Katsuki felt a tap on his shoulder and grimaced. He took out one ear bud and refused to look at the biggest grinning idiot.
"What's up with you? Thought you'd be in a good mood after all that time with Uraraka. I haven't heard from you in days," Kirishima said seriously.
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Ashido sat on the other side of Katsuki and he sighed angrily. They were trapping him. He wanted to blast them away. To prove it, his palms sparked a bit but Ashido just laughed.
"Oh, my grumpy guy," she sighed. "What did you do?"
"I don't fucking know."
"You messed up?" Kirishima asked earnestly.
"I-don't-fucking-know!"
Kirishima held up his hands and scooted away. Ashido huffed.
"Thought you would have at least been happy to see Ochako in her new swimming suit," she muttered with a sly expression.
"You did that?" Katsuki asked. His blood boiling and he snapped "Uraraka was uncomfortable all day. I thought you prided yourself on being a 'good friend'?"
Ashido's expression evaporated.
"She was uncomfortable? I wanted her to feel confident. Also--I kind of thought that if you saw her--you know--you'd just get the courage to ask her."
"Keep your voice down." Katsuki looked around to make sure no one had heard her. "Yeah, when she wasn't in the pool she covered herself up and felt like everyone was staring at her. And if you know so much about what's going on, you should also know that I'm not fucking doing that. We're just friends."
"Right," Ashido said, looking at Kirishima. Kirishima shrugged. Katsuki didn't want to know how much they'd talked about the situation without him.
"Don't look at me," Kirishima said. "You can't meddle and expect things to work out like in your daydreams."
Ashido scoffed at him.
"You should apologize to her, though. Don't tell her the reason obviously," Kirishima added.
Ashido knew he was right because she groaned in defeat as she stood up.
"Watch my stuff," she told Kirishima and walked off to talk to Yaomomo. Uraraka still hadn't arrived. Katsuki noticed that Mineta walking up to their pickup site with Shinsou. That was odd.
"I thought Mindfreak was training with 2-B," Katsuki said to Kirishima as he continued to stare at Shinsou.
"Yeah, he is. Still technically in General Studies for the other core classes but works with B for hero stuff in the afternoon. That's all I know."
"So why the fuck is he here?"
Katsuki didn't have a good feeling about it. Where was Uraraka?
"He's just chatting with Mineta. Maybe he'll meet B after that?" Kirishima grinned. "Don't worry. It's not like he's joining our class. Someone would have to leave."
It was then that he discovered why Uraraka was late. She walked into view, eyes puffy and wet, next to Aoyama and Deku, the latter of which was crying along with her. Aoyama wasn't carrying anything.
"No," Kirishima said before jumping up and running over to them.
Katsuki stood up and took his earbuds out completely. Everyone else started to notice what he already had. Shinsou suddenly turned red and backed away from the group as everyone crowded around Aoyama. Katsuki slowly walked over with his hands in his pockets. He didn't like Aoyama but he needed to know what was going on. Aoyama was talking tightly, like he was trying his hardest to not join Uraraka and Deku in their sobfest.
"My friends-," Aoyama started then paused to clear his throat. "-it pains me to say but I am not going with you."
"Are--are you transferring courses?" Ashido asked tearfully.
"Non. I am going home. My family wants me back after everything that has happened and I--" Aoyama choked back tears before he continued. Katsuki stopped listening. Aoyama blabbered away about how he didn't think he could be a hero and how the war had scarred him. Katsuki didn't care; he'd always thought Aoyama a coward and this just proved Katsuki right. What he did care about was how Uraraka took the news. She covered her mouth to stifle the sad hiccups and occasionally wiped her tears away with a thumb. He wanted to be there for her but he didn't feel anything about Aoyama leaving other than relief. One less lackluster hero to worry about and one less annoying face he had to deal with. Shinsou was alright so far. Katsuki figured he'd be easier to handle than Mr. Whine and Cheese. Plus, Katsuki respected Shinsou's tenacity and determination. There was nothing heroic or redeeming in Aoyama in Katsuki's opinion.
None of that mattered. Uraraka was upset and he had to put his own lack of feelings aside.
"So, this is goodbye?" Deku asked through fountains of his own tears.
Aoyama nodded and everyone except Katsuki and Shinsou were pulled into a giant group hug. Shinsou cautiously came over to Katsuki's side.
"Kinda feel like I'm breaking up a family," he whispered to him.
"Don't. You're better than he is," Katsuki said just as quietly as he scowled at the group. "It'll be a transition but it's not like you kicked him out. He's leaving because he wants to."
"Right."
"You want to be here. Don't listen to anybody who tries to blame you for his shitty decisions," Katsuki said firmly. In his peripheral vision, Katsuki saw Shinsou look at him with hesitant eyes.
"Thanks," Shinsou said quietly before shoving his own hands into his pockets.
The group hug ended and the other classmates said their goodbyes to Aoyama. Katsuki watched all of them get emotional and say stupid shit.
After watching all of them make idiots of themselves, the only ones left were Deku and Uraraka. Katsuki couldn't hear what they were saying but they were crying again.
"Au revoir, everyone!" Aoyama waved to the class one last time after hugging Deku and Uraraka. Everyone waved back, even Shinsou. Katsuki lifted a couple fingers in acknowledgement. He wasn't heartless.
Aoyama stared at his classmates for a few seconds before turning his back to the class and leaving them behind. Katsuki didn't watch him leave. He watched Deku and Uraraka hug each other as they cried. The rest of Deku's friends gathered around them and tried to comfort them. Soon the buses arrived along with Mr. Iida and the comfort sessions stopped for the moment. Principal Nedzu went to each class to give directions, let the drivers know where they were going, and answer any last minute questions.
"Please sit with your buddy on the bus and designate a couple people to organize the bottom storage."
"I will assist!" Iida volunteered immediately.
"I'll help too!" Satou said, raising his hand.
"Great, thank you both. If you'll excuse me," Principal Nezu said. He bowed and went over to Class 2-B.
