Chapter Text
Chapter 1: A Life of Duty and Ambition
The grand house stood atop a gentle hill, overlooking acres of farmland and gardens that stretched out in every direction. The estate had once been a place of warmth and joy, filled with laughter and life, but time had worn down its shine. Now, the large mansion, with its weathered stone walls and sprawling grounds, felt more like a gilded cage than a home. For Bakugou Katsuki, it was both.
The young man, still in his early twenties, had inherited the estate after the sudden death of his husband, leaving him the sole caretaker of three children: Momo, Denki, and Deku. Momo and Denki, his adopted children, had grown up with love and discipline, while Deku—Izuku Midoriya, as he was once called—was his stepchild. Bakugou never spoke of how Deku had come into his life, and it was a subject he avoided even in his own mind.
Bakugou strode through the hallways of the grand house, his boots echoing sharply against the marble floors. He was a striking figure, his hair a shock of blond that seemed to burn in the light, his red eyes sharp and filled with a determination that had not dulled with time. His tailored clothes fit snugly over a muscular frame, a testament to his years of hard work managing the estate.
The house was quiet now, save for the occasional sound of Denki’s laughter in the garden or Momo’s gentle voice as she read aloud to herself. They were growing up quickly, and Bakugou knew it wouldn’t be long before they were ready to make their own way in the world. He had done his best to raise them—ensuring they were educated, well-mannered, and ready for whatever lay ahead. But there was always an undercurrent of pressure, a weight on his shoulders that had never quite lifted since taking over the family responsibilities.
“Denki, Momo!” Bakugou’s voice carried through the open windows as he stepped out onto the terrace. He found the two children in the garden, Denki chasing after butterflies with his usual boundless energy, while Momo sat on a stone bench, her book forgotten as she watched her brother with a small smile.
“Yes, Father?” Momo asked, standing gracefully and brushing off her dress.
Denki, ever the energetic one, bounded over with a wide grin. “What’s up, Pops?”
Bakugou crossed his arms and gave them both a critical look, but there was a hint of softness in his gaze. “I’ve been hearing rumors. The king’s ball is happening soon. Every eligible noble family will be attending, and you both need to be prepared.”
Denki’s eyes lit up with excitement. “A ball?! Do you think the prince will be there? I’ve heard he’s a total catch!”
Momo, ever the calm and collected one, nodded. “It’s a great opportunity for us, Father. I’ll make sure Denki behaves.”
Bakugou couldn’t suppress a smirk. “You better. It’s about time you two learned how to act properly in society. This isn’t just a party—it’s a chance for you to make something of yourselves.”
He watched as Momo nodded with determination, her gaze steady and focused. She was intelligent, far more than she let on, and Bakugou knew that she would excel in any situation. Denki, on the other hand, was still a bundle of energy and unpredictability. But Bakugou had faith in him, too. They both had potential, and this ball might just be the opportunity to secure a brighter future for them.
As the children talked excitedly about the upcoming event, Bakugou’s mind wandered back to the prince, Kirishima Eijirou. The young heir to the throne was known not only for his good looks but also for his kindness and sense of honour. Bakugou had never met him personally, but he had heard enough from the nobles in town to know that Kirishima was unlike most royals—he actually cared about the people.
He shook off the thought. This wasn’t about him. It was about his children. They were the ones who needed to seize this chance.
Just then, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. “Father…”
Bakugou turned to see Deku standing in the doorway, looking as small and hesitant as ever. His green eyes were wide, filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. Unlike Momo and Denki, Deku didn’t quite fit into the world of nobles and grand estates. He was awkward, often tripping over his own feet and mumbling when he spoke. Still, Bakugou had never been unkind to him—just distant.
“What is it, Deku?” Bakugou asked, his tone not harsh but not particularly warm either.
“I-I heard about the ball,” Deku stammered, twisting his hands nervously. “Do you think… maybe I could go too?”
Denki snorted, but Momo shot him a look that silenced him immediately. Bakugou looked at Deku for a long moment, considering his request. He wasn’t blind to the fact that Deku had always been treated differently, not just by the other children but by society as a whole. He was the stepchild, the outsider. And while Bakugou had never gone out of his way to make him feel unwelcome, he hadn’t exactly embraced him, either.
Bakugou’s gaze softened, just a fraction. “We’ll see.”
Deku’s face lit up with hope, and he nodded eagerly before retreating back into the house.
Denki rolled his eyes. “Come on, Pops. You’re not seriously thinking about letting him go, are you?”
Momo sighed. “He just wants to belong, Denki.”
Bakugou didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his attention back to the estate, to the work that still needed to be done before the ball. The preparations were already beginning, and while the children saw the ball as an exciting adventure, Bakugou knew it was a chance to secure their future. If they could make a good impression on the prince, or any of the other nobles, it could change everything for them.
The next few weeks would be critical, and Bakugou intended to make sure everything went perfectly.
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The days leading up to the ball were filled with frantic preparations. Momo and Denki were fitted for new clothes, their excitement growing with each passing day. Seamstresses and tailors came and went, working tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. The house buzzed with activity, and even Deku found himself swept up in the preparations, though he was often relegated to the background, helping with the less glamorous tasks.
Bakugou, ever the perfectionist, oversaw everything with a sharp eye. He made sure the children were well-prepared, coaching them on how to act, what to say, and how to carry themselves in front of the other nobles. It was exhausting, but necessary. He wasn’t going to let them embarrass themselves—or him.
One evening, as Bakugou was reviewing the guest list for the ball, he found himself thinking once again of Kirishima. The prince was known for his strength, both in battle and in character. He was said to be fair and just, a man who valued honour above all else. And while Bakugou had no illusions about his own station—he was, after all, just a young widower with two adopted children—there was something about the idea of meeting the prince that stirred something deep within him.
He pushed the thought away. This wasn’t about him.
It never had been.