"A Moment's Reprieve"

As we stood there, Bakugo's arms still wrapped tightly around me, a voice cut through the silence. Shigaraki's voice was like a snake slithering through the grass, smooth and menacing. "Well, seems like he's your knight in shining armor, huh, Vesper-chan?" he said, his tone dripping with malice. Bakugo's eyes flashed with anger, and he gave Shigaraki a glare that could freeze blood. "Never call her that," he growled, his voice low and even. Shigaraki chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Katsuki," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day where you'd become so possessive over someone." Bakugo's grip on me tightened, and I could feel his tension. "Shut up, Shigaraki," he spat, his eyes never leaving the older man's face. I shifted slightly in Bakugo's arms, trying to get a better look at Shigaraki. The older man's eyes flicked to mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of something there, something that looked almost like interest. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by his usual cold, calculating gaze. "You know, Katsuki," Shigaraki said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "I think it's time we got down to business. You see, Vesper-chan here has a certain... utility to me. And I'm not about to let you get in the way of that." Bakugo's face twisted in a snarl, and he took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You're not taking her anywhere," he growled. Shigaraki raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Oh, I think I am," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "You see, I have something you want, Katsuki. Something that will make you do exactly as I say." I felt a shiver run down my spine as Shigaraki's words hung in the air. What could he possibly have that would make Bakugo do his bidding? And what did he plan to do with me? The uncertainty was suffocating, and I tightened my grip on Bakugo's shirt, trying to anchor myself to him. Bakugo's eyes never left Shigaraki's face, his jaw clenched in determination. "What is it?" he growled. Shigaraki's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Oh, that's for me to know and you to find out," he said, turning to walk away. "But rest assured, Katsuki, you'll be doing exactly as I say soon enough." And with that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving us standing there, unsure of what lay ahead. Bakugo's arms were still wrapped tightly around me, but I could feel his tension, his body coiled and ready to spring into action. I knew that this was far from over, and that our fate hung precariously in the balance.