"Grab your bags and find your buddy," Mr. Iida said loudly. "First on the bus, last off the bus, line up your bags and gear accordingly for the volunteers to load it quickly when the bus arrives."
Katsuki huffed and went over to pick up the stuff he'd left by the curb. He saw Uraraka walking toward him from the corner of his eye.
"Ready for camp?" She asked sullenly as she grasped her pack straps with her hands, keeping her thumbs up.
"Yep."
Uraraka looked up at him with sad eyes.
"You didn't join our group hug."
"Observant."
Uraraka looked away from him and tears softly dripped down her cheeks.
"I feel like we failed," Uraraka said quietly. "We should bring people up when they're down and remind them why they're here. Aoyama said it was because of his family and I know it's one reason but Aoyama was scared. Scared of being a hero, of not being good enough, of everything we've seen. We're all scared. What if other people leave too?"
Uraraka started to cry harder. This was a defining moment. He could comfort Uraraka and his class would heckle him or he could let her cry and his class wouldn't think anything of it.
"Do you want a hug?" Katsuki mumbled. He was nervous she'd say no. He still wasn't sure where they stood after I-Island.
Uraraka's head snapped up to him with a baffled expression and in the next second her arms were wrapped around his torso. Katsuki moved his arms away from his body to avoid getting trapped in her embrace. She cried into his shirt and Katsuki looked around. Only Mineta seemed to notice this interaction as the rest of their class was too engrossed in their own conversations and hugs of comfort. Mineta's mouth dropped but didn't say anything. He only spluttered and looked around to see if anyone else was paying attention. When he saw that no one was, he crossed his arms and pouted.
Katsuki didn't know what to do with his hands.
"Why is everything changing?" She asked through staggered breaths.
"It'll--be okay," Katsuki said awkwardly. He didn't know how to do this.
Uraraka looked up at him with watery, red eyes. She broke away from him and Katsuki slowly lowered his hands down to his sides.
"I'm sorry." Uraraka wiped her tears and composed herself. "I'm better than this."
Katsuki tilted his head.
"I meant you're tougher than whatever was freaking you out before the test," Katsuki said, remembering how he had calmed her down that day. "I didn't say it's not okay to cry."
Uraraka looked into his eyes and took a deep breath.
"You don't even care that he's leaving, do you?"
Katsuki thought about his answer for a second.
"I care that it makes you upset."
Uraraka's eyes darted to the ground.
"Thanks for the hug," she whispered. She scooted away from him and got out her phone to text someone.
"Fuck," Katsuki cursed under his breath. Why was this so difficult?
After they got the go ahead to board the bus, Uraraka put her phone away. She placed her bag next to his and power-walked onto the bus, leaving Katsuki behind next to Kirishima.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Katsuki muttered angrily to his friend as they walked onto the bus.
"You talking about what I think you're talking about?"
"Everything feels off."
"Just--remember what I said. Make sure she feels respected, appreciated, and heard. Treat her how she wants to be treated," Kirishima said through the side of his mouth, making sure the rest of the class couldn't hear him.
"What if she doesn't want anything from me?" Katsuki asked almost inaudibly. There was a tinge of anxiety in his voice. Kirishima caught it and grasped his shoulder.
"Then leave her alone," Kirishima whispered in his ear. "It'll be fine."
Katsuki nodded once and Kirishima sat down next to his buddy. Ashido gave Katsuki a thumbs up and Katsuki steeled himself for a very awkward bus ride.
Uraraka had taken the window seat and was staring outside. She didn't react when Katsuki sat next to her. He leaned back and stared ahead, watching the rest of his class board the bus. Seemed like no one was happy.
After Iida and Satou climbed on the bus, Mr. Iida did a headcount as All-Might slowly staggered onto the bus. Katsuki hadn't spoken much with All-Might outside of school. After All For One was defeated and everyone learned about Deku's quirk, All-Might had stayed out of Katsuki's life, focusing his efforts on teaching at U.A. and training Deku. Katsuki didn't care. He didn't need someone to check up on him.
"Alright, class, All-Might and I are your class chaperones this year," Mr. Iida announced. "Any questions should be asked to us first. Please come to us with any injuries, issues, or emergencies. The ride will be long so feel free to nap, listen to music, whatever you want as long as it's safe. We'll stop at the half-way point for a break."
"Hello, class," All-Might greeted then coughed into a handkerchief. He was getting worse. Katsuki had wondered why he hadn't been at many field or gym training sessions last term. He'd only ever seen All-Might in class or in the halls. Katsuki couldn't even remember seeing him in the dorms. "It'll be nice to spend time with you again."
"He's not doing so well, is he?" Uraraka asked quietly. Katsuki shook his head. "Add it to the things to worry about."
"There's nothing you can do."
"I know."
The bus's engine started and the class began moving toward their mystery camp destination.
"What do you think was the final straw?" Uraraka continued, her face searching for an answer she probably wouldn't receive. "Was it failing the test? Maybe it was seeing Gigantomachia? The abductions? Hero retirements? Maybe it's safer where he lives."
"Stop." Katsuki turned to face her. Uraraka's eyes were tired. Katsuki didn't know if it was because of worry or crying. She sighed.
"As soon as things start to get good, something bad happens. Always."
Uraraka leaned on the window and curled into herself.
"Always," she repeated softly.
Katsuki didn't think she was talking about Aoyama or All-Might anymore.
"About I-Island," Katsuki began. Uraraka shook her head.
"Not right now."
"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. For whatever I did. I know it's shitty to not know but I don't. If you'd tell me-"
"I already told you everything," Uraraka snapped. Her eyes got wide and she turned to him. "I'm sorry. That wasn't nice."
Katsuki scowled at her before averting his eyes.
"Whatever."
"I haven't been sleeping well," Uraraka admitted. Katsuki looked back at her. "I keep having weird dreams."
"Like the one you had before we left I-Island?"
"The exact same," Uraraka said, obviously annoyed.
"That sucks."
"Yeah."
