AN: Last chapter guys and I hope you all have your tissues ready since we're getting ready to graduate ? yeah I'm a hot mess right now, this last chapter really took a lot out of me but I'm happy with the outcome and hopefully you are too. So sad to see this one end but I know you guys have been waiting for this. So without further delay here is the final chapter for Welcome To UA High: 3-A Graduation!
X
It was finally graduation day for Classes A and B and the air around the school was buzzing, especially the two hero course dorms with students rushing around to do last minute things and moving their stuff out of the place. Height Alliance was filled with a mix of emotions as the last day felt unreal. This was it.
After today everyone would go their separate ways and live their separate lives, away from the cafeteria, away from all the teachers they came to know and respect to start their hero lives. So, it came as no surprise when Mina as well as some of the others couldn't stop the waterworks that day and constantly running around to take pictures.
Since all third-year courses had already graduated except the hero course students the school itself was fairly empty. The library, the gyms, training fields and the classrooms all felt too quiet for her liking as Uraraka slowly made her rounds throughout the school, letting the echoes of her footsteps litter the bare halls and dragging her fingertips against the opened lockers.
Unlike Bakugo who was busy getting the small area next to the graduation stage ready for one small performance afterwards and already being bombarded by both his mom and dad who eagerly arrived early, he already had his hands full. That still didn't stop him from complaining about being left alone to deal with them as she slipped away.
She did however manage to convince her mom and aunt to arrive closer to the time of the ceremony since she did have another matter to address first, which is how she found herself standing at the opened doorway of their soon to be old classroom of 3-A with the three boys starring back at her. "You're here."
The sudden deafness of the room grew heavy after a few minutes. The thought alone of what she had just said echoed in her own ears as her heart ached and clenched. She felt numb, so numb in fact she barely recognized her own voice as she spoke. And it seemed the three staring at her took notice, remaining quiet and in shock as the words tried to sink in.
It felt like eternity since someone spoke and Uraraka knew that this would happen. Knew that this was the reason she asked for them specifically to meet her and knew that out of all of them he would be the first to break the silence.
"Oh man…this is unreal." Kirishima's eyes had been glued to the desk in front of him the whole time, eyes trembling and hands gripping the edge of the desk on which he was sitting. "Can't be. No!" He jumped off the desk furiously shaking his head staring disbelieving at all of their glum faces. "You can't seriously believe this!"
"Kirishima-"
"No Uraraka, what you're saying doesn't make sense ok! We won! That's it!" he shouted, clenching his fists so hard it pained him but didn't care. "We spilled blood and sweat to finish this and now you're telling me this?!" When he saw her lower head, he frowned, turning back to the other two. "Tell her guys! You can't seriously believe all this! Tell her Midoriya!"
The moment the One for All user met his eyes Kirishima took a shocked step back recognizing it as defeat.
"Kirishima…" Uraraka quietly said keeping her eyes down. "Deku was there, he saw it too."
"That doesn't change anything!" he snapped unwilling to believe what he's hearing. How could he when this involved people he cared about? They were done with this; this is the part where they are supposed to feel nothing but happiness from here on out and if possible, get matching tattoos or something. Not this. "I mean how can we be sure that what she showed you guys isn't a lie?"
"I don't want to gamble his life, Kirishima." Uraraka said. "And I know you don't either."
"And this…this is what you came up with?!"
Lifting her head, she meets his eyes and he could clearly see the usual light in her eyes that made Uraraka her, was gone only replaced with dull brown eyes.
"Don't you think I've thought about this? That's ALL I've been doing since the attack." she swiftly stood slamming her hands on the desk. "Do you or any of you guys think I want this?! Do you have any idea on how this will kill me?!"
"Then we need to find another way!"
"Kirishima-"
"I'm sorry Uraraka but I'm not doing this!" He frowned lifting his hand getting ready to leave. "After everything's he's just gone through, you want to do this?!"
"That is why! He deserves to be happy Kirishima!" Uraraka took a shaky breath in once her eyes began to blur. "You have no idea how much I don't want to. You have no idea how much it's going to hurt to see him like this, and I can't do anything about it! I love him. I love him so much that it kills me that I have to do this!"
"And how do you think he'll feel?! Knowing you'd do this? knowing he wouldn't even be able to…." Biting his tongue, he saw her turn away unable to keep the hurt from her face. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his tone knowing this was a sensitive subject. "Uraraka, do you even know if it's true? And what of this visitor? Can't he help?"
"Kirishima…" Deku spoke for the first time since entering the room, his voice quiet but firm. "I'm certain he won't. Just…take my word for it." He quickly added when he saw Kirishima's mouth open in protest. "This very well could be true."
"And Hana? She's locked up for god sake! There's no way she can escape. We won! The good guys won!"
"All for one did." Deku reminded him. "And I don't know why, but Hana let herself get captured."
"And she wouldn't do that unless she had a reason." Uraraka quietly added with her back still turned.
"Alright. Well let's just say it's true, there has to be another way and even if there's not, how do you expect to even pull this off?"
Turning to face them she regretfully turned to the last person in the room.
"No…." his voice painfully shook full of shock, firmly shaking his head at just the idea of involving him in something like this. "No!" He began stomping towards the door.
"Shinso please!" she made an attempt at following him into the hall. "I know it's a lot to ask-"
"Yes it is!" he shouted back. Every second he stared at her with betrayal in his eyes, knowing how sensitive he was on how others perceived his quirk. "There's a lot I'd do for you Uraraka you know that but…you can't. You can't ask me to do this!"
