(A/N: Update is a bit late but here we are again! :) I had a morning shift at work and then had some errands I had to do after. I hope you like the rest of the final exams!

Disclaimer at the top, I have no idea how black holes actually work. I did some research online but it didn't make a lot of sense to me and I could be completely wrong. Though I don't go into too much detail so it should be fine. :)

Got a couple different povs this chapter and I did my best to make it clear. Warning for swearing because there is a Katsuki one as well.

Formatting reminder:

"Speech through a sound system."

"Hitoshi using his Quirk."

"Hitoshi doing an impression without his Quirk." )

...

"Team Sero and Midoriya have passed the exam!" a voice announced their win as they crossed through the gate.

Sero and Izuku cheered with twinned fist pumps into the air before the taller teen helped the other off his back. A number of robots came to attend to them. The Quirkless teen provided the ones going off to attend to Midnight with a supply of the solution he and Mei had come up with to dissolve the glue safely and quickly without damage to person or property.

They were escorted to a rather large tent labeled 'Recovery Girl's Field Medic Station'. Inside they found said Hero within along with some of their classmates. Some were lying down on cots while others were huddled around a viewing area with several screens showing the different matches. Shuuzenji finished her fussing on one of her other patients before coming over to check on them. She instructed them to their own set of cots and started assessing their injuries.

Sero was completely uninjured having been thrown away so quickly in their test. Izuku had some bruises and scrapes but nothing too serious. She gave them both a kiss and some gummies giving them the all clear. The two thanked her with a bow and they both moved to join the others when the Hero stopped them. They turned back to her in confusion when she placed her attention on Izuku.

"One moment, Midoriya-kun," Recovery Girl said. "Seeing as we're together and have some with injuries, would you like to come observe? Then we can finally start at least a little of your first aid training."

Green eyes widened in surprise and then a beaming smile broke on his face.

"Oh, yes, of course!" he chirped in excitement.

The elder woman gave an approving nod before walking to the nearest patient.

"More training?" Sero teased with a grin. "How many mentors do you have now, Midoriya?"

"Heh heh, just a few," he replied with a blush before following after the Healing Hero.

Both Satou and Aoyama were pretty beat up. Turns out they tried to take Cementoss head on with sugar powered punches and belly button lasers. However, both of them were incapacitated by overwhelming amounts of cement barriers and overuse of their Quirks. Cementoss on the other hand thrived in urban areas and had no time or energy limit to his Quirk. Their match apparently ended in the first few minutes and were lying passed out in the recovery tent.

There weren't any serious injuries from Tenya and Ojiro's match. Theirs ended actually pretty quickly as well. Powerloader had hidden underground and laid traps beneath the dirt of their battle area. Tenya had been able to outrun the obstacles and, with a quick decision, was able to fling Ojiro to the exit gate with a Quirk powered spin. The tail wielder then was able to deflect a grapple from their opponent and pass through the gate to secure their win. If anything, Tenya was the most injured with some bruising from being buried in the ground up to his neck.

Tsuyu and Tokoyami faired alright. There were no seriously injures past scrapes and bruises. It was fascinating to hear how they faced off against Ectoplasm's clones. Relying on team work and thankfully had essentially a third fighter on their side with Dark Shadow. The sentient spirit was key to their victory.

Communication between the three was also a major factor in their win. They had devised an awesome sounding escape plan only the two of them could have pulled off that Izuku was itching to watch with his own eyes. As a fighting pair, they complimented each other well. Tokoyami was strong in long range combat but weak at close range. Tsuyu however was easily able to back him up and cover his blind spots.

Thanks to her level-headedness and quick thinking, she had been able to swallow the cuffs seconds before being swallowed by what sounded like a terrifyingly tall super clone of Ectoplasm. Even Izuku didn't think he could have done that. Definitely not physically. Then with Dark Shadow distracting their opponent she was able to spit them back up and with a bit of subterfuge, a shadowy fist managed to cuff Ectoplasm around his prosthetic leg gaining their victory.

