AN:Hey guys, hope you've enjoyed this part so far. I decided to upload this chapter a little earlier this week since the weathers been a little worrisome where I'm at and not sure how things are going to be (power wise). Anyways hope you guys enjoy!
X
"I love you Katsuki. I love you more than you'll ever know… please forgive me." Jolting up from his bed he could vividly feel himself trying to reach out, wanting nothing more than to comfort whoever it was that was in so much pain. He focused his eyes but still found her nowhere in sight. Glaring down at his blanket that was tightly clenched in his hands he tried to remember the last time he didn't feel so utterly lost after waking up. It was then that he realized the tears spilling from his eyes and down to his blanket. "Shit."
He could still feel his heart hammering in his chest as he put his head in his hands, not even known what or who he was looking for. It seemed that once again sleep was something he didn't need and instead decided to go for an early run.
By the time he finished his usual morning routine he exited the locker rooms wearing a black shirt and an extra pair of red workout shorts instead of his hero suit. He had a good hour before the start of his shift and decided that this time he would try and give himself a break before the start of his patrol due to the bad mood he was currently in.
Having another shitty dream, a lousy workout and raccoon eyes currently yammering in his ear as he walked down the lower hall tent to do that to him.
"Baku-"
"No." he sternly said as he grasped each end of the towel that was around his neck.
"But you don't even know what I'm about to say." She pouted which made him roll his eyes. He knew she was up to something-especially today of all days and there was no way he was going to let her have her way.
"I can guess." He exasperatedly sighs. "Anything coming out of your mouth just has stupidity written all over it."
"Wow and here I thought you never listened to me." She grinned before dismissively waving her free hand while her other held a small cup of water. "Anyways, you don't happen to have any plans for today…?"
"I do." He made sure to keep his eyes forward hoping that she'd either give up or let destiny finally take its course and make her melt into the ground after consuming some of that water.
"You do?"
When he saw her shoulders slouch, he couldn't stop the smug satisfaction of knowing he was the cause of that. "Yup, schedules all full."
"Really?" thoughtfully tapping her chin she curiously eyed him before her lips spread into a huge smile. "Because Kirishima told me that you're free tonight."
"He what?!" halting in his step he glared down the hall where he could see the spiky red head talking to the front desk receptionists, but upon sensing Bakugo's furious gaze he quickly excused himself and made a bee line for the elevators. "Shitty Hair!"
"Sorry man!"
"Todoroki also told me he made you take the night off." She giggled when she saw his eye twitch before he resumed marching down the hall.
She knew he would come up with some excuse today so they made it their personal mission to cover all of his exit points so he couldn't try and wiggle himself out of tonight. "Bakugo…"
"No. No no no!" he groaned dramatically rolling his head. "Forget it ok. I'm not going to whatever dumb party you've got planned."
"Who talked?!" Mina's jaw briefly dropped before she realized it was probably due to her own mouth.
"Please you're practically holding a neon sign, plus it's something you idiots would do."
Nodding she quickly dismissed his previous reply as she bounced on her tip toes with pleading eyes. "Pleaseeee."
"Forget it Dunderhead."
"Ooh Dunderhead?" Mina shook her head disappointingly. "Really?"
"I know, I think I'm having an off day today." He hated to agree with her, but even he felt disgusted at his awful insult.
"All the more reason for you to let loose and party!" Excitedly waving her hand she managed to catch the attention of Uraraka and Deku as they walked into the building. "Guys over here!"
"Oi!" Gawking Bakugo furiously turned to the pink girl as she shrugged her shoulders and watched the two approach. "I don't need their opinion!"
"Hey guys!" Deku waved in greeting. "Kacchan! Happy-"
"I swear if you finish that sentence, I'm going to make sure you call in sick." Bakugo angrily cut off as he stomped his foot in front of him.
Deku quickly swallowed anything else he was about to say and instead only nodded his head. "I wasn't going to say anything."
"What is it Mina?" Giggling Uraraka turned to Mina who was watching Bakugo as he turned at the sound of her voice.
"Oh nothing much, I was just trying to convince Mr. Cranky pants here that he's in need of a night out with yours truly and all his friends!" she excitingly grinned as she gave Uraraka the 'Please agree with me' look.
"Oh." Realizing what her friend needed her to do Uraraka quickly bounced her eyes from Minas to Bakugo who stubbornly looked away with his arms folded over his broad chest. She knew how much he never really cared about his birthday and if he did, he prefers it to be more personal. Unlike the previous year where they all ended up at the Red Beryl with more than half of their friends drunk including herself, which she wasn't necessarily proud of. Glancing down at the small box of mochi in her hand she began chewing on her bottom lip. "I don't…"
"Come on, maybe this will get you out of whatever funk you're in." Mina playfully winked at the ash blond who just rolled his eyes in return.