"I know." Stepping back, she saw Deku and Kirishima already behind her. "It is. It's a lot I'm asking of all of you. But this isn't about me ok, this is about him. I can't…I won't watch Katsuki die and I won't let her take him from me!" she pleaded, ignoring the tears gathering in her eyes. "If it were the other way around I know he would do whatever he could to protect me, to protect any of us."
"Exactly! Which is why he should know!" Kirishima said.
"Do you honestly think that he won't go fighting?" she asked now looking at all of them and stopping at Deku and Kirishima. "Why else do you think I asked the two of you here? You guys know him better than anyone! Can you honestly tell me he won't stop? That he won't do whatever he can to prevent this? Even disregarding his own life? Do you think he will let this go so easily? Do you honestly think he'd willingly let us go?" her voice broke at the end, knowing the answers just as they did. "If there's any way in avoiding this Kirishima then please tell me!"
Covering his face when he felt the tears well up in his own eyes, Kirishima begrudging shook his head, swiftly wrapping his arm around her when he felt her try to hold everything in. "Uraraka…"
"Please...please…tell me Kirishima please...I don't wanna do this…."
"Uraraka…." Deku clenched his fists. This wasn't fair. None of this was. No one deserves this. "Talk to him. Talk to Kacchan. Do what you have to do so maybe it won't come down to this second option." The moment that he said it he knew even doing that… would tear her to shreds but knew unless they could find a way to prevent the possible future from happening, they had to do this. And he knew Uraraka knew that too.
"And if he doesn't take it well?" Kirishima said once Uraraka managed to calm down.
"Uraraka, please don't make me do this." Shinso begged. "Not this."
"Shinso…" she made sure to acknowledge the fact that this subject was rather sensitive for him and understood his reluctance but what else could they do? "I already owe you my life. But I wouldn't ask otherwise. I'm not asking for me…I'm asking for them."
Pressing his lips together Shinso slowly nodded understanding the risks involved. She was right. This was bigger than them. Being a hero meant having to use his quirk to save people at all costs...but this one…was too great. "If there's no other option, I might know someone who can help." He stepped in front of her. "But there's no guarantees…and only under one condition. You have to promise me Uraraka. That regardless of what happens… to at least give me that and don't forget."
"What is it?" she quietly asked, making sure to listen to his only request.
She waited until they finally left just wanting to be left alone at the moment. She felt hollow…there just wasn't any other way to describe what she was feeling. She had everything she had ever wanted and now it was being ripped away from her once again.
"Uraraka." Kirishima thought about going back to the dorms but had one more thing to discuss. "You know after this, there's no going back." He watched her silently staring out the window with her back turned, clutching her arms around herself. He knew how much this was affecting her but he still needed to tell her this. "So, I ask if you're going to do this then please…do it to me too."
"What?" slowly turning she saw Kirishimas sullen stare.
"You and Bakugo mean a lot to me. Whether you want to believe it or not you two have impacted my life just as well as a lot of people here. So, if you're going to go through with this…then I rather not see neither of you hurting like I know you will. I can't. That's all I ask."
"Kirishima…"
Without another word he quickly stepped out.
Slumping down in the seat she buried her face her arms freely letting her tears flow. "Daddy…I don't wanna do this…"
Graduation Ceremony front Lawn…
After Principal Nezu greeted all the students, teachers, friends, and family for being here today they saw a reluctant Mr. Aizawa take the stage next.
"Thank you to everyone who finally made it here. For those of you who don't know me- I'm Shota Aizawa the homeroom teacher for class 3-A otherwise known as the troublemakers of this school." He said receiving amused laughter from the students and audience. "But to me…that's not what they are known for at all. You may have heard of multiple times where the school as well as our society had been in immediate danger and under attack. During those times neither class A nor B hesitated in throwing themselves directly in the line of fire. Not once."
Lifting her chin Uraraka as well as the rest of her classmates continued to listen to their teacher's speech when she felt Bakugos hand in hers knowing he was thinking the same thing as he kept his eyes forward. 'This is it.'
She could see the eager smiles of her mom and aunt in the audience along with Ichiro, Hotaru, even the Bakugos smiling faces.
"There have been multiple times when these students have tested my patience and whether I like to admit it or not I wouldn't change a thing, because thanks to them we have seen countless lives being saved over and over again. Even knowing the risks, even knowing that you were at the verge of death -not one of them stopped fighting for us." Mr. Aizawa said with a firm tone. "We all owe our lives to them. I know I do."
"You're not going to cry, you're not going to cry…" Mina repeated to herself on the verge of break down any minute, keeping her watery eyes on their teacher for the last time.
"It'll be fine." Kirishima whispered, trying to hide the fact he was just as emotional as every one of them as Mr. Aizawa continued.
"I hope…no that's not the right word." Mr. Aizawa looked down at the podium. "I know that all of you will become great heroes, that you will all surpass all of my expectations and go on to achieve even bigger things throughout your lives then you've even dreamed of."
Glancing sideways Uraraka saw Deku now a blubbering mess as he tried to keep the tears at bay.
"I wish I could…"
Parting her mouth with an inaudible gasp, she was surprised to see their teacher pause for a brief moment to let his usual dry eyes, now misty, starring at each and every one of their faces before clearing his throat and looking over his shoulder at Present Mic who lifted a reassuring thumbs up.
"Oh crap…" Mina whimpered as the tears started to flow freely and by the sounds of it, she wasn't alone as the student's started to wipe their eyes while trying to keep a brave face.
