Chapter 10: Final Exam of the Heart
A couple of days later Lincoln and Ronnie Anne were in home room. "Alright, that's it for class today. There's only one week left before your final exams begin." Mr. Aizawa said. "I'm sure you're constantly studying right? Don't forget to keep training, the written exam is only one element. There's also the practical portion to worry about, good luck."
While most of their classmates were talking about their worries over the final the Lincoln and Ronnie Anne tried to whisper to each other how they felt, but every time they tried to talk to each other they stumbled with their words. "Lincoln, uh, I'm sorry I yelled at you. I, well I…"
"No, it's okay! I was just mad and acted first without thinking! I just acted on my, my feelings, that is you, you're my best friend and I can't stand the thought of someone doing something like that to you". Lincoln said.
At the same time, they both thought. "That was pathetic! You know how you feel You want to tell him/her! Why can't I just say I love you?"
Later at lunch the Americans sat at the table next to their classmates so they heard Midoriya say. "I'm kinda scared about the practical, I have no idea what it's going to be."
"Hard to believe they'd give us anything too crazy." Iida said.
"The written exam questions will all be stuff from class so I should at least be able to do those."
"Do you really think it's going to be that simple?" Uraraka asked nervous since she was in the bottom ten in the midterms.
"It's driving me nuts; I at least want to know what they'll have us doing."
"It's a comprehensive test of everything we've learned this year." Hagakure said.
"And that's all we could get Mr. Aizawa to tell us." Asui added.
"Um, Ronnie Anne do you want to… to train together? We both have to do well in this practical, not just to go to the summer training camp, but also if S.P.E.A.R. is to continue sponsoring us." Lincoln asked.
Ronnie Anne blushed. "Well, I…I already asked Bakugo to spar with me this week, I wanted to see how far I've come since the first time I saw his power. So, I asked him to help me with my training, sorry."
Then someone hit Midoriya in the head with his elbow. "Sorry, your head's so big it's hard to miss."
"You're from Class 1-B, Monoma right? That really hurt!" Midoriya said.
"I heard you guys stumbled across the hero killer." Monoma said ignoring the pain he caused. "Just like in the sports festival Class 1-A isn't happy unless they're the center of attention, but you realize you're in the spotlight not because people think you're good heroes, right? It's just that you keep getting in so much trouble. Here's food for thought the rest of us might get caught up in your mess and will become unwitting victims as well! What kind of horrible villains will you bring down upon us? What demons…" a quick karate chop from Kendo kept the young man from finishing his tirade.
"That's not funny Monoma! You heard what happened to Iida, chill out!" Kendo scolded.
"Kendo…" Iida said.
"I apologize for him. I'm pretty sure there's a hole where his heart should be."
Lincoln looked at the knockout boy. "That guy reminds a little of Chandler."
"So, I was listening, I know you're all worried about what's going to be on the big final practical. I heard it's going to be combat against robots like in the entrance exam."
"What, really? How do you that?" Midoriya asked.
"One of my friends who's a few grades up filled me in. I know cheating, but oh well."
"No, I don't think so…" Midoriya then began to mutter.
"What kind of idiot are Kendo? You just gave away our whole strategic advantage! This was our chance to pull ahead of that class full idiots!" Monoma said before getting another karate chop.
"They're not the idiots!" Kendo said as she dragged him away.
"Big-mouthed cucaracha." Ronnie said.
"What?" Asui asked.
"Cockroach." Lincoln explained.
Later back in their classroom they told their classmates what Kendo said. "Alright!" Kaminari and Ashido cheered.
"This'll be super easy if it's just robots." Kaminari then said.
"Such awesome news!" Ashido agreed.
"Why do you sound so happy? You both have a hard time controlling your quirks." Shoji asked.
"Yeah, but I can let loose with robots!" Kaminari explained.
"And melting them will be a cinch for me!" Ashido added.
"Now you just need Yaoyorozu to help you study and you'll be all set for finals!" Sero said.