Sharing a look Uraraka could tell that Deku was thinking the same thing she was but decided that maybe Mina was right. "I think it's a great idea Kacchan."
Nodding Uraraka smiled back at Mina and Deku in agreement. "I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to spend some time with friends and who knows it could be fun."
"Yay see! They think it's a good idea too!"
"Don't care, I'm not going."
"Fine, if you're going to be a party pooper than maybe it's better you don't' come." Mina pouted before turning to them. "How about you guys?"
"Yeah, I think I can make some time." Deku smiled as he looked down at his phone.
"What about you?" Mina pleadingly grabbed her hands. "It won't be a birthday party without you."
"Or the birthday boy…" Bakugo mumbled annoyed at the way they started talking as if he wasn't even here.
"I'd really like to, but I can't." Uraraka apologetically said.
"What? Why not?"
"Yeah why not?" Ignoring the surprised stares the three gave him Bakugo only focused on why the hell she didn't see it fit to attend his birthday party despite the fact that he wasn't even planning on going himself. But knowing everyone else would show, he only expected her to as well.
Pressing her lips together she tried to come up with a reasonable excuse as to why she couldn't go but frowned when she remembered that she had told Mina already that her mom was coming to stay for the weekend, so she came up empty handed. Nervously pressing her fingertips against each other at the sudden attention she reluctantly agreed. "I guess I can work something out..."
"Yay!" Mina happily wrapped her arms around her.
It wasn't like she didn't want to go when in fact she really did. But the less involved she was in his life the better, but it seemed that that was easier said than done considering they ran in the same circle of friends.
Scoffing Bakugo continued to shake his head as the two girls continued to laugh and instead decided to walk off.
X
It wasn't until after lunch when she found herself heading back to the Agency by herself since Jirou already had made plans with Kaminari. They asked her to join them but all she really wanted to do was tear into the mochi she had bought on her way here that morning that was already calling her name.
As she entered the building, she wasn't surprised to see the lobby somewhat empty considering it was lunch time after all. But what she didn't expect was the explosive hero currently standing still facing the front desk with a black and orange cupcake in hand as the receptionist- Honoka if memory served her right- was currently leaning her chin against her palm blatantly flirting with him.
She felt her stomach drop and the nausea pile up at the thought of him with someone else. She couldn't help it; she knew that someone like Bakugo could find someone eventually but nevertheless deep in her heart she was hoping that it wouldn't happen. She knew that was selfish on her part and couldn't dare ask for such things. But that didn't lessen the shock and pain in her face as he continued to stare at whatever Honoka was saying.
'Stop that Ochaco. You knew this could happen and why not. He deserves to be happy.' Clutching her chest she inwardly told herself to keep going, that if he was happy with his life then she would too. Even if there wasn't anything going on between him and the receptionist, then she just had to prepare herself for the fact that eventually down the line if not already he may find someone.
She couldn't and wouldn't be naïve to think that that wouldn't be possible since he did have a rather big fan base, and much to her displeasure quite a few self-proclaim Dynafans that were females. Which was one of the reasons she usually stayed off any media sites that involved him whenever Mina would mention him or Kirishima, deciding that it would be best if she just stayed on hers like she intended to.
"I really hope you like it. It took me a while to find something you'd like." Honoka flung her hair away from her shoulder revealing a plunged neckline which he missed since he was too busy staring at the cupcake in his hand. He could basically smell all the sugar coming off that thing that made him blankly stare back at the blond girl. He had no idea what made her think that he'd like something like that in the first place and was just about to blow her off until Kirishima asked him to get his messages while he had to use the damn bathroom. Which was how he found himself now standing in the damn lobby holding this sad excuse for a cupcake with an extra that seemed overly chipper for anyone to be.
"Oh! And I have some more too!" She eagerly presented him with a small clear box that had three similar ones inside.
'Great more shit to throw away.' He grimaced when she shoved the box towards him. Pushing the box back he was about to tell her to get her money back from wherever she got it when the sound of rushing heels echoing around the lobby caught his attention.
With her chin raised high Uraraka quickly approached the front desk instantly watching the way Honokas smile began to strain when she turned to her.
"Hi, sorry to interrupt but are there any messages I should know about?"
"Yes of course." Grabbing the small papers she quickly handed them to her. "Hawks wanted to make sure you got these."
