March - Term three - Year three
Out of all their time at U.A., no one ever really talked about how graduation would go. To be honest, Bakugou assumed he'd be in the field doing hero work and have his diploma mailed to his parent's house. Or he would have accepted a short ceremony for the parents, a few pictures for memories, and then he would go directly to the agency.
Of course, U.A. can't do anything small.
Graduation was a packed two-day affair for the hero classes. Thursday would start with all of the students participating in a final quirk comprehension test overseen by the Hero Public Safety Commission and quirk experts to accurately update the database. Bakugou's quirk is still listed as "Explosion", just as the first day, from the nitroglycerin-like sweat that gets pushed and ignited through his calloused hands. But others. like Ashido and Uraraka had to have their quirks redefined. Ashido is still "Acid" but she has grown to create her acids on a larger scale of pH levels, although could never go past a true neutral. On top of her control of the thickness of the substance, she could create acid as thin as chili oil or as thick as slime. However, the Commision still considered "Acid" to be the best umbrella term for it.
Uraraka's quirk, on the other hand, threw everyone for a loop despite the way her extra research had been hinting toward a change since the last year. She is able to manipulate gravity. Instead of merely canceling the gravity of an object, her hard work and training made her have the possibility to reduce it like the volume on a stereo.
Bakugou's reminded of what had happened yesterday morning.
"Miss Uraraka, your quirk's label has been reassigned from Zero Gravity to Complete Gravity Manipulation." All Might frowns as he reads the words. "The Commission feels strongly about this reassignment stating that—"
"Holy shit! Yes! That's it!" Uraraka shouts from her place in line in between Bakugou and Midoriya.
Bakugou has to stop from falling over as every head whips toward her. She is shaking, her big round eyes bright and her cheeks pinker than normal. Uraraka giggles with unabridged happiness as she steeples her fingers in front of her face.
"The missin' link! That's the slidin' feelin' and the delayed releases and... oh my god!" She begins to float, softly flipping around until her head is pointing down. "The orbitin' and the fields! Oh my goodness I feel as light as a feather!"
Bakugou rolls his eyes, pulling on the strands of her hair and the rest of the class laughs.
"Oi, you're holding up the line Cheeks." Her laugh sounds like bells as she falls back to the earth while All Might continues with the results.
After that, Bakugou remembers nothing but Uraraka's beaming smile.
Bakugou shook his head as the thought popped in his mind.
Then, they were sent to change into all-white outfits to sit through the intimate readings of the original Hero Protection covenant as the students' parents sat in rows behind the two classes.
Individually, they read their vows to protect their neighbors, community, country, and world from the workings of evil until they retired. Or died, but no one mentioned that rather gloomy part. One at a time, they walked to the stage, said their vows, and signed their official registration papers.
As Bakugou is called forward, his shirt feels too tight around the neck, and his hands begin to sweat. He approaches the table where Mr. Aizawa is, staring at him with a proud smile, next to the Hero Commission official and Principal Nezu. He recognizes the Hero Vow engraved into the table. It is large enough for him to understand from a couple of steps back but he doesn't need to read them, since he has them memorized from his first day at U.A.
Bakugou stands at attention, taking a deep breath before beginning the vows. His voice rings throughout the hall. "I vow to uphold the laws of my community, country, and the world. I vow to always do the best I can to ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves.'' His eyes are focused in front of him. "I vow to seek and search out justice and never waver from the path of good as long as I am a Hero. My job as a hero is to bring peace, hope, and happiness to the world around me."
His throat tightens for a moment and he feels his eyes water slightly. This is it. One more line and then he would have accomplished another step in his life's goal. Everything he has ever wanted since he could remember watching heroes fighting against evil on the news with his mom. His eyes flick towards Aizawa, who gives a slight nod in Bakugou's direction.
Bakugou smirks, feeling confidence, pride, and happiness flow within him.
"This is my vow as a hero," he finishes, tone firm.