"Get some sleep then. I'll be here if you decide to talk to me about it."
Katsuki regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Uraraka shifted uneasily in her seat and went back to looking out the window.
"Maybe if we...rested next to each other I'd be able to sleep," Uraraka whispered. Katsuki tensed up. They were toward the back of the bus but people would still see them if they did that. What was more important to him: Uraraka or not looking like an idiot? Uraraka glanced in his direction before looking back out the window. "Never mind."
"If you need that to sleep--fine," Katsuki said very quietly. He needed to stop caring what others thought about his friendship with Uraraka.
"Really?" Uraraka asked earnestly, her eyes shimmering with happiness. He hadn't seen that since their last flight together on I-Island.
Katsuki nodded and Uraraka snuggled up to him. Kirishima and Ashido were seated diagonally from them and Ashido had to cover her mouth to trap the squeals. Kirishima nodded with approval before saying something to Ashido to make her stop staring at Katsuki.
Uraraka's cheek rested on his arm and he felt her take a weary breath.
"I'm the one that should be sorry," she whispered tiredly. He could tell she was already falling asleep. "I want you to ask me things. Me not telling you isn't because I don't trust you. This is one of those things that I need to keep to myself. I'm sure you have those things too."
Katsuki almost laughed.
"Yeah. I get it."
Katsuki had been so worried that she would stop trusting him at some point that he kept making the situation worse. It was the main reason he'd said what he had on the train ride to her house. She'd tell him what she wanted to and he wouldn't worry about pushing her away with his questions. Of course, now Katsuki was worried if he didn't ask anything, she'd think he wasn't interested or didn't care. This sucked. Why was he like this? Why couldn't he figure out how to act around her?
Uraraka wrapped her arm around his like she had done on their last bus trip. Katsuki put his earbuds in and couldn't help but smile a little. The playing field was a little more even again and that helped with the intrusive thoughts. He could finally relax.
Katsuki didn't wake up until the halfway point when the bus stopped. He checked his phone groggily as people shuffled out of their seats around him.
"Four hours!" He said too loudly and Uraraka jolted away from him. "We've been asleep for four hours!?"
"Good. That's like a whole night's rest for me lately," Uraraka yawned. She looked around and noticed the class getting off the bus. "If we have to trek through the wilderness again, I say we fly to the campsite. I'm too tired."
"Works for me." Katsuki stood up and stretched. He couldn't remember the last time he'd taken a nap longer than a couple hours. What was this girl doing to him? He and Uraraka got off the bus, stretched some more, went to the bathroom, and grabbed a snack from one of the vending machines. Uraraka was cornered by Ashido and Katsuki had to take deep breaths to avoid blasting over there and ripping one of them away from each other. Hopefully Ashido was smarter than he thought and wouldn't tell Uraraka anything.
Katsuki was on his way back to the bus, making his way through his bag of wasabi peas, when he was cornered by someone too.
"Young Bakugou," All-Might said feebly. Katsuki's expression hardened.
"What do you want?"
"I wanted to check in to see how you were doing."
"Fine. Happy?"
All-Might took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around."
"I don't give a shit. I know Deku is your successor or whatever. With all the extra training, I didn't have time for nerd duties. Secrets out of the bag too, so you can show up anytime you want. No need for me."
"That's not what I was referring to. I've barely seen Young Midoriya this term either, at least not outside of class." All-Might coughed again and blood dripped from the corners of his mouth. "I meant how you are doing regarding camp."
Katsuki was taken aback but he regained his composure quickly.
"I've got Uraraka. Nothing will happen."
"Right, the buddy system. I mean you were with others last time. I just thought you might be--"
"What? Scared? Of some villains that are in jail or dead? Ha! Wasn't that the whole point of the final tests? I passed!"
"-In your own head," All-Might finished. Katsuki laughed again. He was but not because of whatever trauma All-Might thought he had. "I came to watch out for you."
"Like you could fight if anything happens," Katsuki snapped back.
"I know," All-Might said weakly and hung his head. "But I had to be here."
Katsuki glared at his childhood hero. If he didn't know better, Katsuki would have thought All-Might actually cared about him.
"Save your talk for Deku. I'm sure he'll be overwhelmed with some emotion that you're here. I'm getting back on the bus."
Katsuki left without another word. He didn't need a babysitter.
"Hey, everything alright?" Uraraka asked as she ran toward him.
"It's fucking swell."
Uraraka's brow furrowed. Katsuki's scowl deepened and told her what had happened as they got back onto the bus.
"I bet he begged to be here," Uraraka said thoughtfully. "I would have. He probably wouldn't have been able to rest."
"So what? He's a liability at this point."
Uraraka looked up at him and he saw her eyes scan his face.
"It's not your fault if anything happens. You can only control yourself."
Katsuki was always a little shocked at how well she could read him.
"If it's anyone's fault, it's his," Uraraka continued. "He's just like Deku. Doesn't care about his own safety as long as he thinks he can protect others." Katsuki detected irritation in her voice and knew exactly how she felt. "Anyway, we've got a bit of a drive still. Want to play cards?"
Uraraka pulled out a pack from her pocket and grinned widely. Katsuki shrugged.
"If they drop everywhere, you're picking them up," he told her. Uraraka laughed as she dealt out the cards.
They played for a while until Katsuki got bored. Uraraka suggested 'I Spy' next which lasted about ten minutes. Not because of boredom, though Katsuki had been close, but because Jirou started strumming on her ukulele.
"What are you playing?" Uraraka asked loud enough for Jirou to turn around.
"Just practicing for campfire songs. Kaminari, Tokoyami, and I have been practicing since camp was announced."
"That's so great!" Uraraka grinned excitedly. "I can't wait!"
"Lame," Katsuki said quietly and Uraraka nudged him.
"I know a few songs myself. Maybe we can have a night where we sing all our favorites," Uraraka suggested.
Jirou gave a thumbs up and Kaminari shouted in excitement.
"That's what I've been saying! We should all show our skills."
"What skills, Sparky?" Katsuki teased. Kaminari rolled his eyes.
