The next day went about just about the way Amari had imagined it would. You see, speaking your mind on public television wasn't something many people dared to do and therefore her words were now the talk of the city. So much for blending in and getting away from reporters, right?
The girl's speech was certainly bold but she supposed that's why people called her confession girl in the first place. Looks like she'd never outlive that nickname, lucky her.
It seems the reactions were split down the middle as well, some calling her foolish and naive while others admired the guts she showed. Although, it wasn't as if she really cared about any of that. Amari was just happy that these issues were finally being talked about, even if she had to paint a target on her back for it.
She supposed if anyone had to do it, then it would be the girl with the possibility of no future. If she looked at it that way, she was glad for speaking her mind. Now maybe others will at least start to rethink their mindsets on lesser heroes and the quirkless.
Walking down the hallways to get to class, Amari didn't really mind the staring or the mummers anymore, knowing the cause of them immediately. Of course people were going to talk, she had just disrupted that perfect idealistic hero viewpoint after all.
It was certainly a change from a couple months ago when they were harassing her for being a villain after her fight with All for One. Now, she didn't necessarily care about the rumors. Perhaps they would invoke a change as well.
Moving with Todoroki and Bakugo at her side, the girl looked down at the floor as her brother grumbled under his breath, obviously noticing the stares as well. "These extras are getting on my nerves. If they wanna stare so much then they should just take a damn photo."
Amari twisted her brow in an understanding smirk before replying. "I'm sorry Katsuki, it's all because of me and my big mouth again. I guess you shouldn't be surprised at this point though."
The boy then grumbled once more before Todoroki turned his head to the side, now using his body to block her from the view of a couple wandering eyes. "I really wish they would learn to stop doing this though. You had every right to speak your mind at that conference."
Softening her eyes at his words, the girl gave his hand a small squeeze before sighing. "Yeah well, not everyone feels that way. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before that president tries to kick me out of U.A."
Katsuki couldn't help but step back at her words, a fire in his eyes as he lifted up his hands to prove a point. "Oh hell no they aren't. You worked too hard to be in this damn school. No one is going to take that away from you. Over my dead body."
The girl couldn't help but chuckle at his extra behavior, already pushing his hands down to quell the fight in him. "Oh please, like I'll let that happen. That lady can try all she wants but she's not going to scare me. Besides, I've faced worse than an old lady with a stuck up attitude."
There was a sense of dark imagery behind her words, the two boys already knowing this poor girl had been to hell in back several times. In the way, she was right. Amari had faced far worse than her, although they didn't mean it would be easy to drive her away.
But just as Bakugo thought that, he watched as Todoroki twisted into an unreadable frown. Funny, they must have been thinking the same thing. "I just wish you didn't have to deal with so much. You deserve a break."
Although to that, Amari only glanced to the floor, a wishful yet devastating look in her eyes, the girl already knowing about the tragedy of her own future. "Yeah, I wish I could get that also.."
Yet before the boys could question those words, the blonde haired girl slapped both sides of her face before switching to a wide grin. "Ah well, no use being all depressed about it! I mean, things may be rough but I have you two. That's all I really need."
Katsuki and Todoroki stared at the girl before melting back into an amusement expression, already feeling the meaning in the phrase. Before she was so alone, maybe she was finally learning to trust others.
Placing a rough hand to her head, her brother could only smirk, knowing that he would protect his sister from whatever the universe would decide to throw next. "Damn right."
Todoroki even seemed to smile at that, giving her hand a tiny squeeze in reassurance. "Remember, you're not alone in this. We will be here no matter what."
Amari nodded back at that, now passing the main gates of the school when both of the boys couldn't help but catch a pair of familiar red wings towards the entrance, causing both of their throats to tick in fury. What the hell was he doing here?
Todoroki and Katsuki then looked between each other as the monochrome eyed boy immediately turned his girlfriend around to face the opposite direction. "Let's go this way Amari.."
Twisting her brow in confusion, she then watched as Katsuki balled his fists, a look of murder etched in his eyes as he hissed quietly. "I'll be back. Don't follow me."
He started to move away from the group as Amari couldn't help but try to turn around, wondering what got him upset so suddenly. He seemed fine a moment ago. "Wait, Katsuki where are you…"
Yet before she could even finish her sentence, Todoroki grabbed onto her shoulders before turning her back around, an unreadable expression on his face. "Amari, could I speak to you about something? It's about my father…"
At the sound of his distress, the girl immediately forgot about her brother for a moment before re locking her hand with his. It was obvious that he needed her and given that Katsuki didn't seem in danger, she decided to leave her brother be for now.
Besides, if this was about Endeavor then she knew she needed to hear it. The boy hardly ever talked about him after all. "Of course. What about your father..?"
Pulling her behind the nearby building, he only managed to mutter back. "This way.."
Not fully understanding, Amari complied. Perhaps this was something really serious, given that he didn't want anyone to know. Why else would he pull her away like this?
Once they were further enough away from that irritating bird, Todoroki found it safe to speak, letting go of the girl's hand in order to fiddle with the strap on his backpack. "I've been conflicted about something."
Twisting her brow in confusion, Amari turned her head in response. "About what?"
Todoroki then moved his eyes down towards the floor before speaking of the conflicts he was having the last couple days. "Our provisional license exams are coming up in a couple months and everyone is trying their best. I want to as well.."
Bakugo only nodded back though, placing a light hand to his shoulder as his next words couldn't help but shock her completely. "That's why, I am debating asking my father if he will teach me how to use my left side properly."
Widening her eyes, Amari couldn't believe what she was hearing, now sticking one finger in her ear before blinking. "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard correctly. You want to ask your father for help? Who are you and what have you done with Todoroki Shoto?"
Todoroki couldn't help but frown at her attempt of a joke, now turning back to look at her. "I'm serious. I still can't forgive him, but if anyone knows how to control my left side, it would be my old man. As much as I dislike it, I'm going to need my entire strength to pass my provisional exam."
His words made Bakugo's heart skip in unsaid hope. Perhaps this was the start of them reconnecting. The fact that Todoroki was even suggesting the idea of training with his father again was something he wouldn't have even thought about a year ago.
Although, even the girl had her doubts, remembering how cruel Endeavor was to him as a child. "As much as I support your decision, will you be alright? It's just, from what you said before given your training. I'm sure it doesn't hold pleasant memories for you. I don't want you to push yourself too far."
This caused Todoroki to look up, seemingly thinking about something in particular before replying. "You're right, it doesn't hold the best memories. But you've been facing your own challenges for so long, overcoming them one by one. I believe that if you can do it, then so can I.."
