Brushing past a few people Bakugo continued to absently walk around the place until he stopped by Kirishima and Sero who held a drink out to him.

"Here you go man, it'll lessen the pain I'm sure you're in." Kirishima chuckled when Bakugo quickly snatched the water he held in his other hand instead of the beer. "Although I must admit it's not too bad."

"Tch, speak for yourself." He scowled as he watched a few people walk past them. "I don't even care about any of these fuckers here."

"Love you too man." Kirishima only amusingly shook his head already being quite used to Bakugo's way of talking.

"Always the downer." Sero sighs as he watched Kaminari and Jirou on the dance floor clearly enjoying themselves. "At least they're having fun."

Scoffing, Bakugo raised the water to his lips before seeing a group of girls hungrily eyeing him. His brows drew together as he scrunched up his face in annoyance. He did his best to not let it dampen his mood any more than it already was. By this point he was already used to getting more than a few looks from women anywhere he went, being one of the more well-known heroes' tents to draw attention but that didn't mean he really enjoyed it.

He knew that if he even acted the least bit interested or even tried to interact with any of them, he could either find himself talking with someone he really didn't want or possibly with someone that was only after the fame. And that was only if he didn't find himself with psycho who could possibly follow him around. Which was why he didn't see the point of wasting his time on dating and frankly wasn't sure why any these idiots did.

"Hey guyssss." Mina happily bounced over as she wrapped her arms around Sero and Kirishima. "So, what do you think?"

"It sucks." Bakugo smirked into his drink when he saw Mina's smile slightly drop at his words.

"I think what he means is that it's great." Kirishima offered which made her smile instantly widen. "Just didn't know it would be like this."

"I know." She apologetically smiled. "I only invited the people we know, but then when everyone found out that it was Dynamights birthday…all this happened." She gestured around them before turning to the bar. "But hey at least Riku's getting one hell of a business tonight."

"Pretty sure that guys going to kill you after this." Bakugo gave a faint nod in the direction where Riku was hurriedly rushing back and forth to try and get people's orders in.

"Well, if you need me, I'm going to go and hide now." Mina began to walk away but stopped when she spotted someone entering the bar. "She's here!"

"Who?!" Kirishima shouted over the blaring music when she moved further away. "You're going to have to speak up! Mina?"

Following to where the pink girl started jumping up and down and waving her arms in hopes of getting someone's attention, Bakugo noticed the small brunette before the others could understand who she eager to see.

Without meaning to he felt his mouth drop open when his eyes landed on a perplexed Uraraka who continued to look around- no doubt trying to find a familiar face in this madness. His eyes traced down the tight-fitting black skirt that hugged her hips perfectly, traveling along to see her wearing a plain white shirt and black high heeled ankle boots. It wasn't anything that really stood out- which he guesses she was probably going for, but he preferred that over whatever any of these girls in this place were wearing- if you could even call it clothes. Not that he cared either way.

"Yoo-hoo Ochaco over here!"

Mina's voice instantly cut through his thoughts, and he began to dismissively shake his head in hopes to clear his mind and instead take another big gulp of his water since this place became stuffier by the second.

Hearing Minas voice had Uraraka suddenly whip her head around to look for her friend. Mina had offered to go with her, but since Uraraka knew she wasn't going to be one of the first ones there anyways decided it would be best to just met up here. Now she wasn't sure if that really was a good idea.

"Over there!" Shindo tilted his head towards a bouncing Mina. "Guess she's been waiting for you." He chuckled.

"Guess so." She giggled as they made their way past a few more people until they finally stopped in front of them. Mina was always so enthusiastic and fun at every turn, so Uraraka couldn't help but feel the relief wash over her as a smile spread across Minas pink face and she opens her arms to greet them.

"You made it!" Smiling Mina wrapped her in a big hug before turning to smile at Shindo. "You both did."

"Yeah, I came across Shindo outside." She shared a friendly smile with him before turning back to them. It was only then that she noticed the people standing around them, which included someone she wasn't counting on seeing so soon regardless of it being his birthday.