"We'll definitely be able to go to the training camp now!" The pair said.
"And Loud you don't need to worry about the practical either."
Lincoln wasn't as chipper. "I'm still not sure, they know robots would be easy for me beat so it wouldn't be much of a test. Either way I can't take this lightly, not if I want to stay."
"Come on Lincoln there's nothing to worry about!" Ashido said.
"Yeah, you can just stick those robots together into one big junk pile." Kaminari reassured.
"It shouldn't matter if it's robots or actual people." Bakugo said. "Why are you morons so excited?"
"Hey who are you calling a moron?" Kaminari barely asked before Bakugo replied.
"Shut up! You need to learn how to control your quirk! You got it?" He then turned to Midoriya. "Hey Deku! I don't know what's going on with your power, but I've seen how your using it now and I want you to know…it's seriously pissing me off!"
"Uh oh! He must mean how Deku was flying around like him the other day." Uraraka whispered.
"Oh yeah, totally." Ashido also whispered.
Bakugo continued. "I won't have another half-assed win like in the festival! We'll be getting individual scores in the upcoming finals, new rankings! So we'll all know where we're standing! I'll show you how much better I am! And Todoroki, I'll kill you too!" Bakugo then stormed out of the classroom.
"It's been a while since I've seen him that worked up." Kirishima said worried.
"I think it's impatience, or hatred." Tokoyami theorized.
Ronnie Anne got up from her desk. "Lincoln I…I better go. I need to go home and study." As Ronnie Anne left class she thought. "Thanks a lot, Cretino! Lincoln was nervous enough about the final! If I tell him how I feel now, then he'll have so many thoughts and feelings running through his head he'll fail and will have to go home! Not an ideal way to begin a relationship." Walking down the hall the boy she had feelings for didn't her say. "Oh Lincoln…"
Lincoln had his own worries. "I should have told her how I really felt weeks, no months ago! I want to tell her I love her, but the words won't come out! All I can do right now is let her focus on passing the finals. It should be easier to tell her then, right? But still…" Lincoln finished his thought out loud. "…Ronnie Anne why can't we just talk like we used to? Why this so hard?"
Mr. Aizawa was still in the spot he observed Bakugo from. "Well, this annoying little wrinkle settles it. Loud and Santiago need to take the practical together. The rest of the faculty is going to love this mess."
As time went on the students of Class 1-A studied and trained. A few days before the final exam the teachers of U.A. held a meeting about the practical exam and they had already of most of Class 1-A. "Eraserhead it is obvious that you've paired Mr. Loud and Ms. Santiago together, is there a reason for this?" Nezu asked. "Remember, we are giving S.P.E.A.R. and Agent Delta permission to access our security cameras to observe. They need to know what weaknesses we are trying to help them overcome to make their decision."
Eraserhead gave an annoyed sighed. "While there are certain physical weaknesses that the teacher I've chosen can challenge, the primary factor is this case is relationships, but it is the opposite of Midoriya and Bakugo. The two of them have developed romantic feelings for each other."
"What?!" Most of the teachers said, including All Might who coughed up blood from the surprise."
"You all shouldn't really be that surprise." Nezu said. "Lincoln Loud and Ronnie Anne Santiago have known each other for years before coming here and with their current age the conditions were ripe for this to happen. I suspect given the incident they had during the sports festival they became aware of these feelings sometime around the USJ incident."
"Still, why is this a factor for the test? They are hardly the first U.A. students to have a relationship." Midnight asked.
Eraser explained. "They have not said anything to each other about their emotions and it's causing problems with both their concentration and communication with each other and it's getting worse. Hopefully once everything has been laid out, they'll realize that they are better off forgetting about these feelings and focus on being pros."
"Woah, woah, Shota!" Present Mic said using his old classmates first name. "We're here to help them to become heroes not tell them how to live their personal lives! Who are you, no who are we to say that they should stop this dance before the first song?"
