Upon exiting the meeting room, she quickly followed Mina out into the hall to get some water from the water cooler until a mob of curly green hair lunged forward immediately engulfing her in a strong hug. Confusingly blinking she let out a startled giggle upon realizing who it was and began hugging one of her best friends back. "Deku!"

"Uraraka! I'm sorry I just could help myself." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as he began to pull away. "We both couldn't."

With the biggest smile she turned to see Iida patiently waiting next to the excited One for All user before he embraced her in a fond hug. "It's good to see you're doing well Uraraka."

"Iida…" The small tears began to gather strength in the rim of her eyes from the happiness of being reunited with some of her closest friends. The only one that was missing was Tsu and that was understandable given her position out at sea most of the time.

"Hey now, don't I get some loving here too?" Mina was already holding her arms out playfully awaiting her round of hugs.

"Of course." They smiled as they hugged her next and she let out a happy squeal.

"Hey, I feel left out!" Kaminari waved as he jogged over with Sero and a few of their old classmates. "Give Chargebolt some of that loving! Come on, don't be shy." He grinned hugging them both.

Stopping by the door with one hand shoved deep in his pocket, Bakugo's eyes began to zero in on all the cheerful atmosphere coming from down the hall.

"Guess there back huh." Kirishima spoke next to him staring off in the same direction.

"Aren't you going to say hi and do all that shit you normally do?"

"Hmm?" Quizzically glancing sideways, he was surprised to see a calmer expression on the blond, at least for now. "Usually I would." He frowned finding himself at a crossroads. Ever since he and Mina had broken up a few months back, he found himself at a loss of what to do right now. He still cared about her there was no doubt about it, even still loved her the same way. But wasn't sure how she felt about him. She was in Europe after all and probably having the time of her life. So, who could blame her if she didn't even give him a second thought. But regardless that wouldn't change how long they've known each other or even the fact of how much he's missed her. So, deciding that instead of letting that come between them he would do his best to at least continue their friendship. "You know what…yeah. I think I will."

"Oh my god…" Mina whipped her head around trying to find a way on how to check her reflection through the water cooler and mentally scolded herself for not preparing in advance when she saw both Kirishima and Bakugo strolling down the hall.

Bakugo found his smirk slowly begin to grow the closer they got. He wasn't sure whether it was just the pure absurdity of the way Kirishima was acting or the genuine interest in seeing people he grew up with long gone, now back that made his feet keep moving next to the red head.

As they drew closer, they saw some of their friends move aside to allow them the chance to greet them as well.

"K-Kachan?!" Dekus eyebrows shot up in surprise when Bakugo stopped next to him.

At the sound of Dekus voice Uraraka stopped the conversation she was having with Jirou and Yaoyorozu and instantly turned with such a big smile it made her eyes shine with emotions he couldn't place. It completely took him by surprise making him do a double take as to why she was aiming her warm eyes directly him.

He had never recalled her staring at him with so much…passion? Was that the word he was looking for? He wasn't sure, but it became obvious to him that she must've just been overwhelmed with happiness at seeing her stupid friends that she was directing it towards anyone who approached her. Even him.

He knew that back in their UA days they got along fairly well. Ok if he was being honest with himself then maybe he could consider her as someone he could call somewhat of a friend maybe. During all the three years he could specifically recall only a handful of people he could tolerate and that was being gracious. Ochaco Uraraka was definitely on that list. She was someone he respected and had a mutual understanding with. He didn't even mind sparring with her since she could hold her own or even partnering up like they did during their second year of school and that turned out fine.

After their last trip at the training camp, he remembered that they could at least hold good conversations with each other all the way until she left. Once she was gone it was as if she suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth. The only time he heard anything about her was on the news and that he even found odd given that everyone always tried to do a decent job staying in touch, much to his dismay.

Thinking it over again maybe she was at least somewhat happy to see him, right? Slowly grinning he parted his mouth to say something snarky and teasing like he used to until her eyes quickly shifted sideways, and his grin immediately dropped.

"Kirishima is that you?!"