"I can hold a tune, you know!"
"He's actually good!" Jirou said to Katsuki with an encouraging grin. "He's improved a lot."
"I'll believe it when I hear it!" Katsuki shouted back.
The class then started to shout across the bus about all their favorite songs or showing off how good (or shit) their voices were. Uraraka laughed and sang to a couple songs that broke out. Katsuki liked seeing her back to her normal bubbly self. Maybe the weird dreams had gone away like his nightmares.
Kirishima started Baby Shark and the entire class participated minus Tokoyami and Katsuki. Tokoyami turned around and looked at him with an unamused expression. In that moment, they were bonded by their hatred of stupid songs.
Katsuki laughed at the exchange and Tokoyami smirked.
Different classmates led the group through more childish songs so Katsuki put his earbuds back in. How could these idiots sing the worst songs for over two hours? Katsuki didn't even know that many 'camp' or 'bus' songs. It was ridiculous.
When the bus stopped, Katsuki wasn't surprised to see a forest in front of them. There was no sign of civilization.
"Guess we're flying," Uraraka whispered and Katsuki grinned. Time to show everyone who the best team was.
The class got off the bus in an orderly manner and picked up their gear. Uraraka and Katsuki slung on their packs and discussed the best way to fly if they were allowed before Mr. Iida addressed the group.
"Good afternoon class!" Mr. Iida said. "What a fun bus ride. I hope you all keep that enthusiasm over the next couple weeks. Our destination is a bit of a hike away but don't worry. There are no Earth Beasts this year."
"Just a race," All-Might said with a small smile.
Chatter erupted from the class and All-Might held up his hand for quiet.
"You will place when the entire class arrives. Your final standing will determine where you will sleep and, therefore, determine your camp schedule," All-Might continued. "It will also determine how often you get to have fun, the tasks you're assigned, and how much free time you have."
"The lower you place, the more likely it is that camp will prove difficult for you," Mr. Iida clarified.
"For those that failed their tests, you will be put in the remedial group. You will have your own chance to place in the race. Remedial group members come this way. We have to gather the rest of your team," All-Might said with a wave of his hand. Shinsou and Tsu followed All-Might to the left. Tsu waved goodbye to Uraraka before they were out of sight.
Katsuki could feel his competitive nature kicking in. He was going to win. He looked down at Uraraka to see a determined expression on her face. She was already strategizing.
"You have five minutes to converse," Mr. Iida announced. "When you hear the air horn, you can go. Follow the smoke signal."
Mr. Iida went back into the bus and the doors closed behind him.
"No biggie," Kaminari said sarcastically. "We only have to carry everything and get there before everyone else."
"Uraraka has an idea," Katsuki said. Uraraka tensed next to him but nodded firmly.
"What's your idea?" Todoroki asked. Uraraka took a breath and clenched her fists.
"We use my quirk to make all of us weightless, including our gear. Sero can tape us together so we don't drift apart. We'll go above the tree line so we have a direct path."
"I can communicate with the birds to keep tabs on the others and to make sure we're going the right way," Koda suggested.
"Mineta, Ashido, Todoroki, you can throw your quirks to impede our competitors," Yaomomo said then address Todoroki. "Stick to ice. We wouldn't want to start a forest fire."
"Yaomomo, Bakugou, Deku, and Tokoyami," Uraraka continued. "You can use your quirks to move us through the air. Todoroki, you can too if you're not too busy attacking. Shouji, keep an ear out for what the other groups might be planning and incoming attacks. Everyone else should be on defense."
The group nodded and Katsuki smirked. Uraraka's plan was tight.
"Let's go then!" Katsuki shouted. Uraraka quickly tocuhed everyone and everything in their group. Sero tapes everyone together, making sure the group was taped in a format that would provide optimum defensive and offensive coverage without impeding anyone. Yaomomo created fans that could be strapped to someone's arm and shields for people on defense.
"Tape the guitars together and put them on me," Tokoyami told Sero.
Soon everyone was in the sky and Katsuki hovered next to Uraraka. They were at the front of the group with Todoroki and Tokoyami. Yaomomo had built an air gun and positioned herself with Deku at the back to make sure that they stayed on path.
"Get ready. It's about to get hot!" Todoroki shouted. Katsuki prepared himself for small explosions and Todoroki's left arm lit up in flames. Yaomomo aimed her gun behind the group, her finger hovering over the trigger. Deku's hands were in position to let off his own blasts.
The air horn sounded and Katsuki's palms ignited. His class was spread out enough that he didn't have to worry about hurting anyone.
"Incoming!" Shouji shouted. "To the left."
Jirou let off an amp blast in that direction and managed to knock away several small boulders that had been hurtling toward them.
"Damn Rocky," Katsuki muttered.
"Don't worry about him," Uraraka said. She was singularly focused. "Todoroki! I need you to create an ice wall up ahead to the left. Make it huge."
"On it," Todoroki responded. He turned his attention to the ground and threw a huge ice wall to the ground. The group was moving fast but not fast enough.
"The birds say one of the first year classes is ahead. They're to the right past 2-B."
"Mineta, Deku!" Yaomomo shouted. Mineta began pulling off his balls as fast as he could as Deku used his air blasts to send them in the direction that Koda pointed.
"A few of their team is stuck. They're out," Shouji said through one of his arms with a smile.
Todoroki expanded the ice wall Uraraka requested and it soom became one of the biggest he'd ever created. It was multiple stories tall and blocked most of the left side of the forest that Katsuki could see.
"Sorry, it takes time for the ice to go long distances," Todoroki said quietly. Katsuki could barely hear him with the wind rushing in his ears.
"Don't apologize for that!" Katsuki shouted but his attention was torn away. Another couple of boulders flew at them from the left. "Ears!"
"I've got it!" Jirou yelled but her sound blasts only hit one of them. Satou punched the other one and managed to break it before it tore through the group.
To the right, Katsuki saw horn cannons coming their way.
