Loving you was dumb, dark and cheap
Loving you will still take shots at me
Found loving you was sunshine, but then it poured
And I lost so much more than my senses
'Cause loving you had consequences - Consequences by Camila Cabello

I woke in the morning with the day's activities hanging over me like a poisoned sword. First I had to call Endeavor's and quit. I wasn't sure what that would entail, but Tsu made it sound easy. Then I had to turn in the rest of my paperwork for my last week of internship at the Rainy Day Rescue Agency.

I reached for the phone and it buzzed, scarring me half to death. "Hello? Uraraka speaking."

"Miss Uraraka," The stern voice of our front desk woman, Miss Abarai, revved up to yell at me. "You're late, and this agency doesn't look kindly on tardiness. How close are you to being here for your shift?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Abarai." I didn't have to fake my contriteness. "I quit. Effective immediately."

I could almost see her blinking, her lashes fluttering in consternation. "You quit? But you had the best trainer and we all…"

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't fulfill my contract. What do I need to do now?"

She sighed, "Then please come and clean out your locker. When you arrive, I'll have whatever hero is not on patrol sign you out. I'll prepare your severance check." She paused, obviously at the end of my exit instructions, but more on her mind. "May I ask a personal question?"

"I'll be there in an hour or so. Thank you for everything Miss Abarai." I hung up. Everyone in that Agency must have seen how Shoto treated me. How I acted around him. Her personal question could only mean one thing. Shoto wasn't happy today either.

I only had to dress the baby before leaving, so it didn't take too long before I was back at Endeavor's. I stood outside, and let the memories of my three weeks here wash around me. I had been happy here, happier than I'd any right to, probably. I could practically hear Aizawa-sensei telling our class that emotion had little place in hero work. Although how that squared with All-Might's smiles and never-say-die attitude, I'm sure I couldn't say.

The doors swung open, surprising me as Bakugo strode out into the sidewalk. "Hey."

"Bakugo!'

He strode toward us, "I couldn't believe it when I heard." Ducking at the last second to peer in at Kai. "Hey kiddo."

"That I'm quitting? Sorry if that doesn't fit with your worldview."

He nodded, and stood straight, "You don't have to work with Shoto. If that's what you're worried about. I don't have an intern right now. I can take you on."

I couldn't deny that the offer was attractive. Except that I felt Tsu's thoughts, that I was better suited to rescue than apprehension, were correct. I shook my head wearily, and rolled the stroller past him into the Agency.

I held the door with my hip, "If you need to sign me out, then I'm getting my things. I don't want to be accused of theft."

"Even if i watched you stuff the whole fuckin' agency into your back pocket I wouldn't ever make that accusation."

"Could you watch your language?" I gestured at Kai who kicked and laughed. "I don't want to raise Bakugo the second."

He laughed then, walking past me into the lobby, "You couldn't possibly think that's a bad thing."

I shook my head again, unable to stuff down the grin I could feel tugging at my lips. I trailed him to the locker room. "Do you mind waiting with him while I get my kit and suit?"

"I'm going to tell him all the dirty words I know," Katsuki barked in his gruff voice.

"As you say. The second he utters one, I promise to relieve you of your gravity, and not bring you back down until you're frozen in the upper atmosphere." I gave him a syrup sweet smile and ducked into the room.

When I came out, Katsuki was squatting in front of the stroller, making faces at Kai while he laughed and tried to grab the toy Katsuki was waving. Katsuki gave him the toy, and stood again, "He is really cute. Looks like his grandpa."

"Shoto has a big mouth," I groused sourly. "Does he just tell you everything?"

"He was.." Katsuki frowned, staring off into the middle distance. "Shoto shouldn't have spilled your secrets, but I did say I'd beat them outta him. Secrets can get people killed. That's on me."

"Did he tell you everything? How he left?"

Katsuki brought his gaze down to meet mine again, "He said enough. When I saw him yesterday morning, he'd regretted it. He still loves you."

"Maybe he does. All I know is that I'm still heartbroken, and nothing has happened to even start to fix that. Except, well…" I waffled for a moment between showing him the letter Midoriya had written or keeping it to myself. "I got a letter from Midoriya."

"Let me guess: He's still a shit head?"

I snorted lightly, "Language? And a little, yes. After all that's happened, though, I sort-of want to run to him. He was a good friend up until my last minutes at UA."

He held out his gloved hand, the blazing orange contrasting with the green and black in a way that brought back memories of our time in school together. Katsuki, who was a hothead of the most volcanic variety, was also a methodical thinker when he wanted to be. This was a cool Katsuki. The one I trusted with my life. I found the letter and handed it to him.

Ochaco

It feels strange to write to you instead of just turning aside after class or finding you watching that anime you like down in the common room on weekends. Maybe that sounds a little too familiar, but we were the best of friends until I screwed things up with you. I know I could have called, but I'm not sure I could have said it right on the phone. I am sorry for the words I said, but at the time, they seemed right.