His words struck a chord with Amari, her eyes softening just slightly. She understood now, why he had suggested such a thing in the first place. He wanted to get stronger, to face his own demons like she had once done.
Finding her way to his hand, Bakugo then gave his palm a light squeeze before smiling softly. "I know you can, and I'm proud of you for wanting to overcome this. You're finally giving your father a chance, no matter how small you think it is."
Todoroki glanced down to Amari's hand before lowering his eyes in response. "But I worry that if I ask him, it will take away time from your training. I don't want to hinder you with my own selfish desires."
Taking in that sentence, Bakugo's stance fell just slightly. He was holding back because of her, she was getting in the way of their possible mended relationship. "Shoto, I'll be alright. You should just ask him."
Yet it seemed like the boy saw through her facade shaking his head immediately. "No, your future is just as important as mine. I won't take that away from you. You have to pass your exam also, remember?"
Suddenly a flash of Hawks entered her mind as Amari frowned. If only he hadn't screwed her over, then she wouldn't have been in the way of Todoroki and his father. That stupid bird. See what you've done?
She knew he was right, that Endeavor had enough on his plate as it was without her and Todoroki asking for training. He couldn't handle them both, she understood that. "I know, but you should still ask your father about it. I plan to give that exam everything I got, so you should as well, right?"
Nodding once, the boy's eyes saddened before replying. "I suppose you're right."
Amari smirked back before placing her hands on her hips in a playful stance. "Of course I am, I'm always right. Besides, I think Endeavor has been waiting for you to ask for help in the first place, he's just too stubborn to say it himself."
Knowing how tsundere Todoroki's father was half the time, she couldn't help but laugh at her own joke, causing the boy to shake his head in exasperation. "I'm not sure about that, but you have certainly spent more time with him then I have."
She crossed her arms in reply when another voice joined in their conversation, lazy and plain. "Bakugo, I need to speak to you."
Turning around, Amari blinked only to find Aziawa staring back at her, his unenthused eyes borrowing into her immediately. Oh crap, he looked pissed. Was she in trouble? "Oh, hello Mr Aziawa. Is everything alright? Cause whatever it is, I didn't do it.."
She laughed at her own words causing the man to groan slightly. "Eri wants you to come over for dinner tonight. Are you free?"
Well, that wasn't the response she was expecting, Amari only staring back dumbfounded. At least she wasn't in trouble.
Although come to think of it, Amari was excited to get the chance to see little Eri again. She hoped she was doing well. "Oh, yeah sure! I can be there, no problem."
Aziawa only nodded back before turning away and muttering. "Be there at seven or we will start without you."
And then before she could question anything else, the man was gone from her sight, causing the girl to turn her brow in confusion.
What was that all about?
Hawks found himself standing outside the gates of U.A., hoping to catch Amari on her way to class. He knew it was wrong and that he didn't have the right to speak with her again but after that press conference, her words were all he could think about.
The hero wasn't sure if he should've scolded her for doing something clearly stupid or thanked her for realizing his cry for help, but for whatever reason he wanted to see her. Perhaps the words would reveal themselves once they started talking.
Shoving his hands in her pockets, the bird sighed to himself before hearing a rough voice to his left, except it wasn't Amari's. No, it was someone he hadn't expected. "Oi, chicken shit! There better be a damn good reason that you're here."
Hawks blinked at the sudden disrespect only to find Amari's brother staring back at him, clearly furious about his presence. Well, that was unexpected, maybe he saw him first.
Clearing his throat, the man ignored his rough question before flapping his wings out in an attempt of a carefree nature. ""O-Oh, hey there Bakugo. Have you seen your sister around? I wanna talk to her.."
Although the boy only narrowed his eyes before crossing his arms over his chest in a huff. "Like I'd ever let you talk to her, you lying piece of shit. In fact, you have five seconds to leave before you regret it."
The amount of hatred in his voice was clearly noticeable, causing Hawks to internally take a step back. He knew her brother was rather rough but this was something new enterally. "Whoa, hold on there angry eyes, I think you're misunderstanding something here…"
Yet Katsuki was already over the bird, narrowing his eyes in anger. "Oh, I know I'm not because that idiot already told me everything. I may have not been around back then but I'm sure as hell going to protect her now."
His overprotective nature was certainly surprising, Hawks slightly worried about his mission being compromised but that wasn't the biggest concern in his mind. How could he talk to Amari when her brother was clearly not allowing it?
Placing his hands out in defense, Hawks replied. "And it's a really admirable quality to have, it really is, but I don't mean any harm. I just wanna speak to the kid. It's about the press conference yesterday and I.."
Although he was quickly cut off by the boy, his temper rising by the second. "Bullshit, all you've ever done is try to harm her, just like everyone else in her life. You're no different than those sons of bitches that tortured her for years. I won't allow it this time. That idiot has always had to deal with so much shit, she doesn't need another reason to cry."
Hawks couldn't help but soften his eyes at that, feeling the passion behind her brother's words. It seemed he truly understood just how much hardship she went through.
Sure the man could piece together her trauma after finding out about her role as All for One's creation, but how much suffering did this girl actually face, how much more was he missing?
The amount of passion in Katsuki's voice was telling, causing Hawks' carefree persona to crack just slightly, his wings twitching in anxiety. "I..I..I know, okay? But it's not about that..I swear it isn't...I don't want that for her either.."
Trailing off in his own voice, the hero then took a shaky breath before trying to piece himself back together. "Look kid, I think we got off on the wrong foot here. I don't wanna hurt her, I just wanna apologize, you know, for everything.."
He was hoping that would make the boy soften up more but unfortunately that wasn't the result, Katsuki only scoffing back. "And you think that will make everything alright, don't you? You think that those two little words will solve every bullshit lie and shady things you've ever done? Give me a fucking break.."
It surely wasn't easy to talk to Amari's brother, his blunt nature causing the bird to wince at his own crimes being thrown in his face. "Well, I…"
Stepping closer to the hero, Katsuki lifted his hand before pointing an accusing finger towards the man that had broken his sister's heart. "Don't forget it's that president of yours that is trying to drive her out in the first place. Whose fault do you think that is?"
As much as the hero wanted to deny it, the boy had a point. It was Hawks' fault for allowing Amari to be caught up in the president's claws. If he had just lied better on that day then she wouldn't have been invited to her office. If he had just shut his mouth about seeing her with Dabi then she would've been safe. He could've stopped all of this from happening.
Hanging his head in shame, the man muttered. "I know, I know it's my fault. She trusted me, and I used her. I know that. The press conference, everything with the president, it's my fault. That woman only wants her because I wasn't smart enough and now she's going to pay the price.…"
Katsuki couldn't help but frown back though. "If you really believe that, then fix it."