"Yeah, guess it's my lucky day." Shindo shrugged as he kept his eyes glued to her.

Turning away she could see Mina's eyes twinkle with mischief before she looked past her friends' shoulder where she could see the ash blonds gaze briefly flicker on their joined hands before he looked away in disinterest. She hadn't even realized Shindo was still holding her hand until she attempted to pull away and saw the slight frown on Shindos face.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

She only gave a slight nod after removing her hand. "Maybe later. There's still a few people I want to see."

"Alright come find me when you're done." Winking Shindo quickly excused himself when someone called his name.

"So, that was very manly of him." Kirishima refocused her attention back to them.

"Very." Mina suggestively wiggled her brows but laughed when Uraraka's cheeks began to flare up. "Just teasing you babe." Mina playfully bumped her with her hip. "But now that you're here what say we enjoy this night?"

"Yeah!" Both Sero and Kirishima cheered as they raised their drinks.

As everyone continued talking, Uraraka found herself distracted as she discreetly snuck little glances to see Bakugo raise the water to his lips again. She could see the muscles of his biceps and broad chest straining against the fabric of the white shirt he wore and could see the ridges of his abs just waiting to be touched through the shirt. 'Why does he always have to look so dang good...' It wasn't fair she thought as she forced herself to look away in time to see him look towards her. He could make anything look good and make her want to forget why she left in the first place.

"Um Ochaco?"

"Huh?" Turning her head, it was then that she realized someone had said something to her, but she was too caught up in her own head to notice. When she saw Bakugo's piercing crimson eyes expectantly waiting for her to answer she opened her mouth to say something but embarrassingly enough no sound would come out. She only managed a small wave of her hand accompanied by an inaudible 'Hi' which only made her face turn redder.

Knitting her brows together she mentally slapped herself when all she saw was a weird expression cross his face.

Well, she couldn't very well admit that she was too caught up checking out her ex, so she did the only thing her brain told her to at the moment by quickly grabbing Mina by the arm and letting her know with her eyes that they needed to go elsewhere.

"You know what I'm thirsty, I think I'm going to get something to drink." Mina quickly said letting the brunette usher them away.

"Oh well we'll-"

"No, you won't!" Mina quickly shushed Kirishima and Sero who were about to follow both girls. But once they made it to the bar Mina quickly turned to her next. "Alright Ochaco spill."

"Huh?"

"You know…" She waved her finger in a circular motion around Urarakas growing beet red face. "Why do you suddenly look like a mixture of wanting to jump someone's bones and the excessive need to get out of here when you just got here."

"I'm not!" Slapping her hands on her cheeks Uraraka focused all her attention on calmly her nerves. "I'm just… thirsty. It's pretty crammed in here." She quickly rushed out, which wasn't necessarily a lie but also not the whole truth.

"I'll say." Mina pulled out one of the stools next to them as Riku walked over.

"Cat girl! Haven't seen you around since Italy." His usual smile made an appearance as he let his eyes linger on her brown ones.

"Sorry. I've been meaning to stop by and see how you've been doing." She gave an apologetic smile.

"Don't worry about it. Kenzo's been telling me how busy you all have been." He dismissively waved his hand as he went to fill someone's order.

"Well, we did invite him tonight." Mina placed her chin on her palm.

"And let me guess…he didn't want to come." Riku saw Uraraka nod as he leaned against the wooden counter after he was done. "Sounds like him. But don't take it personal. My brothers never really been the type to play well with others."

"I just wish there was something I could do." Uraraka's concern didn't get lost on Riku as he warmly smiled back appreciating the fact that now there were people like her who wanted to help people like he and his brother who grew up with a rough childhood.

"He'll come around…eventually." He added, chuckling when he heard her groan. Whether any of them realized it or not, just the fact that his big brother was even helping them was a huge step for Kenzo. He just hoped that they could all eventually put all this mess behind them and move on.

