Author's Note: Hello everyone, thank you all for leaving feedback and supporting this story. I apologize for any typos you may encounter. Until next week, happy reading everyone!

Song Inspiration: No Promises by Cheat Codes Ft. Demi Lovato

SIXTEEN | NO PROMISES

The island vacation ended three days ago and in another two days she would be heading for Mt. Kaimon on the southern tip of the country. It would be a twelve hour drive, something she hadn't expected. That's what she got for not paying enough attention in geography. For the last couple of hours since returning home from the rehab center, Ochaco found herself researching some information about Mt. Kaimon and basic mountain climbing skills.

She searched through many pictures of Mt. Kaimon. The mountain was a dormant volcano located right off the water and nothing short of intimidating. At least to Ochaco, who had never climbed an actual mountain before. Her mind kept jumping to the movies she'd watch, the ones where people got trapped and died or froze to death and died or fell and died. A shiver jolted through her. Why was she even thinking about the worst case scenario? Besides, Bakugo had experience, he probably would have told her no if she wouldn't be able to handle it.

The mountain, though steep and perilous, was stunning. The top wore clouds like a crown while the greenery acted as a cloak. Ochaco bit her lip as she scrolled through more pictures. From what she could gather, it was an easy climb, in the sense of it was a straight shot to the top for the most part. Some blog posts stated even when taking their time it only took three hours to reach the summit.

Climbing the mountain would be a form of training. The physical therapist had informed her she was pretty much back to 100 percent. She felt back to normal too, the doctor Kamui Woods brought in to heal them had done wonders. Especially to Kirishima, who had done like twenty backflips off the pier when they were on vacation. Bakugo's hand had healed nicely too, if the way he handled the air hockey paddle was a sign of anything.

Ochaco sighed and closed her laptop, rubbing her tired eyes. According to the clock on her bedside table it was barely four o'clock. She pursed her lips, debating what she wanted to do. A nap sounded nice, but she needed to clean up a bit too. Or she could go get some coffee and a muffin from the bakery just down the street. She'd worked hard during her rehab session, it only seemed fair to reward herself with iced coffee and a chocolate chip muffin.

As she mulled over the things she could do, her phone vibrated on the pillow beside her. Kyoka flashed on her screen. Ochaco smiled, it had been a while since the two had talked. She tapped the green answer key and put the phone on speaker, remaining splayed out on her bed. "Hey Kyoka."

"Are you home?" Kyoka asked, the sound of passing cars bleeding through.

"Yeah, why?" Ochaco grabbed her phone and rolled onto her back.

"I'm in Kyoto, thought you'd like to come hang out with me for the evening."

"Are you serious? What brings you here?"

"Sponsorship gig," Kyoka answered with a chuckle. "I leave tomorrow morning. We haven't seen each other in over a month, so let's go out."

"That sounds great." Ochaco sat up and scooted off her bed. "Give me like an hour to get ready. Where did you wanna meet?"

"There's a cafe about a block away from the gardens. I'll send you the address. Meet you there at five?"

Ochaco nodded. "Perfect! I'm excited to see you again."

Kyoka laughed. "It's been way too long, see you soon."

When they hung up, Ochaco jumped to her feet and trotted over to her closet. She pushed the doors open and sifted through her blouses and bottoms. The weather was nice out, not too hot for the summer, but still warm. Maybe a dress would have been better suited for a casual dinner with a friend. Ochaco tapped her chin and pushed the clothing around on the rail until she stopped at a familiar green hoodie. She pulled it out of the closet and smiled, running her hand over the fabric. Bakugo had never asked for it back and she had forgotten that she even had it. When he came to pick her up for their trip, she would give it back to him. Ochaco put the hoodie back into the closet and plucked out her favorite pair of ripped jeans and a beige and white striped tank top.

Her eyes drifted back to the hoodie. She hadn't seen Bakugo since they got back to Kyoto. When he dropped her off, she had asked if he was mad about the whole camping trip. He looked her dead in the eye, put a hand on her head and said they would have fun. Her heart had skipped a beat as he left her outside her apartment, the feeling of his hand had lingered for several moments.

Ochaco shook her head and made her way to the bathroom. She'd take a quick shower and get dressed. Mina and Momo had her thinking about things differently. Ever since they had their little girl chat in the boutique, Ochaco noticed things about Bakugo and even herself. They were friends, and it was to be expected that friends would flirt. No, Bakugo wasn't flirting with her, he was just being nice. She didn't want to jump to any conclusions. And she wasn't falling for him at all. Besides, she and Midoirya were still recently ended, she had to focus on herself before involving another human in her life.

