Author's Note: Thank you to all who have been commenting and following this story! You can find me on twitter and AO3 too.

WARNING: This chapter contains graphic scenes of torture and gore. Read at your own risk.

Song Inspiration: Almost Love by Sabrina Carpenter

NINETEEN | ALMOST LOVE

The moonlight cut through the gaps of the trees, illuminating the path ahead. Trails meandered in different directions, but they kept to the stone path lined with shrubs and ferns. Roots crisscrossed the trail and branches hung low, requiring the group to duck every so often. A symphony of cicadas filled the area, while the distance toll of buoy bells whispered through the trees. Gravels and fallen leaves crunched under their boots as they ascended higher and higher.

Mom led the way, Uraraka followed a few paces behind her, then Bakugo and finally his dad. Since leaving the restaurant, Bakugo had made it his mission to not act upon his feelings. What he felt while on the dance floor was just because of the setting and wine. He and Uraraka had been traveling together for a few days, it was all the close quarter business. The hotel, the motorcycle ride. It could happen to anyone. He wasn't really falling for her.

"This is beautiful." Uraraka fell in step beside him, a warm smile on her face and eyes peeking up at the breaks in the trees. "I bet the top is going to be breathtaking, such a smart idea to climb at night."

Gorgeous. Bakugo closed his eyes. Fuck.

"And I thought this climb was going to be a bit more challenging, but it's actually relaxing." Uraraka kept pace with him, hands gripped on her backpack straps. "Thank you for bringing me along."

Bakugo looked her way and smiled. The shadows that surrounded them couldn't dampen her glow. He never knew Uraraka the way he did now. She was that bubbly, cheerful, always positive girl back in high school. Not that she wasn't still those things, but now he saw her beyond a surface level.

"Can I ask you something?"

Bakugo raised an eyebrow. "You just did."

Uraraka stifled a laugh and shook her head. "You know what I mean." She bumped him with her shoulder. "When I say thank you, do you even hear me?"

Bakugo blinked. "What?"

She sighed and looked at the carved steps in the path away. "I just notice that when I thank you, you don't even say anything. And I don't mind, I just wonder do you hear me when I say it?"

Bakugo had no idea what had even brought that question on. He'd heard her say it multiple times, and thinking back on it he never recalled responding with a 'your welcome' maybe a 'don't mention it' but he never really gave much of a response at all. Bakugo ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Uraraka. "I hear you."

Uraraka smiled. "You're very kind, I'm glad I got the chance to meet this Bakugo."

Thank goodness it was dark out because Bakugo swore that his face was burning red. He cleared his throat and looked at the upcoming steps, which weren't easy to climb given they were about three feet high. And they only got more difficult the higher they went. His mother was already at the top and turned around, declaring they should take a break once they all got up there.

"A break sounds good," Dad shouted from the back.

Uraraka looked back. "Are you okay?"

"Mitsuki and Bakugo are the athletic ones," he replied when he caught up. "I'm fine though. You two head up."

"Give me the backpack," Bakugo said, holding out his hand. "It'll make it easier for you to climb."

"Won't argue with that." He handed the bag over.

"Here, let me use my quirk to help you out." Uraraka placed her hand on Dad's shoulder.

"Oh no, you don't...Oh!" Dad floated off the ground, slowly rising higher up the step wall of steps. "This is cool." He laughed as he reached the top and Mom took his hand, pulling him in.

"Release," Uraraka said, tapping her finger tips together.

"Thank you, Ms. Uraraka! That was incredible," Dad shouted from the top, waving down at them.

Uraraka smiled and waved back. "Not a problem, happy to help."

Bakugo pulled the straps of the bag tighter around his back. Uraraka called him kind, but it was just her. She'd rubbed off on him. Or maybe she just brought a softer part of him out. "You gonna float yourself up?"

She shook her head. "You said that would be cheating."

Bakugo chuckled. "And you said you weren't trying if you weren't cheating."

Uraraka placed her hands on her hips and scowled. "I can do it without cheating! I'm pretty amazing, you know."