Hawks couldn't help but widen his eyes at that. What was this boy suggesting? That he betray the commission, that he disregard orders for the first time in his life? No, he couldn't do that, he didn't have the strength that Amari had. That's why he admired her for it.
Shaking his head, Hawks couldn't help but laugh at the outrageous suggestion. He was weak, he was still the commission's lapdog, that would never change, no matter how much he wished for it. Sure, he wanted to help Amari but someone like him just wasn't strong enough for that.
The man then cleared his throat before speaking. "I-I don't think you really understand what you're asking me to do there kid. Once the commission has their hearts set on something, it's impossible to change it. I can't just discard their orders, no matter how much I don't like it.."
Yet it seemed like Bakugo didn't share his feelings, only turning his brown down in disapproval. "To hell with orders! If you want to help her, then actually help her. Don't just throw around some empty apologies and think that will fix everything. That only makes you a goddamn coward."
Shoving his hands in his pocket, the hero then watched her Katsuki's eyes softened, as if he was thinking about something unpleasant. "That idiot has been alone her entire life and just because you may think she's indestructible, it doesn't mean she actually is, alright? You can't just step on her and do whatever you hell you want. She needs support, but not from half-assed people like you, you hear me?"
His words certainly struck a chord with Hawks. Wait, why was he claiming that she was alone her entire life? That couldn't have been true. Yes she was in America but Amari had her brother, didn't she? He certainly seemed protective enough. There must have been something he was missing here.
And as much as he wanted to disagree with Katsuki's words, the hero just couldn't. Every terrible thing he was accusing him of, it was all true.
But even still, the idea of disobeying his orders was something that made him uneasy. How did Amari make it look so easy, how did she have the courage to break free from the chains that were binding her? Hawks was at a loss.
It was no secret that the president wanted her head, figuratively and literally. In fact, he had overheard her this morning talking to the principal of U.A. in order to expel her. It was only a matter of time before she got what she wanted.
No one went against the commission, that's just how it was. Sooner or later Amari would be rejected from her hero career, that is if he didn't try to stop it.
But then again, what right did he have to even attempt such a thing? As Katsuki said, he had broken her heart, he had stepped on her and did what he wanted. Some kind of hero he was.
Katsuki took the silence around the space for a moment before taking another step closer to the bird, his eyes piercing his very soul as he spoke with disdain. "Go ahead and be depressed for all I care. Just know that If you actually feel sorry then you better be prepared to do something more than those half assed words of yours, because there is no way in hell I'm letting some shady bastard like you manipulate her anymore, you got that?!"
And then just like that, the boy turned on his heels before leaving the stunned hero in silence, his voice ringing out one last warning as he turned the corner. "Don't even think about coming here again, unless you want a reason for me to get expelled also."
Hearing his feet echo away, the hero stood there in silence, taking in everything Amari's brother had just said.
Hawks knew that Katsuki was far more explosive but this was something else entirely. He was like the worst parts of Amari mushed up into one, all of that anger and bitter spite slapping him in that face all at once. The bird could see how they were twins.
The hero began to run a nervous hand through his hair before realizing that Katsuki was indeed right. What right did he even have to ask forgiveness, not after everything he had done.
And then there was that phrase that caught in his throat, the familiarity in Katsuki's words sinking like a rock in his stomach.
He called his feelings half assed, just like Endeavor did on the night of Kazumi's murder.
Was that really what he was, just a man full of half assed feelings, a scared little boy that could never commit to anything, who could never stand up for anyone? He hated it, he hated himself for being such a scared little boy. It seemed the remnants of Keigo were still strong, no matter how hard he tried to get rid of them.
And now Amari was suffering for his mistakes, for his half hearted emotions and flighty behavior. It wasn't fair to her, she shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place. She should hate him for that, and she did. Well, at least that's what he thought..
If that really was the case, why did she reach out to him, why did she stand up for him in front of the president, why did she realize his silent cry for help? He didn't deserve it, not after everything. Hawks didn't want to see her destroyed because of that, for doing the one thing he could never have the courage to do.
Recalling the conversation he had this morning with the president, he remembered the woman's seething anger, the desperation in her voice calling to get Amari disposed of, erased from the hero world. That couldn't happen, he didn't want that to happen.
That's when Hawks narrowed his eyes before lifting his wings out in determination. Her brother was right. If he wanted to earn the right to speak to that girl again, then he needed to be bold, he needed to stop being a coward and actually do something for once.
He wasn't sure if he could do it, if he could actually break free from the commission chains, but just like she had reached out to his cry of help, now it was time to do the same.
It may have been too late for him, but he wasn't about to let that woman take away Amari's future. She had worked too hard and deserved it far more than he did after all.
No, the commission wasn't going to ruin her.
Not if he had anything to do with it.
Amari waited for the sun to set before heading over to Aziawa's house on campus, the small set of candy apples she had picked up for the occasion balancing in her palm as she did so.
She didn't really know why he had asked her to come over for dinner but was thankful to get to see Eri again. It had been awhile since she had gotten to do that, given everything else that was plaguing her mind lately. Hopefully this could offer her a little break.
Moving up to the door, Bakugo found the object unlocked, now pushing open the surface only for the loud noise of a TV to fill the space. She recognized the song almost immediately from the radio, it being a popular idol song that was claiming the charts.
She pushed open the door before slowly stepping inside, not wanting to intrude but seeing no point in waiting as it was already unlocked. Aziawa knew she was coming anyways so it wasn't like she was breaking and entering. "Mr. Aziawa?"
Although she received no response as the girl crept closer, now hearing Eri's small voice speaking to someone in particular. "No no Shin-Shin you're doing it wrong. You gotta lift your arms up, like this!"
The other voice echoed back a few moments later, causing the girl to catch onto the familiarity in his tone and recognizing it immediately. Wait, that couldn't be right. She must have been going crazy. "Alright alright, stop being so bossy."
Creeping around the corner in order to get her answer, Amari then paused at the sight before her, having to blink a couple times in order to discern if what she was seeing her indeed real or not.
Eri was standing in front of the television with small little pink cat ears placed upon her head, mimicking the moves of the person on the screen with a happy grin. Although, that wasn't what made Amari stop in question.
That was because right beside her was none other than her friend Shinso, sporting a similar pair of cat ears on his head, except these were light purple in order to match his hair. He as well was trying to mimic the idol but instead failing miserably.
Amari couldn't help but crack a smile at the scene, revealing herself from behind the wall and speaking playfully in order to surprise the two. "Wow Toshi, I didn't know you had moves like that."