"Mr. Aizawa…" Deku quietly cried and Uraraka wouldn't lie and say she wasn't choked up but what made it worse was when she heard Bakugo next to her quietly squeeze her hand.
Feeling his throat tighten, Mr. Aizawa tried to continue. "I wish I could continue to see all of you everyday and continue to teach you or even keep you here. But that would be selfish of me when I know the world needs you. And as much as I hate to admit this…but you all have taught me a lot as well. Reminding me why this is what I do. This is the reason why I teach."
Swallowing down hard, Mr. Aizawa gave them a genuine smile. "Even though I know you're ready for what's to come, trust me when I say that it doesn't matter how old you are, life is a classroom in so many ways and there are always new lessons to learn and I will always be here for you when you need it. And with that I'll finish off by saying I'm honored to have been given the privilege of being your teacher. And as someone wise once said… I'm glad to see you all becoming the 'heroic chickens' that you are." Mr. Aizawa genuinely smiled down at Kaminari who was now in tears.
"That was me…"
"Thank you. You all have made me very proud."
Pressing her trembling lips together Uraraka squeezed Bakugo's hand back.
"Thank you Aizawa." Principal Nezu smiled warmly watching him sit back down to a saddened Present Mic. "Now before we conclude this ceremony, the teachers and I have one last announcement to make.
"This request actually came from all of the students here. So, I believe it's only fitting to acknowledge when a student has shown continues bravery from the very beginning regardless of what quirk they possess, or if they even possess a quirk at all." He spoke smiling at the knowing looks of all the students. "As a principal and a cuddly fur animal I was moved when they came up to us with this request, since these students ended up being a huge inspiration to all of their fellow peers as well as teachers without knowing it. This particular student even took on the burden that we even as pros heroes would have a hard time with. Wehter quirkless or not has shown over and over again that it doesn't take a quirk to become a great hero…but a great heart."
Slowly widening his eyes Deku started looking around surprised to see all eyes already on him smiling. "Wait a minute-"
"Izuku Midoriya, Classes A and B would like to bestow to you this medal which symbolizes you as the new symbol of peace." Standing up, the principal as well as the teachers started clapping, ushering the panicked boy to the stage.
"You guys?!"
"Go on Deku." Uraraka smiled.
"This is well deserved." Iida nodded along with Todoroki.
"N-no this is too much!"
"Tch, just hurry up and get your ass up there already." Bakugo rolled his eyes with a hint of a smile.
Gulping down hard and trying to fix his cap while stiffly walking upstage, Deku nervously stared at all of the expectant faces in the crowd and tried to keep his voice from squeaking when he saw his mom already crying. "I-I have to admit I'm not the greatest at talking like this. I'm not even sure what to say or where to start." He wiped his eyes. "But I do know that I don't deserve to be the only one up here. We all do. To be honest I could never have completed any of this without the help and encouragement everyone gave me along the way. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here." Smiling down at the shiny medal in his hand he read the inscription.
Izuko Midoriya
Our Symbol of Peace
"Symbol of peace…" he quietly said raising his eyes to the audience. "No this belongs to everyone. Every one of us deserves this recognition because as Mr. Aizawa said…we're all already great heroes and on our path to becoming the best ones I know we can." Wiping his face again, he gave them all a grateful smile. "So, thank you…thank you all so much." When everyone stopped clapping, he cleared his throat. "All Might?"
"Right." Walking up on stage All Might smiled down on everyone. "Young Midoriya is right. This day goes to all of you heroes. You've proven time and time again that it doesn't matter who you are or what your quirks are as long as you learn to grow and learn from each other. This particular student although had a rough start at first showed me on many occasions that a person can always change for the better and that with working together you can achieve victory."
Smiling Uraraka watch Bakugo from the corner of her eyes as his eyes slowly widen when all might gesture to him.
"Young Bakugo, the students wanted to show their appreciation for you as well."
It took him a while to realize everyone was staring at him, blinking a few times he peered down at Uraraka who was already proudly smiling up at him. "You knew, didn't you?"
"Maybe." She playfully smiled, nudging him. "Now go!"
"Hell yeah." He smirked, placing a quick kiss on her hand and making his way up stage. When he saw the medal All Might handed him, he couldn't help but smile.
Katsuki Bakugo
Our Symbol of Victory
"Much deserved Young Bakugo." All Might proudly clapped him on the shoulder. "To both of you."
"Yeah!" Bakugo proudly lifted the medal making Deku and everyone laugh.
"You just had to drag me along didn't you." Bakugo scowled at the green haired boy next to him.
"Can't believe we're actually here." Deku fondly smiled at everyone along with Bakugo.
"Guess we are." Bakugo smirked. "But than again I knew I'd always be here."
"Hey so did I!" Deku protested.
"Young Midoriya, Young Bakugo" All Might smiled getting their attention once more. "Go ahead…you know what to say."
Nodding they looked back at both class A and B who did the same. "Let's go out there and finally show the world what we can do!" Bakugo shouted.
Lifting their fists in the air, both boys shouted along with the rest of the hero course. "Let's go PLUS-"
"ULTRA!" Everyone shouted, raising their fists as well as throwing their caps as the crowd applauded.
X
For the next half hour people spent it taking pictures and eagerly talking with friends and family. After taking a few more pictures with his mom and All Might, Deku was dragged to take more with Bakugo and All Might with both proudly holding their medals.
Smiling Uraraka had excused herself right after the ceremony, watching from afar as Mitsuki kept pestering Bakugo about wearing his hat as he kept fiddling with the tie he actually wore after Uraraka tied it for him. When Bakugo, All Might and Deku could be seen smiling for the picture she felt her chest warm. Those two have definitely had a rough ride these last few years but it felt good knowing they finally managed to get past that and grew to respect each other.