"Fuck," he muttered. Those weren't as easy as distengrating some rocks.
"These are mine!" Ashido yelled and let off a powerful stream of acid. The melted horns fell to the ground as a pile of sludge.
"Nice one, Mina!" Kirishima shouted as he punched a dragon made of clay.
"We're almost there!" Uraraka shouted in encouragement. Suddenly, dark, unforgiving clouds rolled across the sky above them. Lightning crackled in the distance and Katsuki felt his hair stand on his neck and arms.
"Ponytail," Katsuki warned through gritted teeth.
"I'm working on it!" Yaomomo shouted as her skin glowed to create a shock-protection blanket. "It takes time to make something that big."
Lightning bolts streaked across the clouds and Katsuki looked for the source. Electricity began to swirl around the forest, moving the trees.
"Keep us on course!" Uraraka yelled. Katsuki focused on that rather than how he was going to be struck by lightning any second.
"Looks like you're not the only one with electric powers at U.A," Jirou said to Kaminari.
"We'll see who's better," Kaminari said seriously.
"If you let off your quirk, we're fucking dead!" Katsuki screamed at him. "This isn't an electricity contest, Dunce-Face!"
"I could release!" Uraraka suggested.
"It'll take too much time to get back in the air!" Katsuki threw back at her.
"Midoriya, use blackwhip to pull us all together!" Iida instructed. "Yaoyorozu, make the blanket smaller. We'll be in a big pile but we can shoot ourselves to the smoke signal and untangle when we win."
"Better fucking hurry!" Katsuki said as lightning struck near them.
Deku pulled the group together and chaos erupted as some of the class hadn't heard their new game plan. Bodies stuck together, unable to move due to the tape, but it was for the best. Dozens of lightning bolts erupted next to the group. Yaomomo covered them just in time and Katsuki watched the ground underneath his feet flash and glow. It was dark under the blanket but he could tell Uraraka was stuck to the front of him. She and Katsuki were chest to chest and she giggled nervously when he looked down at her.
"Get us to the signal, Midoriya," Yaomomo said breathily, weakened from overusing her quirk. It wasn't hard to hear everyone now that they were in closer quarters.
Katsuki was jerked through the sky as they soared toward camp.
"No nausea?" He asked Uraraka. He really didn't want to get thrown up on.
"Ha, no. This is nothing."
"Get ready to release, Uraraka!" Deku said. The class could hear lightning strikes outside of their protective blanket. Uraraka wiggled around in the tape so she could press her pads together. "Now!"
"Release!"
Gravity returned to the group and they fell a couple feet into a giant ball of limbs, tape, and camp gear.
"Second place!" Principal Nedzu announced proudly. Someone pulled the blanket off of them, causing both Katsuki and Uraraka to squint as the sun blinded them. Ashido began melting the tape while Kirishima and Satou went to work ripping off what they could.
"Come here often?" Kaminari asked Jirou, who was pinned to his side. She laughed.
"Which class placed first?" Todoroki asked as he was torn from Katsuki's back.
"3-B," Principal Nezu answered.
Katsuki looked to the side and saw Domen chatting with his class.
"I'm so sick of that motherfucker," Katsuki hissed.
"Me too," Uraraka said curtly. "But I think I won in general at the airport."
He bared his teeth at Domen but in the next second Kirishima ripped him from the ball of people. Katsuki brushed himself off as Kirishima helped detangle and detape Uraraka.
"We were so close!" Kirishima shouted. "We'll have to beat that guy. Shouji heard them talking about Domen taking his class underground to avoid Todoroki's ice wall. They missed the lightning too. You know Domen, right? Third year Sports Festival Winner."
"Yeah," Katsuki grunted. He had left out their experience with the asshole in his texts with Kirishima. Katsuki would have to tell him sometime during camp so they could hate him together. "Who did the lightning?"
"It's that first year everyone's talking about," Shouji replied from the side. One of his arms gestured to a short-haired blonde girl who was getting a talking to from Principal Nedzu. It looked like they came in fourth place. "Didn't you watch the Sports Festival?"
"I barely remember my own classmate's names," Katsuki answered. Shouji laughed.
"They beat 2-B," Kirishima realized in awe.
"Only because B had to stop to avoid damage." Kaminari rolled his eyes. Jirou patted his arm. 2-B placed fifth seconds later.
"Different quirks. She couldn't do what you do," Jirou said in an effort to heal his ego.
"Jealous of the first year? Just get better," Katsuki said nonchalantly. "You have lightning when you use that support item."
"Right," Kaminari said quietly.
The remedial group placed 6th and the final group of first years were still trapped from Mineta and Deku's attack.
"We have teachers getting the students out of the forest but the rest of you will participate in a tour of the campus guided by your chaperones," Principal Nedzu stated. "Chaperones, please hand out maps and go in opposite order from where you will be staying tonight."
"Opposite order? How many places are there?" Sero asked as he helped the last couple people out of his tape.
"A few," Mr. Iida answered with a smile. "Everyone grab your things. Let's head out."
Uraraka had beem fiddling with the organization of her gear but quickly put her pack on and stood at attention.
"Ready for duty, buddy!" She said and grinned at Katsuki. The sight of her in her hiking gear with hair sticking everywhere from the wind was cute. His heart beat a little faster for her.
"Let's see what we're working with," Katsuki said and they followed their group to their first destination.
Mr. Iida led Class 2-A to a large campsite just outside of the forest.
"This area is called Forest," Mr. Iida announced. Katsuki groaned internally. "This will be your last stop at camp. Look on your maps and you can see where the nearest bathrooms are, trails leading to other areas, and more. Look at your legend for details."
Katsuki looked at his map. This campground was huge. It had hot springs, hiking trails, buildings that he assumed had been recently built, and so many activities. Archery, kayaking, wrestling. Uraraka was looking at his map too.
"We're going to have to climb that mountain. Look-" Uraraka pointed at the campsite symbol at the top. "Plus there's a building there." She pointed at a spot in the middle of the mountain.
