Downtown
Chapter Summary
It's time to shift perspectives again! Bakugou struggles to keep himself in check around his classmates (especially Uraraka) as they belatedly celebrate Deku's birthday at the local mall.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Katsuki dreaded the end of breakfast as it signaled the end of his alone time with Uraraka and the beginning of his torture session with the people from his class.
Discreetly, Katsuki paid for their meals when Uraraka was in the bathroom as he wanted her to save her money. He had plenty and really didn't care how he spent it. His parents made sure he could do whatever he wanted.
His plan didn't work as she immediately went up to the cash register and asked for her check which no longer existed.
"Did you pay for my meal?" Uraraka confronted him with a confused expression.
"Yeah," Bakugou said bluntly.
"Um, why? You didn't have to," Uraraka said sheepishly, her cheeks turning pink.
"I know!" He said loudly. He hated when she did that. Couldn't she figure out he was trying to be nice? It was hard enough to do it and it didn't help that she never reacted like he thought she would.
"Well, thank you. I appreciate it," she smiled sweetly at him.
"Whatever, it's not a big deal. Let's get out of here. I want to get this over with as soon as possible," he said as he headed toward the exit.
"We're meeting at the mall first," Uraraka said as she hurried to catch up.
"Of course he'd pick that," Katsuki grumbled.
"What's wrong with the mall?" Uraraka asked innocently.
"Crowded, noisy, nothing good there. Do I need to go on?"
"No, that's a good answer," Uraraka laughed. Katsuki kept his mind on getting to the mall instead of how much he wanted to reach for her hand as she walked side by side with him.
He hated that she had this effect on him. It infuriated him that he was too nervous to just go for it but he couldn't risk it. Katsuki's whole body tensed thinking about how weak-willed he was. It filled him to the brim with resentment. Unfortunately, he didn't know what he could do about it.
Kirishima said it was better to be friends first but Katsuki was beginning to think that was bad advice and it wasn't because Katsuki was impatient.
Ochako Uraraka was becoming someone he could trust completely. There were few people out there that fit that description. He couldn't throw that away because of some stupid crush. Katsuki had no idea how she thought of him. She wasn't a blabbermouth like his other friends. She kept her deeper emotions to herself, like he did.
"I know what you're thinking," Uraraka started. Katsuki glanced down hesitantly at her, his previous rageful scowl disappearing when she talked. He really hoped she didn't know what he was actually thinking. "How long is Uraraka going to make me be here? Well, I thought we could stay through at least lunch and I know you hate being around Deku for too long-,"
"I don't hate being around that nerd. I hate how annoying he is. Saying stuff we already know, muttering all day, crying when the wind blows, being so goddamn helpful all the time like he thinks people need him."
She stifled a grin.
"If he's not annoying?" Uraraka asked.
Katsuki shrugged. He doubted it was possible but he'd seen weirder things.
"I'm not making any promises. There is one thing we have to do today so the old hag can stop pestering me."
"Uh, okay, I'm guessing that's your mother," Uraraka said.
Katsuki frowned even thinking about what he was about to say.
"She needs your measurements," he rushed. He didn't want to ask her to do this. His mother was relentless and wouldn't listen to Katsuki's objections on the matter.
"What?!" Uraraka looked almost startled by the request. "Why?"
Katsuki grit his teeth and his expression turned hateful.
"Last year someone in her circle mentioned to her that I wasn't wearing her brand at the expo and she flipped out. Long story short, I can't get out of wearing her stupid ass clothes this year and she wants us to match since we're going together."
"She's designing me a dress?" Uraraka asked in awe. "That's so nice of her!" Contradicting her words, Uraraka's face fell. "I don't know how I'm going to afford that- "
Katsuki stopped Uraraka's ramblings before they got too bad.
"She's doing it for selfish reasons. You won't have to do anything but wear it."
Uraraka suddenly squealed, jumping up and down with excitement, which hurt his ears.
"I can't believe I'm going to get a dress! I've never had any fancy clothing before. I had to borrow my formal wear last year from Yaoyorozu," Uraraka laughed.
"Don't tell my mother that. She might have a heart attack. Actually," Katsuki looked up in thought. "Maybe you should."
Uraraka pursed her lips.
"Your mother sounds scary if that's what you think."
"You'll find out when we see her later."
"See...her? We're going to your house?" Uraraka said, her words seemingly caught in her throat.
"Yeah? How else did you think she was going to get your measurements? C'mon, use your brain!" Katsuki shouted. Sometimes he wondered if she even thought things through before asking questions.
"I just thought I'd send over numbers."
"You never had anything tailored before?" He asked sincerely, yet slightly frustrated. He knew they grew up differently but his entire childhood was full of standing completely still to get things to fit perfectly. Now that he was older, he refused to have anything tailored now. His mother hated his baggy clothes and seeing her face when he walked out looking like he just rolled out of bed gave him immense satisfaction. It was proof that she couldn't control him anymore.
"No," she shook her head with wide-eyes.
"Hm," he grunted. They were entering the mall now and Katsuki was scanning the area. "There's the nerd himself."
Deku was chatting excitedly with Kirishima and Sero while Todoroki leaned on the stairs next to them.
