Catch Me I'm Falling (Todoroki x Reader x Bakugo)

Chapter 56: Kept in the Dark

Without a doubt, you now thought your choice of transforming into a cat was a genius idea.

You could run faster, your agility was better, and best of all, Kimchi was unsuspecting of you.

Kimchi was huddled, sniffing and eating some leftover food in the narrow alleyway by the dumpster.

You stayed low, hiding behind two trashcans before pouncing out and simultaneously poofing back into your human form and throwing your arms around the dog's neck.

"Gotcha!"

She was startled, whining and trying to escape from your bear hug, until you began petting her back to soothe her.

"It's OK, Kimchi. It's just me." Your coaxing seemed to work since it seemed like she began to recognize you.

She calmed down once you bent down to her level, giving her a gentle pat on the head, which she in turn, gave you a continuous lick on the arm and hand.

"OK, enough playing. Let's go back to the café."

Kimchi made a bark in response, making you smile as the two of you walked out of the alleyway.

Your head moved from left to right, scanning your surroundings as you stood next to a dim light pole. You didn't recognize the street or the buildings. In the midst of all the dog chasing, you had gotten yourself lost. Confusion framed your face before you felt a hard tug and almost lost your hold on Kimchi's collar when she started to growl.

Her body was tense but she kept her head firmly pointed to the shadowy figure a few feet ahead of you.

You were surprised that you didn't notice the person creeping up because it was highly unusual for you to not pick up on a scent or hear any kind of movement.

"Shoto? Is that you...?" You took a step forward, eyebrows raised in doubt and a fireball in your palm.

"The Todoroki kid...? He's here too?" As the fairly tall figure approached and walked into the poor lighting, it was revealed to be a man in his early twenties.

He had long spiky black hair, a few different piercings, and heavy lidded but thin turquoise colored eyes that seemed to glow in contrast to the darkness.

The most noticeable features that you could see on him though were the patches of gnarled and wrinkly burnt purple skin that appeared to be crudely stapled on, covering a majority of his face and body.

"Better question-" You had no choice but to let go of Kimchi, relieved she didn't move a muscle and stayed by your side, her fangs bared as you drew out your claws and made the fireball in your hand grow twice in size because your 'stranger danger' meter was going haywire. "W-Who are you? And how do you know Shoto?!"

There was a bored, almost empty looking expression on his face.

"Name's Dabi." He brought his hand up, pushing the hair back that hung low over his eyes. "And it's not really a secret seeing that he's the #2 Hero's son...or should I say, prodigy."

It was weird to hear the subtle venomous tone used in the last word, like he had just tasted something disgusting.

He took a step towards you and you immediately flashed him your glowing orange hand as a warning, while Kimchi gave a loud bark.

"Relax, y/n. I'm not going to hurt you..."

Red flags shot up to your brain and you sent him a glare that caused your whole face to bunch up.

"I never told you my name." You said in a low voice, skepticism in your eyes and body still in defensive mode.

His turquoise eyes flickered over your form after he stopped walking towards you for a moment, simply blinking before answering you.