He signs his name and returns to his seat. Thirty-five students remain but the time moves in a blur. He rolls his eyes as Midoriya cries throughout his entire vow and raises an eyebrow when they make Dark Shadow take the vow as well. When Uraraka walks up, Bakugou feels a warmth he only associates with her going through him. They had all grown up in the last three years, but she truly had begun to turn into a woman in front of him and he couldn't be prouder. Her simple and casual white dress suited her, shuffling around her as she climbed the stairs. He can see her glance at the table, and her shoulders relax at the extra help in case she faltered.
Bakugou grins as her voice rings out just as his did—strong and unwavering. He chuckles as her accent slips throughout the vow, although he knows she had practiced and practiced, trying to withhold it.
He hums, thinking about how he loved her accent especially when she didn't notice it was happening.
"This is my vow as a hero." He can see her tears glistening from his seat. She would surely be a sputtering mess once she got back to her seat.
The ceremony finished without a hitch. The forty new heroes would be added to the database, and Friday at midnight they would be allowed to work as Pro Heroes. Well, sidekicks or interns but still, on their way to be Pro Heroes.
Thursday evening is open for families to gather and celebrate. The Bakugous and Midoriyas invite the Urarakas to join them for a combined steak dinner but were regretfully denied. The Urarakas are opting for a home-cooked feast in the dorm's kitchen instead.
Bakugou and Midoriya follow their parents down a few blocks when Bakugou catches Midoriya's smug look.
"What?" Bakugou growls.
"Nothing. I'm just wondering how long you're gonna sulk that Ochako isn't joining us," Midoriya replies as Bakugou turns his head away, trying to hide his blush.
"I'm not fucking sulking, Deku. I…"
"Look, you don't gotta convince me of anything. I get it. But I think you should tell her." Midoriya zips up his jacket as if the coldness of Bakugou's glare shoots through him. "Tomorrow's the day to do something about your feelings! And it might be better to do it before we announce our plans to the world." Bakugou huffs, shoving his hands in his pockets and slouching.
"Has she told you what she's decided? Fucking stupid if you ask me," Bakugou mumbles. Midoriya frowns, humming in agreement. Bakugou grunts as they approach the restaurant, "I can't believe no one offered her a legit sidekick position. Intern my ass! So what? She got knocked out at the festival. Did you see that move?"
Bakugou feels his anger bubbling up for Uraraka. Gunhead isn't accepting sidekicks or interns but when they had found out all major offers had been rescinded after her defeat against Sero at the Sports Festival, he had made an exception for her. She would be teaching most of the high schoolers who came in until she received more interviews at other agencies.
"Besides, that was almost a year ago!'' Bakugou continues, anger coursing through him, "These shitty fucking agencies don't know what they're missing."
"But she'll be close to you right?" Midoriya offers. Their parents are entering the restaurant and the boys are trying to avoid letting any of their nosey mothers eavesdrop. Uraraka was already stressed about announcing her plans tomorrow, they didn't need Mitsuki and Inko to harass her throughout the night.
The pair stop outside the door.
"Not really. I mean, only if a two-hour train ride is considered close. Not looking forward to those trips." He flinches when he sees Midoriya's knowing smile. Shit, he hadn't meant to say that last part out loud.
"Trips, huh? Interesting. And here you kept telling me you were just friends." Midoriya tries not to let too much of his amusement show through.
"We are just friends. But you know how she gets when she's alone too long."
"Actually, that's only when you two have been apart for too long. She loves, you know? Just as much as you love her."
"I'm not having this talk with you of all people, Deku." Bakugou's face scrunches up.
"Come on, Kacchan. You can't keep denying it!"
"I'm not! But I—" He shifts his weight between his feet. He couldn't be that for her. He couldn't take her focus away from finding her soulmate. As sure as he was that he would be the number one hero, he knew he would never be how Soul Knitter described her perfect heart soul.
Attentive, caring, and supportive. They will be your inspiration and have all the confidence in you. They will bring you all the happiness you will ever need to the point it exudes from your very soul. And it will never fade. Ever.
