Ready and dressed for work in her usual pink and black hero suit Uraraka went through the apartment with her mental checklist. 'Boots-check, bag- check, keys…. keys…. Keys…" Frantically moving around the place to look for them she chewed on her lip, thinking about where she had put them until she saw them wiggling in the air next to the door along with her phone. "Oh thanks…" she timidly said snatching both items and proceeding to put on her bag.

"I swear Round face let the day come when you actually remember where you leave your shit." He smirked, looking around the apartment to make sure everything was turned off and following her out the door.

It's already been almost a week since he successfully managed to make contact with. But it seemed that even though he could tell that she still had her doubts about him especially when he would catch her researching about what or who he could be on her laptop, he was at least a little more relaxed knowing that she now at least acknowledged his presence. Although that wasn't the emotion he was currently feeling after watching her single-handedly take down a villain without any help.

Leaning back against the building with his legs and arms crossed he continued to watch her with a proud smirk as she spoke with the police officers about the arrest alongside that damn extra who happened to arrive at the scene a little too late. Ok maybe that asshole was busy chasing after another villain but that still wasn't an excuse in his opinion, not that she didn't have it handled.

"Interesting day."

"Tch, what do you want?" he scoffed as his smirk turned in a sour scowl knowing who was already standing next to him as he continued to watch the scene in front of them, thinking about how much he really missed all this.

"Just was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to say hi." The raven haired extra said. "See how things were going."

"Going just fine."

"My my are we in a sour mood right now?" She gave a slight lift of her lips following his line of sight. "That's sweet. They seem to get along quite well from where I'm standing." When she saw him clenching his jaw and remain quiet, she returned her gaze to them. "You should be happy."

"And why in the fuck should I be happy about that?"

"Well, the better question is why shouldn't you be?" she gestured towards the two with her chin. "All your friends are doing better. They're still fighting the good fight which you should be proud of. Your name is well remembered which are some of the things you've always wanted. Your friend here seems to be doing well too-"

"What are you getting at?" he dangerously narrowed his eyes pushing off the wall. "How the hell am I supposed to feel happy?!" He spat with a bitter tone. "Yeah, I'm glad everyone is doing fuckin peachy as hell, but my parents are not. I see it on them all the time."

"And who's fault is that Bakugo?" she calmly asked, turning her gaze to him. "You're not exactly giving them the proper peace they deserve to move on. You're still desperately clinging onto a life you no longer have."

"I'm not."

"Are you sure?" she nodded towards Uraraka as he looked away. "I know that there's a part of you that still refuses to let go, refuses to believe the inevitable. That hopes to believe that maybe someday you can be with her."

"And so what huh? I know I'm not completely gone yet! My body's still laying there."

"No, you're right." She shook her head with a saddened smile. "But you're only living on borrowed time right now Bakugo."

"What?"

Pressing her lips together she saw the shocked look on his face as the words rang in his ear. "As much as I hate to be the one to tell you this Bakugo, but you have been living on borrowed time which means that sooner or later it will happen. Sooner or later, you have to accept it. There's no way around it. You will have to leave and let her go."

Clenching his fists so tightly he felt himself shake with anger and despair; he felt his throat tighten at the thought. "Listen, I-I know that I'm being fuckin stupid, and I know that I have no right to be feeling this way. But even if I know that she doesn't want me here…I can't leave. Not yet. Not until I know that she's save."

"From whatever you saw?" she curiously asked as he nodded. "And after that? Will you be able to let go and finally put this all behind you?"

"I have to." He said as he clenched his jaw knowing that as much as it pained him to admit this. He knew he couldn't keep staying here, not like this. She deserves to be happy even if it wasn't with him. She didn't owe him anything and this extra was right, with him staying here his parents wouldn't be able to heal. He needed to make sure they were ok before he could leave, but in the end, he knew that no matter how much he wanted to stay he just had to leave.

"Very well." She nodded, exhaling softly. "I'll be waiting."

He didn't even bother to look to see if she was really gone, only leaving him with his own thoughts until it was time to head back to Ryukyu's agency. He silently walked a few feet behind the two with his hands deep inside his pockets, not caring in the least what was being said. No doubt this extra was trying hard to convince Uraraka to go on one of his stupid ideas for a date again.

What was even the point of a stupid date? All people did from his understanding and the non-expert opinions from all his loser friends, was to get dressed up, eat food while getting to know some stupid extra more and see if you're compatible or whatever.

