Rhyki roared as she slammed her fists into the punching bag. What the actual fuck was Endeavours problem? Apart from being a complete fucking prick? She wasn't some rookie who was working on their first case for the heroes. She'd been doing this shit since she was six years old, along with Izuku. Who was she kidding though? If it didn't go Endeavours way, then he didn't want to know. Hell, the way he went about things, it was a fucking miracle than any of the other pros helped him when they did. He'd been known to cause more damage than actual villains.

Maybe next time he rang for something, Rhyki would tell him to lump it and let him try to figure it out on his own. She smashed her right fist as hard as she could into the bag, causing it to swing listlessly. On the way back down, she swung her left fist, sending it back up again. She did this about five times on each fist before stepping out of the way and running the back of her hand against her forehead, catching the drops of sweat that had collected. Rhyki faced the bag properly again and jumped. Her right fist crashed into it, splitting the bag from the brutal impact.

Sand poured onto the ground and the thick chain rattled loudly. She sighed before stretching and unclipped it. She tossed the destroyed bag to the side before collecting another. After hanging it up, she grabbed a broom and swept the sand out of the way before using a dustpan and brush, dumped it into the bin that had been put in the room, purely for that reason. Her and Izuku went through punching bags like it was no joke. Checking the bindings on her hands, they were fine so launched fists into the new bag like a boxer. Rapid quick jags over and over again in the same spot. Sudden clapping made her stop and grab the bag as it swung at her. Gaze shot to the doorway and Bakugou was leaning against the doorframe, watching her with a grin.

"What the fuck do you want?" She grumbled, before going back to what she was doing.
"I wanted to check that you're alright." He answered, stepping more into the room.
"Why?"
"Because that's what friends do?" That definitely was a question, not an answer.
"You're not even sure on that, are you?"
"Not really. The only true friend I have is Kirishima." He shrugged.
"I guessed as much. Well, you can see that I'm fine, so you can go back to the others now."
"And what about you?"

"What about me? I'm staying here to work out some more. You don't need to stay here Bakugou. Off you go." She made a shoo motion with her hand before settling her stance to beat the shit out of the bag.
"Not without you Rhyki. Come back with me."
"No." She glared at him. Not that it worked, he just stared right back at her.
"Why? Is this because of what Endeavour was like on the phone? Don't let that arsehole get the better of you."
"I'm not. I'm just angry of the fact he deems it worthy of talking to me like I'm an irresponsible kid who doesn't know what they're on about."

"And we clearly know that you do know what you are on about Rhyki. Anyone with a fucking brain can see that. So, like I said, don't let that arsehole get to you. It isn't worth it."
"I know that Bakugou. Now fuck off and let me work out some more." She drilled her fists into the bag, keeping her gaze locked on it and hoping that would get the message across to him. But luck was not on her side right now. She was grabbed and pulled away from the bag. Rhyki whirled around, tripped him and they went crashing to the ground. She pinned his wrists and glared at him.
"What the fuck is your problem? I said get the fuck out of here." She growled.

"I'm not leaving without you." Bakugou replied and managed to get his wrists free. He grabbed her and rolled them over.
"Why the fuck not? It's not like anyone really wants to hang out around me apart from Izuku." She glared at him. If she really wanted him off her, she could move him with barely any effort. But Rhyki wanted to see what he'd do. Call her curious.
"That's bullshit and you know it. I want to hang out with you. So does everyone else upstairs." Bakugou snapped at her, crimson eyes flashing in anger.
"Sure they do. Then tell me something, why would you want to hang out with a monster?" She asked, genuinely curious in his answer.

"You're not a monster."
"Yes, I am."
"Stop right fucking there. You're not a fucking monster Rhyki!" She sighed before wiggling, hooked her feet onto his hips, hands on his shoulders and threw him across the room, where he crashed into the wall with a grunt. She leapt to her feet.
"Are you entirely sure about that Bakugou? I could easily kill you here, with barely any effort on my part." She whispered.

