HEY GUYS! Long time no see! Unless you saw my hiatus notice on Garrison Academy. Heyooooo. I am so SO sorry to have kept you waiting so long. This whole Covid world is hard to job hunt and stay motivated in. On top of that the world is absolutely insane and I've been rather down. I know I don't owe any explanations, but I meant to get this out way sooner than now and I apologize for that. My motivation and drive to write in general for a while was completely gone, but I'm really excited that I was able to get this done! Thank you so SO much for waiting, and here is chapter 24!

Despite how hard he was trying, there was no shaking this incredibly anxious feeling. It was quite intimidating really thinking about events that are so close to happening. These weren't just small events; these were some moments that could change Midoriya's entire life around. It would establish his whole career and get his name out there much like All Might's was before. In just a few weeks, his comic will finally be up for the grand release. As confusing and terrifying as the journey has been, he made it. If only he could get over this one hurdle first.

"I can't do this. I can't. I'm not going to go. I'm going to tell them I'm not feeling well. Take a rain check. It'll be fine. I'll just see them at a later date. I don't have to do this today." He picked up the phone, ready to message Uraraka that he wasn't going to be able to make it to meet to catch up.

Todoroki gently placed his hand on Midoriya's, bringing his phone down. "Hey... Think about this for a second. Are you sure you want to cancel? You've been talking about this as if you've been excited for weeks."

"But what if they hate me? What if they didn't really want to meet up at all? What if -"

"You're spiraling." His boyfriend hushed, gently cupping his face. This made Izuku look into his eyes, and only at his eyes. Trying his hardest to not freak out he took some deep breaths as Todoroki spoke again. "Izuku, if they hated you they wouldn't have stopped you that day. They also wouldn't have worked with you to find a date that you were free, or even would have suggested meeting up. I'm sure they care about you more than you know."

"But you don't know that."

"But you'll never know if you don't see them."

Though that fact may be true, there was no telling what would happen. So many scenarios were running through Midoriya's mind. They somehow find out he's gay and reject him right on the spot. They find out he dropped out of school because of a raging mental illness and they call him a failure. They get angry at him for not contacting them for years and they just invited him to tell him they never want to see him again. Or they just plain will tell him they never want to see him again with no explanation. With Todoroki becoming friends was seamless, it happened so simply Midoriya didn't even have to think much. This was an entirely different ballgame. For one they were friends before and lost contact. For two – who's to say that they are the same people they were before all this time had passed? All these uncertainties were scaring him and made him want to hide away and never come back out. How is he even going to survive the release of his comic when he can't even get over a small meetup with his ex-friends? This whole situation was making him re-think all of his life choices.

"You're right." Midoriya admitted quietly, shaking his head. "But if it comes back to bite me in the ass, you're going to pay."

"It's on." Todoroki responded, giving him a quick kiss. "Hey, and I'll be right beside you okay? I won't leave your side. Promise."

The meeting spot that Midoriya and Uraraka agreed on was Central Park. The only other person that was confirmed to be coming was Asui as she was there when the idea was brought up in the store. There was some talk about there being some of the others, but Izuku was secretly wishing that it would only be only the four of them; this seemed a bit selfish, however, because he didn't mention to either of the two that he would be bringing Todoroki along with him. He didn't know what to expect from this meeting, good or bad it could go either way.

Amongst the green of the trees, Uraraka's brown hair stuck out just enough for Izuku to find where she was. As much as he needed Todoroki's moral support holding his hand was not an option. That would make Midoriya even more weary to meet up with the others due to the fear of possible homophobia from the people he used to call his friends. When they greeted Uraraka, she was alone. She gave Midoriya a small hug before noting that the others would be arriving soon. The others, great. That solidified one of his fears, that there would be more than just the four of them. The real question he had in the back of his mind was: who was the others? All of the possibilities were endless.

"Who's this?" Uraraka asked him, snapping Izuku away from his thoughts. It didn't even occur to him that he forgot to introduce Todoroki. Oops.