"I know," Bakugo smirked and grabbed onto a protruding root on the first step. He heaved himself up and remained knelt down on the ledge of the next step. Uraraka stepped up and he held his hand out to her. She shook her head and grabbed the root, doing the same things he had. When she got up on the ledge she dusted her hands and wiggled her brows. "Well, look who's climbing like a pro. Driving motorcycles, mountain climbing, I'm turning you into a daredevil."

"Next, we skydive," Uraraka said as she rose to her feet and looked up. They had another five shelf steps to get up.

Bakugo stood, his eyes on Uraraka. "Base Jumping."

Uraraka locked eyes with him. "Cage of Death."

"Running from the bulls."

"Whitewater rafting."

"Polar bear dive."

Uraraka laughed, looking down at the small space between them. Bakugo laughed along with her and placed a hand on her head. She lifted her eyes to meet his, bit her lip then looked at his. He ran his fingers through her hair and took a step closer. She leaned in, her eyes never leaving his. Bakugo's heart was going to explode out of his chest.

"You two okay down there?" Mom hollered from the top. "Come on, we want to make it there before ten!"

Bakugo huffed and glanced in the direction of his mother's voice. "We should keep going."

Uraraka nodded. "Yeah. Right behind you."

-xXx-

He was going to kiss her.

She hadn't just imagined it. And she leaned in to kiss him too. Ochaco had no idea what was going on with her. They were friends. Friends don't kiss their friends. At least not in that type of way. The way where your heart is racing, your palms get sweaty, and the zoo you never knew you had in the pit of your gut goes out of control. The type of way you know it's going to be the most delicious thing you've ever tasted. Friends don't do that!

That wasn't the first time either, when they were dancing it had almost happened there too. Bakugo was gorgeous, plain and simple. Tall, muscular, smart, handsome, rugged, funny, kind, and she liked him. Just a little more than one would like a friend. The kind of like that could grow into something. Ochaco shook her head, what was she even thinking?

"Almost there!" Mitsuki shouted over her shoulder and pointed forward. "I can see the top."

"We've made it in record time," Masaru panted.

"For you," Bakugo said with a snort. "Last time, Mom and I made it in one hour."

Ochaco smiled. Bakugo was actually getting along with his parents. They hadn't fought at all on the whole hike up. Any little squabbles they had gotten into were more teasing and playful. She enjoyed being with them.

"Look at this view!" Mitsuki shouted when she reached the top and climbed onto a boulder. She stretched her arms out and turned her face up toward the sky. "What a journey."

After two hours of ropes, steep steps, shimmying around boulders, and ducking through the vegetation, they'd made it to the summit. Bakugo stood beside the boulder his mother was on while Masaru and Ochaco climbed the final few ledges.

Bakugo held his hand out to Ochaco and she smiled, taking hold of it. He heaved her up in one swift pull. She gasped and stumbled into him, her hands pressed against his chest. Her heart skipped a beat. He steadied her and reached down to help his dad next.

Ochaco slipped her backpack off, laying it on a boulder as she crossed the open space. She laughed and looked up toward the sky. The stars gleaming above beckoning her to reach out and touch them. They were so close, she felt like she could fly to the moon. Everything from the mountaintop was far better than she imagined it to be. The pictures she'd seen online were lovely, but actually being there, breathing in the fresh mountain air and being wrapped up in the stars, that couldn't be replicated.

"What do you think?" Bakugo asked as he stepped beside her.

She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "Best view I've ever seen."

Bakugo stared at her and smiled. "It is something."

The moon shined down on the ocean tides. Beyond the beach at the base of the mountain, the lights of the city twinkled. A breeze rolled in and silence fell around them as they stood at the edge of the world. Ochaco turned to Bakugo, who was still staring at her. She stared back at him, her eyes studying his face. They were close once again, just a single step between them. The wind blew against Ochaco's back. She brushed her hair back, laughing as it whipped around wildly.

"Let's look at the stars," Bakugo said, nodding toward a patch of plush grass.

Ochaco smiled. "Let's do it."