Ochaco undressed from her sweat pants and t-shirt, hopping into the shower. The warm water would clear her head. She got to wondering if Kyoka had heard anything from Mina or Momo. It wouldn't be a big deal if they had, Kyoka was always the more relaxed one in the group. She would listen to what Ochaco had to say.

Ultimately, Bakugo was just a colleague and friend. There was nothing between them. Yeah, nothing.

-xXx-

Cafe Dupree had a brick and glass face with two massive trees outside. Ochaco opened the door, the smell of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee took over her nostrils. She closed her eyes, taking a big whiff of the mouth watering aromas. Kyoka had picked a great place, she could tell by the scents alone. The warmth of the establishment enveloped her, the soothing piano coming over the speakers eased her soul. She came closer to the main display case where the specials sat in all their yummy glory. This would be her new favorite place to come whether she was with people or alone.

Ochaco glanced around the cafe, to her right the tables and displays of constantly sweet breads and tarts overflowed. On the left, in dining space several patrons enjoyed their coffee and baked goods while scrolling on their phones or chatting with their companions. In the front corner at a small round table, Kyoka sat with her eyes glued on her phone and a big smile on her face. It might have been the lighting, but Ochaco swore she saw a blush on her friend's cheeks.

Kyoka wore a black rimmed hat, her dark hair brushed against her shoulders where a cable knit cardigan hung around her. She had her legs crossed and covered in sheer black stockings with lace up combat boots and cut off shorts. As Ochaco walked up, Kyoka's gaze rose from her phone screen. She put the phone down on the table and stood. The two girls hugged one another, complimenting each other's outfits before sitting down.

"Who are you smiling about?" Ochaco asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

Kyoka shook her head. "Nothing."

Ochaco raised an eyebrow. "You can't lie to me."

"I know," Kyoka said, resting her cheek against the palm of her hand. "You already know though."

"You and Kaminari?"

Kyoka shrugged. "He's an idiot, but sweet."

Ochaco nodded. "I think you two would be cute together."

"I don't know," Kyoka said, looking out the window at the crowds passing by. "We've been friends for so long, I'd hate for it to not work and then I wouldn't have him at all."

Ochaco bit the inside of her cheek. That statement sunk in deep, but Kyoka didn't mean anything by it. Midoriya and her had been good friends prior to actually dating and now, they were basically strangers. It was crazy to think they used to be so close and in love, but then it all just faded away.

Kyoka straightened in her seat and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"Oh no," Ochaco interjected with a shake of her head. "I'm over Midoriya. I have decided to let go and move on. And I think that's just how relationships are."

"Are you really?"

The truth was some people came into your life and stayed forever and some were moments. Midoriya was a moment and for a while they had a beautiful love, which unfortunately came to a sad ending. "Yes, I'm good. Took me a while to realize it, but I'm okay."

"I'm glad." Kyoka sat back in her seat, touching the choker around her neck. A choker that looked an awful lot like the one Kaminari wore. Ochaco decided not to say anything and instead glanced over her shoulder at the bakery. They needed to be eating and drinking iced coffee while talking about relationships.

"If Kaminari makes you happy, then forget about what could happen. Just focus on the right now." Ochaco gave Kyoka a thumbs up. "Whatever you decide, I'm for it. Now, how about some coffee and pastries?"

"Thanks, O."

The girls collected some pastries, ordered their drinks, and returned to the table. They stayed off the topic of their own personal relationships and talked about the others, particularly on Momo and Todoroki's recent engagement. The news had spread like wildfire among all the former classmates and everyone wished them the best. As the girls ate, they gossiped about other friends and who was into who or who might have been secretly dating. Laughter and inside jokes ensued. Before long nearly two hours had passed them by.

The sun had set as the seven o'clock hour approached. Only a few others remained in the cafe and a couple of baristas. Kyoka and Ochaco had laughed and told stories until their throats were sore. Ochaco hadn't realized how much she missed her friends until she had spent more time with them. Momo, Mina, and Kyoka were her sisters. She finished the last of her coffee and sighed, knowing they would have to part ways soon.

"I didn't want to bring it up, but the train attack looked bad. I'm sorry I couldn't visit you at the hospital." Kyoka leaned forward on the table. "How are you doing after that?"

Ochaco gave it some thought. She was better than she expected. If anything, the event showed her what she was truly capable of. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before and while in the hospital both Kirishima and Bakugo told her she had done an amazing job. If anything, Ochaco was proud of what she did. "I'm good. Honestly, I feel like that moment taught me just how strong I could be."