Bakugou had scoffed at the idea of someone ever wanting or being that, but now? He rubs his pinky as it twinges. In all honesty, it had been bothering him for a couple of months now. He told everyone he twisted it during training, but Midoriya said it was destiny pulling on his string. He refused to accept that this pulling is longing to be that person for Ochako. Her person. Her soulmate.
Shaking his head in an attempt to clear the intense feelings threatening to burst from within his chest, he enters the restaurant."Shuddup Deku. You still don't know shit, you nerd."
$%^$^#^%
Friday is full of activity. Parents coming and going from the dorms as the students scurry around with suitcases, boxes, and graduation preparation. Bakugou's parents stand in their son's empty room, fretting over his outfits and attitude. His mom had been nagging about the importance of pictures all week.
"Now, remember to smile on the stage, and I won't hound you to take smiling pictures after," Bakugou grunted. Sure, like she was doing just now.
"You're still gonna hound me either way," Bakugou growls, pulling at his tie. His graduation attire was a black suit, white shirt, and ties of their choice. The girls could wear a black outfit.
"Katsuki, you know she isn't going to let up," Masaru softly says, trying to fix his son's black tie. Bakugou doesn't move as his father ties it and brushes his shoulders, smoothing out the jacket's wrinkles. "When did you grow up? First, your mom doesn't age and now you age too quickly." Masaru sighed.
"Tch. You act like you haven't known this was coming." Bakugou rolls his eyes.
"You're right. I did see this coming." Masaru pats his cheek. "I am so proud of you Katsuki. You've really grown into a man before my eyes. Someone who will go on and save the world." Bakugou's mouth turns dry as he stares at his father, now eye level with him, and takes him in. His hair had more grey in it but still was mostly chestnut, and the laugh lines in his face were becoming more pronounced. His father had always been the one he had looked up to and now, even as Bakugou was about to become a hero, he still felt like a child, so keen on wanting to make his father proud.
Masaru pulls Bakugou closer to him and wraps him in a hug. "I love you, son. Smile for the camera." Bakugou chuckles, hugging his father. He's aware the hag is snapping the worst possible angled photos. Probably zooming in on his red face, trying to take a clean shot of the few tears falling.
"Yeah, love you too, Pops."
They stay together, embracing for a moment before Masaru pats Bakugou on the back signaling the end. They share a look before Bakugou rolls his eyes and turns toward his mother, reaching for her. Her eyes widen for a moment as she steps into his arms.
"I love you too, Mom. Although you are loud as shit, and a nag." He chuckles when she pinches his side. "But you're a great mom. Thanks for believing in me." They begin to sway like they used to when he was younger. If anyone saw him, he would blame it on graduation feelings.
Although they often clashed, he could never deny he was his mom's kid. They were both loud, boisterous, took what they wanted, and always strived for perfection.
"Oh, my baby boy. I will always love you and be proud of you. Don't forget you can always come home when it gets too hard." She takes a step back, rustling his hair. "But come back with your shield or on it. I won't accept anything less." He smirks at the old Spartan meaning "win in battle or come home a hero", rustling her hair back, laughing as she swats his hands.
They both reach up to fix their messy hair as Masaru snaps a few more pictures.
"Whatever, you hag." Mitsuki huffs in faux offense, while both Bakugou men share a laugh.
Masaru offers his wife his arm as they move toward the elevator.
"Oi, we're going to head over to the auditorium. Don't forget to give Ochako her present before you all line up for processional," Mitsuki calls over their shoulders, leaving Katsuki alone for a moment. He eyes the starry garment bag his parents had left in his possession.
Ever since the conversations with Midoriya the night before, his heart jumped into his throat when he thought about what he had requested his father made Uraraka as a graduation present. Bakugou fumbles with the hanging bag for a moment.
"Fuck it." He grabs his red graduation robe and matching cap and heads out toward the roof, where he knew she'd be looking for the moon.
$%^$^#^%
Uraraka is leaning on the railing when Bakugou arrives, her blue robes flutter around her as the afternoon sun shines bright in the sky. He squints up to see if he had been right and sure enough, there was the full moon.
