The Interrogation

Author's Note: Sorry that this took a bit longer than the previous update. I'm trying to be consistent and have these updated on the weekends, but life is crazy. It's worth noting that I don't read the manga. So when the most recent episode came out, I was jumping in my seat as Uraraka looked out the window. Know that that wasn't planned. Also, shout out to MSPRIGGS, Sentinel07, Chopper911, KahunaLagoona, and some random person on the internet for reviewing my fic. The words of encouragement are much appreciated. As per the standard, I'm uploading this unedited. Please forgive me that, and if you enjoy it, please Favorite, Follow, and Review. Doing those three things lets me know that I should keep going with this. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this next upload.

The night was hot but quiet. Deku stood on the lawn of the dorm once more, practicing his move set, perfecting his new skills, grasping at an elevated level of strength. Unlike his first foray on the grass, he moved methodically, confidently. No hanging weight on his chest, no residual guilt.

It was just him, and movement.

He took a deep breath in, holding it for a second, then exhaled as he leveled another kick. He shifted on his front foot, planting it sideways, and rotated on his hips around it, swinging his back leg forward in a powerful strike. He carried the movement through, leg still raised in the air, and lowered it back down into stance.

He inhaled again, then repeated the process, but this time shifting on his back leg to throw a short inside kick. He retained his composure, letting the movements go naturally.

I'll need to get a trainer, he decided as he went back to neutral stance, Or at least a sparring partner.

He swallowed at the thought, frowning. Who could he even spar with? Who could he strike at with One-For-All without ripping them to shreds? Perhaps Kirishima? Maybe Iida, if Iida wore his armor?

He'd have to think about it. But he wasn't a natural martial artist. His skill in battle had always come from the raw energy of his quirk and from sheer desperation. But if he was going to be throwing kicks, he'd have to be more careful, right? A good kick could end a fight faster than the strongest punch, but if misplaced, it could land him in trouble.

What if I do to my legs what I've done to my arms?

That was the worst-case scenario. He'd just have to keep training and growing stronger until that wasn't even an issue.

So that's what he did. He kept training, working his legs, checking his notes, and giving everything his all.

An hour passed before, with a sigh of relief, he decided to retire for the night. He grabbed his book and ambled back through the front door of the dorm. He was going to sleep like a babe tonight.

As he dinged the elevator, he realized that there was something off. The building was strangely quiet. Usually, he could hear Kaminari or Mineta up to some sort of mischief. And Iida censuring them.

But no. Not a sound. Not a peep.

If he didn't know any better, he'd've thought there'd been a villain attack. But this was U.A. Villains couldn't attack here.

Except for, you know, the last time they did that.

Deku felt the hair on his arms stand up. He was just overthinking things. Chances are, everyone had been exhausted from training, so they'd all gone to bed. So, he was going to go to bed, and he would wake up tomorrow to find everything normal.

He left the elevator and made a beeline for his room.

Just going to sneak inside, go to sleep, and pretend everything was okay.

Things were not okay.

He opened the door to his unlit room, and didn't notice until it was too late that there was somebody in there.

"Get him!" someone shouted.

A quick hiss and click, and something shot out of the darkness, white tape like Sero's, wrapping around him, while Mineta's dark hair balls exploded in a fury from the shadows, attaching to his arms and legs, binding them together beneath Sero's tape.

Deku struggled against his bindings and fell over. In the heat of the moment, he hadn't been able to focus enough to activate One-For-All.

Somebody turned on the lights, and he saw his assailants: Mineta, Sero, Tokoyami, and Kaminari.

"Well, well, well," said Mineta, "Looks like the traitor has finally shown up."

Traitor?! They think I'm the U.A. traitor?!

"W-w-wait!" stuttered Deku, "I'm not the traitor, guys! I swear! I-I s-swear."

"We shall see," hissed Mineta, his eyes glowing with anger. "Do it."