At the sound of her voice, Shinso immediately seemed to jump out of his skin, already racing forward to shut the TV off, a red hue filling his face right away. "Whaaa Amari?! What are you doing here?"
Clapping her hands together, Amari only smirked. "I came for dinner, but I didn't think I'd get a show to go with it. You two are pretty great."
Shinso's embarrassment could only grow at her comments, now attempting to cover his face in order not to seem suspicious. Why out of everyone did it have to be her, why did the girl he had feelings for have to see him like this?! "Shut up.."
Bakugo frowned at his displeasure when she was suddenly tackled by Eri, her little arms wrapping around the girl's legs immediately. "Sissy, you're here! I'm so happy to see you!"
At her words, the purple haired boy then grabbed onto Eri's collar before pulling her off the girl in anger. "Hold on, you knew she was coming?! Why didn't you tell me…"
Although the small girl only giggled before placing a finger up to her lips mischievously. "Mr. Aziawa said it was a secret and I didn't wanna be a tattle tale."
Groaning to himself, the boy then shook his head before Amari spoke back, rather saddened. "I'm sorry, was this not a good time? We can have dinner another night.."
She then began to turn around only for Shinso to reach out and grab her arm. He was still clearly embarrassed but he didn't want her to feel bad about it when it clearly wasn't her fault. "Wait..! I mean, don't go. It's not your fault these two don't tell me anything."
Just then, Aziawa's voice echoed above the three of them, his tone plain as per usual. "Bakugo, if you're here then it's time for dinner. Don't take forever."
Giving herself a small smile, Eri then grabbed onto Amari's hand before pulling her in the direction of the kitchen. "Come on, we got lots of yummy stuff today, just for you!"
She let the girl drag her away only before stopping in front of Shinso and pointing at his tiny purple cat ears that Eri had clearly lent him. "Nice ears."
Widening his eyes in even more embarrassment, the boy then quickly pulled the ears off causing Amari to giggle back with amusement. "I'm just messing with you Toshi. I think it's sweet that you're playing with Eri. You two seem close."
Her words seemed to bring some of his pink skin tone down, now looking away from the girl in order to pull himself together. "Yeah, I've been having dinner here after my training with Eraserhead so we've gotten to know each other pretty well."
The boy then smiled to himself causing Amari's heart to skip a beat. Given his past with his parents, he must have felt really at home here. She was happy he was able to find that. "You guys seem like a family. I'm happy for you."
At that, she watched Shinso's eyes fall just slightly, a sad smile on his face. "Yeah, it's strange. I've never had something like this before. I just wish I had this since the beginning. I don't really know what I should be doing."
That's when Amari reached up, placing her hand on top of Shinso's head with a light nod. "Well, better late than never, right? Just because you guys aren't blood related doesn't make them any less important to you. It's okay to think of them as your family."
Shinso took in her words for a couple moments before nodding back as well, now feeling the warmth her hand brought him. "Yeah, I guess so."
Just then, Aziawa's voice carried over them once more, a little more impatient than before. "Let's go, you two. I don't have all day."
The two took this as a warning, now following Eri into the kitchen before sitting down besides Shinso and the dinner table. This was kind of weird, eating with her teacher. It sort of felt wrong in a way.
The meal began quietly as the clanging of chopsticks filled the air only for Aziawa to be the first one to speak. "I have something for you Shinso."
Looking up from his food, the boy twisted his brow before placing his chopsticks back in the rice. "What is it?"
That's when the man took out a single sheet of paper before handing it to the boy. "Throughout these last few months your training has improved exponentially. I showed principal Nezu your results as well and he was extremely impressed. So much so, that he wondered how someone like you escaped the hero course. It seems like he's re-examining the entrance exam for new students because of this."
Aziawa then lowered his eyes before continuing. "I had a couple teachers come to one of your training sessions a couple days ago as well and they both gave their recommendation."
Placing his own chopsticks down, the man then finished his sentence. "That's why next semester, you will be transferred into the hero course."
Shinso replayed the words over and over in his mind, trying to process what he just said. Wait, he wasn't dreaming, right? This was real, he was going to be in the hero course? "W-What.."
Amari couldn't help but widen her eyes as well. He did it, he finally achieved his dream with his own strength. "T-Toshi, you did it. Oh my god, you did it! I'm so proud of you..!"
The small girl also seemed to be bursted with excitement, shouting out to the boys blank expression. "Yay, good job Shin-Shin! Now you can be a hero like Sissy..!"
They were expecting him to jump with excitement but it seemed Shinso was still trying to process his own emotions, now hearing Aziawa answer back. "I invited Bakugo here because she was the one to suggest training you in the first place. I thought she'd want to know your accomplishments."
That certainly seemed to wake Shinso up though, his head immediately whipping towards Amari as she shrunk in her seat. He wasn't supposed to know about that. "I uhhh.."
Although it didn't stop there, Aziawa continuing plainly. "In fact, you should thank her. She was ready to give up her own spot in the hero course just so I would consider taking you as a trainee."
Shutting her eyes in embarrassment, Amari searched for anything to explain herself when a loud noise was overheard from the table, Shinso slamming his hands on the surface without a word. Shit, he was pissed, he was so pissed at her. This is why she didn't want him to know. "Toshi, I…"
But before she could even finish her sentence, the boy left the room, causing Amari to glare back at her teacher with annoyance. "Why did you tell him that? He wasn't supposed to know.."
Aziawa didn't seem phased in the slightest though, only continuing to eat instead. "You come into my office and fearlessly offer your spot in the hero course but you can't face your own actions? He was bound to find out someday."
Grumbling to herself, Amari then lifted herself from her chair before glaring at the man as she left. Just great, now Shinso was going to hate her for pushing herself into his life again.
She didn't want this, she just wanted to give him happiness, regardless if she lived that long to see it. That's why it was on her bucket list.
Following the boy into the living room, Amari turned only to find Shinso's back facing her. Wow, he must have been so pissed at her, not like she could blame him though.
Bakugo then cleared her throat before speaking quietly. "Hey, listen. I know you said not to dig my nose into your business and you're right. You have every right to be mad about me for that."
She was only met with silence though, causing Amari's brow to twist in pain and slight panic. "I swear, I was only trying to help you. I know how hard you work, I know how much you deserve a spot in the hero course. I just wanted to give that to you. I'm sorry..I didn't mean to.."
But just as she finished her sentence, all the air was knocked out of her lungs as Shinso collided into the girl, wrapping her in a suffocating embrace.
Amari was confused by this response until she heard him speak a moment later, cracked and muffled as he was falling apart by the second. "You, it was you all along. Of course it was.."
