Chapter 23: Rainy Sunrise
A/N: Thanks to JorbyBlorby for editing this chapter for me!
"At night I dream that you and I are two plants, that grew together, roots entwined, and that you know the earth and the rain like my mouth, since we are made of earth and rain."- Pablo Neruda, Regalo de un Poeta
Ochako
"Why were you so mad?" Tsuyu questions.
It's the first thing she's asked about upon returning to the central area to watch the other matches, and it's only then that it occurs to her that she had cameras on her this whole time. Cameras that caught her anger at Aoyama and her resulting loss of composure at the worst possible time along with her bottled frustrations over dealing with Toga...
"Friends share secrets, right Himiko?" Ochako asks, hoping her voice doesn't sound as high-pitched and frantic to Toga as it does to her own ears.
Toga grins, teeth shining under the streetlights. "We have big things planned for your forest training trip you know, at least that's what Shigaraki keeps ranting about."
"And one of your targets is Deku?" She further pursues.
Toga's cheeks flush then and her stomach coils at the way she licks her lips. "...One of them, yes. His quirk fascinates Shigaraki and I guess he wants to kidnap him or mess with him somehow. I'm personally going just to meet more of your classmates, I haven't gotten a chance to taste their blood yet!"
This is good enough information for the teachers to prepare with. Then her body stiffens in alert at a sudden change in Toga's demeanor. As as her smile turns frosty it becomes obvious that Ochacko has gotten all she can out of the blonde.
Toga leans close to her, enough for her to pick up on the metallic tang of blood on her lips.
SWISH!
The cling of metal rings in her ears, drawing her knife just in time to block her needle.
"So, you're done digging, huh Ochi? We aren't friends really; I know you only wanted this conversation so you could dig for information and you have it! Who's to say we'll even be at your little training camp adventure anyways? Maybe Shigaraki will change his mind and plan the attack for later...or earlier, who knows?" Toga giggles.
"Why tell me if you knew I never wanted to be friends with you?!" Ochako questions back sharply, forcing Toga's needle from her hands, causing it to shatter onto the pavement below. She points the blade of her knife right at Toga's neck, pressing just enough for a thin streak of scarlet to form.
Toga doesn't react and instead keeps her gaze focused on the glittering shards with a sigh, shrugging lightly over the loss. "You remind me of myself sometimes, a girl in love who hasn't yet fully given in to her inner desires."
Brown meet gold, silently watching each other's next move.
"Besides, how can we really be friends when you won't let me enjoy your blood properly?" She muses.
Ochako blanches, grip on her knife tightening.
A patrolling officer glances their way and Toga takes that as her cue to step back.
"We're nothing alike; those desires of yours have led you to kill innocent people! So you're right in one sense; we could never be friends." Ochako emphasizes.
Toga's grin widens, slipping back from her ready to disappear into the shadows or evening crowds.
"I can't help what I am. This was fun though; we should do it again real soon! Next time as true friends on my terms." She emphasizes before leaving so the nearby cop doesn't ruin her fun…
"Nothing! Just had a lot on my mind!" She chirps. It's the most honest answer she can think of on the spot that doesn't require her to expand on the topic.
Tsu's brows furrow with suspicion though, eyes darkening, and things get even worse when she feels her cheeks start to warm after her eyes move from Tsu's doubting gaze to Deku currently focused on the cameras.
His gaze eventually moves to them and a smile crosses his lips. "Hey Ochako, you were great out there!"
Her face burns tenfold at hearing that, Tsuyu's expression switching from skepticism over her behavior to amusement cocking her head. "Hmm, I didn't know you two were on a first name basis. Just how much have I missed going on between you two? Or was your relationship a secret?"
"Ah, it's not like that! I mean-err-anyway, now's not the time to talk about it!" Ochacko sputters back, avoiding her gaze.
She moves herself to stand beside Deku, silently taking refuge in his company. He doesn't look any worse for wear than she does, though there's a trace of a slight frown in his features that makes her nudge him gently.