"Hey girl come here!" The red head widely grinned opening his arms and giving her a bone crushing hug that lifted her off her feet and laugh out. "Missed my little Uraraka hugs!"

"Now if only I could breathe…" She continued to giggle with small joyful tears escaping her eyes. If his manly bear hugs were anything to go by, then she could happily say he missed her too.

"Oh, sorry Uraraka, sometimes I don't know my own strength." He grinned before darting his eyes to Minas. "Hey Mina."

"Hey Kiri." She warmly smiled before giving him a much-needed hug which he reciprocated.

Smiling, Uraraka watched them knowing how much they still cared for one another until she felt someone shift in front of her. She knew who it was, and while everyone was still eagerly chatting and catching up with each other she snuck a quick peek to see his sharp red eyes watching her expectantly with the same scowl she remembered.

"Round face."

Tucking her short hair behind her ear she met his eyes head-on with a forced smile, shoving down any and all emotions she could. "Hey Katsu-" the smile on her face instantly froze as she stood shock still staring at him with wide eyes. It seemed that he was just as surprised as she was by her old habit that she could see his eyes briefly widen and blink in confusion.

She frowned, more to herself than him when she realized her mistake. So even as her heart continued to painfully ache and pound against her chest, she encouraged herself to keep going. Pretending it never happened she forced the same smile she always had before she finally looked up again and turning her attention away and towards the others. "Bakugo."

"So, hey we should definitely do something!" Kirishima quickly interrupted with Deku vigorously nodding in agreement.

"Kirishima's right."

"Yeah, we should hit The Red Beryl! We haven't been there in a while." Kaminari suggested. "And then definitely plan like a welcome home thing this weekend or something."

"I'm down!" Mina eagerly waved her hands to get everyone's attention. "How about it guys?"

Awkwardly grinning Deku subtly pulled Uraraka aside while their friends began planning. "Hey you ok?"

"Of course Deku, why wouldn't I be?" Her voice sounded steady, but her eyes betrayed her at that moment and knew Deku could see right through her.

"Uraraka."

"I'll be fine Deku. I promise." She quickly gave him another hug. "Please stop worrying about me ok. I'm just glad to be home."

"Yeah, me too."

"So how about it man, you going?" Sero draped an arm around Bakugo's neck.

"No chance in hell." He frowned watching as she disappeared to talk to Deku of all people and shrugged Sero's arm off intent to head back to his office to get started on his paperwork.

X

After leaving Todoroki's agency she wanted nothing more than to go home and relax. Moving was never her strong suit even with the little possessions she had. It still required a lot of mental stress. Stress she didn't want to deal with right now since today was already quite hectic as it is.

Unlocking the front door to her new apartment, she began taking off her shoes when the sounds of laughter coming from the kitchen caught her attention. The place was basically empty since their stuff wouldn't arrive until a week later, so they only had the bare minimum to help for the time being. Glancing up she curiously maneuvered her way towards the sounds she knew all too well and stopped right by the kitchen entryway.

"No Kiseki you can't have that." Mrs. Uraraka playfully wrinkled her nose as she took the spoon from his grip. "We need to wait until your Mommy gets home to eat."

Toothlessly grinning, Kiseki began putting his little fist in his mouth as he continued to watch his grandmother pulling out small boxes of food from a plastic bag.

"Well, someone's hungry huh?" Mrs. Uraraka smiled at her grandchild before moving on over to the fridge to get a bottle of breast milk.

"I can take him." Uraraka tried and failed to suppress a smile when she saw both her mom and son stare back in surprise. "Guess who's finally home."

"Look who it is?!" Mrs. Uraraka smiled happily as she fully turned to her daughter which produced a cheerful squeal from the child. His face instantly lit up, and he began opening and closing his tiny hands in a welcoming gesture for her to come to him.

Playfully crouching to be at eye level with him Uraraka overdramatically gasped and smiled as Kiseki began happily kicking his legs once she took him from her mom. "Oh my sweet boy, I missed you so much!" Repeatedly giving small kisses on his forehead as he blissfully snuggled closer into his mother's warm embrace, she smiled as she glanced up at her mom. "How was he? I know it couldn't have been easy especially right after that long flight."

