Over the next 10 months, Katsuki and I worked on our relationship and our bodies. We trained on most days of the week and meet up once a month for a sleepover. My nightmares were down to a bare minimum but were still there. As we both got stronger I was able to sleep without calling him or sleeping beside him. I saw how strong Katsuki was and realized he could take care of himself no matter what happened. I got stronger too, I was able to take Katsuki down at least once every few training sessions. I noticed that even Izuku was training, building up more muscle than I thought was possible to get on a small body like his. Finally, the day arrived, the UA exams. Katsuki and I made our way to UA. I spotted a familiar green-haired boy in front of us.

"Stupid Deku," Katsuki growled.

Izuku turned around. "Kacchan, Koneko."

"Get out of my way now before I set you on fire." Katsuki threatened.

"Oh hey good morning! Let's just both do our best out there, okay? Good luck!" Izuku panicked.

I nudged Katsuki's shoulder. "Don't be so mean. Good luck Izuku!"

"I think that's the kid who withstood the sludge villain." One kid whispered. "His name's Bakugou right?"

"Yeah, he's the real deal. And that girl beside him is the one who tried to save him." Another kid replied.

"Oh yeah her, she got gravely injured. She's here? I guess she's pretty good."

Katsuki tensed slightly. I put my hand on his shoulder. We followed the signs into a big amphitheater. We were all seated and the lights turned off as the stage lights turned on.

"What's up UA candidates? Thanks for tuning in to me, your school DJ. Come on and let me hear ya!" Present Mic called.

No one said anything.

"Keeping mellow huh?" Mic shrugged. "That's fine, I'll skip straight to the main show. Let's talk about this practical exam is going to go down. Are you ready? Yeah!"

There was still silence. Well except for Izuku who was fanboying next to me.

"Oh my goodness, it's the Voice Hero Present Mic. So cool! I listen to his radio show every day of the week. It's so crazy nuts that all the UA teachers are pro heroes." Izuku was practically radiating light.

"Will you shut up," Katsuki muttered.

"Like your application said, today you rocking boys and girls will be out there conducting ten-minute mock battles in super hip urban settings. After I drop the mic here you'll head to your specified battle centers, sound good?"

I looked at my card, Battle Center C.

"I see they're splitting us up so we can't work with any of our friends." Katsuki glanced at mine and Izuku's cards.

"Yeah, you're right. Our examinee numbers are one after the other but we're assigned to different battle centers." Izuku said.

"Get your eyes off my card," Katsuki growled. "Damn, I was really looking forward to crushing you."

I rested my head on my hand. "And I was looking forward to having I quirk I knew how to use."

"Okay, okay, let's check out your targets. There's three types of faux villains in every battle center. You'll earn points based on their level of difficulty. So better choose wisely. Your goal in this trial is to use your quirk to raise your score by shredding these faux villains like a mid-song guitar solo. But check it, make sure you're keeping thing heroic. Attacking the other examinees is a UA no-no, ya dig?"

"Excuse me sir but I have a question." Someone called.

"Hit me!" Mic called.

"On the printout, you listed four types of villains, not three. With all respect, if this is an error on official UA material, it is shameful. We are exemplary students. We expect the best from Japan's most notable school. A mistake such as this won't do." A boy with blue hair and glasses turned to us. "Additionally, you with the unkempt hair. You've been muttering this entire time. Stop that. If you can't bother to take this seriously, leave. You're distracting the rest of us."

Izuku covered his mouth. "Sorry."

"Hey, wait a minute." I stood up, tail twitching angrily. "Just because he's excited doesn't mean he's not taking this seriously. You are taking this way too seriously. So what if they made a mistake. If anything it isn't a mistake and you're just jumping to conclusions."

"Alright, alright, examinee number 7111, thanks for calling in with your request."

I glared at the boy and sat back down. Izuku mumbled his thanks but didn't take his hands off his mouth.

