Author's Note: Thank you all so, so much for your feedback/support on the last chapter, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (enchantednova1) for more updates on this story and future stories!

Song Inspiration: Weight of the World by Framing Hanley

TWENTY-ONE | WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

Kamui Woods had been up most of the night, trying to process the loss of three pro heroes to the Daizen 7. For over a month, they had been silent, lurking in the shadows, but never truly causing any sort of danger; even on the fronts of their gambling houses, human trafficking, or money laundering. No one had assumed or found anything out of the ordinary. He didn't understand how they could have made such a bold move. Well, he could believe it as the information they had on them was sorely lacking.

He walked down the sidewalk toward the agency, coffee cup in hand. The shop had just opened when he arrived. Even the baristas were surprised to see him as he normally came in at exactly 7:55 AM every day not 6:45 AM. He couldn't sleep though, his mind had been overflowing with what he would say at the press conference. The news report last night never should have been broadcasted until the press conference had happened.

Sunlight bled through the overcast skies, pouring into the sleepy city of Kyoto. The agency came into view as he rounded the corner. He came to a stop and groaned when he spotted Bakugo leaning against the wall by the front entrance. Didn't he tell that guy to stay away for six weeks? Of course with that damn news report mentioning the murders and the Daizen 7, Bakugo would come back. Kamui Woods took a sip of his coffee and marched on. He stopped beside one of the trees wrapped by a metal bench across from Bakugo.

After seeing the broadcast, Kamui fully expected to see Bakugo at some point during the day. He didn't figure it'd be at sunrise though. The rumble of a trash truck echoed through the street. Bakugo was dressed for the office, black and orange gym bag slung on his shoulder. Clearly, he planned on coming back to work early.

"You know, you still have two weeks right?" Kamui asked as he sat on the bench.

"Three pros are dead because of the Daizen 7," Bakugo replied as he adjusted his silk red tie. "This is an all hands on deck situation."

Kamui chuckled. Bakugo wasn't wrong about that in the slightest. Everything that had unfolded in the last seventy-two hours had been unexpected. Three pros died, the public was nervous, the Daizen 7 were dust in the wind, the HPSC wanted a team assembled by the end of the day, and Kamui Woods was the lucky one to make all that happen.

"Do you know why they killed them?"

"I have a hunch."

Bakugo nodded. "And?"

"They were the original members on the team to take on the Daizen 7 four years ago."

"Was there anyone else?"

Kamui nodded. "Endeavor and All Might were the other two pros involved."

"I want in," Bakugo said and held up his finger. "And not in two weeks. Now."

"Of course," Kamui grumbled. He anticipated this reaction from Bakugo, considering he'd been so gungho on the case in the first place. The Explosion Hero: Ground Zero had to be on the case. And Kamui Woods already had him on the list for the team. "You're in, but first you get cleared medically."

"I'm a damn picture of health."

"I want medical to make sure that you're fully recovered."

Bakugo sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine."

"Tomorrow. Nine sharp, that's when we're having our first briefing on the case." Kamui stood and took a sip of his coffee. "Have your medical clearance sent to me by the end of the day."

"What about Uraraka and Kirishima?"

Kamui Woods sighed. They needed all the help they could get on the assignment. The three of them, though young and not versed in such a complex case, they'd already been involved. They were involved when the train was attacked. Under any other circumstance he would have them finish out their leave, but in this emergency situation he'd have to forfeit rules and protocol.

"I was with Uraraka when the broadcast went out yesterday," Bakugo said, his eyes downcasted. "She took it hard, and I know she'll want to get justice for Ryukyu."

"Okay, but the same goes for them. They need to be approved by the medical team, got it?"

"Yeah."

"This case," Kamui Woods paused and walked to Bakugo, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "It won't be easy, in fact I fear what will happen in the coming weeks and months."

Bakugo raised an eyebrow. "You think it'll take that long."

"They disappeared for four years and we know little to nothing about what they want or why. The ball is in their court, we just have to be prepared to defend." Kamui squeezed Bakugo's shoulder and walked toward the sliding glass doors. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at the briefing."