"While I don't agree with Eraser I understand where he's coming from." Power Loader said. "There have always been those who believe that heroes shouldn't have romantic relationships, especially with each other. The competition for popularity, the danger, these have ruined many couples. It's hard to remain objective in the field when your significant other is there as well."
"Still, people forget that we heroes are still human beings with feelings and needs." 13 injected. "If we neglect those then it can lead to other problems. What do you think All Might?"
All Might then thought. "They had been apart for a couple of years before they were offered to come here, and that offer was only made so they can save young Midoriya someday. And now a romance that might have never happened has emerged. I'm such a hypocrite! I accepted that I am going to die but I allowed Delta to go along with his plan because I would not allow the same for my successor! Young Santiago and Loud's whole world were changed, their lives put in danger, and now we're here talking about whether or not they should love who they want to. I don't know if this will help them be better heroes or not, but I will not take any more decisions about their lives out of their hands." Then All Might said, "In the end all we can do is advise and guide them if they wish it. This is their decision not ours."
"Guidance is exactly what I had in mind." Aizawa said turning to the man leaning in the corner. "Hound Dog, you are the one I have chosen to be their opponent. Where do you stand in all this?"
Hound Dog thought for a moment choosing his words. "I agree with All Might, in trying to make great heroes we sometimes forget that we also dealing with young men and women on the cusp of adulthood. We offer all the guidance we can, but they must make their own choices and learn from their own mistakes. It is ultimately Loud and Santiago's choice but right now their inability to talk each other is keeping them from their full potential in both their ability to be effective heroes and a possible fulling relationship. I will not let this continue."
Aizawa nodded. "Then it's going to be your job to force them to find a way to communicate with each other. They will either have to say what their feeling or focus on the task at hand despite those feelings. I've already picked the perfect test area to help you do this."
Agent Delta read over the files U.A. sent to him about the upcoming test in his dark office only the computer screen provided any light. "Love, it can be a hero's greatest strength or biggest weakness." He opened his file on Endeavor and his family noting Mrs. Todoroki in particular. "The stresses of the job can lead to problems in the home life…" He then switched to the file on the Water Hose heroes. "…however even a good relationship can end in tragedy." Delta then pulled up the file on the exchange students. "My older self was vague on the details on how they can save Midoriya as I would expect of myself, this kind of information can be dangerous in the wrong hands. All I know is that in some point in the future after he is declared the world's greatest hero, he will face an unprecedented threat. I chose that word with care, it is something we will have never faced before. Santiago and Loud's quirks are strong but not especially rare. There must have been heroes with similar powers, what did the simulations show to make me chose the two of them? What makes you two so special? Is it the fact that you were both born in a town where no one had a quirk until you? Is it the history you have together? Or does it have to do with the love that is blooming between you two? Our own computers are compiling all possible data on you both, but it is not enough. This test could be the key, don't let me down."
After three days of written test the time had come for the practical exam. Class 1-A had gathered in front of the central plaza of the test area in their costumes but were surprised at who they found there. "Now then, let's begin the last test." Mr. Aizawa said. "Remember it's possible to fail this final if you want to go to camp then don't make any stupid mistakes."
"The stakes are much higher than that for me." The Americans thought.
"Uh why are all the teachers here?" Jiro asked.
Mr. Aizawa began to explain. "I suspect many of you have gather information and believe you have some idea of what you're facing today."
"We're fighten those big 'ol metal robots!" Kaminari shouted with joy.
"Fireworks, Smores, here we come!" Ashido said.
"Actually, this year's test will be completely different for various reason!" Nezu said popping out of Aizawa's scarf.
"Principal Nezu!" Jiro, Ojiro and Sero said.
"You're changing the thing?" Yaoyorozu asked.
"The tests now have a new focus." Principal Nezu explained. "There will be hero work of course, but also teamwork and combat against actual people! What does that mean for you? You students will be working in pairs and your opponents will be one of our esteemed U.A. teachers. Isn't that fabulous?"