Which in his opinion if you don't know from the get-go if you like the girl then what was the point of it all. Why even go on dates if you're not even sure that you like the person in the first place? "What damn a joke and waste of time." He mumbled rolling his eyes after hearing that asshole laugh about something Uraraka said.

If it were him, he wouldn't spend a whole damn night with someone you weren't the least bit interested in. If it were for him, he would only ask out a girl he was serious about and wanting to show her a good time -which for the record he knew he could by the way and that he knew wouldn't be a waste. And if it were for him, he would only ask someone…perhaps someone with a gravity kind of quirk. And that date would be one she would always remember because he sure as hell would.

But it wasn't for him, was it? None of this was.

Shaking his head Bakugo already made up his mind to try and not let thoughts like this get to him anymore. The best thing for him would be to try and bury those feelings deep down like he tried to do first year. So that way when it was time to go, it would be easier.

"So, what are your plans for tonight?"

Uraraka tried to cover a yawn that still managed to escape her while tiredly looking at her apartment building close by. "Just getting a little bit of rest before the night shift."

"Again?" Haru quizzically asked frowning.

"Yeah what that asshole said." Bakugo agreed scowling at her, why was she overworking herself again when what she needed was rest.

"Yeah, it's fine, someone called in so I'm just filling in, but it's only for a couple of hours." she waved off dismissively. "What are you doing?"

"Well, I was hoping to invite you out tonight, but I guess that'll have to wait." Haru chuckled making her cringe.

"I'm sorry."

"No it's fine, maybe next time." He smiled. "Or if you like I can take out for breakfast tomorrow?"

"S-sure sounds good."

Rolling his eyes Bakugo made his way up the apartment to wait until she finally came back up. He snuck a peek from the corner of his eyes as she began to unlock the door, noticing the down casted look on her face and wanted to know what was bugging her but decided to just remain quiet instead.

Once she opened the door, he waited for her to enter before he followed, sitting himself down on one of the chairs while she went about making herself something quick to eat.

Silently sitting herself on one of the chairs she only managed to take a few bites before she felt like pushing the plate to the side, deciding she wasn't all that hungry. He could see her repeatedly opening and closing her mouth apprehensively before speaking. "Ghosty, are you here?"

She didn't know why but she felt the need… the reassurance for some strange reason to know that he was still here. She knew it was odd, to even think of the possibility of talking to a ghost or something, but after the last few days she became kind of used to it. Sort of like an unexpected roommate she didn't know she had.

Who knows, maybe it came from the building since it was pretty old and she had always felt a welcoming warm presence since the day she moved in, and for some strange reason that always made her want to come home. But that quickly changed after a while and hadn't felt the same for a couple of months until the last couple of weeks when it all suddenly came back.

And now that she definitely knew something was here, she had used any free time she had to either find out if Deku found anything new or do some research on her own with no luck. Yeah, they had plenty of things on the internet, but they all basically said the same thing. And what about this whole thing about her being in danger…?

"If you're here please, let me know." She tried again, silently trying to listen for any unusual noises or movements. He had been rather quiet today, and she wasn't sure why but after a few more minutes with nothing at all she thought that maybe he had just left. "Ghosty?"

Averting his gaze Bakugo frustratingly drummed his finger on the table, finding it hard not to respond. Deciding that it was best not to respond unless absolutely necessary and that even if she didn't believe it was him that as long as they took care of whatever that thing was then that was enough for him. "I'm sorry Uraraka." He quietly muttered.

With a faint smile she quickly got up, cleaning her plate and getting ready to head back to work before that pit in her stomach continued to grow.

"You're leaving now?" He checked his watch angrily shaking his head. "Round face you still have a couple of hours before your shift starts. You need to rest!"

When he heard the door lock he swiftly turned around, realizing she had left. His feet stopped in front of the door, hating this next part. "Goddamn it Cheeks why you gotta make me do this!" He groaned while stepping out into the hallway and sprinting down the steps to catch up to her. "Oi what the hell's wrong with you?!"

Glancing down at her phone she shot off a quick message telling Ryuko she was heading in earlier, so she was unaware of Bakugo scowling at her as he followed right next to her.

Jumping from rooftop to rooftop she didn't find anything out of the ordinary tonight while Bakugo floated next to her, although not as fast which was one of the many moments he really missed his quirk. Not having to be able to use it for so many years was torture in itself after working so hard to master his control over it. Usually, he could unleash his frustration with it but now he couldn't do jack shit and he hated it.