RHYKI! Pyro blasted through her mind, causing her to cry out and drop to her knees. She clasped her head between her hands. Fuck that had hurt.
Pyro, what the fuck is happening to me?
You think that you're a monster? Don't be so ridiculous.
But I am.
No. You are not. Stop thinking that. Yes, you've had to do some things in the past, but if you hadn't done that, then look at the amount of people who would have died or suffered. You have saved millions, right alongside Izuku.
And yet, no one knows about it!
I know. Well, apart from Shota, Nemuri, Nezu and the World Association for Heroes. You're not a monster sweetheart, you're far from it. Pyro purred. Rhyki felt wetness on her cheeks and touched them. Tears. When had she started to cry?

What do I do Pyro?
Become the best pro hero that you can be. Keep on being badass. And know that I love you, very much. You'll be fine baby. If it gets too much for you, talk to someone. Even if it's Katsuki Bakugou. Because let me tell you here, while you were talking, I read his mind. He holds nothing against you. He doesn't think you're a monster, at all. As well as one other thing I found...
Which is what exactly P?
I shouldn't tell you this, but I know you won't say anything to him. Bakugou fancies you, like a lot Rhyki. Actually from what I scanned and read; he's falling for you.
Falling for me?

In love sweetheart. He's falling in love with you. One temperamental badass to another.
Oh fuck.
Rhyki, falling in love is not a bad thing. Actually, from what I can gather, it would be a great thing for you. Maybe get closer to him, and take it from there?
Are you sure?
I'm positive. Take it slow and easy. Be his friend first, and you'll work out the rest. Now stop talking to me, he's shouting to get your attention.
Thanks Pyro. I love you.
Love you too my dragoling. Pyro vanished and sure enough, shouting reached her ears.

"Rhyki, fucking answer me! Please!" She raised her head and Bakugou was crouched in front of her. Concern plastered across his face as he slowly reached out to touch her cheek. She didn't move.
"What happened Rhyki? Are you ok? One minute you blasted me across the room and next you're on your knees holding your head, completely out of it." He asked.
"I'll be ok. Please leave." She whispered.

"No." He sat on the floor properly and yanked her to him. His arms wrapped around her and held her to him tightly. Rhyki's face rested against his collarbone, nose partially buried in his throat. She took a deep breath in and all she could smell was him. Vanilla, cinnamon and wood smoke. That was certainly a combination and half. And rather addicting. She was sat sideways, with her butt settled between the middle of his legs, hers thrown over one muscular thigh.
"Why won't you leave?" She mumbled.

"Because I'm not going to leave a friend who needs someone but is too stubborn to admit it. Plus, beautiful women shouldn't cry." He chuckled and rested his chin on her head.
"And that's the only reason?" She pulled back to look at him. She didn't say anything about the beautiful remark.
"Well, that's not the only reason."
"What else then?" She questioned. He raised a hand, and once again, cupped her face, brushing his thumb across her cheek. Half through the mask, and half not.

"Because I also happen to have a huge fucking crush on you Rhyki." He admitted, refusing to look away from her as she searched his face for any trace of a lie.
"What?" Did she hear that right?
"I have a crush on you. I'm not going to lie to you Rhyki."
"But, I'm a monster. If you knew the shit I've already done, then you'd get away from as quickly as you possibly could."
"Hero work by any chance? Izuku already admitted that you're both already pro heroes."
"He did?"
"Yes. And nothing can scare me away from you."

"Even if you know I've killed?"
"You're not a villain if that's what you're implying."
"I know that. But what I'm saying is even knowing that I've killed, doesn't scare you away?"
"No. It doesn't." He didn't hesitate to reply. Who the hell was he? Why wasn't he scared of that?
"Why?" She whispered.
"Because it doesn't. You're a pro. Sometimes it's inevitable." He shrugged.
"Very few know, so please don't tell anyone."

"I promise. Can I ask you something?"
"Ok."
"Can I see you without the mask?"
"Why?" She shuffled back a little more, but with his arm banded around her, she didn't get far.
"Because I want to see if you're as beautiful as I know you to be."
"Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you that I won't live up to your expectations of 'beautiful'."
"Doubtful." He replied. She bent down so he couldn't see, reached up and unhooked the mask from around her ears. She dropped it on her lap, but kept her head bowed. Now was the moment of truth. Bakugou lifted her head and his eyes widened slightly as he got his first look at her bare face.
"Told you." She said but made no move to make him let her go.