Sucking in a breath, the girl then remained silent as he squeezed the life out of her all at once. "Amari you crazy girl, I can't believe you. Y-You made my dream a reality. You helped me when no one else would. T-Thank you, just thank you. I'm..Im so happy…"
Now realizing that he wasn't upset with her, Amari lightly placed a hand to his back before smiling under her breath. "Of course, I will always help you Toshi. You deserve so much. I'm happy you found a family and a home here. I really am. That's all I wanted for you."
Seeing the tears castcade down his face, the boy then pulled away before thinking about how amazing she truly was. This girl had nothing to gain by helping him like that, but she did it anyway.
It made his heart beat five times faster, knowing she cared for him to this extent, even if it wasn't romantic. She supported him and that's all he ever wished for.
Still holding onto her shoulders, the boy took a shaky breath. "But you better not have actually offered up your spot in place of mine. You know that's not how I want to succeed, you idiot."
Laughing to herself, Amari recalled her conversion with Aziawa before choosing to stare at the floor. "Yeah, ha ha. That's crazy, I would never do that.. Ha ha.."
Shinso could only frown back though, clearly noticing that she was lying. That crazy girl, she really fought for him with everything she had, didn't she? "Uh huh sure. You know, you're a terrible liar sometimes."
Scoffing back, the girl replied. "Whaa, come on Shin-Shin I would never."
At the sound of Eri's nickname for him, Shinso groaned before reaching forward at wrapping his arms around Amari again, pulling her towards his body to her surprise. "Whaa, what's gotten into you Toshi. You okay?"
Resting his head into her hair, the boy then hummed out a sigh of content before muttering back quietly. "Just, stay like this for a minute."
Not really understanding, Amari complied as Shinso tried to soak in everything about the girl he loved. She was really making this hard for him, only making his feelings grow with every selfless thing she did for him. It was cruel on her part. He was trying to let go, the boy knew he couldn't have her.
But even if he knew he couldn't have her in a romantic sense, Shinso held onto this moment, this instance where she had sacrificed so much for him. It was enough, just enough to be cared for by her.
Call it selfish but that's why he continued to cling to her for this single solitary moment, and why he would be forever thankful for this crazy blonde haired girl for coming into his life and changing everything.
Walking outside of Aziawa's house, Amari began to hum to herself happily, still overjoyed about being able to share in Shinso's success. She couldn't help it, the girl was just so proud of him for accomplishing his goal.
So much so that she didn't even notice the person standing in front of her, the two only locking eyes as she turned around to leave.
Just then, all of that overwhelming bliss was ultimately destroyed from the red winged idiot in front of her. "Hey kid."
He sounded nervous to say the least, with his hands outstretched, showing a small box of chicken nuggets, a piece of offering if you will. He silently hoped it would be enough.
Hawks then grinned back in response, his carefree attitude trying to piece itself back together as he waited for her reply silently.
Amari stared at her old trainer for a couple seconds, taking in his slightly twitching feathers and stance before scoffing in response and walking right past him without a word.
Widening his eyes, the hero immediately panicked and started to chase after her. Well, that could've gone better. "Whoa wait, hold on. Where are you going?"
The girl shoved her hands in her pockets before sighing. She knew exactly why she was here, to do that woman's bidding, to probably tell her that she was kicked out of the hero course again. But right now, she was so happy. Amari didn't want that ruined just yet.
Muttering back half heartedly, the girl frowned. "Anywhere away from you. Listen, if you're here to expel me from U.A. then I don't want to hear about it right now."
Her response seemed to surprise the hero, his steps growing even more frantic. "What are you talking about? That's not why I'm here. I guess I just wanted to talk to ya."
Although that didn't make Amari stop her steps, only answering back. "Well big surprise, I don't want to talk to you. Just leave me alone Hawks. You've done enough already. I can't take it anymore."
She hated it, but just looking at his face still caused her heart to twist in pain. It didn't matter if she had figured out the commissions brainwashing. He still screwed her over, made her believe in pretty lies and faked their entire relationship, and for that reason she was still overly pissed at him.
Groaning at the total shutdown, Hawks flapped his wings out in exasperation. "I know, I know your brother made that perfectly clear but you gotta hear me out kid. Just this once."
That's when the girl stopped, her voice full of hurt and malice. Ah, so that's where Katsuki went this morning. "I actually don't have to do anything you tell me to do. You see, I'm not a puppet, not anymore. Besides, I don't even know if what you want to say is actually the truth. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't, given your track record."
His betrayal was more evident than ever now and Hawks realized that she would never listen to him, that is unless he did something bold. "Sorry about this in advance kid.."
Just then, Amari felt herself being pulled backwards by one of Hawks' feathers, so much so that she stumbled backwards into his arms, the man now lifting his wings to take off, much to her displeasure.
Before the girl could even think, the hero tightened his grip before lifting into the sky and causing Amari to cling to him for dear life. This crazy ass bird, he was trying to kill her! "Hawks, put me down right now!"
Although the hero had other opinions, gripping onto her sides even tighter as the wind whipped by them. "No can do kid, not until you hear me out. Sorry about this but you left me no choice."
Amari only glared back though before hitting him in the chest roughly in order to loosen his grip on her just slightly. "This is harassment and kidnapping, you idiot! What the hell are you thinking?!"
Yet Hawks chose to ignore the sharp and inappropriate words that followed in the next couple of minutes and instead focused on finding a tall enough building to drop her off at. He knew she'd be pissed, he knew she'd be upset about these methods but what choice did he have? He needed to speak to her.
Soon enough, the hero found what he was looking for, now stepping onto the rooftop of a large building before Amari practically ripped herself from his arms, already looking for the exit.
Yet he was even faster, now using one of his own feathers to zoom past her in order to lock the door from the inside so she was stuck with him. He hated it, but this was the only way she was going to listen.
Of course, that didn't make her happy in the slightest, the girl whipping her head around in fury at the action. "You son of a bitch. What the hell is your problem?!"
Putting his hands out in defense, Hawks replied with anxiety. "You just need to hear me out, and then I'll unlock the door. Please, just ten minutes and then you never have to see me again I promise!"
If looks could kill then Hawks would've been dead where he stood as Amari glared at him with such disdain and annoyance, not wanting to hear whatever he had to say. But, just like he wanted, she was stuck. "Fine, just make it quick."
Hawks then realized he was getting his chance and quickly continued, not wanting to waste possibly the last time they would talk. "Right, okay okay. Well, I guess I should start by apologizing for everything that happened. I never meant for you to get caught up with everything kid, I really mean that…"
Tapping her foot on the floor, the man continued hastily. "And you're right to hate me, I don't blame you for that. Everything you think is true. I did only approach you because I saw you at Dabi's cell. I wanted your trust, that's why I agreed to train you. I thought you were just a naive little kid that would be easy to manipulate."