Bakugo plopped down in the grass and laid back, resting his hands behind his head. Ochaco laid beside him, her fingers laced together just above her stomach. The stars were so close. She let out a breath and weightlessness came over her. Her body left the ground, hair flowing around her. Ochaco hovered in the air, her eyes slowly opening to the jewels of the dark sky. A grin stretched across her face as she reached upward. She turned over, floating with her stomach toward the ground.

Bakugo stared up at her, but something about the way he looked at her was different than anytime before. He wasn't just looking or watching her, he was seeing her. His eyes traced her face and body, a warmth came from him. The kind that you wanted to wrap yourself up in on a chilly night. He never took his eyes off her. Ochaco licked her lips as she hovered over him and stretched her hand out.

"Fly with me," she whispered.

Bakugo's fingers brushed against hers. He lifted from the ground, the distance between them closing. She didn't move away. Their hands spread open, palm to palm. Ochaco swallowed. The roughness of his skin against hers lit a fire within her. Her breath escaped as their eyes danced and a silent conversation took place. A private one. Something just between them and the stars.

What am I feeling?

I'm feeling it too.

What is it?

I don't know.

Ochaco closed her eyes and pulled her hand away, flipping onto her back. She'd felt like this once before. A long, long time ago with Midoriya. It wasn't completely the same though. When it came to Midoriya she felt excited, but with Bakugo her heart was fluttering, her stomach was a storm, and the tingling sensation in her spine was crippling. She looked at Bakugo, he floated alongside her eyes closed, body relaxed as if he were in a pool. The heat inside her, the way she felt when her hand was against Bakugo's…

"Bakugo?"

"Hmm?"

"I wanna do this again."

He looked at her and smiled. "I would like that."

They fell into a comfortable silence, but Ochaco's head was anything but silent. She didn't know how to describe what she was feeling. And it bothered her. When she'd experienced these feelings before it was simple and straightforward. She had been happy. The feelings Bakugo brought out of her—for so long, since the day she was alone in her and Midoriya's apartment on the bathroom floor, she'd been drowning. She'd forgotten how to breathe. She'd forgotten how to spread her wings.

Ochaco gazed at the stars and hummed. Bakugo reminded her how to breathe. She moved her hand toward his. Their fingers brushed against one anothers. She kept her eyes on the sky. Bakugo's finger stroked against hers and she smiled.

It was so good to breathe again.

-xXx-

The next morning, Bakugo sat at the glass table and stared out the window across the living room. He had a cup of coffee in one hand, while the other rested in his lap. The couch was a mess. He'd slept there during the night, since the guest room only had a twin sized bed. It was just barely past seven. He wanted to sleep in, but his mind continuously replayed the night before. Their almost kiss, the touch of her hand against his, and how she brushed her fingers against him when they floated among the stars. Bakugo closed his eyes, slouching in his seat.

He still hadn't come to terms with what he was feeling. Something was there. Last night on the mountain had confirmed it as much. He didn't know what to do with it though. For once, he actually wanted to talk to Kirishima, who was better at feelings. Bakugo brought his coffee to his lips, sipping quietly. He couldn't just call him about it either, it had to be an in person conversation. Mostly because Bakugo would have to force him into silence. If Kirishima found any kind of gossip, by the end of the day everyone in Kyoto would know about it.

Maybe this was just a moment of weakness. It had been a while since he'd invested anything into another human being. It was Kamui Woods fault. Bakugo had been all fine and dandy before they got paired together. Then all that shit happened and boom, he became invested. Uraraka opened him up without even trying. Hell, even before Kamui Woods paired them, that night when they played air hockey. Her spazzy, victory dance had been burned in his mind forever. Bakugo smiled and shook his head.

She was just there in his hoodie, arms raised above her head, jumping around like a lunatic with the biggest, most ridiculous grin. That was the moment he became invested in her. It was small then, but that was all it took. Kinda like getting a cold, one little germ wormed its way in and it was all over.

"You are in some pretty deep thought there kid," Dad said.

Bakugo jumped, his head snapping in the direction of his dad's voice. He blinked as his dad sat across the table, mixing some sugar and cream into his coffee. How long had he been there? It wasn't like Bakugo to be so wrapped up in his own thoughts to block everything else out. He didn't want to say anything, so he just grabbed his coffee and sipped again.