"M-my bad." He stuttered out. "This is Shoto Todoroki. He's my... friend." Hopefully Uraraka didn't catch onto his pause, but her face looked like she knew what he meant by friend as much as he was trying to hide it. No comments were made which made the current moment slightly better.

The brunette offered her hand. "Well Shoto Todoroki, it's very nice to meet you."

"Likewise." With a nod, Todoroki responded before getting caught up with some small chatter with the girl. It was funny, if a stranger walked by it would be more believable that Todoroki and Uraraka were longtime friends, and Midoriya was just a standby. That was just Uraraka's friendly nature; she always has had a knack for making everyone feel like they belonged in her circle of friends no matter what their background is or what they look like. After all, she made sure to keep in contact with Izuku after he left and she was the one who messaged him the longest even when he stopped responding.

After a few minutes of chatting, a noise came from Uraraka's phone. Midoriya can only guess that she got a response the others were here – whatever that meant – as right when she checked her phone she motioned for Izuku and Todoroki to follow. Since they were slightly trailing, the both of them felt comfortable enough to let their hands drift together. It was nice to have a small squeeze of reassurance, Izuku just had to keep reminding himself that Todoroki will still be by his side no matter what happens. When they eventually arrived at a car, Izuku dropped his hand, though he wished the walk was farther so he could have held on a little longer.

Asui gave a wave, when slipping out of the drivers seat. Greeting the three of them, she gave Uraraka a quick hug, mentioning something else and pointing to the car. Turning his attention to the vehicle, there was an emergence of another familiar face; it must have taken them a while longer to get there because Asui spent the time to go out to Long Island and pick up Iida. But that wasn't all; also stepping out of the car was Kirishima, who coaxed out someone that Izuku absolutely did not want to see at all. Reluctantly stepping out of the car was Bakugou. Kirishima probably didn't know about all the terrible history Bakugou and Midoriya have shared together since childhood, but in Midoriya's mind this is the worst possible thing that could have happened today. Nothing could go right if he was here.

Panic started to rise in Izuku's throat. It was very hard to respond when he was greeted by both Iida and Kirishima. There was no way not to be on edge as his childhood bully stood there, staring daggers with that annoyed look he always had on his face. Midoriya was absolutely terrified of Bakugou. But it's not like anyone else knew that, they only knew Izuku from college, and he doubted that his name ever came out of Katsuki Bakugou's mouth to anyone. Trying to suppress his feelings of dread Izuku went around to every one of the people he used to know so well introducing Todoroki. No matter what, however, he couldn't shake the fact that it felt like Bakugou was always watching, possibly judging his every move. It doesn't matter what distance he was at, he was always determined to ruin everything about Midoriya's life. At least that's how it was in the past, but there's no doubt in Midoriya's mind that he hasn't changed a bit.

The only thing Midoriya could do at this point was make a sorry excuse to rush to the bathroom. Uraraka and Kirishima both wore a face of concern but they nodded anyways. That nod also seemed a bit sad; like they were upset he didn't stick around longer. But it's not like he was completely running away. Not yet anyways. He just wanted to prevent the absolute worst thing from happening at this gathering, and that would be him making a fool out of himself for having a full blown panic attack in front of everyone. How embarrassing that would be. So he rushed off, hoping that none of his ex-friends followed. Or something even worse - that Bakugou had followed to torment him alone. In one way Midoriya was making himself into more of a target because a secluded place would be perfect place because he wouldn't be able to escape.

With hurried steps he finally made it to one of the public bathrooms. It's not the most cleanliest place to possibly have a panic attack, but honestly any place would be better than having one out in the open. Izuku would never want to show his face in public ever again if that was the case; which is not ideal because he would have to go out for his comic premiere where many would possibly be attending. The first thing he tried was splashing his face with cold water and when that didn't work, he made his way into one of the stalls closing the door and placing himself on the closed toilet holding his head in his hands. As far as he knew, he was alone which made it a lot easier for him to try to relax despite the faint, unpleasant odors surrounding him.

