#jada jackson

Flinching, Jada brought her arms up to her face. She quickly took a few steps back before losing her balance, falling to the ground. Bakugou instantly paused, staring at the woman in shock.

“Mommy!” Daichi cried, running into his mother’s arms as Jada instinctively covered his body with her own. “Boom-Boom scary!” She quietly consoled the child, smoothing his wavy hair while she held him close.

Bakugou stood watching, unsure of what to make of what just happened. He slowly reached out a hand to help her but quickly decided against it, reading her body language. At that moment, she was afraid of him. He was well aware that he was rough around the edges, but he took pride in knowing that people felt safe when he was around. Somehow, looking in her guarded green eyes, he knew something was wrong. With a soft sigh, he crouched down onto the floor, sitting across from her and the boy before posing the question, “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Jada mumbled, looking at the floor while she rocked her son. “I lost my balance. It happens.”

“No. You flinched so hard that you fell. What’s going on?” A silence hung in the air for what felt like a lifetime as Bakugou stared her down, waiting for an answer.

No need in getting him mixed up in it if he’s just going to leave. “I’m fine.”

Bakugou hummed in frustration, knowing that she was lying. There was definitely something else going on. His ruby red eyes watched her carefully, noting that the once confident woman was now avoiding eye contact completely. If there was one thing he learned during his time in therapy as well as working this job, it’s the signs of trauma. He also knew that pressing the issue would only cause her to further withdraw, deflecting to the original bombshell. “Fine. I still don’t get why you didn't tell me about the kid.”

After a moment, Jada sighed before brushing the soft waves of her son’s hair before speaking to him sweetly, “Mommy needs to talk to Mr. Boom-Boom man.” She paused, pulling out her phone. After pulling up a video app, she handed the device over to Daichi. “Here’s Baby Shark, go sit down and watch.”

Daichi giggled as he heard the familiar song play from her phone’s speakers, happily walking away and over to the small futon that served as his bed. Bakugou’s eyes followed the child before flitting back to the ravenette with a raised blonde brow.

“He’s fine. When he has a screen he turns into a Zombie. Now…” She paused, taking a deep breath before addressing the small baby elephant in the room.

“When we first got together, I thought this would be a one-time thing. After you kept coming around I decided I’d tell you if you ever expressed interest in wanting something formal.” The dark-skinned beauty’s eyes flicked over to her son, as she rolled a long loc between her fingers. “I don’t let people know about my son unless I can trust them and I know they’re going to stick around. He needs that stability and lord knows there’s crazies and sickos out there. This is my way of protecting him.”

Bakugou mulled the information over in his mind. Obviously, he would have much rather known from the start, but he could fairly understand her argument. If their relationship stayed purely sexual, did it really matter if she had a kid? The problem was, with sex out of the equation per her request, the lines were beginning to blur. “Is the father still in the picture?”

“He’s not helping me with Daichi.” Jada was quick to respond, a notable amount of disdain in her voice. “Our relationship is over… for a number of reasons.”

There’s definitely a story there. “Do you still see him at all?”

“Yes,” she sighed apprehensively.

He’s still hanging around? What the fuck? “Well if you’re not dating him and he’s not helping with the kid then why are you still seeing him?” The explosion hero felt his anger beginning to bubble up once again, his eyebrows beginning to furrow. “You fuck buddies? Who is this dude?”

“He’s my boss. Yamaguchi.”

What? Her baby daddy is her boss? Bakugou blinked in surprise, stunned by the revelation. His face must have shown his thoughts because Jada quickly interjected to explain.

“Yeah, yeah, I know it’s messy and cliche, and no, I didn’t sleep with him to get a job.” The woman bit her lip as she cast her eyes down toward the floor, continuing in a soft voice. “In my naïve youth, I thought he actually cared for me. He did take care of me for a time but I finally realized he is as rotten and vile as they come.”

Okay, so Baby Daddy’s an ass. Good to know. How long was she with the guy? “What do you mean in your youth? You’re making yourself sound like a grandma.”

Quirking a brow, Jada turned her gaze back to the hero, “Honey, how old do you think I am?”

“Uh, 22? 23?”

“I’m turning 30 this year.”

Damn. She looks good, Bakugou thought to himself while scratching the stubble of his beard. “Huh.”

“Not into older women?” She asked with a smirk, tossing her long locs over her shoulder.

“No that’s not my issue,” he said flatly, refusing to have the conversation derailed. “My issue is that you lied to me.”

“I never lied to you,” Jada persisted, once again standing her ground on the issue. “I don’t lie. I just didn’t tell you and you never asked.”

“Fine!” Running a large hand down his face he sighed heavily, unsure of how much more he could take. “I want all the secrets! Is there anything else I need to know? Any other skeletons in your closet that will come and bite me in the ass?”

“That’s everything that I’m ready to talk about.”

The hero paused, staring at the woman before him. That’s all she’s ready to talk about. A few years ago, that sentence would have set him off. Now as much as hated to admit it, he could sympathize with her. When he was in a dark place back in high school, his pride also kept him from seeking help. He also knew that if he wanted answers, he would have to chip away at her defenses. There was no way he could bulldoze his way through. “Did he hit you? Your boss.”

Jada shook her head, embarrassed that he was able to clock her insecurities. “He doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He has plenty of other ways to hurt me.”

“Why the hell do you still work for him if he treats you like that? There’s other strip clubs,” Bakugou’s brows furrowed, trying desperately to make her decisions make sense. “And you’re smart too! You don’t even have to dance!”

“It’s complicated.”

“What do you mean it’s complicated?!”

“Look!” Jada shouted, holding her head in her hands. “My life has been insanely fucked up, some of it my fault, and I don’t- can’t talk about it!”

Bakugou looked at the woman in silence as she fought the hot tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. He never thought in a million years, he would see a woman like her cry. He didn’t like it.

After a shaky sigh, she continued in a whisper, “The only solace I can offer is that my other baggage won’t affect your life. As much as I hate to say it, you’re practically untouchable.”

What does she mean by “untouchable?”

“I’m sorry I kept this from you but I had to protect my boy. Everything and I mean everything I do is to protect him.”

Jada’s words hung in the air as the pair stared at each other, lost in their own thoughts as only Daichi’s video and quiet giggles filled the room. Groaning under his breath, the hero ran his large hands through his hair, unsure of what to say as he turned his gaze to the young boy. His familiar green eyes were still trained onto the phone screen without a care in the world. The same as the other pair of emerald green eyes that were filled with tears. A kid. Why did it have to be a fucking kid? Finally, he stood to his feet, heading for the door.

“Where are you going?” the ravenette asked, quickly wiping her eyes.

Bakugou opened the old wooden door before pausing in the frame, unable to meet her gaze, “I need to go think.” Without another word, he closed the door behind him.

____________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile back at the bar, boy’s night was still in full swing. As the former classmates refilled their glasses and munched on various snacks and appetizers, Kirishima turned the topic of conversation to the more serious current events, “Guys, did you hear about the bust Fatgum and I made the other day?”

“Eww, work talk,” Denki groaned as he grabbed a ball of takoyaki. “This is supposed to be a relaxing evening.”

Sero rolled his eyes playfully at the electric hero, popping an edamame in his mouth. “Ignore him. I caught it on the news. There’s been an upward trend in Yakuza activity in the last few years.”

“Yeah, they’ve been peddling more and more drugs, stolen goods, and especially handguns,” the redhead nodded, wiping crumbs off of his mouth.

Placing his beer down on the table, Todoroki shook his head in disgust. “Ever since the mass Tartarus escape back in high school, civilians have been clamoring to get their hands on firearms for protection, despite them being illegal here in Japan. I don’t like it one bit.”

“Do you guys have any idea which gangs are shipping them in?” Denki asked, finishing off his drink.

“Not yet, but Team Fatgum is on the case!” It was then that the bar entrance door opened, a familiar silhouette walking through the frame. “Bakugou!” Kirishima laughed in surprise as the blonde made his way over to their table. “I didn’t expect to see you again tonight, Casanova. Did Jada finally get wise and kick you to the curb?”