"You okay?" Ochako asks.
'You should be asking yourself that.' Her thoughts mock her, ignoring them as Deku's stare moves between her and the monitors before lightly bumping her shoulder back.
"Fine… Well, I suppose I could be better." He states softly.
"How so-" Ochako begins pausing as the intercom buzzes overhead.
"Todoroki and Bakugo have crossed the finish line! They are the 4th team to pass!" Present Mic's voice echoes out.
She looks to camera 3 and her eyes widen seeing the mix of fresh and dried blood coating Bakugo's face and hair, Todoroki keeping one arm over his shoulder to keep him from slipping off.
'He's unconscious.' She realizes.
And she looks back to Deku only to see him already moving for the infirmary.
-X-
Katsuki
'Damn it, what's with all these lights?'
White. A numbing silver-white light is hitting him from every direction.
His head throbs, thrumming faster when he shifts his body to sit up despite the pain that washes over his body.
A gentle, but firm hand pushes him back down. "You're in no condition to be trying to get up and stand right now young man. Even with my kiss, your body still needs time to rest."
Recovery Girl.
"I'm fine." He attempts to hiss out, however it only sounds garbled and faded on his ears.
"Kacchan you should listen to her, All Might didn't hold back-" Izuku adds in from somewhere beside her.
'Ugh, Deku is here as well? And he's seeing me in this fucking pathetic state.' He grunts, managing to twist his body away from their voices. He shifts his bedsheets up trying to drown out their conversation, catching bits and pieces only slightly muffled by the blankets.
"I hope you've been practicing all those skills I taught you! It's important not only for your growth as a Hero, but in helping change the public's opinion of Infliction-" Chiyo lightly mentions.
"I have, honest! I mean, that's actually part of the reason I came here!" Izuku hurriedly replies.
'How exactly am I supposed to rest again with these two chattering away above me?' Katsuki scowls.
Nothing went as planned.
Even the thought that he really and truly blacked out leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Todoroki could've easily left him behind, should've left him there on the pavement knowing the risk...
"Well anyways, I didn't come here to ramble. I just wanted to show both you and Recovery Girl how much I've improved." Deku mentions and he pauses, gritting his teeth at sensing his stare.
And then he feels it, the pain in his head and arms start to lessen.
The bruises and cuts remain, though they are no longer like the deep violet-red of a plum or harsh scarlet red. He stretches out his fingers to test them, expecting to wince through a pain that never comes.
'That idiot wasted his energy healing me.' He scowls.
He waits to open his eyes until he no longer hears Deku, sound of footsteps pattering away. Recovery Girl harshly reminds of the consequences of trying to get up too soon before he hears the clink of her cane against the tile leaving out as well.
Silence greets him, wind from the open window bringing in the scent of pine and grass.
Through fuzzy vision he sees the sky is a dark shade of amber, damn it he really has been out for hours. All the rest of the exams have long since finished while he was passed out in here.
'You're getting behind again.' His thoughts taunt.
"They're both truly gone now if that's what you're so annoyed about." A familiar voice states and he turns his head a bit too fast to see Shoto beside him.
Turquoise-auburn eyes regard him casually, neither speaking, the air quickly thickening between them before Shoto breaks it.
"My Dad...isn't a good person. This scar I have is a reminder of the cruelty he has in him despite being the Number 2 Pro-Hero. You'll only find yourself going into dark abyss the more you try to dig for information on him." He points out.
Katsuki clicks his tongue, barely controlling a snort. This isn't anything new that he hasn't already heard or experienced.
All that sounds like is the same bullshit excuses.
"I just want to know his connection to All Might and no, before you say it, not all that silly crap that gets broadcasted by the news or on social media when they do a rare interview together. He knows critical information regarding All Might's health-" He cuts himself off before he can explain.
Would anyone really believe him if he said he saw All Might cough up blood?