"Alright 20 more minutes then you're getting your ass home, got it?" Bakugo huffed watching her yawn again and lean back against one of the rooftops. "Can't believe I'm the one having to tell you that."

Rubbing her heavy eyelids, she tried to stay alert in the event she was needed but the more time passed the more she found it harder and harder to keep her eyes open. Thinking that since tomorrow was Saturday, she'll probably like to sleep in. "Sounds good…" she said to herself as she yawned while stretching her arms above her head, which made Bakugo smirk as he looked at the city down below and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Man I have to admit, I miss this." He said more to himself than anything as he let his eyes trail past some people walking. Moments like these reminded him of the feeling of being able to use his quirk as much as he wanted and be able to fight villains in the process. To help save lives, lunge himself in the air without a care in the world.

But the more he thought about it the more he realized…yeah, he went down fighting like that raven haired extra had said. It was the way most heroes would want to go. To go down fighting, to help save the world for others to pick up the torch and be able to continue fighting. But other than that…what else did he have?

He had his parents, those shitty friends of his who always had his back no matter what, but he was always too prideful to thank them for everything they did. But was that all he had to really show for all the hard work and training he did?

"Shit I'm starting to sound soft like that damn nerd." He scoffed glancing sideways at Uraraka who continued to fight her exhaustion. Walking over and crouching down in front of her to be at eye level he saw her eventually succumb to sleep as her head leaned sideways with half her hair covering the side of her face. Smiling softly, he lifted his finger to try and move it out of her face but stopped himself. "Take a few minutes Round face, I'll keep watch."

"Thank you…" she mumbled as he moved away.

Walking back to look over the ledge at everyone he wondered what was waiting for him on the other side once all of this was done and over with. What would happen to him? Would he just disappear as if he was never here to begin with? Or would there be something else?

"This sucks." He bitterly chuckled shaking his head and continued to keep watch until he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand as a cold breeze swept by. With all of his training and sharp reflexes he quickly turned in time to see the same fog-like creature approaching Uraraka.

"You!" Taking quick careful steps towards them he had to be smart about this this time, he had to know what the hell he was even fighting before it suddenly disappeared again without it hurting Uraraka. "Oi you ugly piece of shit over here!"

Ok he knew that antagonizing the enemy wasn't his best idea, but when was he ever known to be top of his class when it came to being calm or collective. But at least he managed to draw its attention to him now.

"That's right look over here you dumb shit…." He gave a menacing grin as the figure started approaching him until it suddenlty stopped to look back at Uraraka with an eerie grin that swiftly made the grin on his face vanish. "No! You don't want her because I'm right here!"

The creature looked to be undecided and contemplating what it would do until just as quickly it lunged back at Uraraka with its claw-like hands reaching out and mouth wide open. Bakugo took this time to jump in front of Uraraka making the creature jump back as if almost burned.

"Stay away from her!" he shouted, his lips drew back in a feral snarl and palms lifted up out of habit. "You try and go after her again and I'll send you to hell myself!"

He could see the thing become agitated and angry. Repeatedly trying to make a go at them but retreating at the last possible minute up until it suddenly let out a frustrated sharp and shrill scream that successfully threw Bakugo harshly against the closest wall. He let out an agonizing scream as he desperately tried to cover his ears with his hands.

"Shit!" He hissed, trying to get back on his feet and winced when he lifted his hands with warm red liquid that made him stare in shock. It's been a while since he felt this type of pain. At least not after he got hurt during the battle with the villains. "Can't think of that shit right now." Lifting his gaze, he saw it once again trying to make a go for Uraraka who was already starting to stir in her sleep and wake up. Slightly stumbling, he furiously ran towards it right as it snarled and disappeared once again. "Damn it!"

Coughing, he continued to stare down and winced at the sight of his bloodied hand before checking to confirm he was still bleeding. How the hell was this even possible?!

"Hmm…"

"Uraraka." He breathed out, snapped his eyes forward and quickly crawled over to her as she lifted her eyes with a frown. "You, ok?"

Scanning the area, she dusted herself off as she stood and was surprised she had fallen asleep but luckily a loud noise startled her awake. Whipping around she quickly looked down at the small crowd of people and shops, hoping she didn't miss anything. "How could I have fallen asleep?" she scolded herself for sleeping on the job and was determined to do a more thorough search down below just in case before heading on home.