“She has a kid,” Bakugou mumbled, slumping over in an empty chair.

“Huh?”

“She has a fucking kid!” The explosion hero repeated, leaving his friends in a stunned silence.

“So everyone is able to conceive but me,” Todoroki sighed, holding his head in his hands.

Choosing to ignore his peppermint-haired friend, Sero interjected, “Wait, so your girlfriend has a kid? Did you know?”

“She’s not my girlfriend and no I didn’t fucking know!” Bakugou groaned, taking fresh beer offered to him by Kaminari. “I thought she was fucking another dude so I went to her place and saw the fucking runt.”

“Side note,” Kirishima interrupted. “If you’re jealous about her hooking up with other dudes then she’s definitely more than a booty call to you, dude.”

As Bakugou gave his best friend a pointed look, Kaminari laughed, opening up another beer. “Shitttttt that’s crazy bro! She’s had a whole ass child and her body still looks like a dream!”

Sero shushed Denki with a quick smack to the back of the head, asking the most important question, “How do you feel about that, dude?”

The men all looked in the explosion hero’s direction expectantly, Bakugou groaning as he ran a large calloused hand over his tired face. “I fucking hate kids. They’re whiny and germy and always in the way.” He clicked his tongue before taking a big gulp of his beer, shaking his head. “If I had known that I would have never hooked up with her. I don’t need that extra baggage.”

“Yeah, you have never been good with kids,” Kirishima noted, scratching his chin. “The only time I’ve ever seen you smile at one was when Kota kicked Midoriya in the balls.”

“Heh, that was classic,” Bakugou smirked.

“Well is it at least a cute kid?” Denki asked with a mouth full of fried tofu.

“I don’t know, I guess…” Katsuki mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. “He looks like her.”

“Oh, it’s a boy! That’s not too bad then,” Ejirou said with a toothy grin, hoping to find a silver lining to the situation. “I can’t see you bonding with a little girl at all. But at least you can do manly stuff with a boy.”

“The kid isn’t the only thing,” the ash-blonde let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the temples of his head. “She’s been through something but she won’t or can’t tell me what. I’ve been on enough domestic disturbance calls to know the signs of a battered woman. I suspect it has something to do with the kid’s father.”

Kirishima’s face fell as his brows knitted together in concern. “What do you mean?”

“I threw my hands in the air out of frustration while we were talking and she flinched away hard and threw her arms up as if she was waiting for impact.” Bakugou stared at his hands as he rested them on the table, replaying it in his mind. “She also freaked out a bit when I covered her mouth with my hand a while back.”

“Damn, that’s fucked up. Someone definitely put their hands on her before,” Denki huffed, cracking his knuckles. “Is the Baby Daddy still around?”

“It’s her boss. The strip club owner.”

The men all looked up at Bakugou, wincing at the news and the separate set of problems it brought to his predicament.

“But she definitely hates his guts,” Katsuki explained, taking a sip of his drink. “Apparently there’s a reason she can’t quit and go to a different club but she didn't want to get into it.”

“Fuck man,” Sero mumbled, scratching his head. “You’d have no idea she was dealing with that from what we’ve seen of her.”

“People respond to trauma in very different ways. Some crumble under the intense heat of the pain, while others build walls and armor to keep it and everything else out,” Todoroki mused, finally contributing to the conversation.

“That was really manly dude.” Kirishima smiled, patting his good friend on the back until Sero once again asked the hard question.

“It’s fucked up that she didn’t tell you but I’m guessing she had her reasons. Mama bears are crazy protective after all. Are you going to keep seeing her?”

Slapping the table, Denki nodded furiously, eager for his answer, “Yeah! Let me know because you’re holding up the line!”

“I don’t know!” Bakugou yelled back at the electric hero, banging the table with his own fist. Exasperated he threw his head back, covering his face with hands before continuing in a barely audible voice. “I didn’t sign up for all of this.”

“Bakugou,” Todoroki’s signature calm low voice cut through the room as the men turned their heads to the sound. “You may not take my advice to heart, but I don’t think you should let this woman’s past affect your future together. Children are a blessing not a hindrance and everyone is at least a little bit broken. If you like her as much as everyone says you do, then you owe it to yourself to at least try to make it work. It would be a shame for you to miss out on romantic bliss because of preconceived notions.”

“Jesus,” Denki smirked, breaking the tension in the room. “You married a teacher and got all profound.” He laughed as he pointed to the duel-quirked hero, holding a hand over his left eye. “Remember when he was all like ‘I’m not here to make friends?’”

After nudging Denki to quiet down, Kirishima nodded, taking a piece of takoyaki from the table. “I second what Shoto said. Just take it slow. You don’t have to marry her today but you should enjoy each other’s company and see what happens.” Bakugou hummed in response before turning to Sero, waiting for his vote.

“Not gonna lie there are some red flags and I would not blame you for walking away,” Sero paused, tapping his chin in thought. “But I’ve also never seen you this interested in another woman before. She obviously isn’t looking for a father to her kid otherwise she would have told you sooner, but if you start to fall for her, you have to face the fact that they’re a package deal. Proceed with caution.” Katsuki thought his advice over for a moment, before begrudgingly turning to his left for the electric hero’s weigh-in.

“Gots to see it through my boy,” Denki smirked as he pointed finger guns at his friend with a knowing wink.

“Dumbass,” Bakugou shoved his friend away as he stood from the table, before throwing down some cash. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, he began to saunter over the door until a familiar rugged voice cut through his inner thoughts.

“Katsuki, wait!” Bakugou turned his head as he reached the door to see Kirishima walking up to him. Clapping a hand onto the ash-blonde’s shoulder, he gave his friend his last seed of advice.

“Dude, I get that you’re conflicted and this is a decision only you can make. But I also know you and I can tell you really like this woman.” Bakugou tensed up under his friend’s grip, his pride refusing to meet Kirishima’s eyes. “Love isn’t blindly trusting someone. No one is asking you to do that. But it is taking a leap of faith.”

A leap of faith.

Bakugou mulled that last statement over in his mind before letting out a heavy sigh. Half-heartedly, he shrugged his friend’s hand off before opening the door to the bar, looking over his shoulder. “I’ll think about it.” And with that, Bakugou went out of the door and into the night.

Once on the other side, Jada’s eyes were met with a tall brick wall, the beginnings of an ocean mural graced upon it. All sorts of sea life were present towards the top of the building, thinning out as it reached the bottom, some of the red bricks still exposed. The ravenette couldn’t disguise her awe as she whistled, taking in each and every detail. “Wow… This mural is going to look great once it’s finished.”

“Thanks,” Bakugou hummed as he gently pulled the black backpack off of her shoulders, taking a knee to pull out its contents.

“What are you saying thank you for?” She questioned, staring at him as if he had three heads.

The hero scoffed, taking out a bandana before covering his nose and mouth. “Because I painted it, dumbass.”

Jada stared at Bakugou dumbfounded as she watched him put on a pair of rubber gloves before taking out several cans of spray paint from his bag. There was no way this cocky hot-tempered behemoth had the skill or the patience to create such a work of art. “First, You a lie. Second, call me dumbass again and I’ll put you to sleep.”

Heh. I picked a lively one. “First, it’s true. Second, I’d like to see you try. Anyway...” He paused as he moved his chin in the direction of the mural. “You’re going to help me finish this thing.”

“I’m what now?”

“You’re in charge of finishing the ocean water.”

He must have lost his goddamn mind. “I don’t know how to paint the fucking ocean! I’m not an artist!”

“Relax, you’re just doing the base color. He’s a free tip:” Bakugou paused as he tossed Jada a can of spray paint. “It’s blue.”

The dark-skinned beauty rolled her eyes as she watched the hero stand up before hooking himself up to a harness. He must be going to tackle the ocean life near the top of the wall. She couldn’t deny the fact that he looked incredibly hot in his makeshift mask, watching as his large biceps bulged in his black tank top as he tightened his harness knots.

“Before you get started you should grab a bandana from my backpack and some gloves.” He mumbled before scaling the wall, pulling himself up. “Don’t want you getting high or staining your fingers.”