Hagakure and Shouji were unscathed. They had been pinned down under Snipe's fire for a while with the added obstruction of smoke. The invisible girl separated from her partner removing her gloves and shoes to go full stealth. Izuku knew she did have a suit on but going barefoot wasn't very safe. He might look into new gear for her that could switch between visible and invisible along the same lines of his new color changing suit.

Shouji had acted as the distraction, keeping Snipe's focus on him trusting in his teammate. He even 'surrendered' with his many arms raised confusing his opponent and giving Hagakure the chance to cuff him. A bait and switch that lead to their win.

That was all who finished so far, the rest were still battling it out in their respective matches. Izuku was interested in watching all of them, but there were two he was torn between focusing on more. Shouto's or Hitoshi's. They were his closest friends and while it may be biased, they were the ones he was rooting for the most. However, seeing the danger his brother was currently in, green eyes couldn't look away from his screen.

...

Ochako and Hitoshi were in quite a pickle. They were up against Thirteen who was currently trying to suck them up with their Quirk like a vacuum. Or more accurately pulled into a black hole which was much worse. Either way, it was all they could do to hold on. The match had started with their opponent giving them an opening to run. However, the short reprieve was only enough for them to grab a hold of the railing for dear life.

Fuck, this sucks.

Pun may or may not be intended. You decide. Right now, Hitoshi had other worries. Number one was to not get sucked into a Pro Hero's finger. Number two, which was just as important as number one, was to not let his partner meet a similar fate. Ochako and he were in this together and he would be damned if either of them got hurt or failed. He would not let this be another Hosu getting taken out of the fight so quickly.

Think, Hitoshi, think. What would Aizawa do? What would Izuku do?

He couldn't use his Quirk right now nor could he do anything with his mask. His hands were too busy keeping him where he was. Ochako couldn't use her Quirk either since she couldn't get anywhere close to their opponent in their current predicament. Nor was it enough to negate the effects of Black Hole. They had no offensive or defense when it came to Thirteen's Quirk. It seemed the only way out of this was a diversion or a surprise twist the Pro Hero didn't expect.

But what? What would shock Thirteen into turning off their Quirk? Any weapons they threw would just get sucked up into nothing. The only thing that could possibly throw them off was the loss of something irreplaceable. Precious as life itself.

Fuck, it has to be that, doesn't it?

"Fuck," Hitoshi voiced out loud.

"What is it?" Ochako yelled beside him.

"I have a plan," the brainwasher called out as he adjusted to scoot closer to her. "And I don't think you're going to like it."

Once he was close enough, he whisper-shouted into her ear just loud enough for her to hear but not Thirteen over the sucking sound of their Quirk. The gravity girl's face paled as she listened to the insane plan.

"You're right, I don't like it," she replied. "But what other choice do we have?"

"To me, none," Hitoshi said, his brows scrunched in frustration. "But it's the only thing I can think of that could work. It's risky, I know, but if you're willing, we might have a chance to win this."

Her brown eyes searched his purple for something though he didn't know what. Hope? Inner strength? Courage? Who knew but whatever it was she found it as a determined look came over her face.

"Let's do it," Ochako declared with a firm nod. "Let's win."

"Right," Hitoshi responded with his own and a masked smirk. "Let's do this."

The two teens maneuvered in a way so Thirteen couldn't see what they had planned. Ochako used her Quirk on him allowing the brainwasher to hike himself up to wrap one of his arms around the pole to hold himself and freeing the other arm. Manipulating his capture weapon, he looped it around her wrist several times then tied off the end on the pole with some give. What they had planned might dislocate her shoulder but if they predicted correctly, that would be the worst of their injuries. And just in case the end on the rope slipped, she was still connected to the rest of his capture weapon.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hitoshi asked once they were ready, earning another determined nod. "Okay, here it goes. URAVITY, WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"

"I KNOW, HOAX, BUT HOW?" she yelled as well, making damn well sure Thirteen heard them.