X

It was close to eleven when she decided to take a break from the still growing crowd. The place itself was a pretty decent size but with the ongoing shoving of bodies it just became too much for her. But she did manage to successfully avoid being anywhere near or even looking directly at Bakugo and even managed to avoid running into Shindo since she really wasn't in the mood to get drinks with him right now- not that she could anyways since she was still breastfeeding.

Which was why when she finally pushed her way outside, she let the whiff of cool air hit her face and it felt like bliss compared to the stuffiness inside.

"I'm telling you dude…" Kirishima lazily slumped in the seat next to him as Bakugo tried to restrain his irritation about the fact that his patrol partner for tomorrow was now drunkenly leaning against him. "Anyone here… I could beat in a game."

"You can't even sit on your own." He said between clenched teeth.

"He's right." Sero's muffled voice could be heard on the other side of Bakugo as he lay face down on the bar counter.

"I don't think any of you are in any position to win anything right now." Jirou chuckled next to a sleepy Kaminari.

"Unless it was a stupid contest." Bakugo muttered. When he saw the glass balcony doors a few feet away suddenly open then close with Uraraka he glanced back at the others. He didn't even feel the need to make up some lame ass excuse to leave seeing as how they were already half asleep. So, without trying to draw any more attention he pulled his black jean jacket off the back of the stool he was sitting on to check on her.

He followed her onto the balcony allowing himself to take in some much-needed fresh air before spotting her closer to the railing. She had a faraway look on her face that made him second guess why he was even here when she clearly just wanted to be left alone. But before he could say anything or even turn back around, she spoke first.

"I had no idea there'd be so many people here tonight." Her voice sounded so soft with a faint smile on her lips.

"You and me both." He exhaled loudly as he stuffed his hands in his pocket and made to stand next to her as she looked out.

"But at least you had fun tonight."

"Define fun?" He squinted his eyes in mock annoyance when he saw her quietly giggle before she froze when her eyes landed on the jacket he wore. "You alright? What are you doing out here anyways instead of being inside with everyone else."

"I guess I just needed some air." Gripping onto the railing she flicked her eyes upward trying to keep her voice steady. It was a good few minutes before she even felt confident enough to talk again. "You know back in Paris… I would find myself constantly just staring at the moon, wondering what everyone was doing right now back home. Just…wishing I was here to enjoy it with the rest of you."

"Then why'd you leave?" He found himself asking to which she didn't respond.

He carefully observed the way she stared off into space as if reminiscing about the many nights she found herself doing that. The moon cast a soft glow on her face that made him want to look away.

"You're lucky Bakugo. I saw you all constantly on the news…I saw you on the news…" she inhaled deeply before shaking her head to get rid of the slow growing sadness that instantly washed over her. "You all have accomplished so much in that short amount of time…"

He arched his brows when a sudden thought occurred to him. "Round face… don't tell me you're just as drunk as the rest of those idiots inside?"

"No, I'm not." Shaking her head she couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her as she wiped the small tear from the corner of her eye after her eyes became glossy. "It's just…I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm proud of you Bakugo. I'm proud of all of you."

"Don't get sappy on me now Cheeks." He smirked as he turned his gaze upward. "I've seen you on the news too, so don't sell yourself short. You've kicked quite a few asses there too from what I could tell at least. So, I'm glad you kept your word on that."

Smiling, she hesitantly held up a small bag towards him. "Happy birthday."

"It's not gonna blow up in my face if I open it right?" He raised a wary brow when he saw her nervously chewing on her bottom lip.

"No."

Nodding he opened the small bag and peeked inside to see a small antique-looking compass.

"Sorry I wasn't able to wrap it in time. My mom only managed to bring it out to me today."

Watching the way she began to fidget in her spot and place a strand of hair behind her ear made him wonder if this was something more to her than he initially thought. As he pulled out the small compass, he held it in the palm of his hand as the arrow slowly began to move.

"It was my dad's. My mom gave it to my him back when they were in school. Figured you could use it on one of your trips." She smiled as she placed her hands behind her back.

Parting his mouth in surprise, his eyes widened upon hearing how important this must be for her. Flipping it over he could see the faint engraved message on the back.

