Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eight years old Katsuki was lost. It was a summer day, the sun was already high and the streets were crowded. He sighed. He kept telling his parents he was responsible, yet he knew very well he didn’t act like it.

He shouldn’t have go away from his parents. He shouldn’t have followed the other kids who were talking about a new All Might merchandise. He thought it was a good idea at first, but it was not.

Seeing the new bike in All Might’s colors was cool, but when he turned to ask if he could buy it, he found no one. That’s why he was alone, walking in the street, incapable to found his mom or dad. He was anxious. His mother kept telling him how much it was dangerous, especially for him, to get away from her. More, he couldn’t remember the name of the city he was in.

What a great start to his holidays.

He promised he will not forget this time, so he didn’t write it in his notebook. As hard as it was for him to admit it, he was wrong.

He sat on the sidewalk, and get his notebook out of his pocket. He remembered writing the hotel’s address in it, he just has to ask another mother to bring him back there. He scanned the people surrounding him, searching for an old lady or a mother.

He saw a girl, not higher than him looking curiously at him on the other side of the street. She was odd glaring at him like that, he didn’t like it at all, it was rude. He tried to ignore her, but she cautiously crossed the road to join him. He glared at her annoyingly.

“Hi!” Her voice was reedy and light, like an angel. Well, he never heard an angel before but he guessed they have the same voice. Maybe her smile too. “What are you doing alone on the sidewalk?”

She was annoying him. The little girl was way too bright and happy for his sake. More, she was dealing with one other’s business. He didn’t answer and looked away. She doesn’t seem upset anyway.

“Are you lost?” He could feel she was concerned, as if she was worried even if they didn’t know each other at all. “I know the city very well, you know? I live here. Do you want me to help you?”

This time, he looked at her. He was taller than her, but she was bending down to him because he was still sitting. In this point of view, she looked a lot more like a floating angel.

She had short hair, very short hair and she was chubby, very chubby. Her head was so round Katsuki could play with it like a ball. She was smiling widely. It was cute.

He did need help, even though he didn’t want to admit it. He would have preferred asking an old lady, but people seemed in a rush so he accepted her offer.

“I am at this hotel.” He finally told her in a growl, showing his orange notebook. She looked at it and her face lighted up when she saw the address. “I know where it is! It’s the hugest hotel of town, it is so beautiful on the outside, I always wanted to see the inside. Come, I’ll take you there!”

He didn’t have the time to nod that she took his hand and lifted him. At first, Katsuki was surprised, he wasn’t expecting so much strength from a little girl. Yet, she didn’t only lift him. The exact word was she floated him.

He panicked for a few seconds, very aware of the fact that his feet didn’t touch the ground anymore and was floating to the sky.

“Oi! What the hell is that? Put me down!”

She nearly dropped him when she heard him swear but held on before he fled. She pushed him toward the ground before releasing him. Bakugou fell, ass first. He grunted and glared at her.

“Ah! Sorry! I was a little too excited to help you, I activated my quirk without knowing it!” She apologized while handing him her hand.

He raised an eyebrow but accepted her help. “That was your quirk?” She nodded. “I can make things float.”

He tried to keep his excitement for him but failed miserably as his voice trembled of admiration. “That’s so cool! You can send shitty people in the universe.”

The brown-haired girl frowned. “For a kid, you surely use a lot of swear words. That’s rude you know?”

He shrugged and handed his hand in front of her. With concentration, he created a little spark in the middle of his hand. He smiled proudly when he saw her eyes going round. “Woah! You have a fireworks quirk.“ He put his hand in his pocket and told with a grin. “It’s called explosion idiot.”

She shrugged too and took back his hand to guide him. “That’s still fireworks. Come, I’ll take you home.”

This time, he didn’t let go of her grip and followed her. She wasn’t this annoying after all. She was even pretty cool. 

She led him through the city, showing him all the places she knew. In a matter of minutes, Bakugou knew where to find the cheapest vegetable’s store, which old ladies accepted to give free candy and even where to find the best mochi store.

Once in the hotel, they sat on a couch at the entrance, feet swinging in the void and continued to talk.

“It is so wonderful here!” She beamed. “My parents told me this was just a little hostel a few years back. They married in here. But since they remade the whole thing, the hotel is way out of our league.” There was no sadness in her voice, just admiration and happiness.

She was a fresh breeze to Katsuki.

“I don’t even know your name! Mine is Ochako. Uraraka Ochako!” He wasn’t surprised, her name sounded as round as her head. “Katsuki. Katsuki Bakugou.”

“That’s such a pretty name! Did you know that ‘Kat’ means a cat in English?” He shook her head, impressed by the tone of things she knew. He must have learned a lot a thing when he was younger, but he probably forgot the most of it.

Uraraka was the one talking, as he was just listening but he didn’t mind. He liked the sound of her voice and she was telling interesting things. 

The two children were interrupted by a loud voice calling Katsuki’s name. This last stood up on the couch to see his mom and dad running towards him. Mitsuki hugged him, giving him a lot of tiny pecks which he erased immediately.

“You little brat! You scared us to death! How many time do I have to tell you to freaking stay with us?” She frowned, as her voice was strong but there was a lot of relief in her eyes. “You must have been scared lonely..”

He pushed his mother, trying to get away from her to explain. “I wasn’t scared. And I wasn’t alone, there was... Her.”

To be honest, he already forgot her name, so he just pointed at her. His parents finally noticed her. She stood up, greeting them with a wave and a huge smile. “Hello, Miss and Mister.” 

“Hello, young lady” answered Masaru, crouching to be at her heigh. “Are you lost too?”

She laughed, swinging happily on her feet. “Not at all! I just helped Bakugou going back home, he seemed sad.”

“Oi! Shut up! I wasn’t sad, I was fine.” His mother hit him on his head, shutting him. “That’s not a way to talk to a girl that helped you!”

Uraraka pulled out her tongue, mocking him, then laughed again. The whole family was charmed. Masaru continued. “Do you want us to drive you home?”

She shook her head as a no. “Thank you, but I still have to buy vegetables for my mom. I don’t live far away, my parents trust me.”

“Are you sure? I’ll be more peaceful to know you are not alone.”

Katsuki pushes back his mother again, who finally put him down beside his new friend. He posed his hand on the top of her head. “Let her be. She is tall enough to do things on her own.”

She nodded firmly, showing proudly the biceps she didn’t have. They all laughed at this act. “Thank you so much, Mister and Miss Bakugou. Have a sweet day! See you soon Katsuki!” She waves at them one last time before running outside. Her little pink dress fled behind her as she disappeared.

“What a lovely child” Mitsuki sighed, impressed. She turned to her son. “You should take advice from her attitude!”

Bakugou growled. But his mom was right, this little girl whom he already forgot the name was lovely. It was cool to spend a few minutes with her.

He hoped he will not forget her soon.

However as the afternoon went on, he found it more and more difficult to remember what the girl who helped him looked like. He remembered it was almost midday when she dropped him at the hotel. She wasn’t even gone that he already forgot her name. At 2 pm; her face was the only thing he could think of.

He knew about her round face, like the moon. No, like a ball. He could still see her big eyes, full of kindness and cheerfulness. As well as her chubby and pink cheeks and her angel smile.

But two hours later he forgot about her eyes. He tried as hard as he could to remember them without success. He was sitting on his bed, brows furrowed, but he wasn’t able to know what her eyes looked like. He was going to forget her, he was certain.

At dinner time, Katsuki knew he was lost this morning and that a little girl helped him. But he has no idea who she was and even what she looked like. Neither her head nor her voice popped in his mind.

Finally, when he went to bed this night, the blond remembered nothing. His little walk to find All Might’s bike, him visiting the town, everything erased itself from his memory. And the little girl who saved him too.

He woke up the next morning surprised not to find himself in his usual room. He looked around, then little by little, remembered they were on vacation in another town of Japan. Beaming with joy, he got up and went straight to his parent’s bed to wake them up.

They both smiled happily and readied themselves to go out. Today again, the sun was out and the heat heavy but welcoming.

They walked through downtown, admiring the stores, and noticing the daily life of people. It wasn’t a huge city but the Bakugou loved the charm it had.

They decided to buy some local food which Masaru dreamed of cooking once he got back to their hotel. “We have to take vegetables and then I’ll be able to cook you something nice for lunch!”

Katsuki smiled, excited. He has always loved looking at his dad’s skills. Each time, he got excited to help him with the cooking.

“I know where to find the cheapest vegetable’s store!” He laughed, impatient to show his parents the little store he noticed. He just had the time to see the surprised look his parents exchanged before leading them. 

He knew the way by heart as if he already came here. Yet, he was sure he never entered it already. In less time than it takes to say it, the whole family was in front of the store. It was the cheapest one, it had vegetables for every taste at any price. A real treasure cave!  

While the blond was heading to the carrots, he saw a little girl. She had brown hair and a face as round as the moon. When she noticed him her face enlightened and she ran towards him.

He was so startled he didn’t even have the time to react. She jumped on him, hugging him tightly. “Bakugou!” He jumped at his name.

Katsuki got away from her embrace and was nearly dazzled by the light that was coming from her. She was smiling, eyes wide. “I am so happy to see you!”

He frowned, mind working hard. He didn’t understand, he was sure he never met her. He would remember such an angel voice and face. It was not something one could easily forget.

He backed up, on guard. Maybe she was just crazy, or she wanted to steal something from him. He got even more suspicious. “Say something! Aren’t you happy to see me too?” She asked, pulling her tongue out. 

He didn’t have the time to answer that she looked around him and sighed. “You are lost again, aren’t you?” Then she laughed. “It’s okay though! Come, I’m bringing you back to the hotel.” She took his hand, leading him outside. 

“Oi! Get off me you creep.” He got away from her again, shooting her a murderous glare. “Who the hell are you?”

His question didn’t seem to offend her because she smiled again before saying as if he was the one being foolish here. “Uraraka of course!”

He shook his head firmly. “I don’t know you. Now get off.”

She looked at him puzzled. Then, she crossed her arms, mouth pouting as she said angrily. “You’re just being mean now Katsuki.” His teeth grinned at his first name. She was annoying him right now. And her cute face wasn’t making things better. 

He recognized his mother’s footsteps and turned to face her. She smiled when she saw the girl, Uraraka if he remembered well. “Oh, it’s you! Good to see you again!”

The little brat smiled to Mitsuki and greeted her cheerfully. But a second later, she returned to glaring at him. Surprised, the woman asked. “What’s that glare for?”

Uraraka explained, arms still crossed. “Katsuki is being mean. He is making me believe he doesn’t know me.” 

The smile of the mother faded as she sighed. She saw her son looking at her, with a look she learned to know. She knew this look by heart now, his wondering look. It was the look he always has when he has one question in his head.

Did I forgot?

With a bit of sadness, she nodded. Katsuki’s expression darkened and he turned back to face Uraraka. He sighed before repeating what his parents forced him to learn since first grade. Each night, before bed, he would repeat again and again the same words. The words he had to say each time he forgot. 

“I’m sorry.” He grumbled. “I forgot. I have an immediate memory disorder.”

He hated those sentences. He hated them because they made him weak. They made him remember that he will never be able to study or play like any other kids. He will never be capable to stay alone or walk without his notebook tucked in his pocket. Those little words made to remember how much his dreams seemed unachievable.

He would love to be the number one hero, like All Might. Even better than All Might. There wasn’t a day where he wouldn’t fight with stubbornness to learn his lessons, to keep in mind the teacher’s advice. There wasn’t a day without him doing memory exercises, or trying to remember stupid things as what he did in the day.

All of this exhausted him.

He was only an eight years old boy, with a lot of dreams, but he worked ten times harder than everybody around him. Unfortunately, there were days where all of this was useless. Like today.

He has forgotten the face of this little girl. Uraraka, she told him. Yet, he swore that he would remember a face like hers. She was so cheerful.

“A what of a what now?” She asked puzzled. Her arms weren’t crossed anymore.

Mitsuki bent down to be at her heigh and in a sweet smile, she explained. “It is hard for Katsuki to remember what he did or even the people he met in the day.” Her eyes went wide of understanding. “He didn’t mean to be rude, he just forgot who you are without intended to.” 

Bakugou was upset. Against himself, but also against his mother who explained this as if he was mad sick. He wasn’t sick. He just had difficulties. He just had to do more efforts than everybody else.

It was his turn to cross his arms and pout. He eyed Uraraka carefully. He would never admit it, but he was scared. He was sure this girl was cool and kind. She seemed like a good friend. But like anybody else, she will pity him and look at him with a tenderness that will make him throw up.

He was scared it will be the case with her. Because she seemed cool. And he wanted a cool friend.

But when he crossed her look, he didn’t saw any pity, any sympathy. She was thinking, eyebrows furrowed, seeking for Katsuki didn’t know what. When she found it, her face lifted and she ran at him. Surprised, he did a leap backward but she didn’t stop.

He felt her hand plunge in his pocket to take his notebook and pen. He was about to take it back but let her when she started writing in it. He let her a few seconds, curious about what she was doing.

After a few minutes, while Uraraka was writing on the notebook, tongue stacked between her lips in focus, she gave him back his belongings, a smile on her lips.

“This way, you will never forget about me.” She told him proudly.

He took back the notebook and looked at the page she scribbled. She drew a circle, with two dots in it and what seemed like a smile. There were little straights lines around the circle, which represented without a doubt hair. Below the drawing was written ‘Uraraka Ochako’

She drew herself.

The drawing was unrecognizable, but Bakugou couldn’t help but find the similarity with her round head. He looked back at her, she was still smiling at him.

The emotion was so intense he found himself unable to say a word. It was the first time another being than him wrote on his book. He usually writes all the thing he has to remember, all the thing he must not forget, in it. And she understood that.

So she drew herself in it, as if it was the natural thing to do. With this simple drawing, she showed him she could be the friend he wanted. He could have faith in her, because she will never pity him, and now he will never forget her.

So he smiled to her, sparking a tender look from his mom.

Then, Uraraka laughed and took him by the hand to lead him to the carrot’s box. “Your head isn’t this much in clouds since you remembered the vegetable’s store I showed you yesterday!”

He nodded and smiled again. He appreciated a lot her attitude towards him, as if he was normal. Because that’s what he was, a normal guy, who just has his head in the clouds.

She took some carrots while activating her quirk. Immediately the vegetables floated, only retained by their leaves. Agape, Katsuki observed her, impressed.

“Is that your quirk?” She nodded and repeated. “I can float everything I touch.”

Eyes widened by admiration, the blond approached her hand so he could take a closer look. She had little pink pads on the tips of her hand, as rough as his hand. He nearly shouted of excitement.

“That’s so cool! You can send fuckers into space.”

She looked at him a few seconds, blinking slowly. Then, Ochako laughed hysterically, hand on her belly. Her mellow laugh overrun the space, sending joy in his heart. He blushed as he didn’t understand her reaction.

“What?”

Her laughed doubled while she erased little tears on her cheeks. She looked at him, happy.

“Nothing. You’re just incredible.”

Katsuki felt his heart squeezing of joy.

Both children went separate ways but promised to meet again at the park of midtown after lunch. The blond, scared to forget again, kept reminiscing he had a rendezvous with Uraraka Ochako at the park. 

He repeated it five times in the way back to the hotel, sixteen times while helping his father making lunch, and then twenty times more while eating. He noticed the tender look of his parents, proud and happy to see the effort he was making for her.

To be honest, they were above all delighted to see that Katsuki put effort for someone else than him or them. Not that he was selfish, he was way too young for that yet. But he never got attached to someone. 

They didn’t know the real reason, but he kept pushing people aside at school. They concluded that he didn’t want to forget them. Maybe he didn’t want to hurt others, or maybe he didn’t want to remind himself he had a little disadvantage.

So seeing him beaming and careful because of Ochako made them beyond happy. Katsuki too.

He was so gleeful to talk with someone that does not pity him. Because there was no pity necessary. He wasn’t weak at all. He was in fact, braver than anyone because he’s used to making more effort.

He was sure he couldn’t forget her now. She was way too outstanding with her round body, her chubby cheeks, and her breathtaking smile. A lot like a guardian angel.

But most of all, she was in his notebook now. So he could never forget her again. 

As soon as he finished, he gets off the table, and run directly to the door, yelling a goodbye at his parents.

“Oi! Little brat wait! Come here!” His mother shouted. He growled going back on his steps. “Wait for us, we will take you to the park.”

“Mom!” He sighed rolling his eyes. “I’m not a kid anymore, get off me.”

She was about to discuss when Masaru stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. He answered to her worried look with a gentle smile. Eventually, she surrendered. 

“The magic sentence?” She asked anyway. Katsuki swans on his feet, impatient. “I am not sorry, because I don’t have a memory disorder.” She glared at him, but he continued. “Can I go now?”

“Where will you meet her?”

“At midtown’s park.” He grumbled, annoyed.

“Do you have your-“

“Yes, I have my notebook!”He rolled his eyes again and looked at his dad for help. “Dad, please!” The man laughed and nodded, freeing Katsuki from his mother’s concern.

He jumped of happiness and ran outside, excited to meet the girl again. He repeated the place’s meeting during the walk to the park and found it without difficulties.

Uraraka was already here, back to him, sat on a swing. She wasn’t moving. He took advantage of it and sneak out behind her to put his hands on her eyes. She jumped but then eased a bit and laughed while turning to face him. Her smile warmed his heart. 

“Hi, moon face!” He let go of her, packing his hands on his pockets before sitting on the second swing. The little girl pouted and crossed her arms. “That’s rude.” He shrugged. “Not my fault if that’s the truth.”

She glared at him, trying to decide between being upset or have fun. The choice was made pretty fast. She smiled again and grabbed the chains before swinging to rose towards the sky. Bakugou imitated her.

“Look what I’ve learned to do!” She shouted while swinging harder and faster. He observed her, curious. She was so high he thought she could touch the sky. She swing a little more like this, a sweet laugh escaping her mouth. Then, when she arrived at the top of her move she joined her hands and held back her breath.

Stunned, Katsuki watched, lips parted. In the momentum, she turned on herself several times in the air. This time, she was literally floating. After three turns, she yelled, “Release”.

And then, she fell.

He got out of the swing, stretching his arms to catch her, worried at the thought she could be hurt, but arrived too late. Uraraka crushed in the sand, a few meters away from him.

“Ochako!” He ran faster and bent down to be at her heigh. She rubbed the top of her head while giving him a look full of malice. Then, she pulled her tongue out at him. “I just need to practice the landing.” He frowned but couldn’t help the smile to spread on his face once the worry faded. “Dumbass.”

He gave her his hand and help her sit down. He sat beside her. He didn’t dare say it, but besides being worried, he was impressed by her move. Having a quirk like hers was incredible and challenges every form of science.

He created little sparks in the middle of his hands, looking at it with pride. His quirk too was wonderful. Fierce and full of strength. They both had impressive power and he was more than happy to be friend with someone as strong as Uraraka.

She was admiring the explosions, attracted by the light and the warmth they gave. “You are really strong Katsuki.” He smiled, even prouder. “I know. And I will be stronger throughout the years. I need it, to be able to fight villains and be the bravest hero in the world.”  

She whistled impressed. “That’s such a good dream Bakugou! I’m sure you will achieve it!” He scoffed. “Of course.”

Ochako stood up and began hitting the air, brows furrowed. Then, she turned to him, smiling as usual. “You will fight against the villains.” Then, she joined her finger together, pretending to activate her quirk. “And I will save the victims!”

“That’s stupid.”

She put her hands on her hips and eyed him. “Why’s that?” He shrugged and explained lightly. “With a quirk like yours, you could send the villains straight out of space. You shouldn’t waste it by just saving people. Fighting is what’s better.”

Uraraka laughed, which startled him. “I don’t think so! That’s what heroes do. They save people Katsuki.” She nodded, sticking with her motivation. “Plus, this way we could work as a team! You fight, I save. We will be the two best super-heroes!”  

Bakugou still found the idea stupid, but he kept his mouth shut. Moreover, the thought of being a partner and top heroes with her pleased him a lot. So he nodded and lead a fist to her. Without wavering, she closed her hand and tapped it against his.

Katsuki was delighted. He finally found a friend, strong and impressive, who treated him like a normal child. Yes, he was happy to spend the holidays here with her.

It was late when the two children decided to go back home. They promised to come back here the next day, and the next day again, trying to enjoy each day before the blonde went back in his town.

“See you tomorrow Katsuki!”

“See ya’ Ochako.”

They met again each day, sometimes in the park, other times in midtown. They weren’t doing much, just enjoying the time together. They visited each store, played at the park millions of time and even went to the public pool.