Katsuki couldn't help but feel a little excited for that part. Uraraka traced her fingers around different paths and landed on the largest building in the center of camp.
"We're heading to the Emergency Center now," Mr. Iida said and they walked down the forest path. Uraraka gazed up at the canopy with a serene expression.
"I know we're gonna be working really hard but isn't it great to be out here?" She asked.
Katsuki agreed. It'd be better if he wasn't surrounded by idiots but he knew that was unavoidable.
The hike to the Emergency Center took about fifteen minutes. Some of their classmates were already struggling from the weight of their gear.
"Can we--take a break?" Hagakure asked, her clothes heaving from exhaustion even with Shouji carrying some of her stuff.
"Nope. Plus Ultra!" Mr. Iida shouted and Katsuki saw the similarities between the brothers outside of looks for the first time.
They toured the center, which is where Eri and Recovery Girl would be staying. It's where they kept all the food for each of the groups and where any mail or calls would be received for distribution.
Then, they hiked to the next building which was another twenty minutes away. They were getting closer to the mountain. Katsuki could feel his heart racing. He wanted to get up there.
"This is called a Refresh Station. It includes a bath house and showers, laundry room just in case, and a sleeping area so you get a night away from the elements. Nicer bathrooms too. Each Refresh Station also has a facility for whatever type of training it's associated with and individual rooms you can sign up for. This one is suited for quirk training."
"And it's going to be at the end of our trip?" Kaminari whined. "We'll be so tired."
"You'd be staying here tonight if you had placed first," Mr. Iida told the class with a shrug and a few members of the group groaned.
They left the station and moved towards the mountain.
"Hell yes," Katsuki whispered and Uraraka giggled.
"I'm excited too. Imagine the stars up there."
"Don't worry we're not climbing tonight," Mr. Iida told them as they got to the mountain path. It split in a fork and they took the left one. Katsuki looked at his map again. The right path led up the mountain. The left led somewhere marked 'Caves'. "Up the mountain is another Refresh Station at the midpoint of the hike, specializing in social training. The mountain campsite is at the very top."
The class tilted their heads up.
"How many kilometers is that hike?" Todoroki asked hesitantly. He shifted his weight. Katsuki bet he hadn't broken in those shoes he bought a couple weeks ago.
"About forty-eight roundtrip," Mr. Iida answered. Many jaws dropped. Katsuki's grin widened.
"That's a lot," Todoroki said simply. Mr. Iida acknowledged the statement and kept walking.
The next area was indeed caves.
"There's a few systems that you will navigate through for training but you'll be staying in the campsite over there," Mr. Iida pointed out and the group looked at a clearing tucked away from view.
They walked for thirty minutes after that section and ended up near a river. Parts were calm and easily swimmable but Katsuki could hear faster water down a ways from where they were.
"This is the river area. Campsite is on the bank near the docks. Bathrooms are near the treeline. You'll be catching your dinner when you stay here too."
"Why did Tsu have to get stuck in the remedial group?" Ashido whined. "She could catch fish without us even having to do anything."
"It'll be great! Living off the land!" Kirishima said loudly and Mr. Iida waved to the group to keep hiking. The class was tired and hungry after their day of traveling. Katsuki was annoyed simply because his classmates wouldn't stop complaining about their stomachs or their feet. Uraraka barely talked during their trek but Katsuki could tell she was getting antsy too.
Finally, after another decent hike, they arrived at the final Refresh Station on the map.
"Final stop. Go ahead and unload your gear in the sleeping area. Boys to the right, girls to the left. Clean up before dinner which is already in the works. Rest now because tomorrow we start with this Refresh Station's specialty: strength training."
"Great," Hagakure grumbled before heading to the sleeping area.
"Lost your pep?" Shouji joked.
"Oh, shut all your mouths," Hagakure said before she disappeared into the building. The rest of the class followed suit.
"When they said the area was expansive I wasn't expecting this," Uraraka said. "It's a nice surprise."
They ended up at the entrance to the sleeping area and Uraraka hesitated before going in.
"So I guess I'll see you later. We don't have to be around each other all the time right?" Uraraka asked quietly.
"Just if we're heading to different areas."
Uraraka nodded a couple times and looked around.
"I don't know if you--still wanted to spend time with me--you know--outside of training or hiking," Uraraka mumbled awkwardly.
"Do you?" Katsuki asked.
Uraraka looked back at him.
"Yeah, just--I also miss my friends a little. I feel like--they're going to leave suddenly now. I barely talked to Aoyama last term and now he's gone. You can always join me but you haven't spent a ton of time with your friends either."
"You really think more of us are gonna leave?"
"I don't know," she replied softly. "Join me for dinner if you want but I'm eating with Deku and Iida tonight. We'll have plenty of time together during camp. I'm sorry if you're mad."
"I'm not."
"Good."
Uraraka stayed a second longer before turning away and jogging toward Yaomomo and Hagakure.
Katsuki hadn't realized how spoiled he'd been the past couple months, especially at I-Island. He'd had her all to himself and didn't have to worry about other people butting in. Even when they tried, Uraraka had gravitated toward him. Katsuki realized now that it was out of obligation. He was her camp buddy and had been the person who took her to the island. Was that the only reason she hung out with him?
"Shut up," he told his brain. She'd chosen him multiple times over others. He needed to chill out. They both had other friends. Even his idiot friends would figure out what was going on if he didn't hang out with them soon.
After picking a sleeping spot between Todoroki and Kirishima, Katsuki washed his face of the dirt and sweat he'd accumulated.
"Everything is fine," Katsuki muttered to his reflection. This was like the time Uraraka needed space during training. He had to give it to her.
All-Might had done most of the leg work for dinner that night but Mr. Iida jumped into help as the students deposited their packs and washed up.
"Katsudon!" Deku exclaimed.
"Yep! One of the perks of the Refresh Stations is they have electricity. Everything went a lot faster," All-Might said with a grin.
"Dish up everyone! Will someone help me build a fire?" Mr. Iida asked.