How considerate. Jada clicked her tongue before doing as she was told, putting on the protective gear. The pair went to work in silence, as music played from Bakugou’s phone. The hero took his time painting an orca onto his seascape, Jada watching from down below. She still couldn’t believe he had an artistic side even with the evidence right in front of her. He took his time painting and shading every detail. It was beautiful to watch.

Before the blonde could catch her staring, Jada got back to work painting the water on the bottom portion of the mural. Even though her task wasn’t Rembrandt worthy, she felt quite proud of her work, calling Bakugou to inspect her progress.

“Not bad,” He hummed, wiping sweat from his brow. “Now try doing some marine life.”

Marine life? Jada slapped her thighs in frustration as she gawked at him. “I don’t know who lied to you, but once again: I. AM. NOT. AN. ARTIST!” She clapped her hands between syllables for added effect.

“I wanna see you try!” Bakugou barked as he continued to paint before continuing in a much softer voice. “Do a jellyfish. It’s shapeless anyway.” He shrugged as a smirk formed underneath his bandana. “Unless you’re not up for the challenge.”

The taunt silently hung in the air between them for a moment, Jada mulling over her response. “When it turns out shit, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The pair continued their work in silence, occasionally stealing glances at each other as they painted. Jada hummed along to the music pouring from Bakugou’s phone. The blonde smiled to himself as he listened. She couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket but it still somehow warmed his heart. She was entertaining to say the least. Finally, Jada broke the silence, her curiosity getting the best of her.

“I’m surprised you're into this stuff. I didn’t peg you as the artsy-fartsy type.”

The hero let out a deep sigh, contemplating his answer. “My therapist said I needed a creative outlet,” Bakugou mumbled, his eyes never leaving his task. “Turns out I’m actually decent at it.”

“Huh.” Jada paused, mulling over that statement. Being a hero can’t be all sunshine and roses. I’m sure he’s seen his fair share of fucked up shit too. “Well at least one of us is going to therapy. We can’t both be crazy.”

Bakugou chuckled as he painted broad strokes against the brick, “Jury’s still out on that one.”

“Done!” The ravenette exclaimed before taking a step back, admiring her work.

Bakugou pulled at the ropes of this harness as he slowly made his way back down to the ground. Pulling his bandana down to expose his face, he leaned down to take a good look at her artwork, “Well, let’s see what you got.” As his eyes locked onto the piece, the corners of his mouth slowly turned into a smile.

Wait, did I actually do something? Jada thought until she saw his broad shoulders begin to shake.

Just as she was about to speak, Bakugou burst out into a deep belly laugh, doubling over as he covered his mouth in an attempt to stop it.

“What?!” Jada hollered confused.

“What the fuck is that, Dimples?” the hero laughed, not bothering to hide it anymore.

“You told me to paint a jellyfish!”

“That looks like a potato with hair!” he cackled, easily blocking a punch to his arm.

“Stop it! I told you I’m not an artist!” Jada pouted as she feebly punched and swatted at the hero as he continued to tease her. It wasn’t until they heard another voice that the pair noticed they were no longer alone.

“Hey! What are you guys doing over there?!”

The two turned their heads toward the sound, Bakugou instantly groaning under his breath as he made out a man in uniform. “Shit.”

“Is that the fucking police?” Jada asked in a hushed voice, taking note of Bakugou’s change in demeanor as the man slowly walked closer.

“Yeah,” He hummed, quickly grabbing his backpack as he pulled his bandana back over his mouth and nose. “So let’s make ourselves scarce.”

Before she could question him, Bakugou grabbed the woman by the wrist as he ran off deeper into the alley, pulling her behind him.

“Wait!” She yelled as she struggled to keep up, almost tripping over her own feet. She turned her head to see the police officer chasing behind them, cursing as he ran.

The ash-blonde let an exasperated sigh before slowing down just enough to tuck her tightly into his side. “So goddamn slow…” Before Jada could realize what was happening, she heard an explosion followed by intense heat. She screamed only to be hushed by the hero, as they were propelled upward, the air whipping through her long black locs.

“What the---” the ravenette exclaimed until Bakugou easily hoisted them up onto a fire escape. Pulling her by the arm, he brought her behind the staircase. With her back against the cold metal, the man caged her in with his strong arms. Confused, she began to protest, why would a hero have to run from the police? It was then that the blonde placed a hand over her mouth, effectively stopping her in her tracks.

No.

Jada’s heart rate began to quicken, her breathing becoming shallow as she instantly grabbed for his hand, trying to fight the panic sweeping over her. Images of that night flooded her senses. His dark soulless brown eyes looming over her. Her lungs emptying at his hands. Desperately, she looked up at the hero, his ruby red eyes the only visible part of his face.

Bakugou looked into her green eyes and saw nothing but unbridled fear. His eyes visibly softened as he took a step back, taking his hands from her. He watched her carefully as she panted, ripping her bandana from her face as she tried to catch her breath. The fuck just happened?

“Hey! Show yourself!”

The shouts of the police officer pulled them back to the present as Bakugou softly put a finger to his lips, his body still hovering over hers.

With her breathing beginning to steady, Jada’s heartbeat began to race for an entirely different reason. Once again she was in close quarters with one of the nation’s top heroes. Even though he was only a few inches taller than her, his body felt massive next to hers. She looked silently as she watched his chest softly rise and fall only inches away from her face, beads of sweat forming along his collar bone.

Bakugou. It’s just Bakugou, she thought as she swallowed hard, instantly relaxing at the thought. Despite the storm brewing in her head, she felt so safe with him. She hadn’t felt that comfort in years. Even with him so close, somehow she longed to have him closer. His strong arms wrapped around her. His warm lips pressed against hers.

What is happening to me?

“Looks like we lost them. Extras never think to look up.” Bakugou’s voice broke through her inner thoughts as he tentatively placed a calloused hand onto her elbow, gaining her attention. “You good?”

“Yeah…” She nodded absent-mindedly before returning his gaze. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Good. Let's go back to our spot then.”

Jada blinked in surprise. She must not have heard him right. “Wait, you’re going back?”

“Yeah,” Bakugou said matter of factly as he carefully maneuvered himself to the outside of the fire escape railing. “It’s not finished and I don’t half-ass anything.”

“Even though the cops just chased us?” She asked with a quirked brow.

Instead of answering the ravenette, the hero only stood in silence as he offered her an outstretched hand, waiting expectantly.

She stared at him for a moment as she sat into her hip. All of her street smarts told her they should get out of dodge after a close call but something about this rough around the edges man told her to trust him. “I mean, I guess.” She rolled her eyes playfully as she finally took his hand.

With a dry chuckle, Bakugou once again tucked her into his side as he used his quirk to help them back down before returning back to the mural.

The pair quickly went back to work, painting in the hot summer sun. Bakugou finally took mercy on the woman, offering his assistance with the bottom portion of the scene. They chatted about nothing and everything as the hero displayed his skills, Jada handing him his supplies at the ready until the job was finally completed. With a smug smile, Bakugou took a step back to admire his work when a soft voice gained their attention.

“Ground Zero! Thank you so much for agreeing to do the mural,” a short older gentleman approached the couple, wiping his hands on his humble white apron. He had a soft smile on his face and looked to be in his seventies. “It’s just what my sushi shop needs. My daughter said it will make us more ‘instagramable’ whatever that means.”

“Wait…” Jada paused, turning her head to the blonde hero. “You had permission to do this? So you had me running all over creation for nothing?!”

Bakugou clicked his tongue before placing his hands in his pockets, looking the woman up and down.

“Uh oh, trouble in paradise,” The restaurant owner chuckled as he backed away. “I’ll come back later.”

Bakugou smirked underneath this bandana as waited for the old man to disappear back inside his shop before slowly walking closer to the ravenette. “Dimples, it wasn’t for nothing,” he cooed, placing a large calloused hand on the small of her back before leaning in to whisper in her ear, “You’re so cute when you’re blushy and winded.” With that, the hero placed a hard slap to her beautifully round behind.

He laughed as a gasp ripped from her throat, surprised by his actions. She fought her own laugh as she playfully pushed against his full pectorals, a familiar heat rising in her cheeks. “Oh, so you just chose violence!”