The Bakugous and the Urarakas finally met, happy to know their child was going along this well. They prepared some picnic together, or simply eat at the Uraraka’s house.

It was the best holiday Katsuki remembered and probably the one he will never forget. His friendship with the brown little girl was a little gift. He loved when she was laughing as if life was always funny, or when she was mocking him. He loved laughing with her, playing and sharing their life and secrets.

He learned that Ochako had a dog and two fish. He forgot their names, but he knew they were childish since she was the one who named them. He was always impressed by the tons of things she knew and was grateful for her to teach him all of that, even if he remembered just half of it at the end.

He didn’t care. He didn’t care that he couldn’t remember everything she said, because he didn’t need to. All he had to know was that Uraraka Ochako was his new best friend.

When they separated three weeks later, he was devastated. But she was worse than him. She was crying loudly since the beginning of the day and hadn’t get off him. Not that he complained. Having Ochako by his side was soothing.

His parents promised to come back next year, but it wasn’t soon enough at her taste. And to be honest, for him too. After spending three entire weeks together, not seeing each other for a whole year seemed awful.

He nearly cried too but stayed strong. When her family followed them to their car, he felt nervous. He has spent extraordinary weeks, found a friend and wasn’t ready to let her go.

He was afraid. Afraid to forget all these moments, afraid of losing these holidays. Scared to forget her. But he pushed these thoughts away, trying not to focus on them and enjoy the last few minutes.

Tears in her eyes, Ochako ran into his arms, grabbing his shirt. He hugged her back, feeling the squeeze of his heart. “It’s okay moon face. We will see again soon.” She nodded and sniffed before letting him go. The two adults gave him a warmth goodbye before he finally got in the car. He lowered the window so he can talk to her, but found nothing to add.

“Don’t forget me, okay?” She was in distress, also afraid that he might forget her. Her tears doubled while she grasped firmly her yellow dress.

He took all his strength to smile to her, trying to soothe her. He took his notebook out of his pocket and waved it in front of her face. In a little laugh, he admitted. “Even if I wanted it, I couldn’t.” She laughed, lighter. Then, the car started.

She bit her lips, waving her hand in the last goodbye, which he answered sadly.

He looked at the sky, which slightly became darker to let the night appear. He saw the moon, round, beautiful. He smiled.  

No, he could never forget her.

Chapter Text

Unfortunately for Bakugou, the moon and his notebook weren’t enough to prevent him from forgetting his new friend.

The first few days, Katsuki tried the hardest he could. Before sleep, he tried to remember the moments he spent with Uraraka, searching in his memories any anecdotes she told him. He repeated her name and the specifications of her quirk again and again. He even tried to reminiscing the number of pets she had.

But not seeing her complicated things. Plus, Bakugou had to put more efforts in school. This year wasn’t easy at all, and he had to work twice harder than last year to succeed.

Sometimes, he could forget a whole lesson and needed to learn it again, in addition to the new one. It was exhausting, but he never gave up. So step by step, he trained himself less in remembering his holidays, and more in focusing on his dreams.

He had some problems with his classmate too. Some of them were bold enough to mock him, calling him a nerd because he was always so careful to do everything right at class. So eventually, Katsuki became violent.

He was cursing more than necessary, shouting at whoever dared to talk bad to him. He punched, hurt, and even used his quirk to scare them. In a blink of an eye, his attitude became a habit.

He just wanted to be the best, he didn’t care about others and didn’t have time for this stupidity. His only focus was to be the number one hero, and if he needed to be violent with others so they let him be, he will do it without a doubt.

So, between all of this, Bakugou slowly forgot her. Yes, he had a friend, whose name was Uraraka. But he couldn’t remember what her smile looked like, or the color of her eyes. He spent hours watching at the drawing in this notebook, unable to recognize her at her fullest.

He didn’t even remember what he did during his holidays. Sometimes he would remember a day, a moment, but not too much. He just knew it was his best holidays yet because he always felt excited when he thought about it.

Katsuki didn’t totally forget about her. He knew he had a friend somewhere. He just didn’t know what they’ve done together, how they played or even what they talked about. All he had left was his feelings. When he observed the moon, he repeated her name, and a feeling of gratefulness and happiness would flow in his veins.

He knew she was special. He knew she was his only true friend.

And that pissed him off. Because what’s the point of having a friend, if he doesn’t know what her smile looks like, what her voice sounds like, what quirk she has, or even where she lived?

There were days he blamed himself, feeling miserable to forget the only friend he had. Then, there were days where he couldn’t care less. It wasn’t really his fault since he wasn’t doing it on purpose. More, he had little hope to see her again, maybe she forgot about him too.

So finally, Bakugou stopped looking in his notebook, ceased to look at the moon. Uraraka Ochako was for him just a dimness memory.

That’s why, one year later, he kept from her just a name and a drawing on a paper.

Katsuki opened the door, getting rid of his shoes at the same time. He dropped his bag and shouted. “I’m home.” He was exhausted. He hadn’t managed to recite the exact poem he tried to learn for a week now and hadn’t had the time to write his homework for tomorrow. It was an awful day.

There were only two days of school left, yet the teacher gave lots of homework to do. After all, next year will be even harder than this one. Even if he was only nine, he cared about finishing this year with excellent grades and be prepared for the next one.

He frowned when he noticed he never got a reaction since he passed the door. His mother was not in the kitchen, preparing a snack for him. She hadn’t even answered him. He carefully went to the living room, puzzled.

When he entered, a pink mass rushed into him and tightly grabbed him. A reedy and excited voice echoed in his ears. “Katsuki!” He heard the sweet laugh of his mother, but it definitely wasn’t her against him. He backed down, fidgeting to get away from the embrace.

What the-

He paused when he finally saw his assailant. She had brown hair and huge and round cheeks proportional to her head. Shorter than him, she was smiling all teeth out. He felt his heart squeeze at her simple sight.

He looked at her a few more minutes, eyebrows frowned, trying to understand why the fuck she knew his name but he didn’t know hers. She seemed delighted to see him, jumping from foot to foot, and fidgeting. But when she saw his reaction, or rather his lack of reaction, her smile faded.

He suddenly thought about the drawing in his notebook, of a girl with a round head. He put all the efforts he could into reminiscing  the name that was written below it but didn’t even found a syllable. She talked in a murmur, eyes already wet.

“You don’t remember me, don’t you?” He hesitated, not knowing what to say. He didn’t want to hurt her, yet he couldn’t do otherwise. So he winced and explained. “Sorry, I have a-“

“Immediate memory disorder. I know.” She cut him off. Tears were tracing their way on her rosy cheeks as she tucked the fabric of her yellow shirt into her fist.

Bakugou’s heart fell apart. He didn’t like seeing her this way, her smile suited her way much better. He forced himself into remembering her name again but found nothing.

He knew it was important. If she was in his notebook, it was because he needed to remember her, and there he was, standing in front of her, with for only memory the little drawing. Incapable of founding her name.

His mother put a hand on her shoulder, which had for the only effect to double her tears. She plunged into his mother’s legs, crying loudly. Mitsuki lifted her, and lead her to the couch. Katsuki stood here, looking at the girls, fist clenched.

“I am sincerely sorry, sweetheart, it’s my fault.” He heard his mother whisper. “I should have check everything was okay before inviting you. I apologize.” Heavy sobs echoed in the living room, while the mother hugged the children.

Katsuki suddenly wanted to throw up. Tears menacing of falling, he went in his room and slammed the door shut behind him. He hated himself. He wasn’t even capable to recognize someone he cared about. Incapable to recognize the one who was for sure the only person willing to be his friend.

He knew, at the way his heart squeeze and the content feeling in his chest that she was special. But he was good at one thing; forgetting. Even though he put efforts in what he cares about, all he was succeeding in was failing. Failing and hurting the one he loved.

He opened his notebook. Precious belonging which was supposed to prevent him from forgetting, prevent him to throw all his memories into the bean. He quickly found the page with a childish drawing on it. Below, there was a name; Uraraka Ochako.

He furiously threw the notebook across his room, which went flying on his desk and overturned his crayon’s pot. What was his notebook for if he wasn’t capable to remember what was on it? Unable to know the name of his best friend without the help of a stupid paper?

He laid on his bed, head buried into his pillow. He wanted to cry, shout, express his madness and despair but did nothing. He stayed there, disappointed. Disappointed at himself and his useless efforts.

He was supposed to become the number one hero, while he wasn’t even capable of saving himself. He could tell anyone that he was invincible, strong and needed no one, he knew it was way more complicated.

Someone knocked shyly at the door. He stood on his elbows, eyebrows furrowed. He didn’t want to see anyone right now, but he grunted in acknowledgment anyway. The door opened on a little Uraraka.

Her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were wet and pink. She kept her gaze locked on the floor. She was playing with the fabric of her shirt and sniffing horribly loudly. After a few minutes, she finally looked at him.

“Can I sit on the bed?” He straightened to a sitting position as an answer. She sat to his side. “I am sorry.” She was looking at her hands, playing with her fingers, voice still broke from her outburst. “I reacted stupidly, I should have been prepared.”

Katsuki shook his head, surprised. “You don’t have any excuses to do. It’s not your fau-“

“I know.” She cut him off again. “It’s nobody’s fault. I can’t blame you for that. So still, I apologize for my reaction.” She smiled sweetly, finally able to lock her gaze into his. “And I don’t want to be upset. You’re my friend, even if you forgot that.”

His heart raced, as joy fulfilled him. Slowly, he felt the happiness coming back, glad that she wasn’t mad, that she still considered him as a friend. That she gave him another chance.

“I didn’t forget.” He shrugged. “Well, not totally. I knew I had a friend.” He winced once he heard himself talking. “I just didn’t know who.” It was way too cheesy for him, but he said it anyway. Because she gave him another chance, and he was grateful for that.

If she appeared in his notebook, that meant she really was important. He would never let anyone write on it. So he was thrilled by the idea of learning about his friend again.

She beamed, smiling widely, cheeks going pinker. “It’s okay! I have enough memories for the two of us, I will remember for you.”

If Bakugou hadn’t this much proud, he would have probably cried. But her words did gave him a wave of gratefulness. He couldn’t remember someone being this kind with him, without any inch of pity or sympathy.

“Do you remember our holidays?” She asked lightly, without any reproaches. He shook his head. “Do you want me to tell you how cool they were?” She seemed so excited at the thought of it that he accepted. Brows furrowed, he listened to her carefully, focused on memorizing the story of their friendship.

“I found yourself in the street. You looked like a lost cat, so I brought you back to your hotel.” She laughed. “You were so happy to meet me that you were jumping of excitement, you kept hugging me, and you-“

“Oi!” He cut her off, his face distorted with disgust. This was definitely not him. He could understand he was less proud and shitty with a friend but not as much. “Don’t overstate things.”

She giggled loudly, displaying a wicked grin. He couldn’t help but smile a little at the sight.

She told him everything. From the first glance to the last, without skipping the multiples park’s moments, the pranks they did to the merchants and the family’s diners.

It was only an hour later, laid on the bed while he was still sitting that she finished her story. “And now, you know everything.” He nodded, head full of new anecdotes about a cool friendship he forgot about until now.

He tried to write down in his head each detail, determined to remember everything. She gave him another chance. He couldn’t waste it, not a third time.

“How did you come here?” He looked curiously at her, surprised after hearing all she said.

“Your mother invited me.” Her smiled brighten the room, as he noticed the way her eyes were shining. He kind of like the way she had this readiness of making everything pleasant. “We told ourself we will see each other again in a year, right? Your parents bought a ticket for me because they couldn’t make it to my town this holidays. They wanted to surprise you.”

He winced. The surprise went really bad at first, but he was glad it wasn’t the case anymore.

Katsuki get off the bed and clapped his hands of excitement. He couldn’t express how content he was to be friends with such a cool and interesting person. “How much time we have before you go back?” She didn’t get rid of her smile, even with her puzzled look. “Two weeks!” He smiled, not hiding his delight to the least. “We have time to have some fun. Come on!”

They didn’t need more than five minutes to found back their chemistry. Without any discomfort or any bitterness, they enjoyed their first afternoon together. They played, inside and outside, showing and experiencing their quirks.

Bakugou couldn’t be happier for now. He knew not everything was settled, that he couldn’t really force his brain into remembering someone, but he wasn’t afraid. Because with a friend like Uraraka, he didn’t have to be someone else. He didn’t have to force himself into remembering things. She said it herself, she had enough memories for the two of them.

Yet, he was going to force him anyway. Not because he had to do it, but because he wanted to do it. He wanted to remember her and the tones of things she teached him about. He will work hard. The hardest he could. Because she was someone, a brave and cool someone, dear to his heart and he has no shame admitting it to himself.

The evening went at an impressive speed as they found themselves sitting at the table with Masaru and Mitsuki for diner. Both parents were delighted to know the relationship between the children didn’t change a bit. Despite an emotional start, they were happy to see their son found a friend as understanding and adorable as Uraraka.

“Can Ochako come with me to school tomorrow ?” The blond boy asked mouth full. She blushed lightly before adding. “I don’t want to impose, I can wait quietly if it’s not possible.”

The two adults smiled tenderly before Masaru explained. “I’m sorry, but the school will not accept this responsibility.” Katsuki sighed annoyingly while rolling his eyes. “There are only two days left, they could do the effort.”

“But they won’t. So you’re going to school alone tomorrow.” Continued Mitsuki, filling the plates of the two children again. They started eating unceremoniously. “You can miss the last day if you want.”

Bakugou smiles and nodded. “What is she going to do?” Masaru shrugged and proposed. “I’ll stay home tomorrow, she can do what pleases her.”

Uraraka blushed again, et mumbled. “I don’t want to be a burden, you can go work if you need to.” The father smiled politely and shook his head as a no. “You’ll never be a burden Uraraka. Don’t worry.”

Problem settled, they finished eating in a sweet atmosphere, talking about the year they spent away from each other. Katsuki having school tomorrow, and Uraraka being exhausted from the trip, they decided to sleep early.

The Bakugous didn’t have a guest room and proposed a mattress to Ochako to sleep on the living-room. But their son insisted on putting it in his bedroom so she would be more at ease. He even proposed her to take his bed while he slept on the mattress but she refused.

“At what time do you have to wake up tomorrow?” The brown girl asked, trying to tie her hair. She had problems with it as some strands didn’t want to stay in the elastic. He watched her, sat on his bed. “7 PM”

“Wake me up when you’ll be awake, will you? I don’t want you to be alone, it will be rude.” He clattered his tongue. “No that’s stupid. I’ll let you sleep, you’re tired.”

She wanted to protest but got knotted with her elastic band and hurt her. Uraraka growled, pulling madly at her belongings, grumbling her frustration on it. Katsuki could help himself from laughing while she glared dangerously at him.

“Don’t make fun of me, that’s not funny.” Her pouting face made it worse for him to stop laughing. “My mother usually braid my hair before sleep, but I can’t do it.” She was cute like this, with messy hair and pouting lips. He shrugged and simply answered. “We’ll learn to do it tomorrow.” She sighed and finally gave up to laid down, hair untied.

The light was off, but the opened window allowed the moonbeam to illuminate her smile. She told him, in an already sleepy voice. “Goodnight Katsuki.”

“Night angel face.”

He laid down at his turn and watched the ceiling. He has spent a bad day at first, but Uraraka changed all of it in one evening. He was happy and thankful to finally have someone he could have fun with, without having to worry about hurting her.

He waited ten minutes, making sure that Ochako was really sleeping before getting out of bed to grab his notebook and pen. He got back on his mattress laying down under the moonbeam and started writing.

He wrote everything that came to his mind and seemed important about the young girl. He didn’t forget any details. He wrote down the properties of her quirk, the way they met, the different games they played, and even the number of pets she had.

He didn’t forget to write down how round and pink she was. He described her smile, her eyes, and her voice. He felt a bit like a creep, writing down everything he knew about her, but he didn’t want to lose her. She was way too kind and adorable, way too strong and funny to lose her. So if he had to write everything in his notebook to remember her, he was going to do it.

Every detail that could prevent him from forgetting was written on the paper. He described her as the little angel she was, happy to found her again.

Then, once satisfied, he closed his notebook and tucked it under his pillow. In a soothing sight, he laid down properly and closed his eyes.

When he woke up the next day, the sun was already shining. The memories of yesterday were the first things he thought about, arousing in him sweet happiness.

He looked at Uraraka, still sleeping on the mattress beside his bed. He couldn’t help himself from giggling when he saw her messy hair. Without a sound, he took some clothes and his notebook and left his room.

Like every mourning, his parents were already up, eating breakfast in the kitchen. In a good mood, he joined them to say hello, before going to the bathroom to get ready.

Before leaving the house, he peeked a last glance in his room and found the girl still sleeping, hands closed in a tight fist. He noticed her little pinky out, a funny thing she did to avoid floating everything around her. He smiled and finally went to school.

His day at school was awful. With the arrival of Uraraka last night, he forgot to do his homework. The problem wasn’t the teacher, because he didn’t even reprimand him. It was his classmates. Because unlike him, those who didn’t do it were punished for their lack of seriousness. So they spend the day glaring at him, and cursing in their breath, too afraid to do it in front of him. It was the kind of day he hated the most.

The teacher never screamed at him for forgetting anything because he had pity for him. Katsuki would have preferred to be punished too, this way, he would be treated like any other classmate. By the way, it was the first reason why everyone was jealous of him since they didn’t know about his memory loss.

Moreover, he found himself unable to focus clearly today, because all he wanted to do was get back home to play with Uraraka. He has only two weeks to spend with her and didn’t know when they will see them again, so being at school felt for him like a waste of time.

So when classes ended, he rushed to his house. When he opened the door, he just had time to get rid of his shoes before welcoming a huge ball of sunshine in his arms.

He sighed, all the tension of the day threw away by the hug. The happy laugh of the girl fulfilled him with joy, while she led him to the leaving room.

“How was your day?” She asked all sunshine. He averted her question with a wave of his hand. “Not interesting.” She stopped at the entrance of the living room, hopping of excitement. Uraraka passed behind him and put her hands on his eyes, blocking the view. “Oi! What the fuck are you-“ She laughed and pushed him to force him to move. “You’ll see!”

When they arrived where she wanted them to be, she finally put her hands away, shouting a light “Ta-Da!”.

He opened his eyes to found his living room in a complete mess. The pillows were on the ground, in front of the couch which was hiding behind tones of bed sheets. “Your father helped me doing this, this afternoon.” She explained proudly. Some chairs were around the couch, so the sheets would look like a roof. She created a tiny hut in his living room.

He lifted an eyebrow and turned to his friend. “How old are you? Four?” Instead of pouting as he expected, she tucked her tongue out at him and swung on her feet. “Don’t be mean, I know you like it!”

He did. The simplicity of the girl pleased him, and he could appreciate the little attentions. So he went to the workroom of his parents and bought a computer with him into the shack.

He sat down on the couch and told her to sit on a pillow in front of him. Then, he went on the net to found a tutorial.

“You don’t have to do this.” She told him laughing lightly. He knew that. “You must have gone on a fight this morning with your hair to untangled them.” She smiled and sat, back facing him while watching the screen posed in front of them.

They tried to replicate the moves of the woman on the screen. It was way more complicated than they thought.

“No, look. It’s this one that goes here.”

She was holding a strand of hair in one hand and was showing to Katsuki what to do with the other.

This last had his brows furrowed in focus, and hands entangled in her hair. “How the hell am I supposed to put it this way? I only have two hands.” Uraraka moved to helped him, but only got yelled at. “Stop fidgeting, silly. How do you want me to help if you keep acting like a worm”

Her laugh echoed in the hut, making the blond smile. “Wait, I’ll take this.” She took some hair in her free hand, helping the boy. Her tongue was tucked between her lips, she was as focused as her friend.

He sighed but didn’t give up. When he finally arrived at the end of her hair, he asked for an elastic band, which she gave immediately. With a last sigh of relief, he looked at the outcome.

Disastrous.

He could bet that they were messier than this morning. He winced as she stood up to admire herself in the mirror posed in front of them. Her smile went wide, as she turned to him and rushed in his arms. “Thank you Katsuki!”

“It’s awful.” She shrugged at his words and smiled sincerely at him. “Yes, but it’s you that did it, and that’s what matters.” He flushed, flattered.

When Mitsuki arrived at home this night, she was touched to see the two children playing a board game. She mentally noted the hairstyle of Uraraka, promising to teach them how to do correct braids.

She greeted her husband and looked at her son and his friend fighting stupidly. There was nothing violent, no reproof, just a bit of shouting but nothing mean. They were trying to determine which one of them won, and none of them seemed to agree. To her surprise, it was Katsuki that gave up minutes after, allowing Ochako to be the winner.