"Happy Birthday, Deku!" Uraraka left Katsuki's side to run over to Deku and wrapped him in a big hug. Katsuki hated that he was slightly jealous of someone who made him so frustrated and angry. Only because she'd left his side for his rival. Not the hug, he forcefully told himself.
"Morning, Ochako! Thank you!"
"But it's not his birthday," Todoroki interjected.
"That's not the point, Todoroki," Sero laughed at him.
"Hey, Kacchan! I'm a little surprised you came but I'm so happy you're here!" Deku grinned. Katsuki refused to look at him. He felt his lip curl in a snarl at the childhood nickname.
"Don't make a big deal about it, nerd," Bakugou growled. He was trying to keep his anger in check today for Uraraka's sake. He wouldn't have her look bad since she was the one who invited him.
"Ashido and Hagakure are shopping in that store by the way," Kirishima gestured to a boutique. Katsuki was 100% not going in there.
"Jirou, Kaminari, and Iida are on their way. Tsu had to take her siblings somewhere first and then she'll be here a little later," Deku informed Uraraka.
"Don't forget moi! " Aoyama said as he walked toward them from another direction of the mall.
"Great," Katsuki groaned sarcastically. He didn't like Aoyama. He was a coward and didn't deserve to be in the hero course. On top of that, his sparkle and shine personality made his blood boil.
"Hi, Aoyama!" Uraraka waved to her friend, ignoring Katsuki's comment. "Deku, I have to pick up some stuff for camp but maybe we could split up in groups and then meet somewhere?"
"That sounds good to me. I have stuff to pick up too," Deku said.
"Works for me. I need some new clothes," Sero said.
"I have to get hiking boots," Todoroki added.
"Aren't you worried about breaking them in?" Deku looked back at him.
"Fucking procrastinators," Katsuki growled. He had planned to tag along with Uraraka the whole day but there was no way he could handle shopping with all those idiots. Kirishima seemed to notice his expression as his friend annoyingly wrapped an arm around him.
"Hey, I'm good to go for camp! We can stay here and wait for the rest of the group to arrive," Kirishima said with a smile. Katsuki gritted his teeth and shook off the arm. "I got this grumpy guy. Let's meet at the arcade later?"
"Yeah! That sounds perfect!" Deku said excitedly. "Aoyama?"
"Oh, I will be coming with you."
Good, Katsuki thought to himself. The less time with him the better.
"Text me when you're ready!" Kirishima waved to the extras that left and Katsuki sat at the bench outside of the boutique. "So, you came with Uraraka. Making your move afterall?"
"Shut the fuck up!" Bakugou hissed as he looked behind him to make sure they were out of earshot.
"Right, top secret information. That totally no one else knows," Kirishima said quickly.
Katsuki glared at him and Kirishima broke.
"I'm sorry! Mina figured it out and I wasn't going to lie! She's good at that kind of stuff."
"Some friend you are."
"Hey! That's not fair. It's not like I told her."
Katsuki shoved his hands in his pockets and scowled at the floor.
"C'mon, she's not going to tell her. I mean-," Kirishima paused in thought. "I will make it clear that she shouldn't."
"Cause Pink-Ass is so good at doing what we ask," Katsuki snarled.
"She won't!"
Katsuki pursed his lips.
"I'm not planning on saying anything to Uraraka."
"What? Why?"
"The same reason you aren't saying anything to Raccoon-Eyes," Katsuki glanced at his friend and Kirishima grinned awkwardly.
"We're bad at this," Kirishima chuckled.
"You're bad. I'm making a decision. I could easily sweep her off her feet if I wanted to. She means more to me than whatever infatuation I have right now."
"Aww, look how well you're doing with emotions. I'm so proud of you."
"I'm serious," Katsuki said angrily. He didn't like being mocked.
"I'm serious too! Think of you this time last year. You would've just tried to fight everyone if you were feeling this way."
"Stop talking," Katsuki sighed. He didn't like to admit how much of a dick he'd been during their first year. He still had his fair share of outbursts and selfish tendencies but at least he was trying to be better. Not being in a constant state of fight or...fight was harder than he thought it would be.
Katsuki's thoughts were interrupted by Iida running down the hallway toward them.
"Where's Midoriya!?" He shouted as he skidded in front of Kirishima, his glasses shaking as he stopped.
"They went upstairs to shop. Don't know where though, sorry!" Kirishima gestured to the stairs and grinned.
"Great, thank you!" Iida ran up the stairs at breakneck speed.
"Someone is excited!" Kirishima laughed. Katsuki ignored him.
"Damn, they're taking forever," Katsuki grumbled, stretching out his legs.
"It's been like 10 minutes." Kirishima gave him a look. Katsuki leaned his head back to stare at the ceiling and groaned. "So-I have to ask," Kirishima started.
"You don't," Katsuki said forcefully.
"What's your plan for I-Island then? I figured you were taking her to, like, woo her."
Katsuki grimaced in fake pain from that sentence.
"Fucking 'woo'? That's the word you use?"
"What other word is there?" Kirishima laughed. Katsuki shrugged nonchalantly.
