

"And what will you do after tomorrow?" You asked, entering another weapon shop alongside him. Bakugou already felt dissatisfied by what he saw until you approached a table. 

"Why are you gonna miss me, princess?" He questioned, smirking. 

"No. I'm curious that's all." Picking up a sword fashioned in a leather grip and stainless steel. Skimming your fingers along the blade, it felt cold. "While I'm travelling the world I hope to run into you again. That is if you're-"

"After tomorrow, I'm free to do whatever I want. I could go back to my cave before someone steals it or worst, loot my belongings and trade with the closest merchant," Bakugou explained. You twirled the blade in your hand, testing the weight and balance. It came as a surprise when Bakugou watched you, switching the sword for another one slimmer than the last. Watching you gave him another insight into your skills when all you carried was an old dagger.

"Do you think you'll ever return to your kingdom?" You questioned, to which he replied with a shrug of his shoulders, and your focus returned to the weapon in your hand. With the mercenaries and King Enji, you sought defence as your fog of morality challenged the tyrant's thirst for supremacy over your powerful lineage. You didn't learn how to fight till you met Izuku. He taught you everything he learnt from All Might, whom you had no knowledge of until Inko. Your vast knowledge of magic became your strong point; however, your capability was stuck on the basics, healing, and the elements.

"I don't think I'm ready to go back yet. My people have probably forgotten about me," Bakugou confessed. 

You paused, sighing. "I understand, Bakugou but you can't be so sure. I'm sure your people will understand."

"Can't say I agree with you though...you're not wrong I guess." Bakugou huffs, looking down at your hands. You hummed, tapping your nails along the swords until it stops.

"Not that one-" As you were about to pick up another sword, Bakugou abruptly stepped in once and directed your arm towards a different sword that appeared to be the right size. "This one looks good enough,"

Your eyes glared between the blade and his hand still sitting on your arm. Mumbling thanking him, you grasped the grip running your hand along the edge. "It's been a while since I carried a sword,"

"You know how to use it?" Bakugou stepped away, allowing you to examine the sword. He was putting his teaching methods into use. He did the same with halflings his age and under to one day join his dragon legion. It was a job of his, plus he enjoyed the spar matches that sent his soldiers flying, proclaiming him the winner. There's the ring of fire where he really puts his skills to the test. It wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two from him.

"Izuku taught me all that he knew," You hummed, swinging the sword as normal. Already, Bakugou noticed your stance was a bit off, especially your hips. Rolling his eyes, he mentally cursed Izuku and his teaching skills.

"Of course he did. That's why your stance is off-" Bakugou clicked his tongue, grabbing your hips firmly. With his feet, he kicks your feet with one foot in front of the other. "Unless you don't wanna die by your own hand, fix your feet and your hips or you'll only hurt yourself fighting like this."

"R-right," You squeaked, feeling his hands move your hips, positioning them correctly. He removed them immediately after. If he kept them there any longer, your heartbeat would quicken louder than war drums. Repeating the swings of the sword, you were impressed by the difference it made. You liked it a lot better that way.

"Better?" Bakugou asked you. You didn't answer quickly, taking in your new teachings. You lowered the blade onto the table, nodding your head. Already, you're in love with the sword. It shows by you opening your satchel like a child receiving a gift.

"I'm going to buy this sword," This leaves a little smile on Bakugou's face that he quickly hides after you rummage through your bag for coins. 

After purchasing your first weapon, as well as the sheath that wraps over a shoulder, you were happy with it, and in your eyes, you matched Izuku. Leaving beside Bakugou to attend another errand, you couldn't help but smile. Bakugou catches your wide grin and cranes a brow. "What's with that shit-eating look on your face, princess?"

"Oh, nothing. I thought I saw you smiling back there," You retorted, holding your arms behind your back. Bakugou merely scoffs, mumbling 'i don't smile. Nothing brings me joy,' among the lines. This caused you to laugh. "Who knew you had a funny side, Bakugou?"

"Now you're just being delusional," Nudging your elbow.

Back at the tavern, you sat on the tables listening to a short purple-haired woman singing whilst she strummed her canaith mandolin. As Bakugou ate, his nose twitched, and he groaned, dropping his spoon into his empty bowl. On the other hand, You enjoyed the woman's music and the group of men playing other instruments behind her. Drumming your hands on your thighs, you bobbed your head side to side in sync. At the same time, you caught a glimpse of a child dancing at the fireplace.

A boy about half your height: the child danced messily. His footing made him seem tactless despite the smile on his face. He immediately gained your attention, and you made your way over. The boy stops dancing as you knelt in front of him. "My name is Y/n. What's your name?"

"My name is Tadashi," He answered.

"You're a great dancer, Tadashi. Who taught you?" You asked in a gentle voice.

"N-no one," The boy replied timidly, making you smile warmly. You lowered yourself down more and kneeled on one knee.

"I think you're a brilliant dancer. May I have this dance with you?" You offered, extending out your hands for Tadashi. The boy looks at your hands before he accepts them. You rose from your position, leading the boy. Parting away for a moment, you curtsey to him and slow danced to the bard's music. You made sure your movements matched Tadashi's steps and would catch him if he fell. Swaying your arms around your hips, Tadashi mimicked your actions, making him giggle.

Bakugou left the tavern, his sense of smell drawing him into the streets. The familiar scent brought him closer to the dark side of town, where no ounce of light is in sight but the sun going down. Sniffing the air, he stopped and turned a corner. He came across a house where the scent was more potent. Standing at the door, he kicked it off its hinges, sending it flying across the room.

"I know you're there! stop hiding!" Bakugou growled, unsheathing his sword. He scouts out the cottage, stepping lightly with each step. His crimson eyes looked all around as he used his free hand to heat his palm. Then out of nowhere, a sharp red object is shot at him. Bakugou easily deflected the attacks before more were expelled.

The man parried them all, but not long after, a man flew right at him, drop kicking Bakugou to the floor. Bakugou grunts on impact. "Damn it!"

Forgetting about the cottage, Bakugou let off a small explosion, shaking the entire building. His attacker jumped back, taking precautions for the debris falling around them. Quickly recovering, Bakugou rolled out of the door.

You, on the other hand, the music became uplifting. Everyone within the tavern joined you and Tadashi. You danced, occasionally linking arms with the strangers and switching with one another. You felt like you could dance forever without a care in the world. Without noticing, everyone clapped their hands in unison once you found yourself dancing on your lonesome. The spotlight was all on you when the song ended abruptly.

"Y/n!" Inko called out in a panic. Accompanying her was a red-haired man with shark-like teeth. Whilst, the crowd clapped for you, you hastily ran to the women.

"What is it, Inko?" You asked. The green-haired woman drags you into the kitchen, aiming a finger at a window. Your eyes saw smoke rising and an orange hue lighting the area. Gazing down at Inko. "Mercenaries?"

"I'm afraid so, Y/n," Inko quickly spoke, taking your hand and then the man. "Go with Kirishima, find Bakugou and leave this place."

"Wait, Kirishima-"

"Now's not the time! Bakugou will die facing that man!" Kirishima shook his head, grabbing hold of your wrist. He pulls you outside, throwing a large saddle over his head, beginning his transformation. "Hop on!"

A very big fuck you to this drawing!

Take this chapter as Bakugou's birthday special!