"TAKE MY HAND," he cried holding out his free hand.

Playing her role well, Ochako looked at it skeptically while casting nervous glances back at their opponent. She then subtly let go of the pole with her wrapped arm, grabbing the give tied to the pole before she reached with her other hand for his own. Only for her to 'slip' just as she took hold of him.

"URAVITY!" Hoax called out, lacing in a tone of fear. "HOLD ON!"

"I…I CAN'T!" she wailed as her fingers 'slipped' as well.

"URAVITY NO!" the brainwasher exclaimed. While Thirteen was distracted by the 'falling' girl, he quickly fiddled with his mask to a setting he had memorized before yelling in Aizawa's voice. "THIRTEEN, STOP THIS MATCH IMMEDIATELY!"

"R-right!" the Pro Hero replied as they deactivated their Quirk on instinct, only for their arms to fall limp on their side a moment later.

Ochako, not actually in danger, landed on the ground still gripping the length of his scarf that kept her tethered to the pole. While he floated next to her still gripping the bar. They both stayed where they were for a few moments trying to catch their breathe. It was such a risk and yet it worked. Thirteen was brainwashed and they had a moment to breath.

Thank the fucking gods.

Once he felt more composed, Hitoshi unwrapped Ochako from the pole after she deactivated her Quirk and they walked over to the Hero together. He could be the one to cuff them as his touch didn't affect those under his control, but he turned to face his partner instead.

"Care to do the honors," Hitoshi said with the cuffs held out in offering, his voice still sounding like Aizawa.

"Sure, but can you not talk in that voice now?" Ochako replied with a smirk.

The purple haired teen nodded and changed his mask back to normal. The gravity girl eyed up the brainwashed Hero trying to figure the best way to do this. Once ready, she managed to pin the easy target down with one of the moves she learned from Gunhead. Thirteen came back to reality confused and cuffed but soon congratulated them on their win.

...

Oh wow, that was amazing! Izuku thought as their match concluded. A risky move but it worked out in the end.

The greenet smiled knowing that his brother had passed the final before turning to the other screens. Even though they were still fighting, Izuku could see that Jirou would need healing after her and Kouda's exam. He felt really really bad about her match up because a listening Quirk like hers up against a voice Quirk like Present Mic's was the worst. She was clearly hurting with the blood dripping from her ears. Kouda was still being affected as well with all the animals being scared away. There was also his shy nature obviously not liking being yelled at from across a forest.

However, in such an environment they still had a chance to win. It was a weakness Izuku had learned about the Voice Hero from Hitoshi a couple weeks into him living with their teachers. His brother regaled him with a hilarious tale of the great Pro Hero Present Mic screeching and hiding on top of the refrigerator in full costume. All to get away from the smallest of bugs that had dared to invade their home. All while Hitoshi and Aizawa watched in amusement with the latter cancelling out his husband's Quirk during his freak out.

Yamada had been saved by DJ simply eating the bug as if it was nothing. It had made the loud blonde scream about his baby eating a bug both grossed out by it but also happy it was gone. Hitoshi had so wanted to record the scene so badly but was threatened with being grounded if he did. Though Aizawa apparently did sneak a picture of Yamada's freaked out face, for posterities sake of course.

But back to the matter at hand, if Kouda could summon and control the countless number of insects and other creatures teaming under the ground, they had a win. Because other than that, Present Mic had already scared off any other animals he could possibly work with. A revelation that it looked like Jirou had as well offering something to her partner only for the boy to freak out. But there was a problem with that plan.

Kouda was also scared of bugs.