"There isn't a plan. I want to be around her. She wanted to go to I-Island. Win-Win."
"You've got it bad, Bakubro."
"Want to keep your tongue? Shut-the-fuck-up."
"Can't deny facts, dude. I mean, we all saw the photo from the bus. You let her snuggle up to you. You're not gonna live that down."
"Who's got a problem with what happened that day!? I'll tell 'em where they can shove that photo," Katsuki snarled, his palms tingling as small explosions erupted from them.
"No one! We all saw the evidence. People are gonna ask her about it if they haven't already. They're too afraid to ask you."
"It wasn't what it looked like," Katsuki growled, his hands turning to fists.
"Yeah, then what was it?" Kirishima teased.
"You didn't see our match," Katsuki said quietly.
"No, but I heard from Sero what happened. It was a close call." Kirishima's demeanor changed. He was actively listening.
"If I hadn't been quick enough she would've died," Katsuki closed his eyes, remembering how time had stopped when he saw her get grabbed underneath her own attack. Time had then sped up so fast to catch up to itself as he had flown to reach her. His chest tightened thinking about her expression. She hadn't been worried. Uraraka had no doubts when it came to him. He was almost addicted to replaying that expression in his head. No one had ever trusted him like Uraraka did. Kirishima didn't even trust him that much. His family sure as shit didn't. He couldn't risk losing that if he told her how he felt about her and she didn't feel the same way. That kind of trust would be gone forever even if they stayed friends.
"You were, though," Kirishima said after a few moments. "You can't beat yourself over something that didn't happen."
Katsuki shook his head in denial.
"I don't. It's the fucking dreams. They're a pain in the ass."
"Dreams? Do you dream that it went the other way?" Kirishima asked gently. Katsuki nodded. "Man, that sucks. They'll go away eventually. It's only been a couple days. What's your therapist say?"
"Doesn't know. I won't meet with him until second term starts."
Ashido and Hagakure walked out of the boutique, bags in hand, laughing with each other. The deep conversation was put on hold. He wasn't talking in front of them.
"Oh, hey, Grumpy. Didn't think you'd be here today," Ashido said.
"Uraraka brought him along," Kirishima explained. Ashido beamed at Katsuki but a look from him wiped the smile from her face.
"That was nice of her," Hagakure said. "Where are they?"
"Upstairs shopping for camp," Kirishima said, gesturing to the ceiling. "We're meeting at the arcade later."
"Cool!" Hagakure popped her foot in excitement. Katsuki rolled his eyes at her.
"Later is now. Text Ears and the Frog. I'm not wasting my morning being bored 'cause Sparky can't tell time," Katsuki grumbled as he stood up from the bench.
"Sure," Kirishima pulled out his phone.
The group walked across the mall to the large arcade. Ashido's eyes lit up upon seeing a photobooth and a dance machine.
"Ooh, look at those plushies in the claw machine! So cute!" Hagakure squealed as she rushed over to better inspect them.
"Zombie killing?" Kirishima asked Katsuki, pointing to a shooter game. Katsuki shrugged. He wasn't a huge fan of video games. Why would he fight virtually when he could fight in real life?
The pair played a few rounds of the game before Jirou and Kaminari entered the arcade hand in hand.
"Jirou!" Hagakure shrieked as she ran over to her. "They have a guitar game! I bet you're gonna be so good at it."
Jirou couldn't even object as she was forcibly pulled from her boyfriend to the game.
Kaminari waved her goodbye and then walked over to the boys.
"So, how's Lover Boy doing?" Kaminari leaned against the machine and smiled at Katsuki.
"Wish this gun had real bullets," Katsuki whispered under his breath.
"Harsh," Kaminari clutched his chest in mock pain. "Don't think you'd even shoot me if it did. Uraraka made you soft."
"Kaminari," Kirishima warned but Katsuki had already dropped the gun and closed the distance between them. Using his elbow to pin Kaminari to the game, he got close enough to Kaminari's face to see his own reflection in the idiot's now anxious eyes.
"You're stupider than you look and that's saying something," Katsuki breathed maliciously. Kirishima had stopped playing and was trying to pull Katsuki away from their friend.
"I was just teasing!" Kaminari said quickly, putting his hands up in defense.
"Talk about the bus incident again and I will literally blow your brains out. Understood?"
Kirishima glanced nervously at Katsuki but when Kaminari nodded in agreement, Katsuki backed down.
"Geez, Bakugou," Kaminari walked away from them and went over to watch Jirou play the guitar game.
Katsuki was focusing on his breathing as Kirishima stood in front of him.
"That was a little much," Kirishima said as he looked disappointedly at Katsuki.
"Nipped it in the bud," Katsuki muttered and picked up the gaming gun again.
"Kaminari is your friend," Kirishima countered.
"Sparky is a fucking idiot."
"He's our idiot. You had to have known he'd say something."
Katsuki pursed his lips as he headshotted a few zombies. He side-eyed Kirishima.
"Doesn't mean I have to put up with it."
"Whatever, man. Jirou's gonna tear you to shreds when he tells her."
"Ears doesn't scare me."