“Hush up and come here.” He said as he led her back over to his harness. “We gotta put the finishing touches on this thing.”

“And that would be what? Looks pretty done to me.” Jada watched as Bakugou got back into his harness, testing the ropes before turning back to her.

“It needs a signature.” The hero hoisted himself up so that he was sitting in the harness just a few inches off the ground. “Here.” He patted his lap, signaling for her to have a seat.

Jada hesitated for only a moment before having a seat, draping her arm around his neck for support. Bakugou smiled to himself as he handed her a black spray paint can, instructing her to hold onto it as they ascended up the building.

As Bakugou pulled on the ropes to bring them higher into the air, he stole short glances at Jada’s face. She had since ditched her protective bandana covering, and he could see her in all her glory. Her emerald green eyes were now much calmer than before, albeit still a little nervous, but her plump lips now curved into a gentle smile. He chuckled to himself as he felt her grip his shirt tighter, with each pull of the rope. She’s holding onto me like a scared little kid. Cute.

Once at the top of the mural, Bakugou asked for the spray can back before simply tagging his art with “Ground Zero.” Content with his work, he offered the can back to the ravenette with a grunt, “Your turn.”

“What?” She said confused, looking at the paint in his hand. “I barely did anything.”

“You did the ocean and that sorry excuse for a jellyfish.”

“It’s not that bad!” She laughed, giving his shoulder a light swat.

“Oh, it is,” He laughed in return before nodding toward the finished mural. “But you should sign your name and own that shit.”

“Ugh, give me that.” With a roll of her eyes, she took the can of spray paint from him before signing her name underneath his.

The hero quirked a blonde brow, humming at the sight. “Huh. I’m surprised you went with ‘Nubia.’”

Jada only flashed her trademark confident smile before handing him back the spray can. “You used your hero name, why shouldn’t I use mine?”

“Touché.”

Bakugou stared at the dark skin beauty as the sun started to set around them. Her emerald green eyes sparkled in a way he had never seen before. Somehow time seemed to stop as he could feel himself being pulled closer to her, as her grip on his shirt slowly began to loosen. He remembered what she had confessed that day in his cabin, how she wanted to take things slow. He knew he should obey but every cell of his being wanted her and the way her eyes were pouring into his was not helping his endeavor.

Just as he was about to turn away, Jada’s small hand lifted from his shirt. He stared in awe as she silently and gently pulled down this bandana, exposing his full face. The tiniest of gasps fell from her lips as she took him in. There was no scowl but a serene look. His ruby red eyes trained onto hers like it was the last thing he would ever see.

Her lips began to part to speak, but to her surprise, the hero slowly and carefully leaned in. His large rough fingers ghosted over her soft cheek before dipping underneath her chin. Looking for any resistance, his eyes flickered from hers to her plump lips and back again before he finally closed his eyes, leaning forward to place the softest kiss to her lips.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think this brute of a man could be so gentle. She sighed against his mouth as she deepened the kiss, wrapping both her long arms around his neck. The couple continued to kiss each other sweetly, lost in their pink cloud until a familiar voice called out to them from below.

“Excuse me!” The old sushi shop owner hollered. “Would you two love birds care for some yellowtail? I caught it fresh this morning!”

Bakugou reluctantly pulled away from the woman, smirking as his thumb lightly brushed across her pink bottom lip. “You hungry?”

Jada could only return with a smirk of her own while she ran her long stiletto nails through his wild blonde hair, a shiver running down his spine. “I could eat.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I can never grow tired of my wife, and I thoroughly enjoy our intimate time together,” Shoto sighed as he ran a hand through his two-toned hair. “But we’ve been trying for about 10 months now. Tracking her ovulation cycles, giving her hormone treatments, using different positions to open up our chakras. We’re trying it all. Naturally, Aimee is getting more and more frustrated and distraught with each passing month with no results.” The boys all watched him carefully as Shoto continued with a sad distant look in his eyes. “I just don’t understand why we’re not getting pregnant. We’re putting in the work. God am I putting in the work.”

“Oh, so you just came over here to brag, huh? At least you’re getting some on the regular.” Kaminari deadpanned before flashing a cocky grin. “Want me to give it a try?”

Todoroki only shook his head, taking another swig of his beer. “No, thank you, Kaminari.”

Denki’s jaw dropped, shocked by his friend’s calm response. “Okay, so everyone heard that. I said what I said and he didn’t strike me down where I stood. Homie is going through it for real.”

“Shut up, Dunce Face.” Bakugou huffed, rolling his eyes.

Kirishima shook his head while giving Todoroki a gentle pat on the back, “I’m sorry you guys are going through that but I’m sure it will happen for you.”

“Thank you,” Todoroki nodded before changing the subject. “How’s the wedding planning going?”

Bakugou sucked his teeth, disapproving of where the conversation was going. “Oh, don’t get him fucking started on Fish Sticks!”

“Well…” Kirishima winced, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “Marina is pretty prickly with me too, at the moment.”

Sero chuckled taking a sip of his drink, “Yikes. Is she going all bridezilla on you?”

“She’s already pretty close to a sea monster at the best of times.” Bakugou snickered as he scrolled through his phone until his best friend punched him in the arm with a huff.

“Dude.” The redhead shook his head at Bakugou before continuing, “I ordered the wrong color tablecloths for the reception. Apparently, there’s a big difference between pearl and porcelain.”

“Of course, there’s a difference!” Kaminari spoke up, putting down his beer. “Pearl is a cooler tone, more on the grey side. Porcelain is warmer and has a pink undertone.”

“They look the same to me,” Kirishima mumbled, crossing his arms. “It’s white.”

Bakugou chuckled to himself as his friends started to bicker amongst themselves. It was then that his cell phone began to ping, a familiar name appearing on the screen.

Dimples: Hey Handsome. What are you into?

Bakugou: Hey sexy. Just hanging with my boys tonight. What about you?

It had been about a month since Jada and Bakugou’s graffiti adventure and the pair had been seeing each other off and on ever since. The hero could tell that she was still keeping him at arm's length and honestly that was alright with him. He wanted to keep things casual anyway. The last thing he needed was another distraction.

“Really?” A smirk grew across Kaminari’s lips as he leaned over to Kirishima. “So then maroon and burgundy are the same.”

The red-hero turned to him disgusted, pointing a finger squarely at his chest. “You know they are not the same!”

“It all looks red to me!” Denki teased.

“Stop it you two!” Sero intervented, sending his tape flying to stretch across their mouths. “Can’t take you anywhere.”

Dimples: Just trying on some new lingerie sets for work.

Bakugou: Is that so? Don’t be shy and let me see. I’ll let you know which one is my favorite.

“Bakugou!” Sero’s voice cut through the ash blonde’s thoughts, bringing him back to reality. “You’re awfully quiet tonight. Who are you texting?”

“Ooo!” Denki turned his gaze over to him as he held his heart lovingly. “Is it my chocolate queen, Jada?”

“Do you wanna run that by me again, Sparky?” Bakugou glared.

“Nope!”

Todoroki cleared his throat after taking another drink of his beer. “Jada? Is that the name of your new ladyfriend?”

The ash-blonde let out an exasperated sigh, hating that his love life was the center of attention. “Damn, does everybody know my business?”

“We’re just happy for you dude!” Kirishima flashed a bright smile before slapping his best friend on the back. “You’ve been seeing her for while, right? When are you going to let your boys properly meet your girlfriend?”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Katsuki mumbled.

“Well, she’s officially more than a booty call at this point.” Sero snickered while the explosion hero waved him off, another ping of his cell phone gaining his attention.

Dimples: IMG5235.png

Opening the image file, Bakugou sucked in a breath, his eyes glued to the screen. Posed in front of a bathroom mirror, was Jada Jackson. Her curves were dressed in a lavender lace teddy, leaving little to the imagination. His lips curled into a smile while he eagerly typed a response.

Bakugou: Fuck. How about I come over so I can see it in action?

