/Hello!!! I hope you're all doing well! I've been working on this one behind the scenes for a bit~ I hope you enjoy!!! /
Almost six years. For a certain red head, it had felt like forever. So much had changed during that time. She had changed. She was the number one female hero in the United States, followed by American Sweetheart. Now that she was back in Japan, she would be starting over and honestly, she was looking forward to it. The states were so set in their ways, they had no desire to improve their current failing system. She decided now was the opportune time, especially since a teaching position opened at UA for public relations.
Her curls still held their wild spirit, framing her face as she unpacked her apartment quietly. It was a spacious two bedroom that U.A. supplied on campus. She was grateful to them for that, it would make things a lot easier on her. Mina had been coming over almost every day after work to help her get settled. She was signed with Katsuki's agency, mostly working in the office though. Unfortunately she had sustained an injury that required her to slow down to light duty. She seemed happy, that's what counted.
Last week a few of them went to dinner. It was fun to catch up and grab drinks. They had done so much for their community in such a short amount of time. Jiro chose to work for Present Mic and co-hosted his radio show. Ochako worked in the office at the agency. She was pregnant with her and Deku's first child. Mina and Kirishima would be married next fall. It made her heart warm to see them all doing well.
Katsuki Bakugo had yet to make an appearance. Which didn't surprise her after their last conversation...years ago. Emotions were running high and harsh words were said. She was reminded of that conversation every single day.
Tomorrow marked the first day of classes. UA started their students in July now. She had promised Aizawa that she would accompany him tomorrow night on patrol since it would be a Friday, so she needed to finish unpacking today. Her bright blue eyes looked out of her open window, making her smile, this would be a good change.
She walked into the staff room and was immediately greeted by an all too excited Present Mic, "Good morning! Are you stoked for the first day?!"
She chuckled, "I am, are you?"
"You know it! It's going to be a great year!"
Aizawa looked up from his coffee, "Howd the arrangements work out?"
The red head smiled, "Perfect, thank you again." She looked at her smart watch, "guess I better scoot." She looked at Aizawa, "I'll see you tonight."
When she left, Mic spun around with a grin, "Let's bet. How long do you think?"
"I don't want to bet on something like this..." he sipped his coffee and smirked, "I say a month."
"you think that long," Mic sat across from his partner.
He nodded, "She has a lot more to consider now."
So many changes had happened at UA, not just the earlier start date, but No field work was allowed until your junior year. Even then, parents had to sign off. They could only do so many hours a month as to not overwork them. It was an amazing win. Something she wished they had implemented before.
Hallie would be teaching senior students. Something she looked forward to. Public relations had a lot more to do with hero work than people realized.
Luckily first period was her free time. She used it to finish her print outs of her syllabus and check in. She smiled as her students made their way eagerly into her class, excited to meet a hero from America.
Katsuki Bakugo sat in his office quietly brooding. As he had done for the past two weeks when he wasn't in the field. He was aware of Hallie's return, but was determined to keep his distance. He said some harsh and unsavory words last time they spoke. Words he knew hurt her. It was better this way, for both of them.
Deku walked in his office and plopped in a chair, "Kaachan, you can't keep hiding in here."
"I'm not," his red eyes glanced up, "I'm doing paperwork."
The green haired man chuckled, "You hate paperwork."
Bakugo huffed and sat back, "It has to be done."
"You can't keep avoiding her," he watched his friend closely.
"I don't remember asking for your advice."
Deku had gotten a lot bolder over the years. Especially as they worked together. He wasn't as timid and afraid of the explosive blond. Bakugo knew Deku could hold his own against him, and respected that. "She's coming here tomorrow."
"Why?" He narrowed his eyes.
"Just to tour and stuff," he stood and stretched, "Mina asked if it was okay."
"And you said yes," Bakugo started working again, "Luckily I won't be here for that."
Deku chuckled, walking out of the office and down the hall to his wife's office. She sat munching on broccoli, working on her computer. Her hair was longer now, but pulled back off of her neck. Her eyes moved to him briefly, "I told you...he's hiding."
Deku sat on her desk and laughed, "Yeah. He definitely is." He looked at her swollen stomach, "How are you feeling?"
"Fat and tired," she turned from her work and looked at him, "Wanna take bets? Mina started a pool."
"I say a week," his green eyes sparkled in humor, "What do you think?"
"I said three weeks," she chuckled, "But, we'll see."
Hallie pulled on her black suit and adjusted the straps on her body. It was a similar suit to what she had before, except the sword on her back, just in case she ever needed it. She pulled her wild curls into a high ponytail and gave herself a once over before walking out of the door.
The night was quiet and warm as she walked along the rooftop, watching the city. It was buzzing with nightlife, people scurrying here and there below her. Aizawa took this quietness as opportunity, "Have you talked to him yet?"
She stopped her pacing and sighed, "No...I'm fighting my pride right now. I want to do what's right, and fair."
"You've taken the first steps by coming back here," his dark eyes looked at her, "What are you afraid of?"
A long breath left her, "I'm not afraid for me."
He pondered for a moment, "You know there will never be a perfect time."
"I'm aware," she looked over the skyline to see smoke, a faint loud boom sounded, "He must be working tonight."
Her comm sounded, it was Mina, "Requesting nearby assistance with multiple villains."
Hallie reluctantly double tapped her comm, "We're on it." Purple lightning crackled up her legs as she shot off.
"I'm getting old," Aizawa sighed before jumping after her.
Bakugo was surrounded, weighing his options. A familiar thunderous sound hit his ears as cards landed, exploding on impact to give him cover. He rolled out of the way and set to work once more. Hallie landed and pulled out her signature bow staff, landing her first hits.
Bakugo could tell she was in heavy hero work in the states. Her movements were fluid and deliberate, landing hard blows. Once they were all down and cuffed she caught her breath, pulling her mask from her face. Bakugo looked her over, catching his breath. Her stunning blue eyes landed on him, "Are you okay?"
He nodded, "Yeah, you?"
She nodded and turned as the police arrived, pulling her mask back up. He walked past her to them as Aizawa caught up. She eyed him, "You're conveniently late..."
He shrugged with a smirk, "I'm old Hallie."