"We're fighting the teachers?" Uraraka said shocked.
Both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne had only one thing to say to that. "Dang it."
"Additionally, your partners and opponents have already been chosen." Mr. Aizawa said. "They were determined at my discretion based on various factors including fighting styles, grades, and interpersonal relationships. First Yaoyorozu and Todoroki are a team, against me. Then we have Midoriya paired with Bakugo."
"They should go together like Twelve is Midnight and polka." Ronnie Anne thought.
"And their opponent is…"
"I am here! To fight!" All Might said after jumping off the roof.
"We're up against All Might?" Midoriya and Bakugo asked.
Lincoln looked at his friend with worry. "Izuku, what did you do to tick Mr. Aizawa off?"
"You're going to have to work together boys, if you want to win." All Might told his opponents.
Then a howl was heard. "Loud, Santiago, here comes you opponent." Aizawa said as Hound Dog running up.
"Now let's announce the team and the teachers they'll be fighting in order." Principal Nezu said. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne would be the ninth fight, followed by Sero and Mineta, and then Midoriya and Bakugo. To complete the exam, you'll have thirty minutes! In order to win your objective is to put these handcuffs on your teacher or you can win if one of you manages to escape the combat stage."
"So, we got to capture the teacher or run away, it's basically like the combat training." Kaminari said.
"Yeah, but is it really okay to just jet?" Ashido asked.
"Yep!" Nezu gave a thumbs up.
"It's going to be much different from that combat training you went through earlier. After all, you're against people way better than you!" Present Mic said.
"Better, really?" Jiro asked. "Wait aren't you just the announcer?"
"Hey! Watch your mouth girl! Have some respect!"
13 then said. "This time your exam will be very similar to a real battle! As strange as it is, please think of us as villains."
Snipe spoke next. "Assuming you come across your enemy, if you think you can win against them then fight. However…"
Eraserhead continued. "In instances where you're out matched it would be smarter to run away and find help. Todoroki, Iida, Midoriya, I'm sure the three of you understand."
Iida held up his left hand. "I won't make that mistake again. I will pass this test and prove that I'm a hero!"
"So, we fight to win, or we run to win." Midoriya said.
"That's right! It's a test of your decision-making skills!" All Might said. "But with these rules you're probably thinking you only real choice is to flee! That's why the support course made these super clever accessories for us."
As All Might held up a small band Present Mic said. "Behold! Ultra-compressed weights!"
"These babies will add half our body weight to our physiques! It's not much, but they will eat up our stamina and make it harder for us to move around." All Might finished put his weights on. "Oh shoot! These are heavier than I thought!" he muttered. "We had a contest to come up with these designs and young Hatsume ended up winning it."
"Woah! Good for Hatsume." Midoriya said.
"Good now we stand a chance." Ronnie Anne said breathing a sigh of relief.
"You think we need a handicap to win against you?" Bakugo asked. "Well think again!"
All Might laughed and said. "This'll be fun."
"Let's begin, the teams will take the practical exam in the order you were called. We have a stage prepared for you. Sato, Kirishima, you're up." Eraserhead said.
"Yes sir!" the pair replied.
"Those waiting their turn to fight can either watch the exams or try to strategize together as a team, it's your choice. That's all."
"Lincoln we're among the last matches, should give us enough time think of something. You are the Man with the Plan after all." Ronnie Anne said. "Yes, you're a big dork but you are also smart and kind. That's what I love about you."
A short time later the exchange students were in a room with a map of their test area. "Figures they'd pick a forest battlefield, not a good matchup for me." Lincoln said.
"So, how do we sneak past Mr. Hound Dog?" Ronnie Anne asked. "His nose is going to be a big problem."
"Can your Aura block our scent?"
"No, if I could block gas or air then I couldn't breathe when I bring it up."