'They look so happy, I'm glad.' She let her eyes linger to everyone else. From Kirishima playfully hugging a happy yet crying Mina to Tsu, Iida and Todoroki trying to take pictures.
Walking away from the ongoing noise and removing her hat, she silently wandered off for a while only stopping when she arrived at one of the blossoming cherry blossom trees taking in the way the sun was slowly drifting down in the horizon.
"Oi! Where the hell have you been?" Tilting her head back, she saw Bakugo's giant grin as he ran towards her, hat in hand. "I've been looking everywhere for you and just now managed to sneak away from the damn paparazzi's."
Smiling, she knew he meant his parents and friends but could tell he secretly liked the attention.
Wrapping her in a giant hug he quickly placed a big kiss on her lips before lifting her up and turning them around. "HAHA, We did it Ochaco! We did it! The days finally here and we kicked ass!"
Giggling, she nodded once he put her down. "Yeah, we really did."
Grabbing her hand, he turned to lead them back to everyone. "Come on! My parents and your mom have been asking for pictures of us, so you owe me." He smirked but was replaced with confusion when he felt her resist. "Hey."
Opening and closing her mouth she felt her voice almost leave her when he looked at her with concern. "I can't."
"Why not?" he chuckled, tightening his hold on her hand and walking back to her. "I know the old hag sucks at taking them but-"
"No Katsuki it's not that…"
"Then what is it?" he asked again, more alarmed, studying her face as a mixture of emotions crossed her face. Taking another look around he carefully traced the outline of his pocket.
"Why is this so hard to say?" she said to herself, her voice already faltering.
Taking a deep long breath Bakugo released her hand feeling his hands become very clammy. He knew what he wanted to do and tried to push the thought away of how nervous he was getting. "Ochaco, there's something I wanted to give you." His chest began pounding hard against his chest as her brown eyes looked back at him, uncertain. "S-since w-we didn't get to celebrate whites' day because we weren't here and all..." He cringed when he realized he was now stuttering. 'Get it together idiot!'
"Katsuki-"
"Please let me finish." Taking her hand in his with another shaky breath, he carefully lifted the small black box he had bought at the mall back in December and opened it to show a light pink three stone diamond cut ring. It was simple yet elegant. The moment he saw it in the store he knew he needed to get it and was waiting for just the right moment.
When he heard her gasping and placed a hand to her mouth, he realized his hands were now shaking and swallowed down hard. "I-it's not what you think." He blurted out in alarm, making sure she knew before she freaked out since there was no way it would happen. At least not right after just graduating.
"What is it?" her quiet voice managed to echo around the loud thumbing in his ears.
"It's a ring." He croaked out and scolded himself right after. "What I mean to say is that when I saw it, it reminded me of you." He said pulling it out and nervously letting his crimson eyes move between it and her. "It's not an engagement ring - I mean not right now…unless…no it's not for now…."
Furrowing her browns, she gave him a weak smile when he continued to ramble on and began to wipe his forehead. "Katsuki you're rambling like Deku."
"Shit I am aren't I." he nervously chuckled. "I've thought about this moment over and over in my head on how I was going to give it to you, so I'm just going to say it." With a deep calm breath, he proceeded. "I wouldn't be the person I am if you hadn't been here." He gave her a genuine smile even though she could tell he was still nervous. "I know you said that I inspired you, but guess what Angel face you did the same for me too. And this…" he gestured to the ring in his hand. "Is to show you that I'm in it for the long run. I'm not asking you for anything right now because I'm smart enough to understand that we're still too young and are still just now starting out in life and our careers. So, I just want you to hold onto it as a promise."
"A promise ring…" she whispered as he nodded.
"Yeah."
Her breath hitching painfully in her throat rendered speechless, unable to comprehend what he was just offering her. How could life be so unfair?
As her silence dragged on, he swallowed hard, quickly finding himself overwhelmed with panic and fear as she kept staring at it, her eyes slowly shimmering with tears. "This would be a great time to say something please…" he nervously smiled.
She drew a sharp breath taking a step back.
"Ochaco?"
"I-I can't…"
"What?" he jolted back, hurt evident in his voice as her eyes wavered. That wasn't something he expected to hear.
"I can't do this." An ache pushed against her heart as she moved past him.
"Wait just hold on a damn minute." He grabbed her elbow, grateful when she stopped. "Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you alright." He shoved the ring back in its box and into his pocket.
"No, it's not that." She tried to move his hand away.
"Then what is it? Ochaco, I know somethings been bothering you for a while and I've been patiently waiting for you to tell me, but I can't help unless you talk to me."
Closing her eyes, she took all the remaining strength she had left to lift her eyes to his. "Katsuki… I'm leaving."
Fluttering his lashes, he felt his lip curl into an amused smile. "Well yeah, I know, we're all leaving-"
"No." she cut him off moving his hand away. "I'm leaving Japan." She whispered, watching him frown in confusion and then step back. "Hawks offered some of us positions at one of his agencies in Europe."
"When?"
"Two days."
He let out a harsh breath, placing his hands on top of his head. "Two days? Two fuckin days?! When were you going to tell me that Ochaco?!"
Dropping her gaze, she knew this would happen, she knew he would be heartbroken the same way she was but as hurt as the thought was, she was hoping he'd at least hate her for it.
"Two days is all you're giving me huh? Fine." He firmly nodded. "Then I'm going with you."
"Wait what?!" her eyes widened when he went to grab her hands.