"You know, it's not normal to be looking for the moon while the sun is still out," he calls out to her.
Uraraka turns quickly, her laugh floating along the breeze. Her hair is slightly curled around her face and her dress has simple intricate flowers and stops mid-thigh with a slight flare. He would have to thank Midoriya again for the heads up on her outfit- since his present depended on what she wore.
"Yeah but it's the only time they get to be together." She twirls her cap in her hands as he leans beside her. "The Moon and the Sun fell in love knowing they would only be able to spend a few precious moments together throughout the year."
They look up at the moon, full against the blue sky, as Bakugou tries to ignore the pull to stand closer to her. It had become ever stronger since the turn of the year and Midoriya's nagging on his feelings had seemed to make it worse.
"She controls the tides and He controls the seasons. Neither can work without the other and yet. they can't ever work side by side. A love story through the centuries."
He bumps her shoulder and says, "You're such a sap, Ochako." She laughs again, throwing her head back. Bakugou thinks she looks radiant today. These graduation feelings were making him into a sap. He clears his throat. "Here, my folks made you something. You should wear it to the reception tonight."
He shrugs off his jacket, laying it and his robes on the railing as she opens the garment bag, holding high so it wouldn't drag through the ground. He peeks over her head, anxious at how it turned out (since he hadn't actually seen the gift) but as she gasps he knows his parents nailed it. Inside was a black chiffon dress overlay that would fit on top of her graduation dress; it had a high collar and long flowing sleeves that would cuff at her wrists. The skirt would billow around her as she moved and the silver embroidered stars throughout the dress would sparkle like her eyes.
God, he is so weak for her.
Her eyes glint under the sunlight. "Katsuki, what? How? Why? Oh my god, it's the prettiest thing I've ever owned!"
His arms reach around her to hold the bag up, allowing her to feel the dress. A silver sash is tied around the hanger though he isn't sure why. She runs her fingers over several of the mismatched stars along the skirt.
"Well, I wanted you to be comfortable during the reception and have a good time. I figured if you had a beautiful dress, you wouldn't have to worry about anything else. And it's not a lot—my folks were able to whip it together within a few days." She freezes and her head drops slightly.
Bakugou grumbles.
"Oi, I know what's going on in that big head of yours! Stop it. I didn't tell you about it because I wanted it to be a surprise. Plus, I already have an idea on what you can give me in return." She scoffs, turning around in his arms. Looking at him, she wipes a few tears away and wrinkles her nose at him.
"Yaknow, gift-giving is supposed to come with 'You don't have to get me anything in return' and yet you come here with a return gift in mind." She looks amused for a second but then her smile falls slightly. "It's not something stupid, is it? Like giving you my firstborn or something?"
Bakugou chuckles, putting the bag on the rail with his other items, fishing out his phone. "Trust me, this is going to be something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
$%^$^#^%
The graduation ceremony moves fairly quickly even with all of the extra dialogue of each student announcing to the world their next steps. Many of the business and support students announced jobs or schooling paths while the hero and general classes both had many more variations in answers. Bakugou and Todoroki would be working side by side as Endeavor's personal sidekicks. Midoriya announced his American tour with Gran Torino, working closely with the company the crazy Hatsume girl signed on with. Bakugou would never admit aloud, but he thought the mechanic was brilliant. Unfortunately, the crazy sometimes overshadows her genius.
Even Uraraka looked happy, announcing her internship with Gunhead with a bright smile and thumbs up in the direction where he assumed her parents were in the audience.
Bakugou fidgets with his new watch, a gift from his parents, frowning. It still didn't sit right with him but she had been doing a great job coming to terms with it so he would leave it alone. His gaze scans the courtyard, looking for her.
After the ceremony, the graduates were directed to the courtyard for the celebrations to continue. Lunch Rush was promised to cater throughout the night and the dance floor would be kept alive by Jirou's parents.
