Woop Woop UPDATE!
-" Hey, hey… All Might." The green-haired boy inquired his mentor. They were both seated on a bench in a secluded garden at UA.
The man kept his eyes on the horizon, smiling widely as he replied: " What is it, my boy?"
The boy stayed silent for a moment, shyly fiddling with his thumbs and biting at his lower lip. Finally gathering whatever courage he had in him, he blurted out on a rush: " Areheroesallowedtodate?" he furiously blushed at his own words. What is wrong with him asking All Might of all people a romantic advice?
Taking a full-on five minute lapse to recover from the aftershock of his situation, he finally dared to look at his idol, only to be blinded by the sheer joy in those crinkled, azure blue eyes.
-" Ara Ara, shonen, do you have your eyes on someone in particular?" He teased, finding amusement in his protegee's obvious mortification. Izuku was as red as a tomato, flailing his arms around like a ragdoll. Waiting for the youth to calm down a little, the man huffed then turned to stare back at the sky, its blue reminding him of his days of glory, now long gone; though never to be forgotten.
-" My boy, if I were to be utterly honest with you I really don't know. Myself, I have avoided this topic for so long, remaining completely focused on becoming the number one hero and the best symbol I could be. Yes, I have courted women on my travels. Yes, I have seen my closest friends take the next big step. But I never even considered doing the same thing. Now that I have retired and settled down, I kind of… regret it. I regret never having a backup plan, something to come back to in tough times, a thing to long for. It's good to have something to come back to, my boy." He glanced at the boy by his side, sheepishly smiling at the boy's awkward expression. " I know you are confused right now. Between hero studies and internships, juggling love in may be hard. But, you have to cling to it and care for it and protect it as best as you can. After all they are many ways and places where a man can be a hero." He grinned at his student, marvelling in the way the boy fidgeted before looking up and nodding in determination.
His chest swelled in pride. He was finally getting the hang of this teaching thing.
The two dove into another comfortable silence, both admiring the beautiful waltz of the clouds.
-" By the way my boy, is it Uraraka-shojo that made your heart flutter?" The blond man jabbed again, chuckling wholeheartedly at his student's flustered blabbering.
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The day of All Might's –Toshinori Yagi's- funeral, Izuku felt like he had lost a part of himself. The image of the father figure that he never had just left him.
Keeping the mask of strong Deku, he grieved in silence. Beating himself up to get past his pain, he focused on his goal: Becoming the world's best hero. Skimming through lessons, courses and sparring sessions with Kacchan, he set himself a straight. His vision narrowed, his bright eyes faintly dulled as the path towards his future took a tunnel way.
He knew what he had to do.
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Unbeknownst to him, and behind the boundaries of his vision, a figure filled the emptiness by his side.
He didn't see it.
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The smile.
The bubbly words.
The admiration and fascination.
His heart fluttered and bloomed.
-"After all they are many ways and places where a man can be a hero." He wanted to be her hero.
Hers alone.
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From the sidelines, the figure stared annoyed.
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-" So… When are you going to confess?"
The remark felt like a punch to Izuku's guts, that he visibly flinched. Was he that obvious?
" Oi, shitty Deku, thought I wouldn't notice or what? Gotta be blind to not see it though." Of course he was; it was Kacchan after all. His destined rival they have been getting paired up so frequently lately, trying to improve and rekindle whatever relationship they had going on.
Though knowing that didn't stop his from panicking like a disaster-" K-K-acchan, W-w-what are you talking about? I m-mean…Whaaa?"
He laughed at him. Loudly even. All he could was stare incredulous at his friend. Damn, he really did change after all. He is still the angry, foul-mouthed dandelion firecracker but at least he was a little sensitive as of lately.
He waits for him to recover from his state, hits his shoulder roughly. Is that supposed to be an encouraging pat?
When he looks up at the blond, he almost doubts his own eyes. A soft smile and another gentler pat.
-" It's our last fucking year Deku, and after we will hardly see each other as everyone takes their own route. So better make the fucking most of it before it's too late. See ya tomorrow nerd." And then he waved his way out leaving a dumbfounded Izuku to his own jumbled thoughts.
He took a few minutes to recover from his state of shock. His rival/ friend/ partner had definitely been going soft lately, with all the personal guidance and anger management sessions online, he had been growing considerably as a person.
Definitely still an arrogant prick, but a lovable prick none the less.
And through his words, that surely sounded more of an nod and advice to Izuku, he was blessed.
He didn't feel it, but an honest smile crept its way to his face. It has been so long. Finally he can have someone guarding his back for him. Someone that isn't All Might. Someone that will surely always be there for him. Giving him that final push over the edge.
Feeling a giant wave of relief wash over him, he sighed in contentment. He felt like he could carry mountains now. Literally and metaphorically.
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He slowly stepped up. One at a time.