"I'm going with you." He repeated. "I can be a hero anywhere and be the best. But there's only one of you Ochaco and I'm not letting you slip through my fingers again. I promised you remember."
"Oh my god…" her lips trembled now feeling the full force of her emotions threatening to break free. "Katsuki, I can't let you do that-"
"You're not making me do anything. It's my choice." He crouched down to catch her gaze. "Unless you don't want me too?"
Biting her lip, she lowered her gaze.
"You do want me to, right?"
"Katsuki…." She hated this, she hated being put in this situation, and she hated the distraught look on his face at her next words. "This isn't going to work."
"Wait…" lifting his hand he stumbled back, furiously shaking his head now realizing for the first time what this actually was, and it was as if his heart shattered into a million pieces in that very moment.
"You'll see it's for the best." She continued to follow him as he moved closer to the tree.
"How the hell is this for the best Ochaco?!" His tone walked the line between bitterness and incredulity. "Please tell me because I'm having a hard time understanding why you suddenly want to end this."
"I'm sorry-"
"No, don't fuckin tell me that!" Raw and burning emotions started choking his voice. "Just the other day everything was fine. Then you make this decision without me and now you want to throw this away?! After what we mean to each other?"
"Please don't make this harder." She hung her head afraid to look and see the emotions she could hear in his voice.
He was fighting back tears and frankly didn't care at this moment. His mind and heart were racing and fighting trying to comprehend why she wanted to end this. "Just tell me the truth. Is this about what that bitch Toga said back in that hell hole? Because Ochaco she said so herself that she's been doing everything to tear us apart! Don't you get it?!"
"Katsuki-"
"Toga went out of her way to fuck us over! We would've never have gone through all that shit if it wasn't for her!"
"It isn't about that right now."
"Yes, it is." There was desperation in his eyes as he cupped her cheeks to make her look at him and could see the tears gathering in her eyes. "Do you still love me…?" His chin began to quiver, and a single tear fell from the corner of his eye as he placed his forehead on hers reluctant to let her go. "Ochaco don't do this please."
"Don't make me say it please…" She whimpered. "I'm doing this for us."
That made him even more pissed. "No, you're doing this for you." He spat bitterly, removing his hands.
Sniffing, she looked away nodding to herself. He needed to hate her it would just make all this easier for him.
"And you're really ok with this?" he said, staring off into the distance, his voice breaking. "This is what you want?"
"It's what's best."
"What's best..." He bitterly repeated staring over her shoulder. "You know what Ochaco. Fine."
If she had to be honest with herself it hurt, it hurt so much to hear him say that. Swiftly turning she attempted to walk away until his next words stopped her.
"Something happened during that fight."
"What?"
"Something happened. I know it did, I saw it in your eyes." He said determination clear in his face, clenching his fists to his side even as she slowly turned. "And I'm going to find out what."
Snapping her tear-filled eyes shut as soon as she heard those words she was hoping not to, made all her strength leave her body and desperation settle in. "Just please leave it alone Katsuki!"
He was watching her so closely it made her heart clench even more. "I can't do that Ochaco. I won't because I love you too much not to do anything."
Covering her mouth as she sobbed, she slowly nodded knowing that's exactly why she had to do this. As the tears blurred her vision, she quickly accepted him when he tightly wrapped her in his arms, crushing his lips against hers and pulling her closer as the tears continued streaming down their faces.
Slightly pulling away she gave him a sad smile that wouldn't stop the sob that escaped her when she saw him slowly opening his eyes with a small smile on his lips. "I love you Katsuki. I love you more than you'll ever know." She sniffled as the tears continued to flow. "And I'm sorry…I'm so so sorry…please forgive me."
"What?" Furrowing his brows and searching her face when she stepped back and out of his reach, Seeing Deku step out from one of the columns with a sad expression of his own. "What's going on?"
"Hey Bakugo!"
"What?" Turning his head, he saw Shinso step out of a nearby tree.
"Shit." Shinso froze when he heard Bakugo willingly answer him in his regular voice and it felt like a punch to the gut. Knowing what he had to do and so did everyone else. That's what made this whole situation worse. So, the minute he activated his quirk on him he felt himself trembling in regret as his old mentor Daichi walked over to Bakugo.
Stepping out from behind the building Kirishima had witnessed the whole thing, hoping it wouldn't come to this. None of them wanted this. They were hoping that she could just end it and even if he despised her after, then at least he was safe, and it didn't have to come to plan B.
Nodding Daichi looked over at her after two minutes. "It is done. But as Shinso has mentioned… it is never guaranteed." He then turned to address Shinso next. "I'll teach you. So you can take it from here."
"Thank you." Shinso said knowing that his mentor wasn't the least bit happy about this but given the circumstance even he understood the reasoning behind it.
"You have the list?" Daichi asked, extending his hand but saw her still trembling and instead walked over to her placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, lifting the paper from her hand.
"Those are the only ones that stay." Shinso said clearing his throat.
"Very well. This young man and the others won't remember anything involving you two romantically from the past few years."
"So…he'll stay safe? He won't remember me?"
Daichi knew that love was a powerful thing, and the pure emotions coming off this poor girl was more than sincere and heartbreaking all at once. "He should be fine for now and he will remember you. It would be impossible to remove you completely from his life given how much history you two have and how much you've impacted him, including your friends and time at school. To remove everything would be quite impossible, but your time being together will be as if it never happened." When he saw her eyes drop down, he pressed his lips together and continued on. "Remember…the mind is a fragile thing, not something to mess with and can easily break. So, I would caution you to be careful and stay away if you can."