Kyoka nodded. "I read in an article that Bakugo pulled you from the wreckage. Is he okay?"

"Yeah," Ochaco said and smiled. "Kamui Woods brought in this doctor with an amazing healing quirk. Bakugo's hand had taken some bad damage, but the doctor patched him up like nothing ever happened."

"Mina said the same thing about Kirishima," Kyoka replied, eyeing Ochaco.

"What?" Ochaco wondered if in also talking to Mina, she had been told something about her and Bakugo.

"You're different," Kyoka explained, gesturing to Ochaco. "In a good way. Back when we dragged you off the bathroom floor, you were so sad and defeated. Now, I don't know you're bright."

Ochaco laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I feel good."

"Is there a reason for this change?"

"What did Mina say?" Ochaco sat back in her seat.

"Not much, just that you and Bakugo have become friends."

"Well," Ochaco said, staring at her hands resting in her lap. "Yes and he's really cheered me up here lately."

"I'm happy for you," Kyoka stated.

Ochaco lifted her head and was surprised to find her friend smiling at her. It wasn't the exact reaction she had anticipated, but it was a welcomed one. "We're just friends, nothing else."

"I believe you." Kyoka chuckled. "We should take whatever happiness we can find, right? Even when it's in the most unlikely places, you know."

"Take that advice when you think of Kaminari," Ochaco said with a wink.

Kyoka rolled her eyes. "I'm sure he appreciates you standing in his corner."

"No, I'm standing in yours."

Kyoka waved the matter off. "Let's not get sappy now. It's getting late, we should probably head out."

Ochaco agreed and they gathered their belongings, heading out of the cafe. When they reached outside, they walked in the direction of Kyoka's hotel, which was thankfully in the same direction as Ochaco's apartment. They reached the end of the block, Kyoka's hotel was to the left and Ochaco's apartment to the right. The girls hugged one another.

Kyoka spoke first when they pulled apart. "It was good to see you again and I'm so glad that you're back to your old self."

Ochaco smiled and nodded. "Same here."

"Now, you take care of yourself. And let's be sure to get together again soon."

"Absolutely," Ochaco said. "Have a safe trip back."

Kyoka gave her a thumbs up and spun on her heels. She took a few steps in the direction of her hotel and stopped, turning back to Ochaco. "I love you, O. Thanks for the advice today, I hope you do the same."

A warmth swelled within her. "I love you too."

Kyoka smiled and continued on her way, raising her hand in the air as a final goodbye.

-xXx-

Bakugo let out a breath as he stood in front of Uraraka's apartment door. He knocked on the door and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. The trip to Mt. Kaimon would be a long one, they'd be staying in a hotel for the night and pick up the rest of the journey the next day. A thunk sounded from the door and came open with Uraraka on the other side, braiding her hair. She greeted him with a bright smile, gesturing for him to come inside as she gathered her things.

He closed the door as Uraraka ran back into her bedroom to get her bag. Her place finally appeared to be complete and lived in. Boxes gone, furniture in place, she even had put up some decorations and pictures. Near the door, she had hung up five pictures. A couple were of her and her family while the others were of her and her friends, but one in particular was the graduation with everyone in their class.

Uraraka came out of her room, hair done and a backpack slung over her shoulder. "You said pack light, and I did. Be proud and amazed."

"We're climbing a mountain not going to a gala, there's no need to have more than a backpack," Bakugo said as he assessed her outfit: skinny jeans, lace-up boots, and a simple gray v-neck. "Bring a jacket."

"A jacket? It's kinda warm for one. Aren't you hot in that leather?" She walked over to him, tugging on the sleeve of his jacket.

"Trust me, you'll need it."

Uraraka tilted her head. "Well, I'll just wear that hoodie you leant me last time. That way I remember to actually give it to you." She dropped her backpack onto the couch and went back into her room. When she emerged again, Bakugo chuckled. "This will work, right?"

"It's just meant to protect you from the wind." Bakugo turned to her door and pulled it open. "Let's go, we got a long trip ahead of us."

Uraraka grabbed her backpack and sntached her keys off the coffee table. She stepped out into the hallway and Bakugo closed her door. "Are we driving the whole twelve hours?"

Bakugo stepped aside to let her lock the door. "No, we're stopping Hofu for the night. I booked a hotel room."

"Let me buy us lunch and dinner," Uraraka said as she stuffed her keys into the side pocket of her bag. "You've already paid for so much. I'm starting to feel like I'm taking advantage."

"Okay," Bakugo agreed.

They made their way to the lobby and out onto the street. Uraraka glanced at all the cars, looking confused. She probably assumed they'd be in the same car from last time. Bakugo walked behind a commercial van.