"He's perfect Ochaco." Mrs. Uraraka gave her a quick kiss on the head before moving over to the food. "At first he was a little cranky since this isn't the home he's used to, but he did take a little nap right after."

"I get that." She warmly looked down at a pair of bright shining crimson eyes as he continued to watch her in awe.

"How was the meeting?"

"As you could expect." She began playing with his thick brown hair that lay flat against his head. "It was good seeing everyone though."

"And I saw what happened on the news too."

Glancing up she saw her mom already proudly grinning at her.

"I'm so proud of you sweetie. We all are." jumping a bit to readjust him on her hip.

With a tight-lipped smile she readjusted Kiseki and began bouncing him before turning to her mom. "Mina and everyone want to go out tonight."

"Then go."

"Mom I can't just-"

"Ochaco if you're worried about the baby don't be. I can watch him and when was the last time you actually went out and enjoyed yourself?"

"I told her I'd think about it." She thoughtfully chewed on her bottom lip. They were right, she hadn't gone out in quite some time and truly enjoyed herself. Even with the huge support she was blessed with, she didn't find it in herself to miss any minute of her son's life since she already felt like she was missing so much with work, which was why she used any spare time she had to be with him.

From the first moment she held him in her arms she knew there was nothing more important in her life and that she had to protect him with her life and show him how much he was loved. Call her overprotective but hearing that your precious little world was in danger before they were even born tend to do that to a person.

"Well, if you decide to go make sure you eat something." Mrs. Uraraka could see the apprehension in her daughters' eyes. "Will Kenzo be joining us?"

"Not sure, said something about meeting his brother." Uraraka shrugged. "I'll take a quick shower and feed Kiseki." She spoke over her shoulder, carefully carrying him to the bedroom with her. She knew they were right and maybe this wasn't such a bad idea as long as she kept a good amount of distance between her and the father of her child, maybe spending some time with her friends might do her some good. And it's not like she would stay long since she had a meeting in the morning with Ryuko about helping out at one of her facilities.

X

The sounds of heavy traffic and horns honking could be heard through her open window on the 4th floor of the apartment. She frustratingly looked through her closet and began rummaging through her clothes after feeding a hungry Kiseki and a much-needed shower. She still had a light pink towel snuggly wrapped around herself and continued to examine every dress she owned while standing in front of the mirror.

She could admit in high school she was on the curvier side, but after the hourglass figure she gained after the pregnancy it made her feel more confident and prouder of the woman she'd become. It helped that she still put in hours at the gym to retain her toned figure and slim stomach, which wasn't an easy task in itself, but given the type of work they did she couldn't afford not to stay in shape. The slight stretch marks she could still make out in her stomach were just a reminder of the wonderful gift she received in return and was now quizzically starring up at her with his big humorous red eyes that mimicked his dads.

"Something funny sweetie?" She grinned down and giggled when he began kicking his legs in the little gray bouncer. "I know, Mommy's taking too long." Glancing down at the dress in her hand she gave a slight frown. "I'm just not sure…"

"Ochaco?" She heard her mother calling for her in the kitchen before she heard her phone chime with a new message already knowing who it could be.

X

Fidgeting in her seat Mina Ashido continued to enjoy the music that reverberated throughout the entire club of The Red Beryl. The place was almost like she remembered it from the last time they were here, except for Riku who wasn't bartending tonight and instead was talking with Kenzo by the bar.

"I can't believe we're back you guys!" Hagakure draped each arm around both Jirou and Mina as she wobbled from side to side.

"Someone's overly chipper." Jirou chuckled lifting her drink to her mouth and looking throughout the crowd.

"Hey Hagakure, why don't we go dance." Ojiro smiled sheepishly at his girlfriend when he felt her leading him away.

"They're too cute!" Mina playfully pouted as she watched them disappear onto the dance floor. "I want that."

Inhaling slowly Yaoyorozu shared an amused smile with Jirou before addressing Mina who was already on her third drink. "I'm sure it'll happen; you just have to be patient."