That could mean a loss if he couldn't work past that fear, but it seemed that seeing that same blood Izuku saw running from her ears spurred him into action. Kouda forced himself to give orders to a grouping of bugs found near them and shortly after an arsenal of tiny allies erupted from the ground at Present Mic's feet. The onslaught of creepy critters caused the Pro Hero to pass out and the students won with Kouda carrying Jirou in his arms through the gate.

Having finished before them, Hitoshi entered just in time to see the end of that fight. One look at his guardian who had fainted to an army of bugs caused the purple haired teen to sigh and shake his head.

"Taken out by bugs, huh?" the brainwasher commented.

"Yep, as predicted," Izuku replied.

"…wow," was all his brother said in an unimpressed tone before going over to meet with Recovery Girl. Most likely to get lectured about how dangerous their stunt was.

The Quirkless teen was torn between observing her and watching the rest of the matches. Shuuzenji easily noticed and waved him off. She had managed to show him at least a few things and could go over them again in the future. He sent a smile in thanks before giving his sole attention to the screens.

There were three pairs left fighting their respective enemies, but Izuku's attention went straight to Shouto's match. He and Momo were up against Eraserhead. It was a tough match up for them as they tended to rely on their Quirks a lot, so going up against an opponent that could erase them would prove to be a challenge. They would have to be calm, collected, and creative as well as work together as a team. He also hoped Momo would take his advice on being flexible in a fight and use the enemy's weaknesses against them.

From what the others said it was a shaky start. Shouto had taken charge when Momo appeared to hesitate, still haunted by her loss against Tokoyami despite their talk. However, as they were running through alleyways and hidden paths through the fake neighborhood, she stopped them. Still hesitant but looking a bit more resolved. After talking for a short while, they continued on their path with no one knowing what they discussed.

I wonder what they're planning.

The idea to continuously use their Quirks to help indicate when Eraserhead was in eye sight of them was both smart and yet not. Especially when it came to Momo. It was a huge waste of her lipids whereas Shouto could just alternate between his two sides to keep his equilibrium. They tried to stay hidden as much as possible to keep themselves out of their enemy's radar, but this was up against a Pro Underground Hero.

Eraserhead was considered one of the best in his line of work. Hiding in the shadows and skilled in espionage and infiltration. It would take a miracle to not run into him once during their exam. The students watched with bated breath as they could see their homeroom teacher closing in.

When the opposing sides clashed, it was awe inspiring. Finding footage of an Eraserhead fight was extremely difficult and typically of very poor quality making analyzing it a challenge. But here it was in broad daylight and not under threat of real Villains in the USJ or Hosu. They could see his skilled moves clear as day and boy was it awesome.

Eraserhead ran across powerlines as if he was born to it. Or he was part cat which wouldn't surprise Izuku at all. The use of his capture weapon to traverse the residential area was like it was a part of him. Just another limb that he could manipulate with ease. Expertise that almost got Shouto captured standing out in the open for some reason. The Quirkless teen felt fear for his friend at the terrifying sight of Eraserhead baring down with Erasure active, hair standing on end and eyes glowing red like a demon.

However, it turned out to be a diversion as the element wielder quickly closed his eyes as Momo ran out and threw one of the Russian nesting dolls she had made. They turned out not to be as wasteful as he thought as inside was a cleverly hidden flash grenade. She had even rigged them in a way that breaking them open pulled the pin which Aizawa didn't know until after kicking one.

With the Pro Hero distracted and disoriented, the pair ran in the opposite direction to get some distance. They gained a lead while Aizawa took a moment to quickly apply eye drops before running after them. It was inspirational to watch him shoot out his capture weapon to grapple onto the powerlines to launch himself into the air. Hitoshi and Izuku just had to practice doing that with their own.

When the Erasure Hero grew closer, the students kept running trying to get away even with their Quirks erased. To some of the others they thought they were had, but Izuku thought differently. Fighting against an opponent like Eraserhead was all a matter of timing. Erasure was a powerful Quirk but also had weaknesses to exploit such as his need to blink.