"That's the idea." Deku quietly placed his hand on her shoulder knowing Uraraka was in no condition to speak anymore and on the verge of breaking right in front of their very eyes and he hated that there was nothing he nor anyone could do about it.
"Bakugo wake up." Shinso shouted just as the blond quickly blinked letting his eyes adjust to everyone around him. "What the hell are you all staring at?" He frowned when he saw Uraraka and Deku's eyes red and brimming with fresh tears.
"Hey Bakugo..." Kirishima said from behind, his voice calmer than usual and lacking his usual cherry face.
"Come on Shitty hair, the idiots are probably waiting." He said shoving his hands in his pockets and brushing past everyone, discreetly wiping his wet cheeks.
Had he been crying?
"Yeah man, I'll be right there." Kirishima watched as the moment Bakugo no longer was in sight was the moment Urarakas face contorted in pain, letting herself fall to the ground and covering her face and crying her heart out. Deku quickly kneeled down next to her embracing her tightly as she grasped his shirt and sobbed into his chest as anger, pain and loneliness flowed out of her. Shinso right behind her.
"Uraraka I'm sorry…" Deku repeated over and over whimpering and closing his own eyes.
Kirishima watched on as cries of agony became quiet whimpers. He knew this wasn't easy on any of them, but he knew that it was harder on her. If someone threatened Mina, he wouldn't think twice about protecting her. What Uraraka was doing was one of the most selfless things he'd ever seen and knew it took a strong person to do so.
"Kirishima you ready?" Shinso asked, taking him out of his own thoughts.
"So, I'll forget everything right? Anything to do with them ever being together I mean?" he clarified to Daichi who nodded. Watching both Deku and Uraraka, Kirishima knew what he needed to do, what he had to do for both her and for Bakugo. "You know what… let me keep it."
"Kirishima-" Uraraka sniffled wiping her eyes and trying to get to her feet with Shinso and Deku helping her.
"No Uraraka. Let me do this. Let us at least be there for you when he can't. That's what he would want us to do."
Pressing her lips together she only nodded in gratitude knowing there was nothing she could say that'll make any of them feel better about the situation.
X
"Alright guys this is it." Jirou nervously clenched and unclenched her hands after they finished their first song. "Our last one before we head out into the real world."
"Yeah, but definitely not our last since Jirou managed to score a good record deal." Kaminari fondly wrapped an arm around her. "Right guys?"
"I suppose we will have to make time whenever we can, given our soon to be busy schedules." Yaoyorozu smiled.
"What about you dude?" Kaminari turned to see Bakugo nowhere in sight. "Um Bakugo? Maybe he went to use the bathroom?"
Walking up the steps to Height Alliance with his hands deep in his pockets, he reached forward to open the door when it suddenly swung open, and he barely caught himself from falling forward. "Oi watch it!"
"Oh sorry." Uraraka gave a tight-lipped smile, quickly wiping her cheeks and attempted to walk around him and down the steps without meeting his eyes.
"No, it's fine." Frowning he let his eyes follow her out. "Hey, I heard about you leaving." When he saw her stopping without turning, he repeatedly opened his mouth trying to get a hint of what was wrong with her since this was the chance of a lifetime. "Must be pretty excited."
"Yeah. I guess so."
"When are you leaving?" Leaning against the doorframe he was torn between needing to get a drink and wanting to talk to her since who knows, maybe this was the last time he was going to be able to talk to her before they all go pro and she was one of the few people here he could at least tolerate and have a decent conversation with. Not to mention that he knew she would become a great hero.
"Couple of days."
Pushing off the doorframe he decided to just flat out ask what's wrong, otherwise this would continue to piss him off. "Ura-"
"I have to go." She cut in, her voice sounded softer than usual but heavy with emotions. "I bet everyone's waiting for you."
Nodding, he watched her continue on down the stairs and was about to quickly head inside when he spoke. "Oi Uraraka."
"Yeah?"
"Kick some villain ass over there." When he saw her halfway turn with a small smile, he felt the curve of his lip curl.
"You too."
X
Wrapping her arms around herself she watched on as their friends and family gathered around the band again while Kaminari, Jirou and Bakugo looked like they were discussing what song they would play next with the latter shouting something. Her eyes never leaving Bakugo.
She wasn't just broken-hearted; she felt completely empty and numb at the moment, whenever she thought about letting her guard down again, she knew there was no way to make the tears stop.
"You're not getting in there?"
Shaking her head Uraraka knew who walked to stand beside her without looking. "No, they all seem happy. They deserve to be happy. They've been through enough."
"And you?" Hawks eyed her knowing the heavy burden she was carrying but her eyes had a faraway look to them. "You know…you don't have to do this all on your own. We'll keep him save I promise."
She stayed quiet as they watched the band set up their instruments "Does it ever get easier?"
"What?"
"Life…growing up." she quietly asked.
"Do you want the truth, or do you want me to lie to you?" he asked knowing full well what she wanted to hear. "Well, it does. And eventually, there comes a time when heroes like us won't be needed anymore. Because we'll all learn how to get along and all the constant worry that always plaques the world will seem like a distant memory."
"That would be nice." she softly smiled.
"Yeah it would, wouldn't it." He said with an equally quiet and sad tone as he thought about it.
"Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"
"Well, that's a tough question to answer." he answered honestly, knowing he had never been in that position himself. "What I can tell you is that as heroes it's our job to look out for everyone, but never forget that includes you too."
"Myself…." she bitterly scoffed. "I feel like I betrayed him Hawks…."
