“Scars? What are you two talking about?” Kirishima asked, looking at Bakugou who turned away with a scowl.

“I only know the little bit that Spotlight told me,” Jeanist said to Bakugou. “It seems she has begun to tell you about her past.”

“Only a little,” Bakugou replied, still scowling at the computer screen.

“Sorry, Red Riot, but it isn’t a story that is ours to share without Miss Hales’ blessing,” Jeanist explained to the sturdy hero.

“I understand,” Kirishima replied. “I need to get going anyways. I will come by your place on Saturday,” he said to Bakugou, who just grunted in response. “I will talk to ya later then,” Kirishima said as he left.

Jeanist turned back to the computer on Bakugou’s desk. “She really is beautiful, isn’t she?” Not getting a response, he continued, “Spotlight didn’t tell me much, just that she was kidnapped by villains when she was eight and was gone for seven years before she was found. He said she has scars from her experience, and prefers to keep them covered.”

“Sunshine doesn’t like to talk about it,” Bakugou replied, closing the Internet browser.

“Let her know I need to talk to her when she gets back, will you?” Jeanist said, moving towards the door.

Ignoring his employer, Bakugou decided to get ready for patrol.

Pausing at the door, Jeanist said, “I’m glad you two are getting along well. She seems to be a good partner. I’m hoping she will stay for quite some time.”

After hearing the door shut, Bakugou muttered under his breath, “Me too.”

%%%%%

Kia ran back to the agency after visiting a couple of furniture stores. It was five to three and she was hoping Bakugou hadn’t gone on patrol without her yet. Dashing through the front door, she almost collided with Nina.

“I’m sorry!” Kia exclaimed as she caught the files Nina had been carrying.

“What is the rush?” Nina asked, taking the files from her.

“I was hoping to catch Ground Zero in time for patrol,” Kia explained.

“Oh, where have you been?” Nina questioned.

“Actually, I just had an interview with the manager of that apartment complex you found for me,” Kia replied.

“Really? How did it go?” Nina asked excitedly.

“Good. The paperwork is all signed and ready to go. I even stopped by some furniture stores and got a few things. Everything will be delivered on Saturday, and I can move in then!” Kia cheered.

“Congratulations!” Nina beamed, “I’m glad it worked out so well. Did you get a chance to meet any of your neighbors?” she asked innocently.

“No, but the manager said a handsome young guy lives next door,” Kia laughed. “I better get going if I’m gonna catch B.”

“Alright, I will see you later!” Nina called out as Kia disappeared to the elevator, “Can’t wait for you to meet your handsome neighbor,” she mumbled, walking away with a big smile on her face.

%%%%%

Bakugou opened the office door to come face to face with Kia.

“Good, I made it back in time,” Kia said as she pushed past him. “I figured you would have left without me,” she said as she sat a backpack on her desk and kicked off her shoes.

“You took long enough,” Bakugou said, crossing his arms. Kia shrugged off her jacket and set it on the back of her chair before reaching down to pull off her shirt. “What are you doing?” Bakugou asked, flustered.

“Relax, B, I’ve got my costume on underneath,” Kia replied as she pulled her shirt over her head. Bakugou watched as she unbuttoned her pants and slipped them off her hips. Kia laid the clothes over her chair before reaching into her bag and pulling out her boots. Pulling them on, she fastened the buckles and put on her mask and belt. “Ready to go!” she said, turning back to her partner.

Bakugou stood there wide eyed at her impromptu strip tease. “Couldn’t you do that in the locker room?” he asked.

“Would you have waited?” Kia asked.

Shrugging, Bakugou turned and stomped out the door, thankful that his mask hid part of his face. Watching her wiggle out of her clothes made his heart beat funny and it pissed him off.

The two heroes patrolled their usual routes before moving on to more populated areas as it turned into evening. There was a lot of activity as they broke up fights at bars and stopped a random purse-snatcher or two, but no major crimes happened.

They got back to the agency at ten and started to work on the paperwork for the small crimes they stopped. It only took about an hour for them to finish the forms. Shutting down his computer, Bakugou got ready to leave for the night. He was usually the last one to leave, but Kia was still typing away at her keyboard as he opened the door.

“You’re not done yet?” Bakugou asked looking back.

“I’ve got to finish up those reports you sent me today,” Kia replied. Looking up at the clock she added, “I’m gonna wait till midnight anyway to head out. The lady that works the hotel desk till midnight is always cranky when I come in late.”

“You stay at a hotel?” Bakugou asked.

“Not for much longer. I was out looking at apartments today and I should be moving in this weekend!” Kia said. “Have a good night, B, and I will see you in the morning. I will be here at six.”

“When is the interview?” Bakugou asked.

“It looks like it starts at nine, so we will have some time to strategize.” Looking up Kia smiled at him, “I’m still going to watch some of your old interviews.”

“I don’t need any help, but knock yourself out,” Bakugou growled as he left.

%%%%%

The next morning, Bakugou walked into the office to see a cup of coffee sitting on his desk. Taking his seat, he took a sip as he turned his computer back on. He was not looking forward to the interview, and just the thought of it was already souring his mood.

Kia walked into the office carrying a small box and sat it on his desk before rolling her chair over to sit across from him. Pulling a muffin out of the box, she bit into it as she sat down.

“Does my desk look like a damn breakfast table to you?” Bakugou asked.

Rolling her eyes, she swallowed before taking a sip of her own coffee and setting it on the desk. “Just drink your coffee,” she replied, offering him a muffin. Bakugou raised a brow at her before reaching in and grabbing one. “I watched some of your interviews last night, and I think I have a plan,” Kia told him.

“Oh, yeah?” Bakugou said sarcastically before taking a bite out of his muffin.

“As I thought, you either run out of patience with a bad reporter or they try to make you lose your temper,” Kia said, ignoring his bad attitude.

“I told you I don’t need any help, damn it!” Bakugou snapped.

“Take it easy, all I have to do is run interference,” Kia said. “With two of us there, they can’t badger you.”

Bakugou sat back in his chair while eyeing his partner. She met his gaze while taking another sip of her coffee. “Besides, you aren’t the only one who has problems with reporters,” she said, looking away.

“Really? I figured you would be one that reporters would fall head over heels for,” Bakugou chided.

“Yeah, and for the most part I don’t have any issues as long as they don’t start getting too personal,” Kia replied. “Sometimes a reporter gets wind of my past and starts asking a lot of questions I don’t want to answer. Those interviews never go well.”

Bakugou saw how uncomfortable Kia was getting just from bringing the subject up. “Alright, so if they start I will just interrupt them,” he told her.

Surprised, Kia’s head snapped back up to look at Bakugou. “Thanks, B, I really appreciate it. You know, you should show this nice side of you more often,” Kia teased.

“Fuck that,” Bakugou barked, stretching his arms and putting his hands behind his head as Kia laughed.