"Are you gonna kidnap me?" Uraraka asked, following him. She stopped, seeing him beside a motorcycle. Her mouth fell open and a nervous laugh escaped her. "That's a motorcycle."

Bakugo nodded. "Very good, Pink Cheeks."

She came closer, eyeing it with wariness. "You know, I've never been on one of these before."

Bakugo grabbed his helmet from the driver's seat and put it on, keeping the face shield up. "Don't worry, you're just a passenger." He grabbed the extra helmet from the passenger seat and held it out to her.

"I feel like it's a little more complicated than that." Uraraka took the helmet from him.

Bakugo leaned over the bike, pulling out the passenger pedals. He mounted the motorcycle, twisting the keys in the ignition. The bike roared to life and Uraraka blinked several times before slipping the helmet on. Bakugo chuckled, who would have thought she'd be so nervous about a motorcycle. He reached back and patted the pillion seat behind him. "Sit here, put your feet on the pedals."

Uraraka let out a breath, shaking her head as she stepped toward the bike. She swung her leg over, sat down, and placed her feet on the pedals.

"Good girl." Bakugo revved the engine.

"I'm freaking out," Uraraka said with a laugh.

"Don't resist when we turn, just lean with the bike," Bakugo glanced over his shoulder. "I got you."

Uraraka nodded. "Okay, I trust you."

Bakugo smirked and twisted around, pushing her face shield down. He faced forward. "Put your arms around me."

Uraraka hesitated for a moment, but snaked her arms around his waist. He closed his eyes, enjoying her touch. Snapping out of it, Bakugo pushed his face shield down and gripped the handles. When he revved the engine again, Uraraka squeezed a little tighter. He smirked, knowing she was going to freak out once they hit top speeds. Turning the bike toward the road, Bakugo lifted his feet from the ground and they were moving.

For the first ten minutes, Uraraka held tight to Bakugo. He didn't mind at all, but when they got onto the highway, she loosened her hold. She held her hands up in the air and Bakugo went a little faster.

-xXx-

The two had stopped at an American style diner for some lunch. Ochaco dipped a fry into the ketch-up and popped it into her mouth, eyes on Bakugo, who sat across from her. He grabbed his straw and tore off part of the plastic wrapper. She raised an eyebrow as he put it in his mouth, then blew. The plastic wrapper flew toward her, bouncing off the tip of her nose. Ochaco laughed and Bakugo laughed too. He put the straw in his glass of root beer and took a sip.

"You know," Uraraka said, staring at her half-eaten cheeseburger and fries. "If someone had told me that all this craziness was going to happen when I moved to Kyoto, I never would have believed them."

"So you still would have come then?" Bakugo grabbed a fry from his plate and tossed it into his mouth. He appeared so relaxed and at ease. One arm draped along the back of the chair, muscles well defined even though they weren't flexed. Black fitted shirts just really suited him.

She closed her eyes and swallowed, realizing she was staring. "Yeah. I regret nothing."

"Short of the train everything else is pretty standard for the life of a pro hero."

"So weird girls with deadly toy puppets attacking are a normal occurrence?"

Bakugo smirked. "Happens at least once a week. Twice on a good one."

Ochaco burst into a fit of laughter. The Bakugo across from her was not the one she remembered from high school at all. This one was funny and considerate, sure still a little prickly every now and then, but he matured well. She wondered if maybe he had always been that way, but never realized it since they rarely interacted outside of the classroom. In the last month, she had gotten the chance to know the real him and she quite enjoyed it.

A whole month. Had it really been that long? It felt so much shorter than that. Ochaco continued to eat her meal while Bakugo stared out the window. She snuck glances his way, tracing his jaw line, the curve of his nose. When she told him that he was one of the hottest guys she knew, it wasn't a lie. Bakugo was certainly attractive.

Stop it! Ochaco scolded herself. They were just friends. That being said, was it a crime to notice how attractive one's friend was? No! She found Todoroki and Kirishima to be attractive young men as well. It was completely normal for a person to take notice of an attractive person. Human nature dictated that people notice hot people.

She needed to focus on other things. Her relationship, albeit ending four months ago, was still fresh. The sun shined through the window. Bakugo's scarlet eyes glowed in the lighting. He looked away and grabbed another fry.

Ochaco ran her fingers through her hair, sinking back into her seat. Before she got ahead of herself, diving into another crush or relationship or whatever, she needed to get her shit together. She wanted to go into a new relationship as an equal on all fronts, so that meant establishing her career as a hero and finding financial stability. Not to mention, she wanted to go into a relationship because she was in love, not because she was lonely.