"I should," Jirou said behind them. Katsuki finished the game and turned around to face her. "What the fuck is your problem? Literally everyone is talking about you and Uraraka on the bus. Are you going to threaten them all? You don't get to shove your friends around and expect them to obey you."
"What changed?" Katsuki threw back. Jirou glared at him.
"We realized you're all bark and no bite," Ashido interjected as she walked over to the group with Hagakure. Kaminari was playing the guitar game by himself.
"Hey, I mean, I don't agree with what he did but Kaminari did go a little far," Kirishima explained before things got out of hand. "He implied that Bakugou was weak because of his friendship with Uraraka."
Jirou sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"You still shouldn't have done what you did," Jirou looked up into Katsuki's eyes. They had a brief staring contest as they fought silently with a battle of wills. "I don't expect you to apologize," Jirou finally said, breaking eye contact. "Just--try not to murder the people who care about you and who actually put up with your bullshit."
"Noted," Katsuki grumbled.
"Can we go back to having a fun day with friends?" Hagakure asked tentatively.
"It's not a hang out sesh with the crew if Bakugou doesn't threaten to maim someone," Ashido chuckled. "Jirou? Want to play air hockey?"
Jirou nodded but gave Katsuki another angry glance before she walked away. Hagakure stayed with them.
"Can I play next?" Hagakure asked sweetly.
"Knock yourself out. I'm done," Katsuki said, handing her the gun. He left the game and went to play pinball by himself. The case shook as he pressed the buttons too hard as a way to get his anger out. Katsuki stayed away from the rest of them for a while to get in a better mindset.
"They're really taking a while to get stuff for camp," Kirishima said, standing next to him as Katsuki played an All-Might 'test your strength' game.
"Who planned this shit?" Katsuki asked with strain as he pushed himself to get the best score.
"Uraraka."
"Shocking," Katsuki responded sarcastically. "Thought she'd be a better social planner with how she is in training."
"How is she? You never talk about it," Kirishima leaned against the wall, smiling expectantly at his friend.
Katsuki grinned as he got the highest strength level on the game but fell back into a scowl when he saw his friend's eager face.
"Smart," Katsuki landed on after a few moments of thought. It was the safest answer.
"M'kay, what else?"
"You're fucking nosy. Why?"
"Curiosity."
"If only you were a cat," Katsuki grumbled as leaned on the opposite side of the game from Kirishima.
"Oh, c'mon! I tell you all about the training Mina and I do."
"I don't ask for that."
Katsuki's phone buzzed and he grabbed it from his pocket.
Uraraka: Hey, we're all done shopping and we're getting milk tea. Be there soon. Deku and Todoroki left for his house but will be back in a little bit.
"Who's that?" Kirishima asked as Katsuki clicked his phone off.
"Uraraka. They're done and they're getting milk teas. Deku left with Todoroki but apparently they'll be back."
"Milk tea?" Ashido asked from across the arcade. The rest of the group suddenly swarmed around Katsuki and Kirishima.
"Sounds like! Let me call her," Kirishima pulled out his phone.
"Oh, I want lychee!" Hagakure said with her hand raised.
"Orders everyone!" Kirishima said as he dialed. "Hey, Uraraka! You're getting milk teas?
"Get me a Thai!" Ashido whispered to Kirishima. Kirishima waved her away, trying to listen.
"Would you order us some? Please!" Kirishima begged.
"Pathetic," Bakugou grumbled.
"I want taro. Kaminari wants mango," Jirou interjected.
"Almond for me," Tsu said. Katsuki hadn't even noticed that she was in the arcade with them.
"Okay, thank you so much! We'll pay you back as soon as you get here. Jirou wants taro, Kaminari wants mango, Hagakure wants lychee, Ashido wants Thai, Tsu wants almond, I'll take black, and Bakugou wants coffee with light milk."
"I didn't order anything!" Bakugou whisper-yelled. Kirishima shook his head and covered the phone.
"I know you'll want something! You always try to steal sips of mine when you don't get anything! Don't think I don't notice."
Katsuki rolled his eyes but didn't deny it.
Kirishima went back to listening and laughed.
"Sure. We're already at the arcade by the way. How long till Midoriya gets back?" He asked.
"Midoriya's gone?" Tsu asked, concerned.
"He'll be back," Katsuki answered quickly.
"Will do. Thanks again! See you soon." Kirishima said, then he hung up to immediately start texting someone. "Everyone get your cash ready!
"Hey, I know we've got a big group but I'd really like to take some photos in the booth today," Ashido said, handing Kirishima some cash.
"That sounds great!" Hagakure clapped her hands together.
Katsuki grimaced.
"Oh, don't be such a sourpuss!" Ashido directed at him. "All I ask is for one group photo. It won't kill you. These are important moments."
"If we can't all fit, I'm not doing it," Katsuki determined.
"Plus, your smile scares people," Kaminari whispered from the side of his mouth.
"Do you have a death wish?" Jirou looked up at him and slapped him with her ear jack.
"I don't think I've ever seen a happy smile from you," Tsu thought aloud, putting her finger to her chin.
"Yeah, it's always been, like, a smile about winning or fighting," Hagakure said.
"That's what makes me happy," Katsuki said, getting annoyed.