A look of hurt crossed Amari's face then, causing Hawks to open his wings in desperation to finish his sentence. "Listen, that's how it started out but as the days went by, it wasn't about the mission anymore. Those things you called empty lies before, they weren't all that."
Lifting his arms out, the hero continued. "And you can choose to ignore everything I say, in fact I wouldn't blame you if you did but you need to know that I didn't want to hurt you kid, I never did and I uhh..."
His words were sweet but right away Amari could tell he was still holding back, that confident and cocky attitude she had come to know still present in his voice. It's like he wasn't taking this seriously, like he had rehearsed these little throw away lines in order for her to forgive him.
The girl shook her head in exasperation before immediately turning around, fully knowing that she would probably never actually get a genuine emotion out of him. "Good to know, can I go now?"
Lifting her hands up in order to use her quirk to burn the door, Hawks immediately panicked. Shit, he was messing this up, he wasn't giving her what she wanted. She could tell his lines were rehearsed, couldn't she? Well of course she did, that girl saw through everything.
But what other option did he have? The hero didn't know, now watching the girl place her hand to the doorknob in annoyance. Keigo began creeping into the back of his throat at the sight but the man shoved him down. She wouldn't want to see that little boy, she wanted a hero.
No one wanted to hear from that scared little kid that the commission had beaten down. The president said so herself. The world doesn't need Keigo Tamaki, she doesn't want Keigo Tamaki. So pull it together Hawks, come on!
Yet before he could even process the words, Hawks spoked out loudly, causing Amari to freeze her steps immediately. "I'm a double agent!"
A quiet breeze blew past them as the girl turned on her heel, processing his words immediately. What did he just say? Maybe she heard incorrectly. "W-What?"
Although, one look from Hawks' desperate eyes said otherwise, his voice lowering just slightly. It was too late to hide now, he couldn't do it anymore. "After you went undercover to get those plans from the league, the commission saw it as an opportunity to break the villains down from the inside. For seven months I've been a double agent, that's why I wanted that information on Dabi.."
Amari couldn't help but stand in silence at this information. She would've accused him of lying again yet there was something in his voice when he spoke, something new. "And you're right about everything kid, I only thought of my job, it's what I've been trained to do for so long. Even if I knew it was wrong, even though I wanted out, I couldn't stop.."
Narrowing her eyes, she then watched the bird run a nervous hand through his hair. "And damn it, I really do hate it, okay? Everything you did for me, every time you stood up and protected me, I knew I didn't deserve it. I knew you would end up hating me in the future. So I don't blame ya kid, I really don't.."
Bakugo watched as the bird's wings shuttered before brokenly continuing with a slight rasp in his tone, like he was trying to hold his own emotions back one by one. "I know what I am. I'm disgusting and weak and a coward. I've always been kid. I know I don't even have the right to really apologize for everything.. but I need you to know that it wasn't all fake...it never was…"
The bird then twisted his mouth shut before shaking his head, obviously anxious about this whole conversation. "Shit, that's not right. Hold on, I can do this, just bare with me..please don't leave.."
Losing her frown slowly, Amari then watched as the number two hero stumbled on his next sentences, struggling to convey what he wanted before she ultimately left forever. It was surprising to say the least.
She always thought Hawks was this confident and cocky individual but looking now, she saw something different. It was like he was another person.
So much so that she couldn't help but take a step closer to him, not liking the way he was purposely putting himself down like this. Did he alway do this? "Hawks.."
Yet the man only spoke over her, his voice becoming far more broken with each sentence. He couldn't help it, he was just so unhinged at this moment, Keigo pushing his way up more than ever before. "N-No, no don't do that. Don't say my name like that, I don't deserve it. I'm scum, I'm cowardly, I'm a monster. You think so too, you have every right to.."
Placing a shaky hand out to the girl, Hawks continued a moment later. "But you, you are none of those things. You are too good to be corrupted and broken down, you don't deserve to be ruined by me kid. You can still fly, you have a chance, and even if I don't have any right, I want to give that to you.."
Just then, the bird shoved his hands in his pockets before taking out a stack of random letters and cards. "I can't do much, but hopefully these will help.."
Bakugo looked at the objects for a moment before grabbing onto the paper in question and feeling the texture run against her skin. She had no idea what these things were, but given Hawks' desperation, it coaxed her to read the first one in the pile.
Dear Ember,
You don't know who I am but my name is Haru and I live in the Hosu district. I was born without a quirk and because of it everyone told me that I was useless, that I didn't belong in this kind of world. No one understood how I felt, no one ever stood up for me.
That is until I saw your speech on TV yesterday.
Somehow, it made me want to cry. Thank you for expressing what I always wanted to say, thank you for believing in people like me, even when no one else did. It meant a lot. I will keep working towards my dream of being a hero.
Haru (Age 12)
Widening her eyes, Amari then turned over the page before reading another letter, this time by a new random stranger.
Ember,
I've been in the hospital since I was a baby. The mean doctors say that I won't be as strong as everyone else and tell me that I can't be a hero because of my weak quirk. But maybe it's not true after all. The man with the red wings showed me that there were people like me out there too. Maybe I can be like you and save the world from bad people too. I really want that.
Himari (Age 5)
Flipping through the rest of the letters, Bakugo read each other before soaking in every single word on that page. These people, they were like her, quirkless and weak. Random strangers from all over Japan were supporting her, she couldn't believe it.
She felt a hard ball of emotion course in the back of her throat before hearing Hawks' gentle and small voice. "The prez wants you gone but after these letters show up on her desk tomorrow, it will be impossible to kick you out of the hero world, not when you've made such an impact."
Stuttering on her own words, Amari clenched the paper in her hands before replying back. "H-How did you..?"
Although Hawks could only smirk back, flapping his wings as if to prove a point through his lined tears. "They don't call me number two for nothing. I went around the city and showed a bunch of people your speech. They seemed really moved by it and wanted to show their gratitude. That's all."
Widening her eyes, realization hit the girl all at once. This man had flown across the city in order to get the president off her back? He even went to random kids and showed them her speech. It was so unnecessarily kind, so much so that the girl didn't know how to take it.
The hero seemed to notice her shocked expression before pulling out another singular note from his hero jacket before handing it to her slowly with shaking hands. "T-There's one more.."
Twisting her brow in confusion, Amari then tore open the edges of the newly pressed paper before reading the contents in her mind quietly, eager to see what kind of story would be on the page. Although, it wasn't what she expected in the slightest.
