"Alright little guys," Veronica smiled weakly at the three small bunnies. She shifted their cage into her other hand as she exited the pet store after school. "Let's see how the next couple of weeks go."
The next two weeks leading up to the UA Sports Festival went by quickly. Veronica's time with Shoto was limited to the brief walk to school in the morning, and the hour provided at school for lunch. It was what they'd been expecting, but it didn't make the lack of contact any easier. Veronica hoped that Shoto's training was going okay and that his father wasn't being too hard on him, though she didn't hold her breath.
To Veronica's surprise, Katsuki also seemed to be keeping his distance as he focused on his training. They'd spoken a few words to each other during class as she helped the 1-A students train, but that was about it. I suppose it's better this way. At least there won't be any new drama.
Veronica spent the two weeks leading up to the Sports Festival much like the others; training her butt off. She'd canceled a lot of her training sessions with her own classmates, opting instead to try and train her newfound ability. She'd been upset when the first bunny had been lost, but it wasn't completely unexpected. When she finally worked up the courage to try again with the second one, Veronica had been overcome with relief as it hopped around her feet in the void.
It had taken almost all of her energy, but her experiment had been more than successful. The next two weeks she continuously trained her transportation ability, until she could easily merge both of the remaining creatures into and out of the void without feeling completely wiped out. Maybe one day I'll easily be able to save people this way as well.
During this time, the thought of the opportunity Veronica had been presented burned its way through her mind. She'd decided to keep quiet about Principle Nezu's offer, not wanting to bother any of her friends as they focused on the battle ahead. What would happen if I accepted? What will my aunt do? What about Endeavour? Will he change his mind about me if I decide to pursue my teaching career right away? There was no doubt that her aunt would throw a fit about it. All her lessons and money gone to waste... The bitter thought left a foul taste in Veronica's mouth.
What about Shoto? What about my friends? She'd yet to tell any of them about her dreams of becoming a teacher instead of a pro hero. Will Shoto think of me any differently? The mere thought stressed Veronica out to no end.
Before long, it was the last day of school before the Sports Festival, and she still had yet to make a decision.
"Gah!" Veronica threw her hands up in frustration as she fell back onto the couch in the Homework Heroes clubroom. She was all alone, all of the other members opting to take the day off after school to train. "God, why does it have to be this hard to make a decision?" Tears pricked at her eyes. The clock was ticking.
Veronica pulled her knees up to her chest, burying her head in her knees as her emotions overtook her. Why does life have to be so fucking hard? Why can't I just be a kid again? Before she knew it, she was bawling. The sudden release of emotions felt good after she'd kept them bottled up for so long. God, I haven't even figured out what to do about my home situation.
"Veronica?"
Veronica froze as Katsuki's worried voice reached her. Fuck! I thought everyone had gone home already. Veronica raised her head, watching through tears as Katsuki entered the clubroom. He quickly made his way to her, taking a seat on the couch beside her as he pulled her stiff form to him.
"What's wrong? What the hell happened?"
"Nothing," she croaked out, hurridly swiping away her tears.
"Bullshit," his harsh voice made her wince. "Did that half-and-half bastard hurt you or something?"
Veronica frantically shook her head. "No. No, I haven't really seen much of Shoto for a couple of weeks."
Katsuki's crimson eyes watched her expectantly as he released her so that she could sit up fully. Veronica sucked in a breath, realizing that he wasn't going to let her get away with keeping it to herself. "Okay, um..." She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "What would you say if I told you that I didn't want to be a pro hero? That I wanted to be a teacher for the hero course instead?"
Veronica peeked an eye open after Katsuki remained silent, watching as he made an unreadable face. "I'd say that maybe you were in the wrong course then? Why the hell would you go to school to become a pro if that's not what you wanted?"
"Well, it wasn't always like that," Veronica laughed nervously, looking away as words started to pour from her mouth. "I mean, growing up I always wanted to be a kick-ass pro hero, but once I got into UA, things changed I guess? I'm not really sure. I just loved helping my classmates and working with them to improve on their own combat skills and stuff. That's one of the reasons why I became a part of the Homework Heroes. I mean, I love helping people and all, but the look of pride and accomplishment someone gets on their face when you help them to learn and achieve what they've always wanted to... it's just a completely different and wonderful feeling. I love working with people to improve themselves, and heroes play such an important part in today's society, so why not, you know? I mean, I guess maybe you don't know but, um-"
"Veronica!" Katsuki interrupted her rambling. She sheepishly looked back at him, embarrassed.