"What about dancing?" Ashido asked with a sly smile. "Or friends?"
Katsuki glared at her.
"Depends. Are you involved?" Katsuki smirked.
"Rude," Ashido playfully pouted.
"What if we had a contest?" Hagakure said with glee. "Best pictures wins!"
"What are the stakes?" Kirishima asked, interested.
"Well, we have an even number of people if I don't participate since photographs aren't really my thing."
"Nonsense!" Kaminari said. "We'll have someone go twice."
"Midoriya! He's the birthday boy," Ashido decided.
"Alright!" Hagakure agreed, excited to be included. "Anyway we'll team up, try our hardest to take the best pictures. Stakes are--if you lose you have to pitch in money to get Midoriya a present from the group. If you win, you get to keep whatever photos you like, divvy out the rest, plus you get to pick out the present."
"I'm in," Kirishima grinned. "I'm with Mina."
"Oh, we're gonna win!" Ashido said as she moved to his side.
"I mean, we're the only couple, so I think it's an easy victory," Kaminari goaded as he wrapped an arm around Jirou.
Katsuki rubbed his temples at the idiocy of his friends.
"This is so fucking stupid."
"Oh, get over yourself and have fun," Ashido threw back at him. "You're gonna appreciate moments like these when you're older."
"Doubt it," Katsuki muttered. The group talked to themselves about the newly established contest but Katsuki heard Uraraka's laugh coming from the entrance. The shopping group was back with their milk teas but that's not what he cared about. Uraraka and Deku were joking and hitting their cups together, cheering for something that he couldn't make out.
"Come and get it!" Iida announced loudly and those without milk tea swarmed him, not including Katsuki.
Uraraka and Deku were chatting happily with each other and Katsuki felt his stomach burn. Kirishima walked back with two cups in his hand.
"Here. Also, maybe try not staring Uraraka down if you want to keep a low profile," Kirishima whispered.
Katsuki bared his teeth as he snatched the coffee from Kirishima's hand but he had a point. He looked away from her and focused on the drink.
"The contest has changed. Teams don't really matter anymore. Midoriya wants individual pictures with everyone. He also wants group ones."
"Of course he does, damn nerd. Like he'll forget us. He's got our life stories in those shitty notebooks of his."
Katsuki couldn't help but look over at Uraraka again who was now with Todoroki at the plushie claw machine.
"You know she's allowed to spend time with her friends, right? It's not a slight on you," Kirishima whispered, reading Katsuki's expression expertly.
Katsuki drank his coffee, chewing on the boba as he watched Uraraka jump excitedly as Todoroki won her a plushie.
"Especially if you're not gonna do anything. You can't be upset if someone else--you know," Kirishima implied.
Katsuki turned to face him.
"You know of someone who wants to ask her out?"
"No! I mean, I know Iida was thinking about it a while back."
"No way she'd go out with Four-Eyes," Katsuki growled but his words weren't even convincing to himself.
"Either way, if your plan is to do nothing, I'm just saying--you can't be upset if things happen. You're eyeing our friends like they're your competition for her attention. It's making you seem crazier than normal."
Katsuki took a calming breath. He didn't think he'd be this type of person.
"Anyway, I've got to go take pictures. Try not to turn into a stalker."
"Oh, shut your hole, Shitty-Hair," Katsuki said harshly. He watched his friend head into the booth with Ashido but his eyes darted to Uraraka who was now coming toward him.
"You aren't going to play?" Ochako asked, leaning on the wall next to him.
"I did the interesting stuff before you got here."
"Sorry it took so long. I really didn't expect it to. At least you had Kirishima to keep you company!"
Katsuki shrugged.
"Hey, I hate to ask but will you take pictures with me? I really want to win."
"Why are you asking me then? I'm not photogenic. Sparky says I'm scary when I smile."
"Well, I think your smile is cute! At least, your real one is. Your 'I'm gonna kill' smile is nice too but I prefer the first one. It's a rarity which makes it special."
Katsuki's throat was closing. She thought his smile was cute? He couldn't say any words as Uraraka looked at him to continue the conversation.
"Sorry, shouldn't have said cute. Your real smile is charming. Is that better?" Uraraka asked innocently.
Katsuki was losing his goddamn mind. He couldn't think of real words let alone say them. He could still nod, though, so he did.
"Good! Well, I won't force you to take photos with me but, if you decide that's something you can handle, I'll be over there."
Katsuki nodded again. She smiled at him and walked over to the photobooth where Deku was waiting for her.
Predictably, Katsuki wanted to be first so he quickly pushed off the wall he was leaning on, finished his drink, and hurried over to the group who were taking turns in the booth.
"You're gonna do it?" Uraraka grinned ecstatically up at him.
"Got to show 'em that I win at everything. Not just at fighting," Katsuki smirked.
"Right!" Uraraka said, her fierce determination flashing across her face. "Bakugou and I are next!"
"Bakugou is taking photos? Surprising," Tsu muttered with a confused glance in his direction.
"Well, I did practically beg," Uraraka said quickly with a laugh. He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow. Katsuki couldn't tell if she was actively lying to cover for his eagerness or if she really thought she had begged him.