In the brief moment the black-haired man was forced to close his eyes, the screen was instantly filled with ice. Shouto skidded to a halt on the turn of his heel and unleashed his biggest move, Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall. The glacial wall blocked them from their opponent's view giving them cover to implement the next part of their plan.

Izuku watched curiously at the different things Momo was creating. A long length of cloth similar to Aizawa's scarf, a catapult, two big pieces of black cloth, and what looked like a dummy puppet of sorts. Once ready, they covered themselves in the cloths that obscured them and the catapult completely. Then they were off.

Eraserhead had waited on his side of the wall since the escape gate was behind him. Whether they decided to fight or run, they would have to go through him regardless. Upon sight of the disguised figures, the Erasure Hero shot after them moving almost too fast to see even with the compressed weights on his ankles and wrists. His capture weapon shot out and wrapped around their heads pinning the students together. Or…so he thought.

So that's what the dummy was for.

When Aizawa pulled his scarf taunt, the black cloth furled up to reveal Momo crouched next to the catapult while holding the dummy high. He was caught by surprise at the sudden appearance of the weapon and missed the creation girl's momentary slip of missing the launching lever. Instead, his head moved as if glancing at the still covered element wielder while jumping away.

At the same time Momo successfully launched the catapult and the scarf look-a-like flew through the air surrounding the Erasure Hero. Flames suddenly erupted from under the black cloth and Momo's capture weapon copycat started to react. As the heat rose, the material was no longer loose and pliable, instead stiffening and wrapping tightly around Eraserhead in an instant.

Oh, she must have infused it with nitinol alloy, a metal with shape memory when exposed to heat. How clever!

It was an impressive plan that used her creation and his fire, together playing a part in their victory. Though Momo still looked unsure about her win. However, Aizawa must have said something because the next moment she was covering her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. It worsened when Shouto placed a comforting hand on her arm.

The creation girl suddenly hugged him and he awkwardly held his arms out not used to hugging anyone other than Izuku. Said greenet watched endearingly as Shouto carefully wrapped his arms around her. They were friends and hugs were a great comfort. Though Izuku still felt a pang of jealousy seeing someone else hugging his Sh…hugging Shouto.

No, nope. Yes, I like Shouto, but he is my friend. Not my boyfriend or anything.

Damn feelings. Now that he had accepted he liked Shouto, he found himself getting jealous of others. Those who got too close or too familiar with him. Sharing those sorts of things was something special just between them. When others did it, he didn't like it, but he also couldn't stop it from happening all the time. Not as a friend.

Ugh, not now, feelings.

To distract himself, Izuku turned to the last two matches still on going. Ashido and Kaminari were up against Nezu, trapped in the same industrial maze they were in for All Might's assessment. Izuku knew exactly why they were paired up against the principal. Both were strong opponents when it came to raw Quirk power however they were single-minded and more action-oriented than strategic. Which didn't mesh well with how the chimera viewed life like a game of chess, always thinking many moves ahead.

Explains why he tricked me the way he did but still doesn't hurt any less.

The world was falling apart around the Hero students who ran for their lives. The overview shot of their battle area showed how Nezu was strategically sealing off any direct routes to the exit gate. There was another window on the screen that gave them the perfect view of the principal himself. Cackling madly in a crane swinging a wrecking ball with careful calculations all while drinking bloodred hibiscus tea, his favorite when feeling most sinister.

Izuku figured his mentor would win when the time ran out and so turned his focus on the other fight. Bakugou and Eijirou against All Might. The Quirkless teen let out a sigh seeing that the two had decided on a head on approach. Attacking the Number One Hero again and again in hopes to win. Which they could if they were smart and strategic like Tsuyu and Tokoyami had been, cuffing the Hero when least expected.

But this was Bakugou they were talking about. Sure, he may have shown some change over the last few weeks, but he was still Bakugou. Still rage and adrenaline with a mindset inclined toward determining one's place in the world through brute force. Which could have worked against a different opponent but not so much against All Might.