-xXx-

Ochaco spent the entire night and morning moping. She felt so heavy and defeated. Heroes died, she understood and knew that, but when it was a friend it hit harder. Buried under the sheets, dressed in sweatpants and a tank top, Ochaco hugged her pillow tight and watched the candle Ryukyu had sent her burn. The flame flickered, the scent of fresh picked berries filled the room and even brought some comfort.

She rolled onto her back, her eyes followed the blades of the fan as it spun around. Her mind was torn with what to do and how to react. Last night, Bakugo brought her home and he stayed with her for a couple of hours. She had fallen asleep on the couch, but when she awoke in the middle of the night she was in her bed. Bakugo left her a note on her kitchen counter. It said he'd come check on her in the morning.

The clock on the wall read 7:57 AM. She needed to shower, wash away her tears and hopefully some of her sadness. She grabbed some clean clothes from her closet and made her way to the bathroom. Before she turned the water on, a knock sounded from the door. Ochaco figured it would be Bakugo. She glanced in the mirror; puffy faced, red eyes, her hair a little fluffier than normal. Oh well, she wasn't going to be able to look better unless she showered.

When she got to the door, Ochaco took a deep breath and twisted the lock and knob. As she assumed, Bakugo stood in her doorway, but was dressed in slacks, a black button down and a red tie. His bag slung on his shoulder and two cups of coffee in hand. Ochaco smiled when he held one out to her. She took it and whispered a thank you, before waving him inside.

"Did you get any sleep?" Bakugo asked as he took off his shoes.

Ochaco closed the door and drank some of the coffee he brought her. Three creams, two sugars, just how she liked it. "A little."

Bakugo nodded and placed his bag on the floor near his shoes. He walked over to her couch, leaning against the armrest. The way he was dressed made him look as though he were on his way to work. They still had two more weeks of leave, but after the news report yesterday it wasn't surprising to see him chomping at the bit.

"Are you going to work? You know we still have two weeks of leave." Ochaco walked to her kitchen, placing the coffee cup on the counter.

"I know."

"Did you eat?"

"Did you?" Bakugo tilted his head.

Ochaco smiled and reached back for the coffee cup. "Not yet."

Bakugo pushed away from the couch, walking over to Ochaco. When he was a step away, he brushed her hair behind her ear and met her gaze. "Go shower, I'll make you some breakfast."

"You don't have to."

"I know," Bakugo said softly. "I want to."

"Okay." She took one more drink of her coffee and placed it back down on the counter. When she turned back around, she studied Bakugo's face. He smelled good, fresh and woodsy. They were so close, but she wanted to be closer. She took a step toward him, their bodies nearly touching.

Bakugo never took his eyes off her.

"I'm glad you're here," Ochaco said, placing a hand on his chest. "I don't really wanna be alone right now." Her emotions were haywire, but she wanted comfort. For the past several weeks, Bakugo had lifted her up. She looked at his eyes, then to his lips, slowly leaning in.

Bakugo put his hands on her shoulders, keeping her from moving in any closer. "Uraraka." He gently stroked the side of her face as he shook his head. "You're upset about Ryukyu and feeling vulnerable. I don't want to take advantage of you. I wouldn't feel right about it."

Ochaco closed her eyes and stepped back from him. She couldn't believe she had just tried to kiss him. What the hell was she even thinking? Raking her fingers through her hair, Ochaco let out a breath and looked back at him, smiling. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I'm gonna go shower." She ran to the bathroom without looking back at Bakugo.

Once inside the privacy of the bathroom, Ochaco sat on the edge of the tub. Her head fell between her shoulders as she mentally kicked herself for trying to kiss Bakugo. Thank goodness, he was a good man and refused her advance. She bit her lower lip, gripping the edge of the tub. He hadn't taken advantage of her, when he had the opportunity too. Ochaco lifted her head and smiled as she prepared her shower.

About twenty minutes later, Ochaco emerged from the bathroom, feeling a little better and refreshed. The awkwardness still lingered for her, but she had a feeling Bakugo wouldn't say anything of it. Her hair was still damp from her shower, but looked beachy and complimented her striped t-shirt dress.

The apartment smelled amazing, salty and savory, which caused her stomach to growl. When she peered around the corner, she saw Bakugo placing some plates on her table. She summed up all her courage and stepped out into her dining space. Bakugo turned around as she did and smiled at her. "Perfect timing, just finished. Sit down."

