A/N:

Yet again, I forget to update simultaneously. I seriously hate my memory (or lack thereof).

Summary: A short chapter about goodbyes.

Chapter 39: Learning To Live With Moving Forward

"... You're what?" Mirio asked. His voice was low and confused, his eyes wide.

Daisuke stifled an unexpected laugh. "So- sorry," He managed underneath a grin.

His three friends looked like he was crazy.

Daisuke sighed, his amusement fleeing. "I'm leaving," He repeated. "I'm going to be a student in America." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I… I was offered this chance because America already has a few programs that accept Quirkless people and–"

"UA wouldn't expel you!" Mirio exclaimed.

"I know," Daisuke said.

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Look," He continued. "It's still not…" But it was. Yagi and Tensei and Tsukauchi had said he ought just take the chance to think about everything. To relax, to be able to breathe again before he made a decision.

But he could feel it in his bones that this was probably the only way forward for him. He still didn't know that he wanted to be a Quirkless hero, true, but he didn't not want to be a hero at all. He wanted to try either way and if this chance gave him a way to move onward, he was going to take it.

"It's still not set in stone," He said instead. "But I think– I think this is a good option."

Nejire stared at him, biting her lips as her eyes glistened with tears yet again. She said nothing, though, and somehow, even though Daisuke knew she'd hate it if it did, it made him feel worse.

"I want to be a hero," He said. "And at least for now, I don't want to be pathetic."

Tamaki's mouth fell open. "You're not–"

"I know," Daisuke cut him off. "But not everyone's going to see it that way." He snorted. "I'm not going to see it that way," He added, irony coloring his tone.

Mirio seemed stricken, but instead of exploding or pleading or doing anything to stop Daisuke (like a small part of Daisuke maybe thought he might, like a small part of Daisuke maybe hoped he might, and wasn't that so utterly unfortunate and unneeded?), he nodded a small, forlorn nod. "Okay," He said. "Okay. You can– you can do what's best for you." He frowned. "You have to do what's best for you. I'll–" He glanced at Tamaki and Nejire. "We'll hold the fort until you're back."

Tamaki hunched in on himself. "How long?" He asked.

Daisuke grimaced because he didn't have that answer.

Nejire actually sniffed, then, a few tears slipping through her hold. "I'll miss you," She said. "You were actually cool to hang out with."

Daisuke snorted. "I was awesome to hang out with, Hado," He teased.

Nejire huffed a wet laugh.

"And you better come back," Mirio said. "When you're– when you're ready." He pursed his lips. "I'm going to be stronger than you can imagine."

"Oh yeah?" Daisuke asked, eyebrows raised. "Didn't I mention? I'm going to be taught by All Might's friend. I'll be so OP you won't be able to touch me."

Nejire whistled. "Woah," She said.

Tamaki began to smile. "You're on," He said simply, even as his eyes refused to meet Daisuke's.

Daisuke just bit the inside of his cheek and hoped that, no matter how much time passed, one day, things would be fine again.

"I'm sorry," Tensei said, and he looked genuinely sad. "You can't…"

Daisuke snorted. "I know," He said. "I kinda expected it. I mean, it's been the whole point of this thing, hasn't it?"

Tensei didn't look convinced, but Daisuke knew that probably had more to do with how Quirky would have reacted than how he was being. And since Tensei probably had to keep up a more hopeful visage so Quirky could be reassured, it was only to him the older hero could actually be apologetic. "He really wanted to see you," He said instead.

Daisuke's smile softened, his mind trying to bring up a memory of the kid, even faded and blurred as it was, now, so much time after he'd last seen him. "I know," He admitted. "The feeling's mutual." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I… I even wrote him a letter, if you…?"

Tensei's returning smile was just as soft, just as sad. "You'll be a great hero. You know that, right?"

Daisuke laughed awkwardly.

"I'm serious," Tensei said. "Quirks don't make a hero."

And yet still, even though he'd gone over this a million times, discussed this, confirmed this, changed his mind on this, and chosen this, Daisuke wanted to ask, 'Don't they?'

But he didn't. He wouldn't let himself.

"Izuku was scouted by Nezu," Tensei said, which Daisuke already knew. "And Izuku's also going to get a recommendation for UA when he graduates middle school."

Daisuke's eyes flared. Okay, that he hadn't known. He'd expected it – from Tensei, if no one else – but from Nezu? "Woah." He said. "The kid impressed him that much?"

Tensei looked just as proud. "Apparently," He said. "But he wanted me to tell you that by the time you come back, he's going to be a great hero, too, and–" He chuckled. "And that you better come back with lots of ideas and new quirks for him to learn about. Teach him about American heroes, that is."

Daisuke began to laugh. "Only him," He said. "Yeah, I think I'm going to have to start my own notebook."

Tensei grinned. "Should be easy to fill up."

"Right? With everything I've learned…" Daisuke shook his head and trailed off, looking down at his hands, then up, right into Tensei's eyes. "Thank you, Ingenium," He said with the most sincerity he could muster. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't think I could have managed even half of– of this without your help. Without your support." He swallowed. "I don't think I would've been able to keep my friends without you."

Tensei's eyes were dark, but warm, and instead of glossing over the claim, like he'd done every other time Daisuke tried to thank him, he just reached out and ruffled Daisuke's hair. "Thank you for letting me help," He said, and it was probably the best way he could have said that.

Daisuke smiled.

A/N

Up Next: Time passes and there's a barrage of letters.