They were at least still fighting rather than downed immediately. An explosive sword and a rock-hard shield against the might of the Number One Hero. But Quirks were like muscles, prone to fail with overuse. As the seconds ticked by, they lost more and more stamina. It would have been more efficient and smarter to find a way to cuff All Might, but Bakugou just had to win by overpowering his opponent.

What. An. Idiot, he thought with another sigh.

Thankfully his frustration with the explosive blonde as well as his recent bout of jealousy were both extinguished as cool fingers suddenly intertwined with his. Shouto was back and already given the all clear from Recovery Girl. Freeing him to take his chosen place at Izuku's side. One that felt good and right, comforting like him.

"Are you okay?" Shouto asked as he ran a soothing thumb over his skin. "You look upset."

"No, I'm alright. Just frustrated at Bakugou for not using his brain," Izuku replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "I know he can and does use it often, but he has a bad habit of letting his anger take over at times."

Like with me during our confrontation.

"Ah, I see," Shouto said as they both turned back to the screen to watch a raging blonde and hard-fighting redhead battling it out against the Number One Hero.

...

Fuck, why isn't this working?!

Katsuki was pissed. His plan had been simple. Beat All Might with his Quirk and have Shitty Hair back him up. Kirishima had agreed thinking capturing rather than running would get them a higher score. Which actually didn't really matter because this was a pass/fail exam. All that capturing would do would show how strong they were and not cowards running away like dogs with their tails between their legs.

Bakugou Katsuki was not a coward.

He was strong, a Hero. Yes, he was a bully in the past but his intentions were meant to be good. To make Deku realize he couldn't be a Quirkless Hero or else he would end up dead. Because Katsuki always believed that to be the truth. But now, here at UA, he was learning he was wrong. Not something he wanted to admit out loud per say but the thought was flittering around him mind as if his inner voice was waving it like a flag trying to get him to acknowledge it.

Damn his conscience trying to make sense. His inner voice had always been an annoying little thing, trying to goad him into second guessing his thoughts and actions. Not that he had listened before but now with facing his consequences and talking to Hound Dog, he was now. And boy was it irritating since he couldn't tune it out same as before.

That same voice had been yelling at him this entire match, questioning his decision to face All Might head on and sounding annoyingly like Deku for some reason. But this was how it had to be done. Katsuki had to fight All Might and win to prove he will be a Hero. That he was strong enough to take down the Number One Hero and show how he would surpass his idol as he always planned. To finally get a win after all his previous losses.

Kirishima went along with his plan eagerly, excited to join him in battle again despite his worries about facing All Might. And Katsuki had to admit they worked well together. He didn't have to worry about hurting Shitty Hair with his explosions and his partner knew when to step in and when to let Katsuki take the lead. A perfect tank to his DPS if you wanted to be a fucking nerd about it.

The plan was simple. Toy with the enemy until time was almost up and then knock him out, blasting the smile right of his fucking face. However…said plan was not going as well as he thought it would. All Might was strong, no fucking shit, he was the Number One Hero after all. But even with those shitty entirely unneeded handicap weights, the Symbol of Peace was proving more of a challenge than he expected.

It had started with a powerful blast of air roaring towards them down the main street. Windows breaking and weakened parts of buildings flying off. Debris was everywhere as they righted themselves and stared at the devastation. It was clear All Might was taking his role seriously and acting like the Villain he was assigned to play. No care for destruction of property and surrounded by an air of intimidation more powerful than they had ever experienced before.

Katsuki distracted the approaching Villain with a stun grenade, blinding him with the sudden glare. He jumped to attack All Might head on and not even the man grabbing his face stopped him from firing rapid fire explosions at him. It did suck when he was body-slammed into the ground and finally able to breathe again when the huge hand let him go. Fiery red eyes blinked open enough to see their opponent going after Kirishima.