"So you can always find your way…" she absently read off as she let her eyes linger at the sky.

"Uraraka… I can't take this." He moved closer with his hand outstretched intent on giving it back. "It was your dads…"

"And I'm sure he'd want you to have it." The warm smile that she gave in return had him unable to do anything but watch the way her eyes glistened in the moonlight. "So just make sure you use it whenever you go on one of your mountain climbing trips."

Gazing back down at his palm he firmly wrapped his hand around it before smiling to himself. "Thanks, I'll make sure I take good care of it."

"Make sure you do." She saw the way his eyes lit up by what she said.

"Careful Round face if I didn't know any better, I'd say that sounded like a threat to me."

"Take it whatever way you want as long as you don't lose it." Smiling, she turned back to staring at the sky and watched the world go by.

Shoving the compass in his pocket he leaned against the rail listening to the ongoing laughter and music going on inside. "Gotta say…I didn't picture my birthday like this."

"Then what did you picture it like?"

Shrugging, his eyes darted around the street in front of them. "Not this. It just feels…I don't know…." He trailed of not knowing how to express how he was feeling. He remembered when he was a kid, birthdays were something he looked forward to, especially his. But now for some reason he felt like it was just a reminder that he was still far away from what he really wanted. Almost as if he felt somewhat empty, like something was missing in his life that he had before. And couldn't remember a time back in school where he felt that way because none of that mattered, because back than he knew he felt… whole as crazy as that sounded. Which was why he worked even harder now in hopes of filling whatever void laid inside him.

"Then why did you come here?"

"You had a point earlier when you said it would help them if I showed up here." Glancing over his shoulder he could see their friends laughing and enjoying themselves inside. "So, thanks…I guess."

"For what exactly? Last time I checked this was your party." When she didn't get a reply, she exhaled softly before leaning on her elbows as she watched the cars drive by the place. "And I know that you said it's not something you wanted-"

"Then let's leave."

"What? But it's your birthday." She argued as he jumped down from the balcony and expectingly waited for her on the other side.

"Yeah, and I'm leaving. So how about it?"

"You can't just leave your own party Bakugo."

"I already told them I wouldn't stay long anyway. So, you coming or not?" Raising a curious brow, he saw her nervously glancing back before nodding and slowly floating herself down while holding her skirt down to avoid any unwanted attention. "Let's go." Gesturing with his head he began quickly walking away from the bar as she jogged to catch up. "Gotta move those short legs of yours Round face!" he smirked when he saw her puff out her cheeks.

After a few minutes of walking in comfortable silence he looked at her with a serious expression on his face, hands deep in his pockets. "So, why'd you come then?"

"Hmm?" Dumbstruck at his sudden attempt at small talk had her curiously tilting her head.

"To this thing I mean since you obviously seemed out of your comfort zone." He raised both brows in amusement when he saw her open her mouth in an 'O'. "Don't get me wrong since I have a pretty good idea as to why you don't. Just curious though."

"Well since everyone was going to be there, I thought it would be fun. Plus, Mina promised me a never-ending supply of mochi." Her grin slowly vanished when she realized that that was probably not going to happen.

"So, I guess I owe you huh." He scoffed as he watched her shake her head. He wanted to ask her how her trip overseas really was after what she had said earlier but didn't want to sound nosey like all those extras he constantly complained about.

They walked for a few more minutes when a cold gust of wind blew past them, and he caught the way she momentarily shivered as she hugged herself. Without thinking he began taking off his jacket but stopped when he realized what the hell he was doing.

Rubbing her arms she continued to spot the few people walking along the sidewalk at this hour until his gruff voice cut through their silence.

"Here."

"Wha-" Before she knew it, she felt his jacket being placed on top of her head.

He could see her big brown eyes staring up at him from underneath it. "You're obviously cold so take it before I change my mind." He said as he turned his head away frustrated when he felt the odd blush on his cheeks.

Curiously titling her head sideways she carefully let the familiar jacket engulf her smaller frame.