Mitsuki smiled tenderly while Masaru tucked her between his arms. She could see it, this adorable girl was a fresh breeze for her son, a sunshine. She knew she was good for him, and that he liked the girl. Actually, Uraraka charmed all the family with her sweet temper. She hoped with all her heart that their friendship would last forever.

The next two weeks were as bright as this second evening. Ochako and Katsuki were inseparable. They played, talked and went for a walk, enjoying each day they had together. There were times they quarreled, if Katsuki was too mean, or if Ochako was a bit too demanding, but they couldn’t fight more than two minutes.

The boy and the girl were incapable to be mad at each other for too long, and found it stupid to waste the little time they had together by being upset.

Each night, Bakugou wrote all he remembered from the day in his notebook. And each night, before sleep he re-read what he wrote days before to double his chance of remembering everything.

He had never filled his notebook this fast, and at the end of her holidays at his house, each page was filled with quick writing. That’s why he wasn’t afraid when they came with her to the train station. He was sad at the thought of telling her goodbye, but he wasn’t afraid.

The tears of his friend broke his heart, but now, he knew. He knew he will never forget her. He couldn’t, because she caught his heart, and went away with it.

Despite all the things the doctors said to him, he knew feelings were created by the heart. It's his heart that squeezes when he’s sad, it’s his heart who races when he’s happy, not his brain. So, if he gave his heart to Uraraka, he will always remember her.

All he needed to do, was taking care of his brain so he could reminiscing the things Ochako told him. And now that his notebook was full, he had faith in him.

He knew this time was the one.

He looked at the train, a calm smile on his lips. Then, he observed the moon and grinned.

Yes, this time, he won’t forget her.

Chapter Text

Katsuki was right. This time, he didn’t forget about her. During this new school year, he took time to read and read again all the notes he took during his holidays.

Sometimes he would forget about some moments and remember it only after reading it again, and other times he could recite all the pages he wrote. But he never got tired of reading his notebook.

He loved his night’s reading, it reminded him of his strong and kind friend and his incredible holidays with her. To be honest, the more he read about it, the more he felt ashamed.

He felt as if he was violating the intimacy of his friend, as if he wasn’t honest with her. But he knew this was necessary. He didn’t do it to observe her, or because he was obsessed, he did it because he needed to remember her. So even if he was not at ease sometimes, he read his notebook nonetheless and tried to learn what he could.

It was a bit hard for him to find time to do it. Each time he went back home after school, he had dozens of homework to do. It was exhausting for him. But there wasn’t a night without him taking time for her. Before sleep, even if it was late, he usually took the time to read his notebook.

He was proud of him. He had a new habit, he didn’t forget his best friend, and he found a good rythme for school. He was happy.

Well, happy was a little much. After all, he missed Uraraka. He didn’t forget about his goal of becoming the number one hero, so he worked hard at school, but he couldn’t wait until the holidays came. He wanted to see her so bad, having fun, training, and becoming better together.

But he waited patiently.

However, it became harder to wait patiently when he met Deku. Met wasn’t the good word here, because the young boy seemed to know Katsuki for years.

Of course, the blond never heard of him before. He never paid attention to his classmates, staying focused on his goals. Sure, he could identify some of them because he already saw them, but he didn’t know anything about them.

It was the case of Deku. He has already seen him, but he never talked to him or cared enough to ask for his name. Until recently. He had green eyes and hair and was way too cheerful for Katsuki’s sake.

He was always with him as if they were glued together. He kept helping him, telling him how impressive and strong he was, proposing him to play with him. Bakugou pushed him many times, he didn’t need a friend, he already had Uraraka.

The problem was here, Deku looked like the girl way too much. The way both of their smile could melt whichever adult, their ability to make friends quickly, the same generosity. They were too alike for Bakugou.

He found that unfair. Unfair that he spent his days with Deku instead of Uraraka. He already had a friend, and he didn’t want to have another one, above all someone who was like her.

Katsuki started to get violent at Izuku, pushing him, hurting him, even using his quirk sometimes to scare him. But it never worked. The green-haired boy was the only one coming back to him as if they were best friends.

And when he thought he couldn’t hate Deku more, he was wrong again. Thinking back about it, it was pretty obvious the nerd has noticed. He was very observing and always took notes. It was a habit that Bakugou knew very well.

One day on the way back home Izuku ran behind him, cheeks red from the effort and shouting.

“Kacchan”

He turned violently, already annoyed by the sound of his voice. Once at his height, a little hand stretched in front of him, giving him a paper.

“I saw that you didn’t have the time to write down the homework.”

The blond looked into his eyes with disgust, eyebrows narrowed, suspicious. He searched for a little bit of mischief but found nothing. He was smiling sincerely, happy to help, as usual.

“Tch. I don’t need your help.”

Deku nodded, smiling wider. “I know, but it could be useful.”

Bakugou stares at him, catching the sound of his voice. His eyes were still narrowed as his glares swung between the boy and the paper. There was a hidden message, he knew it.

“Tch. You know.” He madly kicked the air with his feet, looking away from the gaze of the boy for the first time in his life. He didn’t need to see his pity.

Of all people who could know about his memory trouble, it had to be shitty Deku. This nerd was way too observant for his age, he must have understood by himself that Katsuki had some difficulties.

“Yeah, I guessed.” He admitted, scratching the back of his head. When Bakugou was finally able to look at him in the eyes, he didn’t saw any change. No pity, no sympathy, nothing. Just the delight of helping someone.

Of fucking course, Deku belonged to the ones that didn’t pity him. Without his own consent, he felt guilt in his veins. He frowned harder and snatched the paper of the green-haired’s hand.

“You’re welcome Kacchan!”

“Whatever.” He turned away and begun to head back home again. Without stopping or facing Izuku, he threatened. “Don’t you dare telling anyone.”

A reedy voice came to his ears. “I won’t!” He even imagined the boy nodding firmly and tightening his fist. He growled and finally left.

Katsuki had enough, it’s been months since school started, thus, months since he saw Urarakafor the last time. It was more and more difficult for him, especially since his friendship with Deku got better.

The young boy kept annoying him, he had this way of behaving that reminded him of Ochako. Plus, he kept following him everywhere and tried multiples times to help him even though he didn’t need it.

But the simple fact that Deku had been the same even after knowing about his secret eased him. As if, in a way or another, he knew he could rely on him. Not that he needed too.

But it was cool nonetheless to talk about All Might and their shared dreams. He felt less lonely. Ochako was different than him by the fact that she was stubborn. She was always the first to reprimand him and she never backed down from an argument.

She stood up against him, and it was something he liked a lot. He needed to be reprimanded sometimes, he needed people to stood against him, otherwise, he would be violent like he was again with Deku sometimes.

So when the perfect day came, incapable to hold back any longer, Bakugou asked his father to lend him his phone. And the 23rd of December, he called his friend for the first time.

He went into his room and laid on his bed, excited to hear her voice again after six months away from each other.

Her father answered, and after greeting him, he passed him Ochako. Her sweet voice echoed in his ears, as his body soothed and a smile traced his way on his lips.

“Hello?”

“Happy birthday Cheeks!” He nearly shouted of excitement. He heard a sweet laugh through the phone and couldn’t help a grin. “Thank you Katsuki.” He imagined her jumping from foot to foot, smile beaming on her round face. “New nickname?” She noticed giggling.

“Yep.” She laughed again and admitted. “I love it!”

He noticed a slight noise in the back, guessing she was laying on her bed too. “How was your day?”

“Absolutely great!” Her excited voice tickled his ears, sending sparkle of joy. “Mom and Dad offered me a new set of watercolor! If you could see how beautiful it is, the colors are wonderful!” He nodded before remembering she couldn’t see him. “I don’t doubt it.”

Uraraka continued. “We made a little party at home with a delicious cake mom prepared. We even had a party hat! I put one on Mochi but dad didn’t want me to give one to Cupcake and Lollipop.”

Her laughed fulfilled his bedroom while he smiled at the name of her pets. Mochi was her dog, and Lollipop and Cupcake her two fish. He wasn’t even surprised when he learned about their name the first time. She told him she loved her friends so much that she decided to name them by something she loved. So she decided to name them from her favorite food.

He couldn’t believe she wanted to put hats on fishes.“You dumbass. They are underwater if you didn’t notice.”

Katsuki could clearly hear her pouting while she explained. “But that’s unfair! They also have the right to party with us.”

He knew she was just a few months younger than him, but she sounded so much like a child right now. It was something the blond learned to love, after all, it just showed how much of a kind person she was. “Wait! I’ll take you to Mochi!” He frowned, puzzled. She ran noisily, creating deaf sounds. Once she talked again, her voice was far away. “Here Mochi. It’s Katsu, say hi!”

He shook his head, clearly done. He guessed she was kneeling in front of her dog, stretching the phone beside his ears. “He listens to you Katsu, say hello too.” He growled. “Oi! I won’t say hi to your dog, cut this shit.” But she didn’t seem to hear him. “Come on Mochi! You could at least pretend your happy.” She scolded. It seemed like she didn’t receive any answer because she sighed and her voice was clear again. “He's just a lazy ass.” He snorted, amused. “There’s nothing worth his attention for him.”

He could nearly hear her roll her eyes.

“Maybe you want to talk to Lollipop and Cupcake? They may be more compliant” He shook his head again and retorted. “No. That’s stupid. Plus, it’s your birthday so keep the damn phone glued to your ear.”

He guessed her smile behind her words. “I wish you were there. It could have been so cool!”

He stayed silent as his heart squeezed. Instead of being with her, making her day the most beautiful day of her life, he was laying in his bed, miles away. He sighed.

“Anyway, it’s okay! We’ll see each other soon.” The lightness of her voice was enough to soothe him. That’s one of the things he loved about her. She always knew how to ease the mood.

They talked a lot, catching up the lost time. They told the past few months, their new goals, their pride, delighted to be able to do so and to hear the laugh of the other. It’s wasn’t much, just a sweet call. But it was what brightened Katsuki’s day.

The sun was setting, as they talked for about three hours when they decided to hang up. After wishing a good night, Bakugou waited for her to end the call, but she seemed to hesitate. A short silence fell between them before she finally found the courage to say.

“Thank you for remembering Katsuki.” Her voice trembled of emotions as her gratefulness expressed itself through it. His heart skipped a beat when he answered, voice as shaken as hers. “I will not forget anymore.” And then, she hung up.

That night, Katsuki was delighted to write again in his notebook. He bought a new one since she came to his house and for the first time, he had things to add in it.

Since that first call, Uraraka and Bakugou called many times for several events. They talked at Christmas Eve, for the new year and again for Bakugou’s birthday.

They talked for hours, telling their days, their dreams and accomplishments. Sometimes they would fight a bit, tease each other. Everything was always light and simple between them, and this new object of communication was a springboard for their friendship.

When July’s holidays came, the blond, too excited called Uraraka.

It was always with a feathered voice, full of excitement that she hung out. “Hi, Katsu!” He smiled and greeted her. “Hey, Cheeks!” Their last call dated from a few months. Usually, when it was the case, they would talk about what happened during their time apart. But this time, the boy was too excited to ask. So in a high pitch voice, one that he slapped himself for using, he asked her instead.

“Where are we going this holidays? Do you come here, or I take the train?” He thought she would laugh, she would tell him she didn’t care as long as they spend a bit of time together. Instead, his enthusiasm was welcomed by silence. He frowned. “Cheeks?” When she finally spoke, there wasn’t any joy anymore. “Katsuki...” His heartbeat sped up, worried. “I don’t think we’ll see each other this holidays.”

Gravity became heavier, as if Uraraka has played a trick on him, but instead of making him fly, she crushed him on the ground. He asked in a voice which betrayed his emotion. “Why?” He didn’t believe it, she has to have an explanation. They were supposed to see each other each year, he thought this was a habit that would stay forever, that this period of the year was meant for them.

“My parents need me at home. They need my help for the operation of their company and I-” He didn’t let her finish and cut her coldly. “I see.”

He has spent a whole year waiting for this holidays. And now she told him they won’t meet again. He tried the hardest he could to remember all the details she told him so that she would be glad when she came back. But she threw everything away. He didn’t care about the reason, she should have set aside at least a week or even less with him.

He could understand she wanted to be useful for her parents, but a few days were not too much to ask. That’s what best friend does. At least, he thought. His fist clenched the phone as she told him again. “I am sorry. We’ll see each other next year, it’s not-” He cut her again. For the first time since he knew her, he didn’t want to hear her voice. “Yeah, it’s okay.”

He heard her sigh, probably keeping herself from crying, confronted by his cold attitude. “Katsu, please. Don’t be-” Yes, he definitely wanted her to shut up.

“I told you it was fine. I’m not some dumb child who needs someone. Anyway, the old hag is calling.” He was about to hang up but couldn’t found the courage to do it. So he waited for her to answer. “Okay. Have a nice holidays Bakugou-kun.” Then, he ended the call.

Katsuki let himself fall on his bed, looking at the ceiling, eyebrows furrowed. He was upset. He understood her actually, but still, he was upset.

He felt guilty too. He didn’t have to talk this badly to her or ending the call this brutally. He was so disappointed that he didn’t even thought about it.

He wasn’t going to see Ochako this year. The news hit him like a huge wave, as he felt his heart sunk.

Bakugou felt extremely alone right now. He didn’t know who will spend the holidays with him. There was Deku, but it wasn’t the same thing. It wasn’t the same friendship he had with Uraraka. And it pissed him off to know he could spend more time with this nerd than her again.

He sighed. His parents wouldn’t be home before dinner, he’ll probably watch TV all day or train alone in the garden. He would never have guessed he’ll be this disappointed.

He thought about the trembles in Ochako’s voice before he hung up, and the way she called him. He had hurt her, he knew that. Even if he was mad, he didn’t want their friendship to end. So he texted her mother a little message.

“Sorry. Have nice holidays.”

He sent it and buried his face in his pillow.

It was the longest holidays he had in years. At least, that’s what he thought. Last year was so much fun with Uraraka that these ones seemed vapid. But he did his best to busy his mind.

The blond spent his day training. Through the years, he learned to control his quirk and it was now an incredible asset. He trained as much as he could, sculpting his body to be able to control his explosion and become stronger.

It was something he liked a lot. It allowed him to empty his mind as he always gave everything he’s got. He was always exhausted after his training, but the pride he felt was beyond that. It was the field in which he progressed the most, and he knew it was important to be able to be a hero.

He went to Deku’s house and vice versa many times. He would lie if he tells he wasn’t enjoying his time with Deku, even if he was still annoying sometimes. The green-haired boy could be cool nonetheless, and he was the only one who kept him company this holidays.

He didn’t talk to Uraraka since their disastrous call, and finally, the new school year began without him being able to see her. This year, he had the same stupid classmates as last year. Nothing changed, he tried his best to learn in class and find a time before bed to read his notebook.

He didn’t forget his goal of becoming better than All Might and he had to work harder to achieve it. So he threw his holidays away in a corner of his thoughts and focused on school again.

Bakugou called her again for her birthday, and again for Christmas eve and the New Year. They never talked about their little argument, as if nothing happened. She even called him on his birthday.

When they called, he had the feeling everything was normal between us. As if they saw each other every day as if there were not kilometers away. He liked how it was always easy and cool talking to her when they called. He wished this would last forever.

But when the holidays came again, Katsuki decided not to call her. He waited for her to take this decision so they could talk about their holidays and plan a new reunion.

He waited.

But she didn’t call.

He really tried not to be vexed or mad. She surely had too many things to do with her family, he wasn’t the only one that wanted to be with her. She had friends, maybe she wanted to spend time with them too.

So he didn’t say anything and spent his holidays with Deku again. Their relationship grew a lot better with time. He didn’t like to say they were friends, but they weren’t far away from it. Even if he didn’t want to admit, Bakugou was glad to have someone to talk and play with.

He asked for a phone for Christmas, so it would be easier for him to call Uraraka. His parents told him they would think about it, but lent him their phone again for her birthday.

Since the last time, they talked his voice had molted and she sounded more mature. But to his delight, their friendship didn’t change a bit. He wanted to tell her he was disappointed that she didn’t call or text him, but he refrained himself, afraid to hurt her again. Actually, he wasn’t capable of being mad at her and couldn’t be upset when he hear her gleeful voice.

Bakugou finally received a phone for Christmas and didn’t miss a moment to call his friend. As usual, they called each time there was an event. But since Uraraka didn’t have her own phone, they just stayed that way. And when July arrived, none of them called.

It’s been two years since they saw them now.

Katsuki acted as if it didn’t bother him to the slightest, but actually, he was affected. He missed her. He couldn’t even be mad at her, because it was his fault too. After all, he didn’t call either.

But he didn’t forget their sort of new tradition, so he called her nonetheless for her birthday and then again for the events of the end of the year. But between that, nothing.

Bakugou couldn’t wait until she calls him in April. He has already prepared everything. When she’ll call him for his birthday, he would ask her to keep a week for him this holidays. She couldn’t say no, because she would have time to think through it and anticipate some days for him.

But when his birthday came, she didn’t call him. He just received a text, apologizing because she couldn’t call him, and wishing him a happy birthday.

That was too much for him. This night, once alone in his room he cried.

He didn’t like the way their friendship was growing. He was afraid. Afraid to lose her.

But he was also afraid of that feeling. He wasn’t used to be attached to people, he has always kept his relationship to a low level, afraid of what could happen. So the simple thought that she was important for him, that he was feeling this sick because they don’t see or talk to each other anymore, scared him.

She was his first friend. The first one that didn’t pity him, that helped him, that wasn’t mad at him when he would forget some things. She told him she had enough memory for both of them. He worked his ass off to be able to remember everything she told him. And now... Now everything seemed useless.

Because this time, he’ll remember. He could never forget about the friendship they created. He knew Uraraka wasn’t the type of person to forget about someone, she promised. But still, he was afraid to lose her.

And that shit hurt.

So this night, he allowed his tears to flow.

This year was the third one without seeing Ochako. He didn’t have any expectation for this holidays. He’ll train in the morning and go to Izuku’s the afternoon. Nothing much exciting.

He was twelve now, and the teachers kept telling them they should start thinking about their future. The first choice to make was the high school they wanted to be in. He had already thought about it, it was evident since he was little.

He has always aimed for the best, so he’ll apply for the best one. He’ll go to UA. It was UA or nothing. So he trained to crush the exam and be the best.

He was training that day when his parents came back home from work. He decided to stop, satisfied with himself, and went directly to the bathroom. After showing, he joined them in the kitchen.

His mom and dad were drinking coffee, talking lightly. When he entered the room, he couldn’t help but notice they mischievous glare. Suspicious, he took a glass and open the fridge, keeping his eyes on them. He frowned when he saw the wide grin of his mother.

He poured some juice in the glass. “Spill it.”

His father laughed tenderly, his gaze turning more caring while his mother clapped her hands proudly. “We know you don’t have shit to do for your holidays.” His mother started.

“No shit.” She glared at him before displaying her proud expression again. “And was like that for a few years now.”

He felt his heart squeeze. He knew perfectly what she was insinuating. They noticed his holidays without Uraraka weren’t as bright as when she was here. It was way much easier for him to enjoy holidays with her than any other child of his age.

“So we thought you’d like to see her these holidays.” Katsuki swallowed hard and coughed violently, glaring murderously at his mother. “Are you kidding?” He looked at his father, searching for a confirmation, but he just shook his head as a no. “We called her parents, they agreed to welcome you. We’ve already brought the tickets.”

His eyes went wide as the realization hit him. He felt the excitation rising, happy at the idea of seeing her again. “She doesn’t know, it’s a surprise.” His father added.

The smile that nearly appeared on his face faded immediately. She didn’t know. He frowned, feeling his emotions change. His heartbeat rushed as stress started to appear.

She didn’t know.

What if she didn’t want to see him? What if she hadn’t asked him to come before because she didn’t want to? Maybe she didn’t like his rough character after talking this much to him? After all, he could be violent and cold, he couldn't deny it.

Maybe she just wanted a distance friendship with him? That their calls were enough for her? What will he do if that’s the case?

“Son?” His father questioned, tearing him out of his thoughts. His brows were furrowed, worried by the silence of the blond. “Don’t you want to see her? We can cancel the tickets if it makes you-“

“No.” Katsuki cut him, shaking his head. “No. I want to go.”

He was a bit scared of her reaction, but he couldn’t miss an opportunity to see her. If she’ll reject him, then so be it. At least, he’ll know.