No rush or fear.
A smile on his face. Talks, dates and bolder touches than he ever dreamt about.
It was progressing, flowing like honey over a plate, and just as sweet. And if it spilt, he will catch with him. He felt safe.
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On the night of Valentine's day; an awkward meeting and hilariously cheesy confessions later, they marched hand and hand into the classroom.
Whoops and hollers of congratulations surrounded them. He couldn't be happier.
His eyes mechanically scanned the crowd, upon meeting lava-red ones, he mumbled: ' Thank you'
For being there for me.
For holding my back and watching over me.
Always, my hero.
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Iida didn't rush them to their seats that day. They demanded for his wellbeing, and he sternly denied it with a comical motion of his hands.
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Izuku was surprised when he saw him entering the dorms at 5 AM.
Iida was never one to break rules.
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He looked forward.
Never sparing a glance to whom stood beside him.
The figure crunched up on its self, a gash splitting the opaque veil.
But he didn't see.
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He believed it was behind him.
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A pure kiss under the cherry blossoms.
It was their new beginning.
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A new crack shone.
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Three months after going pro, Deku popped the question.
-"Hey, Kacchan let's make our own hero agency." He demanded.
The blonde stared incredulous: " Huh? The fuck did that come from?"
-" well, it should've happened sooner or later. I mean, it was part of the legacy All Might passed on to us." He pursed his lips, memories of his late mentor flooding his mind " And really want to fulfil it. We are both fresh to the business, and obviously greatly overshadowed by the veterans and our senpais. We may have had our moments back in highschool, but now that we are in the big field it's different. I know it won't be easy, we might even drive ourselves to bankruptcy by this project. But we complement each other and that is fact, so why not exploit that perk and move in forward from there. Like we back each other up, we push each other up the ladder, and…" A smack to his shoulder broke him out of his trance."
The blond was growling: " Goddamn it Deku, you were mumbling again."
The greenette laughed sheepish, hand scratching his neck nervously. Bakugou sighed, exhaling loudly from his nostrils before saying: " I guess if this is what gonna make me reach number one, then be it I guess." And he glanced at the other, snapping terrified look on his face: " The fuck? The hell do you look like you just saw a ghost."
Izuku interjected, hands flailing everywhere: " Well, um… I am just surprised that you agreed fast. I mean I was expecting more resistance from you and all and .."
-" Tch, shitty Deku, you think I am dumb. I know what you are talking about and I agree with it. It's just that your dumb ass had just jumped on it before I did."
-" Oh…. So we are hero partners now?"
-" Whatever."
Hence the Wonder Duo, saw the light of day.
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A year into their little arrangement, the Wonder Duo were already on top thirty and namely the first Hero Duo to come this far into the rankings.
By pulling some strings, land hunting for a year, collecting funds and sponsorships from across the country and saving from all his girlfriend and his' luxuries ( Kacchan contributed too. But he just wasn't the type of guy to humour smooth realty agents and CEOs) The Wonder agency opened its doors on their second anniversary.
It was his pride and joy.
His dreams were slowly but surely coming through. If he could just carry on after here, this was his way.
However…
If he had to point it out, his doubts started on a random diner with his mother. Inko, still living in their small apartment at Musutafu, had invited them over. Katsuki had kindly ( But fiercely) took his part of the paperwork and patrol and shooed him out of the office. He and Ochako took the train and arrived to his childhood home.
The diner was his mom's homemade katsudon, along with some sweet giggling and gossiping from the two women.
-" Well, Ochako-san. How is work treating you?" Inko asked, sipping her tea.
-" Oh, well I have been working very hard to get this position at Kamui Woods agency. Because, you know I have been operating only as a sidekick for the past four year. Being a hero with quirk like mine is very tricky so I have been collecting some fame all these years and I just landed me this position. Though, I really wish I could get my own agency." Ochako pouted, her words clearly coming out of playfulness.
But Izuku almost choked on a chunk of pork.
-" Yeah I know." His mother added. " it must frustrating to be bossed around by others and especially when you think about all the experience you have gathered along the way. I mean your times at UA weren't easy, you have faced many dangers and have gathered many experiences. I really thought your future would be near guaranteed when you graduate. Yet, when I saw Katsuki-kun and my Izu making ends meet while saving for their project, it felt so wrong."
-" It kind of is. But for real though the market of heroism is rather grand. It was hard enough to graduate from UA so I thought we could at least reach up faster than most. But I guess that is very hard too." She chuckled, and just as an afterthought, she blurted: " I really would like to reach it though. That I would be on all tabloids, Izuku and me to have our own agency and for us to take the next big step. Wouldn't that be great Izuku?" She turned to him.