"Easy for you to say Momo. You have practically every guy in here undressing you with their eyes." Mina mischievously winked when Yaoyorozu began to blush.

"T-that's not true. Is it?" she curiously looked over at Deku and Iida who uncomfortably remained silently seated next to them.

"I bet you could pick anyone in this place, and they'll dance with you."

"Well luckily I'm here for you guys." Yaoyorozu smiled and decided to take a small sip of her soda. "Remember what happened last time?"

"Last time?" Iida curiously looked at Deku who quietly shook his head.

"Hey, we all had a blast, and you can't deny that!" Mina pointed her finger at them.

"We sure did." Jirou grinned, remembering all too well what had happened when they celebrated a certain explosive boys' birthday almost a year ago. "Until the next day that is." She quickly added.

"Which reminds me, where are they?" Mina rose slightly from her seat to scan the crowd of people walking in.

"Denki said he, Sero and Kirishima were getting drinks." Jirou said while looking down at her phone. "Got here like five minutes ago."

"Oh, my gods what do I do?!" Mina nervously waved her hands. It's been months since she had last seen the red head and the moment she did, she had to stop herself from jumping on him like a crazed monkey hungry for bananas.

"Just relax and act cool you know." Jirou shrugged with a sly smile when she saw them approach. "Unless you're thinking about starting things up with him again."

"I'm not sure…" she honestly admitted feeling her shoulders drop. "I mean I really do miss him…but I don't know if he feels the same way you know." She glanced down at her drink before shaking her head refusing to dwell on it tonight. "Besides he's hot as hell so can't blame a girl for wanting to get a bite right?!" She wickedly grinned which sparked the girls to laugh. "Am I right?" She turned to Deku and Iida next.

"E-erm I think we're sitting in the wrong table…" Deku nervous rubbed the back of his head with Iida quickly shaking his head. "And I'm not really the best one to offer relationship advice…"

"Hey guys!" Kirishimas cheerful voice cut through the music as Kaminari went to greed his girlfriend.

"Hey, we were wondering where you guys were." Deku quickly helped to make some room for them to sit. "Everyone else is out dancing."

"Yeah, sorry about that." Kirishima grinned while firmly placing a hand on an irritated Bakugo who had his back turned and was about to walk off. "We surprisingly came across Bakubro here."

"Kacchan what are you doing here?"

"Mind your business!"

"Yeah, usually he doesn't come out with us here anymore." Kirishima pulled up a seat next to Iida before nodding to everyone in greeting.

"Hey." Mina managed to calmly say but inside she was screaming at the way his hair was slightly pulled back and was dressed in a red shirt that showed off his muscular physique and a pair of black pants. When he met her eyes, she quickly turned to Sero and Bakugo who sat down with the latter wearing his prominent scowl and water bottle in hand, so she guessed he was driving. "So how come? What, don't tell me you don't go out?"

"Tch, I do but unlike you idiots I have better shit to do than be here." He grumbled slowly letting his eyes drag across the table.

"Then why are you here?" she wiggled her brows while leaning on her palm. "Aw don't tell me it's for us!"

"Keep dreamy Pinky!" he barked which just made everyone chuckle and resume their conversations. To be perfectly honest he wasn't even sure what the hell he was doing here except that it was a slow night and found himself feeling restless. So, against his better judgment, he decided to take up his friends offer to join them.

His knee began to absently bounce up and down, ignoring anything any of his friends were saying or whenever one of their classmates came up to join them until they had to pull various tables together, drawing more attention than he cared for. He could see some of them talking by the bar including that damn bartender they met during their last year at UA and the same guy he saw earlier in the day during the meeting with Hawks.

Furrowing his brows he tried to place where he met him before but couldn't think clearly right now with all the damn music blaring in his ears and someone constantly nudging him.

He had stayed outside for a good forty-two minutes wondering why the hell he was even here and that he should probably leave. Cursing under his breath he kicked his foot against the side stand of his motorcycle before roughly taking off his helmet, thinking since he was already here might as well check up on how things were going so that no one could talk shit about him not showing up to one of their stupid gatherings. At least that's what he told himself.