"Right sorry! Why didn't I think of that? Well, we both have dogs at home, we know what to expect. We'll just have to rub dirt and leaves to mask our scent then."
"When the test begins, we should also know which way the wind is blowing too so we can stay downwind of the gate. We should also have a backup plan in case he finds us. I know Recovery Girl is on standby, but I don't want to see you get hurt."
As Ronnie Anne began talking about combat scenarios Lincoln thought. "She is so caring and brave; Ronnie Anne will make a great hero. No wonder I love her. I have to do all I can to help her pass this test."
They spent the rest of their time planning routes and coming up with tactics. There was no small talk other than noting when they heard about when their classmates passing or failing. Then it was time. "Team Loud and Santiago, practical exam. Ready go!" an automated voice said over the loudspeakers.
From the observation room Midoriya saw Lincoln and Ronnie Anne make their preparations to sneak by. "That forest limits Lincoln's quirk to his bearings while Mr. Hound Dog is used to moving through the woods."
"But how is he a bad matchup for Ronnie Anne?" Uraraka asked.
"For one thing her power is bright and colorful." Recovery Girl explained. "Hardly conducive to stealth. This environment also limits her movement since her board is built to roll on smooth or flat terrain. But more than anything they must overcome a barrier that is slowly keeping them from communicating with each other."
"What? But they get along so well! They're childhood friends!" Iida said.
"What is it?" Asui asked.
"I'm afraid it's a personal matter; it's not my place to say. They'll tell you when they are ready." Recovery Girl answered. "The poor dears, they're worried that this might end their friendship. I've lived a long time, and I've seen and felt my fair share heart break. But love means leaving yourself vulnerable to pain, it's unavoidable. They must be willing to risk being hurt if they are to move forward."
"Lincoln, Ronnie Anne, you both have so much more to lose in this test than the rest of us. You have to pass!" Midoriya thought.
On the Battlefield Hound Dog was unstrapping part of his costume. "I'm playing the villain and villains wouldn't wear a muzzle. Now, where are you?" He began sniffing the air.
*Hound Dog. His quirk: Dog. Like the name says it lets him do what dogs can, including a powerful sense of smell. He can use this to find disaster victims or villains, when finds them he makes them play dead. *
As the pair moved through the woods Lincoln said. "This path should keep us down wind of him, the hardest part will be when we get close to the gate."
"That's assuming I would stand guard by the gate!" Hound Dog said leaping out of the bushes baring his fangs. "But in this test, I'm the hunter and you are my prey!" Hound Dog punched Lincoln sending him flying to a tree.
"But we covered our scent! How did you find us?" Ronnie Anne asked.
Hound Dog sniffed the air. "That would have worked on an animal, but I'm a man and I know that trick all too well! So, I sniffed for scents you wouldn't have thought of. You both brushed your teeth this morning, I can follow that minty smell anywhere. Use baking soda next time."
"Seriously? Our plan was ruined because we practiced good oral hygiene?!" Ronnie Anne pulled up her aura as Hound Dog tackled her.
"I don't have to break your barrier! I can just keep you pinned until time runs out!"
"No, you don't!" Lincoln said holding out his arms. "What why isn't it working?"
"Did you really think we wouldn't take you quirk into account? Unlike the other teachers my weights are made from a special ceramic composite unaffected by magnetic fields."
"Magno Vulcan!" Lincoln fired several bearings at the pro, but Hound Dog dragged Ronnie Anne as he dodged them.
Ronnie Anne kicked Hound Dog off. "Run!" As she turned the teacher gave another punch in her back, snapping the skateboard in two.
"Magno Chain!" Lincoln wrapped one arm around his teammate while his chain provided an anchor for him to attract to.
Hound Dog ran after them. "Run all you want! I'll find you as long as your breathing!"
"This is bad, with Mr. Hound Dog's tracking skills they won't have a moment to catch their breath." Yaoyorozu said.