Bakugou has never been this anxious. He didn’t even know why he was making a whole fuss around it, but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to slap himself for the way he was nervous. He wasn’t used to be like that, above all for someone.

He was playing with the tip of his shirt, waiting for Uraraka’s mother to take him at the station. He couldn’t wait to see her actually. She must have changed in three years, but he hoped their friendship stayed the same.

When he saw the perfect copy of Ochako move forward him, his smile spread on his face without his consent. The mother cheerfully greeted him, taking him in her arms. He was happy to see her too.

Uraraka’s parents have always been generous beings who earned his respect. They were always so understanding and they accepted him. Plus, they gave birth to his first and best friend. They really were incredible.

Throughout the ride, she kept telling him how much her daughter will be glad to see him. She told him about the many times she talked about him, and to be honest, it eased him a bit.

“Tadaïma!” She screamed when they entered into the house, giving him an encouraging wink.

“Okaeri! We’re in the kitchen.” Ochako’s voice echoed, sparking his smile and planting joy in his heart.

He followed Miss Uraraka into the kitchen, being careful to stay behind her despite his excitement. While he entered the room, he saw the cute little brown girl stood up and run to her mother. But she stopped in the middle of her run.

Shocked, she looked at him dumbfounded, arms dangling. Hiding his nervousness and joy, Katsuki finally talked. “Hey Che- oof.”

He didn’t have the time to finish his greeting that the air flew out of his lungs. Uraraka jumped in his arms, throwing all her heigh at him. “Katsuki!” The shrilling sound near his ear made him wince but he warped his arms around her body nonetheless and hugged her as hard as he could.

He laughed, feeling her body against his, delighted to be able to see and feel her. He felt the joy growing in his body, as it soothed him immediately, absolutely relieved that she was here. He smelled her sweet scent of coconut and sighed of relief.

Everything was okay.

“I was quickly forgotten!” Her mother giggled after kissing her husband. Ochako laughed, making his heart miss a beat, and finally greeted her mom. “Sorry, welcome home.” She received a sweet kiss on her forehead before she turned to Bakugou again.

She jumped from foot to foot, happy to see him. She just let him say hello to her father then she jumped on him again. He laughed for the second time, his smile increasing at the thought that she was this excited to see him.

He didn’t believe it. After three years, she was here.

They stayed like that a bit, enjoying the warmth of the other. He took the time to notice how much her body seemed thinner, and taller between his arms. He changed since the last time they saw them, and so did she.

intrigued by the thought, he ended their embrace but kept her wrists in his hands. They stood a little away from each other, clearly ogling. Shook hit him.

Yes, she did change.

She grew taller, even though she was still the tinniest one of the two. As he guessed, she has lost a bit of her roundness but felt relieved when he noticed her head was still as round and squishy as the moon. She seemed older, more mature. Puberty had been generous with his friend.

Her hair was much longer, but her eyes remained the same, round, big, shiny, welcoming. He noticed the blush on her cheeks, probably due to his starring but he didn’t point it. She was smiling, as usual, a wide smile he missed a lot. She just wasn’t the little girl he met back then anymore. She was a young girl.

Ochako Uraraka changed a lot in three years.

And yet, she remained the same.

She started to bounce on her feet again, a habit she had as long as he could remember. Finally, she couldn’t help launching herself into his arms again, laughing. “I missed you so much Katsu!”

He sighed contently, closing his eyes and humming her perfume. “You too, Cheeks. You too.” He felt her hand running through his hair as she giggled. “You’ve changed a lot!” It earned her a laugh as he raised an eyebrow, playful. “Did you look at the mirror recently?” She blushed again, smiling even wider than possible. She finally let go of him, leaving a sweet kiss on his flushed cheeks.

Yes, she has changed but their friendship hadn’t in the slightest. He smiled proudly, sincerely, impatient to spend the few next days by her side.

Chapter Text

The room was silent as both teenagers were looking at the ceiling. After they’ve gladly taken diner with the whole family, they both decided to go to bed, exhausted by the events. That’s why there were in Uraraka’s room, Bakugou laying down on the mattress on the ground and the girl sitting at her desk. She was fidgeting, playing around with her fingers and biting her lips. There were regrets in her brown eyes.

“You’re angry.” She finally said in a whisper, breaking the silence.

Katsuki frowned, analyzing his emotions. He wasn’t angry. He couldn’t be mad at her anyway. He was just disappointed. Disappointed of these last three years.

It’s been quite a time now since they were in the room without making a sound. They both knew they thought about the same thing. The rush of the reunion has passed and realizing the growth of Ochako violently brought him back on these years waiting for her. Even if they stayed in touch, it wasn’t enough for the blonde. He didn’t need someone by his side, that’s not it. But seeing the important people of his life prevented him from forgetting.

He sighed slightly, scratching his cheek. “No, I’m not.”

Ochako bit her tongue, she knew he was lying. “Yes, you are. Maybe not angry, that’s a bit harsh, but I know you're disappointed.”

It always surprised him to see how much she knew him. Their friendship wasn’t built on constant physical moments, but the girl was really observant.

“Listen, I am truly sorry. I know it’s important to you that we see each other regularly. It is also for me.” She paused, taking a long inspiration. “But I had to help my parents, their company needed me.”

She stopped, waiting for an answer from him. He shrugged. “I know.”

“I shouldn’t have let you down. I apologize.”

His red glare laid on her, piercing, overwhelming. He tried to play it off, scoffing. “You didn’t let me down.” But she knew better than being fooled by his expressions. She shook her head firmly, insisting but he stayed true to his words. “I said it’s okay. Forget it.”

She sighed, letting the silence talk again. Bakugou didn’t like this heavy atmosphere between them, but he didn’t know what to do. She was usually the one to ease the mood, she was gifted at that.

And actually,  this time didn’t escape to the rules.

Uraraka suddenly stood up and run out of her bedroom. Katsuki got up on his elbows, looking oddly at the door and listening to her little hurried steps. She came back a few seconds after, hiding something in her hand. She laid down on her bed, her back facing him without saying anything. The blond was about to get up to ask her what’s wrong when his phone rang. He got up to search in his bag, looking for his belonging.

Eyebrows furrowed, he was ready to scream at his mother for being annoying and overprotective. She has already called him when he was at the station, and again during dinner, he wasn’t going to kindly talk to her at this time of the night. But when he saw ‘Uraraka’s mom’ on the screen he lifted an eyebrow and looked at her direction. She had her mother’s phone in her hand, glued to her ear. He picked up the phone to hear her breath through the screen.

“Hey, Katsu.” Her voice fulfilled the room, echoing with the one on the phone. He shook his head, letting a smile tracing its way on his lips anyway. This girl was incredible. “Hey, Cheeks.”

She laughed a bit, warming his heart. “So tell me! Were you a bad kid this year again?”

A small chuckle escaped him while he laid down again. “Shut up. I’m not that bad.” He saw her turn to the ceiling, he did the same.

”I am sure you terrorize everyone with your horrible attitude and expression.” Her voice was light and wicked, he could hear her smile.

“Which expression?”

“That one.” He heard a little noise in his ears and looked at her, but she hasn’t moved a bit so he couldn’t see her.

“Cheeks. I can’t see you.” Her sweet laugh echoed in the room as she realized her foolishness. She shrugged and added. “To bad!”

Slowly, he felt his heart easing a bit, and their friendship getting stronger. He played with the hem of his shirt, phone tucked between his ears and his hand while listening to her soothing voice. “You know, I think I’m going to change Mochi’s name. He’s so lazy. All he can do is looking down on people, making fun of me and pouting.”

“How will you call him?”

“I thought about Katsu.”

He frowned, sitting down on his elbow for the forth time to give her a murderous glare. But she did as if he wasn’t there. “Oi! What do you mean by that?”

She laughed, playing with her hair. “That he looks a lot like you.”

“You little sh-“

“I’m joking Katsuki. I’m joking.” He growled and laid back again.

“You know a dog is actually a lot like his master.” He retorted, grinning. “So he’s more like you. You should call him clumsy.” It was her turn to stare at him, but he ignored her just as she did seconds ago. “Eh! You’re mean.”

He scoffed, shrugging. “You’re the one who started this.”

Uraraka puffed, looking half-mad, half happy at the ceiling. “You should be nice to me. I am your best friend.”

Katsuki felt his heart squeeze. It felt so calming and reassuring to hear that. Because she was.

She was, and will always be his best friend. The first person to accept him as he was, to help him.

But of course, he would never admit that to her.

“Tch. I have other friends you know.” She sat down so quickly he asked himself how didn’t she get a headache after that.

“Yes! It’s the Deku boy right?” He should have shut up. She already knew about his friendship or whatever it was with Deku, but each time he talked about it, she got all excited and just asked an awful amount of questions.

“You should introduce him to me one day! I’m sure we could be great friends! And I have to thank him because he took care of you when I wasn’t there.”

He rolled his eyes, a little annoyed. There was no way he’ll introduce his two friends to each other. He could already see them greeting each other, smiling, being friendly, getting along way too much for his own sake and then leaving him behind. There was no way he’ll accept that. Uraraka was his friend, Deku didn’t need to have her as a friend too.

“Not even in your wildest dreams round face.” He finally answered, scowling. She chuckled a bit at the nickname but didn’t change her attitude as she continued in a cheerful voice.

“I’m glad to know someone has your back.”

“He doesn’t have my back. I can handle myself.” He retorted.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t.”

They talked like this for a few hours, happy to found back their friendship. It was easier for them to reconcile by phone since they spent the most of their time together through it. Slowly, the tension eased and they talked like they always did.

Uraraka took advantage of the free time to tie her hair in a braid. She succeeded in making it by herself now but he wasn’t surprised since they were much longer.

He didn’t know if he liked them better short or long, but she was still cute in both.

Bakugou was very happy to see her and couldn’t wait to play with her throughout the week. He wanted to talk to her, show her how much he had grown, how much stronger he was now. He also wanted to know if she was still as badass as she was the last time they saw each other.

As usual, Ochako has had the best idea. Any kind of heaviness was gone thank to this only call. The call came to an end when Katsuki started yawning. After a day this long, the boy felt exhausted. She gently made fun of him.

“Go to sleep.” She told him in a little chuckle still on the phone.

“It’s okay.” He answered with a low voice. His eyes were closing without his consent while he was forcing himself to stay awake.

“We will have time to talk tomorrow. Go to sleep.” Her voice was a tender whisper. “Goodnight Katsu.”

He growled, grumbling a little ”Good Night” before dripping into his dreams.

Ochako ended the call and looked at him. A sweet smile spread on her lips as she got up to switch the light off.

”Katsu.”

“Katsuki!”

“Katsuki Bakugou.”

“Eh!”

The blond frowned, moving slightly to turn away from the unpleasant noise. He brought the blanket to his neck, taking a more comfortable position.

“Eh! Don’t turn your back to me when I’m talking to you. Katsuki!”

He growled, waving lazily his hand in the air, hopping to keep the noises away. Noises than happened in the worst time of his day since he was in the middle of a mission. All Might tried to stop a few villains but found himself trapped. Fortunately, Bakugou was on the field, so he’ll help him. He didn’t have the time to get distracted.

“Okay, now I’m offended. You really are taking me for a fly?”

A blowing of annoyance reached his ears, forcing himself to move again, distracting him from his fight. He really didn’t have time for that, he had to save All Might and became the new number one hero.

But this time, the noise changed itself into a clear voice, one he could recognize between thousands of others.

“Katsuki!”

He snarled again, opening one eye to close it less than a second after he noticed it was dark. He sighed madly when he understood he has been dreaming. Then, he thought about the reason he wasn’t sleeping anymore. The blonde murmured an aggressive “what” before sanking his head into his pillow. He waited for her answer as patiently as he could, trying harder not to fall asleep.

“You’re snoring.”

Bakugou sighed again, laying on his back and definitely opening his eyes. It was still dark, so he couldn’t see anything and that pissed him off more.

“What?” He repeated,  clearly awake now.

“You snore.”

Katsuki jumped, refraining himself from screaming as he could finally see his surroundings. There was a round face, hanging just in front of his. “For fuck’s sake Uraraka!” He couldn’t help but whisper angrily, surprised by her sudden presence. She backed up a bit, smiling apologetically. But her face, which was still on top of his, prevented him to think properly. “I what?” He asked for the third time.

“Snore.”

He frowned, glaring at her accusingly. “No.”

She nodded, a serious expression on her face. “Yes. You snore, and it keeps me from sleeping.” He looked at her, fully processing her position. She was laying on her bed, but had her head in the void, facing him. She was looking at him with her big brown eyes, waiting for him to say something.

“I don’t fucking snore, go to sleep.”

Annoyed by his friend and her dumb accusation he turned his back to her and closed his eyes, trying to found back his sleep.

“I can believe you swore that much even at night.”

But it was obviously too much to ask when Ochako was here.

“Shut the fuck up, go to sleep.“

He felt a finger on his cheek, applying pressure on it, as a whisper tickled his ear.

“I can’t, you’re making too much noise.”

“You’re annoying.” He hissed without moving.

“And so are you!” She retorted, eyebrows furrowed as she pushed her finger deeper in his skin. He praised All Might to give him the strength to deal with her. He didn’t know what time it was, but it was clearly too late to have open eyes.

“Sleep on your belly, it will keep you from snoring.”

He insisted. “Told you, I don’t snore.“

Impatient and annoying, she started smacking him slightly, leaving little marks on his cheeks. He couldn’t take it anymore, he stood up on his elbows, pushing away her hand and spilled madly. “Alright!” He turned himself so his back faced the ceiling giving her a red glare. “Fucking happy now?”

He didn’t wait for an answer and closed his eyes again, determined to found peace. But not even two minutes later, while he was so close to success, a large but light object fall on his head. “Goddamnit, you-”

“Better!” He heard her say with contentment as he understood she threw a pillow at him. He heard her laying back and growled before letting himself fall from tiredness, muffled by a pillow.

Bakugou woke up the next morning with a pillow tucked between his arms, as if his life depended on it. He yawned lazily before moving slowly trying to emerge from his dream by opening his eyes. While he turned around, still stretching he found himself nose to nose with a girl who was smiling all teeth out.

“Hi, Katsu!”

He jumped, surprised to see her this close and cursed. “For fuck’s sake stop doing this!” He glared at her and shook his head desperately. Ochako was laid down on her bed, head in the void and feet swinging in the air.

“You really are a sleepyhead.” She told him as he sat down, sighing.

“At least I sleep round face. I’m not a bat like a little someone.” She giggled and sat up at her turn.

“I prefer being a bat than Beauty Sleep.“

He frowned, puzzled. “You prefer being a bald and hideous creature than Beauty Sleep?” Uraraka smiles, nodding happily. She explained.

“At least I’m strong and interesting. I can fly, hear ultrasound and even see and move in the dark. It’s cool!” She shrugged to his disbelief. “Beauty sleep is just a beauty who’s sleeping while waiting for her prince.”

He looked at her, eyebrows raised, confused as to why she was having such an argument this early in the morning. She really was unbelievable. He shook his head, getting rid of his blanket. “Anyway. It’s too early for this shit.”

“It is 11am.”

“That’s exactly what I said.”

Uraraka laughed as she stood outside of her bed, jumping on his mattress. She started to jump everywhere around him. “Come on! Wake up! We already have lost the morning.” He couldn’t help the grin as he watched her. “Stop fooling around, I’m up.”

She finally stopped, allowing him to notice that she was already dressed up and ready to go outside. “Go shower, bathroom’s free!“ She nearly yelled before opening her door and running into the kitchen.

Bakugou shook his head again, clearly amused. It’s with a smile on his face that he stoop up to go shower. He didn’t know since what time she was up, but she should have woke him up instead of waiting patiently that he deigned to open his eyes.

The water was cold. Frozen cold. He waited a bit, thinking it would take time for it to warm a bit, but each drop of water flowing out of the shower was dead cold. He knew Uraraka’s had some problems with money, but he ever thought they couldn’t afford hot water. He said nothing nonetheless, not wanting to embarrass them.

Once ready, Katsuki went to the kitchen to join Urakaka. She was packing little boxes in her backpack, as she hummed a song he knew nothing about. When she saw him, she smiled all tooth out.

“You’re finally ready!” She put her bag on her back and went to the door. He followed her. “Your parents aren’t at home?” She shook her head and closed the door behind her. “They’re working.”

After checking if the door was locked, she turned to him, no letting her smile go away for a second, and started walking. He followed again, walking to her side, hands in his pockets.

“They told me they didn’t need me today, so I planed something for the day! Well, the afternoon now.” She pulled her tong out at him, both hands firmly tied around the straps bag. She was cute, walking delightfully by huge steps, smiling as usual.

It was something Bakugou loved a lot about his friend. Her smile. She was wearing it every time, at least when she wasn’t disappointed or mad at him. She smiled for everything, even if there were no reasons to and he liked that. He found it soothing and heartwarming.

“Where are we going?”The blond asked, looking around. He didn’t know how to explain it, but he had the feeling of knowing the place already even though he didn’t remember coming here. It was a feeling he learned to be familiar with. He often passed in places he already has visited and forgotten about it, but still found some familiarities when he comes back.

“To our QG of course!” She stopped, stretching her arms in front of her to illustrate her words. In front of them was a little park where many children were playing and schoolers were talking.

There was the park she talked a lot about. She told him three years ago that they spent most of their time here when they met for the first time, playing and talking about everything. He smiled, happy to found back these places forgotten for a long time.

They sat on a free swing and started swinging slowly, looking around. To be honest, Katsuki didn’t have any memories of this park or even what they did here. He knew it just because she has told him, but he couldn’t remember it nonetheless.

“I train during all these years, you know? You’ll be impressed, look!” Ochako started swinging harder, throwing her legs behind and under her, gaining speed. She went higher and higher until she reached the sky. He looked at her patiently, mesmerized by her sweet laugh and her hair flying around her round face.

When she reached the maximum, she let the chain of the swing go and clapped her hands together. Then, a slight pink light circled her while she started turning in the air. Amazed, Katsuki stopped swinging to watched her turn on herself. He had the feeling she will never touch the ground again.

After a few seconds that seemed like hours, she stood straight, shouting “release” before falling in free fall. Bakugou’s heart skipped a beat while he watched her getting dangerously nearer to the ground. Instinctively, he stood up and ran, stretching his arms trying to catch her, to prevent her from crashing herself. She was going to fall on her head, he will never arrive on time.

He couldn’t help himself from closing his eyes, not wanting to see the disaster he failed to stop from happening. He waited for the sound of her pain, horrified. But when he heard nothing, he opened his eyes again, to see that she was standing in a handstand, on one hand. His eyes widened in surprise and admiration as he approached her.

Uraraka let her fall and stood up a proud smile on her lips. She got rid of the dirt on her hands and looked at his grin, excited. He laughed a little. “Not bad at all Cheeks.” She smiled wider, proud of her and pleased by the compliment. She folded her arms, showing him her little muscles and added. “I trained hard for it.”

He didn’t doubt that. Katsuki didn’t forget how strong and gifted Ochako was, but seeing it amazed him nonetheless. She wasn’t the fragile and shy girl people thought, she was way more than a simple angel, she was a badass angel.

After this little show, Uraraka decided that it was time for them to eat. She took her bag she had dropped earlier and found a little place where they could sit and eat without being disturbed. She put two bottles of juice and two sandwiches out as they started to eat eagerly.

“Do you already know which high school you’ll go to?” The brown girls asked, mouth full. She was holding her sandwich with two hands with her little pinkies up. He prevented himself from smiling at this sight and focused on her question.

“UA of course.” He answered shrugging. The manipulator of gravity smiled, nodding firmly.

“Yeah. That makes sense. Who knows, maybe we’ll be together?” Katsuki nearly choked. He looked at her, dumbfounded, trying to regain his composure.

“You’re going to attend UA’s test?”

He didn’t know why he was this surprised. It was obvious after all, she wanted to be a hero too, and she was strong enough to go to UA. It’s was normal that she aimed for the most prestigious high school in the country. He was more shocked by the idea of being with her at school. The idea of seeing her each day instead of each year pleased him. A lot.

“Yep!” She popped the ‘p’. “I need to become a hero. It doesn’t affect only me anymore, I also have to help my parents by gaining money the fastest I can. And there's only one way to success, it’s UA.” Uraraka had her hands tighten in a small fist, eyes full of determination. Face serious, dedicated, she was momentously lost in her thoughts.

“It would be so cool to attend this school with you!” She finally added, finding back all her cheerfulness.

“So you’re already training?” He asked, taking another bite of his sandwich. He took a look at it, keeping himself from wincing. He knew she had prepared it and he didn’t want to hurt her, but she has put too much sauce in his sandwich. He swallowed nonetheless, putting his attention back on the little girl.

