Another Thing Bakugou is Good At

Chapter Summary

A new way of training that could be the break that Ochako and Bakugou need to trust each other and learn how to move together during a fight. Unfortunately for Ochako, it seems that Bakugou is already amazing at it, which means she has a lot of catch up to do...again.

When Ochako woke up late the next day, she opted to head straight to Lunch Rush for food after donning the most comfortable clean clothes she had. She wasn't surprised to see Iida, Tsu and Deku already working on homework together but she was surprised to see Todoroki with them. Ochako hoped he was starting to feel better.

"Hey, everyone!" Ochako greeted as she sat down with her food.

"Uraraka! How great that you decided to eat lunch at the same time as us!" Iida grinned back. "I'm very excited about our training today."

Ochako froze mid-bite. She dropped her food back onto her plate and looked around the table. Everyone seemed in agreement with his statement.

"Sorry, what?" Ochako asked.

"Yeah, didn't Ashido tell you?" Tsu asked. "She said she's been planning it for weeks."

"Um, I know Bakugou and I are training with Kirishima and her later today but I don't know what it is or when."

"Well, Ashido invited the entire class to go last night after dinner for those that didn't know about it already," Tsu said.

"Maybe Kacchan was invited beforehand and didn't realize everyone was going to come?" Deku wondered after swallowing a bit of rice.

"Uh, what is it?" Ochako asked hesitantly.

"Dancing," Todoroki answered. Everyone glanced at him but he kept eating as if he had said nothing.

"Of course it is," Ochako sighed. "Ashido planned it."

"It starts at 1:30pm. Ashido's dance teacher is coming this afternoon to show us more styles," Iida stated. "She said that she prefers hip hop but her teacher is showing us swing, ballroom, maybe even ballet."

"Aoyama will like that one," Tsu grinned. "He talks about ballet all the time while we're training."

"Ballet dancers are no joke," Ochako remarked, remembering the few classes she took as a child. "They're super strong. No doubt it would be a good workout."

"Anything that makes us limber, stronger, or more in tune with our bodies will help with hero work!" Iida said passionately.

"Some of us don't really have rhythm," Todoroki whispered.

"I mean, it's more about the workout, right?" Deku asked everyone as he was part of those that did not have rhythm. Everyone but Todoroki shrugged half-heartedly. Deku leaned over to Todoroki and whispered. "It'll be okay since we both don't have it."

"I'm not really interested in being embarrassed in front of the class," Todoroki said then continued to eat his food.

"I'll be more embarrassing on purpose then!" Deku gave him a wide smile and the edges of Todoroki's mouth curved slightly. That was as good as it got for Todoroki currently.

After the meal, Ochako texted Bakugou to warn him about the impending group exercise. She knew he wouldn't like to walk into training expecting only Kirishima and Ashido to then discover that the entire class was there.

Ochako: Heads up. Ashido invited the rest of the class to the training she planned. It won't just be us and them. Also it's dancing.

Ochako gathered up her stuff and started to walk back to the dorms to finish the homework from last night when she got a response from him.

Bakugou: Are you fucking kidding me?

She wanted so badly to mess with him but decided against it.

Ochako: Thought you'd like to mentally prepare.

The walk back to the dorms was lovely. It was a beautiful day and a soft breeze carried flower petals and leaves through the air.

Jirou and Kaminari sat underneath a tree on the grounds enjoying a picnic. Jirou played with Kaminari's hair as he laid his head in her lap until she noticed Ochako looking in their direction. She slowly moved out from underneath him and laid next to him to gaze at the fluffy white clouds in the sky.

There were many people out enjoying the gorgeous day. Groups of students played sports and others simply sat around talking.

Eventually Ochako would get to join them but the test was less than three weeks away. She just had to get to that checkpoint and then she'd have some time off before camp started. Ochako sighed happily and breathed in the fresh summer air.

When Ochako entered the common room, a few of her classmates seemed to be practicing for the dance lesson. Ashido led a small group consisting of Satou, Shouji, Todoroki, Deku, and Kirishima in some basic dance movements. Rhythmic music played in the background to help them find the beat. Out of all of them, Todoroki and Kirishima were at a disadvantage. The others only needed a refresher as they had been in the dance group for the cultural festival last year.