Ochaco nodded and shuffled over to the table. A simple meal, but beautiful and delicious in appearance. She pulled out a chair and sat down as Bakugo came back and placed a glass of water beside her. He took the seat across from her and gestured for her to eat.

"Thank you for the food," Ochaco said, pressing her palms together before she dug into the meal: grilled sardines, miso soup, and a bowl of rice topped with a sunnyside-up egg and chives.

Bakugo did the same and watched her for a moment before beginning to eat his rice, egg, and chive bowl. He took a few bites, sneaking glances at her every so often. "I talked to Kamui Woods before I came here."

"You did?" Ochaco blinked and put her chopsticks down. "You asked to go back to work, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"What did he say?"

"He's allowing it after I get cleared by the medical team." Bakugo glanced at his hand then opened and closed his fist. "I'm not worried, my hand feels fine."

Ochaco smiled, happy to hear that his hand was okay. Then again, the doctor who had fixed them up had been incredible, she shouldn't have expected any less. The doctor had even told them they would be good to go in about two weeks. More than enough time had passed.

Bakugo sat back in his chair and scratched the back of his neck. "He's also allowing you and Kirishima to return as well, if you want to."

"Really?"

Bakugo nodded, keeping his eyes on her. "It's an emergency situation, so he's breaking protocol."

Ochaco drank some water. She wanted to go back, she was ready, and if it meant putting an end to those who killed her friend and mentor, she was going. "How do we get cleared for medical?"

Bakugo smirked. "Atta girl, Pink Cheeks."

-xXx-

Bakugo, Uraraka, and Kirishima had all been cleared by the medical team an hour ago. According to the medical team they were all back to a hundred percent and could return to work first thing tomorrow. When the staff left, Bakugo suggested they get in some training. For the last two hours that's exactly what the three of them did.

He took a swig of his water as he sat on the bench at the edge of the mat. Uraraka and Kirishima were doing some basic hand to hand combat techniques, no quirks just their own physical strength. Bakugo had tangled with Uraraka before and even back in their high school days they'd been paired on several occasions, she knew her stuff. It was exciting to watch her fight maybe even better than being in the fight with her; she was a badass.

Kirishima dropped down, stuck his leg out and swept under Uraraka. She fell on her back and Kirishima sat on her hips, keeping her pinned. Despite trying to break free from his hold, Kirishima was stronger and heavier than her. Bakugo stood, eyebrow raised as Uraraka continued to fight back. She wiggled, trying to slip free from his legs and hands, but it was futile. Panting heavily, Uraraka tapped Kirishima's arm and he let her go.

"You're pretty good, Uraraka," Kirishima said as he fell onto the mat beside her. "I'm exhausted."

"I'm not sure how to break free from that position," Uraraka replied, wiping the sweat from her brow. She pulled her knees into her chest and smiled at Kirishima. "I didn't know you were so good at hand to hand combat."

Kirishima laughed. "What's that supposed to mean? My quirk is hardening, I gotta know how to throw some decent punches." He lifted a fist, activating his hardening quirk, then glanced at Uraraka. "You got your quirk though, so really anyone that's on top of you or got you pinned, you'll be fine."

"Yeah, that's true," Uraraka agreed with a small smile.

Bakugo walked over to them, handing each a water bottle. "If you didn't have your quirk though, you still could have gotten away."

Uraraka blinked. "What?"

Kirishima sat up and took a gulp of his drink. "He means, I'm gonna show you how to kick Kirishima's ass."

Uraraka laughed and unscrewed the top of her bottle. "I'm always happy to learn how to defend myself." When she finished her drink, she set it off to the side and scooted around to face Bakugo. "Teach me."

Kirishima stood on his knees beside her. "Assume the position."

Uraraka shook her head and laid back flat on the mat while Kirishima mounted on her hips. He reached down with one hand, pressed it near the base of her neck, while he kept his other arm free.

Bakugo knelt down beside them. "Step one, keep your elbows tucked in tight." He reached for her elbow, gently pushing it toward her ribs. "You want to prevent him from sliding up higher, got it?"

Uraraka nodded, eyes on Kirishima.