“Of course!” She answered lifting her eyebrows. “Aren’t you?”

“Tch. Of course I am.” She smiled at him and stretched her legs in front of her. He watched her little toes move as he noticed she has removed her shoes earlier.

“Thanks to our efforts, we will be the strongest heroes of UA. The strongest heroes of our time even!” Her smile, cute, slight, but he couldn’t be fooled by her gaze, strong, committed. He shook his head.

“No.” He waited for her to look at him, puzzled, before adding. “We will be the greatest heroes of all times.”

Her smile faded, as she nodded slightly, gratefulness and excitation in her eyes. He nodded too, a feeling of fullness fulfilling his heart. He couldn’t wait to experience that. Being the best at her side was something he was eager to know. He didn’t doubt it even a second, he knew they will be great together, he knew they will shine. He still had a lot of efforts to do, a lot of domain to progress in, but he knew, he will succeed.

“That means we will fight against each other at UA tournament.” She laughed slightly, eyes looking at the sky. “I can already see it. Bakugou Katsuki VS Uraraka Ochako. Can you hear hear the crowd cheering me, and see me giving the money to my parents.”

Bakugou puffed, raising an eyebrow. “You’ll have to beat me first. And good luck with that.”

She grinned, looking wickedly at him. “You won’t dare to hurt me Katsuki, right?”

The wind passed through her hair, messing them a little as he felt his cheeks warming a bit. He frowned and finished his meal. “I don’t see why I wouldn’t. You can defend yourself, I won’t let you kick my ass without defending myself too.”

She looked back at him, intensely. So intensely that he thought for a second that time has stopped. Then, a huge smile spread on her face. “And you’re damn right.”

To which he answered, turning his gaze away from her radiant light. “Tch. Watch your language. And I’m always right.”

Chapter Text

“Let’s fight.”

Uraraka looked at him with wide eyes, as she blinked repetitively as if it could help her understand what he meant. Katsuki who lacked patience explained.

“Sparing Cheeks. You against me.”

But that didn’t seem to clarify anything for her. Puzzled, she tilted her head and looked at him curiously.

“Why?”

Impatient, Bakugou rolled his eyes and hurried himself to clarify. He couldn’t wait to spare actually, he found the idea very very exciting. “You said it yourself, you want to see our progress.”

Both friends were in the garden for about an hour now. The young girl proposed that they both show each other their experience with their quirks and skills. So Katsuki had the idea to put a bit of spice by confronting each other in a fight. Which Uraraka found useless.

“I don’t want to fight you.” She said, frowning. He stomped, slightly upset. “Oh come on! It’s the best way to see our progress!”

After a little time of thinking, Uraraka shrugged, sparking a grin on the boy’s face.

“But no quirks.”

And then erasing that same grin.

He raised his hands in the air, sighing of impatience. “Why?” But she didn’t back down at his tone, continuing without being impressed to the slightest. She crossed her arms and explained, eyebrows furrowed. “My parents aren’t at home. We have very powerful quirks Katsuki. We have to take this seriously.”

He growled but agreed anyway. “Fine, no quirks.” Ochako smiled proudly before preparing herself.

It was not what Katsuki has expected, but he couldn’t help himself from being excited. After all, fighting has always been something thrilling for him and he knew his friend lived up to his expectations, with or without quirks. He didn’t know what were her skills at combat, but he knew she was strong when it comes to dodging.

He placed himself in front of her, a small grin on his face. They locked gaze in a common smile and struck both at the same time. While Bakugou opted for an uppercut on her belly, Uraraka chose a kick on his ribs.

They both dodged quickly and easily, founding back their balance. The blond’s smile widened while the manipulator of gravity’s one faded to a more focused expression.

The girl charged, opting this time for a punch, willingly letting an easy opening on her left. An opening which Bakugou took advantage of, ready to hit her temple with his elbows. With a small smile, Ochako took momentum and jumped as high as she could. The hit touched her at her leg but it wasn’t hurtful, so she continued her move. With a surprising light of foot and rapidity, she held herself on Katsuki’s shoulder and pushed him to the ground, making him lose control. As she was nearly hand-standing on him, she just let gravity pull her back to the ground to crush onto him.

Surprised, Bakugou fell as his nose met the grass. He heard his friend land, her feet at each side of his body, hands still on his shoulders. In a heartbeat, he understood her intention and grapped at her stretched arms to make her lose balance too before she pinned him. Then, he rolled to the side, pushing herself with all he had.

He blocked her hands above her head and tucked her legs between his. Out of breath, his proud smile came back on his lips while he lifted his eyebrow, amazed. Uraraka was frowning and fidgeting, trying miserably to get away of his hold, glaring him to death. Her cheeks were puffed and pink either because of the effort, or the madness of loosing.

“That was quick.” Katsuki allowed himself to say in a laugh, still trying to find his steady breath. To be honest, he was impressed. He knew her friends was agile in acrobatics, but this was whole other level than what he saw at the park. It seemed like gravity was nothing for her, even without her quirk. She just moved in the air, as if she could fly and she pounded nothing more than a feather. He was really excited and happy to be the winner, but he was way happier to be friend with such a strong girl.

As he was about to get up and free her, he felt a slight pressure in his hands. He felt his body float before even seeing the pink light around their hands. He didn’t have the time to understand, that he was upside down, body attracted to the sky. It was the only hold of Uraraka on his hands that kept him grounded.

“The fuck Uraraka? Put me down!” He saw with horror the innocent expression of his friend, who was watching him, lips slightly parted in false surprise. “We said no quirks. You’re cheating.”

This time, she couldn’t help herself from smiling. He struggled in the air, pulling angrily at the hand of the girl to try to get near the ground, in vain. He had the feeling of having no control over his body and it clearly stressed him out. Quickly, his head started spinning as the laughter of his friends seemed far away.

“Put. Me. Down. Now.” He felt her little hands holding on him, as she pulled him closer. Slowly, she put him back on the ground, releasing her hold on him and giving him back his heigh. All his body felt suddenly heavier than he never experienced before as if he has been crushed violently to the ground.

Without any warning, he ran clumsily to the house, stagging under the effect of all the mixed feelings. She followed him, running too.

He busted into the toilets, locking it behind him before she dared open the door to see him puke.

He never felt such a feeling before. It was unpleasant to be fair honest, so he didn’t how Uraraka did that all the time. Even the dizziness he felt after was so strange that it made him throw up. Gravity going back to him was a rush of sensation as if the world’s despair has fallen on him. He didn’t like it at all.

He heard his friend on the other side of the door but ignored her, sitting against the wall. He passed his hand on his face, sighing. He pulled the flush and took a few breaths before opening the door.

Ochako was standing just behind it, a hand stopped in the air, in the middle of knocking. She seemed worried and full of regrets.

“Are you okay?” She asked, touching his forehead immediately to check on him. He got away from her hold, nodding slowly. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that, I tend to forget people get easily sick under zero gravity.”

“It’s okay. I don’t know how you do it this all the time though.” He winced as she laughed. The brown girl scratched her head, admitting happily. “I’ve got used to it. I still throw out my lungs, but I handle it as well as I breathe.”

Bakugou nodded, he could understand. When he was little, his hands were too fragile for his explosions. They often finished burnt or badly skinned. With time, his hands became stronger and his skin rougher. It would happen again sometimes to be burnt by a huge explosion or by overuse of his quirk, but he usually handled it pretty well.

He looked at her. Her guilt was gone, replaced by her usual smile and her cheerfulness. He scoffed, looking away. “Bad looser” She laughed and pulled out her tong at him, going to the kitchen.

“Go take a shower, I’ll prepare something to eat.”

It’s with a smile that Bakugou went to the bathroom, welcoming the cold water on his skin.

After making a little snack for them to eat, Uraraka went shower too. She still felt a bit guilty about the incident. She hadn’t been really angry, just frustrated that the fight didn’t even last three minutes. Still, she felt ashamed of her actions.

She got downstairs once ready, with the firm intention to apologize again. To her surprise, the blond was nowhere to be found. She didn’t want to panic too early, so she calmly called for him, soothing her mind and stopping her from imagining things.

She searched him everywhere, in the kitchen, the living room and even in the garden, shouting his name as loud as she could. Uraraka frowned, he couldn’t be far away, he didn’t know the town, he wasn’t stupid to the point he would step out of the house without her.

While she passed in front of the kitchen’s window for the third time, the finally glanced outside. There was a silhouette on the other side of the road, curled up. Puzzled, she got out of the house, to join her friend on the road.

It was only when she crossed that she understood what he was doing. Katsuki was squatted and petting a cat while whispering things she didn’t hear before kneeling at his side.

“You can sit, but make sure to be gentle, she’s afraid.”

It took her a few seconds to understand he was talking to her. His gaze was locked on the pet and his voice was out of character. She blinked a few times, confused by the sweet sound of his voice before sitting carefully.

She finally took a look at the cat, who was, in fact, a mommy. Judging by her growls and shoutings, she was about to give birth. Her belly was round and she noticed the way Katsuki purposely didn’t touch it while petting her.

“Don’t worry buddy, I’m here to help, I will not hurt you.”

Katsuki was trying his best to sooth the mommy, but it wasn’t a piece of cake. She had his thumb in her mouth, spitting while bitting him. With his other hand, he was trying to caress the back of her head, rubbing his fingers on her. Uraraka could see the scratches and wounds all over her friend’s hand, some of them deep enough to bleed a little. But he didn’t seem to be bothered by it.

She looked at his friend, worried, but he was absolutely calm. She has never seen such a tender look on his face. Even though his eyebrows were a little furrowed, his face was reassuring, soothing. He was kind of cute.

“Wait a little buddy, you’re not ready yet.”

Eyebrows up, surprised by so much gentleness, Ochako put her attention back on the cat. This last was still fidgetting, trying to get away from the blond’s hold as she seemed to get through a lot of pain. The gravity manipulator bit her lips, talking for the first time since she has come here.

“It seems like she doesn’t understand you’re here to help. Wouldn’t it be better to just keep an eye on her without touching her?” The whisper was nearly inaudible as she was afraid to scare both of them.

There was a long moment of silence in which the only sound audible was the cat’s despair. The boy didn’t respond, focusing on calming the mommy. After a few minutes, he finally answered, without even glaring back at her.

“It’s not because she’s all bark and bite that she doesn’t need to be reassured.”

His sentence slapped her violently as she understood the hidden meaning. He wasn’t only talking about the cat, she knew that very well. Katsuki himself was exactly all bark and bite with a need to be reassured. He may pretend to be strong, that his memory’s problem wasn’t in fact problems, he may be mean to others because of his words or gestures, but this didn’t mean he couldn’t be scared. This didn’t mean he couldn’t feel hurt. This didn’t change the fact that, like everyone in this world, he sometimes needed to be rescued, reassured. Sometimes he needed to be listened to.

She tended to forget that. He’s usually so strong, so proud around everybody that she sometimes forgot that he is just like her. Just like every single soul in the world. He can be sad, he can feel miserable, as much as he can be proud and strong. And today, it’s the kind and considerate Katsuki she is seeing. She loved this part of him. She loved each part of him.

So she nodded, releasing her lips from her hold. She has always admired his way of thinking. Even if he didn’t have faith in himself, he seemed strong. Even with all the things he has kept fighting against, he never gave up.

She couldn’t say the same things about her. But she was trying. She was truly trying to keep all her negative thoughts away to focus on the greatest things in her life. She was trying each day, to believe that it didn’t matter if she had financial problems or if she lived in a tiny town, away from everything. It didn’t matter because it had nothing to do with her goals. She could change her life, she had to change her life.

She nodded again, more perceptively, more determined. She got up slowly to run into the house. Quickly, she prepared a bucket of hot water and a towel and came back to her friend’s side.

“Here, she won’t let us bring her inside, so I brought this here.”

Without a single look to her again, Katsuki nodded and took the slightly wet and hot towel. He put it with care on the mother’s belly. She fussed at first but soothed when she noticed it was making her feel way better. She kept the boy’s thumbs in her mouth nonetheless, bitting violently at it again.

“Okay. It’s time beautiful. You can do it.”

But Bakugou didn’t seem to mind.

Uraraka looked at him, mesmerized. She wanted to approach them to see each detail but was afraid to disturb them. So she stayed kneeled, admiring with stars on her eyes, heart beating loudly in her chest, the birth of kittens.

She was surprised again to notice how much care and tenderness her friend was putting in each move. He felt so at ease with it, as if he had done it multiples times already, as he talked sweetly to the mommy, encouraging her. He knew what to do, and that showed. She exhaled heavily, not realizing she has been holding her breath the whole time.

Suddenly but slowly, the explosion boy turned to her, hands stretched out. In them, a little being full of fur, not much bigger than his hands, eyes closed and completely still. She still noticed the way the belly moved from breathing. She stayed like that a few seconds, looking at the kitten, tears in her eyes.

It was silly, she was crying in front of a baby cat. It wasn’t the first time she saw one. But seeing this one in particular, who was born thanks to her friend's effort, moved her a lot. She was extremely thankful to be able to assist such a wonderful act.

“Here, do you want to take him?”

She blinked once. Then twice. Assessing his words. Then, she locked eyes with Bakugou. It was the first time he was looking at her since they were outside. She engraved in her head the gentle look he was giving her before taking the pet he was holding. She was a bit afraid to drop him or hurt him. Her hands were shaking but Katsuki's reassuring ones helped her keep the kitten steady in her hands.

He was wet and hot. The slight up and down of his chest tickled her skin. She couldn’t keep her eyes away from him as her smile kept growing wider.

“There’s a last one. When he’ll be out, put this one next to the mother or she may attack you.”

Ochako nodded. Well, she intended to nod, but wasn’t really successful, still beaming about the little being cuddling in her hands. She could see in the corner of her eyes her best friend turning to the mother, ready to help her with the next one. A few seconds after, which seemed like hours for her, the boy’s voice rang in her ears.

“You can put him down.”

With all the gentleness she could, she approached the cat and put the first baby of the family down. Instinctively, the mommy started to lick his fur, keeping them clean. The two teenagers watched, beaming, still grateful to be able to look at such beautiful moments.

”The one you’ve held will be Ocha.”

She looked up at him, eyes wide, surprised. Katsuki just gently smiled at her, as she noticed the stars he also had in his eyes. She hasn’t been expecting that at all and was touched by the attention.

Ocha. She had a cat with her name. Her smile widened as she shared all the gratefulness through her gaze.

“I let you choose the name of the second one.”

She laid her eyes on the sweet family, cheeks pink with pleasure. She didn’t know if her parents will accept this new family into their house, but it still pleased her to choose their name. The mommy didn’t wear any necklace, so maybe she could keep them. In a last smile, she told in a trembling voice.

“Kats. His name will be Kats.”

As if to make it official, the blond repeated.

“Ocha and Kats.”

They stayed sitting on the ground, watching the new family cuddling against each other, both of them cuddling too. They had their hands intertwined, as Ochako was laying her head in his shoulder. It was soothing, just being with the person they cared so much about, watching some cat purring and stretching.

After taking her dog’s basket minutes later, Ochako brought it outside for the cats. They tried the whole afternoon to put them in it, so they could carry them inside. When the mother finally accepted, the afternoon was nearly coming to an end. They both carried the basket into the house to put it in the living room.

Neither of them had eaten throughout the day, spending their time watching over the mother and her children. But both didn’t care, they would do it again without any further thinking. So they just sat again around the basket and talked. About their day, about their favorite moment, about their favorite pet, about anything they could. Until their belly started to shout for food in unison, which made them laughed out loud.

“I’m going to make dinner.” Katsuki said as he started to get up. But the brown girl quickly grabbed his arms to put him back down.

“Oh wait! I nearly forgot.” She jumped up as if the door was on fire and run upstairs. Puzzled, he could hear her footsteps in the bathroom before she came back to him with some first aids. She sat back next to him, taking his hand to examine it.

“I don’t need it Cheeks. It’s-”

She shushed him with her finger, frowning. So he just looked at her, waiting patiently for her to finish. Gently, she wiped off the dry blood on his hands with cotton soaked of alcohol.

“You’re good with cats.” She told in a whisper. He shrugged, not knowing what to say.

“You even called her beautiful.” She grinned, wiggling her eyebrows as he scoffed, rolling his eyes. Her focus stayed on his hands though, tracing the scars lightly.

Most of the wounds were already closed, they couldn’t be disinfected, but this certainly won’t disturb him. After posing a little pad on his deeper wound, she quickly pecked it.

“There you go!” Then she let go of his hand and tucked back the first aid kit. Katsuki got up fast, ears red and cheeks on fire. He mumbled a light thank you before running through the kitchen to hide his embarrassment.

He heard her going back to the bathroom and waited for her to come to the kitchen. They decided to cook nice chicken soup for tonight, wanting to surprise Ochako’s parents. She wasn’t a really good cooker, at least not good with salted food, so she just helped him find all the ingredients he needed while Bakugou actually cooked.

“Eh, Mochi! Get away from them!” She ran into the living room, chasing her dog away from the cats. She came back, pushing the basket into the kitchen. Mochi was following her, interested in what’s been on his house all evening, or maybe jealous that it wasn’t him in it. Ochako sat on the ground, proclaiming herself guardian angel of the new family. She kept pushing her dog away, but couldn’t help herself from laughing at his poor attempt at sniffing the pets. She had way too much love for her big companion. Katsuki just kept doing the cooking, amused by her laughs.

Ochako’s parents had come back home a few minutes after the dinner was ready. Touched by the sweet attention, they ate together happily, each of them telling about their day. In a matter of minutes, Uraraka’s family has accepted three new members in their home.

Chapter Text

Katsuki was mad.

Like the furious kind of mad.

He has been trying to fall asleep for two hours now, but it wasn’t an easy task. It even seemed impossible. Because he was hot. Like mad hot. He has already got rid of the blanket, he even hadn’t move to the slightest, but he was still hot.

Not the kind of sweet warmth after a long day, neither the kind of warmth that announced good news. He knew that. It was more the kind of warmth that he couldn’t fight even if he found himself stuck in a fridge. The kind of hot that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room, the kind that emanated directly from his body.

He had spent the last two hours laid on his back, looking at the ceiling, eyes severely shut hopping to forget how hot his skin was and how choked his breath was. All of that for a small chance to be able to sleep. In vain. He couldn’t keep his eyes shut and could feel the headache watching him for afar, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Or rather the worst moment to strike.

Uraraka seemed to be sleeping peacefully since they said goodnight to each other. He could hear her slight breaths and even the bed’s noises when she moved. Because she could move. She wasn’t hot. She didn’t have the impression to be locked in a sauna.

Bakugou sighed for the ninth time, more and more pissed at himself. He knew it wasn’t his fault, but he couldn’t help feeling angry and frustrated. He just wanted his body to soothe and his mind to clear so he could sleep. Because he was tired.

After spending a whole day at the pool with Uraraka, he was exhausted. When he had woken up this morning, his friend had told him they were going to have fun. It was Saturday, so the public pool was open, and she had had the firm intention to take advantage of it. Of course, he had accepted, and he didn’t regret it at all.

They both had fun like children. Whether it was the little or big pool, swimming or talking, challenging to see who could hold their breath longer underwater or who went down the waterslide faster, they both found activities to do. It’s been a long time since he had fun like that.

They ate sandwiches they had prepared in the morning together. They chose not to listen to Ochako’s parents, who have warned them not to get in the water after lunch, by jumping in the water after lunch. Cheeks pink of pleasure, nose white thanks to the solar cream, the two teenagers enjoyed each second at the pool.

Each second, exposed to the sun. The sunscreen was slight, but it didn’t prevent them from staying under the heat. Their shoulders turned red, just like their forehead and cheeks. At the end of the day, they looked like tomatoes. Mister Uraraka had sworn he could use them for the soup he was making for dinner. Even after putting fresh wet towels on their burnt skin, they could still feel the warmth of the sun on it.

But Katsuki was the one who suffered the most. After spending the whole day out to help the cats the day before, the sunlight really touched him today. The cold-hot effect of the shower and the pool had led him to this exact moment.

He didn’t want to admit it, but he was starting to get sick.

At the worst moment.

He had two days left at Uraraka’s, he didn’t have the time to be sick. He had to be in excellent health to be able to enjoy each minute with his friend.

He didn’t know how much time will pass before they could see them again. So he had to take care of each moment he had with her, in case he wouldn’t be able to see her before a long time. And it wasn’t by being sick that he will succeed.