"But they have to find a way to get some distance! They need a new plan!" Uraraka panicked as Lincoln and Ronnie Anne leapt through the treetops.
"As long as they keep moving, they might still make it to the escape gate." Iida said.
"No that won't work." Midoriya said. "Hound Dog is too good at moving in wooded areas and Lincoln can't this up."
"Lincoln you have to stop!" Ronnie pleaded as they moved to a large rocky hill overlooking a stream.
"If we stop, he'll get us!" Lincoln said.
"I, I know but he wants you to overload and then you'd be defenseless!"
"But what do I do then? I, I, I get it, but my mind is drawing a blank!"
"I don't know!"
"What's wrong, having trouble saying what's on your minds? I thought you two were good friends." Hound Dog said climbing up the hill. "You'll never pass unless you actually talk with unburdened minds and come up with a new plan!" As Hound Dog lunged at them, they fell off the hill and into the stream being swept up by it. "Damn I'll have to track them down again." Hound Dog ran after his quarry. "With these weights slowing me down they have a little time to talk. Let's hope they use this time wisely."
Ronnie Anne and Lincoln soaked, walked to a grove of trees. "His reflexes are too good; we can't beat him with a head on attack and we'll never make it to the gate as long as Mr. Hound Dog can find us!" Lincoln said. "I think…I think our only option is to set a trap, but he'll expect that from me. As soon as he sees my hands move, he'll know what I'm doing! Ronnie Anne can you make a trap with you power?"
Ronnie Anne sighed. "I don't think so. My aura can only blend in if I can make it green and I'm not Ms. Happy Pants right now. And my constructs would just drag on the ground, maybe if I still had my board."
Lincoln punched the dirt. "If we really are going to fail and have to go home then I may as well just say it. Ronnie Anne, you know I've peeked at your rear, but that's because I can't take my eyes of you. We both agreed that kiss in the USJ everything following that was just our hormones but that's not it for me. Even as we chatted online, I missed you, you're the coolest and most wonderful person I know. That's why I love you, I'm in love with you! I just wanted you to know."
"Lincoln, I love you too!" Ronnie said crying tears of joy and coved in a pink aura. "I don't think I ever really stopped loving you. I was just so scared that being in love would change me into what I always resisted being, a girly girl. But my memories with you always make me smile. The pranks, the games we played, your kindness, even those weird times like when we took care of that egg baby."
"Eggs…That's it! I know how we can pass!"
"You mean…"
"Yep! The Man with the Plan is back! But it's going to put me at risk, and you'll have to do something you never done before. You have to make your Aura the color you want it to be."
Hound Dog caught a scent. "Loud, he's making for the escape gate." He then leapt in front of Lincoln. "Thought that splitting up would help you? I know Santiago's not far; I can knock you out in an instant and then move on to her."
In the nearby bushes Ronnie Anne did everything she could think what she needed to. "Like Longinus taught me I must control my emotions. I love you Lincoln and knowing you love me too makes happy."
"Now!" Lincoln shouted as Ronnie pushed a green cube forward.
"How is it moving like that?" Iida asked.
Hound Dog could see through the cube as he jumped to avoid it. "The bottom is like an upside-down egg carton holding Loud's bearings and using them as rollers."
As he was thinking this Lincoln used Mag Lev to fling the cuffs around Hound Dog's wrists. "It didn't matter if you dodged or it hit you, once you were in the air you couldn't stop the cuffs."
"You came up with an excellent plan. You must have unburdened your minds." Hound Dog said.
A horn blared. "Team Loud and Santiago have passed the final exam." Lincoln and Ronnie Anne give each other a high five but only Delta noticed through the feed that a white spark appeared at that moment.
"They did it! Great job Lincoln." Midoriya said.
"Wait, Ronnie Anne said her aura only turns green when she'd happy." Asui noticed.
"Huh, I wonder what she was happy about?" Uraraka asked.
"Hound Dog may look big and scary but when it comes to the emotional wellbeing of our students, he's just a big puppy." Recovery Girl thought.