"Cross arm grab," Bakugo said, pointing to Urarka's right hand. "Don't grab him with your thumbs, you want to lock him into position. Grabbing his wrist, it'll be easy for him to slip out."

"Okay, so like this?" Uraraka asked as she clasped her entire hand around Kirishima's writs.

Bakugo nodded. "Perfect."

"Even though you are keeping me from being able to pull away laterally," Kirishima explained as he tried to tug free from her grip. "You can't stop me from sliding back." He yanked his arm back, slipping away from her hold with ease.

"So then with my other hand, I'll grab your tricep," Uraraka said, putting the pieces together.

"That's right," Kirishima said as he put his hand back at the base of her neck. She secured his wrist then gripped his tricep. He tried to move, but she had him locked into position. "Nice, keep your elbows tucked in tight, cause then the leverage is in your back."

"Got it." Uraraka pulled her elbows in close to her sides. "So what now?"

Bakugo tapped her foot. "Use this leg to keep his pinned."

Uraraka wrapped her leg over Kirishima's.

"With your other leg, plant it in between his," Bakugo told her. She planted her leg between Kirishima's legs, muscles tight. "Using your hips, force him up and over."

Uraraka pushed her hips up and Kirishima tumbled over., landing on the ground. She released him and jumped to her feet stepping back. "Whoa."

Bakugo clapped. "Good job."

Kirishima agreed, giving Uraraka a thumbs up as he rolled onto his feet. He stretched his arms and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was a little past three, they'd been at the gym for three straight hours.

Bakugo glanced at Uraraka while Kirishima gabbed about different workout routines to her. At breakfast, when she leaned in for a kiss, he almost gave in. He stopped himself and her for two simple reasons: one, if they were going to kiss he wanted it to be for the right reasons and two, the shine in her eyes had dimmed. Even now, her eyes were duller than normal, not even close to what they had been that night on the mountain.

The death of Ryukyu weighed heavy on her. He completely understood why. They had worked together since she was in high school. Bakugo couldn't even begin to understand what that loss must have felt like. In fact, Bakugo hadn't lost anyone that close to him ever in his entire life.

"Dude, did you hear me?" Kirishima waved his hand in front of Bakugo's face.

Bakugo glared, swatting Kirishima's hand away. "What?"

"I said you look tense, should we call it a day?" Kirishima put his hands behind his head. "We don't want to overdo it."

"Sure," Bakugo said and held his hand out to Uraraka. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her onto her feet. "I'll walk you home."

Uraraka smiled. "You don't have to."

"I don't mind."

"Okay, just give me a minute to get my stuff out of my locker." Uraraka turned on her heels and made her way across the gym to the women's locker room. Bakugo kept his eyes on her until she was out of sight. He sighed and turned toward the men's locker room, only to find Kirishima smirking at him.

"What's that look for?" Bakugo asked as he walked off the mat.

"You like her."

Bakugo rolled his eyes and went straight for the locker room to grab his stuff. Kirishima jogged up beside him, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Drop it, Kirishima."

"I think it's good," Kirishima said.

Bakugo pushed the locker room door open. Right now, wasn't the time for talking about how he was falling for Uraraka. Given the situation at hand, he didn't want to think about it. They were going in on a case to take out ruthless villains, if he acted on his feelings, he knew it would cloud his judgement. It probably would even if he didn't act on it, but acting on it would definitely make it worse.

"Did anything happen with you guys on your little trip?"

Bakugo opened his locker and grabbed his bag, not bothering to change. "No, now drop it."

Kirishima frowned as he opened his locker. "You have some serious discipline, man. Good for you."

Bakugo shook his head and shut his locker. He slung his bag on his shoulder and made his way back to the locker room entrance. Kirishima followed close behind him, keeping quiet, but smiling like a moron. Groaning, Bakugo stopped and whipped around to face Kirishima. "I like her, you're right, but we can't...I can't do anything about it."

Kirishima's brow creased and he tilted his head. "Why not?"

"Because of this case. She's not the same right now, and I don't want to take advantage of her feelings." Bakugo turned around and placed his hand on the door. "Keep your mouth shut about this okay. I don't need the whole fucking office gabbing about it. I like her, but it's not a big deal."