Turning his full attention to her, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Uraraka what you're doing I could never do. You may feel like you did but knowing him…he's strong just like you. And just like you he will eventually understand if it ever came down to it."
"That's just the point Hawks…he can't." she croaked out, watching as if she were a stranger now amongst them. None of them knew. None of them knew what she had to do. And none of them would ever know what happened between them or the person she has become because of him.
"You're strong Uraraka. You guys will be fine. And if you ever need a lending ear, I'm here too."
"Thank Hawks."
"No problem I've been told I'm pretty wisdomus." He grinned hearing her scoff. "No, I'm serious, people always walk up to me every day asking for my awesome advice." Patting her shoulder, he started walking to where everyone was. "Just let me know when you're ready. The group will meet you there in a few days along with a last-minute recruit."
"Right." she said more to herself than anything.
"Aright are we good now?" Jirou glared at them once they agreed on a song.
"Just play it already so we can get out of here." Bakugo said twirling his black drumsticks in his hands, eyes skimming their classmates faces with a frown.
"Alright here we go. Our last performance at UA." Jirou smiled feeling all the emotions from all the years wash over her, never having imagined being able to perform for anyone like this. Nodding at both Bakugo and Kaminari to start it off.
("So Far Away"- Crossfade)
"I've been changin' but you'll never see me
Now I'm blaming you for everything.
No more holding it in
How many years can I pretend
Nothing ever goes the way it should.
No more sitting in this place
Hoping you might see it my way.
'Cause I don't think you ever understood
That what I'm looking for are the answers
To why these questions never go away."
Once Kaminari joined him, Bakugo and the rest of the band started bopping their heads while all their friends and family clapped along including his parents who had proud smiles on their faces.
"I'm so far away.
I've been changin' but you'll never see me now.
I'm so far away.
Now I'm blaming you for everything."
"Damn it…" Kirishima balled his hands into fists when he turned to see Uraraka not far off standing next to the building after Mina waved trying to get her to come over to which she declined. He could see Deku staring at her as well as Shinso next to him with an equally frustrated face. 'Uraraka…'
"No more waiting for the end
Of every day that I will spend.
Wishing that I only had a choice.
No more pushing you away
'Cause I'll be busy watching things going my way.
Never looking back on this anymore.
'Cause what I'm looking for are the answers
To why these questions never go away.
I'm so far away
I've been changin' but you'll never see me now.
I'm so far away.
Now I'm blaming you for everything.
I've been changin' but you'll never see me
Now I'm blaming you for (everything)"
With a shaky breath Uraraka did everything she could to try and hold it together. They all looked so happy. Every one of them including Bakugo. And that's something she couldn't be a part of right now. But why…why did it have to hurt so much…
"Hey, hey, watch me wave.
Goodbye to yesterday.
Nothing left in my way.
Hey, hey, I've been saved.
With sun shining on my pain
Getting me through this day."
Smirking Bakugo continued to sing, eyes still scanning their faces until he could see Uraraka watching them with tears streaming down her cheeks, wondering why she looked so sad thinking maybe it was because they graduated. But then again, he never got to ask.
"Hey, hey, watch me wave.
Goodbye to yesterday
Nothing left in my way
Feels so good to say."
When she saw Bakugo lock eyes with her, worry evident in his red eyes as he sang, she slowly lifted her hand palm facing him before clutching it to her chest turning to leave. "Goodbye Katsuki."
"I'm so far away
I've been changin' but you'll never see me now
I'm so far away
Now I'm blaming you
(I'm so far away)."
After their performance everyone went back to the dorms to either spend one last night together, be with their families or simply get their things ready to move out. Bakugo wasn't leaving right away so while everyone was busy, he made his way around the empty school for the next hour, hands deep inside his pocket until he arrived back in the dorms.
He didn't know why but when the performance ended, he didn't see Uraraka anywhere. Typically, she would be one of the first ones there eagerly clapping and cheering for them since that's the type of person she was, but he had yet to see her.
Which brought him to his other question. Not that he cared of course but for some reason he couldn't get that image out of his head and wanted to make sure she was ok.
So, when he exited the elevator to the fourth floor and knocked on her door, he glared at it when there was no answer. "Oi Round-face you in there?" Peeking his head inside when he realized the door was unlocked, he saw the room fairly empty with no boxes in sight.
Closing it he made his way down the hall intent on going to his room until he heard his name being called.
"Kacchan? What are you doing?"
Looking over his shoulder he saw Deku and Kirishima walking up to him. "Have either of you morons seen Round-face anywhere?"
"Uraraka? Why?" Deku shared a weird look with Kirishima which Bakugo ignored just wanting his question answered.
"Just answer the damn question idiot. Have you guys seen her or not?"
"Actually…" Kirishima took a deep breath. "She already left."
"What?" Furrowing his brows, he repeatedly opened and closed his mouth. "Thought she wasn't leaving for a couple of days."
"Change of plans I guess." Deku quietly said, way too quiet for Bakugo's liking. "She should already be on her way there."
Nodding Bakugo eyed the item in Kirishima hand.
"Oh right." Kirishima forced a small smile handing it to him. "You forgot your jacket in my room, thought I'd give it back to you."
Glancing down at the black jean jacket in his hand, he walked off without another word leaving the two staring after him.
"Hey Bakugo, why don't you come down with us and celebrate?" Kirishima asked.
"No thanks." he said before slamming his door shut and throwing the jacket on top of one of his suitcases, plopping himself into his bed and suddenly feeling the exhaustion settle in.