With a nod, Tokoyami reached out with Dark Shadow, and the spirit covered Deku's eyes.

#

Dark Shadow removed itself not much later, and Deku found himself beneath a bright light, bound to a chair by a mixture of Sero's tape and Mineta's hair balls.

"Midoriya!" said a voice Deku recognized, deep and exuberant, "Is that you?"

Deku turned his head to see Iida strapped similarly in his chair. Each exhaust port in his leg engines were clogged by one of Mineta's hairballs.

Did they think Iida was the traitor too? What was going on?!

Bright lamps shone on both of them, contrasted to the complete darkness of the room around them.

"Iida, where are we?" said Deku.

"I don't know," said Iida, "They covered my eyes when they brought me here. They called me a traitor. Which is preposterous! I am a proud member of the Iida clan, an aspiring hero by all rights. I can't believe they'd even suspect me, let alone you!"

Deku struggled against his restraints, ready to turn on Full Cowling when, out of the shadow, walked the three-foot Mineta, still wearing his night pajamas.

"So," he said, eyes riddled with accusation, "Are you ready to confess?"

"Confess?! To what?!" said Iida, "This is absurd. Let us go! You are violating multiple school rules by keeping us here."

"Going to play dumb, huh?"

"Mineta, I-I don't know what you're talking about," said Deku, "I'm sure there must be a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstand this!" shouted Mineta, tears in his eyes. "I've heard through the grape vine that Uraraka is in love! And it's with one of you!" He leveled a shaky finger at Deku, then waggled it back and forth between him and Iida.

Wait, that's what this is about?

WAIT, THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT?!

Deku felt himself go red as all fears of suspicion regarding his loyalty to U.A. disappeared, replaced by utter terror of them finding out about… about…

He swallowed.

"You have got to be kidding me!" decried Iida, "This is ridiculous. Just ridiculous."

"Not according to Ashido," said Mineta, "I heard her tell Kirishima that Uraraka likes someone in our class, and she was pretty sure it was one of you. So, what do you have to say in your defense?!"

"This is nonsense," said Iida, "Uraraka is just our friend, nothing more. Right, Midoriya?"

Deku nodded slowly. "R-right."

"I think I might really like you, Deku."

It had only been a couple days since their escapade across Tokyo. Since he had thrown her at a building, only to run just as fast to catch her. How he'd managed that feat was still beyond him. But together, they'd saved a man's life.

And then she'd kissed him.

They hadn't had a chance to actually sort out what had happened. They'd both been silent the whole way home, and by the time they'd gotten there, everyone had gone to sleep and the sun was only a few hours from rising. And every moment since had been one crazy event after another.

Going to get his costume upgraded had completely distracted Deku. He'd been so focused on perfecting his ultimate attack that he hadn't had time to really talk with Uraraka. Not alone, at least.

And now, word was getting out. But was that really such a bad thing? He hoped not. But what if Uraraka was ashamed of him? What if she didn't want people to know that she liked him? If she didn't want anybody to know, then he sure as hell wasn't going to spill it.

"Let us consider the following," said Mineta, pacing back and forth, just within the bounds of the heavy lamp light, "Two nights ago, at All-Might's banquet, eye-witnesses report seeing Deku leave scene. Five minutes later, Uraraka was reported to have also left the party."

Deku swallowed. So people had noticed they'd left, huh? How could he argue with that, if they brought it against him? He'd never been a good liar. Would All-Might lie about this?

"There's plenty of fear behind that smile."

Yes. For the greater good, All-Might had withheld the truth for years. This was no different. He could do this. He would.

"And only a minute later," continued Mineta, "Iida Tenya was seen leaving the scene as well."

Iida left the party too? Why?

"So," said Mineta, "What do you have to say for yourselves?! Which of you was it? Why are you three always gone together?"

Deku looked over to Iida. What would he say? He knew he hadn't been with Uraraka that night. That much was obvious.