Shoto arches a brow, flat expression changing enough for him to realize he said too much. "To be frank, what makes you think it's any of your concern?"
Rage courses through him then, flicking his fingers creating mini sparks of yellow to red to cool this anger before he rips open his wounds and has Recovery Girl talk his ear off again.
"...It matters when he's the best of the best." Katsuki finally muses after a moment.
'And such a secret could cause a domino effect.' Though he keeps that part to himself.
The last thing anyone here at U.A. needed was the League of Villains catching wind of this secret first. A niggling thought points out it really is none of his business, however he can't sit still knowing Deku knows more about this than him. Especially not when he too has witnessed their destruction and power first-hand.
But before Shoto can respond they both hear a knock at the door, swinging open just slightly with a soft click. Everything in his stomach coils and turns to ice. Like weights, he feels the urge to sink down beneath his covers.
This day has proved it can get even worse when only a few hours of sunlight remain.
"Ah, I see you have company Young Bakugo; is this a bad time?" All Might questions.
-X-
Izuku
"You promised no more secrets." Izuku reminds his Dad, holding his hand out.
Hisashi looks from between the manila envelope to his son, taking in the hardened verdant of his eyes. It would be easy to lie and say all the results were fine, though his voice feels too scratchy to even make such an attempt that would sound feasible to his ears.
"Fine, but I must warn you that the results aren't...great." He starts, releasing his hold on the folder.
He watches the shift in Izuku's gaze, from the faintest hints of annoyance to upset.
"Dad, this is worst than what you described. Especially your white and red blood cells being so low." He remarks.
"It's nothing that can't be fixed with the treatment plans they have in place." Hisashi relates, though it doesn't seem Izuku has heard him.
"You said before your levels weren't showing anemia, when based upon this you'll at least need iron infusions, if not complete blood transfusions!" Izuku snaps, lowering his voice as he skims over the rest of his lab results and the doctor's recommendations.
"I don't want you to worry about this Izuku, you should be focusing on packing for that training trip with your classmates." Hisashi reiterates.
"How can I not worry about it when it could affect me as well in the future?" He questions back.
His gaze has gone down to his tamagoyaki, cutting the slices even thinner until they crumple into pieces.
"Sweetie, while these months ahead won't be easy, we aren't going to keep anything from you on purpose." Inko promises, gently squeezing at his hand.
But the room feels suffocating now, egg and miso soup tasting much like sludge trying to get them down.
"I'm going to go for a walk." He decides, excusing himself from the table before either can answer.
He pats Hisashi's shoulder as he heads out and he straightens in mild surprise.
He couldn't even tell him when he was having a simple sore neck or shoulder it seemed.
"It's still rainy out, be careful!" Inko calls out to him and he makes a show of grabbing one of the smaller umbrellas by the door.
'I know they mean well, but I can help! At least Infliction is free unlike all these tests and appointments. Maybe because the effects are only temporary... or maybe he's afraid of its power?"
The thought starts the beginnings of a migraine, a faint twinge piercing the back of his head.
The weather matches his mood, sky a dreary blanket of gray. Sunlight manages to crack through in brief intervals giving off a hazy yellow shine to the buildings and trees.
He stops outside the market district, most shops about to open for the day as he observes an older man starting to unlock his doors.
And it's then by the sports shop he sees a flicker of chestnut hair.
"Ochako?" Izuku calls out to her.
He flinches realizing he isn't even sure if it's actually her.
'Crap, that could be a complete stranger I just yelled out to!' He panics, nerves keeping him in place as figure twists towards him.
Her eyes brighten as their gazes meet, and he sighs in relief. It wasn't a mistake.
"Deku?! Ah, you're up early getting camping supplies too, huh?" Ochako beams, crossing through puddles to get to him. Her cheeks flush as he happily grabs her hand, pushing the conversation with his parents further back into his mind.
"I actually have most everything I need. I just wanted to get some extra batteries for my flashlight and a spare charger. You?" Izuku explains.