Finding it comforting how memories of school constantly flooded her mind whenever she was around him made her feel warm yet sad that she couldn't share any of that with him or anyone else. She remembered one memory in particular of the first time he gave her this jacket on their first date, which now seemed so long ago. She warmly snuggles deeper into it, slightly raising it to her nose and suddenly overwhelmed by the familiar scent of caramel that she missed so dearly. 'Katsuki…'

"Did…did you just smell my jacket?" He raised an uncomfortable brow wondering what the hell had gotten into her tonight. First it was the weird way she behaved at the bar and now this.

"No!" Her face couldn't have gotten any redder even if she tried. 'He must think I'm such a weirdo now…'

They just stared at each other in complete silence until he suddenly broke it by laughing. "Alright you damn perv."

Quietly groaning she tried to bury her face deeper into the jacket but knew he would have something to say if she did and she definitely didn't want to give him any more ammunition than she already had. "It's not like I go around smelling peoples clothing Bakugo."

"So just mine?" raising a challenging brow he waited for her to elaborate as the smirk remained on his lips. He knew he should be weirded out by now but couldn't help the way she became so flustered.

"No! I…" Puffing out her cheeks she desperately wished for the ground to just swallow her up and make this all go away. But when his smirk only grew wider, she decided to say the first thing that came to mind out of panic. "It's just funny how someone like you smells so sweet." The moment she saw the smile immediately vanish and his eyes grow wide she instantly bit her lip to stop herself from embarrassing herself even further.

She could see the way his face turned a deep red- probably mirroring her own, but at least she wasn't alone anymore, which somewhat lessened the humiliation.

"Don't say stupid shit. "He quietly mumbled as he turned away and began speeding up. "Otherwise I'm taking my damn jacket back you damn perv!"

"Wasn't stupid." She pouted as she did the same and folded her arms over her chest hoping that wouldn't be the case. It wasn't until she felt her phone BUZZ with a new message from Mina that she realized she should be heading home soon.

"So, you and that extra huh? You know back in school I'd never picture you with someone like that asswipe back there."

"Who? Shindo?" When he didn't answer she hugged the jacket closer to her body. "I'm not with him." She firmly stated giving him a sidelong glance. "Not in the way you're thinking anyways."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mm-hmm." Nodding she began twirling her fingers as she kept her eyes forward. "We actually showed up at the same time that's all."

"Well, that's coincidentally stupid." He rolled his eyes as he continued to stare straight ahead, thinking that Shindo probably timed it right or some shit. But at least he was relieved to know she didn't take up his offer to go together, which only made him scowl at the thought. Knowing she could do better.

Smiling at his remark she turned to see him now frowning deep in thought. "What about you?"

"What about me?" His voice was surprisingly calm despite the way he glared at the concrete.

"Which one of the lucky girls in there did you happen to run out on tonight?" she teasingly smiled regardless of the growing pain in her chest. She didn't really want to know the answer to that and was surprised when the question suddenly fell out of her mouth, but she knew this was part of the process of trying to be ok with it despite the pain in her chest.

"Lucky huh?" He wasn't used to hearing someone he knew use that word twice in one day anymore especially when describing the idea of anyone being interested in him "What are you talking about Round face? None of those brainless idiots in there are worth it."

"I'm sure that's not true." She shot him a glance, her eyes filled with a playful smile. "Someone in there must've caught your interest."

"I left with you, didn't I?" he raised a questioning brow suddenly seeing the deep blush on her cheeks. "Oi what's with you?"

"N-nothing!" Frantically covering her cheeks, she had to remember that sometimes-ok mostly all the time- Bakugo didn't really have a filter and said things the way he wanted to despite how they may come across to the other person.

"Tch." Shaking his head he continued to look ahead. There were a few girls at the bar who constantly tried to talk to him, telling him how awesome and good looking he was and practically begging him for a quick hook up. Little did they know that he wasn't looking for any of that and could see right through all their bullshit. "And you said it wouldn't hurt and that it'll be fun." He mockingly pointed out throwing her own words back at her.