It was only now that Deku saw Mineta's genius. Just by their reactions alone, the boy would be able to tell who was lying. Whatever reason Iida had for being out, it didn't matter, because it would be easy to see he was telling the truth.

A shadow came over Iida's countenance. "I'd left the party because I'd been moved by All-Might's words. It… it reminded me of my shame, from a time when I'd disregarded the heroic burden passed on to me, in favor of revenge. I'd stepped out to get fresh air."

So… Iida still felt shame. But more than that, like Deku, he felt the weight of All-Might's words, that burden of the torch passed on.

For that same reason, Deku had left. He'd been unable to handle that weight, that unbearable weight of carrying on the Symbol of Peace's legacy.

And Uraraka had helped lift that weight. That's simply what she did. She made things light.

Deku cast his eyes down, hair concealing his face. "Mineta, don't you get it?" he said softly, "This weight we're all carrying, bearing down on us from the day we stepped into U.A.? Can't you feel it getting heavier with every day, with every step?"

He looked straight into Mineta's eyes, crying out, "You must feel it! I know I did, just like Iida! And I'm sure Uraraka feels it too! We are all here to do our best, not just to fulfill our own dreams, but to fulfill the legacy of those who have come before! You must understand how that could drive anyone, including Uraraka, to need some air! I promise, we don't know who she likes, if anybody!"

Mineta gave him a long, hard look, before sighing. "Fine, fine, fine." He snapped his fingers.

From the shadows appeared four more figures. Tokoyami, Sero, Kaminari, and Aoyama. They all bore solemn, serious expressions.

"Let's be clear," said Mineta, "We all wish we had girlfriends. We all want girlfriends more than you do. We can't prove which one of you Uraraka likes, but-"

"Wait," said Aoyama, "I know who it is!"

"Quiet!" snapped Mineta. "If we find out that either of you are dating Uraraka, we will make your lives walking nightmares."

Deku swallowed. "E-Even Tokoyami? What are you doing here?"

The shadowman averted his gaze. "I was roped into this," he said quietly.

"I know who Uraraka likes," said Ayoama.

"Let this be a warning," said Mineta, "Know that we'll be watching you."

"I know who it is," whispered Aoyama.

"Then who is it?!" said Mineta.

"It's a secret," said Aoyama with a wink.

#

Two hours later, Mineta's balls finally became unsticky… Oh dear mercy, that sounds horrid.

Two hours later, Deku wandered sluggishly back to his dorm room. It had been an unexpectedly long night, and he was more than ready to sleep. He turned the door handle to enter his room, and a piece of paper fluttered to the ground.

He leaned over to pick it up. A message was scrawled on the slip in Uraraka's handwriting, saying, "Meet me just inside the U.A. entrance tomorrow after training."

Deku cast furtive glances up and down the hall. Was this some sort of trick? Were the others still trying to get him?

This was in Uraraka's handwriting. So hopefully it was her note. Either way, he'd have to find out tomorrow. For now, he was so tired he could barely think.

He shut the door behind him and collapsed onto the bed. That night, he dreamt of flying in the night sky, hand-in-hand with Uraraka.

#

The next day, after an intense day of training, and after hitting the showers, Deku bid his classmates farewell and made his way over to the U.A. entrance. The sun was setting over the mountains to the west, with a sweet warm breeze gently brushing past him.

He was on that same brick pathway, the one with the statue heads of different heroes, where they'd first met. And leaning against one of those statues, he saw Uraraka, casting a glance to the side.

"H-hey," said Deku, gulping.

Uraraka looked up at him, and smiled big and wide. Deku's heart jumped. She was beautiful.

"You got my message," she said, looking a little embarrassed, "I wasn't sure if you'd come."

Deku scratched his head. "Y-yeah, I-I'm here."

"I heard about what happened last night."

"O-oh, you did?"

"You know, when I'd left that note, it'd been for a different reason entirely, but then when I heard what you went through, I thought…"

"Th-thought what?"