“Especially when she’s got you smiling ear to ear like that.” The tape hero laughed watching his friend carefully. “What is she sending you?” It was then that Sero launched his quirk at Katsuki’s phone, hoping to take a peek at their conversion. Unfortunately, the ash-blonde was too quick, easily blocking his attack with a smug smirk.

“Not a chance. For once, this is for my eyes only.” It still irritated Bakugou that his friends had seen Jada practically naked during their last boy's night at the strip club. He was already a very private man, but that incident made him want to keep her to himself even more. He chuckled at Sero’s groans of protest when another ping brought his attention back to his phone.

Dimples: Sorry hun, but I can’t tonight. Duty Calls. But I’ll be thinking of you. 😉

Ah, so she’s at work. That’s not going to stop me. “In fact, I’m going to go collect what’s mine.” The explosion hero smirked as he stood, stuffing his phone into his pocket before chugging the last of this beer. “See you losers later.”

“I thought you said she wasn’t your girlfriend!” Kirishima laughed, giving his best friend a knowing look as Bakugou made his way to the bar exit.

“She’s not. But that ass is still mine!”

____________________________________________________________________________

Hopping off of his motorcycle, Bakugou walked over to the busy entrance of The Secret Garden. After showing his ID to the bouncer, the hero walked inside, his senses adjusting to the new environment. Sultry music pumped through the speakers in the dimly lit room as he looked around, searching for a familiar silhouette. With no immediate sign of Jada, he made his way through the crowd to have a seat near the main stage. Perhaps she was simply backstage, preparing to go on.

After quietly watching three different acts on the main stage, the ash-blonde began to grow impatient. Where the hell is she? She said she was working tonight. With a huff, he quickly looked around before flagging down another dancer with soft pink hair.

“Hey, when is Nubia coming out?” He questioned with a smirk as he recalled the spicy picture she had sent him. “I got something for her.”

“Sorry hun, but Nubia isn’t working tonight,” The petite dancer replied shaking her head. “I know you’re one of her regulars, but I can help you if you’d like. My name’s Sakura, what’s yours?”

Bakugou quirked a brow, ignoring her question. “What do you mean, she’s not working tonight?”

“Yeah, she’s probably home hanging with Daichi.”

“Who the fuck is Daichi?!”

The second the words had left his lips, a look of dread washed over the dancer. With wide panicked eyes, she covered her mouth, fighting a gasp. “Oh my God, she didn’t tell you…” She looked around, looking for an escape from her horrible mistake. “Shit shit shit she’s gonna kill me!”

That was all Bakugou needed to hear. Turning on his heel, he stormed out of the club toward his motorcycle. He could feel the anger inside him boiling over. His pulse quickened causing his temples to throb with each beat of his heart. That bitch. She’s been playing me for a fucking fool this whole time.

Horns wailed as he whizzed through traffic, narrowly avoiding cars and pedestrians as his motorcycle easily reached over 90 miles an hour. His knuckles were white as he tightly gripped the throttle, his eyes trained on the shabby apartment building up ahead. Screeching to a halt against the curb, the explosive hero stormed up to Jada’s unit, banging mercilessly against the door as he shouted, “Jada! Open up!”

“What in the fresh hell?” Jada could be heard on the other side of the door alongside frantic scurrying. After a moment, with Bakugou’s insistent banging, Jada opened her apartment door just enough for her body to be seen, a silk robe draped over her body. “Bakugou, why the hell are you banging on my door like you pay my bills?”

“Who the fuck do you got in here?!”

“Excuse me?!” The ravenette looked up at him, offended by his brashness.

“You got another man in here!” Bakugou barked, his fiery red eyes darting behind her searching for his competition. “Is that why you won’t let me touch you? You’re getting it from him?!”

“Have you lost your goddamn mind because I’ll help you find it! Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?!”

“YOU!” the ash-blonde yelled at the top of his lungs. “I went to the club looking for your ass and came to find out you’re over here playing house!” A look of surprise and guilt flashed across Jada’s emerald green eyes which only set Bakugou off further. “That’s right, your little friend Pinky Pie snitched on you. So stop lying! I know he’s in there!”

The ravenette’s eyes darkened for only a fleeting moment before she stood her ground, crossing her arms. “I’m not lying, so stop this! There’s no man here!”

“Really?” he scoffed, before shouting into the apartment, over her head. “Daichi?! Come out, you coward!”

At that moment, a small crash was heard coming from inside the apartment. Bakugou’s eyes flicked over to Jada and he watched as all of the color seemed to drain from her face, her heart dropping into her stomach.

“See, I KNEW you were full of shit!” Bakugou’s face contorted in disgust as he shook his head at the ravenette, his palms popping with sparks.

“Wait!” Jada yelped in desperation before Bakugou finally pushed her aside, no longer caring that he was raised to never use his brawn against women. Stomping inside, he looked around the small studio apartment, certain he would find this mystery man when he heard another small crash.

Turning his head, in the far corner stood a small toddler surrounded by a collection of fallen wooden blocks. Dressed in a green dinosaur onesie with a brown teddy bear tucked under his arm, the child turned to look at Bakugou, a sheepish smile on his lips. The hero stood in shock as he took in the child’s unique features: Dark wavy hair, smooth caramel skin, and striking emerald green eyes.

After what felt like an eternity of the pair standing in silence, Bakugou turned to Jada with an utterly confused look, harshly swallowing before continuing in a soft voice, “What the fuck is that?”

“That’s what I thought,” He chuckled smugly, pulling out a harness from his bag. “Now come here and let me get you hooked up.”

Jada begrudgingly approached him, watching him carefully as he worked. After a moment, he lightly patted her thigh uttering a command.

“Spread ‘em.”

“I would say you should take me dinner first but that would be a moot point.” The dark-skinned beauty smirked with a raised brow.

The hero chuckled as he helped Jada step into the harness before pulling it up in place over her wide hips. He carefully adjusted the steps making sure she was secure.  “How’s that feel? Not too tight?”

“It’s good.”

 “You ever done this before?” Bakugou hummed as he attached her safety line to his harness. 

“Do I look like I’ve ever done this before?”

He rolled his eyes at her sass, clearly, she was just nervous. “You’ll be fine. I know you’re not afraid of heights.” He bit his lip as his thoughts went to her heavenly body twirling high upon a pole at the strip club. Unfortunately, Jada also caught his distant look, knowing exactly what he was daydreaming. Bakugou cleared his throat as he looked away, preparing the last safety measures before starting their descent. “Just one foot and hand at a time.”

With a deep breath, Jada reluctantly nodded her head, walking up to the intimidating 50-meter high wall. Carefully, she placed her boot on the first nook she could find, hoisting herself up. Alright, so it’s not as hard as I thought. She continued to climb, quickly finding a rhythm, her upper body strength giving her an unexpected edge. 

Bakugou smirked to himself as he watched her climb, following suit. He knew she had it in her. If she could lift and hold herself up on a pole by squeezing her thighs alone, she could climb a rock wall with no problem. The pair continued to climb in silence for a few minutes until the hero finally spoke up, “Not bad, Dimples. Maybe one day you’ll be half as good as —” 

Bakugou looked over to his side expecting to see Jada’s long black locs, but was met with nothing but open air. What the fuck… He looked around feverishly but there was no sign of her. Could she have fallen? He didn’t feel any weight on her lead rope. He called for her, concern growing in his voice with each passing second, “Dimples? Dimp- Jada?!”

“What are you hollering about?”

Following the sound of her voice, Bakugou looked up above him. There at the top of the cliff, was Jada Jackson. She stood with her hip cocked to the side, looking down at him from her perch. Even from this distance, he could tell that she was quite pleased with herself. How the hell did she get up there so fast? “I turn around and you’re gone! How about some heads up?” he barked as he clung to the side of the rocky cliff. 

The dark-skinned beauty only giggled at his comment, turning on her heel before tossing her long locs over her shoulder. “How about you keep up?”

Clicking his tongue, Bakugou quickly climbed the rest of the way up, not wanting to be shown up any further. Hoisting himself over the edge of the cliff, he was met with Jada’s smug face, offering him a hand. With a playful roll of his eyes, he took it, admiring her guts to take him on. 