"Sorry."
Katsuki sighed. "So that's what you're going to do then, become a teacher?"
"Um, yeah, eventually." Veronica sighed. "Or maybe sooner. I don't really know yet. Principle Nezu made me an offer that I'd be stupid to refuse, but I'm not sure that I should take it." Katsuki raised an eyebrow at her as she quickly explained his proposal. "The only thing is that if I accept, I won't be allowed to take part in the Sports Festival."
Katsuki frowned. "That's fucking stupid."
"You're telling me." Veronica sighed again.
"What does that half-and-half think?"
Veronica fidgetted with her fingers. "See, that's the thing..." She nervously laughed. "No one really knows about this. You're the first person I've ever really talked to about wanting to be a teacher for the hero course."
Katsuki couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as his chest filled with pride. Ha! Take that you half-and-half bastard! She trusts me with her hopes and dreams more than you. "I think the answer is pretty fucking obvious then."
Veronica gave him a confused look as Katsuki rolled his eyes. "You take the offer, idiot. Fuck everyone else, do what makes you fucking happy. If they have a problem with it, send em my way." He gave her a menacing grin. "I'll sort em out."
Veronica laughed, feeling like the weight of the world had just been lifted from her shoulders. "You're right. Thank you, Katsuki."
Katsuki felt his heart squeeze as she smiled at him brightly. "Anytime."
Veronica's laughter died down as she thought for a moment. "Hey, Katsuki? Why do you like me? We barely know each other, so I don't understand what you'd see in me."
Katsuki's crimson eyes widened in surprise as Veronica watched him. His cheeks flushed slightly as he sucked in a breath, gritting his teeth. "Is it really that fucking hard to understand. I just like you, okay?"
Veronica pursed her lips, her face falling slightly. "Oh."
"Fine," he huffed, looking away as he rubbed the back of his neck, the tips of his ears turning red. "You're just, really fucking awesome, okay?" He turned to look at her again, his crimson eyes locking with hers, nostrils flaring. "You never back down from a fight, no matter how bad it looks for you. You'd sacrifice yourself in an instant for anyone else, despite everything you've been through. It's almost sickening how sweet you are to others, always making sure they're okay and happy, even if your breaking on the inside. You're strong, and brilliant, and so fucking bright. Your smile lights up any room in an instant, and you look so god damn good. I barely know how to control myself around you." Veronica blushed as he continued. "You're an amazing fighter, and so confident and capable when it comes to combat. You're amazing with people, and always know what to say to set them at ease. You're everything any hero strives to be, yet you still somehow manage to be so timid and unsure when it comes to anything you want for yourself. It makes me want to protect you and keep you all to myself."
Veronica's breath was shaky as her heart thumped erratically in her chest. Holy shit! Is that really what he thinks of me? "Katsuki, I never knew..."
He let out a laugh. "Of course you fucking didn't. The only person you're worried about is that fucking half-and-half bastard."
Silence descended around them as they watched each other, unsure of how to continue.
"Can I..." Katsuki ran a hand through his ash blond spikes. "Can I kiss you?"
The air was sucked from Veronica's lungs. "Katsuki..." She looked away from him. "I can't... I can't say yes to that."
Veronica heard him sigh in frustration before she turned back to him, her deep blue eyes meeting his crimson ones. "I can't say yes... but I won't say no."
Katsuki smiled triumphantly, bringing his rugged hands to Veronica's face as he leaned down, placing his soft lips against her. She sighed breathlessly as he kissed her, his lips moving against hers gently at first, before his movements became rougher, desperate. He groaned in approval as she eagerly moved against him, returning his enthusiasm with her own.
After a few moments, Veronica pulled away, fighting for air as the pad of his thumb traced her kiss-swollen lips. Oh god, what have I done?!