Her face drew up thoughtfully for a moment, before she seemed to discard it with the shake of her head. Then her smile came back.

"You wanna get a bite to eat?" she said.

LIKE A DATE?!

"Um-um, s-sure," Deku said, "What did you have in m-m-mind?"

"I don't know. Let's just stop at the first place that seems good."

"G-good id-d-dea."

They left U.A. grounds and made their way into town, looking for different restaurants to try. For some reason, none of them appealed to Deku. Perhaps it was the enormous pit in his stomach.

This didn't feel like their night in Tokyo. It felt… stiff. Off. Like there was something strange in the air, and Deku couldn't shake it. Nor could he figure out what it was.

"Deku," Uraraka finally said, stopping to lean against the rail of a bridge. They gazed out at the gently passing water beneath them, the crimson sky reflected on the smooth surface, "I wanted to apologize."

"Apologize?" said Deku, "I don't understand."

"I just… I just…"

She looked up at him, and for the first time, he saw tears welling up in her eyes. "I just feel terrible. I really like you a lot, but I must have overstepped my boundaries. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or to put you in an awkward situation."

Deku's jaw dropped and his heart sank, his face turning pale. What did I do? Why is she crying? What do I say? Wait, overstepped her boundaries? What did she mean by that?

With a swallow, Deku said, "Uraraka, I don't understand. Why would you be sorry for liking me?"

"Because I kissed you, and I didn't ask permission. Twice. And I never asked about how you feel, and I didn't stop to think that maybe you didn't like me back."

"D-didn't like you," Deku choked, "Uraraka! I l-love y-"

He stopped short as his tongue seemed to swell in his throat and strangle any words that could have come out. He was so nervous. He still couldn't talk to her right, even when she was talking so openly with him.

What is wrong with me?!

He took her hand in his. "U-Uraraka," he said quietly, "U-Uraraka, I-I th-think you m-might be m-mistak-k-ken."

She wiped her eyes, trying to calm herself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to cry."

"No, no!" Deku said, "I'm sorry I made you cry."

"It's not your fault," said Uraraka, finally shaking away the last of her tears, "I promise it won't happen again." She swallowed. "That's why I wanted to see you today. To tell you I'm sorry."

Deku shook his head. "Ochaco," he said, "It's not like that. I just- I just-"

With no other options, he did the only thing that could possibly show exactly what was in his chest.

With his remaining hand, he touched her cheek, and then he pulled her in and kissed her on the lips.

He held it there for a second, trying desperately to ignore the rampant embarrassment raging through him. It was to kiss her, rather than be kissed. When she kissed him, it was ecstasy, it was pure bliss. But when he kissed her, it was all nerves. Nerves and terror.

She kissed him back, and his world lit aflame. Her lips pressed against his, so soft and sweet. Her scent filled him, intoxicating. She smelled just like apples. And just a single moment of this was eternity, true and utter happiness.

Finally, he pulled away and looked out on the water.

For a long moment, there was silence.

"I-I don't understand," said Uraraka finally, "I heard you completely denied being with me in Tokyo. I assumed you… you… were ashamed of it."

Deku shook his head, breathless. Finally, at long, long last, he felt like he could get some words off his chest. "I'd heard that you'd denied it, so I did too."

"Oh…" said Uraraka, "Yeah, I guess I did. Sorry."

Deku smiled. "Really, it's okay. Who cares what they think, right?"

For a second, he paused on that thought. Obviously, they both cared. But that was a problem for another day.

Uraraka rested her head on his shoulder, gazing on the water with him. "So what now?" she said.

"I don't know," said Deku, "We could start with dinner."

"Dinner sounds good," said Uraraka, "How does Okonomiyaki sound?"

"Like a good idea," said Deku with a smile, "Let's go."

"Let's."

Deku reached out and took Uraraka's hand, entwining her fingers with his.

"Oh, and Ochaco," he said.

"Yeah?"

"I think I might really like you too."