Katsuki sincerely hoped that everything would be better in the morning, but there wasn’t too much place for hope. He was having a bad night, he knew even if he would wake up healed tomorrow he wouldn’t be in a good mood. Uraraka would necessarily try to ease his tension, but he doubted it could work. Because it won’t change the fact that he had spent a horrible night.

And nothing could upset him more than a horrible night.

He loved nighttime. It was a moment with himself or a few one he loved, in which the world was calm, the atmosphere sweet and warm. It was also an important moment for the body and the soul. He loved sleeping. He loved sleeping a lot. Because it made his body stronger, more energized in the morning. Because it allowed him to be at ease, more understanding and functional.

But he was doing the exact opposite of sleeping right now. And there was nothing that could upset him more.

The blond sighed again and chose to let half of his body on the fresh floor tile while the other half stayed laid on the mattress. The freshness of the ground eased him a bit but he didn’t try to shut his eyes this time.

He won’t be able to sleep, it was a fact.

Instead, he watched the silhouette of his friend on her bed, nearly imperceptible in the dark. He knew she will never be mad at him for being sick, but he didn’t want to disappoint her. They didn’t see each other often, so if besides, he couldn’t go out when they were together, it would suck.

Uraraka has always been a very sympathetic being. She had supported him several times, even if she hadn’t always been there for him.

He couldn’t blame her though, because his pride didn’t make him any better. However, they completed each other well. They looked like two pieces of a puzzle, created to be with the other.

He was very scared to lose her again, to stay without any news from her for a long period. After all, his friend did change. She has become a real teenager now. She had made choices, she had her problems, her wishes. He knew she will always consider him as an excellent friend, but that didn’t keep her from forgetting him once he was far away from her.

Bakugou shook his head, trying to get these thoughts out of him. Even if she did change, it was more about her physical appearance than moral. She still was the little Ochako, so sweet and kind to him. She, who accepted him the way he was.

She promised. She promised she would remember for the both of them, that she had enough memory for the two of them. So he trusted her.

The bed cracked while he noticed the silhouette move a little. He frowned as he saw her turning to face him. Katsuki couldn’t see her expression, but he guessed it in her voice.

“You can’t sleep?”

A bit ashamed to have woken her up with his loud sighing, he didn’t dare talk and shook his head before remembering she couldn’t clearly see him. He cleared his throat before answering aloud this time. “No.”

He saw her sit on her bed but he didn’t move. The freshness of the ground on his skin pleased him and he didn’t want to disturb that. So he just stared at her silhouette, guessing her expression by the sound of her voice.

“Why?”

“I’m hot.” his voice was a bit grumpy even if he hadn’t been able to sleep, but she didn’t point it. Ochako stood up and get out of her bed to open her window. After letting a few waves of air enter the room she went back into her bed.

The opened window allowed him to hear everything that was happening outside. And as if she has read his mind, the brown girl exclaimed. “We can hear what’s happening outside better.” She sat on her bed, legs crossed and face turned to the slight breeze entering through the window. “I like the crickets’ noises at night, it’s like a sweet lullaby.” He didn’t answer, simply listening to the insects' noises who lived only when the sun was hiding. They stayed like this a few minutes, without saying anything, enjoying the slight breeze and the mellow crickets’ sound. Until Katsuki heard her move and felt a cold hand pose on his forehead. He jumped a bit, surprised by the action but relaxed quickly once he understood that she was checking on him. Her face was nearer, and the moonlight in the room allowed him to see her expression better.

Her eyebrows were narrowed, and her eyes which were usually round and wide were crinkled, a sign of concentration and worry.

“You have a fever.”

Simple finding. Katsuki sight and closed his eyes. The headache has been here for a while now, he couldn’t deny it. He nodded, eyes still shut, trying to calm him. He couldn’t be sick. Not this week. He didn’t care about being ill next week or even in two days, just not when he should spend time with Ochako. “Maybe you should take a shower? It’ll make you feel better.”

He answered for the first time of the night, shaking quickly his head in negation. He winced as he didn’t want to be impolite, but it was already too late. He saw her raise an eyebrow, waiting patiently for him to explain.

“I don’t want to take a... cold shower.” He scratched his cheeks, letting a slight red mark, a bit embarrassed. He didn’t know how to say it without being rude or embarrass her, so he continued in a whisper. “Not that I’m complaining. It’s just that I’m sick because of the cold shower.”

She looked at him curiously, eyebrows furrowed again as if he just told her the earth was flat. “Turn the hot water then.”

The boy rolled his eyes, frustrated. He was a bit less angry since she was awake, but he still felt hot. “No shit? Why didn’t I thought of it sooner?”

He saw her face distort in deep réflexion, as she was even more puzzled. “Katsuki, you know we have hot water right? You just have to pull and turn it to the right.” It was his turn to frown as he watched her, unbelieving and even angrier than before. “Turn it to- Of fucking course not! I’ve been turning it either side without pulling the damn thing!”

He heard a light chuckle and crossed his arms, annoyed and hurt. It was the first time Uraraka’s smile didn’t soothe him. Arm still crossed, he sat down to glare at her. Which only made her laugh louder. But Katsuki didn’t find this funny at all. He had fallen sick stupidly. He growled, letting him fall on his back angrily.

“Sorry, but it was kind of funny.” The girl said once calmer. He saw her smiling at him, but he only responded with a small “Tch”.

He loved the way his friend usually soothe the atmosphere, making it lighter, more joyful. Even if he was still frustrated and felt dumb, he could feel it. The air was colder, lighter. He knew it was the combination of the opened window and her sweet laugh. He forced himself to loosen a bit, trying to calm his mind and hoping his body’s temperature will cool down. He desperately needed sleep.

“How can I help you fall asleep?” Her voice was a murmur as if she was afraid to scare or browbeat him. She always had this voice during this kind of moment. It was the kind of voice he has always imagined on a guardian angel. That’s partly why he has considered Ochako has his guardian angel since he met her.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t do much to help him this time. He was hot, and the window was already open, he just had to wait for his fever to go away. So he shook his head before sighing, letting go of the tension in his body which was still half laid on the floor.

They stayed like this for an hour without talking much. Ochako settled for humming some songs she knew by heart while Bakugou would cut her off sometimes to tell her to go to sleep. She must be tired too, he didn’t want her to stay awake all night just because he couldn’t find sleep.

Throughout this hour his body’s temperature didn’t change to the slightest. However, he felt it differently. Without even noticing it at first, he found himself lying full body on the mattress and blanket up to his nose. It was only when he started trembling that he really observed the change.

Now, he was cold. Like, mad cold.

He growled, exhausted and fed up by this change. The blanket wasn’t enough to warm him now and the snapping of his teeth didn’t go unnoticed. Uraraka checked his fever for the tenth time, before going out of bed to close the window. Then, instead of laying on her bed, she joined him on his. “You’re cold.” This simple finding gave him goosebumps while he was trying not to tremble like a leaf.

Bakugou didn’t like being sick. He felt his red and blazing cheeks, so he knew his body was hot. However, his body was trembling without his consent, trying desperately to found a source of warmth even though his temperature was way higher than normal. He felt cold sweat running down his neck. All of this didn’t help his mood as tiredness and madness confused his mind.

Ochako took her own blanket and opened it on him. She tucked him under both bed comforter, putting the edges under his body so he looked like sushi. He couldn’t move anymore, but at least he was well covered. When she started laying down beside him he had a slight recoil.

“Don’t worry my mom always does that when I’m sick. You’ll feel better, you’ll see.”

He relaxed, accepting her presence at his side, both separated by the layer of blankets. Slowly, she started fondling his hair, playing carefully with his strands of hair. The way she was doing it reminded him of the way one pets a cat, but he didn’t care. It helped him feel better. He let him be soothed by the moves of her finger in his hair, trying to match his breathing with hers. Tremblings were fewer even though he was still cold and sweaty.

He tried not to think about the fact that his best friend was passing her hand through his hair while they were both laying on the same bed. If he thought about it too much, he knew he was going to blush and he didn’t need that right now. He felt hot enough like this. So he focused only on the sweet moves in his hair and her breath’s noises. That’s how he fell asleep in a matter of minutes, exhausted.

When he woke up in the morning his throat was extremely dry. Opening his eyes seemed impossible and his body was tensed as if it was turned to stone. He was a bit hot and felt confined, attracted by the ground, crushed by an invisible mass.

When he finally opened his eyes he noticed the mass was, in fact, tow large blankets. Feeling stuck up, he got rid of them and took a large breath. A breath which made him couch aloud. He heard the bed creaked at his side and glanced at it. He saw Uraraka, laid down on her bed but her body turned to him, slowly waking up. He mentally slapped himself for waking her and would surely curse if he wasn’t spitting his lungs out.

Without a word, Ochako got out of bed and ran downstairs to come back with a glass full of water. He took it unflinchingly and drank a large sip of it to calm him. Once he found his normal breath back, he looked around him. He was still on his mattress, at the difference that there were towels around it with a bucket of water. He frowned, finally looking at his friend.

She was kneeling in front of him, hair in battle and face distorted with concern. He could see the slight dark circle under her eyes as a guilty feeling hit him hard. She may have stayed awake all night to take care of him, tossing her health in the trash. His cheeks became red as he turned his gaze away, looking at the window. The window that, even though it was not entirely closed, didn’t let any sunlight pass through it. He frowned, looking back at his friend.

“For how long have I been asleep ?” His voice squeaked a bit, sign that it’s been a while since he last talked. The girl sighed, letting some tension out before sitting next to him.

“You’re parents are coming to take you in a few hours.”

His heart squeezed as his lungs felt themselves unable to found air. Two days. He has been asleep for two days. Bakugou bit his lips, disappointed and mad at himself. He had ruined the last two days they had together. Two days where they should have had fun and enjoyed the last hours with each other. Instead, he has spent two days sleeping, preventing his friend to sleep at the same time.

He understood now the dark circles under her eyes and her worried gaze. The guilt he felt was nothing compared to the one he had when Ochako’s father appeared at the door.

A small smile on his lips, but still worried, Mr. Uraraka had his arms crossed and was leaning at the door. His look was full of tenderness and Katsuki couldn’t keep himself for turning his eyes away from him, ashamed. He bowed his head, biting his lips again. He didn’t deserve their affection. Not only he had prevented Ochako from sleeping but he kept her father from going to work too. Great.

“I’m sorry.” He said in a small voice which made the girl on his left to jump a little.

“That’s nice of you to say, son. But you have nothing to be sorry for. It’s not your fault.”

He felt his friend's arms circled him, allowing him to take a relieved breath. Pleased that they have accepted his excuses, but still mad that he failed his last days here.

“If you two need anything, I’ll be downstairs. You should drink some tea Katsuki, it will help you.”

This last nodded, thanking him silently. Ochako slowly got away from him, sitting back we’re she was seconds before. After a long moment of silence, she told him cheerfully. “You have nothing to be sorry for. It’s okay, it happens. And even though I was worried, I was glad to take care of you!”

His cheeks burnt as he turned to face her, thankfulness in the eyes. As usual, she gave him a wide and sincere smile. The kind of smile he wished she only give to him. He had found an incredible friend, he was happy to be at her side. He nodded, accepting her words. Then, she got up and stretch her hand to him.

“Come, I’m going to make you a tisane”

He accepted her help and went downstairs into the kitchen with her. Her father was sitting on the couch, their dog on his knees, watching tv as he was distractedly petting him.

Katsuki sat on the table and watched her friend moving around in the kitchen. He noticed the aromatic herbs freshly picked, still dirty on the table and deduced she had taken them in their garden.

He observed her counting the leaves, boiling water and choosing between the large choice of plants she had taken. After a few minutes, she put a bowl of tisane in front of him and handed him two sugar cubes.

“You should eat them first, you hadn’t eaten for two days.” He nodded, already eating the sugar and enjoying the sweet taste on his tong. He usually didn’t like such sweet taste, but after these last hours, it was very welcoming. He was drinking the remedy his friends had prepared when the door opened letting Miss Uraraka make an appearance.

She went greeting her husband before coming to the teenagers. When she saw him, a large and relieved smile came across her lips. She approached him and put a hand on his hair, petting them before giving them a kiss. “You scared us Sleeping Beauty.” Her sweet laugh persisted after she welcomed her daughter. He blushed, looking at his bowl with fake interest. “Yeah, sorry about that.”

He raised his head to look at both women, to find twins looking at him fondly. His blushed deepened, embarrassed by the attention of the two beings as he tried to hide it by taking a huge sip of tisane.

They were quickly joined by the oldest man, who started clooking diner with the help of his wife. Katsuki’s parents have agreed to stay for dinner before going back to town, and they will arrive in a matter of an hour. Ochako was all smile and sparkle again, relieved to see her friend was better. She brought him to the living room, letting her parents alone to play with the kittens. That’s how hey found themselves sitting on the ground, playing archly with Ocha and Kats. Both pets were still too little to be able to run or jump but they seemed to appreciate their presence. They already had their personality traits and that amused Uraraka a lot.

“Kats is really cuddly. I brought them both in my room yesterday. I put them at your side, hoping they would help you heal a bit faster with some company.” She laughed silently, petting Kat’s belly, who was fidgeting under her fingers. The mommy was laying on a side of the living room, licking her paws lazily while keeping an eye on her children.

“He didn’t hesitate a second and cuddle against the blanket with you to sleep. Ocha on contrary fought when I tried to put her next to you, so I let him play on my bed.”

Bakugou looked at the little ball of fur, smiling at his turn. He had Ocha on his knees, who was trying to bit him with her tiny teeth. He laughed, earning him a curious but happy look from his friend. “I think we got their name wrong. Ocha should have been Kats and vice versa.”

The gravity manipulator smiled widely, nodding. “But it’s too late now. I think they already know their names. Ah now that I’m thinking about it, I haven’t introduced them to Lollipop and Cupcake yet!”

Katsuki laughed again, rolling his eyes. To be fair, it didn’t surprise him to see that Uraraka wanted to present the cats to her fishes.

As they started to get up to go outside, they heard a car parking. Bakugou’s smile faded a bit while he waited patiently for his parents to come in.

Not that he wasn’t happy to see them. After a whole week away from them, he was happy to see his father, and even to hear his mother brash voice. But that meant he will soon leave Uraraka without knowing when they will see them again. He bit his cheeks as he heard the parents’ greeting at the entry. When his mother appeared in his sight, his usual scowl took the place of his small smile. The blond mother approached him, a smile on her lips. She kissed him heartily, giving him a tight hug as he struggled to get away from her fold.

“You scared us, you little brat!” He sighed, putting some space between him and his mother. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

When she finally let go of him, it was his father’s turn to put him in a hug, but this one didn’t lasted and was more pleasant. “You’ve missed us, son.” He looked away, flushing slightly from all the attention, embarrassed, before answering. “Yeah, yeah. You too old man.”

“Jesus! Ochako what a wonderful young girl you’ve become!” His mother beamed while hugging the little girl. They both laughed joyfully, accepting the embrace way better than Katsuki. “Don’t get me wrong, you always have been a wonderful girl, but puberty did hit you well!” The other adults joined the laugh, all happy in front of this spectacle, and soothed to meet again. Ochako blushed hard but couldn’t wipe her big smile from her face. “Thank you Miss Bakugou!”

The families spend a beautiful evening. All gathered around the table, they talked and laughed about their life while they were miles away from each other, about the last time they had seen them, their children, parents, school, and work. The discussion was easily going between these two families as if they knew each for centuries.

This pleased both teenagers so much to see their respective family being this close to their friend’s one. It was like a promise. The promise to keep in touch, as if they were just one and big family.

The goodbyes were hard, as usual. Ochako cried and Katsuki tried not to even though his heart was suffocating. They didn’t know when they will see each other again and were afraid to live like those three last years. It’s been a while now since they met, but they hadn’t spent much time together. Yet, their friendship was incomparable. They were best friends. They knew each other better than anyone and yet they’re still learning about the other each time they talk.

It was this sidewalk, at eight years old which had reunited them. And here they were, a few years later, still friends, still united. A friendship quite original, but above all wrought by distance.

So yes, they were afraid because they didn’t know when they will be able to see again, or even when they will be able to talk to each other. But they knew one thing.

Whatever the hour, the moment, the way, their friendship will always bring them back together.

Whatever the place, they will be with each other again.

Because they had a strong link that united them.

It was their friendship.

Chapter Text

Katsuki was ready and had been for months now. He had trained hard for years, doing exercises, overtaking his quirk. He had stayed locked in his room more time than necessary, learning his lessons, trying to keep in thoughts all he had learned. He knew there was no chance that two words on his record would keep him from achieving his goal. “Memory disorder” will not prevent him from entering UA and he was sure of it.

He would lie if he’d say he wasn’t anxious though. Not because he was afraid to fail, failure was not an option here and will never be. But because he was scared he wouldn’t be able to succeed in making his place to the top. Entering UA wasn’t enough. It was a step, a big step. But he needed to make a great impression on the judges. He needed them to see him, to have faith in him.

He had always been the boy who needed to do more than others. A lesson that some people would take a week to understand and learn, it would take him a month. But he never complained, he just did it. He didn’t care how much effort he had to put in it, he just did what needed to be done to be the best, to keep up with the rhythm. At that meant also for UA.

He had to make an impression in their exam entrance so that he won’t be left behind once into UA. He needed to show everything he could do, to impress his future teachers so that they would not think about him as a fragile boy. Because he was certainly not.

The first important moment of his goal started here. And even though he was indeed nervous, he wasn’t going to let that overwhelmed him. He didn’t have many chances, he didn’t have time for them. He wanted to show the world he could be as great as All Might and even better. He was well suited to be a hero, to be recognized as one, and that he too, had values. It was his turn to shine, his first step was now, and he will not screw it.

So it’s eyebrows furrowed but a strong look of determination in the eyes that he passed the portal. This simple step aroused excitement in him, leaving him with a small grin of satisfaction. He could get used to that feeling, the one he felt while crossing the gate and going straight into the school.

He didn’t take the time to look around, or even observe the people he will compete against. He will have time to see the architecture of school once a student in it, and more than half of the people here weren’t going to make it. So he went straight to the huge room, head raised, hands in his pocket, full pride and determination.

He found Midoriya already seated next to his place, bouncing on his chair and mumbling over everything he could think of. Bakugou rolled his eyes and took his seat.

“Kacchan! So great to see you. You look great, I mean you don’t look stressed. As I was expecting of you of course. I am. Stressed I mean. But so excited! What do you think will the exam be? I bet they’re going to-“

“Shut up Deku.” Katsuki growled while giving his friend a weird look.

“Right. Sorry.” The boy rumbled, blushing. “I tend to forget you don’t like to talk that much.”

The Blonde rolled his eyes again as Mydoria put his attention back to the podium where a man was waiting for everyone to be here. He noticed the way Deku’s eyes were a bit dark, even if they were sparkling of excitement. There were a few bruises on his arms and hands, which took his attention. He knew his friends had been training to be able to get here too. The muscles which slowly appeared through these last months proved that. But he never saw bruises until today. Maybe he wasn’t really paying attention.

Deku had always shared the same passion as him. They both wanted to be like All Might, so they both wanted to go to UA. Katsuki knew his friend had been training hard, but he doubted that will be enough.

After all, he didn’t have a quirk. The probably for the green-haired boy to become a hero was nearly zero. He never told him that though. He wasn’t the best person to talk here, with the disease, he maybe had just a little chance too. But he believed in himself, and he could respect the fact that Deku at least, was trying.

Sure, that didn’t prevent him from being a little jerk from time to time. The boy could really be a pain in the ass sometimes, but it wasn’t his role to say that he stood no chance.

Katsuki put his attention back to the teacher who just started explaining the rules.

He was glad. Bakugou couldn’t help the full grin to spread on his lips as the explication went further and further. He was made for this exam, build to destroy the enemy, even more if the enemy was just some mechanical objects. He knew now and had no more doubt about it; he will make his place into the first rank.

And with fewer words than it takes to say it, he found himself launching at a robot, raging and shouting all his power, destroying them one by one. He didn’t think twice about it, he just made the more noises he could do, transforming the most robots he could into fuming ashes. The adrenaline growing in his veins, satisfaction in his head, and pride in his heart.

He went full Bakugou Katsuki.

He didn’t stop before there was no more robots left on his sight, as he already had aimed all that have found themselves on his way. He was panting, but couldn’t care less. He looked around him, proud of all the mess he had done, before taking a long inspiration while looking at the sky.

The sky which was filled with floating robots. He frowned, looking curiously but suspiciously at them. He hadn’t fought any flying robots until now and doubted that they were actually flying. He observed them better, and noticed they were all gathered in the same spot in the air, with a slight pink aura around them.