"I'll do it!" Ashido said, running over to the large fire pit. "I need to learn."
Katsuki grabbed his food and sat next to Kirishima in one of the chairs that circled the fire pit. The dumbass was unabashedly staring at Ashido's ass as he tried to shove food in his mouth.
"And you think I've got it bad," Katsuki muttered, kicking Kirishima's foot.
"Never said I didn't," Kirishima retorted with a sly grin.
"Look! I did it! I'm the fire queen!" Ashido hollered and pointed at the fire. It was roaring.
"Wow! Amazing! You've got to teach me!" Kirishima said excitedly. He put down his plate and ran over to inspect the fire. He complimented her on everything about it.
"Kiss-ass," Katsuki mumbled to himself.
The rest of class grabbed dinner and sat around Ashido's fire. She wouldn't shut up about how it was hers. Uraraka sat with Deku and Iida, chatting solemnly. Katsuki was kind of glad she ate with them. He didn't know if he could sit through their misery over Aoyama. Katsuki told the dummy brigade about I-Island minus all the personal things involving Uraraka. He hoped Ashido and Kirishima would read between the lines or leave it alone so he wouldn't have to explain it later.
"Man, that sounds great except for Domen being an asshole. Would have never guessed. Jirou and I had a blast at Disney-," Kaminari began and Katsuki zoned out, staring at the flames as he talked.
After dinner, Mr. Iida and All-Might offered to clean up but, like last year, this would be the only day the class wouldn't be cooking and cleaning. Tokoyami, Kaminari, and Jirou went inside to grab their instruments while Mr. Iida placed a chair near the doors. Before he started reading a book, he addressed his class.
"Enjoy the night! I don't want to intrude but I'll be here if you need me. All-Might needs to rest so come to me first."
"Thanks, Mr. Iida!" Hagakure shouted back.
Jirou sat next to Yaoyorozu while Kaminari and Tokoyami took seats next to her. Kaminari's leg bounced in anticipation.
"So what are you singing for us?" Satou asked.
"Oh, just a couple songs tonight. We're tired and we don't want to do all of them at once," Jirou answered shyly. "If anyone has anything else they want to sing, go for it."
The class was silent.
Katsuki leaned over his knees and waited for the music to start. He didn't want to show that he was looking forward to it so he scowled, focusing his attention on the glowing coals. Sero came over and sat on Kirishima's lap. It sparked a little spat between Ashido and Sero but Ashido admitted defeat and sat on Hagakure's lap.
"Missed out," Katsuki muttered.
"Nah, I got Sero," Kirishima said quietly. Sero grinned.
"I'm ready to hear some rockin' tunes!" Sero yelled into the wilderness. Some of the class laughed but Jirou caved into herself.
"Don't be shy, Jirou," Yaoyorozu told her. "You've got an amazing voice!"
"I just hope I remember everything," Jirou said softly.
"I'll go first then!" Kaminari offered and began strumming on his guitar. "After a long day of driving and hiking, it's nice to relax and unwind with a campfire song. Some of you may know this one." Katsuki didn't recognize the song from the acoustic rendition but as soon as Kaminari started singing, he wasn't surprised in the least. "This is called Campfire Song Song."
"Dammit," Katsuki muttered and Kirishima laughed. The majority of the class swayed to the music as Kaminari started to sing. As Kaminari sang, Katsuki eyed Tokoyami who shrugged at Katsuki's annoyed expression. Sometimes you have to let Kaminari be an idiot.
Kirishima and Sero leaned over towards Katsuki, singing right in his ear and stared at him with raised eyebrows as the rest of the class joined in.
After the first part, Kaminari took a comically deep breath before singing and playing as fast as he could. Everyone who sang tried to sing as fast as they could, all at different tempos. It was horrible. Katsuki looked at Uraraka who seemed to be enjoying herself. At least one of them was.
"Take it away, Kirishima!" Kaminari shouted happily at some point in the song.
Kirishima sang-screamed his portion with gusto.
"Bakugou!" Kaminari shouted. Katsuki gave him a murderous look. "I knew I could count on you to not sing!" Kaminari grinned and finished out the song, strumming quickly on his guitar and then standing up quickly raising his guitar over his head. "Hell yeah!"
"You disgrace our ears," Tokoyami said.
"You're an idiot," Katsuki added.
"Yeah, but he's our idiot," Jirou cooed and Kaminari grinned down at her. "Tokoyami, if you have a better song, why don't you go next?"
"Gladly," Tokoyami agreed and began playing a melancholy tune. "Hopefully, Aoyama finds his peace," he said before singing. "To everyone we've lost and to us--because we keep going."
Tokoyami started singing and Katsuki was a little surprised to hear how low and gravelly Tokoyami's voice could be. He was actually really good. Why didn't he audition to sing for the School Festival band?
Katsuki hadn't heard this song so he listened carefully as he stared into the fire for the majority of it. The lyrics were dark yet hopeful for what came after their time on Earth. It wasn't until Katsuki heard a familiar hiccup of sadness that he tore his eyes away from the embers.
He saw Uraraka's tears fall from her eyes and Deku wrap an comforting arm around her. Tokoyami sang in a way that seemed tired from fighting. Maybe he was. The lyrics yearned to see family and friends they'd lost and wished to be where they could rest in peace with them.
"Is 'beauteous' even a real word?" Kirishima asked Katsuki during the middle of a verse.
"It's slang for beautiful," Katsuki remembered.
"Why not just say that?" Sero grumbled.
"Yeah but who knew he had those pipes?" Kirishima asked Sero and Katsuki quietly. Katsuki shook his head and Sero shrugged. Other than Kirishima's question, the entire class was silent as they listened to Tokoyami's song.
Once it was finished, Tokoyami trailed off and picked at a couple strings on his guitar. The only sound left after he stopped was the crackling of the fire.
"What does 'going over Jordan' mean?" Ashido asked sadly, referring to a part of the lyrics.
"Dying," Tokoyami said quietly. He held his guitar on his lap as the group thought about the lyrics to the song.