Bakugou sat on the couch alone with his hands in his pockets and a hateful scowl on his face. His energy drove everyone away from him. Everyone except Ochako, who sat next to him with a long exhale.

"I can see you're really looking forward to this," Ochako said with a sarcastic tone. Bakugou's scowl deepened as he looked at the small group.

"Why did she have to invite everyone?" Bakugou grumbled.

"I mean, why not? If a dance teacher is coming, anyone who wants to come should be able to." Ochako shrugged as she pulled out her some unfinished homework from her bag. She noticed Bakugou glance down at her work from time to time but otherwise kept his gaze on the dancers.

"Time to head to Gym Gamma for those who are going to dance!" Ashido announced. Ochako huffed in annoyance. She was almost finished. Ashido gathered her stuff and led those that were going out of the common area.

Bakugou got up but he waited until she had put her homework away to leave. They walked together a little bit behind the rest of their classmates.

"Are you really that angry about dancing? I think it's going to be fun!" Ochako said.

"Tch, it won't be with these idiots. They suck," Bakugou said.

"They're learning. Dancing is harder than it looks, you know." Ochako remembered how difficult it had been to learn the dance routine for the cultural festival.

"Dancing isn't hard," Bakugou argued.

"Psh, are you, like, super good at dancing or something?" Ochako asked teasingly.

Bakugou clenched his jaw and looked ahead but couldn't manage to hide the slight blush of his cheeks.

"Oh my goodness, you are! I bet that's why you're so fluid and fast on the battlefield like Ashido is!" Ochako jumped up and down with excitement.

"Shut up!" Bakugou hissed at her, still blushing.

"I can't wait for this training now!" Ochako said, absolutely ecstatic as they entered the gym.

The dance teacher was waiting for them in the middle of the gym. She had silky, smooth black hair tied up in a high ponytail, slanted green eyes, and freckles speckled throughout her skin. Ochako guessed she was in her early thirties.

Unfortunately, Mineta couldn't hold his tongue.

"Uh, major hottie alert! I definitely want that body dancing up on me!" Mineta gushed out loud.

The class groaned, cursed at him, or yelled at him for being disrespectful. The teacher walked over to him and squatted down to get on his eye level.

"What's your name?" She asked with a sly smile.

"Minoru Mineta," Mineta said with a little drool coming out of his mouth.

"Minoru Mineta, you are no longer allowed in my class. Pack up your things and leave," she said in a sickly sweet tone. Mineta's face fell hard and he started blubbering like a gross baby. She stood back up and addressed the class.

"I am Sensei Ohno," the teacher began.

"Oh no is right," Kaminari whispered to Jirou behind Bakugou and Ochako.

"There are only three rules in my class. The first, which Mr. Mineta has already broken, being that no disrespectful, mean, or crude language or actions are tolerated in my class. This is a learning environment to build confidence, strength, and flexibility. If you disrupt my class, you will no longer be in it." Ohno waved Mineta away as he left the gym.

"Better watch your outbursts, Bakugou," Kirishima whispered. Bakugou's lip curled, baring his teeth slightly as he glared at the dance teacher.

A few of the class members gulped. Sero looked helplessly at the door since his camp partner had been expelled.

"The second rule is I expect everyone to try their hardest at every task from stretching, to basic movements, to dance sets. If you can't do that, leave as well."

Todoroki started to walk away but Deku grabbed his arm to stop him.

"The third is I pick the music. I don't take suggestions or requests." Ohno went over to her phone and turned on some slow music. The class sighed and she turned back to them.

"Get into rows," she commanded. The class obeyed. "We'll start every class with a stretching set. Follow my movements."

Ohno began to stretch and the class followed. No one said a word in fear that it would be viewed as disruptive.

After about 20 minutes, Ohno announced it was time to start basic movements. She taught them the five basic positions of ballet then led them through some balance exercises and some walks they'd utilize in their dances.

Ochako was enjoying the class and learning a lot but a few quick looks to her right made it clear Bakugou didn't share that sentiment.

He grit his teeth throughout the basic exercises and sometimes made disgruntled or bored sounds. Ochako understood. If he really was good at dancing, this must feel like a waste of time.

It was another hour into class before they actually started dancing.