Her stare softens, tapping at a crumb of toast by his lips. "Everything alright?"
'No, I'm frustrated with my parents. I haven't used Infliction enough for good reasons, the League of Villains is tracking our class's movements.' The thoughts rise up all at once, threatening to erupt.
But instead he lightly taps her cheek back, tacking on a grin.
"Yup, just getting a morning walk in." He partially lies.
Ochako hums not fully convinced he knows, though she thankfully doesn't push it as she looks back towards the store. "I need bug spray, I often got bitten from head to toe with mosquitoes during the summers in Mie if I forgot to cover up before heading into the fields."
She pauses as a memory comes back to her, stepping forward again. "Come on; I need to make sure they have the sweat resistant and non-smelly ones!"
He nods, letting her guide him along. Rain starts to fall in a drizzle, beads of droplets splashing and sliding on to them.
His breath hitches watching the droplets glimmer in Ochako's hair when the sun catches it, forgetting everything for the moment weighing on his mind.
The umbrella he brought along rests limply in his free hand and he considers opening it despite it being a short walk.
'I want to keep watching the sunlight and rain make her smile.' Izuku notes.
"Deku, do you need to go anywhere after this?" Ochako questions abruptly. She looks back to him curiously and he shakes his head quickly, managing to croak out he's gotten most everything he needs already.
At least if the rain does start to fall in sheets he can use it as an excuse behind his delay in returning back home by waiting it out with her.
-X-
All Might
"I'm basing this off the information Young Uraraka gave me you know." He relates.
Saying that only seems to make Bakugo's mood worsen, pursing his lips before his gaze falls away from him back into his crumpled blankets. If it weren't for his exhaustion he's sure he would have burned these sheets away by now.
He casts his gaze outside, leaning his head against his palm watching as dark clouds drift by. The air smells of rain and he hears the distinct roll of thunder in the distance. He'll most likely need to cancel the outside training drills he had planned for a class of second years.
"I don't care what Deku's girlfriend told you, or even what Deku or Todoroki might've told you." Katsuki eventually says at knowing he isn't going to leave like he wants.
Neither say anything for a moment, prompting him to continue.
"You know, the only reason I'm going through all this effort is because you never gave me enough information on what's truly going on with you. I can't just pretend I didn't see you cough up that blood in the library-" Katsuki rushes out, voice rising until Toshinori cuts him off gently with a pat to the head.
"I understand your feelings, truly I do Young Bakugo. But you aren't going about this the right way. Endeavor, he isn't...he could cause you serious harm and I worry what path this overbearing desire for answers will lead you down." He remarks gently.
He freezes at the gesture of affection before brushing his hand off with a scowl.
His phone rings within his pocket, risking a glimpse at the caller ID.
'It's from Tsukauchi.'
And letting it go to voicemail the first time only results in him immediately attempting to call him back once, his stomach churns at the layered meaning.
There's a been a breakthrough in his research.
"You should get that." Katsuki mutters softly, nodding towards his buzzing phone and he promises he'll be back in less than 5 minutes.
He steps back out into the hallway, ensuring he's alone before finally answering.
"Good, I was worried you were out on a patrol or in the middle of a lesson." Tsukauchi responds by way of greeting.
'Well, I had been in a lesson of sorts.' Toshinori wants to respond, glancing back towards Recovery Girl's office.
"Anyways, I'll cut right to the chase. I found out more about the League of Villains, information that I don't think you even knew." He starts.
Toshinori straightens then, interest and concern perked.
"Is it regarding Himiko Toga?" He questions and he pictures Tsukauchi shaking his head in frustration that he's interrupted him before he can even provide the full details of the case.
"No, it's actually regarding their leader Tomura Shigaraki. We made a breakthrough about his immediate family."
-x-
Thanks again to JorbyBlorby for cleaning up and editing this chapter and becoming my beta moving forward for this story! I look forward to you guy's thoughts on what will happen next for Izuku and Ochako!
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