"Shit…" Glancing down at his hand again Bakugo was glad that the bleeding at least had finally stopped while walking next to her all the way home. This was the first time in a long time that anything other than his own stupidity could actually hurt him and he was really starting to get tired of not finding any answers to his damn questions. All this was doing was piling up the unanswered ones.

He didn't even know what the hell was going on with his own damn body and even didn't know why or who the fuck that thing was that was going after her now. All he knew was that here he was a damn useless 'ghost' who had encountered that creature right before he blacked out and found himself in this situation.

"Damn it!" he frustratingly grit his teeth as he clenched his fist stomping his way up the stairs. "I' fuckin useless!"

When they finally arrived in her apartment it was already 3 in the morning and therefore, she quickly went to shower and change while he had nothing but time to think about today's events and his failure to get any new information that might help them.

Stepping out of her bedroom in her pajamas while still drying her hair with a towel she went to get her charger before grabbing her phone off the coffee table but paused. "Danger…" she read out loud, swiftly turning to look around the living room and almost dropping her phone with trembling hands. "G-ghosty is that you?"

Carefully grabbing the phone from her open hands, he slowly typed the words 'yes' and 'be careful' before handing it back.

"W-why? Please tell me why?" she said a little louder frantically letting her pleading eyes search around. "And where were you today?

"I'm not sure what it is…" he growled in frustration grabbing his hair. What the hell else was he supposed to say?! That that was the same shit he was pretty sure he saw when he was dying?!

"Ghosty please tell me something! I-I don't even know what I have to watch out for?!" her eyes began to tremble.

"I know that!" He shouted, not at her but more at himself for the lack of information and the painful shaking in her voice that just made him hate himself more. Usually, he'd be one of the first to figure shit out, but how could he in this form?

Wildly pacing her living room, he tried to rack his brain for something, anything that would help them. "Think idiot think…"

When she didn't get anything else after a few minutes she frustratingly wiggled her phone. "How am I supposed to be careful if I don't know what you mean?"

"Fuck Uraraka I'm trying ok? I really am!" he snapped as all of the emotions just erupted out of him one by one never ending. "I don't fuckin know alright! And I know that shit is fuckin useless as hell, but I-I don't know what else to say!" He annoyingly ran a hand through his ash blond spikes as he continued his frantic pacing unaware that she had stopped talking. "All I know is that you're in danger and I don't know why! I wish I could do more, but I don't know what else to do!"

Taking a deep calm breath and closing his eyes he placed his hands on top of his head only listening to the drumming of his heart. Just wishing more than anything that she would believe him…that she would just…

When he opened his red eyes, he was caught off guard when Uraraka just remained quietly standing in the same spot he last saw her in, her lips were parted with shocked wide eyes that were aimed directly at him.

"What?" He squinted his eyes looking over his shoulder in annoyance, thinking that maybe during his ranting he hadn't heard the door or something.

"This can't be…" she softy whispered dropping her phone, with brown watery eyes never leaving him.

Furrowing his brows he thought maybe fatigue had finally caught up with her on top of him stressing her out and made to move to the side. But when her eyes followed his movements, he felt his pulse quicken and his throat closing up. 'No way there's now way…'

When he moved to the side again and her eyes still remained glued to him with a single tear that fell from the corner of her eye, slowly running down her pink cheek, he couldn't help the wet hot tears building up in the rim of his own eyes. His heart dared to hope, but scared of the disappointment he was sure to feel again.

Was it really him or was her mind playing tricks on her? She kept asking herself that as the person she remembered from school stood right there in the middle of her living room. The same Ash blond spiky hair she grew so fond of whenever she would see him, the same person she held so close to her heart even to this day, and the same intense sharp red eyes that would always frighten anyone else but to her…they were the most beautiful eyes she's ever seen.

"Bakugo?" Her voice was barely above a whisper as she kept the sob from forming.

"You…you can see me?" he hoarsely asked painfully aware of the strain in his voice as he swallowed, brows raised and chin trembling. When she didn't say anything else, only managing to slowly nod in responds clearly still in shock. He felt his happiness was so intense that it somewhat scared him. Terrified him that with any wrong move, any wrong words… all of this would come crumpling down and not be real. That it would all just be taken away like some sick joke. That everything he'd wanted for so long over the years was now standing there with those eyes staring at him. As the first few tears escaped his trembling eyes, he gave a weak nervous smile. "See I told you it was me…"