His heart skipped a bit, as his eyes went wide. That couldn’t be true. He glanced around him one more time, searching for something, he didn’t know what, but he knew he didn’t really want to find it. He was scared of what it could be.

He ran, eyes on the robots floating in the air, trying to get closer to them. He passed several people, several robot’s leftovers, but his attention was only on one thing. When he noticed the pink aura disappeared, his heart made a leap as his feet sped up to the location the iron mass was falling. He turned after a building, just a few feet away from the price, and that’s when he found it.

As the robot crashed onto the ground, metal being thrown everywhere, a huge dirt cloud growing from the ground, he saw her. Just in front of the crashing, back turned to him, there was this girl. Brown hair floating around her head, legs apart and hands, he guessed, pressed against each other. Air flew out of his lungs, as he saw Uraraka, his badass friend, crushing out about a dozen of robots at once.

What on earth was she doing here?

He swallowed hard, feeling a strange emotion growing in him. His mouth felt bitter, his whole soul felt bitter as he got punched in the heart. The impact made him move back as he watched in horror that nothing had really punched him.

What the hell was she doing here?

He watched her taking huge breaths as she steadied herself by putting her hands on her knees. And the next thing he saw was his friend throwing her lungs out. He frowned, as his hand instinctively reach out to her, even though she was still a few steps away.

He took a second to understand what was happening to him and was surprised when he understood he was feeling betrayed. Why hadn’t she told him she was doing the exam entrance of UA? He knew it had been quite a moment since they last saw each other, but it wasn’t like they didn’t call? They talked a lot through video calls, so why hadn’t she told him about it?

He knew she wanted to be a hero too, but he thought she would take another school, way nearer her family’s house. He knew how much her dad and her mom meant so much to her, so he thought she would have chosen to stay with them so she could help them. He never thought about the idea that she could be in UA with him.

Don’t get him wrong, he was thrilled by the idea. Even though he was there to work on his dream, having Uraraka by his side was something he was glad to have. But at least, he would have preferred for her to tell him she wanted to be here. They could have cheered and supported each other. They could have talked about it while sharing their dreams.

So yes, Katsuki felt betrayed. Because she was her only true friend, the one he cared so much about that he kept notebooks to not forget about her. Because she hadn’t felt like telling him she wanted to go to UA was important enough.

He saw her turn around as if she noticed someone was watching her from behind. She was wiping her mouth with her arms, and her face was dark shades of pink but she had this look in her eyes. The kind of look Katsuki will always respect, the kind of look that yelled that she was powerful. And she was.

Once she recognized him, she sent him her brightest smile. She even lifted her arms high in the sky to wave at him as he could nearly hear her giggle. He didn’t move, watching her act as if she hadn’t just startled him. His lack of reaction puzzled her, as he could see the way her eyebrows furrowed and her mouth pouted.

And slowly, so slowly he noticed the way her eyes went round, the way her lips parted, as understanding flew in her mind. He couldn’t miss the disappointment in her eyes, even if he found himself to be blind. A slight, sad and shady smile grew in her lips, as he too, understood the situation.

She did tell him about it.

He must have forgotten it.

He went to Uraraka’s house two years ago, but unlike the first time, they did stay in touch while apart. They had called each other often, even if there wasn’t any event for it. They had called if they would feel like it, if Katsuki needed support, if Ochako had something to tell.

They had stayed awake late at night, watching a movie together through the video call, doing homework together or even cooking at the same time. It felt really good, each time, he would grab his notebook and write about it until his hands were hurt. He just wanted to remember each detail of their friendship.

So if she wanted to try the exam entrance, she surely mentioned it. And if she mentioned it, he must have written it. So why on earth did he not remember it?

A loud crash put him out of his thoughts as several people started to scream. He heard pieces of concrete falling before seeing them. He looked up, to see with horror the huge robot the school specifically said not to mess with, making his way through the building, destroying them by the way.

His eyes went back on his friend to find her nowhere. He searched through the dirt the monster had created, but she was nowhere to be found. He nodded, thinking she may have gotten away, she was smart enough not to mess with the big guy.

He turned around with the firm intention to let his thought and feelings bottled in a corner of his mind and go back to kill some more robots. But at the moment he started running away, he heard a whimper. He stopped straight away and turned back again faster than he thought he could do. He could recognize this voice, eyes closed. Without thinking about it, not even understanding it, his foot acted out of instinct, he rushed to the place his friend was minutes ago.

But before he could even approach it, he saw green lighting throwing itself out of a corner of a building, going straight to the giant mass of iron. In a matter of seconds, the robot broke, falling into millions of pieces, as a body was free falling. Katsuki stopped, as he watched with horror the person falling, straight into the ground. He reacted a bit late, running to save whoever it was, but Uraraka was faster. She threw herself at the body, slapping it to erase his gravity. She deactivated it seconds after and threw out whatever was left of her stomach.

When the blond arrived on the scene, a strident noise filled the arena warning them that the exam had finished. Katsuki glanced at the sky, puzzled by the hordes of feeling inside him, before laying eyes on the two bodies on the ground.

Uraraka was laying on her back, arms covering her eyes as her chest was moving up and down frantically, out of breath. Beside her, Deku was laying on his belly, arms and legs completely destroyed. Bakugou had never seen such injuries, his skin was a dark purple, scratched and bruised as if it had exploded.

He didn’t know how the boy destroyed the robot, or even how he was still alive, but he was really injured. He even noticed the tears, rolling down on the green haired’s cheeks, but said nothing. He stayed still, looking at his two only friends. Two friends that were in danger minutes ago, who didn’t hesitate to put themself in danger to save the other even if they didn’t know them. His two friends helped themselves as he had just stood there, like a spectator.

An old lady came, putting Deku, who was still crying, on a stretcher. Then, she looked at Uraraka, sighing loudly.

“They really think everything is possible as long as I’m here right?” She told, mostly to herself. “Are you injured, honey? Can you walk to my office?”

The gravity manipulator nodded as she tried to get up. Bakugou bit his lip and went to reach her. He passed his arms around her body, lifting her but she stopped him by putting a hand on his chest.

“I can walk.” He nodded and put her arms around his neck to support her nonetheless. He helped her until they arrived into the infirmary of the school and waited for her outside in the waiting room as Recovery Girl told him he wasn’t allowed any further.

So he sat on the ground, back against a wall, staring at a poster of a skeleton. He tapped his head against the wall, shutting his eyes.

He had forgotten. How?

He searched through his shady memories, bitting his lips of guilt. He passed in mind all the conversations they had, all the things he wrote in his notebook.

He remembered what she got for her birthdays, or even that she called him at midnight for his own, screaming and singing him happy birthday. He remembered writing down the fact that a boy asked her to be his girlfriend, but she refused because she didn’t really know him and felt like she was too young. He remembered her calling him in the middle of the night, crying because she was scared she might never be able to help her parents. He remembered drinking hot cocoa when she told him Chako and Kats broke one of her mother’s pot flowers. So why wasn’t he able to remember a single part of her telling him she wanted to go to UA?

He certainly had written it in his notebook. He knew he didn’t read it as much as before, he knew he focused a lot about training for the exam entrance, he knew he didn’t open the book for a month now. But was he that focused to point he completely forgot his best friend wanted to go to the same school as his? How could he remember such small and insignificant moments but forget about this important information?

He could still see the disappointment in her eyes when she guessed he forgot about her. She had seen the surprise in his eyes, she had understood the feeling of betrayal in him and that was enough for her to know that he didn’t remember her mentioning UA.

He knew he crushed the exam, he knew he was going to get in. He had made wonderful scores back here. But he wasn’t feeling proud anymore now. He failed his best friend, again. He thought after all these years, all of this was done. That he could never fail her again, he could never forget anything about her. But here he was.

The infirmary door opened, letting Ochako out. She had a small bandage on her cheeks and looked a bit tired. She closed the door behind her and smiled at him once she noticed his presence. Bakugou got up, hands buried in his pockets, guilt and embarrassment written all over his face.

Her smile was sweet, but there was compassion behind it, and he hated it. She had always considered him as an equal and never pitied him. But he felt like she had some pity for him right now, and that hurt more than knowing she was disappointed. He looked at his feet, jaw tightened.

“Are you okay?” she asked in a whisper.

Here she was, worrying about him, still checking on him and taking care of him even though he forgot an important thing she had said. She really was too pure for this world. Katsuki growled to answer, without looking up.

“Yeah. And you?”

“I’m alright. Let’s go.”

The blond finally looked up to see a sincere smile on her lips. He sighed, following her outside the waiting room.

“Midoriya-kun is severely injured but he will be fine. He will not wake up after a few hours of sleep though, so Recovery Girl sent me home.”

Katsuki nodded, refraining himself from wincing at the name escaping her mouth. He just followed her through the corridors but stopped when he saw she was going in the wrong way.

“Where are you going?”

She stopped too, turning to face him. “I’m going to see the judges. That boy saved me, even if he hadn’t any points. I feel like I should let them know that. I prevented him from earning some points in the last minutes because I couldn’t get myself out of concrete. He shouldn’t be punished because of me.”

His breath found itself stuck in his lungs, as he watched her. He felt his heartbeat race and swallowed hard.

“And what are going to do about it? You can’t help him, it’s not your fault if he wasn’t able to collect points before the accident.”

Uraraka frowned, and stood straight, facing him as if she dared him to say what he really thought. “I’m going to share my points with him.”

Katsuki’s lips parted, dumbfounded. “Are you serious right now? That could cost your place!” He looked at her as if she was crazy as if she just lost her mind. But all she did was glaring back, daring with her eyes.

“He threw himself against a giant made of metal because I was in a bad situation, tossing his ticket for UA in the trash by the same occasion. Jeez, Katsuki why are you this bothered by it? He helped me, that's the least I can do!”

The boy sighed, passing his hands through his hair. He tried to cool himself, to ease his mind and his body tension through it. Then, in a whisper, he answered.

“It’s Deku.”

She frowned and crossed her arms. “Your friend?”

He rolled his eyes in response, balancing himself from feet to feet.

“And?” she continued, frowning harder. “If that’s nothing else but another reason to help him I don’t know what it is.”

The explosion boy rolled his eyes again and told in a better voice. “Forget it.”

“Excuse me but I really can’t find a reason for your being a jerk right now. Shouldn’t I be the one upset here?” He lifted an eyebrow, recognizing the anger building up in her. “You did forget that I wanted to go to UA right? That’s why you looked surprised back there?”

He took a step back, hurt by the slight venom in her voice. She had the right to be upset, really, but that didn’t make him feel any better. He scoffed and turned away, walking quickly out of this nightmare. He heard her sigh, as she cursed under her breath before running to him. He felt her hand in his arms, turning him to face her. He stopped and look down at her, mostly because of their height difference.

He was more hurt than he was mad, and she knew that. She sighed again, a hand still firmly gripping his arm as she scrubbed her eyes with the other one.

“I’m sorry. Listen, I’m not mad at you, I know it’s not your fault. I was a bit hurt. It’s just that we talked about it literally last week in a video call, and we’ve been talking about it for months now.” She gestured around her with her free arms, taking a huge breath. “I thought all of this was okay and that everything between us would be fine. I just assumed you would never forget about anything important anymore. I’m sorry for hurting you.” She looked at him dead in the eyes, a sorry smile on her lips. “And I know you must be hurt more than me right now, but that’s not a reason for letting a friend down. If you don’t want to come with me it’s fine. But I’m going to ask them to share my points with Deku anyway. I owe it to him.”

She had finished talking and was now patiently waiting for him to answer. Her soft brown eyes were shining in front of him, begging him to understand her, to forgive her. There was a small wrinkle between her eyebrows because she was worried that their friendship was in a bad state.

But they were best friends, and even distance never put them away. So this little inconvenient will never be the end of their wonderful relation.

So Katsuki passed an arm behind her back, putting her close to him. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before hugging her, burying her head into his chest. He felt the tension going out of her body as she relaxed through their embrace.

“I’ve missed you.” He said in a murmur. She giggled, tightening her arms around him even more before adding. “Me too.”

They both let go of each other, the atmosphere lighter. She smiled at him, relieved, before taking a few steps back.

“Where are you staying?” He asked, putting his hands back in his pockets. She waved her hand, laughing a bit awkwardly.

“To a small hotel not far away. My parents are waiting for me, don’t worry. You can go home, we will talk later.” She waved at him one last time before turning away and nearly running in the corridors. He sighed and turned too, heading for the way out.

Once he arrived home, he ignored his parents calling out for him, and escaped their questions by directly heading upstairs and locking him in his room. He laid down on his bed, reaching for his notebook under his pillow and reading through it.

We will be the greatest hero of all time.

Out of anger, he threw the book away, letting it fly god knows where. He took his pillow, buried his head in it  and screamed as loud as he could, getting all his frustration out.

He fell asleep minutes after, even with the sun entering his room, his parents at the other side of his door, worried.

I’m sorry.

Chapter Text

”Ready?”

”Yes, together.”

”One.”

”Two.”

”Three!”

He clicked on the link, heart racing, head spinning. Katsuki didn’t even have the time to read what was on the screen that the phone glued to his ear let out a strident noise. The loud and hight pitched scream was still audible after he moved his phone away, glaring at it half-amused, half-upset. He turned his eyes back to the screen, sighing, relieved, before putting his phone on his cheeks again.

Uraraka on the other side of it was still shouting and even started crying. He couldn’t help the proud smile on his lips as she cried happily. ”I got in! Oh my god Katsuki, I freaking got into UA!”

He laughed, shaking his head as he laid his back against his chair. Eyes locked on the mail, look full of stars and pride. ”Language round face.” He could hear her sniffing and laughing, probably looking like a mess right now. She was proud of herself, he knew that, and he was proud of her too.

He was proud of both of them. They had both worked really hard to attend UA, they had spent so much time training and studying to get there. Their efforts were worth it. Even though it was only the begging of everything, the beginning of their journey, he knew it was still a big step. A huge step, they had both took and succeeded in.

The first step into their common dream, the first step of their journey into becoming the greatest heroes of all time. After everything he’d been through, after each effort he had taken to do the best he could, he was finally into UA. Alongside his best friend.

”I’m so happy! I was so scared that I wasn’t going- Hold on, did you got in?” She didn’t even let him the time to answer that she continued, talking faster than he thought she was capable of. ”I’m so sorry, I was too excited I didn’t even ask you. But why didn’t you tell me straight away? Oh no. You didn’t get in? Oh, Katsuki. Did you?”

He laughed, cutting her in her rambling, clearly amused by her reaction. ”Of course I got in. Who do you think I am?” He could pretend to be cool as much as he wanted about it, but he fooled no one. It was obvious he was as excited and proud as her to see the outcome of all his efforts. After all, he finally proved to himself that he was worth so much.

Her sweet giggle echoed in his ear, widening his smile. ”We are both into UA! Do you even realize it Katsuki? We fucking got in!” He laughed again, shaking his head.

”Yeah Cheeks, we fucking got in.”

He felt as if his heart could burst of joy. He was going to be in the same school as his friend, training to become a hero. His heart squeezed at the realization that he will see her every day from now on, they won’t be separated for years anymore.

“How will you go to school though?” He asked, confused about why he hadn't thought about it sooner.

“I got a small apartment not far away, I’m setting in tomorrow.”

He frowned. “Why?”

She scoffed, talking as if he was the stupidest being alive. “Because I don’t want to sleep on the street duh.”

“Yeah, no shit? But I thought-“ He felt his ears turning red as he realized what he was about to say. “I thought... Well, you’d stay at my parent’s house.” He couldn’t get himself to say his house as he understood what that would mean. Now that he was thinking about it, he really thought she was going to stay at his. It was obvious for him and hadn't thought it would be weird or anything. After all, they were childhood friends, and friends always have each other’s back.

“That wouldn’t be fair Katsuki. It’s okay really, it’s cheap and I can take care of myself.”

“You know you wouldn’t have been a burden, you’re like family here.” This time, he blushed from head to toe. This was ridiculous, Ochako already knew all of this, him being ashamed to say it aloud was stupid.

“Yeah, I know, thank you.” Her smile was clearly audible. “But I’m good.”

“Okay.” He didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable or anything so he just added. “At least come for dinner from time to time.”

“That’s a great idea, thank you! What about tomorrow after our first day? I could come with you and say hello to your parents as we celebrate."

“Yeah, sounds good to me.” He answered, a smile coming back and forth. “Your parents will be there?”

“No, they go back in the first train tomorrow morning. And that reminds me, I should tell them the news, even though they probably heard me screaming like crazy.” She chuckled, he could imagine her pink cheeks and her cheerful smile.

“Yeah, I should go and tell old man and hag about it too.”

“Will you one day stop calling them that?” She teased, before continuing without letting him time to answer again. “See ya tomorrow Katsu.” There was a slight pause, where none of them talked, just letting the words sink into their skin. “Woah. We’ll actually see each other tomorrow. And it will be like that for at least three years.”

His heart missed a beat at her words, as reality truly hit him. She was right.

“Tch, can’t believe I’ll see your annoying face every day.”

“Yeah, me too. Can’t believe I’m going to see your grumpy face every day. What a drag.”

He scoffed as she laughed wholeheartedly. “Goodnight Cheeks.”

“Goodnight Katsuki.”

She was the one to end the call first, allowing him to sigh deeply. He got up, walking downstairs where his parents were watching TV. He found his mother cuddling into his father’s arms, both content, soothed, watching a stupid series. He laid his back on a wall behind them, telling in a neutral voice as if it was nothing.

“I got in.”

They both turned quickly to look at him, face slowly changing to surprise into pure delight and pride. Her mother was the first one to react as she got up and ran to him, lifting him in her arms. For once, he didn’t try to get away from her embrace and even let a slight grin grow on his face.

“Oh my god! My son at UA! I’m such a proud mom, look at you, all grown up and fierce, nailing every fucking thing you do! Ah, my genes are blooming in you.”

Katsuki puffed. “Calm down woman, my genes are much more dad’s than yours.”

She finally put him down, giving him a light tap on the head. “Don’t say such things, can’t a mom dream?”

“I’m afraid your mom is right, son.” His father said, approaching them. He hugged him tightly, giving him a small peck at the top of his head. “You’re growing fast, already into UA. We are very proud of you son, you did well.”

Katsuki puffed his chest, pride overtaking him. He was so glad and touched by his parent’s words. They always had been there for him, even if he wasn’t always fond of it, so making them proud touched him a lot. He grinned widely, accepting all the attention.

“That’s it, we’re making extra hot curry for tonight! Who’s with me?” The woman shouted, excited.

“Hell yeah.” They all went to the kitchen, excited to cook together for the event. “Ah, Ochako got in too. I invited her for dinner tomorrow, is that okay?”

“Of course, she’s family now, we have to celebrate this!”

He didn’t remember being this grateful and delighted during his life. Katsuki smiled, sighing contently.

Katsuki was fuming, hands clenched in tight fists, eyes red of anger, breath unsteady, he was glaring at Izuku who was glued to the wall, unable to move, petrified by the only sight of his friend. There was slight fear in his eyes, but the blonde could above all see concern. Which only made him angrier.

”Kacchan, please, just tell me what I’ve done to upset you. Whatever it was it wasn’t my intention and you should-”

”Shut up!” He shouted, making the green-haired one jump of surprise.

He was refraining himself so much right now. He wasn’t the guy that couldn’t hold his anger anymore, he has left this part of him behind. But damn, did he wanted to punch the nerd right now. But even if he found out that Izuku was just a huge liar, today was definitely not the day to blow things up. It was his first day of school, it wasn’t officially finished yet, and he didn’t want to get expelled the first day.

They had met their main teacher today, and he made them pass some test, telling them it was competition just to force them to put everything they had during the exercises. Hell, he had always put each drop of sweat into everything he had done, so this had been like a game for him.

So It wasn’t why he was mad.

”Don't you dare tell me you fucking don’t know why I’m coming to you right now.” He took a huge breath, trying to make it steady. ”After all these years, you’re really here trying to deny that you’re a fucking liar?” He took one step ahead, aligning his eyes with the boy he had considered a friend. ”You told me we were alike. You’re the one who told me we could to this shit together. You’re the one who told me about being heroes whatever disease we freaking have.”

He thought about the day before. He had seen Deku at their previous school, learning that they both got into UA. He remembered the strong and sincere feeling of happiness and pride he felt for his friend. They both were so happy for each other, two boys who were told their dreams were too big, too ambitious, finally proving everyone wrong.

Yes, he has been proud. Proud of them, proud of him and his two friends. He even told it to the nerd, telling him they were worth it, their efforts were rewarded.

Just for all of it to be crushed down in one day.

