Provisional Exam

Shouto filled Rei in previously about being able to get his provisional license. By passing that, her son will take a big step towards becoming a professional hero. Based on his words in their last meeting before the test, he is also completely confident in accomplishing this. She assumes the same as she knows her son to be diligent. Which is why the next words out of his mouth come as a complete shock.

"…I failed to get my license."

"What? What happened?"

"There were three parts to the exam. The first two parts went well, but the last part… well, maybe I should start from the beginning."

"Please do."

He takes his usual seat at the foot of the bed before telling the story from the beginning. "There were signs of problems before the exam even started. When our class arrived at the venue, I saw someone that I met at the entrance exams. His name is Yoarashi and he's a first year from Shiketsu High. I didn't recognize him at first, but he definitely recognized me. He introduced himself to our class before heading into the venue.

"Only 100 out of the fifteen to sixteen hundred applicants could pass the first part of the exam. All the examinees received three targets and six balls. A person is out if all three of their targets are lit, which could only be done by the balls. We can only pass if we eliminate two other examinees, meaning illuminate the final of the three targets. I went off on my own since I couldn't make good use of my power if we were packed together. This part was quite simple; a lot of people from other schools tried to attack me all at once so I eliminated all of them. I did learn from that that I still have trouble using my left and right simultaneously.

"In the reception area for the second part, Yoarashi was talking with someone else that passed before turning towards me and his smile turned into a scowl. I thought about asking him about that, but he immediately turned his attention back to the other exam passer and his expression transformed back into a smile. He was also loud and annoy- talkative except for those brief seconds where he looked at me."

"It almost sounds like he had a grudge against you. Was there a reason for that?"

"...We met at the special recommendation entrance exam. I behaved quite poorly towards him at the time. He actually tried to befriend me twice, but I treated him coldly both attempts. I only remembered him towards the end of the exam, and he actually outperformed me on the practical part. The others from Shiketsu said they wanted to form a good relationship with us so I went up to Yoarashi to ask why he looked at me that way before. He said it was because I had Endeavor's eyes."

A chill goes down Rei's spine because those words were very similar to that she said before pouring boiled water down her son's face. She clears her throat to compose herself. "That's something that maybe you should apologize for, but it shouldn't have any effect on the exam?"

"The second part was testing our ability to rescue civilians after a terrorist attack and the third was a continuation of that with villains attacking and trying to disrupt us. Once the villains led by Gang Orca came, Yoarashi and I had similar thoughts and moved to confront them with our powerful quirks before they could get to the evacuation center.

"Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. One thing led to another and the two of us ended up bickering against each other rather than trying to do the exam. We almost severely injured another examinee because his wind blew my fire towards an already hurt examinee, though luckily Midoriya managed to get there in time. Gang Orca didn't miss that chance to incapacitate the two of us.

"After the exam, everyone that passed had their names posted on a large board. I expected and deserved it, but it still hurt to not see my name there. After the results came out, Yoarashi walked up to me and bowed his head into the ground to apologize. He's quite strange and clumsy… but he's also completely honest and his point of view is something I needed to see. Even though he really wanted to go to U.A, he decided not to even after passing because of me. I can't blame him for failing because it's my fault for acting that way back then.

"I understand what you mean more clearly now. I can't easily forget about the past or my blood. And that means he can't either. I understand Father a little better now. I'll... try talking to him again. I don't like him and still don't want to forgive him, but if we meet at the same scene, I don't want to repeat Yoarashi's mistake of allowing grudges that have nothing to do with hero duties to interfere in work."

"You've grown, Shouto." She softly ruffles his hair for a few seconds before stopping. "Sorry, you're probably too old for this now."

"I don't mind."

Since he gave her permission, she resumes for a few more seconds before thinking about what comes next. "What does this mean now?""

"With their licenses, the others in class can start their internships and get a close look at how heroes conduct themselves. It'll be similar to the hero studies, but we- sorry, they will have more responsibilities. They'll be treated like actual sidekicks. It's likely to be a valuable experience.

"I'm not the only one who failed in my class, Bakugou also has to join me. Since we only failed the last part, we can take remedial classes and get our licenses later rather than waiting until next year to apply for the license again. It'll be a three-month training course."

"Will you be alright with this Yoarashi-san?"

"He said he still doesn't like me- that feeling is mutual- but he said he'll see me there and apologized again. We've worked out our differences for the most part."

"Are you going to be alright with the classwork?"

"I should be fine, and Yaoyorozu said she would tutor me if I needed it."

"It sounds like it could have been worse."

"You're right about that. It would have been a catastrophe if I met Yoarashi in the field first and we behaved similarly." Shouto sighs. "Still, I won't be able to see you for a while, Mom. I want to, but… it looks like the classes will take a full day every week. Sorry, my shortcomings are making you pay the price."

"It's okay, Shouto. Don't worry about me. Just… make sure to capitalize on this second chance."

"I will. Oh, I just remembered-" Shouto says before reaching into his bag and pulling out some paper and envelopes. "Even though I may not be able to see you physically, we can still communicate with each other with these."

Rei eyes the paper, trying to piece together what her son is saying. "Do you mean writing letters?"

"Yeah."

"Nostalgic." She comments. The time before technological advances certainly were different. "And effective. Did you come up with this clever idea?"

"No, not me. Yaoyorozu deserves all the credit for this. I told her that I saw you every weekend and day off before and how I can't use a cell phone to contact you. She came up with this. She was also impressive as always; she had one of the highest grades in the final part of the provisional exam with a 94."

Rei thinks for a moment. It sounds like there's a strong possibility that she really won't be able to see her youngest child for several months. She decides to give her son a little push. "Do you know if she's still single?"

Shouto becomes visibly puzzled at this change in topic, but still answers. "I can't say for certain, but no one in the class seems to be in a relationship. Ashido was complaining about that a little while ago."

"Please ask to confirm. And make sure to thank her for me."

"Okay, I will."

"And treat her nicely, Shouto, even if you don't take her up on her offer to tutor you. Friends like that are hard to come by as you get older."

"Do you have any suggestions?"

"Ask if she wants to have a meal together some time." Rei grins.

"We have meals together all the time, though?"

Rei raises her eyebrows. "You do?"

"Yeah, the class always eats together in the cafeteria."

"No… I mean just the two of you. And volunteer to treat."

"Isn't it more economically effective if we split the bill?"

Rei feels like she understands Fuyumi's plights about Shouto a little better now. As the real meaning behind her words is evidently lost on Shouto, she wonders if perhaps this is too big of a step. "You don't have to if you don't want to, it's just a suggestion."

"Okay, I'll ask her. I might need a reminder in the future."

"What's the address for your school's dorms again?"

…

"Goodbye, Shouto." She embraces him a little tighter and plants a kiss on his cheek this time, knowing that this could be their last meeting for months. "I'll miss you."

"I'll try and come as soon as I can."

"Don't worry about me. Just work hard on your remedial classes. You'll be one step closer to becoming a pro hero."

"Alright, I will." He embraces her tightly before separating. "Bye, Mom. Take care, I'll miss you too." Are his final words before departing.

This fic is now almost 2/3rds done! Four or five chapters to go~