It's weird to see graduates and staff mingling like peers, but Bakugou just shakes it off, knowing this was his life now. No more classes, or teachers, or repetitive, monotone schedules that hardly changed. If he is being honest, he hopes Endeavor calls him as soon as his license is activated, He feels anxious and excited to begin his new life.
Bakugou nods when he sees Midoriya waving at him, pulling Uraraka and a few more of their friends along. The self-dubbed Bakusquad would be back shortly with food and Bakugou stayed behind, assigned to save two tables. Uraraka hasn't dressed in the outer dress yet, instead of opting to carry it folded over her arms.
"Oh good tables, Kacchan! And we just passed Kirishima and the rest of them," Midoriya chuckles, "with the mountain of food they are bringing back."
Asui points to the fabric in Uraraka's arms. "Ochako, what is that? You've been carrying it around since you said goodbye to your parents."
Iida, Midoriya, and Todoroki move to sit around the right table, purposefully leaving the seat next to Bakugou open. Uraraka unfurls the over dress, shaking it and displaying it slightly for the stars to shine.
"Oh, it's a dress! Will you help me?" Although both women are in heels, Uraraka still towers over Asui a considerable amount. Uraraka squats quickly and rocks trying to stay upright. Like reflex, Bakugou grabs her hand to stop her from falling back and holds her steady as Asui finally grabs the dress.
Asui unbuttons the back of the gown, pulling it over Uraraka's head. "Wow, this is nice! Where did you get it?"
The chiffon floats around her like a cloud in such way that Bakugou isn't sure Uraraka hasn't activated her quirk on it. They unlink hands when she stands, gathering the sides of the dress to twist and turn.
Todoroki whistles while the rest of the table claps. Bakugou's eyes rake over her figure, stopping to admire the silver sash sitting on the top of her hips.
"It was a gift from Katsuki and his parents. Isn't it beautiful?" Uraraka fluffs her hair before twirling again.
Midoriya leans over Todoroki to look between the two in disbelief. "Wait. You made her a dress of stars?"
Bakugou bristles at the undertone. "Yeah? What of it?" He tips his head back, giving Midoriya a smug smirk. "Jealous you couldn't come up with a gift?"
Midoriya stares at him blankly before a cruel smile flits across his face. "I'm just amazed. One of these days, irony is gonna slap you," he points at Bakugou and then at Uraraka, "and you in the face. And it will be the best day of my life." Midoriya grins.
"Hey! What is that supposed to mean?" Bakugou raises his hand popping off a few explosions. Deku was getting a little too bold and it was getting under his skin.
"You made her a dress of stars." Everyone is just staring at Midoriya for a moment, clearly missing the point. "What's the present form of made?"
"Make. He makes a dress of stars?'' Iida offers. "Midoriya, I'm still confused. What does Bakugou being a star dressmaker have anything to do with irony?" Uraraka and Bakugou stare at Midoriya before both their faces turn purple.
Uraraka begins to back away, mumbling something about needing a drink, before turning and walking off. Bakugou's explosions crackle from his palms, his eyes flashing with murderous intent toward Midoriya.
"I will murder you before you have a chance to go pro, Deku."
Todoroki whips out his phone, and takes several pictures of the interaction. "I didn't know you could turn purple like that. It clashes with your hair."
"Everything clashes with your hair, Icy Hot!"
"Ochako Uraraka, come to the stage." Mr. Aizawa's voice rings over the speakers, interrupting the music along with Bakugou's plan to murder Todoroki and Midoriya. Bakugou sinks back down in his seat, leaning to watch Uraraka and rolling his sleeves up as Kirishima, Ashido, Sero, and Kaminari arrive with mountains of food.
"Uraraka, I'm not asking again. Come to the stage." Aizawa is now standing on the stage, still dressed in his suit from the ceremony, looking bored out of his mind. The threat lingers in the air, before a voice floats out from the center of the courtyard.