"The fourth villain is worth zero points. It's just an obstacle we'll be throwing in your way. There's one in every battle center. Think of it as a hurdle you should try to avoid. It's not that it can't be beaten but there's kinda no point. I recommend that my listeners try to ignore it and focus on the ones at the top of the charts."

"Thank you very much." The blue-haired boy bowed. "Please continue."

"That's all I got for you today, I'll sign off with a little present. A sample of our school motto, as General Napoleon Bonaparte once laid down, "A true hero is one who overcomes life misfortunes." Mmm hmm, now that's a tasty bite. You ready to go beyond?" Mic grinned. "Let's hear a Plus Ultra! Good luck! Hope you practiced hitting more than just books."

I grinned and grabbed my bag. "Let's do our best!"

"Whatever." Katsuki stood up.

Everyone changed into their gym clothes. I met Katsuki outside where we were going to takes buses to our battle centers. I grabbed Katsuki's hand and pulled him away.

"Neko," Katsuki growled.

"I just need your quirk." I pulled him around the building.

"Use someone else's." He pulled his hand away.

"But I've been training with yours." I protested.

"What about that other quirk, Harding or whatever. Use that one."

"I don't know if Kirishima is going to be here and if he is I don't know where he is." I grabbed his hand again and pushed him against the wall. "Just let me use yours." Before he could respond I kissed him. It was a short kiss, just long enough for me to power up my quirk. "There, that's all I need."

Katsuki wrestled out of my grip. "Then let me go."

I backed away and tested out the quirk. It felt right in my hands. We made our way back to our buses. I touched my lips, they were tingling. That was the first time I had kissed Katsuki since the hospital. I boarded the bus, as soon as everyone was onboard the bus left. It was a short ride to the battle center. We unloaded and gathered in front of the gates. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I needed to focus. Someone put a hand on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and looked over at the person.

"Kirishima?!" I gaped at him. "You're here?"

"Yeah, I guess they didn't know we knew each other." Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck.

"They must not of." I shrugged. "Well, it's good to see a friendly face. I swear most of these people have been giving me nasty looks."

"It must be because of the sludge villain." He looked around. "They're trying to make you think that they hate you when in reality they're just scared. You're pretty powerful."

"When I have the right quirk," I muttered.

"Oh yeah! Do you have a quirk?"

"Yep. Stole it from Katsuki just before I left." I grinned and let off a few explosions.

Kirishima hardened on instinct. "You must be really close to him."

"No, just training buddies. I give him a challenge, he helps me get stronger. I've taken your quirk against him a few times. I would love to see you two spar."

"Well, maybe one day I'll meet him."

"Yeah," I looked around. "I wonder when this is going to start."

"Right let's start! Get moving! There are no countdowns in real battles! Run, run, run listeners! You're wasting air time here!"

"Now apparently!" Kirishima ran off.

I dashed through the doors as soon as they opened. I attacked the first robot villains I saw, no matter their points. I kept count, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 17. I veered off to the right, chasing after more robots. 20, 21, 23, 25, 28. I glanced behind me and saw only a few people following me. 29, 31, 33. By my calculations, it had been about 7 minutes. I searched for more robots. Suddenly the ground started shaking. Another robot appeared, this one bigger than the buildings. I panicked like everyone and started to run, but someone caught my eye. A girl probably my age was still trying to get a few villains that were alive. I almost didn't see her because she was invisible but my cat-like eyes picked up on her movement. I thought at first she would be okay, but then the robot hit one of the buildings. My eyes widened in horror as I realized that the building would fall on top of her.

"Hey look out!" I screamed.