Red Riot hadn't been expecting the flash of light so was affected by the friendly fire attack. It was as his friend was blinking to fix his vision that Kirishima got taken down. Before he knew it, All Might was behind the redhead and all he could do was activate his Quirk and take the powerful punch that sent him flying. Katsuki had planned to take the Villain from above as he propelled himself with explosions, but the students ended up colliding in the air head on.

Fucking hell that hurts.

But neither of them wanted to give up. Shitty Hair got up first and offered a hand to Katsuki. Normally the blonde would refuse any kind of help because he was just fine on his own. But this was Kirishima who didn't look down on him nor did he see himself as beneath him. No, they were equals. Partners, friends. Battling together to prove they were going to be great Heroes.

Let's do this, he thought as he took the other's hand.

Again and again, they attacked the Villain. Katsuki with explosive punches and Kirishima with hardened strikes. They scored hits for sure but there were also misses as well. Guts were punched and their last meals were sent flying everywhere. It was quite disgusting actually but they refused to give up. No matter how many times it took, they would do their best to beat All Might.

The most amazing Hero always wins.

It was something he believed since childhood. A part of who he was refusing to ever give up. Always fighting even if his opponent was bigger or older than him. They were just weaklings standing in his way. Going up against All Might was no different...or so he had thought.

The man's speed was insane making even thinking of running or hiding a crazy idea. No matter what they did they would end up fighting him. Logically the only way to beat him was with a full-power attack. His smaller blasts earlier did nothing to the Villain so he had to go bigger, harder. Same with Shitty Hair. He had to be harder than rock, taking and giving blow after blow.

First one grenade gauntlet was destroyed and shortly after the other. But not even a knee to the chin or being bitch-slapped with his own partner would stop Katsuki from fighting. They would just have to change tactics now that his stronger moves were out of play. Well, not entirely.

His gauntlets were designed so he could use his stronger attacks with less risk of hurting himself. Storing up his sweat to be ignited all at once, but he could still do that without them. It meant having to force more of his sweat out instead of collecting it over time. This took a toll on him as his arm spasmed in pain while his body pumped out his sweat for another full-blown attack.

Katsuki was able to fire off multiple of those between Red Riot's own attacks. Kirishima even landed a solid hardened blow to All Might's left side that seemed to really throw the Villain off. It gave the explosive teen the perfect opportunity to end this. Katsuki finally got him into a good choke hold, ready to hold on for dear life until All Might passed out and they won. Only to be overtaken by a sudden wave of horror instead of victory as a buzzer went off.

"Team Kirishima and Bakugou have failed due to the time expiring."

…what.

He…lost? Katsuki couldn't believe it. He lost. Again. He lost a-fucking-gain. What the shit?! No! This was not how this was supposed to go. He was supposed to win. Finally win and prove that he was a Hero. But he lost instead. Once again failed to reach his goals despite all his hard effort. Why? Why couldn't he win anymore?

The younger blonde was so stunned he forgot he was holding All Might. The man easily and carefully removed his arms. He placed the shocked teen down on the ground who was oblivious to the world or those around him. Both All Might and Kirishima started at him with concern for the catatonic teen. Never had he been so…quiet.

...

The look of dismayed confusion on Bakugou's face hurt Izuku bad in his kind heart. He hated to see anyone lose and he knew that his childhood friend was going to be taking this harder than anyone else. Winning was a big part of what he thought a Hero was. He knew that was one of the reasons why the blonde looked up to All Might so much. The strongest man on Earth who always won at the end of the day. An ideal Bakugou looked up to and aimed to surpass.

But not today. With the sound of the buzzer and the announcement of their loss, the explosive teen once again was not a winner. Despite everything that has happened between them, it didn't stop Izuku from feeling bad for the guy. He was going to be devastated after this. At least he wasn't going to be alone though since the greenet noticed Eijirou hanging out with him again.

