· 5 min read
Vulnerability Unveiled - part 1
Just another party.
Just another crowd.
You push open the heavy, wooden door into the bustling party.
The air is thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat, mixed with a hint of perfume and cologne.
Your eyes scan the room before landing on Bakugo.
Bakugo knocks back another drink, his cheeks flushed.
*He’s different tonight.
Vulnerable.* As you observe him from afar, you notice his body language has changed; he seems less confident and more hesitant than usual.
He laughs along with a group of friends, but there’s an air of unease in the way he holds himself.
He stumbles, barely catching himself.
He needs help. You gather your courage and make your way through the crowd towards him.
When you reach his side, Bakugo looks at you with a mixture of surprise and relief.
“Let me help you, Bakugo.” You hold your hand out to him, your eyes meeting his.
Bakugo glances around, seemingly worried about what others might think.
He hesitates for a moment but eventually grasps your hand firmly.
“Just…
don’t say anything, okay?” he mumbles as you guide him away from the party.
The curious glances and whispers of others are ignored as you focus on helping Bakugo.
As you help Bakugo out of the crowded room, you can feel his weight leaning against you, a testament to just how intoxicated he is.
He is usually so strong-willed and unyielding; this vulnerable side is both unexpected and endearing.
Together, you navigate through the crowd, Bakugo’s arm wrapped around your shoulder for support.
Finally, you make it outside, where the cool night air provides a welcome relief from the stuffy party atmosphere.
You pause for a moment, taking deep breaths as you try to figure out what to do next.
Bakugo sways slightly, still leaning against you as he struggles to regain his bearings.
“Thanks,” Bakugo whispers gratefully, his voice rough with emotion.
“I don’t know what I would have done without your help.” A flicker of genuine gratitude flashes in his eyes before it is replaced by the familiar fiery determination that defines him.
You can’t help but smile at this small glimpse into the softer side of Bakugo, a side few others ever see.
As you stand together underneath the twinkling stars, sharing an intimate moment of vulnerability and understanding, you both know that something has changed between you.
The foundation for a deep connection has been laid, one that will blossom into a fiery passion like no other in the chapters to come.
“Just…
don’t say anything, okay?” Bakugo mumbles, leaning heavily against you as you guide him out of the party.
Ending Chapter 1 abruptly with this closing prose: “‘Just…
don’t say anything, okay?’ Bakugo mumbles, leaning heavily against you as you guide him out of the party.”
A Night of Vulnerability
“Just…
don’t say anything, okay?” Bakugo mumbles, leaning heavily against you as you guide him out of the party.
God, he’s heavy.
With Bakugo leaning on you, you fumble for his apartment key, your fingers brushing against something cold and metallic in his pocket.
As you manage to retrieve it, you feel a spark of triumph at your small victory.
You lead him up the stairs, every step a struggle as he leans more of his weight on you.
Your determination never wavers, however; you’re not one to back down from a challenge.
Finally, you reach his door, and with shaky hands, you insert the key into the lock.
The door swings open, revealing a dimly lit room that smells faintly of bleach and fresh laundry.
His apartment is clean, almost impersonal.
This is where he lives?
You can’t help but feel surprise at how stark it is in comparison to his usually vibrant personality.
You gently guide Bakugo inside, making sure not to bump into any furniture as you navigate the space.
In the living room, there’s a simple couch and a low table with no clutter or decorations.
The walls are bare, save for a few framed posters of superheroes – an ironic choice, considering Bakugo is one in his own right.
As you help him to the sofa, he sighs heavily, his eyes half-closed in a drunken haze.
“You’re…
not so bad, you know,” he mutters, his voice thick with emotion.
You can’t help but be surprised at this rare moment of vulnerability from Bakugo, the unyielding hero who seems to have it all under control.
“Thank you, Bakugo,” you respond gently, your fingers brushing against his cheek in a soft caress.
“I care about you.” You’re not sure if he fully understands what you’re saying or if the alcohol has dulled his senses, but you mean every word.
He leans into your touch, his eyes searching yours for confirmation of your sincerity.
It’s in this moment that you realize just how much Bakugo longs for acceptance and understanding – things he’d never admit to wanting out loud.
You see the loneliness behind his tough exterior, a side few others get to witness.
“I…
I know,” he finally whispers, his voice barely audible above the quiet hum of the city outside.
“But it’s still nice to hear.” He looks away then, as if embarrassed by this momentary show of weakness.
You’re not sure how long you stand there, just looking at each other in silence, but eventually, Bakugo’s breathing slows and deepens, his eyes slipping shut as he drifts off to sleep.
You tuck him into bed, pulling the covers up around his shoulders with a tenderness that surprises even you.
His face is peaceful now, all traces of anger and frustration gone as he lies in slumber.
You can’t help but linger for a moment, your gaze tracing the lines of his face – the strong jaw, the delicate eyelashes, the scar that cuts across his brow like a badge of honor.
With a soft sigh, you whisper into the quiet room: “I’ll be here when you wake up.” Then, you settle down on his couch, fully clothed and ready to watch over him for the night.
As you doze off, your mind filled with thoughts of Bakugo and the unexpected turn your evening has taken, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow may bring.