The hero then took off his climbing gear, before helping Jada do the same. His eyes and  fingers lingered on her skin, and she was quick to notice. “See something you like?” Before he could answer, the ravenette backed away with a confident smile, leaving the hero where he stood.

Making her way further down the path, Jada continued to tease the blonde, purposefully swaying her hips with every step, until her timberland boot slipped on a wet rock along the trail. Even as she tried to catch herself, her ankle rolled causing her to fall over and into dirt and brush, “Oh fuck!”

“Oi! You alright?” Bakugou yelled as he rushed over to her aid. The woman was now flat on her ass, wincing in pain.

“You mean besides eating shit while just trying to walk? Yeah, I’m just peachy.” Jada hissed as she brushed off the dirt and mud from her arms and legs. 

“You should be more careful!”

“I told you I didn’t like the elements! I am an inside person!”

The hero sighed as he kelt down, taking off his backpack, “Alright stop your bitching and let me look at it.” with the softest touch, he took her ankle in his hands. Carefully, he rolled it slowly as Jada grimaced in discomfort. With a nod, he tenderly let her ankle back on the ground before standing, “Okay, so it’s not broken or you’d be screaming bloody murder. I’ll wrap it up for support and it will be back to normal in a day or two.”

 Bakugou helped her up to her feet before taking his backpack from the ground. Instead of placing it back on his back, the blonde wore it on across his broad chest before turning his back to the woman expectantly. Jada stared at him for a moment unsure of what to do. “What are you waiting for?! Hop on, I ain’t got all day!”

Finally, it clicked that the hero was offering her a piggyback ride. She scoffed as she slapped her sides with her arms in frustration. “Try using your words next time! I ain’t no mind reader!” Carefully, Jada climbed onto his back. Her long chocolate arms draped over his shoulders while his strong calloused hands gripped her thighs. “You better not drop me,” she grumbled under her breath.

“Don’t squirm and I won’t.” Bakugou stalked up the trail in silence for a while as he carried her effortlessly. Even out here in the 80-degree heat, he could still smell her jasmine perfume lightly caressing her skin. With her this close, his mind instantly went to their first meeting; the feel of her soft skin against his; The sound of her quiet moans ringing in his ear. Shaking off those thoughts he scoffed to himself, “I can’t believe you dance every night in 6-inch heels only to roll your ankle in fucking boots.”

 “I’m not dancing on loose and wet rocks!” Jada argued, turning her face away from the hero. “You’re talking a lot of shit for a dude that begged me to go out on a date with him.”

“Tch. Whatever.” 

The pair continued forward with only the sound of crunching leaves and twigs under Bakugou’s feet between them. The ravenette sighed as she resolved herself to taking in the scenery of their nature hike. If she wasn’t such an inside person, this view would be quite beautiful. While she took in the sights of the lush trees, a warm and familiar scent reached her nose. Is that… sugar cookies? 

Before she could question the scent further, a small cabin began to come into view at the top of the hill. It wasn’t long until they reached its front door, Bakugou pulling out a pair of keys from his backpack, unlocking the door. Very carefully, he walked her inside, letting her put her weight on his shoulders. Once they reached the kitchen, the hero lifted the woman easily to sit on the kitchen counter before disappearing into another room, “Be right back.” 

Jada looked around the small cabin, taking in the subtle decor. It was cozy and inviting, adorned with rustic flannel and neutral colors. Honestly, it looked like something out of a magazine. “So this place is yours?” she asked as the blonde came back into the room.

“Yeah. I stay here pretty often. Whenever I want to get away and recharge.” Bakugou hummed as he approached the woman, crouching down on one knee. “Now let’s see about this ankle, you klutz. Lucky enough for you, I’m with a hero who has a pretty extensive first aid kit.” He shook the first aid kit in his hand while flashing a cheeky smile. 

“Does that mean you get hurt a lot?”

The hero scoffed to himself, before looking up at her with ruby red eyes, measured and sure, “It means I never run from a fight.”

Fuck, don’t look at me like that. I’m still mad at you. Jada bit her lip as she looked away from his gaze.

“There,” He chuckled as he finished wrapping her ankle in an ace bandage. “Maybe now you’ll stop falling for me before you really hurt yourself.”

 “Is that really the best line you could come up with?” Jada huffed, crossing her arms.

“It must be pretty good, Dimples,” Bakugou smirked, resealing the first aid kit, “You’re smiling.” 

“You’re insufferable.”

 “I call it persistent.”

 Bakugou slowly stood to his feet, before reaching one hand behind her to rest on the cool tile of the countertop she was perched on, effectively leaning over her. “Come on, Dimples,” he cooed in his trademark rough voice, entrancing her. With her full attention under his sultry gaze, he brushed his calloused fingertips down her warm brown thigh, before sliding his hand underneath her knee, gently lifting her long leg up to rest on his hip. “This needs to stay elevated and I know the perfect way to pass the time.”

Jada took in a breath as she looked up at the blonde hero, their lips inches away from each other. Her mind wanted to resist out of principle but her body wanted him in the worst possible way.  What are you doing to me, Blasty?

Fuck it. Finally, she closed the gap, their lips connecting in a fiery passion. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him even closer, wanting nothing between them. Bakugou returned the favor, skillfully moving his lips against hers before letting his tongue softly trace her bottom lip, silently asking for entry. 

Of course, Jada complied. The hero hummed as his grip on her leg tightened as he began to explore the inside of her mouth. Their tongues wrestled for dominance until she finally relented, a soft moan leaving her throat. 

“Mmm, that’s a good girl.” Bakugou breathed against her full lips, as he continued to mold himself to her. Taking his hands from her body, he reached down to his pants, unbuttoning them. Just as he was about to push them off his hips, the ravenette placed her hands over his, stopping him. “What’s wrong?” he asked, a confused look on his face.

Jada paused as she looked up at him, searching for something in his fiery red eyes she couldn’t quite name. Finally, she turned away, shaking her head, “Nothing.” 

“Nothing?”

“Yeah…” Her voice trailed off as she nibbled on her bottom lip.

“So are we doing this or…” Bakugou watched her for a moment, but her eyes never returned to him. He knew she had something on her mind. “Spit it out, woman!”

“You hurt me!”

“Huh?” The hero quirked a blonde brow, unsure of what she meant. He hadn’t even touched her. 

“I’m the baddest bitch there is and you hurt me. That’s saying a lot.” Jada confessed as she looked him square in the face, Bakugou instantly taking notice. “Look it’s obvious that we have chemistry and I’m into you. I said I’d give you another shot after you showed your ass at the club but... I still don’t trust you.” 

The dark-skinned beauty could feel her face heating up in her embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she was being this honest and candid with her feelings. With this man she barely knew. Taking a deep breath, she continued in a soft voice as she dropped her gaze, staring into her lap. “I have to protect myself. I’m not sleeping with you again until you can prove to me that this is real. I’m no one’s dirty secret and I’m nobody’s fool.” Finding her confidence again she lifted her head, her emerald green eyes locking with his.  “I need no man, hero or not. If you can’t hang with that then it was nice knowing you I guess.” 

Bakugou crossed his arms as he took in everything that she said. He should have known he wouldn’t be able to just pick things up where they left off before that fateful night. Of course, he would be in the doghouse. If he was being honest, it was that fire that drew him to her even after all of that drama. 

With a heavy sigh, the hero rebuttoned his pants before running a hand through his ash blonde hair. “Look, as fun as it was, I don’t need sex to function like some punks and I get why you don’t exactly trust me. But I need you to get one thing straight.” He paused as he walked around and behind the kitchen island where she sat, Jada turning and craning her neck to follow. “I’m not some schmuck you can string along for kicks. That said... I am interested, so I’ll pursue.” He then leaned forward and across the island so that his lips were next to her ear as he whispered, “But I won’t chase.”

Jesus Christ, why are you so sexy? Jada did her best to hide her smirk from the blonde, refusing to give him the satisfaction. He’s the one that should be begging and salivating, not her.