"Partner up with your training partners, we're beginning with the waltz today," Ohno announced.

"Uh, today?" Jirou asked as Iida grabbed her hands to get into position.

"The U.A. faculty have given me this gym every Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm for dance and yoga classes. As a favor to Ashido, the block from 1:30pm to 3:00pm today is only for your class. Starting next week, I'll allow other students to join. If you're interested in other classes, you can take a flyer afterwards."

"What is this block called?" Bakugou asked. The class looked at him inquisitively.

"Dancing Basics," Ohno answered with a smile.

Bakugou exhaled slowly, obviously holding back his true emotions.

"Thanks," he said roughly. Ohno nodded then waved Sero over to her.

"Looks like your partner isn't here. I'll be yours until the spot is filled if you continue with the class."

Sero beamed at her then ran over to her side.

"Sounds good!" He said as he grabbed her hands and waist.

Ohno started the waltz music and, with Sero as her partner, showed the group how to do it.

"Sensei Ohno?" Hagakure raised her hand.

"Yes?"

"How does the waltz help us be better heroes? It's not really a dance that brings strength or flexibility."

"Good question," Ohno said. She let go of Sero to address the class. "I encourage insightful questions like this. I'm teaching the waltz so that you can learn rhythmic movements which will help you in battle. Even fights have beats you can follow. If you can feel them, you'll be at an advantage. As for your upcoming test Ashido informed me of, dancing can get you in tune with your partner's personal rhythms and body language."

Ochako's eyes widened. That was exactly what she and Bakugou needed.

"Oh, okay, thank you!" Hagakure turned back to Shouji.

"Everyone ready?" Ohno said as she turned back to Sero.

"Yes, ma'am," the class responded. Ohno counted them off and they began. Bakugou led Ochako as if he'd been doing it his whole life.

"Can I ask how long you've been dancing?" Ochako whispered to him. Bakugou blushed a little again.

"A while," he said gruffly. "Focus on your feet. You're off tempo."

Ochako clicked her tongue in frustration and focused, trying to keep perfectly in time. They waltzed for the rest of the song then Ohno told them to switch who led for the next song.

"I don't know anything about leading!" Ochako panicked quietly. Bakugou sighed, slightly annoyed.

"It's the same movement. Just go in whatever direction you want."

Ochako gave a nervous nod. The next song began and Ochako moved forward, actively trying not to step on Bakugou's toes. The song ended and Ochako smiled at him.

"That wasn't horrible," Bakugou admitted. He looked away from her as the next song began and he took the lead again.

After a few more songs, Ohno stopped the music.

"The last ten minutes is free dancing. Since this is the first class, I don't expect many of you to participate but you can always use the time to cool down or practice what you learned."

Sero walked over to Kaminari and Tokoyami who were talking about the waltz songs. Ohno put on some faster music that Ashido got excited over.

"Bakugou, come dance with me!" Ashido ran over to them and pulled Bakugou away from Ochako. Bakugou gave Ashido the evil eye but went along with her. Ochako was surprised he didn't immediately rip himself from Ashido's grasp. She guessed fighting and dancing were the only ways that Bakugou could stand being touched.

Ochako watched them from afar as Kirishima walked over to her, now partner-less.

"Makes you feel like a klutz, huh?" Kirishima crossed his arms as he watched Ashido and Bakugou dance. They were amazing. Ashido knew how to move her body and Bakugou was practically perfect as a dance partner. The faster, upbeat allowed them to really let loose. Ashido was having a blast and Bakugou was stoic, which meant he was probably in a pretty good mood.

"I don't know about that," Ochako responded to Kirishima. "They've just got more experience then us. I'm sure it's a lot more fun to dance with someone who knows what they're doing."

Kirishima shrugged then turned to shout toward Sero.

"Sero! Want to dance?"

Sero gave a thumbs up then said something to Kaminari, who nodded excitedly. Kaminari went over to Jirou and bowed deeply with his hand outstretched to her. Jirou giggled and took it.

Sero ran over to Kirishima and they all ran over to start dancing with Ashido and Bakugou. They weren't as good but it looked like they were having fun.

Ochako tore her eyes away to head toward Iida and Tsu who were doing duo stretches. Deku and Todoroki practiced the waltz movements off beat next to them. They were having trouble not stepping on each other. Ochako sat next to Iida and began stretching her legs.