Following a few minutes there was footsteps. Concern rose up in his stomach again, as Midoriya let out a gasp before hearing a soft knock and a "Izuku are you okay baby?" and he knew in an instance that it was okay to let his guard down just a little bit. Todoroki really had a knack for being there when he needed it most. Knowing it was him and not someone else, Midoriya opened the door and let him in and the two stood there in a silent embrace. Even with no words spoken some of the panicked feeling went away and calm started to rush over Midoriya once again. It was nice to have someone here that could keep him grounded.

When they were ready to brave going back out there the two of them walked to where the sinks were. In order to prepare himself for going back to the others, Izuku splashed his face with cold water once again before turning to give Todoroki one last squeeze. It would have to do for a while, as they can't be this way with the others around. He felt even more recharged when there was the feeling of Todoroki's soft lips on his cheek and then the top of his head. If only he felt comfortable enough to be out to the others so he could be like this with Todoroki all the time. It would make this meeting a breeze.

"Midoriya are you-" Hearing the voice made him immediately jump back out of Todoroki's arms. It was not his partner's voice, and he became fervently aware that they were no longer alone in the bathroom. When startled back he noticed the spikey red hair of Kirishima, who probably volunteered to find the two after they left to go to the bathroom and didn't come back after a few minutes. That was a very Kirishima thing to do. "Oh."

"Please don't say anything." Izuku blurted out still startled by the fact that Kirishima was right there, becoming slowly aware of what he just saw. "I didn't want to make a fuss. Or... For any of you to know really. But Todoroki, he... He's my..."

Just then it was like a lightbulb went on in the redhead's mind, as he exchanged glances with Midoriya, then Todoroki, and then back with Midoriya. "Oh."

"Yeah. So... Please don't -"

Kirishima chuckled. "Midoriya I won't say anything you don't want me to. Who do you think I am? Bakugou?" He must have seen Midoriya flinch at the name, his demeanor changing instantly. "Wait, do you know him?"

"Yeah."

"How?"

"Childhood. We didn't... We didn't really get along."

A pause. "God Midoriya, I'm sorry I didn't know. I wouldn't have brought him along if I knew."

Another pause. "Don't be, it's not your fault, Kirishima. You didn't know."

"I just wanted a chance to introduce my boyfriend to everyone but I can ask Tsuyu if I can borrow her ride and bring him home -"

"Boyfriend? Kirishima, you are too good for him."

Kirishima let out a laugh. "He's a lot better than he was in the past. We're working on his anger, and he has a lot of regrets. He just looks angry all the time still, I guess you can say I tamed the beast. But seriously, if you want me to bring him home I will. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, this whole meeting is for you, after all."

Midoriya shook his head. "Kirishima, he can stay. As long as he doesn't start anything it will be fine. Promise."

"Ok, but let me know if you change your mind."

"Will do."

The three of them exited the bathroom, Midoriya and Todoroki trailing slightly behind Kirishima as he talked about this new videogame he had been playing to fill the silence. It was nice hearing someone else talk for a change, as the only people Midoriya really talked to were people in the company. He knew for sure that the same could be said of Todoroki who looked entertained by the redhead's words as well. With only Kirishima around it was easy to feel comfortable holding his boyfriend's hand, so they kept their hands entwined until the other four of their small group reappeared in their sights.

When the two groups joined together once again, they found a nice spot where they all could sit together and catch up. Not much about the group's lives had changed - except for the whole Kirishima and Bakugou thing which apparently nobody knew about – and the fact that Kirishima determined he wanted to pursue geology, which was also quite the surprise to Midoriya at least. Bakugou didn't speak unless prompted to; Midoriya learned that he was going to school to be a chemist. Why, Midoriya had no clue, but he assumed it would be because of all the potential explosions that could happen. Despite his childhood bully's calm mannerisms, Midoriya could see out of the corner of his eye Todoroki staring daggers at him. It was quite hilarious to see; and also quite flattering that he was still on guard to protect him in Midoriya's eyes.