"Mr. Aizawa, from the bottom of my heart, I promise whatever it is wasn't me…"
"Now, Uravity." Aizawa rolls his eyes as Uraraka meanders to the stage, red still dusting her cheeks. The courtyard goes silent as people move toward various seats. Uraraka fiddles with the sleeves of the dress, eyeing the rest of the U.A. Faculty joining her on the stage. Bakugou glances over to Midoriya, tensing a tad when the nerd seems as lost as he is.
"Now as many of you have found out over the years, when I am given a class of first years, my goal is to make as many of them quit as possible," Aizawa smirks as he continues, "And I'm sad to say, this class made it all three years not only without losing anyone, even if they got themselves maimed, kidnapped, and thrown into the middle of crises galore." Bakugou, Midoriya, and Todoroki all protest as everyone in the courtyard laughs at the jab. "I even added one." Shinsou stands from his seat waving around.
The public claps in laughter and after a moment, Aizawa clears his throat to continue.
"This class has become special to me. Yes, they've received awards, accolades, recognition and alike but they've grown steadily into the pro heroes they have become now. Proud, strong and kind pros—"
He is interrupted by Ashido yelling out, "Dadzawa, we love you!"
"Ashido, please,"he scolds and Ashido falls into her seat with a beaming smile. "The life of a hero is not easy and it's not always just. Take Miss Uraraka here." Uraraka visibly tenses up, walking toward the edge of the stage. "One of the fiercest women I've ever met. She's intelligent, kind-hearted, and will make friends with literally everyone. Yet, she was not offered a single sidekick position due to her 'performance' at the sports festival." Sero tenses at Aizawa's words. Kaminari bumps his shoulder and shakes his head. Sero still blames himself and his friends had worked hard to not let him continue doing so. It wasn't his fault. It was the agencies'.
Looking at Uraraka, Aizawa gives her a curt nod.
"The performance in which she created a new move, unlocked her own potential, and she was penalized for it…" Aizawa's voice cuts off for a moment.
Bakugou huffs, getting impatient. He knows his teacher loves drama but this is getting ridiculous!
"Until today. Most of you do not know, but during the mission that took place in January, Uravity experienced something that would have traumatized most young pros and yet she faced it with passion and poise, saving the life of a dear friend's sister."
Uraraka's forehead creases as Ms. Joke walks out on stage, dressed in formal attire and grabbing the microphone from Aizawa. Bakugou can see Uraraka's eyes widen and he suddenly remembers that night. She had told him of the gruesome scene at Ms. Joke's family residence, her face never changing from a somber state as she felt the guilt of not being able to save the children.
"Miss Uraraka saved my sister when most people would have not spared another look. She is a kind soul who was preyed upon by the villains who threatened our country." Ms. Joke turns to talk directly to Uraraka, who is now crying and trying to hide her face. "My sister is alive and well thanks to you, Uravity. And I'm here to offer you a teaching assistantship at Ketsubutsu and a position as my personal sidekick. You will be teaching first through third year classes as well as official sidekick work." She throws her head back. "If you accept of course!" She holds out a card, specifically a Joker one, toward Uraraka, who reaches past it to grasp her hands between hers.
"Ms. Joke—"
"Emi, please."
"Emi, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I could've been there sooner." Bakugou is pulled by an unknown force from his seat toward her, but he resists. This is her moment, she doesn't need him to share the spotlight. Uraraka, being showcased in front of the graduates for the badass she is, crying over what she couldn't accomplish.
Just another reason why I love her, the thought hit him in the gut.
"I know and I truly appreciate your words.'' Emi gives Uraraka a kind, soft smile. "But you saved the only family I have left. So, please accept my offer. I would be overjoyed if you would join me." Emi winks at her. "Plus, I can show you a thing or two about potential new moves. My mom had a similar quirk."
Uraraka takes the Joker card from her hands and holds it to her chest. Fresh tears stream down her face as she laughs without bounds. "Yes! I accept!"
Aizawa waves his hand in front of her, smiling softly.
"Well, now, don't you need to properly re-present yourself? It's tradition after all."