"I like Ms. Uraraka," Dad said as he stirred his coffee.

Bakugo opted to stay silent. He wasn't sure he wanted to talk about what was going on with his dad. He put his mug down, his eyes focused on Mt. Kaimon beyond the window. The memories of last night replayed in his mind again. He straightened in his seat, wanting to push away his memories of the previous night.

"It's okay, you know."

Bakugo's brow creased, he gave his dad a sideways glance. "What's okay?"

"To feel something for her."

Bakugo turned to his dad. "I don't have feelings for her."

Dad smiled and nodded, bringing his cup to his lips. "Right."

Bakugo raked his fingers through his hair. "She's different is all."

"Hm."

"I don't know how I feel about her."

"That's okay too, son."

Bakugo wrapped his hands around his mug. He liked her. That was all he knew, but it wasn't the way he liked other girls. It was stronger and deeper than that. He didn't know what to do about it.

"I think the term you young folks use now is 'catching feelings'."

Bakugo snorted, pushed his cup aside, and folded his arms on the table. He mulled over that idea. Dad wasn't wrong. That pissed him off. If other people could see it, did that mean Uraraka had noticed it too? No! Bakugo rested his cheek against his forearm, staring at the black and white kitchen.

"Do you like her?"

Bakugo groaned. "I don't wanna talk about it."

"Okay," Dad said softly.

Silence passed between them for a couple of minutes. Bakugo tried to comprehend what was happening. Was it really love? Was he really falling for Uraraka? And was it okay if he was? Bakugo huffed and forced himself to sit up. His dad hadn't left the table, he hadn't said anything, he just sat on the other side of the table, enjoying his coffee.

Bakugo bit the inside of his cheek. "Conversations with her are easy."

"That's a good sign."

"Of what?"

Dad chuckled. "You want me to be honest with you?"

Bakugo pursed his lips. "I guess."

"Love."

"I've changed my mind." Bakugo crossed his arms, sinking into his seat again. He didn't want to hear that. He didn't love Uraraka. Like sure, but love that was too bold, too strong.

"Let me ask you something," Dad said, but Bakugo didn't acknowledge him. "You don't have to answer. Just something to think about."

Bakugo glanced at his dad.

"What if she likes you too?"

-xXx-

Ryukyu groaned, the burning sensation in her arms made her wince. She lifted her head, shaky breaths escaped from her. Pain ripped through her. Metal hooks pierced through her wrist, keeping her from the ground. Blood stained her skin and dripped down her body. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to move. Everything had happened so fast; she had been at home then someone came. She had fought, but they took her out before she could even activate her quirk.

Her clothes had been ripped from her body and lay in a heap on the floor. All that remained on her body was her underwear. The person who had attacked, they were nothing more than a blurry shape. She looked around, the space around her was dark, but there were many windows. If she had to guess it appeared to be an abandoned factory of sorts.

She swallowed, trying to make sense of what had happened to her. The pain ravaging her body caused spots to form in her vision. She needed to calm down and keep it together, panicking would solve nothing. Taking in a deep breath through her nose, she slowly exhaled through her mouth. Her heart slowed and her vision became a little clearer.

To the left of her were shattered windows, the broken glass and twisted metal shaped like fangs. Weeds from the outside reached in along with twisting vines that clung to the moldy brick wall. In front of her, a spiral staircase, rusted and peeling paint. The lights above her flickered and buzzed. Ryukyu hissed as she turned to the right, someone kneeled on the ground.

She gasped. Two katanas pierced through the person's back. Regardless of the agony she felt, Ryukyu turned as much as she could to see who the person was. Her eyes widened as a strangled cry escaped her. "Edgeshot, oh no."

The Ninja Hero: Edgeshot was dead.

"No, no!" Ryukyu let her head fall between her shoulders. Tears fell to the floor, fracture concrete spotted with her blood. She lifted her head, her wrist ached, feeling as if they were tearing. Pressure built on her joints as she trembled from the sobs. What the hell is happening?

"Here, let me help you see a little better," a male voice came from behind.