"Who would've thought that Bakugou could dance like that?" Tsu asked loud enough to be heard over the music.

"I'm as surprised as you are," Iida said as he leaned backward to pull Tsu forward. Tsu breathed out as her thighs muscles strained from the stretch.

Ochako didn't add her thoughts to the mix. She wasn't surprised at all; maybe a little annoyed that it was one more thing he was amazing at that she'd have to work hard at to catch up. Based on his skills, she wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to train with dancing for the last weeks until the test. Ochako decided that if he didn't say it, she would. It might be the best way to learn each other's body language and rhythms. Dancing could be the key to unlocking their fighting style with quirks.

Ochako's thoughts were interrupted when Hagakure came over to sit next to her.

"Duo with me?" She asked in Ochako's ear. Ochako nodded.

They spread their legs and put their feet together. Hagakure pulled Ochako and Ochako sighed in relief. She hadn't realized how tight those muscles had been.

"Did you know Bakugou was such a good dancer?" Hagakure asked.

"Not until today," Ochako answered, closing her eyes to focus on the stretch.

"No wonder he's so good at all those flips and quick movements when fighting," Hagakure commented, squeezing Ochako's hands to let her know it was Ochako's turn to pull. Ochako leaned back and Hagakure exhaled slowly.

"Well, he practices those too," Ochako said, opening her eyes. "It's not just from dancing." Bakugou was still with Ashido as the rest of those who decided to dance huddled around them.

"It's got to help though. I'm going to keep coming to class. What about you?"

Ochako nodded.

"Awesome! Now I just need to convince Shouji but he was not feeling it today."

"Maybe still come to dance class and train with Shouji in a different way. You won't get much out of the partnered stuff if he hates it."

"True! Good idea, Ochako!" Hagakure let go of Ochako and stood up. "Arms next?"

Ochako obliged and they stretched until Ohno turned off the music.

"Great job everyone!" Ohno praised. "Some of us seem to be more than beginners or might enjoy yoga rather than dance so consider taking a different class if this one isn't for you. The classes and their times are on the flyers near the speakers. Please give a big hand to Ashido for coordinating this!"

The class clapped for her and Ashido gave a cute turn and performative bow.

"See you next week or later today if you feel like this wasn't enough of a work out!" Ohno waved them off with a big smile and continued working at her laptop that she'd been on during the free dance.

"Wait up, Ochako! I want to walk with you!" Ashido called out. Ochako waited and watched couple of students from different classes enter the gym.

"How does the rest of the school already know about the dance classes?" Ochako asked Ashido as they exited. Ashido waved back to Kirishima who stayed behind to finish a conversation with Bakugou, Sero and Kaminari.

"Oh, it was on the website. You don't check that?" Ashido asked. Ochako shook her head and realized that's why Ashido hadn't mentioned anything. She assumed Ochako knew. "Huh, there's, like, a ton of things on there. Extra classes, training, things to do nearby. You name it."

Ochako knew she'd probably forget to check it still.

"Then why was Bakugou so angry about the class today?" Ochako asked. "If he's a good dancer and he knew about it beforehand, why did it seem like he was caught off guard?"

"I don't know," Ashido said, looking at Ochako with confusion. "I mean, he was the one that asked me to talk to my instructor to set up dance training."

"What!?"

"He didn't tell you?" Ashido asked slowly.

"Nope," Ochako said matter-of-factly. Though she didn't like it, Bakugou must have a good reason to keep that from her. Trust was a two-way street but it didn't quell her curiosity. Ashido gasped and snapped her fingers in realization.

"Oh, I know why! I thought he was asking for the whole class when he said set up training for us but he probably meant just Kirishima, him, you, and me." Ashido laughed with a crazy grin on her face. "Oh, he's going to kill me. I'm surprised he hasn't already."

"Yeah, you better hide," Ochako said, managing to crack a smile. "Good thing we left when we did."

"Definitely!" Ashido continued to laugh at the situation. Ochako almost laughed with her. She had mistakenly underestimated his commitment to this partnership. He was doing everything he could think of to help them become a cohesive unit.

Ochako took back what she thought the previous night. Bakugou was absolutely the right choice for