Kaminari was about to say something but Jirou put her hand over his mouth.
"I don't know what you were going to say but I know it was stupid."
"Yeah," Kaminari admitted with a chuckle. Jirou rolled her eyes with a smile.
"You're gonna get yourself killed!" Jirou laughed.
"Good thing I've got a hero to save me," Kaminari teased. The group stared at them. Jirou noticed and immediately froze up.
"S-sorry. I-I," Jirou stuttered but Uraraka shut her insecurities down.
"Don't be sorry! It was super cute. We rarely get to see you as anything but worried about what others are thinking about you. You don't have to hide yourself around us, Jirou," Uraraka smiled widely. "We're your friends."
Jirou played with her earphone jacks and Kaminari pulled her to him.
"It's okay to admit I'm funny," Kaminari whispered and Jirou giggled, her cheeks turning pink.
"Alright," Sero said as he exited the booth with Hagakure. "I think we have a chance at taking the best pictures."
"Let's see about that," Uraraka said as she entered the booth. She made eye contact with Katsuki and waved him to her. He ducked in and sat next to her.
"You got a plan?" Katsuki asked her.
"Of course," Uraraka said, looking proud. "Do you trust me?"
Katsuki nodded.
"Kay. I want to pretend like I'm forcing you to smile. I'm gonna get behind you and stretch your smile back with my fingers. Is that okay?"
"Whatever it takes to win," he responded. If she cared about winning, he'd make it happen.
"Alright! Then I figured we could smile for real."
"I can't just smile for real on command."
"You can't?"
"It comes out wrong."
"Alright, well do your best. Then we'll do our fierce faces, then I'll use my quirk and we'll take an upside down photo."
"Easy enough," Katsuki said as he started the camera countdown. Uraraka climbed behind him and put her fingers on his cheeks.
"Smile!" Uraraka grinned and Katsuki let her do what she wanted to his face. It was better than what he was going to do with it in the next photo.
Uraraka climbed back around and sat on his lap.
"What are-," Katsuki started but Uraraka slammed the camera countdown.
"Making you smile!"
She lifted her legs up to put her feet on the side of the photobooth and puffed out her cheeks like a frog. Katsuki chuckled at how ridiculous she looked. He heard the camera click and Uraraka looked at the screen with disappointment.
"Darn it. You didn't smile like I'd hoped," Uraraka scrunched up her face, obviously trying to think of a way to get him to do it. Unfortunately, Katsuki didn't have an answer to that question. It just sort of happened sometimes. "It's okay! I have an idea."
"Yeah?"
"Mhm," Uraraka pressed the countdown and kneeled on the bench next to him, whispering in his ear. "Fuck."
Katsuki burst out laughing and the telltale click of the camera confirmed that she'd succeeded.
"Still not your real smile but I'll take a laughing Bakugou any day," Uraraka chuckled.
"I've never heard you curse before," Katsuki said, trying to stop laughing.
"It's not really my style," Uraraka shrugged and then touched her pads to his arm. "Time to sit on the ceiling!"
Katsuki used the side of the booth to get himself in position and then Uraraka followed. She pressed the countdown.
"Just do whatever you want," Uraraka instructed. Katsuki didn't have any ideas so he opted to look at her. She gave a huge grin to the camera, closing her eyes to make room for the smile. He felt light seeing her so happy and it wasn't because he was weightless. Unwillingly, he felt himself smile slightly as the camera clicked.
"Shit," Katsuki whispered. He turned himself right side up to see the photo but he wasn't quick enough. The screen was already blank. He needed to get to the photo strip before Uraraka to make sure he hadn't given himself away.
Katsuki left the photobooth as Uraraka turned herself around so she could stand. He felt gravity return to him as he reached for the strip in the slot but it wasn't there yet.
"It takes time to print," Uraraka said, moving the curtain to look at him curiously. "Excited to see the photos?"
"Might've blinked in the last one. Making sure I didn't fuck it up," Katsuki rushed.
"C'mon, Deku! Let's take our photos next!" Uraraka waved him in. Deku passed Katsuki and looked at him.
"Thanks for coming today, Kacchan. I really appreciate it. It's nice to see you happy."
Before Katsuki could shoot off a retort, Deku was behind the photobooth curtain.
"Uh, Bakugou, you got something you want to admit?" Sero asked slyly.
"What the fuck are you talking about?!" Katsuki shouted.
"We can see the photos being taken," Jirou pointed at the screen above the photo drop off. Katsuki watched as Deku did his best impression of All-Might while Uraraka tried her hardest to mimic him.
Well, isn't that just fucking fantastic, Katsuki thought to himself.
"Yeah, who knew you had a smile that didn't strike fear into the hearts of your enemies," Kaminari looked at him in awe.
"We've never seen that before," Sero said. "You even told us you don't smile in photos ever. You're a damn dirty liar!"
"What did Uraraka say to get you to laugh?" Ashido asked him with a glint in her eye.
"Fuck," Katsuki answered honestly.
"C'mon, tell us!" Hagakure pleaded.
"I did."
The group gasped.