At some point while listening to the conversation, his brain went on a haywire. He …didn't see that far. He thought that this is he had reached what he was dreaming of. Yet now, as he listened to his mother and lover talking, they are still…
Izuku, what's next for us? Ochako had asked him this question once, he didn't see much into it at the time, he thought she was talking about them moving in together ( Which they did just last week, very happy in their new flat) But did he miss something? Was he unwillingly driving her away from him? She wasn't the type really, she is understanding. Why didn't she tell him she wanted her own agency they never had this conversation before? So why now? And the next big step? They had just moved in together? What was there to take farther?...
Oh. Oh. OH MY GOD. He was a blind idiot.
-" Izuku?" the tender voice of his mother broke him out of his state, he looked up at the two women's faces, both crunched up in worry. " Is everything okay? You suddenly stopped eating and began mumbling? Is it the Katsudon?"
-" Ah. No it's nothing really, just thinking stuff." He brushed off, smiling soothingly at her.
-" Babe?" His lover whispered, her hand coming to cradle his scarred one. " If anything is bothering you, you can talk to me."
-" No really it's nothing." He squeezed in assurance. " Just… Stuff in my head."
-" Okay, just know that I will always be by your side." She responded softly, kissing him on the temple.
-" Awww, you two are very beautiful. I am so eager to witness the day you have your kids, I bet they gonna be so cute." She cooed, making the pair blush.
-" Inko-san please, we are still young for this. At first we need to get engaged." She wailed in frustration, cheeks on flames and shoulders shaking.
The rest of the night flew under the blankets of laughter and joy. But Izuku never felt this restless in a long time.
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Probably it was the buzz of alcohol that cleared his mind; because, for that moment he had an epiphany.
He had parted ways with Kacchan that day, the blond was dead tired from all the loads of works and villains he had to catch, so he wasn't in a mood to get to this class reunion.
But Izuku didn't really have anything better to do. Ochako had night patrol and being alone will only mean him drowning in the abyss of his own head; so he went.
He entered the bar and joined the others in their booth. Not everyone from their class was there for sure. Some had missions outside of Japan, some had patrols, some didn't need more headaches in their life, much less a hangover. But Izuku didn't care, he needed this, a break from villains, rivalry and brainstorming.
A couple of beer and some vodka shots later, he was wasted. He will need a chaperon to take him because he can barely spot the difference between Kirishima and a palm tree.
-" Hey BROOOOOOS…." Kirishima called out with a squeal, he was the one who called them in the first place saying ' It's a bro thing I need your help.'
-" Today, I am here with all my best bros. Well, Bakubro already gave me his blessing firsthand. BUT…." He paused, his huge body lulling left and right. " I need you all my friends."
-" Dude, I don't know what the fuck are you talking about, and I am too drunk and dumb to play riddles. So fucking spit it out." Kaminari nagged, beside him Mineta and Shouji were already done for.
Taking a moment to search in his pocket and pulled a red velvet box. Opening the lid, he flashed a golden band to the guys. It was a square-diamond ring with two small pink jewels on each side of the diamond; if you squint hard enough you can say the letters E & M carved in the inside. Jirou and Tsuyu were instantly screaming when her eyes landed on the ring.
-" OMG Ei, YOU ARE REALLY DOING IT." Kaminari whooped, throwing himself on his friend, the two falling unceremoniously on the couch.
A minute to late for the deduction, Izuku's mouth gaped: " Eijirou, Jesus are you proposing?"
-" Yeah, yeah. I am actually. I w s about to ask you gusy to help me plan how I will do it, but since Bakugou didn't come I kinda started drinking my nervousness and here I am." He hiccupped, lids fluttering in dizziness. " Just said, you know, I'll show you anyway." He shrugged, carefully closing the box and pocketing it back.
-" Wait… What do you mean? What is the difference between Bakugou and me? And also, why does he know about this shit already? I thought we were a squad man, thought we didn't take sides." Kaminari sniffled, probably more from the liquor than frustration.
-" Because he helped me pick the ring bro. Like I was so worried and nervous when I started thinking about it, and I had to have Bakugou slap some sense into me. And the next thing I know, I was buying a ring. Despite everything he is, we all know Bakugou got better taste than all of us." He deadpanned, seeing as all the occupants of the table started nodding in agreement.
-" You know, now that you brought it up, Bakugo like really frustrates me." Tsuyu mentioned, probably the less intoxicated in the whole gang. " I mean he got great looks, a big fandom, girls throwing themselves at him and he is still single with a near clean record in dating."
-" That is my friend, because Bakugo is gay." Kaminari joked, earning him a slap on the head from Kirishima.
-" Bro, shut up. And even if he was, I don't see the difference and why that will matter. Maybe Bakugo isn't just interested. As far as I know him, he hadn't shown any kind of attraction to anyone, be it a girl or a boy. The only thing he had ever thought about is becoming the number one hero. I don't he ever thinks about anything other than that. So he may have never considered the notion of having a lover or creating a family. He was always a lone wolf."