Ember,
This may seem strange but I have never met someone like you before.
When I was a child, I was told I could be special, that I could accomplish great things, and as a boy with no family, that meant a lot. It felt like I could actually do something with my life, something meaningful.
But little did I know that it would change me into someone I didn't recognize anymore, that it would mold me into the worst version of myself. All for those promises and kind words, they turned out to be lies, coated sugar filled lies that ended up suffocating me.
I hated myself, I hated how weak the pathetic I was. I believed that no one wanted a hero like me. So I changed myself, I changed into what they wanted me to be, into something that can never be undone.
But then at the press conference, something happened that I thought was impossible. You reached me. I don't know how but you did. You stared right into my eyes, through my made up persona and reached the real me. You supported me and everyone else that wished for change.
Believe it or not, you completed the impossible chickadee, you really did.
Keigo Tamaki
After finishing the words on the page, Amari took in the last sentence before snapping her eyes back to Hawks in question. Wait, the only one that used that kind of nickname was...
The bird only gave her a sad smile though, confirming her suspicions immediately. "I don't think you truly understand just how much you've inspired people like you. You've given them hope, just when they had none."
A thousand thoughts began to swirl in her mind as Amari then lifted up the letter, desperate to quell her own suspicions. "You wrote this letter?"
Nodding back slightly, the man turned his head upwards in response, thinking about something particular. "A little boy from a long time ago did, and as much as I wanted him to disappear, I don't think that will ever be possible."
The girl couldn't help to remain dumbfounded at that though, her words dry on her own tongue. This was the first time the hero had ever been honest with her and she didn't know how to take it. His real name, his story, the man had shared it all. "Why, why are you telling me this?"
Shoving his hands in his pockets, the man eyes saddened before replying. "B-Because you deserve the truth. I think I should at least give you that much. This is all my fault after all.."
Not liking the way he was speaking about himself, Amari saddened her eyes as Hawks immediately fired back. "S-Stop it, stop looking at me like that. You know it's the truth. No matter how hard I try I'm just still so so….
His lips screwed shut then, almost like he didn't know how to finish that sentence, like he had never uttered that word in his life.
Although lucky for him, Amari knew exactly what he wanted to say, sensing the deja vu from his broken sentences immediately. It was like looking in a mirror. "Scared, you're scared, aren't you?"
The then watched as realization clouded into Hawks' eyes, the word wrapping around him until he decided to test it on his tongue. It was such a forbidden word, something the commission would never allow but it described him all the same. "Y-Yeah, that's it. I'm scared….I'm really scared…"
He knew he sounded pathetic, like the scared little boy he always was, now feeling the floodgates break entirely from that one little word as he broke entirely. All of those years, all of the commission's training had now been cracked completely, leaving only Keigo Tamaki.
So much so that the emotions were too much for him, the man crumbling to the floor in a hard bow as the fear, devastation and terror crashed into him all at once. "I-I'm sorry chickadee, I'm sorry for dragging you into this, I'm sorry for ruining you. I never wanted that to happen, I never wanted to to become like me."
Lifting her hand out in defense, the girl immediately raced forward in hopes of getting him off the ground, of picking up the pieces of Hawks she had unknowingly destroyed . "Hey, hey come on. What are you doing?"
Yet Keigo didn't listen to her words, only closing his eyes as the tears poured down his cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, I-I'm sorry for being a little boy, I'm sorry for being weak, for not being strong enough. It's my fault, I know it is.."
Amari couldn't help but stare at this new man before her. The information that she had just received was far too much for the girl to handle, slamming into her into one painstakingly clear realization.
The way he was acting, his past, everything about this man they were all sickeningly familiar, and that was because he was just how she used to be.
And the more Amari actually thought about it, the more she realized that fact. The self loathing, the need to be stronger, the way he pushed himself to his breaking point, the way he was so closed off and distant. It all made sense now, why he acted the way he did.
It was because he was hurting, he was suffocating, he was drowning.
He was alone.
Just like she was, Amari could see the lasting effects of the commissions torture, the way they reshaped his mind into a carbon copy of the twisted mindset she once shared.
It was devastating to watch a reflection of her past self, swallowed up by the same expectations and hatred she once had. How long had he been going on like this, how long had he been calling out for help with no response? How long had he been suffering like her?
Just then, she heard the door behind her unlock as one of Hawks' feathers made it's way past her. Was this his way of telling her to leave, to forget about him and just move on with her life? It must have been, that's why he wasn't speaking.
And screwing his eyes together, Keigo knew that was going to be the result. He had fully lost his Hawks facade so obviously she would be disgusted by his childish display.
That's always how it was, how the president forced him to comply. He already realized he was burdening Bakugo the same way. In fact, the faster she left the better..
Although he paused when he felt a light hand on his hair, calling back to him with a soft hum, so gentle that it almost made him break down all over again. "Hawks.."
Shaking his head, an invisible sword plunged into his heart. He wasn't the number two hero right now, he didn't have the right to hear that name.
The air turned silent again for a moment, Keigo thinking she had finally given up and left him like she should've.
Although, that's when he heard her voice again, even more gentle than before. "Keigo.."
Hearing his real name, the man couldn't help but open his eyes at that, now seeing Amari kneeling in front of him to meet with eye level an understanding smile on her face. "W-What did you.."
But before he could finish, the girl did so for him. "You know, all of those things you just said, I used to think like them also, that I was drowning, that I wasn't worth anything, that I wasn't strong enough. I know how easy it is to think that, to cry out for help and expect nothing.."
Smiling to herself, Amari recalled Todoroki's face, his kind words and the friendship he offered her just when she thought she could never be loved. "But just when I thought that all hope was lost, that's when someone heard me, despite everything, they reached their hand out and saved me…"
It was so painstakingly true. In fact, it wasn't for Todoroki's selfless desire to become friends, to listen to her cries and build her back up from the bottom, then she knew she wouldn't have been standing here right now. She wouldn't have mended her relationship back together with her brother, she wouldn't have become the person she is now.
It was the smallest gesture, but that one single gesture gave her the hope and love she needed to keep moving forward, to learn to love herself. One little word, one little bit of kindness..
That was the one thing Hawks needed most right now.
That's when Bakugo did the one thing Keigo would have never expected, something he would have never dreamed of happening…
This girl, she reached her hand out to him. "I think it's time you realize that no one is ever alone Keigo, not even you."
Widening his eyes in both disbelief and shock, the man took in her words with utter confusion, just staring at her hand like it was a completely different color. "W-What?"
Amari replied back a moment later with a slight giggle. "You heard me you silly bird. Now get off the floor. I forgive you."