 “I’m hungry,” Bakugou said as he clapped his hands, effectively breaking the sexual tension in the air. “Let’s see what I have here.” With a huff he began to rummage through his cabinets and refrigerator until he whipped together a quick lunch. “That will do. Here,” he breathed as he slid a plate across the kitchen island to his date. 

“PB&J?” Jada quirked a brow as she picked up the simple sandwich.

“Yeah, something I picked up from the states,” He said as he took a bite. “Nothing fancy but it gets the job done.” 

Jada hummed as she took a bite herself. She had eaten more than enough PB&Js in her life. In a way, it was somewhat comforting. “So you lived in the states for a while?”

“Yeah, I was there for about a month for a mission. It was alright I guess,” the blonde paused as he grabbed two bottled waters from the fridge. “I’m surprised you left when most Japanese people would kill to live in America. ‘The land of opportunity’ and shit.”

The land of opportunity… the dark skinned woman hummed to herself as she took another bite, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “Yeah, maybe for some.”

“What do you mean?” The blonde questioned.

Jada paused as she looked over to the man. He rested his forearms on the countertop as he watched her carefully, sensing her sudden change in demeanor.

He really has no idea. She took a deep breath, unsure why her words came so freely from her mouth, when for years she kept silent, “My mom couldn’t afford to go to college so she started working at McDonald’s after high school. Minimum wage didn’t cover rent so she started stripping. Then she got pregnant with me and whoever my dad was didn’t stick around. With her growing belly and stretch marks, she got less and less tips dancing, so she started hoeing to keep us afloat.” 

Bakugou set down his sandwich on his plate as he stood up straighter to listen. He could tell that her words were not easy for her to say. 

“After a while, the stress and shame of that got to her. Really messed her up,” She paused, fighting that familiar tingle of her nose. “She started self-medicating with prescription drugs and heroin. She ODed when I was 13. I wound up in foster care and the cycle continues.” Jada chuckled dryly as she took another small bite of her sandwich, unable to meet his eyes. “So… you can say the land of opportunity didn’t do us any favors.” 

“Hm,” Bakugou hummed simply as he looked at the ravenette intently, stroking the stumble on his chin, “So you…”

Jada looked up at him with a puzzled look until she finally understood where his question was leading. “No fool! I just dance,” she scoffed as she crossed her arms. “And I’m clean too.” She paused, a flash of heat rising to her cheeks. “Fuck, I don’t know why just told you all that.”

“Well,” the hero breathed as he tossed his now empty plate into the dishwasher. “I won’t pretend to know what that’s like. But it’s still not enough to scare me off. I never back away from a challenge and you, Dimples,” he paused, giving her a sly smirk, “are one and a half.”

 The ravenette chuckled to herself as a familiar warmth rose to her cheeks. She turned away from his gaze on instinct but Bakugou knew he had hit his target. Fighting a soft smile, he gestured to her half eaten sandwich, “Finished eating?”

“Yeah.”

“Then let’s get you back down the mountain. It will take longer with you on my back.” He tossed the rest of her sandwich in the trash before putting the plate into the dishwasher, turning it on. “Ready?”

“I guess so.” Jada stretched her muscles for a moment before she looked up to see the hero slowly saunter in front of her between her legs once again. He licked his lips while he looked her up and down, a smug smirk forming across his face. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason,” he shrugged. “Just thinking about how sweet victory is going to taste when you finally say yes to me.”

Jada rolled her eyes playfully as she smacked his broad shoulder, “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Blasty.” 

Bakugou laughed as he turned around before hoisting the cynical ravenette onto his back, “Please. I’m inevitable.”

“Let’s just say I was able to blow off some steam,” Jada smirked coyly as she brushed her off. “You know I can’t talk about it at work anyway.” 

“Fineee…” Sakura pouted, returning back to her makeup routine. “I was just hoping to live vicariously through you. God knows I’m not going to meet anyone worth keeping here.” 

“Not true… We get a few high dollar clients.” 

“Like who?” The pink-haired woman questioned, looking pointedly at her friend.

“Mr. Sato blew 500,000 yen in one night.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that…. He’s kinda old though. What about Mr. Suzuki? He’s cute and drops mad dough.”

Jada scoffed, rolling her eyes as she changed into a pair of impossibly short shorts and a crop top, “Mr. Suzuki also has a problem with keeping his hands to himself.” 

“But if he makes you his Mrs. then you’ll be set for life.”

“And how many girls like us have ever married high dollar clients?” The ravenette asked, crossing her arms.

“Cardi B did it!”

“Cardi actually made her own money and then got her hubby. I’m pretty sure her net worth is much more than his.” Jada clicked her tongue as she buckled a pair of 7-inch platform heels to her feet. “God I hate these shoes. I feel like a fucking horse.”

“Yeah, but the clients can’t get enough of them. Did you know once in a private room, a client asked me to step on his junk with them? Not my thing but he tipped well so whatever.” Sakura hummed, tapping her chin before shouting, “Oh I know! Amber Rose!”

“Did she actually marry Kanye or did they just date?”

“I don’t know but she was with him long enough to tell the world that he likes a finger in the booty!” The pink-haired woman giggled as she held up her little finger.

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, Baby!” The two friends laughed as they playfully shoved and nudged each other until a man popped his head into the dressing room. 

“Hey, Jada! You’re up in 5!” 

“Coming!” The dark-skinned beauty called as she put the finishing touches on her lipstick. As she made her way out the door the ladies in the dressing room all cheered her on, giving her playful smacks on the ass, but none were louder than her bubbly bestie.

“Pop that pussy, Mama!” Sakura cheered with a laugh. “Make that money!”

As Jada made her way onto the stage, she took a deep centering breath. She got into her opening pose in the dark as she heard the hoots and hollers from the audience surrounding the stage. 

“Alright, alright, alright!” The MC of the club said into the microphone. “As our next act gets settled in here’s another reminder that here at The Secret Garden there is no flash photography or flashing of any kind. That’s right, keep it in your pants fellas.” He chuckled as he looked over to Jada, her giving him a nod that she was ready to begin. “Without further ado please welcome back to the main stage… the exotic beauty…  with tits, ass, and legs for days…. Nubia!”

As the lights lifted, Kelis’ “Milkshake” began to bump through the club’s speakers, Jada starting her performance. She began to twerk before making her way to the single pole in the middle of the stage. Taking it in her grasp, she gave a few body rolls before launching herself around the pole, spinning with ease as she performed various tricks. The crowd cheered and threw their money onto the stage with each pole inversion, jump split, and discarded piece of clothing until her dance finally came to an end as he panted to catch her breath. (https://youtu.be/Eu8Tyr4B_EA)

After she quickly picked up her discarded clothes and tips and took them backstage, Jada made her way back onto the strip club floor. She walked around her in lingerie until a man called out to her, patting his knee. “Hey, Sweet Cheeks! Come sit on daddy’s lap.”

“You want a dance Mr.?” She smiled sweetly, walking over to him.

“I want much more than a dance but that’s a good start.”

Gross. “It’s 3,000 yen for a dance, 10,500 yen for the VIP lounge, and 27,000 yen for the Champagne Room. Plus tip.”

“Umm…” He chuckled nervously. “Just a dance out here is cool.”

Cheapskate. With a flip of her dark locs, she turned her back to him before lowering herself onto his lap. She rolled her hips against him to the pulsating music, taking her time. As she continued her ministrations the man grew more and more excited. This became even more apparent as she began to feel the hard tent forming in his pants. She sighed, trying her best to ignore it until the strange man began to grab and rub her thighs. “I know it’s very tempting but this is a no-touch club, Honey.”

“Sure, Sure.” He breathed, removing his hands.

The ravenette continued her dance, confident that he got the message. Turning around, she straddled his hips so that she was facing him, hoping that the eye contact would deter him. Unfortunately, his hands once again found his way to her skin, gripping her waist, his fingers playing with the clasp of her bra. “Hey.” She warned in a more stern voice. “Last warning.”

“Feisty! I like it.”

Jada clicked her tongue as she pried his hands off of her. The man smiled apologetically, but it didn't reach his eyes. After another deep breath, the dark-skinned beauty returned to her lap dance, rolling her hips against his lap while giving him a full view of her breasts.  