The girl didn't notice. I looked around, no one else was paying her any mind. They were all too focused on getting out go there. So I did the one thing I could think of, I ran toward her. I grabbed her and threw her with an explosion. She cleared the building but I was still in the way. I knew I couldn't run so I laid on my back and pointed my palms toward the falling building. As it got closer I fired off a large explosion I had seen Katsuki use several times. It turned the concrete to rubble. My arms hurt like mad and I knew I probably tore a few muscles. I fired off several more smaller explosions to clear the rubble from my path. It semi-worked. I still got buried. I laid there for a moment as the building settled all around me. I took serval deep breaths before coughing from all the dust in the air. I put my hands in front of my face and fired off more small explosions. I could hear someone on the other side calling my name. It must have been Kirishima. I was able to create a small hole so I could stand up. I continued to create a tunnel with small explosions until I saw light. I braced myself for one more large explosion and blasted the rest of the concrete to rubble.

"Koneko!"

I pulled myself out of the hole. "I'm okay, I'm okay."

Kirishima pulled me into a hug. "I thought you died!"

"Kiri, let me go! We're still in the middle of an exam." I pulled away.

"But you almost died."

"I'm fine!"

I started to run to find more robots but I stopped when I saw the girl. She was still sitting in the same spot I threw her.

"Hey, you're okay. Come on, there's still time." I grabbed her arm.

"You saved me." She sounded like she was in awe.

"Just one minute left!"

I looked up. "Come on," I helped her up and ran off to find more villains.

I only found two more one pointers before Mic called out.

"Times up!"

I practically collapsed to the ground. Kirishima came running up.

"So how did you do?"

"Well with those two that should be 35." I sighed. "That might be enough to get me through."

"You did pretty well." Kirishima sat beside me.

"Um,"

Kiri and I looked up, the invisible girl was standing in front of us.

"I just wanted to thank you." She said. "I mean, you could have been hurt but you still risked your life and your score for me."

I shrugged. "It's what a hero would do."

"Yeah but still!" The girl protested. "Um, are you okay? You didn't get hurt, right?"

"I mean, other than the fact that I overused my quirk, I'm perfectly fine." I smiled. "What about you? I threw you pretty far, I'm sure you've probably got a burn and several scratches."

"Oh, I'll be okay. They're all fairly minor."

Someone walked up. "Are any of you injured?"

I looked up, the school nurse, Recovery Girl was standing in front of us. "Well, I've got a few torn muscles but other than that I'm fine."

"Well let me give you a kiss." She leaned down and kissed my cheek.

Instantly I felt my pain disappear but I also felt really tired. "Thanks."

"You better get home and get some rest." Recovery Girl smiled.

"Okay," I nodded. I stood up and offered my hand to Kirishima.

"Thanks," he took it and I helped him up.

I stretched and made my way to the front gates. Everyone boarded the bus again and we drove back to the school. I spotted Katsuki and ran over to him. I tackled him in a hug.

"Neko!" Katsuki shoved me off.

"How'd you do?" I grinned.

"77. I probably beat everyone here." Katsuki scoffed.

"Wow, 77. I only got 35." I sighed. "I guess you're getting in."

"Who says you won't?"

Katsuki and I gathered our stuff.

"Well, I didn't get many points." I shrugged. "I stopped to rescue a girl. But it cost me precious time."

"That sounds like something you would do."

I was going to say something else but as that moment someone was brought in on a stretcher.

"Izuku!" I gasped, I rushed over to his side.

"Koneko?" Izuku opened his eyes.

"Oh gosh, Izuku, what did you do?" I gingerly touched his arm.

"I—I saved a girl," Izuku said quietly. "But I didn't get any points."

"Oh Izuku, I think you're a hero. You risked your score to save someone." I brushed his hair away from his eyes. "I can call your mother, she'll come pick you up." I pulled out my phone and pressed call on Inko's number. She picked up quickly.

"Koneko! How's Izuku? Is he okay?"

"He's okay, but he needs rest. Can you come pick him up?" I touched Izuku's hand.

"Of course. I'll be there soon." Inko hung up.

I put my phone back in my pocket. "Okay, your mom will be here soon. Get some rest Izuku."

"Thanks," Izuku closed his eyes.

I smiled and turned back to Katsuki. "Are you ready to go?"

"Been ready." Katsuki turned and walked off.

I quickly followed him. "Okay, sorry, I had to make sure he would be okay."