Although her words only made Keigo even more confused, slapping her hand away immediately. "W-What, what are you saying? You can't forgive me, not after everything I've done. I don't deserve it.."
Narrowing her eyes just slightly, the girl didn't seem bothered by the motion, in fact she already expected it. "I thought I already told you that you can't tell me what to do, bird brain."
Yet Keigo didn't seem to enjoy her joke in the slightest. "Stop joking around, this is serious. You can't forgive me. I'm weak, I'm scared.."
Although that's when Amari couldn't help but crack a small smile. "And what's so wrong with that, huh? News flash Keigo, everyone is scared. That's just how it is. What matters is how we learn from it, right?"
Looking down at her hands, Bakugo recalled the conversation she had with Todoroki on the night of Kazumi's death, the words that brought her such warmth and reassurance. "I don't care if you're afraid or if you're weak. I just want you to be honest with me. No more walls, no more hiding, no more Hawks. It's okay to be unsure, it's okay to be afraid..
That's when her lips curved back into a small smile, the words flowing into him all at once and bringing the cascading tears to pool down down his cheeks in a single motion. "It's okay to be Keigo Tamaki."
It was the one phrase he had always wanted to hear, the one thing that the commission had made him believe was a lie. Did this girl really not mind this broken little boy in front of him, did she really not feel burdened by his cowardly tears? It was impossible…
Just like back at the press conference, Amari had seen through his facade, through his desperate cries of help and miserable inner shell. She saw through the commission's torture, the way he put himself down and just how desperately he wanted to break free.
And with those six little words, she had unknowingly changed everything all over again. It made him actually believe for a moment that he was worth something, that he could also be loved and accepted as she was. If only, if only that was the reality.
Blinking back his tears, the man then did the only thing he knew how. He reached forward and grabbed her hand, Bakugo now pulling him up to stand back on his own two legs.
It was like she had pulled him out of his own self loathing and hatred, giving him hope for the first time in his life.
Bakugo then moved her hand back before placing her hands on her hips, a playful and knowing look to her stance. "Now it seems like I still need a trainer for my provisional license exam. You know anyone that would be willing to take the job?"
This caused the bird to stare at her dumbfounded. Even after everything, she still wanted to be willingly trained by him? How stupid was this girl? "You can't be serious kid.."
Wiping a few tears away from his face, Keigo then watched as Amari only frowned back. "Why not? Call me stupid if you want but even I know you aren't all bad. You even flew across the city to get the president off my back. That's gotta count for something.."
She had a point, but it certainly didn't erase every other terrible thing he had done to her. "Did you forget that I also manipulated you into doing what I wanted, lied to you and got the president to go after you?"
Although Amari only shrugged back a moment later. "Eh, I've had a lot of people screw me over in the past, you're nothing new. Besides, you already apologized."
Keigo couldn't help but widened his eyes at that, wondering how she could just forgive everything that happened. He didn't deserve forgiveness, and yet she was giving to him like nothing. This girl was so naive. "Chickadee, come on.."
Yet even Bakugo could tell the type of person he was now. This man was like her, which meant that he needed someone next to him, he needed someone to care, he needed a friend. "I'm just saying, if you really feel bad and wanna make it up for me, then you should just help me get my license.."
The man couldn't believe what he was hearing, now realizing that Amari was indeed serious. This forgiveness, this kindness that was showing, it was too good for him.
Although that's when Amari reached her hand out again, wiggling her fingers in response with a sense of pure confidence. "What do you say birdie?"
Just then, the phone began to ring in his pocket, the hero taking out the object a moment later before frowning. Of course it was her, she always came in at the worst times after all.
Picking up the object, Keigo heard the president's voice immediately, sharp and clearly unhappy at the time. "Hawks, do you know what time it is? You were supposed to call about that update two hours ago. What is the update on Bakugo Amari?"
The bird remained silent for a moment, staring between Amari and the object in his hand. This was it, he had to make a choice. He could lie or he could sell the girl out. There were only two options.
A couple days ago, the hero would've chosen the commission hands down, would've chosen himself over the girl any time in order to lease the president. But now, things were different.
Staring at Amari's outstretched hand for a moment, Keigo took in her words before realizing that she was right. He couldn't do much, and he certainly couldn't break away from the commission but he sure as hell could make sure that Bakugo became a damn great hero.
And for that very reason, the hero spoke back a moment later, lying to the people who held his chains for the first time in his life. "Oh, yeah sorry about that. I didn't update you cause there wasn't really anything to say. Turns out, Bakugo Amari is as innocent as they come. She only got caught in with Dabi because he blackmailed her into sending some information. She isn't of any use to the case.."
Amari couldn't help but widen her eyes at his words, noticing the clear lie he had just told the president. He was protecting her, he was giving her an alibi for Kazumi's murder, wasn't he?
Keigo then gritted his teeth as the president spoke back plainly. "I see. Well, what a waste of time that was. You better pick up double time for this mistake."
Nodding back immediately, the hero replied. "Yeah of course, I'm already ahead of you. In fact, I'm working on something right now so I gotta go. I'll update you later. See ya."
And then just like that, he hung up the phone, his arm dropping to the side in the process. It was like he had fully taken in what he just said, and the lie he just uttered.
Although, just as Amari was about to reach her hand out to him in concern, Keigo turned his head back to her, a small weak smile on his face. "So uhh, is that offer still open?"
Blinking in surprise, Bakugo took in his nervous and anxious demeanor before cracking a smile of her own, already knowing he had just made a big step of progress. "I don't know, you tell me bird brain..."
Perhaps it was selfish, perhaps it wasn't right to believe in this second change, but even still Keigo took her hand anyways, a small smile taking the place of all of the uncertainty that plagued his mind for his entire life. "I think it can be arranged."
That's right, he knew it was far too late to save himself but staring at her hand, the hero also knew only one single solitary thing for certain.
Bakugo was going to be a hero, he would make sure of it.
AHHHHHH This took so long because it's so important and I'm really proud of it. I just love when things connect from the beginning of the story. I actually reread this entire book to prepare for these next chapters and dang, Amari has come so far.
She saw her past self in Hawks and therefore now wants to help him just like Todoroki did for her at the start of the book. We've come full circle and I wanna cry. I also tried to make his dialogue into things that past Amari used to say so that we can really get those parallels. And now they are friendos!
Also Shinso getting into the hero course and finding a family with Aziawa and Eri after going so long without one. I cry. Everyone is really growing here.
Also protective Katsuki was really making Hawks have an epiphany back there. He just wants his sister to be loved like she deserves. Good boy Katsuki.
Next Chapter: Hawks trains Amari for provisional licenses (with a little surprise added in there.)