"First of all, shut the fuck up. Second, you're even more beautiful than I thought. You're completely fucking gorgeous."
"No, I'm not. I'm just ordinary me."
"Shut up Rhyki. Can I ask something else of you?"
"What?"
"Can I kiss you?" That, she was not expecting. But found she really wanted it.
"Ok."
"I sho- you said ok?!" His eyes went even wider realising she said ok. Did he honestly expect her to say no or something?

"Yes. I said it's ok for you to kiss me." Before she chickened out, Rhyki wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him to her, sealing their lips together. Their eyes slid shut, as his head tilted to the side a little, deepening the kiss. He nipped as her lower lip, and she opened in permission. His tongue slid in, interlocking with her own. She let his neck go and wrapped both arms around his shoulders, while his arm around her waist tightened and he still cupped her cheek. This was even better than she realised. They fit against each other perfectly, like they were made for one another. Even with her lip piercings, it didn't stop them from melding together.

They separated a minute later, slightly panting. She blinked open heavy lids and stared at him as his opened as well. She doubted she'd get tired looking into those stunning crimson jewels of his. A string of saliva connected them still, so she swept it away with her tongue. She dropped her arms back into her lap.
"Holy fuck, that was even better than I imagined." He mumbled.
"Really?"
"Fuck yes." He grinned, and her heart smashed into her ribcage. Stupid organ.

"So, it wasn't bad for my first kiss?" She asked hesitantly.
"That was your first?" He gasped.
"Yeah. Not like anyone wants to kiss me Bakugou."
"Well, thank you for letting me be the first."
"You're welcome." She placed another quick kiss to his lips, which startled him, and she chuckled while grabbing her mask then bounced to her feet. He stood up as well.

"So, now that you've admitted that you have a crush on me, what do you want to happen between us?" She probed.
"Because I know you value honesty, I'd love to one day officially be able to call you mine. But for now? How about we just take it slow, see how we get on more?"
"I can live with that. What will others say at school though?"
"Like I give a fuck what those extras say? We're friends, it's obvious we're going to hang out etc."
"Sure. So, that mean I can give you a nickname?"
"Depends on what it is." He grinned and she returned it.

"Well, I've Captain Bitch, so how about you team with me and be Captain Bastard?"
"Why that?"
"Because Izuku is my First Mate Arsehole."
"Ok, I can deal with that. What will the others be called?"
"Not sure yet. I'll think of something though."
"It'll have to go with our group name that Kaminari has declared us then."
"What is it? Do we trust Pikachu with something like that?"

"Ha! Yeah, we can trust him. He might be an idiot at times, but his heart is good. And we're now officially to be known as the Ragtag Band of Misfits. Or just Ragtags for short." He announced and looked quite pleased about their group name.
"You know what, I actually like it." And she truthfully did.
"That's good then."
"Yeah. Well, come on. Let's go back to the others now. I'm calm."

"Sure." She put her mask back on as they walked out of the room and up the stairs. As they did, Rhyki glanced at Bakugou.
"What is it?" He asked.
"What happened back there, can it stay between us?"
"I won't say shit to anyone. Promise."
"Thanks Bakugou." She lowered her mask a little, kissed his cheek, then tugged it back up.
"You're welcome. What do you think we'll do back in Main Room?"

"Not sure. I'm sure Izuku will think of something though."
"Why do I find that not so reassuring?" He smirked.
"Because it might not be. Izuku is a shit hot mastermind. That man is fucking scary when he gets thinking of battle strategies and all sorts of stuff like that. Even his workout routines are pristine and faultless."
"Really?" She pushed open the door leading into Main Room.
"Yes. I mean it. Now, race you?" She took off.
"You fucking cheater!" He shouted.
"All's fair in love and war old man." She hollered over her shoulder.
"Take that fucking back! Get back here you little fucking shitbag!"
"Never!" He raced after her and she bolted, chuckling as she did.