"Thanks." Nodding Uraraka kept her eyes on the papers as she swiftly walked around him and towards the elevator, being used to the unfriendliness of the receptionist by this point.
Rolling her eyes Honoka returned to smiling but if was short lived when she saw him already following after.
Uraraka was so dead set on escaping into the sanctuary of the elevators that she didn't realize Bakugo already walking next to her until he spoke.
"Here."
"Hmm?" Startled, she turned her head to see him already trying to show the clear box into her smaller hands. "Wha-hey!"
"Take it. If not, I'll throw them away." He eyed the box in disgust as they stepped into the elevator. "Don't like that sweet shit anyways."
With a slight smile she looked down at the box knowing that that was true. "How could I forget." She quietly said, watching as his brows shot up in surprise that she of all people would remember something like that. Shaking her head she gave them back. "But it's for you."
Frowning he was about to repeat his previous statement from before and found it oddly weird that Ochaco Uraraka would decline a chance to eat something this sweet when the doors closed.
Leaning back against the wall he watched the numbers light up and found himself boredly gazing towards her. Her shoulders looked a little down as her back was towards him as if wanting to avoid staring directly at him. But before she did, he could see the vacant expression on her face as she stared off into space.
He was about to ask her about it when the doors opened to an empty hall before slowly closing once more, but before it had the chance a hand shot between the doors to stop it from closing.
"Hold the doors!" Stepping back Uraraka saw the familiar smile of Shindo as he wedged himself inside. "Hey Uraraka, sorry about that." Glancing around he saw Uraraka give him a tight lip smile before she continued to stare at the numbers and Bakugo roll his eyes as the doors closed. "Bakugo." He nodded in greeting.
"Dipshit."
Chuckling Shindo returned his gaze to the front before staring sideways. "So, I heard about this thing tonight. Could be fun if we went together."
Snapping her head sideways she was taken aback by the suggestion.
"You are going tonight, right?" Shindo lowered his voice as he leaned next to her.
"You've got to be kidding me…" Bakugo quietly mumbled to himself as he desperately glared up at the numbers willing it to go faster. Didn't this guy have anything better to do than hit on anything with a pulse?
"I'm thinking about it." She admitted taking a small step sideways when she saw how close he was standing next to her. She had nothing against Shindo since he always seemed really nice to her but that didn't change that she was painfully aware of Bakugo standing behind them.
"Great, so let's just go together."
Rolling his eyes he just couldn't take it anymore. "Couldn't you have taken the other damn elevator?!" he groaned out loud.
"Well, someone's acting louder than usual considering it's his birthday." Shindo shot Bakugo a nasty look which he only returned.
"Looking at your face always puts me in a shitty mood asswipe." Thankful when the door finally stopped on the top floor, he harshly pushed past Shindo and out the doors.
Watching him turn towards the break room she only shook her head before Shindo grabbed her attention once more.
"So, what do you say Uraraka?"
X
Stepping into the break room room it didn't take her long to find him standing in front of the refrigerator, probably getting ready to eat his own lunch. She tried to be as quiet as possible so as to not be in the way, but it was a bit difficult when her hells once again alerted him of her presence.
Momentarily glancing over his shoulder, Bakugo saw her patiently waiting for him to finish while she leaned her back against the small counter while absently scrolling through her phone. Placing his lunch on the counter closest to the fridge he began crouching down in search of his drink.
"So, you going with that guy?"
"Hmm?" Snapping her head up she was surprised at his sudden interest in her personal life but decided not to dig too deep into it as she stared at his back. "Oh, you mean Shindo?" When he didn't respond but instead walked right past her towards the microwave after dropping her small box of mochi next to her. She gave a small smile in gratitude. "He's nice…"
Slamming the microwave door shut he quickly pressed the buttons before folding his arms in front of him. "Tch, I guess if you go for that shit and all."
Smiling, she grazed her finger against the sleek box in her hand as her eyes shot towards the cupcakes on the table.
"Figured one of those idiots would enjoy them more than me." He said watching the way her eyes momentarily widened when he had caught where her eyes had fallen. "You know since you won't take them."
"Oh." Profusely blinking she quickly averted her eyes hoping he wouldn't see the beginning of a blush on her cheeks. "I'm sure they'd appreciate it. But I know they would appreciate it more if you actually showed up tonight."
"Have you suddenly gone deft? I already said I'm not going." He huffed as he pushed away from the counter when the microwave BEEPED.
"For now." She smiled as she raised her box of mochi to thank him for taking them out for her. "Thanks by the way."