Uraraka steeples her hands; her dress and hair flow around her as she lifts from the ground. Then, she expands the space between her fingers as the card stays suspended, continuing to stretch until her hands are shoulder-width apart.
Bakugou feels his breath leave his body as he stares, amazed at how beautiful she looks.
"My name is Uraraka Ochako, pro hero Uravity and I will be the sidekick at the Joke's On You Hero Agency beginning in the spring."
She truly looks like an angel with all the brilliance of the full moon. Bakugou and the rest of the courtyard cheer loudly and the party begins again.
$%^$^#^%
After she had made it back to the tables, she was dogpiled by her classmates. Kirishima and Midoriya were crying as much as she was while Bakugou kept smiling at her.
It all came to a crashing halt when Kaminari's watch caught in Asui's hair. Luckily, Ashido and Uraraka were able to separate the two with no harm.
"This is why Bakubro never gives us nice things! We've had our watches for like an hour and you're already trying to ruin it!" Ashido chides. Bakugou looks away, not saying anything. His parents had gone overboard with the gifts and given the squad watches with "Bakusquad" engraved on the back. His mother had been thrilled ever since she learned the name and never let it go.
They all sit down to finish the mountains of food, laughing, teasing, joking, and enjoying the last few moments they have together.
As the plates empty and conversations lull, the boys sit back listening to the girls gush over the outfits they've seen throughout the night.
"Speaking of, Ochako, I love your dress! Don't you guys just love it too?" Ashido's gaze flickers between Uraraka and Bakugou sitting as the bridge between the tables. Uraraka, sensing a trap, quickly stands up, yanking Bakugou with her toward the dance floor.
"Yep. Sorry. Gotta go!" She hears the persons at the tables whooping behind them, and she turns around, subtly flashing a finger behind her head.
As she stands in the middle of the dancing graduates, she realizes she doesn't really have a plan past this. Bakugou sighs and grabs her, pulling her closer to him. Spinning her into his arms, they sway lightly; his hand on her waist is warm and she grabs his bicep, doing her best to ignore how nice his muscles feel around her or how close he is.
Throughout the day, she had tried to avoid looking at him too much, but now it was unavoidable.
"Yaknow, when you're a teacher you're gonna have to think a few more steps ahead." Uraraka puffs out her cheeks but deflates at his chuckle. She is going to miss moments like these. The Katsuki and Ochako only moments.
She pokes his cheek like he usually does to her.
"You're actually having fun.'' She hums. "It's nice to see you smile and laugh so much. Instead of threatening to murder people."
He lets out a dry laugh. "I'm sure the world would not mind losing Deku and Todoroki." Bakugou twirls them around a few couples, expertly weaving them throughout the dancefloor. Her heels click as her dress floats around them, shuffling one way and the other as he spins her out only to bring her back in, just to show off that he can.
"I'm pretty sure your employer and the number one hero would care if his son didn't make his first day of work." Her voice is teasing.
"Why would he care? He has me! I'm going to break the top spot before anyone else in our class gets even close." Uraraka giggles, patting his chest. She stops at the sly look in his eyes. "Speaking of, we need to move back so we can see Deku's face. The video should have been sent by now." She laughs as they twirl back around, coming near the tables where their friends are hanging out.
Bakugou nods. "Cheeks, grab my phone and send a message to Deku to get him to check his phone." She subtly reaches into his pocket, grabbing his phone. Uraraka places it on his chest, moving closer to him as his hand slips lower down her back. Their foreheads touch as they read the screen.
She laughs and looks at him, eyebrow arched. "You should really change his contact name. Y'all are friends now, right?"
"Eh. Chalk it up to nostalgia. Come on, Floaty, hurry up!" She rolls her eyes but sends a random emoji to the contact 'Shitty Deku'. "Really? Heart eyes? Like I would ever send that to anyone." Bakugou scoffs.
"Exactly. He'll open it immediately."
They glance over at Midoriya and sure enough, his widened eyes are looking at his notifications. But the video will be so worth it.