"Well, the others seemed to think it was a good idea…"

"Yeah, because that's exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday." He sarcastic squinted his eyes. "By being surrounded by a bunch of drunktards who I see at work every fuckin day and who can't even tell the difference between right or left right now, in a place that makes your damn clothes reek of nothing but alcohol and cigarettes; while listening to crappy music…and to top it off I'm walking with you at 11:30 at night."

"Gee thanks Bakugo…" she rolled her eyes as she kept her eyes on the sidewalk.

"You're welcome." Raising his shoulders he silently watched her from the corner of his eyes before admitting. "But it could be worse I guess…since you're one of the few people I find tolerable at least."

"Tolerable?" she quirked an amused brow watching him simply give a half shrug as a respond. "Well than in Bakugo standards I'll consider that a compliment."

"My standard?" He tried to suppress a grin when he saw her enthusiastically nodding. "Take it whatever way you want then weirdo."

After crossing the street and coming up to a more deserted part of the area she decided to go back to her previous question. "So, tell me…" she nervously placed a strand of hair behind her ear that wouldn't stay put considering its length. "I know I asked this before but if you didn't enjoy yourself… then what would you be doing for your birthday?" When she saw him thoroughly frown down, she continued. "You know other than having the people you care about throw you a big party."

"You just had to say that didn't you." He sharply inhaled before replying. "I don't know…to tell you the truth I've never really given it much thought lately. Except…I don't know going out to bars and clubs was never really my thing unless the occasion calls for it. That's not to say I never go out because I do."

"And this doesn't constitute as a special occasion?"

"Does it to you?" He met her eyes before shaking his head. "Either way it only reminds me how much more I have to go and how much time I've lost to reach my goal."

She understood what he meant but still found it crazy how people like he or Deku didn't understand the significant impact they had on people all over the world and all the lives they saved since when they were only fifteen. "Well for what it's worth I do think today is a special day to celebrate." She fondly smiled to herself. "And whether you want to accept it or not Bakugo, everyone that turned out here tonight was for you. To celebrate the day, you came into this life."

"You were here." When he saw her eyes briefly widen clearly caught off guard by his remark, he wished he hadn't said it and once again began feeling that unwelcoming heat on his face. 'What the hell's wrong with me?!' This had to be a record since he didn't remember a time when he felt so unsure of himself yet comfortable to talk to someone at the same time which didn't even make sense to him. "You know this is the longest conversation we've had since you came back." Without her giving off the vibe of needing to get away from him he thought to himself.

"Yeah…" she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head as her eyes squinted shut and gave an awkward laugh. "Guess I've been busy."

"Right." He briefly gave her a sidelong glance before continuing on their walk. It was then that they came across a small playground that only held the bare minimum for children to play in. "Come on!" he shouted over his shoulder as he jogged over.

"What-no."

"You owe me some fun remember! So get your floating ass over here!"

Shaking her head she couldn't stop the smile threatening to spill when she saw him getting on one of the swings. "Bakugo-"

"What don't tell me the damn swings too much for you!" he grinned as he began pushing himself into the air. "Afraid I might beat you?"

Slowly inhaling through her nose, she looked around before smiling and getting on the swings next to him. When she saw him momentarily stop her curiosity got the better of her. "Bakugo? You ok?"

Frowning he could have sworn this almost felt too familiar, kind of like déjà vu. "Yeah just- never mind come on."

As she tried making herself somewhat more comfortable due to her wider hips, she saw a couple of people walk by as they gave them odd looks.

"What? You've never seen a grown man on the swings?!" he barked back glaring as they quickly scampered away.

"Bakugo!" she quietly hissed while covering her mouth to keep from laughing at his sudden serious expression.

"Enough of that shit come on!" Quickly pushing himself higher and higher she saw him swiftly jump off once he was high enough and land with a triumphant laugh. "HAHA! See that?!"

Biting her lip, she raised herself higher and followed right after him, but instead of landing like he did she decided to float herself up before looking down at him. "I guess I win."