"You care too much." Katsuki flicked my ear.

"And you don't care enough." I poked him in the arm.

He winced. "Hey,"

"Are you okay? Did you overuse your quirk? You know you could have gotten Recovery Girl to heal you." I stepped in front of him.

"I'm fine. Besides you can just heal me." He looked away.

"Oh, yeah, I just need Eiko or my mom's quirk."

We walked to the train station in silence. The train was about to leave when we got there. Katsuki and I had to squeeze in a one-person spot. I tried to keep my distance but as the train moved I fell into him. He wrapped an arm around me to steady me.

"Sorry," I looked down.

"It's fine." He muttered.

I rested my head on his shoulder. He tensed slightly but didn't move me. I closed my eyes and tried not to fall asleep. Before long I left Katsuki shaking me.

"Hey, Neko, we're here."

I opened my eyes. "Did I fall asleep?"

"Yeah, idiot. We almost missed our stop." Katsuki helped me off the train.

"Sorry," I yawned. "I must have been more tired than I thought."

"I'll say, you were out." He scoffed.

"Sorry," I looked down, kicking the pavement. "Um, are you coming to my house or are you going straight to your house?"

"I'll come over, you've got to heal me remember?" Katsuki started walking away.

"I thought you were joking about that," I mumbled and followed him.

We walked to my house in silence. I fumbled for my keys until Katsuki grabbed them and unlocked the door. Eiko appeared in front of us.

"So how'd you do?" She grinned. "Also what's he doing here?"

"Well—"

Katsuki cut me off. "She did great, I did better. I'm here because your sister invited me and that's all."

He pushed passed her and walked to my room. I sighed and followed him brushing Eiko as I passed.

"We get the results in a week," I told her. "We'll know then."

I walked into my room, Katsuki was already laying on my bed.

"Well, you certainly made yourself comfortable." I sat my stuff down.

He sat up. "Did you get her quirk?"

"Yeah," I sat on the bed next to him.

I grabbed his arm, massaging the muscles. I pressed kisses along his forearm. Once I was done with his right arm I picked up his left and repeated the process. Katsuki stayed quiet the entire time. When I was finished Katsuki rubbed his forearms.

"So, do they feel better?" I cocked my head.

"Yeah, thanks." His voice was soft. He stood up. "I should go."

"Already?" I stood up too.

"We did just finish an exam. We should get some rest." He picked up his bag.

"Oh yeah, I'll see you tomorrow, right? For training?"

"Yeah,"

I walked him to the door. "See you tomorrow."

Katsuki nodded and left. I smiled and watched him go.

A week later Eiko came rushing in with a letter.

"Koneko! Your results are here!"

I grabbed the envelope and pushed Eiko out of my room. I shut my door and sat down at my desk. After a moment of staring at the envelope, I finally opened it. I pulled out a letter and a small projector. I sat the projector down and turned it on. It turned on and the first thing I saw was All Might.

"I am here as a projection!"

"All Might?" I cocked my head.

"Yes, I am here. Now I didn't come to this town just to fight villains, you're looking at UA's newest faculty member."

"Sweet." I grinned.

"So you passed the written test and got 35 combat points on the practical exam. Unfortunately, that's not enough on its own. That why we have rescue points. A panel of judges award points for heroic acts. Koneko Chino, 41 rescue points!"

On the screen, my name and points appeared. 35 combat points, 41 rescue points. My eyes filled with tears when I saw my number. I was in second place with 76 points.

"Welcome, Koneko, you're now part of the hero academia!" All Might held out his hand.

"I made it, I actually made it." I smiled. I picked up the letter. It was basically what the videos said but on paper. I grabbed my phone and pressed the button on favorites. He picked up after a few rings.

"So? How'd you do?" Katsuki sounded bored.

"I made it Katsu, I made it. I got 76 points, I was awarded points for rescuing the girl." Tears filled my eyes again. "We did it Katsuki, we made it to UA."