-" Yeah, I kind of agree." Jirou continued. " He is very stubborn and single minded. Might come to bite him in the ass someday."
Izuku remained in his previous position, head on his folded hands, a great view to contemplate that ring. He imagined himself slipping one in Ochako's hand, making her his forever. He should put this one on his new to-do list.
He listened to the conversation about Kacchan. And honestly, he agreed with most of it. Kacchan has always been the obsessed type. Always working and climbing to reach the summit. Very simple minded in his ways and thoughts. He had strict schedule, life style, and habits. He was a perfectionist.
Izuku knows that Kacchan doesn't have a private life. He is his partner, and unlike him, Kacchan never took a night off for a date or just an outing. Always on time and very efficient, and for that he is grateful.
It's Kacchan after all that we are talking about, the explosive, unsocial hero. The feared, victorious hero. The hardworking, diligent man. And now that Izuku is recounting it in his head….
He doesn't want to be like that.
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It was Ochako who came for him. Her Mina have come to drag everyone out of the bar and home.
He recognized the faint snippets of a conversation, but his mind was too blurred to piece it.
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He woke up on a very soft and smooth cushion. Took him 5 minutes to recognize it as his girlfriend's lap.
She was in her usual PJ, a tank top and shorts. Her hair was held up in a ponytail, the sunlight slipping through the drawn curtains casting a shimmery lining on her face. She smiled down at him.
-" You've woken up. You want overboard yesterday." She giggled, remembering his trashy state at the bar.
-" Yeah, maybe." He murmured, his head shambled but at least at ease. " Why didn't you tell me about the agency thing?" He mindlessly spoke, still feeling unhinged by his excessive thinking.
-" What?" She cocked her head, trying to remember when that was. " Ah, about that. I mean, I just didn't think any better when I said it. I blurted it out without thinking. Just your mom asked me and I felt like being honest with her. I didn't mean to annoy you I am very sorry. I know what I said that time was selfish I am very sorry. I know that this Wonder Duo thing and the agency are very important to you, they are a token from All Might, a proof of your will to carry on his legacy. I knew you would choose Bakugou can as your partner, and I understand it. But if I am honest with you, I am a little jealous of him." She pursed her lips, tears starting to prickle in her eyes . " Being able to be by your side at all moment, helping you when you need it the most, leading you when you are lost. I really want that too. To be your backbone, your love, your hero, but I guess I am still not enough." The tears ran down her cheeks. " Oh my, I very sorry, I must have disgusted you. I don't like these things I feel, and I am very sorry for dragging you into it. I am…" She was silenced by a kiss on her lips.
They remained like that for a moment, until her whimpers subdued, Izuku pulled back. His sudden movement triggering an eminent headache: " Stop it, come on don't cry." He traced the rivulets with his fingers, trying to stop the silent sobbing. " I'll never be disgusted by you. Never." He assured her, squishing her moshi cheeks in his hand. She nodded: " It's completely normal for you to feel jealous. And I understand. I feel the same sometimes, like when the reporters are trying to crowd you or the interns flirting with you, it makes me feel angry. So no need for this okay?"
She faintly giggles: " You really shouldn't do that. I have always had a jealousy issue."
-" Wait really?"
-" Yeah, like when we were still in highschool and you always had these girls trying to hug you or feel you up. I just wanted to float them to Mars." She chuckled, cleaning her tears with her wrists.
-" Don't do that. I am yours now so don't worry!" He whined, looking at her in the eyes.
-" Okay, okay. I won't"
-" By the way, what were you and Mina-chan talking about yesterday?"
-" Oh, yeah. She was talking to me about her and Ei and how things are in the Lemillion agency. And… yeah… I don't know if you are aware, but Bakugou received an invitation from Lemillion himself." Wait, that was huge news. " She told me it was Ei who suggested it and they kind of just sent it anyway. He didn't respond though, or so she said. But I really doubt someone like Bakugou would say no to an invitation from the number 2 hero."
-" Really?" He said, resting his head on that loving lap again.
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He waited, he really did.
He thought. He deeply did.
He analysed. Every last detail.
But he always got to a finale conclusion: Kacchan will never change, he will always be himself.
So, at some point, and without Izuku knowing, he will accept that invitation, join that agency, leave Izuku on the cold and move on higher with his career.
And that… didn't sit right with him.
So that lead him to his next step: " Ochako, let's make the agency ours." She dropped the phone on her hand with a thud in shock.
-" Izuku, what are you talking about?" She whimpered, staring at her boyfriend like he grew two heads.
-" I mean I want to make the agency ours. Like yours and mine. You know…"
-" Wow, wow, wow calm down. What are you saying? You guys are a duo, you can't just do that easily. You have been through a lot together, you share the agency. You can't just give that up."
-" But… he hasn't talked to me about the offer, like at all." This seemed to make her freeze.