Growing impatient, the man once again laid his hands on Jada, this time harshly grabbing her ass with both hands, pushing her further into his erection, a sick smirk on his lips. “Come on, Baby you can give me more than that.” 

“I said hands off!” Jada yelled. Getting up from his lap, she drew her arm back to land a hard slap across his face, the sound of impact heard throughout the club.

“Ow!” He bellowed, jumping to his feet with his face in his hand. With his eyes filled with rage, he raised his hand as Jada instinctively flinched away, “Fuck you, Bitch!”

Jada closed her eyes, waiting for the blow that never came; instead, she heard a familiar calm deep voice that made her stomach churn just the same. 

“What seems to be the problem here?”

The ravenette opened her eyes to see the Club Owner and her boss, Yamaguchi Eizan standing by as well as a club bouncer, holding the handsy man in a chokehold. She clicked her tongue as she crossed her arms, addressing her boss. “He grabbed my ass after 2 warnings!”

“I see,” Yamaguchi hummed, his cool expression irking her further. “Tanaka, can you see this gentleman out? After he pays for his dance with a generous tip of course.” The bouncer nodded and he wrestled the man out, ignoring the client’s shouts of protest. Once they were out of earshot, Yamaguchi turned his attention back to Jada, a frown beginning to form on his lips. “Nubia, can you follow me please?”

Jada felt a pit form deep in her stomach as she followed the man into his office, instinctively covering her scantily clad body. The loud music was almost nonexistent as the door closed behind them. He sighed as he sat down behind his desk, tapping his fingers against the mahogany wood. 

He was a physically imposing man and classically beautiful. Perfectly coiffed black hair and dark brown eyes. He dressed in an expensive suit, expertly tailored. For all extensive purposes Yamaguchi Eizan was every woman’s wet dream. Jada knew better, of course. 

“What the fuck were you thinking, Jada?” He finally seethed. 

“What was I supposed to do?! He was groping me!”

“I can’t have you striking my clients.”

“So I’m just supposed to let them touch me?” She argued, only for Yamaguchi to rise from his seat, instantly shutting her up. 

“I don’t think you understand the ramifications of your actions,” He breathed as he made his way over the beauty, his frame towering over her.  “That gentleman is going to leave this club and tell his friends about his experience. He’s going to tell his friends about how a stripper slapped him for enjoying their dance. In return, his friends will not come here to relax and now that money will not be coming into the club. I don’t get paid, which means you don’t get paid. And...” He paused, taking a single loc of her hair between his thumb and forefinger, a soft smirk forming on his lips. “I know how tight money is for you these days. Keep in mind, my offer still stands to give you some relief.”

Jada fought the urge to look away, not wanting to wilt under his gaze. He was so close that she could smell the sandalwood of his aftershave, “I’m good. Thanks.”

“That’s right. You are good.” He said lowly, letting go of her hair as he stepped back, leaning against this desk. “You’ll do good to remember how good you have it here. I only ask that you dance for clients. If you were with someone else you wouldn’t be as lucky.” 

“Okay, I get it,” Jada whispered, still holding herself.

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

The two were then interrupted by a knock on the office door. After an acknowledgment by Yamaguchi, the bouncer entered the room and handed him a large stack of cash. “Is this from the gentleman in question?” Yamaguchi asked. The bouncer just gave a nod and left the room without a word. 

Yamaguchi hummed as he licked his fingertips before counting out the money. “That’s 8,000 yen for me…” He paused placing the stack on his desk. “And 2,000 yen for you,” He smiled as he offered the money to Jada.

“2,000? What the hell?” She protested, unfolding her arms.

“For the future revenue you just cost me with your stunt. Or would you prefer I kept it all?” He looked at her pointedly.

“Okay…” She frowned, taking the cash as she turned to leave.

“Remember, Love,” He called out as she stepped out of the room, the pounding music almost drowning out his words.  “Things could be much worse.”

Jada sighed as she closed the door behind her, making her way back onto the club floor, “Some days I’m not so sure.”

____________________________________________________________________________

The next day, Ground Zero and Red Riot were out on their daily patrols, walking through the busy Tokyo streets. The red-haired hero smiled brightly as he waved to the citizens, Bakugou holding his usual scowl. Once he was confident no one was listening in, Kirishima nudged his friend, earning his attention, “You’re lucky Mina loves you since you ditched her on her birthday.” 

“She’ll forgive me.” The blonde shrugged.

“What happened anyway? I left you at the bar and then you were gone.”

Bakugou once again thought over the happenings of two nights before. How he had bedded a mysterious woman, which he thought they both enjoyed, only for her to leave his side without so much of a care. “Long story short, I met a woman and took her home.”

“Bakugou, you dog!” Kirishima laughed as he slapped his friend on the back. “Now it all makes sense.”

 “Yeah, sure whatever…” Bakugou grumbled before rubbing his neck nervously. “Hey… Has a girl ever bolted on you right after sex?”

The red-haired man quirked a brow, surprised by his question. “You let your love interests stay over now?”

“I don’t have any fucking love interests!” He barked before asking again. “Do they ever leave right after?”

“Right after?”

“Yeah.”

“Like right right after?”

“She literally came and went.”

“Like on her own? No coaxing?”

“She hopped off my dick and got dressed to leave.”

“Damn. I can’t say I have...” Kirishima sighed, scratching his chin. Looking over to his seemingly dejected friend, he gave him a nudge. “Look maybe she just had an early appointment in the morning or something? Girls have loads of random appointments!”

“Maybe…” The blonde breathed, avoiding eye-contact with his friend.

“Or you’re just bad in bed.”

“MAN FUCK YOU, SHITTY HAIR!”

Kirishima laughed as he dodged his friend’s explosions and hardened himself to take the hits that he couldn’t avoid. “I’m kidding! You know you do the exact same thing when you have one night stands at a girl’s place.” 

Do I? Bakugou paused for a moment before scoffing, “That’s different!”

Red Riot rolled his eyes as he brushed off the soot and ash from his skin. “You said she came right?” 

“Of course she did.” The blonde smirked proudly.

“More than once? You were, you know, generous? Foreplay and stuff?”

“Nah, believe me, she was fuckin ready to go.” Bakugou chuckled as he remembered her sprawled out on his bed with her fingers deep in her heat. 

“There’s your problem bro! The ladies are all about the foreplay! You can’t get lazy and skip it. Not manly.” His friend only grunted in response but Kirishima could see the wheels turning in Bakugou’s head. “Why are you so worried about it this time anyway? You’ve always preferred one night stands. “Love is a distraction” and all.”

“I don’t know... She’s just different.” The blonde hummed before quickly recovering “And I never said anything about love!”

“Did you guys exchange numbers? Do you think she enjoyed herself enough that she’d let you take her out on a proper date?”

“Kinda...”

“Did she give you her number or did she take yours?”

“She took mine.”

Kirishima hissed in pain while he shook his head in disappointment. 

“What?” Bakugou questioned.

“That’s not a good sign bro…” He sighed.  “Mina does that when she wants to let guys down easy. She takes their numbers and then never calls.”

Ground Zero blinked up at his friend as he took in the news before a blanket of rage started to overshadow his disappointment. “Man fuck that! She’ll call! No woman can resist me! I’m a fucking catch!”

“Whatever you say, man.” Red Riot breathed as he patted his friend’s shoulder.

“You wish you could have as many women as me!”

“Dude, I’m happily engaged!” Kirishima laughed. “One woman is all I need!”***

“Shut up, Shitty Hair!”

As the pair began to get into another squabbling match out on the street, a loud ringing came from the pants pocket of the blonde hero. 

“You gonna get that?” Kirishima laughed as he blocked another explosion.

With one last growl, Ground Zero dug into his pants pocket, taking out his phone and harshly answering the call, “What is it?!”

“Well hello to you too.”

The velvety smooth voice on the other line startled the hero as he cleared his throat, this time speaking much softer. “Who is this?”

“It’s Jada. Up for round two?”

NOTES: ***This is referring to my friend’s Black OC Marina. You can find her fic here.