Rubbing his face Deku looked back at Kirishima in silent understanding at what happened not long ago in that very room.
Earlier…
"So what? You're already leaving?!" Kirishima shouted in both surprise and trying to find a reason for why she shouldn't rush this.
"It's better this way." She gave him a weak smile floating the last of her boxes down the balcony as her mom, aunt, Ichiro and Hawks walked them over to the moving truck Hawks's rented for her along with Tokoyami, Hagakure and Mina since Jirou decided to stay back at the Hawk agency here in Japan for the time being. The offer for them to go to Europe was to make sure that any of the remaining bases for the Ipponmichi were shut down as well as try to find information on the whereabouts of Doctor Fuijiwara, Bousou and Zaiaku. Uraraka offered to be the first one to arrive in Europe before her friends joined her in a few days.
"Are you going to be ok?" Deku asked carefully watching as she nodded, taking one final look at her room.
"I have to be. I will be." Wiping her eyes she gave a weak giggle. "The thought of leaving hurts." she admitted. "But if that's what it takes to save them then I'll do it. The thought of not seeing him everyday or any of you for that matter…makes my heart ache." Walking over to Deku she quickly embraced him. "I'm going to miss you Deku."
Sniffling, he nodded like a child would with uncontrolled tears raining down his face. "Just promise us if you ever need anything you'll call us."
"I will." She giggled. "Let me know about your trip to America ok and tell Melissa I said hi."
"I will."
Hugging Kirishima next, she felt him trembling with emotions before pulling away. "Thank you, Kirishima. Thank you for everything you've done for us. You're the best therapist I ever had." She giggled fondly.
"Anytime." Laughing Kirishima wiped his eyes. "Which is one of the many reasons I couldn't just let all those wonderful memories of my hard work between you and Bakubro just go away."
Smiling, Uraraka couldn't help the small tear that ran down her cheek.
"But if it's true, then keep in mind that you're not alone in this ok Uraraka." Kirishimas eyes betrayed the happy mood he was trying to keep. "I'll definitely come visit since I want to see how this all turns out yeah?" He playfully wiggled his finger at her.
"You and me both." Giggiling, she looked around again her smile slowly fading as she handed him Bakugos jacket from their first date. "Kirishima, I need you to make me a promise ok? promise me that you'll watch over him."
"I will." He grinned. "Take care of yourself too Uraraka."
Now….
With small smiles both Deku and Kirishima stepped into the elevator and down to the common area to spend some of their last nights with the rest of their friends before everyone went their separate ways.
X
Leaning her head against the seat of the plane Uraraka kept her eyes out the window as Japan became smaller and smaller with every passing second, rubbing her thumb over the blue bracelet on her wrist.
("Where I stood" by Missy Higgins in background)
"I don't know what I've done
Or if I like what I've begun.
But something told me to run
And honey, you know me, it's all or none.
There were sounds in my head.
Little voices whispering.
That I should go and this should end
Oh, and I found myself listening."
Aimlessly wandering down the halls again Bakugo restlessly found himself still unable to sleep thinking maybe he should visit the gym one last time.
"'Cause I don't know who I am, who I am without you.
All I know is that I should.
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you.
All I know is that I should.
'Cause she will love you more than I could.
She who dares to stand where I stood."
Stepping out of the airport in Italy, Uraraka struggled to swallow through a tightening throat looking around and holding her carry-on bags thinking that this was it. This would be her new home now.
"See, I thought love was black and white.
That it was wrong or it was right.
But you aren't leaving without a fight
And I think, I am just as torn inside.
'Cause I don't know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should.
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you.
All I know is that I should.
'Cause she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood."
Walking into her new apartment she looked it over with cloudy teary eyes already feeling like a big part of her missing.
"And I won't be far from where you are if ever you should call.
You meant more to me than any one I, I've ever loved at all.
But you taught me how to trust myself.
And so I say to you, this is what I have to do."
Slowly walking into her old room, Bakugo let his eyes drag across the bare space. His eye landing on the small stuff penguin neatly placed against the pillow, picking it up and walking over to the opened balcony, staring up at the bright moon.
"'Cause I don't know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should.
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should.
'Cause she will love you more than I could.
She who dares to stand where I stood.
She who dares to stand where I stood."
Opening her own window, allowing the Italian air to breeze inside she gave a faint smile at the sun shining down on her knowing that everything would be alright.
'Life doesn't always follow the road we thought it would. Just like the weather, your path can change in an instant just like storms. And storms are a part of life, just as they're a natural part of every ecosystem. They might bring dark clouds, thunder, and lightning at times, but they're also a time for rebirth and growth. And even though I know this pain will never go away…that my heart will always remain with his no matter what happens and no matter where I go. I know that I'll save him. I'll save them because I have to. I'll bring down the organization known as the Ipponmichi and make sure people like Hana and Toga never harm anyone else again.
My name's Ochaco Uraraka which you might get to know as Uravity, and this was my story at UA High School. But it definitely won't be the end of my story.'
"I love you, Katsuki." With one last smile she took her right hand, protectively and fondly rubbing her for now flat belly. "We both do."
To be continued…to the finale story "Beyond Plus Ultra"
AN: Yup you read that right I've had this on my mind since the beginning and have already started on chapter 1. That will be the very last story though where everything will come together for the biggest reveal yet.
Thank you to everyone who've read this story from the very first one and stuck with it. As I said before I originally made this story for myself to get this out of my chest and was surprised how many people actually read and liked it. You guys are great!
So be on the lookout for the next and very last story to this trilogy called "Beyond Plus Ultra"
Again thanks everyone!