Thanksgiving had arrived, and for Y/N, it was like stepping into a new chapter of her life. It was their third year at U.A. High, and they had weathered many trials together, but this was a first—her first Thanksgiving with Bakugo and his family.
As they made their way to the Bakugo residence, Y/N felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had heard stories of Katsuki's home life, tales peppered with his trademark intensity and rough edges, but she was determined to make a good impression on his parents. The air was crisp, filled with the faint scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon as they approached a modest but sturdy home, nestled against the backdrop of the mountains that surrounded the small town.
"Just remember," Bakugo had said earlier, his voice a blend of sternness and care, "my mom can be… much. But she'll like you, so just be yourself."
Her heart raced as they stood at the door, and Bakugo rang the bell. Moments later, the door swung open with a soft creak, revealing a warm, inviting space. Mitsuki Bakugo stood there, her short, wild hair framing an all-too-familiar fierce expression, but her eyes softened as they landed on her son.
"Katsuki!" she exclaimed, enveloping him in a tight hug. Y/N stood back, feeling both amused and relieved, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Bakugo, who usually projected an air of confidence and composure, now looking slightly sheepish in his mother's embrace.
"And who's this?" Mitsuki turned her gaze to Y/N, her brows quirking up in curiosity.
"This is Y/N," Bakugo said, his voice steadier now. "My girlfriend."
"Girlfriend, huh?" Mitsuki's face broke into a teasing grin. "Well, aren't you a lucky girl?"
Y/N felt her face heat up at the playful look in the woman's eyes. "I, uh, it's nice to meet you, ma'am. Thank you for having me," she stammered, hoping her voice didn't betray her nerves. She caught a glimpse of Bakugo rolling his eyes slightly in an endearing manner, but she could see a flicker of pride in his posture.
Mitsuki stepped back, gesturing for Y/N to enter. "Come in, come in! Dinner is almost ready. You'll love Masura's roast turkey; it's to die for!"
Y/N followed Bakugo inside, taking in the cozy living room brimming with familial warmth. The walls were adorned with photos—the young Bakugo, candor shining through goofy grins and pouting faces. It was heartwarming to see a softer side of her fierce boyfriend, and she couldn't help but giggle as she spotted one particularly embarrassing picture of him covered in cake from a birthday party.
"Shut up," Bakugo grumbled, crossing his arms. But even he couldn't suppress the corner of his mouth from twitching upwards.
"Alright, dinner's ready!" came a deep voice from the kitchen. Masura Bakugo appeared, his expression friendly. "Y/N, is it? Welcome to our home!" He extended a hand, which Y/N shook with a nervous smile.
"Thank you for having me, sir. It's a real honor," she replied, her heart pounding again.
"As long as you take good care of my boy! He can be a bit of a handful," Masura chuckled, shooting a knowing look at his son.
Bakugo huffed, his face reddening. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," he muttered, but there was no bite in his tone—just a hint of embarrassment.
As they all gathered around the table, Y/N couldn't help but feel grateful. The aroma of roasted turkey and stuffing filled the air, accompanied by the laughter and chatter of the Bakugo family. They shared stories, interspersed with a few playful jabs aimed at Katsuki that made Y/N giggle. It was heartening to see him loosen up, showing glimpses of the lighthearted side he rarely let anyone see.
During dinner, Y/N learned more about Bakugo's childhood—the mischief he got into, the dreams he once had, the challenges his parents faced raising a son with such fierce ambitions. Mitsuki shared anecdotes about Katsuki's stubbornness and determination, each story painting a fuller picture of the boy who had once seemed unbreakable yet tender at the same time.
It was after they finished dessert—pumpkin pie, which was a revelation for Y/N—that things took a more serious turn. Katsuki's parents shared their appreciation for Y/N, and to her surprise, they even asked about her own family traditions. As she spoke about her own Thanksgiving experiences, she noticed how Katsuki's hand found hers beneath the table, squeezing her reassuringly.
"Thanksgiving isn't just about the food; it's about family," she said, her voice warm with sincerity. "And I'm really happy to be here with both of you and with Katsuki."
Mitsuki's eyes shimmered with something akin to approval, a gentle expression that seemed to say more than words ever could. "You fit in here perfectly, Y/N. And you've done what I thought no one could—managed to soften my son a little."
Bakugo's indignant sputter earned him a round of laughter, and Y/N couldn't resist the urge to lean into him, stealing a glance at his flustered expression. Katsuki gave her a sideways grin, his usual pride shining through.
As the night came to a close, Y/N stepped outside with Bakugo, the cool night air wrapping around them like a snug embrace. The stars twinkled overhead, filling the sky with a brilliant glow.
"You survived," Katsuki said, a playful smirk on his face as they strolled along the path.
"Barely," Y/N replied, laughing, "but I think I did pretty well, thanks to you."
Bakugo bumped his shoulder against hers, a gesture that felt less like an act of camaraderie and more like tender affection. "Told you my family's not that bad."
"No, they're not," Y/N agreed, her heart swelling with warmth. "And I'm really glad I got to meet them. I love how close you all are."
His expression softened, a rare sight that made Y/N's breath hitch in her throat. "Yeah, well… you're part of that now, you know? No backing out."
Y/N beamed, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. "I'd never want to back out." And as they stood together under the stars, Y/N knew that this Thanksgiving would forever hold a special place in her heart—a day when she not only embraced the Bakugo family but was embraced by them in return.