-" What do you mean?"
-" I don't know, but I just have this hunch that he might be planning to do so."
-" Oh my God, can't be. I mean Bakugou couldn't just…" She halted. " No, he can't Bakugou isn't like that? He is an asshole but not a cheater."
-" Then why didn't he say anything. He could've just discussed it with me and we could've talk it out, but…"
She didn't respond, she kept looking at her hands, incapable of talking. " I mean, do you have proof?"
-" I don't have a tangible one. As I said I just have a hunch. And also…" He moved forward, taking both her hands in his. " I want to do this."
She stared at him incredulously, He smiled back: " I have been thinking, we have been together since highschool and… I really want to spend my everything and forever with you so this our first step to that."
He whispered in her ear, she flushed red and buried her face in his chest:" Did…you um…just propose?"
-" Kinda."
-" Okay."
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He couldn't say. He just couldn't bring himself to do it.
He was conflicted. A small part in his brain, the sentimental part that always took Kacchan's side, started to argue.
What are you doing? Are you seriously thinking he would do this to you? He changed and you know. You are taking sides here, and trying to justify your selfishness. Don't you feel bad?
I am doing the best thing for my future. I want to be the top hero, but I also hate becoming like All Might in the end. The way he left was…miserable. I am not trying to blame him, I understand his decision, and if he does it he can do as he pleases. He just wants be number 1 but I have bigger plans and you know it. I know Kacchan's is stronger than me, he doesn't need people to tell him he is great, doesn't need someone to care for him because he does that for himself, he is a lone raider. But me, I am from that. If it wasn't for him and Ochako, I probably wouldn't have moved on after All Might's passing. Plus, us going solo doesn't mean we will not be friends anymore, we will become proper rivals than.
What are you saying? Ask him at least. You can't even do that because you aren't sure about… You don't know what he will do in response. You are afraid of losing him. Don't do it. Don't. Izuku…Don't mute me… Izuku.. Izu…
-" Izuku, are you with me?" He felt Ochako's squeeze on his elbow They were now at the A corp. gala, renown sponsors of most of Hawks' support items. They were both peculiarly dressed in formal wear. Ochako in a black cocktail dress with a beautiful rose on her hair, and Izuku in a crisp black tux.
-" Ah, yeah, just nervous."
-" Don't worry, this will be great. I feel it." She squeezed again, smiling softly.
The night was great. They have talked with everyone, Ochako cracking jokes and joggling conversations with ease, her natural bubbliness contagious even for these stern businessmen. Many have asked for their contacts and demanded to sponsor them if they ever need it. It was much swifter and lovelier than him along trying to talk to old men, keeping a smile despite his nerves, and trying his best to do so, sure Kacchan did his part mostly on the desk, but that wasn't enough. And it didn't help Izuku's natural anxiousness. He did suffer for a while, sleepless night, silent crying in his office, and nauseas at times. But he pulled through. But now, he just admired her as she spoke, jumping on her heels, and laughing at times. He really needed her after all.
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Months flew by and he still hadn't breached the subject. He could see the mild annoyance in Ochako's face. It was barely visible, but her fake smiles and glares were hard to miss. Ochako had come to accept Katsuki over the years, considering him as a worthy rival.
But maybe she was disappointed, or just unable to mask the jealousy anymore.
-" Why do you still call him Kacchan?" She asked one night over diner, tone rather dark.
He sputtered a response. Indeed, why didn't he move on from that childhood name?: " Um, I guess it's just a habit. Well, actually, I just came up with that name anyway because I had trouble, pronouncing his name when I was a child. It just kind of stuck with me?" He sheepishly rubbed his neck.
-" And now?" She continued. " I mean you both are grown up men, and I believe it must be very uncomfortable for you and for him, especially when talking to each other." Her tone dropped at every word before she stuttered. " Sorry, I just… I noticed how Bakugou is always trying to keep his image and thought that maybe he wouldn't like you spreading that childish nickname all over and… I am sorry, I just stepped out of my boundaries, and…"
-" I think you have a point." He interrupted her, eyes softening at her shyness. " I never thought it will make him uncomfortable, since he never really mentioned it. But, he just doesn't find it in himself to do it. I'll try to do so." He agrees with her point to a certain degree. Kacchan indeed isn't the type to want something to tarnish his bad boy persona, much less a infantine attachment of Izuku's. It was Kacchan after all. " I will work on it I promise."
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Once Bakugou walked out of the room, the two still held to each other. Ochako was clutching him like a koala, her grasp unyielding.
-" Are you okay? You seemed rather tense around him." He questioned petting her hair a little.
-" yeah, sorry. I just…" She pursed her lips. " I was little angry at him. When he threw you with that explosion, I was worried you would lose a leg or something. I can't believe he could deliberately do something like that."