Ryukyu screamed as something sharp pierced through her shoulder, forcing her body to twist toward Edgeshot. Tears stung her eyes, burning as they rolled down her cheeks, and dripped from her chin. Her eyes locked onto the red sword-like object jutting from her shoulder. Blood oozed down her arms from the gaping holes in her wrists. Her stomach twisted into tight knots as she got a clear view of Edgeshot. A wail broke from her chest and choppy breaths rattled her body.

She closed her eyes and tried to push the pain away, but it was futile. Never had she felt such trauma in all her years of being a hero. When she opened her eyes, she stared at Edgeshot. The katanas stabbed through his chest, and a pool of dark red blood surrounded him. His signature ninja mask had been removed, his gray hair fell around him like a veil.

Ryukyu licked her lips, the taste of salt strong on her tongue. Not only had they stabbed Edgeshot with katanas, but his gut had been sliced open. He didn't deserve to die in such a ruthless way. They'd been friends for years and seeing him in such a state shattered her heart. She cried, her body suffering with each sob.

"Wait, there's more," the man's voice came again. "Let me show you."

The sword withdrew from her body. Ryukyu gasped as blood gushed from the wound. Numbness started to take over her body, creeping in like a cold, vile toxin. Footsteps echoed like water dropping in a cave. A mechanical whir sounded above and her body lowered to the ground. She couldn't find the strength to stand and stumbled. She cried out in pain as the hooks tugged at her bones.

"Let's turn around now," the man said.

Ryukyu forced herself to open her eyes. The footsteps sounded again. A hand tangled in her hair, tugging her around. She groaned as the man turned her past Edgeshot and to a large black box. Her vision was too blurry to be certain, but it appeared to be a piece of fabric.

"I believe you know Kugo Sakamata." The man lifted his hand, a red rod grew from his palm. He yanked the black sheet from the box, and Ryukyu whimpered. "Gang Orca, he drowned. Or maybe it was the harpoon."

Gang Orca floated in a tank of blood stained water, a large metal spear jutting through his torso. Ryukyu closed her eyes and looked away, but she couldn't unsee the deaths of her friends. Their pools of blood, their horrific deaths.

"Why...are you doing this?" Ryukyu choked out.

The man let go of her head and came to stand in front of her. He gripped her chin, his hands sheathed with leather gloves. She glared at him. Despite her rage, she couldn't transform. No matter how hard she willed it, nothing happened. It was as if all of the sudden she no longer had a quirk.

"Sucks when your quirk doesn't work right," the man said. His steely eyes locked with hers. She knew his face, she'd seen it before. Young, dark hair, non-threatening appearance, an air of charisma and charm about him. "Your friends' quirks didn't work either, so don't feel bad."

"Daichi," a voice, powerful and demanding of respect, boomed from behind her. "That is enough."

Ryukyu's eyes widened. Daichi Shinoda. He was the youngest leader in the Daizen 7.

"My apologies, Mr. Fujimori." Daichi released his hold on Ryukyu's face and stepped aside, dropping to one knee and bowing his head.

"Take the child to Yume and then finish your job here." He was right behind Ryukyu and stroked her hair.

"Right away." Daichi stood, unrolling the sleeves of his shirt as he left.

The man called Mr. Fujimori stepped in front of her. A jagged scar stretched from his lower right jaw and over his right eye. Sleek blond hair, so pale it could have passed for silver. He wore all black aside from the emerald green trench coat, resting on his broad shoulders. No one in the hero world knew what Mr. Fujimori looked like. Not even underlings they'd captured years ago when they first sought the Daizen 7 knew. According to the informants, only the four leaders ever saw the king.

"My empire will come back stronger than before," he said, his gold eyes boring into hers. "It is a shame you and the heroes who stopped me before won't be able to see it."

Ryukyu swallowed.

"Do you know how to kill a dragon?" Mr. Fujimori asked as he knelt before her.

A single tear fell from Ryukyu's eye. "We stopped you before. We'll do it again."

Mr. Fujimori smiled. "You rip out their heart."

She screamed as his hand broke through her chest and yanked out her heart.