"Oi that shits cheating!" he furiously narrowed his eyes as he jumped up to pull her down as she yelped not having expected him to grab her by the ankle before firmly placing his hands on her hip to keep her there until she deactivated her quirk. "Pretty fucked up Round face. So that doesn't count." He smirked when she began laughing.

"Sorry… I couldn't help myself."

"Yeah well-" The moment he saw her take a step back was when he realized where his hands had strayed to as if they had a mind of their own. 'What in the actual fuck?!' Instantly removing his hands as if burned he swiftly began walking away from the playground as he clenched and unclenched his fists wanting to get that weird tingling feeling in his hands to stop. And hating the way he felt himself flush bright red at the mere contact. What the hell was wrong with him today?!

He could hear the sound of her shoes right behind him as he quickened his step.

"You still don't like losing." She snickered.

"Oi I never lose!" he snapped back as he continued stomping away.

Pressing her lips together in a tight lip smile she silently followed, wondering about his sudden change of mood since a few minutes ago he seemed to be having fun. So she decided to just let him be since something was obviously bothering him and she was hoping that it wasn't due to her.

He wanted to continue talking to her, finding her company refreshing from the usual routine he found himself in, but didn't exactly know how to make these small talks. At least in the beginning of their walk he didn't feel the way he did now. And he didn't know why since this was Uraraka of all people so there was no reason for him to feel weird around her.

With a deep sigh he abruptly stopped walking and turned to her, which made her stop too.

"I should head home." She quickly said, beating him to anything he was about to say as her gaze turned in the direction she had to go.

"Can I walk you home?"

Startled, she only blinked back watching the way his mouth parted in surprise. 'Did he not mean to say that?'

"Actually, that's ok." She nervously took a step back refusing to meet his eyes. "It's not that far from here anyway. Rain check?"

Silently nodding since he didn't trust his damn mouth anymore, he watched as she removed the jacket from around her shoulder.

"Thanks for the jacket."

"You can keep it for now." He muttered, averting his gaze. The least he could do was let her borrow the damn thing since the temperature had dropped a few degrees tonight. "You can just give it back Monday."

Adamantly shaking her head, she outstretched her hand until she firmly placed it in his hand. "I'm fine. I might forget."

Repeatedly opening and closing his mouth he glared at the jacket in his hand and back to her retreating form. "Oi! Round face!"

"Yes?" she only stopped to see him looking unsure as to what he wanted to say,

"About tonight…" he wanted to tell her that his birthday didn't seem too bad now and knew that it was part of the few minutes they spend talking together but couldn't find it in himself to do so, and with the look on her face could tell she knew what he meant to say.

"I'll see you at work Bakugo." She whispered as she turned and continued walking down the street without glancing back. She had already spent more time than necessary with the blond, more than she should have. Yet she couldn't find it in herself to not want to spend his birthday with him but knew that no matter how much she wanted it…moments like these couldn't last forever. "I'm sorry."

As she entered her apartment, she tip toed her way towards her room when she realized everyone already fast asleep and hoped not to wake her mom or Kiseki who lay peacefully asleep in his bassinet. Gently grazing her thumb against the matching blue bracelet on his wrist she slowly bend down and kissed him on the forehead.

X

Walking through his house after taking his shoes off Bakugo checked his messages to see some from Kirishima letting him know that he'd be home a little late which was all he needed to know before he decided to read the rest of his messages tomorrow.

Tiredly plopping himself down on his bed he made sure his alarm was set before pulling out his phone again and continued to scroll until he found what he was looking for.

He stared at his screen for a few more minutes before shaking his head and turning off his light. He needed as much sleep as he could considering he volunteered himself and Kirishima to work this weekend -which to his surprise the red head didn't argue against. He figured he wanted to be on his good side so Bakugo would say yes to going out tonight but now that he went, something told Bakugo that Kirishima wouldn't be happy tomorrow when he woke up from a massive hangover.

He knew he was working himself into the ground but that's the only way he found himself tired and if that helped push him further to becoming number one then he'd do it. Slowly closing his eyes, he fell into a fitful sleep haunted by dreams of a soft tender voice calling out to him…