Nodding he dropped himself on the chair as he watched her leave. He couldn't remember the last time they actually held a normal conversation, just the two of them that didn't involve her obvious need to leave nor the awkward tension she seemed to give off around him.
He remembered that she was one of the few in their class that was always relaxed and bubbly unless it came to training, which was when she was at her most dangerous. Now she constantly looked like she was on high alert whenever he was around and always seemed to be choosing her words very carefully.
With one bite of his food he thought about what she had said and maybe he wasn't the only one that needed to relax, but the difference at least for right now, was that at least she was going.
X
Placing her helmet on her desk after her patrol, she quickly began working on her reports after letting out a tired sigh before hearing a faint knock on the door. "Come in." she said without looking up.
"Hey babe, you busy?" Mina poked her head in along with a turf of red hair that belonged to Kirishima as his head hovered above hers as he did the same.
Smiling, she briefly looked up at the two floating heads. "Not at all just finishing up here."
"Ok good because we've got a problem." Kirishima let out a sigh of relief as they entered and made themselves comfortable.
"Really what is it?" Sitting up she watched as Mina shared a disgruntled look with him.
"We've tried everything, but Mr. Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight won't budge."
"About…?"
"The birthday party Ochaco!" Mina exhaustedly raises her hands on either side of her.
"Don't worry I'm sure he'll come around." She giggled once she realized what this was really about. "You've just gotta speak his language and you'll be great."
"Um speak his language?"
"Yeah, you know…speak Bakugo." She pointedly raised her brow which made Kirishima grin in understanding.
"I get it." Rubbing his chin, he began thinking of the best way he could convince his buddy to willingly to go when Mina cut in.
"So, what about you? I heard a certain someone asked you to go with him."
"You did?" Her smile suddenly faded as she shifted her eyes to the papers in front of her.
"Mm-hmm I told you he was into you. And what did you say?" Mina could barely contain her excitement as she leaned forward in her seat.
Pressing her lips together Uraraka already knew what she would say but that didn't stop her from giving Mina a sheepish smile. "I told Shindo no."
"What? Why?" Any hope Mina had quickly shut down when she saw Uraraka's expression.
As much as she hated to be the cause of that, especially since she knew that Mina only meant well. "It's just…I'm not ready to date." she admitted.
"Well how do you know unless you try." Watching the way Uraraka began fidgeting in her seat Mina placed a comforting hand on top of hers. "Babe, I know you think it'll be hard what with the baby and everything, but don't forget that it's ok to still live your life. And if you're worried about Kiseki remember I'm just a phone call away and I'll take that little man in a heartbeat."
"I'll keep that in mind." Chuckling Uraraka was grateful for the offer even though she didn't see herself dating at this point.
"Good, because it's about high time my little Ochaco found someone that can make her happy, right Kiri?"
"Of course." Kirishima gave the gravity user a fond smile knowing that it would probably be hard for her but as much as he could only see her with one person, he knew that despite their situation they both deserved to be happy. "When she's ready." He added which made Mina playfully poke his side and Uraraka give him a grateful smile back.
"Alright kids, I'm going to take a break."
"Wait didn't you just have a break?" Kirishima asked as he followed her towards the door.
"Yes, but it's my second break I'm going for." She replied matter of fact.
Watching the door swing close Uraraka slumped back in her chair tapping her finger against the paper.
After she had left Japan, she found it difficult to concentrate on anything other than what she had left behind. But after various breakdowns that involved staying in with both Hagakure and Mina who were also home sick and a lot of ice cream, little by little she was able to focus on the job in front of her. Mina had convinced her to go on a date with someone once which turned out to be nothing before she found out she was indeed pregnant.
After what Hana had shown her, she supposed that there was a good possibility that she was… but couldn't be sure until after the test came back positive. That's when any doubt about what she had done in Japan came crashing down on her. But at least he was safe for now and so was Kiseki and she had to make sure it only stayed that way.
Frowning she thought about whether she should go through with his gift or not. Would he even like it? Should she even give it to him, or would that be too personal? Groaning, she planted face first into her work before she tiredly raised her head enough to glance at the clock. She had a good hour left before it was time to head home and find something to wear.
X
"Alright remember the plan." Mina whispered to Kirishima, Sero and Kaminari as they stood outside Bakugo's office.
"Ok but how do we do that again?" Kaminari asked.
"Easy we just pretend we don't want him there and he'll be interested to know why." Mina simply said which raised a dubious brow from all three boys. "Ok whatever we'll figure it out as we go along." She hurriedly pushed the door open and waltzed in followed by the other three.