The video starts with Bakugou holding his phone sideways and standing behind Uraraka on the rooftop.
On the screen, Bakugou says, "Oi, Nerd. Floaty has something to announce!" He nudges her shoulder as she smirks. She schools her face into a somber look.
"It's with a sad heart that I am submitting this video with my 24-hour notice. I will officially be transitioning from the DekuSquad to the BakuSquad starting today. Let the record show, Bakugou has my support as the future number one hero and…" Her voice cracks as her face redden and she clenches her sides, doubling over in laughter. "I'm sorry, I can't. Deku, I'm sorry!" She starts chuckling.
The camera moves, spinning around back to Bakugou.
"Take that Deku!" The camera clicks off.
Midoriya looks shocked as he finishes watching the video. His head snaps up immediately finding the pair dancing on the edge of the floor.
Midoriya's eyes narrow at Uraraka, which is a giggling mess. She shivers when Bakugou leans down and whispers in her ear, "Betcha he tries to take you back, Angel. He has always bragged you're his number " He pulls her as close as possible and she lays her head on his chest. They sway around the dancefloor for several songs, remaining close to each other.
After a while, when it's almost midnight and the party starts wrapping up, they pull apart to join their friends in moving toward the dorms. Uraraka is thankful no one brings up their dance as she moves to link arms with Asui and Ashido. Kirishima, Sero, and Bakugou are behind her, hyping each other up about what they want their first missions to be. They take the stairs to prolong the trip to the roof, because as soon as the fireworks are done, high school is over. Their little Class A bubble will be forever popped. They may never be all together again. Not even the guarantee of a wedding or funeral could promise what the last three years gave her: a family. Her family.
Bursting onto the roof, everyone runs to the railing as bright lights and sparkles shower the sky in colors but Uraraka suddenly finds herself being whipped back to the side of the staircase building, lips locked onto hers as her eyes flutter closed.
She and Bakugou share soft kisses under the glows of pinks and golds in the night sky for a moment before joining their friends. As they make their way to the rest of the class, their hands are still locked.
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The clocktower chimes out midnight as the last few fireworks explode in the sky. Midoriya smiles, trying to keep the tears at bay, when he hears the first phones begin to ring. Turning back, he sees Todoroki, Bakugou, and Uraraka quickly scanning the alerts. So, of course, it would be his closest friends first to be called. His heart clenches as he watches Uraraka pocket her phone and pulls her hair up. She would be fine without him, but he would miss her terribly.
"Alright! Later, extras, see ya when I break top ten!" Bakugou pulls off his tie, clearly energized for the upcoming mission. He didn't seem to care he's still in his party clothes.
"Honestly, you need to break into the list first," Todoroki says nonchalantly. Then, he rolls his eyes before jumping on the railing, not really caring about going to fight his first fight as a Pro in formal wear. Bakugou hops up beside him, rolling his shoulders out.
Todoroki turns back toward the group.
"Uravity, do you need to catch a ride?"
Uraraka is sitting on the ground exchanging her heels for her hero boots. "Nope! I stashed these in the stairwell earlier. I was hoping to get to use them." She laughs, standing up and walking back to the railing. Bakugou stops her, glaring at her outfit.
"You look fucking ridiculous.'' His face scrunches up. "In a nice ass dress and those monster boots."
Midoriya can't help but agree with Bakugou. Pullings out his phone, he snaps a few quick pictures of them arguing while Todoroki is looking toward the sky mumbling, "How did I end up having to deal with these lovebirds by myself?".
"Hey, Izuku!" Midoriya looks through the lens and Uraraka waves at his camera. "Make sure you post these when I break the top ten before all of you. 'Uravity flies to the top in her nice ass dress and monster boots'." She puts her hand to her chin, trying to imitate and mock Bakugou's early words.
She pushes off the railing, clicking her boosters on, leaving Bakugou yelling behind her about ruining her dress, and Todoroki sliding down on his ice.
Midoriya laughs through the tears, feeling glad knowing she would be safe and happy while he was on the other side of the world.
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