"Now how about you unlock these cuffs? The key is in my left pocket." Hound Dog said.
Ronnie Anne pulled out the key, but something was wrong. "This key is too small. I don't get it, we got it at them same time as the others from Present Mic."
"What?" Hound Dog then thought for a moment.
Earlier that day Present Mic gathered the cuffs. "Huh one pair short." He then saw some in the back of the storage room. "One team can just use one of these older models. No big." Mic didn't bother to pick up the key next to the cuffs.
Hound Dog then began to growl. "Of all the idiotic…boneheaded…" He then began barking and howling as he ran off looking for Mic.
"So, we both love each other, do you want try dating me?" Lincoln asked nervously.
"Well duh, of course I wanted to go out with you Lame-O." Ronnie Anne answered with a laugh. "That's kinda the point of being in love, right? To spend time with each other and grow closer. Maybe become something more, but don't think I'm going to call you cutesy pet names like Linky-poo."
"You wouldn't be the girl I feel in love with if you did. I love you for who you are."
Ronnie Anne looked at her feet for a moment and then asked. "Lincoln can we keep this to ourselves for now? I'm not ashamed or anything it's just my family already knows how I feel, and I'd rather just keep the fawning over our relationship to them online for now."
"I get that. My sisters will be bad enough but if add our class to that…the match! If we don't hurry, we'll miss Deku and Bakugo's fight against All Might!"
"Well let's go! We'll talk more about us being boyfriend and girlfriend after!" As they ran off each of theme thought. "Boyfriend, Lincoln is my boyfriend."
"Girlfriend, Ronnie Anne's my girlfriend now."
None of their friends notice they were holding hands as they came into the observation room. "Dang it! They already started." Lincoln said. "Wait, why is Izuku wearing one of Bakugo's gauntlets?"
As the final test continued to unfold everyone was glued to the screen and it was only when it was over that anyone noticed the exchange students were in the room with them. "Oh, Lincoln, Ronnie Anne have you've been here long? Congrats on passing!" Uraraka said.
The pair quickly put their hands behind their backs. "Thanks, Ochaco." Lincoln said. Their classmates match ended with Izuku giving All Might before carrying an unconscious Bakugo across the escape gate. "It looks like Deku is going to need some healing so will you guys tell him that Ronnie Anne and I went home just the two of us?"
"We have some things we still need to talk about." Ronnie Annie said.
"Of course." Iida replied.
Later as the sun set Lincoln asked. "So, what do you want to do for our first date? When do you think we should have it?"
"Let's not rush into the mushy stuff. We can just hang out; do the things we like right? As for when I'm not sure, But I do want to have it before we leave for the training camp and we don't know if we'll have a chance to be alone up there. However, there is something I want to do right now." Ronnie Anne leaned in and kissed Lincoln on the lips.
They kept this up, no longer embarrassed or unsure for a few minutes and when it was over Lincoln said. "Now that was Plus Ultra."
"Oh yeah it was." The two young teens made their way to the train station and back to the residential area they lived in and after lingering for a moment went their separate ways. Ronnie Annie got online while the Bakugos prepared dinner. On one half the screen she saw her family together in their usual chairs on the sofa, on the other was Carlota on her laptop in her apartment. They must have been waiting for this call. "Hola familia, I passed my final exam!"
"That is wonderful Mija!" Hector said.
"That's my little sis! We are so proud Nini." Bobby held back a tear.
"Also…Lincoln and I are going to start dating each other." Ronnie braced herself for the emotional overflow.
"This is so wonderful!" Frida cried tears of joy.
"Way to go Prima." Carlota said, "I am more than willing to be online to help pick an outfit for your first date."
Rosa smiled. "You kept trying to deny it, but I knew you two were going to fall for each other."
"The point is we are happy for you two. So, when you come home for the summer will Lincoln be coming here or do you want to visit him in Royal Woods?" Maria asked.