"Your influence has corrupted her!" Iida shouted at Katsuki. Katsuki ignored him as the photo had finally finished printing. He snatched it out of the slot and shoved it in his pocket.
"I'm done here," Katsuki growled.
"I'll get him back here for the group one, don't worry," Kirishima told Mina as Katsuki walked away.
He exited the arcade and headed to the bathroom. Slamming open the door, he took the photo from his pocket and inspected it.
The last photo caught his real smile and his excessive staring at Uraraka.
"Goddamn it," he sighed. The other photos were just as revealing in his opinion.
He was comfortable with Uraraka touching him now so that wasn't the problem. It was the fact that the annoyance that was usually in his eyes during photos wasn't in any of these.
If she asked about the real smile, he'd brush it off like he normally did. No big deal.
When Katsuki got back to the arcade Uraraka was taking photos with the girls in the booth.
"Kacchan! We didn't get to see your photos!" Deku said.
"I'm not photogenic," Katsuki grumbled.
"We'll be the judge of that," Kaminari said as he extended his hand out to him.
"Uraraka sees them first," Katsuki scowled at him.
"Fair," Kaminari shrugged
The girls finished their photos and Ashido stuck her head out of the curtain.
"Next is the crew!" Ashido exclaimed as the other girls left while she and Jirou stayed in the booth.
"Don't leave us hanging, Bakubro," Kirishima grinned as he entered and positioned himself underneath Ashido.
"Did you get our photos?" Uraraka asked. "How'd they turn out?"
Katsuki handed them to her wordlessly.
"Wow, those are great, Kacchan!" Deku exclaimed as he looked over Uraraka's shoulder.
"I love these! Can I keep them?" Uraraka asked, her eyes wide with hope.
Katsuki nodded but Hagakure butted in.
"That's for the winner to decide!"
"Who else would want those photos?!" Katsuki shouted at her. Hagakure stepped back.
"You got a point! Sorry, Bakugou!"
Katsuki rolled his eyes as he got into the booth with his friends.
They took their photos and Ashido squealed with happiness when she saw them. Deku asked for photos of just him and Katsuki, then all of Deku's best friends crawled in. Uraraka sat on Bakugou's lap as Iida, Todoroki, Tsu, and Aoyama crammed their way in. Tsu stuck to the ceiling and Aoyama sat on the ground with just his head peeking up.
"Alright, last photoset with Bakugou so make it good!" Uraraka said. "Thanks for letting me sit on you."
"Out of all my options, you were the easy pick," Katsuki said quietly.
"That's probably true," Uraraka giggled. "If you're uncomfortable you can put your arms around me. I don't mind. I wouldn't want my arms pinned to my side."
"Alright, smile, serious, silly, then free for all," Deku said as he slammed the countdown button from Todoroki's lap.
Katsuki didn't feel like faking his way through a smile, so he just leaned his head on Uraraka's shoulder and put his arms through hers, laying his hands on her thighs.
Uraraka leaned her own head on his and Katsuki felt his breath catch in his lungs. His palms were getting sweaty which was not good for anyone in the booth. Katsuki wiped them on his shorts quickly before the next photo was taken.
"Glare at me! It'll be funny," Uraraka whispered to him. Katsuki looked into her eyes as she glared at him, using his perfected photograph scowl on her.
After the click, Uraraka laughed.
"You're too good at that," she said quietly as the others chatted around her.
"Wear my glasses, Tsu!" Iida offered her them for the silly photo.
"I could freeze your hair," Todoroki offered to Deku.
"Haha, I'm okay! Good idea, though!" Deku laughed as he hit the countdown. "Silly, everyone!"
Katsuki did a cutthroat gesture and stuck out his tongue right before the camera clicked.
"What should I do next?" Uraraka asked Katsuki.
You could kiss me, Katsuki thought to himself.
"Do that scrunched up face you do," he said instead.
"Scrunched up. Like this?" Uraraka reenacted it. Katsuki nodded. "Okay!"
Deku hit the countdown again and Katsuki stuck his tongue out and rolled his eyes, fresh out of ideas.
As soon as the camera clicked, Katsuki wanted out.
"Alright extras! You've tortured me enough. Get out!" He shouted.
Everyone except Deku and Iida climbed out as Deku still had to take individual photos with a few of the group.
Uraraka grabbed the photo strip once it printed and she clutched them to her chest.
"I want this one so bad!" She whined.
"They're nice," Tsu said over Uraraka's shoulder.
"Todoroki, you blinked in the last one," Uraraka noticed.
"Midoriya said we could do whatever we wanted. That's all I could think of," Todoroki said.
Everyone but Katsuki laughed. He was still staring at the first photo. Katsuki hadn't smiled but he didn't look scary or unhappy. He looked content. Uraraka had smiled nicely as she leaned on him and his heart began to race as he realized how much he wanted that all the time.
They finished up the photos and, as the birthday boy, Deku was anointed the judge of the contest.
"I think Uraraka and Kacchan won. I mean, look at them," Deku said, pointing to their individual photos. "They're the most dynamic and we got a smile from Kacchan. Not a small feat."
"Heck yes! We did it!" Uraraka extended her hand for a high five and Katsuki reciprocated.