I've heard that you've regained your powers. Although it seems crude of me to say, I am glad you did. I wanted to come see you in the hospital, but after hearing about it from Todoroki I was afraid of how you'd feel. How I would feel. It's a coward's reason, I know. I hope you can forgive me. I hope Shoto can too. Let him know I'm sorry if I set him off.

I also heard that you had a baby! At first I wasn't sure how I felt about that, but if anyone deserves love and a family it's you. I also heard that no one seems to know who the father is. That's harder for me to understand than you can know. All I can say is, if he's alive, he won't be comfortable for much longer! All of your baby's uncles and aunties will make sure of that. If he's not, well, then, my condolences.

I am serving in the States right now, like All Might before me. I'd like the chance to apologize to you in person. If you could think about it? I'd be happy to pay for you and Kaiden… did I spell that right? I'd love it if I could see you again and meet your little boy. And for you to see what my life is like now. Please do think about it.

As All Might might have said: Don't forget to smile! I miss you each day more and more.

Izuku

Katsuki handed the letter back, "Don't do that. I know things aren't right for you, but if my opinion matters to you, don't leave."

"I loved him back then, but I don't any more. If you're worried about Shoto, then don't be. I don't know how I feel about him right now, but I do know I can't love Midoriya. Not again." I sighed resignedly and eyed Katsuki. "But I can leave."

"I don't give a shit about Midoriya. I hate to say this, but All Might and Deku are the reason why our laws keep getting harsher and villains keep getting smarter." He crossed his arms, and without the gauntlets it was still impressive. Katsuki could probably punch a hole straight through a wall with little resistance. "He is right about being a fucking coward. I miss him, but sometimes I could just knock his damned lights out."

I laughed, "Refreshing. I missed the old you. You could tell me you'd murder Shoto if you want."

"I'll kill him." Katsuki didn't smile though. "I know he fucked up royal.."

I interrupted, "Please stop cussing in front of Kaiden? And what you think might have happened probably doesn't cover it. Until he apologizes, explains or whatever to my face though? I can't just go on like nothing happened. I can't work here. I don't really feel like being in the same city, either."

Red eyes blazed, "He was a coward too. I won't say anything different. I wanted to kill him when I found his sorry butt yesterday. But he is my friend, and he's so screwed up right now. He needs you." Just as suddenly his countenance softened to a state I wasn't used to seeing on him. "I understand though. You deserve better than what happened."

"Katsuki," my eyes teared up. His strong arms wrapped around me, crushing me in a hug that I never thought to receive from him. But I took the comfort he was offering, and I wrapped my arms around him, and tried not to cry.

He patted me awkwardly until I released him, making him grab my shoulders, "Get this crap figured out."

"Sage advice." I smiled, wiping tears away as the lead secretary rushed toward us.

"So sorry! Miss Uraraka, here is your pay." She smoothed her suit over long shapely legs that made Bakugo grin faintly. Unless she was hiding a kick-ass knife or a drop-dead quirk under her skirt, that was probably the best interaction she'll ever have with him.

"Thank you, Miss Abarai." I turned back to Katsuki. "That's goodbye then." I didn't really want to leave it that way. I had not forgotten even one moment of knowing him. I'd been frightened of him when we first met, then gradually I realized he needed someone. Anyone to recognize that under the growl was just a kid like all of us.

I remembered talking to him, to be the first one to pluck up the courage to tell him to his face he was being a jerk. He'd been angry at first then he just… took it. It was then that I admired Bakugo just as much as Midoriya did. Those thoughts saddened me as I stood there, holding the stroller as Katsuki watched Miss Abarai shake her hips back to her desk.

"Can we be friends?" I blurted it out like I was fourteen again. A blush filled me from the toes up as Katsuki turned back to me.

A smile grew. "I thought we were, Uraraka. Invite me for dinner Friday. We can get caught up on Makeout Paradise."

That pall of regret lifted, and I smiled at him, "No one knows you love that do they?" My laughter rang out, "It's a date. Who else would ever watch it with you?"

"Or keep our secret? Take care, Ochaco." He stroked broad fingers over Kaiden's head, "And see ya on Friday little man. Be good for your mom."

AN/ Ochaco's heart-to-heart with Bakugo was in a one-shot done by Horikoshi quite some time ago. Abarai is another Bleach homage. Makeout Paradise is a Naruto reference if you didn't know. Mosevic doesn't read either of those fine franchises. Please praise him, then throw a tomato.

ANN/ So, yeah. If you're familiar with my work you know that I have some serious mental health issues. The days are long and hot, and I hear that season.. 6? LOL is coming in October, so I was jazzed enough to be horrified that I just locked this away and refused to think about it. I have been writing on it, though, and my intention is to finish it. Sorry, guys. I'll try harder.