Besides he had a plan and in order for it to work he needed to make a damn appearance.

Firmly nodding to himself he tried to catch up on what his friend was saying when he saw the red head stretching his arms over his head which almost made Mina's eyes bug out.

At this rate those idiots were bound to disappear off to the nearest bathroom and go at it like bunnies. Scoffing, Bakugo shook his head at the two thinking how ridiculous this whole situation was. Kirishima was obviously still hung up on the pink girl and she failed to do a decent job at hiding her own interest.

Deciding it was better to use his time to walk around, he quickly stood from his seat scanning the crowd on the dance floor before walking some more. Everywhere he turned it took everything he had not to shout directly in people's faces when they bumped into him and giving off a few warning glares when they made eye contact with him or just brush them off when a few tried to make conversations.

After a half hour he found himself sitting by the bar with his shoulders hunched over next to Kaminari and Kirishima who were talking animatedly about stuff he didn't really care about.

Talk about a crabby night.

Pinching the bridge of his nose he really regretted coming out tonight and was just thinking about calling it a night already. Checking his wristwatch again, he saw that it's already been a while since he got here before he began to glance around again but found her nowhere.

He knew who he was looking for but didn't feel the need to make it known since that's what they were supposedly here for right.

Thinking back on the meeting earlier that day he couldn't stop his brows from drawing together when he remembered her excited smile when she saw him. Or rather Kirishima that is.

He knew that back in school they got along just fine that wasn't a secret to anyone, so why did it suddenly change when she greeted him. It was like there were two different people in front of him at that moment and he couldn't figure out why. She even felt the need to almost call him by his first name, which he doesn't remember her ever doing. But what bothered him even more was that he strangely liked it. 'I just need to go home.' He thought with a groan.

"Hey what's with you?" Kirishima frowned. "You've been quiet all night and who are you looking for anyways?" He looked passed Bakugo shoulder to see what he was looking at.

"How the hell's that any of your business?" He grimaced and began to inwardly scold himself for being so obvious.

"It's not." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Just figure I could help you out. But what do you think man? You in?"

"No."

"Come on." Kirishima let out a hearty laugh while made Bakugo just scowl in return. "It's a welcome party for them." He gestured towards the few who were now dancing.

"So, what the fuck you call this?" he snapped gesturing around them to make a point. "Where is everyone anyways?"

"Well, they're here." Kaminari took a sip of his drink gesturing around. "Except Tokoyami who's spending some time with his family, and Uraraka."

"So Round face is not coming?" He tried not to let the disappointment show but found himself turning in his seat.

"Who Uraraka? Nope." Kirishima looked out at the dance floor.

"She told Mina she wasn't coming." Kaminari winced after taking another sip of his drink. "She said something came up."

"Tch." Frowning, he felt the disappointment slowly begin to grow and turned back in his seat. He should have listened to himself earlier and not even bothered coming. And what was worse was that it pissed him off. Why? He had no idea, but it was only common sense for everyone to be here if he decided to show up.

"Yeah, but it's alright because the nights still young right?" Kirishima raised his glass in a toast to which Kaminari happily obliged.

Taking a big gulp out of his water Bakugo swiftly shook his head and began to get to his feet.

"Oh no you don't dude. We barely get you to come here anymore!" Kaminari quickly moved in front of him with pleading eyes.

"He's right man." Kirishima nodded. "Just stay for- "

"I already stayed here for an hour and 42…43 minutes." He checked his watch again.

"Ok well how about you stay for another fifteen and I'll buy you lunch tomorrow. I promise."

"You just want to stay here longer for Raccoon eyes." Bakugo flatly stated which made Kirishima frantically look back over his shoulder. "So, I don't know what the hell that has to do with me."

"Dude…" Kaminari found himself keeling over with laughter after Kirishimas red face began match his hair.

"Ten minutes then I'm out." Bakugo rolled his eyes as he turned back in his seat.

"Thanks man."