-" Babe…" he held her tightly, never stopping his consoling pats. " Kacchan knew what he was doing. He couldn't have hurt me. We both knew that was why we work together, we read the others minds. We both knew the only way for us to win was to do that. Kacchan knew what he had to.."
-" But why though?" She snapped. " Why do you always have to bring yourself to such heights for a victory. Why do you have to always be in danger for the world to be saved?" He could make up of a whimper.
-" Babe, stop that. That would never happen. I am okay. I will always be here remember?"
-" But what if he missed? What if he accidently hurt you with an explosion? You would be crippled. And I would be so sad. He was supposed to hold your back not put you in more danger than you already are." Her tone hardened again, trying to sound grave.
-" Honey, don't say that. Kacchan is…"
-" You haven't told him yet? Have you Izuku?" she sternly questioned, her orbs staring unto Izuku's soul.
Even though he really didn't want at have this conversation after such a mission, it was his fault for them arriving to this point. He heaved: " Not that I didn't tell. It's just.. the time hadn't come for me to break it in. We have been busy… You know… being the Wonder Duo and stuff." He wasn't lying, but he wasn't telling the truth either. He really wanted to come clean to Kacchan; ask him about the offer and discuss what he and Uraraka were planning. But he just couldn't, a heavy sense of guilt and uncertainty that he was maybe… maybe… faulting him.
-" Yeah, yeah, …. We all know you are doing most of the work out there." She muttered with a weird bitterness.
-" Ocha, we have talked about this. Me and Kacchan are a team, we are both carrying on All Might's legacy. We are a team."
-" Ugh." She seemed annoyed. Very, since he was spouting the same argument for his cowardice for two months now. " You are still calling him that. Anyway, yeah you both are working on that. But we all know that you are All Might's protegee, and the one who is meant to be the next Symbol of Peace.I get this Hope and Victory thing that you have going on. But we all know…" She cradled his cheeks lovingly. " you are the one meant to be the greatest hero. And you know as well as I do, the title can not be shared between two."
He knew this. Since the moment they became top 20. He saw the polls and statistics on whom of them will be the N° 1. The youths and teenagers always wooing for Kacchan, while the more aged and veteran generation was in for Deku. This kind of discussion was inevitable. Even though they were each others' foils, but their personalities were greatly different.
-" You may be right. But that doesn't have anything to do with the agency thing you were talking about beforehand."
She huffed indignant, parting from him and moving a chair to settle on it: " Izuku, the legal procedures are almost done. All we need is his signature for him to give up his part of the lease."
-" Ochako, you know he won't give up the lease that easily. I mean, Kacchan and me have been sharing this agency and the lease for years it won't be easy it will actually be delightful if we could own our proper agency but Kacchan is not the type to abandon his ownership of something his ego won't allow"
She groans with an eyeroll: " You talk like he had a hand in any of this. If I remember correctly, you were the one to landscape hunt for this building, you are also the one contact with the reality agent, and if we were to count on Bakugou's worst-than-potato social skills, you wouldn't be here in the first place.
Izuku couldn't help a chuckle. True, kacchan was indeed socially awkward, like to hilarious levels. Probably because of his stiff ways. " Ocha you are being mean. Kacchan may not be the most sociable hero, but he got his own groupies. Besides, I am still reluctant of the consequences of us breaking this to him." This unleashed the dam of her frustrations, talking about her lost opportunity as frontline hero, about all the risks they took and work they did for the opening of Might's agency, and the future that it would lead them to.
He knew he wanted it: " Okay, I will to talk to him on this. When the time comes."
-" Hope that is soon to happen. Starting to doubt that you care about him more than me." She teased, a pseudo-frown on her face.
It was his cue to show his love.
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-" You know…" She spoke when they were huddled on their bed. " I think I lost some of my filter this morning. And I really feel bad for criticising Bakugou-kun like that."
He hummed in her ear: " Don't worry about it. It was my fault really, leaving you in the dark and forgetting your worries. I was selfish."
-" Yeah, I am happy we talked it out." She giggled, nuzzling in the crook of his elbow. " I still feel bad though. I owe him a favour for that."
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Five months later, a file was slammed on his desk.
Taking the file in his hands and inspecting it , he asked: " Kacchan, what is this?"
He scanned the file, eyes widening in realisation. The signature and stamp of Lemillion visible in bright red.
Like the rocks being washed by the waves of coast, he felt a wash of relief on his entire being. After almost a year of going around the topic, fear and endless doubt. He didn't notice when his face split into a large grin.
Of course he will. I knew it. It's Kacchan after all. I know how to read him better than anyone too. Any remnant of guilt easily dissipated.