Thank you, Eijirou-kun, for not giving up on him.

Said friend was helping the unresponsive blonde onto a stretcher and walking with the robots that escorted them out of the battle area. Izuku looked around to see how the others were reacting to the conclusion of the practical tests. Other than Kaminari and Ashido, the rest were there to witness the explosive teen's devastation at his loss. Their expressions were a mix of concern, a hint of guilt, and even a bit of pity. It was clear to all of them that a win would have meant a lot to their resident angry Pomeranian.

Ashido and Kaminari were confused by the mood as they joined the others but immediately understood as Bakugou and Ejirou arrived. The redhead gave them a smile that was more of a grimace before turning back to his oddly quiet friend. The others in the Bakusquad traded looks before joining him and approaching Bakugou for the first time in weeks. While a majority of Class 1-A did pass the exam, the air was solemn as they all felt for the distraught blonde.

With a final once-over from Recovery Girl, they were released to go change and go home to all get some much-needed rest. Bakugou had to be escorted to the waiting buses by his friends. He was more lucid now but still weirdly quiet and avoiding eye contact. His expression was blank and looked strange without his typical scowl. Softer and less…Bakugou.

There wasn't anything Izuku could do about it though as any action on his part could make the situation worse. So instead, he put his trust in the Bakusquad and turned his focus to his own friends. They sat down near each other as the bus drove them back to the main building. Izuku was of course sitting next to Shouto, not once having let go of his hand. They weren't exactly hiding it nor making a show of it. The others didn't comment on it either having grown used to the pair being physically closer than the rest. The not-yet-a-couple were unaware of the betting pool Hitoshi and Mei had organized on when they would finally be official.

"So Shouto," Izuku said gaining his attention beyond their interwoven hands. "Who came up with your strategy during your exam?"

"Both of us actually," Shouto answered. "Us using our Quirks continuously was my idea and hers was how we eventually captured him. Momo said it was all about timing and she was right. Her plan worked perfectly."

The greenet smiled as he glanced over to said girl who was blushing having overheard their conversation. Good, she needed the moral boost after the Sports Festival. Though that twinge of jealousy popped up again as he remembered they hugged after they won.

"Were you worried about fighting Aizawa-sensei?" Izuku asked as he turned back to his friend in an attempt to distract himself from such thoughts.

"Yes, but it worked out in the end," Shouto replied with a shrug. "Momo thought we won because Aizawa let us when she missed hitting the launch lever. But Aizawa said he jumped back to avoid getting potentially frozen by me and unintentionally fell into her trap."

Ah, so that's what he said to make her cry like that.

"I see, well good for you guys," the greenet smiled, internally willing his jealous side to calm the heck down. "I'm glad you're becoming closer friends. Hugs are a great source of comfort."

Grey and blue eyes studied him for a moment before Shouto said, "It was a bit strange since we don't do that often if at all, but it was kind of nice."

"Ah, I see," Izuku muttered, looking away in an attempt to hide his sad expression.

Shouto noticed anyway and leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "However, I like hugging you more."

The Quirkless teen shivered at the confession as well as the feeling of his breath on his ear. The bi-color teen pulled back just enough away so that when Izuku turned to look at him their noses were almost brushing each other.

"…really?" Izuku breathed, staring in disbelief into eyes of stormy grey and balmy blue.

Shouto merely let out an affirming hum in reply, his own eyes lost in forest green. Izuku blushed before bashfully turning away, smiling wider feeling better that his warm friend liked his hugs more. Meanwhile his other friends, especially Hitoshi, all rolled their eyes at the interaction. Collectively thinking 'just kiss already'. Seriously, the pining and flirting were getting old.

Once the buses arrived on the main campus, they quickly changed and returned to class 1-A briefly to be told to come to UA the next day. The teachers had to go over their results of their exams and then they would be meeting at school only in the morning to give them their grades. Then the rest of their weekend they would be free.

...

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