"Do you think we'll see our loved ones after we die?" Uraraka asked aloud. Katsuki wondered who she had lost. After a few seconds of recalling the words Tokoyami sang, he realized she was thinking about her mother. Uraraka was thinking ahead.
"I'd like to think so," Todoroki said softly. Yaoyorozu grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
"Does it apply to anyone we knew or only those we had a deep connection to?" Ashido asked. Katsuki figured she was referring to Midnight.
"It's impossible to say," Tokoyami said.
"I don't mean to be a deep conversation buzzkill but maybe we can not talk about death for a bit?" Mineta asked hopefully.
"Sure," Jirou said quickly. "My turn. I'll pick a happy song. Oh, I know!" She started strumming quickly on her ukulele, grinned, and began to perform an acoustic version of Hero Too.
Some of the class started singing with her but Katsuki stood up and left. It wasn't Jirou's fault but he had enough of that song for life.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Uraraka stand up and run up toward him.
"Hey, are you going to bed? We were going to roast marshmallows that I brought. Do you want any? If you're too tired, I understand."
Katsuki looked back at the campfire and watched his class sing with Jirou. Satou even got up and started doing the dance. Katsuki was almost impressed he remembered the choreography.
"Fine but you gotta roast it," Katsuki said. He didn't know how much social interaction he had left in him but he could handle a marshmallow. "I'm changing."
"Okay!" Uraraka smiled and ran back to her seat.
Katsuki found his pack and changed right in the sleeping area since no one was around. He looked up at the clock on the wall. It was already past 8:00pm. He'd regret staying up later tomorrow morning.
By the time he made it back out, Uraraka had passed out marshmallows to everyone and Jirou's song had ended. Yaoyorozu created some collapsible roasting sticks that were being passed around. Katsuki rubbed his eyes and saw that Deku's seat was open.
Uraraka's lips curved into a small smile when he sat down in the chair next to her.
"Deku went to check on All-Might," Uraraka explained. "Your marshmallow is ready."
She took one off the two-pronged stick I'm her hand and gave it to him.
"Still warm," Katsuki noted before popping it into his mouth. "Very sweet," he added after he swallowed it.
"Mhm," Uraraka mumbled with a mouth full of marshmallow.
"Well, everyone, that's all the music for tonight," Kaminari announced. "We'll be here all week."
"And the next," Tokoyami said dryly.
"Get some sleep everyone," Iida said.
"Wait!" Uraraka swallowed her marshmallow and held up her hands. "I've got a song. I think we should sing it. I've been sad about Aoyama but he said he'd keep in contact. It's just weird that we won't see him at school, you know? But I remembered a song my mom used to sing to me."
"Go ahead," Todoroki encouraged.
Uraraka looked around and everyone waited for her to sing. She took a deep breath and looked at Katsuki for approval. He nodded for her to go and she smiled slightly.
"Mmhmm, I want to linger.
Mmhmm, A little longer.
Mmhmm, A little longer here with you.
Mmhmm, It's such a perfect night.
Mmhmm, The stars are shining bright.
Mmhmm, I want to spend some time with you.
Mmhmm, And as the time goes by,
Mmhmm, I'll think of you and sigh.
Mmhmm, This is goodnight and not goodbye, mmhmm."
"That's great, Ochako," Ashido said, wiping a tear from her eye. "We should sing that every night. Before we go to bed."
"Really?" Uraraka asked.
"Yeah, it's really calming and pretty," Hagakure added.
"Goodnight everyone!" Iida said forcefully. "We need to get lots of rest for tomorrow. It's going to be a long day!"
"Thanks for reminding me," Mineta grumbled before shuffling off to bed.
"Todoroki, would you mind?" Yaoyorozu asked. Todoroki covered the fire in a large ice block. The light of the Refresh Station was the only thing that guided them now. Uraraka looked up at the stars and gasped.
"Look, Bakugou!" She said in awe, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. Katsuki looked up and relaxed. It was peaceful out here.
"We've got plenty of time to stare at them. Let's go to bed," Katsuki said then yawned. Uraraka yawned next to him and reluctantly agreed. With a hand still wrapped around Katsuki's arm, they walked back to the sleeping area. Once again they hesitated at the entrance. She released his arm and crossed her arms to her chest.
"I meant what I sang about," Uraraka said quietly. The lights were already out in the sleeping area but they could hear some side conversations on either side.
"Which part?" Katsuki asked hesitantly.
"It's always goodnight. Never goodbye. I don't want you to think I don't want to spend time with you."
"Don't worry about it."
"You weren't jealous? Didn't think I was leaving you behind?"
Katsuki shook his head.
"Huh, okay. That's great. I'm glad. I hope you had fun with your friends. Wonder why Deku--never mind."
"Whatever Deku said he needs to mind his own business," Katsuki muttered angrily. "The dummy brigade wasn't horrible but I'm too tired to enjoy things." Katsuki stretched his neck. He wanted to clarify what Uraraka was talking about but if she had wanted to elaborate, she would have.
"Then get some sleep," Uraraka said softly. Even in the dark, Katsuki saw her hand twitch like she had wanted to reach out to him.
"Goodnight," Katsuki said before turning away from her. He couldn't let himself get worked up over Uraraka's hand.
"Goodnight," she replied before going to her side of the sleeping area.
Katsuki climbed into his sleeping bag and ignored Kirishima's whispering in his ear about Uraraka.
"Leave me alone, Shitty-Hair. It's time to sleep. We have to train tomorrow."
"Fine, fine."
Multiple other conversations stopped when Iida lost it.
"Quiet! Go to bed!"
It was the first time Katsuki was thankful for Iida's uppity attitude. As his muscles relaxed and brain quieted, Katsuki replayed Uraraka's song in his head. She didn't have the best voice ever but it was sweet. He liked it. His eyes fluttered closed and he began to visualize them gazing up at the stars. She leaned on him and sang her song as she hugged his arm. Katsuki sighed one last time before he fell asleep, wishing the song had only been for him.