-" Listen nerd, I have been thinking this for a while. This thing that we have been doing is great and all, and we are good in the rankings already, so I believe if we better go solo from here. I have already gone through some offers from various higher-ranked agencies, and managed to land one at Lemillion's. I wanted to break these news to you sooner but with the billboard coming up, I …." He paused, smirking. " Giddy to get rid of me already, huh?" He joked, snapping Izuku out of his happy fidgeting with a gasp.
-" Oh My God, no Kacchan…. I just um." It's now or never Izuku. "me ansd Ochako have been planning on opening up our own agency and since I already have half of the lease, we pulled some strings and managed to expand our properties. I have been thinking of way to break it to you for a while but…We wanted for you to surrender your own half so that we could do that, I was worried you would get pissed and wanted to quit being the Wonder Duo."
The blond chuckled: " Well. Isn't that convenient? All and all, I don't give about what you and round face do beside suck face…" Huh. Classic Kacchan. " Anyway, my paperwork will wrap up in a few days, and we can move on."
He smirked like the king he is: " Finally, we will lawfully know who is the best hero, ah Deku?"
-" You bet Kacchan." It was Kacchan after all.
Oh, he means it was Bakugou after all.
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Amidst an uproar of media and rumours, Izuku and Uraraka were over the moon. With their agency on the work, sponsors more than happy to hear about the change of owners, funded all needed changes and support items.
Not long after, the new Might Agency opened its doors, and the first mission of the new couple of heroes Uravity and Deku was a blast: Zero deaths nor collateral damage, everyone was saved with minor agencies. A pair that saves, that is what the media called them.
And Izuku was planning on making it his forever.
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Bakugo was right before him on the rankings. Always the same victorious hero. It was Bakugo after all.
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-" Uraraka Ochako, …" On the spot he set, right under All Might's statue in Kamino, Izuku sat on one knee, the black ring box open in his hand.
He had taken some liberty in this matter more specifically. He wanted to splurge on his wife's luxury a little. It was an omen of their forever, you know. He searched for some jeweller with enough expertise and delicacy for this one. The ring was formed in a braid of two bands: one white and the other golden. On the middle were incrusted three jewels. The middle one was a diamond sphere which surface shone under the sun, framed by two-drop shaped rose gems. It was definitely an expensive ring, a couple millions worth actually. But it was so worth it.
-" My one and only love. My soulmate. My forever. Will you please be mine from now on."
–" Yes." She squealed, impatient as he slipped the ring on her finger and jumping on him. Spinning her around the rain of cherry petals.
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He heard an earful of it later for going too overboard.
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All his friends were so happy for them, on top of the list were Tenya and Shoto. Whom have all but thrown them a huge party to celebrate. Iida, who had long taken the name of Ingenium, had properly congratulate them and wished them the best. He also confessed having a little crush on Ochako in the past but he had long moved.
It kinda made Izuku feel a little bad, but since he is okay, so….
Even Bakugo showed up briefly, having some night patrols.
-" Congratulation nerds. Finally you grew some guts to get it on." He tched, head locking Izuku and ruffling his hair roughly.
Ochako giggled sweetly, enjoying the display. It was Bakugo after all.
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-" The people's hero; n°13 hero: Hero Deku." Izuku waved at the cheering audience. He was in a very great mood. Ochako had just made it top 30 and him getting closer and closer to top 10. Having a peaceful life and a steady hero career. All Might must be very proud of him."
He only had one hurdle to surpass: "I see you got me this time, Bakugo." He whispered to his rival.
The man grumbling: " Ugh, I will always be above you Deku, and you'll see." From the rough grate of his voice an inkling of his position.
It was really Bakugo after all.
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-" Izuku-kun, welcome to the US." Melissa hopped in his hands, hugging him. " I am really happy you accepted my invitation to the Expo."
-" Of course I will, you are the US number one hero item scientist. You are like the next big creator besides Hatsume. And also you were Toshinori's goddaughter." He felt the tremor of her giggles in his chest.
-" How is Ochako-san."
-" She is very great actually. She sends her salutes. She had to stay in Japan to watch the agency."
-" Alright, how about we get this expo going, with All Might's student as our main guest." She cheered, dragging him out of the terminal and to the limo.
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-" Izuku, have you brought the ice?" His fiancée shouted from the kitchen. Almost 2 days after arriving to Japan, Ochako had insisted they do a welcome-back gathering for everyone.
Walking into the apartment with two boxes of beer and some stuff from the shop down street. They were already preparing for the weekend, the house being in a ragged mess. They had so much to do.
Finishing a little stir-fry for diner, she hopped on the couch, soon joined by her partner who popped two beers for them.
Turning the TV on, they both settled in a light conversation about the expo and the latest hero rankings, when the channel playing a random rom-com flashed to a sudden news break.