"Told you I win at everything," Katsuki smirked at the group.
"The judge is biased," Kaminari grumbled. Jirou patted his arm.
As Uraraka divvied out the photos, the group headed to get food. She kept the ones she loved, even against Deku's protests.
"Now we have to decide what to get Deku," Uraraka said as they walked side by side to the food court.
"I don't care. I already gave him my present," Katsuki yawned. He was tired of being here.
"Deku, what did Bakugou give you for your birthday?" Uraraka asked, tapping Deku's shoulder. Katsuki grimaced in annoyance.
"Oh, it was great! He gave me a visa-card to get whatever I wanted and a rematch."
"A rematch?" Uraraka looked at Katsuki.
"Yeah!" Deku continued. "It was a little coupon that said we can fight whenever. Don't know if I'll use it but it was funny."
"You better use it, damn it! We haven't fought in a while. You need to be reminded that I'll always be number one."
"Haha, okay, Kacchan," Deku smiled but his tone of voice made it clear he didn't want to use it. Deku turned back ahead and started a conversation with Iida. Uraraka pursed her lips and fake glared at Katsuki.
"Wonder where you got the idea for a coupon," Uraraka whispered. She had given him a 'Shut Up Now' coupon for his 17th birthday that allowed Katsuki to tell Uraraka to shut up at any given moment and she'd do it.
"That was my favorite present."
"It was?" Uraraka's eyes lit up.
"Guaranteed silence whenever I want? Perfect. I'm saving it for the best moment," Katsuki took out his wallet and pulled the coupon from it. The red ticket was worn down a little now but Katsuki didn't care.
"You carry it around with you!?" Uraraka said, flabbergasted.
"Never know when I'll need it," Katsuki grinned mischievously.
"Wow, I'm so glad you liked it!"
Katsuki nodded. They were at the food court now so everyone split off to get their own meal. After they ate, the rest of the group handed Uraraka their present money and she and Deku ran off to a thrift shop they had visited earlier in the day. Deku came out in an All-Might jacket and showed off.
"Classic Midoriya," Sero chuckled.
"Glad you got it. You had your eye on it the entire time we were there," Todoroki said.
"Well, it's-" Deku looked at his phone. "Just past 3 o'clock. Do we want to call it a day?"
"We have to go," Jirou said, holding hands with Kaminari. "This was a lot of fun, though!"
"Glad we could celebrate you for real," Tsu said to Deku, then waved to the group as she left. "I have to pick up my siblings but I'll talk to you all soon!"
"I can stay," Todoroki said.
"I can as well," Iida said, loudly.
"We have to go too, sorry, Deku," Uraraka said. Katsuki felt relief wash over him. "I'd hang out with you all day if I could."
"No worries. You're leaving with Kacchan?" Deku asked, eyeing Katsuki as if trying to analyze him. Fucking nosy-ass Deku, Katsuki thought to himself, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.
"Yeah, we've got some stuff we have to do for the I-Island trip. Talk to you later," Uraraka smiled and waved. She and Katsuki exited the mall and the fresh air calmed him down. That was, until his mother called him.
"Fuck!" Katsuki cursed and answered it. "What do you want?!"
"When are you coming? I've been waiting all damn day!" His mother shouted at him.
"We're on our way now! I told you we'd be there before dinner."
"I have a lot I have to do, Katsuki! It's going to take hours to get her fitted and figure out her look."
"What?! I thought you were just supplying the dress," Katsuki snarled and Uraraka looked up uneasily at him.
"Ugh, all these years and you've never listened to me. I told you I was styling her. That means accessories and shoes. Get here now! I'll have to tell your father to pick up extra food for her since you decided to cut it so close."
"I can-," Katsuki started to argue but his mother shouted at him.
"No arguing. You asked this girl to go with you, I have to make her look good next to you, and I'm not going to let her go hungry because your time management is horrendous."
"Fine! We'll be there soon!" Katsuki yelled as he hung up angrily.
"Um-is everything okay?" Uraraka asked hesitantly.
"The hag is impatient. Let's get this over with," Katsuki marched to his house and Uraraka had to walk-jog to keep up with him.
"What else is she doing today?" Uraraka asked quickly. Katsuki rolled his eyes.
"She's going to nitpick everything you wear. From head to toe. Nothing I can do to stop it."
"Oh, okay. That'll be interesting. She won't yell at me during all that, will she?"
Katsuki hated how scared she sounded.
"No, she just does that to me. She's intimidating but nice to everyone else."
"Nice people don't yell at their kids like that," Uraraka muttered.
Katsuki agreed. If this evening didn't scare her off, she'd officially become his best friend. Kirishima wouldn't come near his family after his mother had run into them at the gym. Deku wasn't allowed at his house on principle alone but his mother seemed to like Deku more than him. Add it to the reasons why he hated her. He didn't care about how she treated him anymore. As long as his mother treated Uraraka with respect, they wouldn't have a problem tonight.
Chapter End Notes
The Shut Up Now coupon comes into play! If you haven't read To the Boy Who Hates Birthdays, that is when Bakugou gets the coupon from Uraraka. It's a fun one shot if you'd like to see the whole story.
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