As for the other three, Uraraka was still hard at work to become a preschool teacher. It was really no surprise when Asui mentioned she made the Dean's list once again while Uraraka's face went red with embarrassment. Asui was still training every day to become a world class swimmer, even admitting that she doesn't know if she will continue with school as all of the classes she's taking to be a personal trainer doesn't align with what she truly wants in life. Her goal also has expanded to not only be a world class swimmer, but to maybe someday be a swimmer in the Olympics. Iida has stayed the same old Iida, majoring in engineering, being the best he can be, and still explaining everything with enthusiasm and rigid hand motions.

A wave of reassurance ran over Izuku. These people were the same people that he met in college, the same people that he once was friends with. They still treated him no differently than when they first met him. They still cared about him. No matter how much his brain lied to him, the facts were right there in front of him. Just like they were a part of his college experience, he was a part of theirs; not only just the college experience, but they were a part of each other's lives as well. Maybe he was so new to the friend thing that he didn't really know that friendship never expires and all kinds of positive relationships are meant to last. Thanks to Todoroki, he knows that now; he'll never forget it.

Before reaching Midoriya, all of their attention suddenly turned to Todoroki who was dubbed by Asui as "mystery man". For not knowing Midoriya's friends, his boyfriend was very calm answering all of their inquiries about himself. It was even more surprising how put together he was, as Todoroki was quite the introvert and making friends was not his favorite activity in the books. Midoriya made a mental note that he owes it to Todoroki to do something very nice for him after all of this was done. It made him even more at ease that maybe, just maybe when he feels secure enough to mention Todoroki is his boyfriend they'll be able to approve.

Eventually, it came to Midoriya's turn. Since he was keeping Todoroki a secret, he thought it would only be fair to mention the reason that Kirishima saw him at the comic release was because he was taken up by All Might to learn under his wing. This made Bakugou huff, only to be elbowed by Kirishima right after for being rude. He also felt like it would be right to admit that the reason he disappeared from school was because he dropped out while leaving out that it was due to depression and anxiety being at their all time worst. Stuff like that he wished he could tell them, but everytime he tried the words just couldn't come out.

The conversation kept jumping around between him, Iida, Kirishima, Uraraka, and Tsuyu until sunset; Todoroki and Bakugou chipped in sometimes, but for the majority of the time they stayed silent. The orange hue that was seen appearing in the sky was their cue that it was probably about time to get going, since Tsuyu had to drive Kirishima, Bakugou, and Iida back to their homes. It was quite a shame that time passed so quickly, Midoriya never thought that this meetup would go so well or be so pleasant. He made a mental note that they would all have to do something together soon; maybe a movie night like they did in the common room back in college. Maybe not until he was able to tell them the truth about Todoroki so he could cuddle up with him during it.

"Don't be a stranger, okay?" Tsuyu said, clapping Izuku on the back as they approached the parked car. "You're welcome at our apartment anytime." Waving her hand, she head around to the driver's seat to start the car.

"There was something missing without you there. It was very nice to see you again, Midoriya." Iida exuberantly stated after, making some more square hand movements.

Kirishima gave both him and Todoroki a bright smile. "Yeah, it wasn't the same without you bro. Glad to have you back." Bakugou who was attached to his hip all the time they were together had already climbed into the back seat of the car to avoid any contact.

Once the car left, Uraraka, Todoroki, and Midoriya were left alone. The brown haired girl turned to the other two, the typical smile planted on her face. "You know, I was really worried that you wouldn't want to meet with us or want us around. I'm very happy that that wasn't true."

"That's so far from the truth." Midoriya immediately said back with a shake of his head. "Of course I wanted you guys around. I just... There's so much that has happened between the time I left and now. With me, my mental state, and... All Might. I wish I could tell you guys everything but..."

"You don't want to be judged." She added softly, taking Midoriya's hand and cupping it in her own. "And that's a very human thing to be afraid of. But I want you to know that Kirishima, Iida, Tsuyu and I, we will never judge you. We'll be here to listen, whenever you need it. We're your friends, you know?" Dragging him into a hug, she added, "I'm so glad you came today."

If there was one thing that Izuku did not plan on doing today it was crying. Yet here he was, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and ignore the stinging in his eyes as he gave Uraraka a small squeeze back. "I'm so glad I came too."