"How old were you when you climbed your first mountain?" Ochaco asked, wanting to get out of her own head.

Bakugo hummed, propping his elbow on the table. He rested his chin against his knuckles, his eyes unfocused. "I was thirteen, Mt. Fuji. Took all day. My mom and I started halfway up the mountain. The good thing about Mt. Fuji's trek is there are plenty of rest stops and shops."

"Have you climbed Mt. Kaimon?"

Bakugo nodded. "Yeah, second year at UA."

"What's it like once you get to the top?"

Bakugo smirked. "You'll just have to see for yourself."

Ochaco stifled a laugh and focused on finishing her food. They had been at the diner for almost an hour. The motorcycle had been a much better experience than she thought. When they got onto some stretches of countryside, she stretched her arms out and pretended to be flying. Sure they could have taken a train or bus all the way to Isubuki, but taking it slow and enjoying the journey had been much more fun.

Her eyes flicked over to Bakugo's motorcycle in the parking lot. She then looked at him as he scrolled through things on his phone. "Would you let me drive your motorcycle?"

Bakugo continued to scroll. "Nope."

Ochaco deflated. "I'm not gonna crash it."

"Famous last words." He still hadn't looked up.

"Teach me."

"No, thanks."

"Oh come on, please."

"I'm good.
"I'll be careful."

"Ain't happening."

"Do you not trust your teaching abilities?"

Bakugo put his phone down and locked eyes with her. "Maybe another time. We have to get moving soon."

"Do you mean that or are you just saying that so I'll stop asking?" Ochaco batted her lashes at him.

Bakugo finished the last of his drink. "Both."

"I'm persistent you know."

"Fully aware," Bakugo said as he scooted out of the booth. "Come on, we still have another three and a half hours before we reach Hofu. I'll meet you outside in a minute." He headed for the bathroom while Ochaco stuffed the last bit of her burger in her mouth, grabbed her backpack, and made her way outside.

-xXx-

Bakugo walked out of the bathroom. When he got into the dining room, through the wall of windows he spotted Uraraka sitting on his motorcycle. She sat on the driver's seat, hands holding the bars, pretending to be driving down the highway. He chuckled and shook his head as she got more dramatic and animated. Something told him she was probably making the fake engine sounds too. He got closer to the window, but remained inside to watch for a little bit longer.

A few booths down from where he stood a trio of guys cackled away. They spoke in low voices and pushed one another. Uraraka had stopped pretend driving his motorcycle and stretched her arms above her head, exposing her stomach. One in the trio wolf whistled, and annoyance bloomed in Bakugo's chest. He kept calm, not wanting to cause a scene. They were young guys anyway, fresh out of high school more than likely.

"Go talk to her," the one with black hair said to the brunette. "She's fucking hot."

"You go then," the brunette shot back.

"I'd bang her."

Bakugo closed his eyes and huffed. The fact was Uraraka would never be aware of them and even if she had been, she'd set them straight. He didn't have to say or do anything. Those boys were insignificant and a waste of time.

"Yeah, you gonna bend her over that bike?" the third boy with glasses asked.

"I'm gonna go talk to her," the black haired boy said, scooting out of the booth.

Anger swelled inside Bakugo's chest. He didn't know why it bothered him so much. If any of those boys thought they'd be able to walk outside and so much as get to smell her strawberry and peach shampoo they had another thing coming. Bakugo stepped into the black haired kid's way, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

"Hey man, can I squeeze—"

"You're gonna sit back down." Bakugo nodded back to the boy's table. His friends watched with confused expressions.

The black haired guy's brow creased then he looked back to his friends, who gestured for him to keep going. That would be a big mistake on his part. Bakugo had no qualms in teaching brat kids fucking manners.

"That woman you're objectifying isn't a piece of fucking meat." Bakugo never took his eyes off the black haired guy. "She's also lightyears out of your league."

The black haired guy blinked, taking a step back. "The hell dude? She your girl or something?"

Bakugo raised an eyebrow. "Does that matter?"

"Well, I...if she was your girl, like I'd back off, but if she isn't then she's—"

Bakugo grabbed the asshole's arm, twisted it around and slammed him down onto the table. The guy yelped and his friends' jaws dropped. "Whether she is or isn't my girl, doesn't matter, asshole. She's a human, respect her like one. You got it?"

"Yeah, I got it," the guy whined.

Bakugo patted the guy's back and released his arm. He backed away and the guy fell back onto the linoleum floor. Bakugo glared at the other two in the booth, who both sank down. Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked outside.