-" Breaking news: Chanel 6 received concerning news that at about 11:48 PM, the N° 11 hero Ground Zero had ominously suffered an abrupt fall while operating on patrol. The fall had been esteemed to 10 meters from above the sky. Phone footage showed the hero's inexplicable, and fatale fall to the concrete." The screen switched to play a video. The video of Bakugo losing control over his quirk, and colliding limp on the street. Then another footage played showing hero Red Riot trying hopelessly to tend to Bakugou's wounds, panicking as he screamed to people to get back and call for help. Blood was everywhere as his suit, his hair and pooling on the ground. They were definitely some broken ribs, digging at his lungs as the sound of gurgling blood was heard through the phone's poor speakers. Another footage played where they showed Bakugou being driven by the paramedics, and Kirishima motionlessly staring at his bloodied hands. The screen immediately changed back to the anchor-man's face. " No information of the hero's state have been leaked to the media. Eyewitnesses spoke about the weird stunt of the hero right before the fall, but nothing had been found yet. But for the moment being we wish the best of health and quick recovery for the beloved hero." The man started enlisting most of Bakugou's exploits. His heroic acts, his failures, his interviews and ideals. But Izuku heard none of it, he and Ochako were fast on their way to the hospital.
This couldn't have been happening. This was Bakugou.
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He spent 8 hours in ER and moved instantly to intensive care. They didn't allow anyone in; be it family or friends, they could only look at him from behind the thick glass window for a few hours. Auntie Mitsuki had first made a huge fuss about it. She was clearly worried, and that worry translated to anger that she subjected the poor nurses to. Kirishima was desperate to know if his friend was stable. For two straight day, he never slept, still traumatized by the whole ordeal.
Hero work definitely prepares you for the worst. You see people die, people mourn, people beg; but you rarely question how would I react if I were in their place. A hero is powerful indeed, but even they can't save everyone. But it pains more when that person is dear to you.
So he wallowed in worry and regret, remembering how helpless he was to his friend, how ignorant he was to what he had.
For Izuku, ever so familiar with the suffocating smell of hospitals, he didn't like the view to the least. Seeing the strongest person in his life dangling between life and death in a sad spotless bed was wrong. He wanted him to wake up, to curse, to yell at everyone for worrying. Anything. Anytime.
This wasn't Bakugou's place, it never was. And for some reason, that he failed to identify, that same childish side of him kept nagging his brain that, this, was somehow his fault.
So he didn't budge. He kept the information of his return under the wraps, and acted like he wasn't even there. He spent his days and nights in the hospital; watching friends come and go to visit. Mitsuki and Masaru staying most of the days and leaving at night. Kirishima and the Bakusquad every morning.
By day 4, Izuku's brain started going a mile a second. What if he never wakes up? What if he had some grave concussion and lost feeling of his legs? Or worst his quirk? Why did he fall anyway? That wasn't Bakugou there? He was …careless. He watched the video like 20 times and couldn't come up with answers.
Having a sleepless night, he called his fiancée for emotional support and updates on the agency. He greeted Kirishima in the others before going to get coffee from the cafeteria.
He never expected to see the Bakusquad in a state of panic and despair when he came back.
Where are you, Bakugou?
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He was scared. A deep clawing feeling of dread crawling from his stomach to his throat threatening to choke him.
He just said 'Hi.' Since when did that trigger such response?
As if seeing Satan himself, Bakugou immediately started hyperventilating, screaming silently at first before going on a full-on cry of pain. He was clutching his temples like a mad man, tears falling from his cheeks. All kinds of machines chimed like alarms making the medical staff begin to rush around. One of the nurses began pushing Izuku outside. She did her best, trying to move the wall that is hi body. But he was as still as one, unable to move as he watched his hero starting to clutch at his hair.
He looked so pathetic. So desperate. So …
Where were you when he needed you? The thought was like a slap back to reality.
-" Sir please, we need you to step back." The nurses yelled over the other voices in the room. Another woman dragging a trolley with a defibrillator while the doctor did heart pumps.
He didn't catch it in all the chaos, but Bakugou stopped screaming a moment back, his eyes rolled back and foam forming on his mouth.
-" Saki, I need you on the defibrillator. NOW" the doctor ordered the nurse from before, he was struggling to find some pulse in the blond.
-" Yes sir. Mr Midorioya please. We need you to listen. Mr Bakugou is having an epileptic seizure and SCA. We have to operate to save him. So please." Saki pushed past him, talking now to the doctor.
-" Please sir." The small nurse pushing him insisted, and before knowing it, he was stepping out as the door closed behind him.
He could still hear the shuffling of nurses and the yipping of the machine as the doctor yelled 'CLEAR'
-" Midoriya, what is…" he couldn't hear the next words. His mind blank in fear.
This is Bakugo.
It's him after.
It can't.
It can't.
What is happening to MY KACCHAN?
Story also available on AO3. IF YOU WANT TO READ AHEAD INTO THE FIC, GO THERE. STORY OF THE SAME NAME BY LOURIETTE02