She momentarily paused to see him writing at his desk with his head down as if he had expected them to be there.
"What the hell you want now?"
"Please come out tonight!"
"You have to!"
"It's your party after all!" Mina, Kaminari and Sero threw themselves in front of his work with puppy dog eyes.
"Wow we suck at this." Smiling Kirishima shook his head before calmly walking over to them. "They're right man. Come out with us tonight. We'll even-"
"Ok."
Dumbfounded, they all only blinked back at his calm tone until he finally gazed up at them.
"Come again?"
"I said I'll go." He repeated, letting his eyes bounce between all four of them. "But I'm not staying long."
"Wait did you really say you'll go?" Sero confusingly rubbed his head. "And here I thought we had to do some more begging."
"I had a plan and everything!" Mina gaped.
"Are you kidding? I heard you morons outside my door for ten minutes." He scoffed before returning to his work.
"Told you you were too loud." Kaminari mumbled receiving a dirty look from Mina.
"I am not."
"Great, so you're going!" Energetically clapping his hands together Kirishima only had one question. "Why?"
"What difference does it make! All that matters is that he's going!" Twirling around Mina quickly rushed out of the room in preparation for tonight.
"With how happy she is you'd think this was for her instead of you." Kirishima lustfully followed her with his eyes until she disappeared.
"Don't make me gag and please take that shit elsewhere." Rubbing his eyes he resented the fact that he forgot his reading glasses at home.
"No dude but seriously, what made you change your mind?"
Leaning back in his chair he only shrugged as a responds before he continued working.
X
By the time she made it home she was glad to see her mom had already picked up Kiseki from daycare and was startled to find that everything was already unpacked except for her room of course which she made a mental note to work on this weekend. "Wow mom you really didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"Of course I did." Mrs. Uraraka smiled from her position on the couch with her grandson as Uraraka went to greet them both. "But by the time I made it here little Kisekis room was already done."
"What?" Confusingly staring in the direction of his room she gave her mom one last look before heading that way.
"Kenzo must have taken the initiative to work on his room while you weren't here." Mrs. Uraraka shouted from the living room.
As she entered his nursery, she could see the few items she had bought him already put away. The white dresser her mom had given her was built and put against the far wall with a few of his clothes already neatly placed inside. Smiling she could see a few of the toys on top of it along with a small lamp that helped illuminate the room in a warmer color. Everything was put away including the small panda bear nightlight she had found one day while out and thought it was cute.
When her eyes landed on the few stuffed animals around the room she stopped when she saw a small black cat absently staring out the window.
"I know you didn't have to do that, so thank you."
Turning the cat suddenly morphed back into her roommate. "Kid deserves it." Kenzo said as he eyed the room. "Only thing missing…"
"Yes I know." She pouted as he walked by knowing that he along with everyone else was right. Kiseki couldn't very well keep sleeping in the little bassinet she had next to her own bed, and that he'd eventually grow out of it but in the meantime, she just wanted to enjoy these little moments while she could, and it would make checking up on him much easier instead of running to the other room in the middle of the night. Since she was already overprotective as it is.
"Your friends invited me out to that thing tonight." Kenzo said when she finally exited the room.
"So, you're going?"
"Yeah, going to a place full of heroes is something someone like me should do." he scoffed as he sat himself down.
"You know they invited you out for a reason. Not all of us think that way about you."
"You sure about that?" he raised a challenging brow. "There's a hell of a lot I still have to atone for. Too many to count in this lifetime..."
She would argue about that since thanks to him Bakugo was still alive, but she knew that no matter what she said it would never help him heal nor lessen the burden of guilt still sitting heavily on his shoulder. And she wasn't sure if it ever would.
"If you change your mind. I'm about to get ready after I feed Kiseki." She flicked her eyes towards her mom who nodded as she handed him over.
X
Taking a deep calm breath, she found her feet unwilling to move from her spot in front of the bar. This was the right address she was sure of it, but something about how crowded the place was even from outside made her question whether she wanted to be here or not.
"Uraraka?"
Snapping her head around she was surprised to see none other than Yo Shindo smiling down at her. "Shindo?"
"Did you just get here?" he smirked down as he asked.
"Yeah, about five minutes ago." She confessed as she turned back around unaware of the appraising smile growing on his face as he gave her a once over. "Didn't think there would be this many people."
"Got a point there." He nodded as he watched a group of people head inside. "But the more the better I always say." Grinning, he held out his hand. "So, we don't get lost in the mob." He said as she hesitantly placed her hand in his as he led the way.
"After you."