"Uh, sorry to say but neither of us will be coming back. Because of the increase in villain attacks the school wants us to go to a summer training camp to make us stronger." Ronnie Anne apologized.
"So, we'll have to wait until Christmas for you to come visit, while you get to go to hero camp this summer? No fair!" Carl complained.
"He's right! We'll miss your birthday, and I was going to make all your favorites!" Rosa agreed.
"Blame the whack jobs in the League of Villains." Ronnie Anne said, "I'm not sure if I can have much of a birthday during this training camp but at least Lincoln will be with me."
"Well, they better let you both come home for your quinceanera next year. Your being recognized as a woman is too big a milestone for us to miss!" Hector grumbled.
That remark drove home to Ronnie Anne just how much her and Lincoln's lives had already changed and will continue to change. They left as young teens practically still children and friends, when they would come home, they would both be almost adults and if things kept going in this new direction she hoped they would be so much more to each other. "I hope so too Abuelo."
Meanwhile Lincoln informed Inko that he and Izuku passed their tests. "Izuku should be finished healing up and on his way home now."
"That is so wonderful Lincoln! I'll have a great dinner ready soon." Inko said.
"Not too soon Aunt Inko, I'm going to call my family back in the states and tell them the good news."
"Of course, your parents will be so proud!"
Lincoln went into his room and opened the video conference app. Most of his family was shown in the living room, Lori and Luna were each in their dorm rooms, and Leni was in an internet café near the apartment she and Carlota shared. "Hi Lincoln!" Lilly cheered.
"Judging by the fact that you appear to be in a positive emotional state we may assume that you have passed the practical application portion of your scholastic examinations?" Lisa asked.
"Huh?" most of Lincolns sisters asked.
"Yeah, I passed my practical exam." Lincoln answered.
"Great news son!" Lynn Sr. gave a thumbs up.
"We are so happy sweetie!" Rita said.
"And there's more, during the test I told Ronnie Anne how I feel, and she said she is in love with me too." Lincoln muted his computer, as he predicted his sisters went into squeals of joy. Their parents covered their ears and let them have this moment until a waitress walked up to Leni and Mr. Grouse knocked on the door. When they calmed down Lincoln unmuted his computer. "Got that out of your system?"
"Sorry about that." Leni said.
"We've all just been waiting for this for moment for so long little bro." Luna added.
"My little boy really is becoming a man." Rita cried.
"I'll tell you guys all about it but first I need some advice. Ronnie Anne's birthday is soon, and I want to get her something special as a present but not over the top romantic. This is still new for both us." Lincoln blushed. "I don't want to mess this up."
"Right, we all understand." Lori said. "The first birthday present you give to your special some is important."
Lynn Sr. smiled and sighed. "I still remember the first gift your mother gave me, tickets to that Mick Swagger concert."
"The important thing is to think about what she would like and how you can make it special." Rita said.
"Also giving her something she never had before could be nice too." Lynn Jr. added. "Ray gave me this locket for our one-month anniversary. You know jewelry isn't my thing, but it means a lot to me."
Luan then sighed. "The important thing is that it shows how much you love her and that you cherish all the time and memories share."
Lincoln thought for a minute, an image of Ronnie Anne's smiling face when she would receive the gift appeard. He then smiled. "I think I might know what I want to give her, but I should figure out where I can get it."
"Lincoln, Izuku's home! Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." Inko said. From the next room.
"I'll be there when it's ready!" Lincoln replied before turning back to his family. "Well, I better tell you about the test." Everyone looked eager. "We all thought we were going to be fighting those robots you saw at the sports fest, but we were way wrong…"
Next Time: Joining their classmates the exchange students have their first date at the Kiyashi Ward Mall. They have a great time and Lincoln enacts a plan to pick up Ronnie Anne's present but their loving, joyful time is cut short. This day will remind them that the darkness is always close ready to strike. Next chapter First Date. Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!