"My lips are sealed," Kirishima assured him as they walked out of the locker room.

Uraraka stood by the gym doors, waiting for the two. Together they left the gym, entering the main lobby where a few heroes were loitering around. When they got outside, Kirishima said his goodbyes to his friends, heading in the opposite direction Bakugo and Uraraka were heading.

It was approximately a ten minute walk from the agency to Uraraka's apartment. Despite being the middle of the summer in the late afternoon, the weather was tolerable. Bakugo walked on the street side while Uraraka took the inside. Their hands brushed against one another. Bakugo mumbled an apology, but Uraraka shook her head and smiled at him.

"You really don't have to walk me home," Uraraka said, gripping the strap of her gym bag. "You should go hang out with Kirishima, I think he's getting jealous."

Bakugo stifled a laugh. "He's fine, we play video games together all the time."

"Aw, that's so cute," she teased. She kept her head down as they walked.

He'd been so accustomed to her bubbly and cheerful nature, seeing her like this worried him. Somehow he wanted to cheer her up, but at the same time he believed she needed to have the space to grieve. Even though she was coming back to work, and performed well on the medical exam, Bakugo had a gut feeling she was just ignoring her feelings. It was something he was familiar with, hiding his own emotions and bottling them up until he exploded.

"So why are you walking me home?" Uraraka asked.

Bakugo licked his lips and stopped walking when they came to a red light at an intersection. "Honestly?"

Uraraka lifted her head and locked eyes with him. "No, lie to me."

He smiled and glanced at the ground, tapping the toe of his shoe into the sidewalk. "I'm worried about you."

Uraraka's shoulders dropped and she stepped closer, looping her arm through his. The light turned green and they crossed the intersection. When they got to the other side, Uraraka rested her head against his arm. She never said anything, nor did she let go of him as they walked to her apartment. Her hands wrapped around his arm, her warmth radiating onto him.

He brought her all the way to the door of her apartment before she finally let go of him to get her key. She unlocked the door and pushed it open. When she stepped inside, she turned around and smiled at him. "Stay for a bit?"

Bakugo nodded. "Sure, Pink Cheeks."

Uraraka ventured to her bedroom for a moment, leaving Bakugo alone in the living room. He glanced over at the bookshelf noticing a couple of pictures on the third shelf. He walked over to get a better look. One of the pictures was of her and Pinky their senior year at UA, and the other was of Uraraka and Ryukyu standing outside of her former agency.

"That was my first day at her agency," Uraraka said as she walked over to look at the picture. "I can't believe she's gone."

Bakugo turned to face Uraraka. He wasn't sure how to help her. A few tears welled in her eyes and then rolled down her cheeks. As if it were instinct, Bakugo wiped away her tears and pulled her in for a hug. His arms went around her torso and he held her close. A heartbeat later, Uraraka's arms were around him.

They stayed like that for a little while, just in the silence, holding onto one another. Uraraka cried softly into his chest, her tears wetting his shirt. He rubbed her back and buried his face into her hair. She gripped his shirt and sniffled before pulling away from him.

Bakugo brushed her hair from her face. She wiped her tears away and smiled, muttering an apology. He didn't know what to say to her, or if he should say anything to her at all. When he thought about all the times he had ever been sad, sometimes he liked it when Kirishima just sat with him and didn't say anything. Just having the presence of someone you cared about nearby offered an immense amount of comfort.

Uraraka let out a breath and stood a little taller. "Do you think we can stop them?"

"I don't think, Pink Cheeks," Bakugo said, reaching for her chin to turn her eyes on him. "I know we will."

"You're always the confident one."

Bakugo let his hand fall from her face and shrugged. "I don't know what's going to happen on this case. I'm sure it's going to be fucking ridiculous, but what the Daizen 7 have done not just to the pros but all their crimes, I won't let them get away with it."

Uraraka placed her hands on Bakugo's shoulders and pulled him into another hug, squeezing tight. "Just don't get yourself killed."

Bakugo laughed, his cheeks heating. "I don't plan on dying any time soon," he whispered as he pulled away from her. "We'll take them down together." The spark in her eyes shined again, not as bright as it was before, but it was there. "It's going to be okay, Pink Cheeks."