”You are one hell of a big liar!” He shouted again, voice cracking.

There was a silence during which both boys just stared at each other, trying to understand through their eyes why their friendship was taking this turn. Then, Midoriya sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head, body trembling.

”I would never do this to you Kacchan. I know why you’re thinking this, but believe me, I didn’t-”

”Yeah, and your quirk just popped up during the night, right?”

The boy winced, playing with his fingers. ”I can’t tell you anything about it, but please don’t-”

”Boys?”

A slight and unsure voice interrupted them, making them both look at the brown girl coming to their way. Katsuki immediately took a few steps back, looking away, trying to hide his anger. He didn’t want Uraraka to see this part of him, he didn’t want to lose another friend right now. She approached them, hands tied behind her back, eyeing them carefully.

”Ah, Uraraka-san, hi!”

He frowned, not daring to look up as he already knew she was now smiling all tooth out. Her cheerful voice confirmed it. ”Hi Deku-kun, sorry we didn’t really get to talk this morning.” She laughed sweetly as if the tension from before never existed. But Katsuki knew she had sensed it.

”De-Deku-kun?” This last stuttered, cheeks flushing.

”Yeah, isn’t that your name? Katsuki talked to me about you!”

He tensed up, letting a small ”Tch” out of his breath before finally looking up, hands in his pockets. He saw the surprised yet confused look of the nerd, looking at his friend as if she was crazy.

”He did?”

”Of course he did, silly!” She laughed again, swinging on her feet. ”He tells me everything!”

”He does?” His eyes were wide open now, just like his mouth, jaw dropping at his feet. He put himself back together, shaking his head and finding back his stupid smile. ”Ah, well. It’s not really my name, it’s just a surname Kacchan uses for me since we were little. It’s Izuku Midoriya actually.”

She pouted, putting her hands on her hips before saying. ”But I like Deku. Would you mind me keeping calling you that?”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, gritting his teeth, jaw clenched. He was out of patience. He nearly puked when the boy answered with a reedy voice, all sunshine, blushing and all this shit “Not at all!”

That was it. Without a word, he turned on his feet, intending to go as far away as he could from them. He was definitely not in the mood for them being all cute and shit, meeting each other and becoming best friends right in front of his fucking face. But he didn’t have the time to take one step that a hand caught his arm, making him stop.

He could feel the slight pads on her finger, counting only four on his skin. He could recognize them eyes closed. He turned his head, looking at her. She was looking at him too, frowning, concerned and worried about him, as she always is.

”Hey, are you okay?”

No, he was not.

But he said nonetheless, with a firm voice, getting her to let him go even if her eyes didn’t show any sigh of relief. ”I’m fine.”

Yet, he wasn’t.

He was about to start walking away but added in a small voice without looking back.

“I’ll be at the gate.”

She answered right away. “I’ll be right there in a minute.”

Only then, he really walked away.

She did arrive at the gate a minute after him, running happily. She just smiled at him brightly, before catching his arms and dragging him along to the exit, laughing loudly. She didn’t talk about earlier, didn’t say anything about the moment she interrupted and just tried to cheer him up. And he couldn’t help it, he grinned. She had this kind of effect on him.

They both headed to Katsuki’s home, talking cheerfully. Well, Ochako was the one doing all the talking as Bakugou was just listening to her rambling and shouting of excitement about her day. But at least, he had a small smile on his face and felt way better already.

Dinner was ready to be served when they arrived. As soon as the reunion between parents and the girl was done, they all sat down around the table, eating and talking pleasantly. Ochako had her usual big smile on her face, cheeks pink of joy and mouth full as she talked about her life during the two years apart, about their first day and how grateful she was to be here.

“Yes, you did become a beautiful young woman sweetheart! Look at you, I’ve always known you were pretty, but damn, that’s a whole new level!” Mitsuki gladly complimented. The gravity user blushed hard, head turning bright red as she nearly choked with her food. Katsuki shook his head, turning to his dad, hoping he would say something to calm his mother. But instead, this one was nodding and even added.

“I bet there’s a lot of boys who came to you, right?”

“Did they were handsome too? Did you found a little boy worthy of your kindness?” Mitsuki trumped. The blond rolled his eyes, taking part in the conversation for the first time since they arrived.

“Stop both of you, you’re gross. Let her be.”

He only received a scowl from his mother accompanied by a scorn look. “You can only dream to have a girl like her in your life later, you brat. You better find a sweet girl like her to marry one day, or I’ll disown you.”

He frowned as he clenched his forks, looking angrily at his food. He didn’t want a freaking sweet girl in his life. He only needed to be a great hero, he only needed to prove everyone that he was worth it, he was way more than they all thought.

“At least, you could admit she’s pretty.” His mother continued. “I remember raising you well, ungrateful brat.”

She was. She had grown well, face as round as ever, but with soft features and woman-like traits. She wasn’t a little girl anymore, neither a grown-up woman, but she had become a beautiful teenager. She had the same smile, the same eyes as when she was seven though. She had cut her hair short again and probably gained a little weight, but she was just prettier this way. He could never deny it.

But he wasn’t an impolite boy, who will shout at her how beautiful she was. He wasn’t there to embarrass her or make her feel ashamed. He was her best friend, he had respect for her. Plus, there was so much more than beauty to her. She was proud, strong and committed. Her sweetness and her kindness had nothing to envy to anyone too. She was way more than just a pretty girl and he knew better than reduce her at that.

His mother sighed. “If only I had a girl like you Ochako, everything would be much-“

“Honey.” His father cut her, but it was too late.

Katsuki suddenly stood up, pushing his chair away. “I’m done with all your bullshit.”

He turned away, walking angrily to his room, fist clenched. As he climbed up the stairs, he heard Uraraka say.

“I’m sorry, thank you so much for the dinner Mr and Miss Bakugou, it was really good. I’m going to check on him.”

He blurted in his room, letting the door open, knowing she’ll be there in less time than it takes to say it. He angrily let himself fall on his bed, burying his head in the pillows, now waiting for his friend. She came seconds after, knocking before entering and closing the door behind her. He felt the bed sink but didn’t look up. She was the one breaking up the silence, voice teasing.

“So, Kacchan, hm?”

He got up on his elbows to glare at her, half upset, half outraged as she just giggled.

“Sorry, sorry.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, before turning to face the ceiling. She approached him, still sitting on a side of the bed. She wasn’t smiling anymore, just looking at him with no special expression, thinking. Then, she sighed deeply.

“Could you braid my hair?”

He turned to her, eyebrows furrowed, confused about her demand. He wanted a further explanation as to why she was asking him such a thing in a moment like this one, but she just waited for him to answer. So he sighed deeply too.

“You have become way better than me at this.”

She shrugged. “Yes, but I’d like you to do it, just like old times.”

“You had long hair back then.”

“I did. I can show you how to do it on shorter ones.”

The blonde sighed, defeated again, before sitting up, back laid on the wall, waiting for her to come nearer. She did, sitting just in front of him, legs crossed, playing with her fingers. She whispered, explaining to him how to proceed, occasionally showing him herself.

“Put this one under the strand you have in your left hand. Yes, like this.”

The room was silent except for her murmurs, letting the soft sound of their breathing echoing. It was soothing.

“Now, just do it again, until you have no hair left.” He gently did as told, trying not to mess this up, not wanting for her hair to be messier than before. He hadn’t done it many times, even when they were younger Ochako was usually the one doing it. But to be honest, he liked this kind of moment. She trusted him enough to do this for her and they were both just calm, silent.

“Do you want to tell me why you were hurt?” Her voice was still a whisper as if she didn’t want to break the mood they created. He didn’t answer but knew she had expected it to be that way.

Deep down, he was sighing. Of course, she knew he was more hurt than angry this afternoon. She wasn’t his best friend for nothing.

It was supposed to be the greatest day of his life, the first day into UA. Instead, he just lost a friend, keep grudges about it to the point he hadn’t supported his mother’s words, even if he knew she hadn't meant what she had told. Still, it hurt.

He had grown up with Deku. He had learned to appreciate the nerd, to play with him and he even had some respect for him. He truly believed they were alike. Even if he thought that Izuku will never become a hero because he had no quirk, he never told him his dream was out of reach. Because he knew what it felt like to hear that. So when he learned that they both got into UA, he was proud, he was happy. It even gave him more hope for himself.

And then he used whatever quirk he had been hiding for forever, showing himself off in front of everyone, he felt betrayed. Deku just made fun of him and probably was since they even started to know each other. Mocking him about his freaking disease, making him believe there were alike, they could do whatever they dreamt about.

Bullshit.

”Katsuki, please. Talk to me...” He snapped out of his thought at the crack in her voice. His heart raced as he noticed the tremble in her voice, frowning. She turned to him, as he let go of her hair, all his effort going to waste. She had tears in her eyes, a look of distress and concern. ”I don’t like to see you hurt like that.”

He closed his eyes, sighing unsteadily. He didn’t like to see her like that too and hated him for being the cause of it. He felt his throat and nose tickle but stopped breathing to keep himself from crying. Why the hell was he so touch by this? It was supposed to be the best day of his life, yesterday again was so beautiful, so overwhelmingly cheerful, how did it turn to this?

He opened his eyes again to see that she hadn’t moved. She was still looking at him with her glowing eyes and her pink cheeks, biting her lips, probably to keep herself from crying too.

”I don’t want to force you, but I don’t want you to start the year like that too. It’s our first step into our dream, I don’t want it to be a bad memory for you.”

He smiled weakly, grateful to have her in his life. ”It’s okay. You know me well enough now to know that nothing is going to stop me from enjoying my journey to my goals.”

”But that doesn’t prevent you from coming to me if you don’t feel okay when times are hard. You know that right?”

”Yeah, I know angel face, I know.”

She had stopped biting her lips but her eyes were still glowing in the light of his room. He could see this conversation wasn’t done yet, as she was carefully searching the words to say something. Which she finally found.

”It’s about Deku? Isn’t it?”

He too, took some time to respond, searching for words. ”I don’t want to talk about it much... But yeah, it is.”

”Do you want me to unfriend him? You just have to ask I-”

Katsuki chuckled, cutting her, amused by her words but touched by the thought. He shook his head, low key smiling. He couldn’t ask her that. She wasn’t an object he had power over, she was a human being and he had no right to tell her who she should befriend or not. Even if he didn’t felt at ease about it, she had the right to do everything she wanted with her life.

He didn’t want her to be hurt like he was because of Deku. Hell, he thought very poorly of the guy right now. But Ochako was a grown-ass girl, she could choose herself. Plus, he would be there for her if needed, he will always be there for her. So no, even if he was afraid by the idea, even if he didn’t want them to be friends, it wasn’t his choice to make.

”Who do you think I am to impose you such thing Cheeks?”

She frowned. ”My best friend.”

His heart missed a beat, surprised by her bluntness. ”I- yes, but.” He felt his cheeks burning a little and guessed his ears were red too. ”That doesn’t give me the right to decide for you, silly.”

”I know, but if you’d ask me to, I would do it for you.” She rolled her eyes. ”Not because you just asked me to, of course, I’m not a doll. But I care about you, and if you feel uncomfortable or hurt by our friendship, I’ll back down. You're my best friend Katsuki, I won’t lose you because I’ve got myself a new friend.”

He stared at her, eyes wide, cheeks flushed. His breath was stuck in his lugs as his heart was racing. How on earth did he found a friend like that?

Embarrassed, he pushed her face away, rolling his eyes.

”You’re such a cheesy girl.”

Her laugh echoed in the room, easing the mood instantly. She fell on the bed, punching his hands away from her face.

”Oh stop it, you’re much more than me, you just don’t want to admit it.”

Falsely scandalized, he gasped and threw his pillow at her face.

”Oh shut up you brat!”

Chapter Text

Mitsuki approached the two teenagers, two cups of tea in hands. She first gave one to Uraraka, who was sitting on the couch, muffled in a rug even if it wasn’t particularly hot, and then proposed the second one to her son. Seated next to his friend, he glared at the cup with disgust, the light ”thank you” of the girl strengthening his frown. He finally grumbled. ”I’m not sick, I don’t need it.”

This would have cost him a disapproval look from his mother, surely followed by some insults if she was in her usual mood. Instead, Mitsuki just sighed strongly, closing her eyes of tiredness, keeping her arm outstretched in front of him. It’s only when Ochako gave the boy a slight kick, earning her a death glare that he finally took the cup, sighing at his turn. He looked at the tea suspiciously, throwing a last glance at his friend which was looking at him, deadpanned. He rolled his eyes, taking a long sip of the drink and wincing at the warmth overtaking his body. He would die before admitting that it, indeed, felt good.

His mother let out a heavy breath before taking place on the couch in front of the two friends, joining her husband. This last wrapped his arms around her leaving a kiss on the top of her head. Katsuki observed in the corner of his eyes the frown on his mother’s face as well as her tightened jaw. She was biting her lip. He sighed again, already tired by the discussion he was about to start.

“We’re fine.”

He intended for his voice to be hard and a bit playful, but it ended tender and calmer than he expected. He wasn’t used to seeing his mother in this state of mind. He felt Ochako sinking deeper in her blanket and gave her a look. She was holding her cup with her two hands, gaze plunged in the drink. She plunged her finger in it too, testing the temperature before bringing it to her mouth, sighing contently. He decided to do the same, taking another sip in silence. A silence that lasted a few minutes before Uraraka, who had visibly found back a little of her usual energy, agreed with Katsuki, a small and sad smile on her face.

“No need for worries Mrs. Bakugou. Katsuki’s right, we’re fine. What happened, happened but we’re all safe and sound.”

Mitsuki put a small smile on her face at her turn, look full of tenderness. ”How many times do I have to tell you to call me Mitsuki, sweetheart?” Uraraka blushed, showing a sheepish smile. The woman took a huge breath and then continued. ”You were all very lucky. But still, I can’t help being worried. It’s been only a week since you entered UA and you have already been attacked.”

His mother wasn’t completely wrong. Katsuki too, with hindsight, thought that there was room to be worried. After all, a bunch of villains had succeeded in entering UA while they were supposed to be training in the biggest training room. UA was a school of heroes, so the arrival of villains inside the school was enough of a big reason to panic. But the gravity girl was right. The event happened, and there was nothing else they could do about it now. At least, they were all safe and nobody needed serious healing. Even those who were hurt, especially the teachers, had been healed by Recovery girl. He snorted.

”The villains were the ones who should have been worried. They were stupid enough to search a fight in a school full of freaking pro-heroes.”

Ochako nodded next to him, looking at him with a more sincere smile. ”Without forgetting talented students full of goals. None of us would have let them hurt us before we could reach our goals.”

A proud smile made his way on Katsuki’s lips. ”You’re damn right.”

Both parents smiled fondly at their turn. The blond could admit, after hearing the stories of his classmates, that they all fought well. Not all the villains were dreadful, above all since he fought everybody that was on his way with the help of hair for brains. In his opinion, there were only two or three of them who posed a threat. He scoffed.

“Plus, they were all weak.”

The gravity manipulator let herself sink further into the couch, sighing dramatically. ”Speak for yourself. I had to face the portal guy. It’s was stressful.” She closed her eyes as if she was trying to remember a distant and painful memory. He puffed, mocking her clearly, but she added, unphased. ”It took me some time to figure out his weakness.”

”I was the one finding it.”

She straightened up, eyebrows furrowed and cheeks puffed, giving him a murderous look.

”Let me remind you that you threw yourself at him without thinking and got overtook by his quirk.”

The blond could see his parents shaking their heads in disbelief in the corner of his eyes but didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he straightened up too, daring her to add something with his glare. Which the girl did without backing down.

“I found his weakness and kept him away from Iida with the help of Sero.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, adding. ”Yeah, and if I hadn’t charged at him first you wouldn’t even have found that he had a weakness.”

Both friends looked at them right in the eyes, daring the other. It was to the one who would back down first. The explosion boy smiled, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. He then told, as if he was throwing a bomb supposed to close the debate.

”Plus, I am the one who kept him away from All Might at the end.”

The girl puffed her cheeks more, sparkling the laugh of the two adults and in the time the end of the argument. She crossed her arms too, shutting her eyes closed and turned away from her friend in a highly pitched ‘hmph’. Flurried, the blonde looked at her, shaking his head half amused, half tired of his friend’s childishness. She didn’t pout very long though, since she turned back a few seconds after a surprised and curious expression painted on her face.

”By the way, who you ended up with after being teleported?”

”The guy with shitty red hair. We were trapped in a room with some weak extras.”

”Kirishima?” she asked, head tilting to the side.

”I don’t know what he’s called. He arrived at 2nd place at the exam entrance.”

He hadn’t been surprised to see that the boy was strong. He had expected it, knowing the guy had arrived just after him for the exam entrance, but he had been impressed nonetheless by his quirk. He liked that, just like him, the boy had charged against the villain without second thoughts. Ochako rolled her eyes.

”Kirishima. You could at least remember your classmate's name, it’s been a week.”

Masaru laughed, talking for the first time since they settled in the living room. ”Katsuki is not the type to call people by their name even if he does know them. He won’t admit it though. You should know this by the time, right Ochako?”

She smiled all teeth out while the blond let out a little ”Tch”. She nodded vigorously, even letting a small laugh out. ”Yeah, you’re right. Thinking about it,” She turned to the boy, finger on her cheek, thinking. ”you never called me by my name during those seven years of friendship.”

He sank further on the couch, looking at everything except her and grumbled:  "Yeah, well Cheeks fits you just fine.” He raised his head just at the right time to see her smiling widely at him. Then, she sat back down, laying her back and drinking her tea.

”Kirishima is a great guy. He’s always so cheerful and optimist!”

Katsuki scoffed next to her and raised an eyebrow, looking at her. ”Do you even look in the mirror?”

She shook her head as an answer and sighed heavily after taking a long sip again. ”Yeah, but I don’t know, it’s different. He has a powerful quirk. I mean, did you see him? Literally stronger than a rock, he can charge without fear, just like you both did today. He’s strong.”

He didn’t miss her furrowed eyebrows, as well as her finger tracing the shape of the cup. He couldn’t believe his eyes. One minute earlier she was arguing with him about who was stronger between the two of them and now she was belittling herself. He looked at her as if she was crazy and shook his head, dumbstruck.

”Are you blind or something?” His voice was more acute that he intended too. She observed him with surprise, a bit vexed and waited for him to elaborate. His voice was readier once he continued. ”You fucking control gravity. You have nothing to envy to anyone. Hell, you came third at the exam entrance, if that isn’t a proof of your strength then I don’t know what it is.”

His small speech was followed by a long silence. Uraraka was looking at him, eyes wide and lips parted. She blinked several times without saying anything as if she couldn’t function anymore. The blond frowned, turning to his parents, wondering why they don’t react too, to find them in the same state, eyebrows raised, surprised. Little by little his mother’s expression changed into a smirk. He understood then what he had just said and lowered his gaze on his feet, grumbling something incomprehensible while his head reddened. The sincere laugh of Masaru echoed in the room, breaking the silence while he stood up to ruffle the brunette’s hair.

”That’s a whole compliment! Cherish it, kid.”

In a last laugh, he went to the kitchen, probably to prepare dinner. The girl’s face reddened at its turn as she stuttered, playing with her fingers against the cup.

”I- hm... Thanks?” Her voice was strangled, still surprised. For only answer Katsuki growled, look still locked on his feet. ”Yeah, well that’s the truth. Now deal with it.”

There was another silence again, this time broke by a ring. Both teenagers jumped, surprised by the interruption. Uraraka put her cup down on the table to search in her pockets. Elle smiled apologetically before picking up the phone.

“Hey?”

Katsuki had forgotten that his friend had bought a phone for her at the beginning of the week. It wasn’t really performing since they couldn’t make video calls with it but at least she had one now. She had bought it just so she could call her parents. Plus, now that they could see each other  each day, they didn’t need to make video calls anymore. Yet, they sometimes still texted until late at night, talking about everything they could think about. The sweet voice of the girl filled the room as the Bakugous looked at her carefully. They couldn’t hear who was on the other of the phone, but they all guessed it was her parents. Mitsuki got up to join her husband in the kitchen as Katsuki just stayed here, observing his friend.

”Yes, I’m okay, don’t worry.” There was a long silence during which Ochako glared the couch without seeing it. ”No, nobody was severely injured. Everyone had been healed already. The nurse is really talented.”

Recovery Girl was indeed very talented. The policed have assured them that even the teachers who were badly injured were easily healed.

”No, no, I’m okay. I wasn’t injured.” She winced at their answer. ”Security has been reinforced don’t worry.”

Katsuki looked at his tea now cold and winced at his turn, putting it down on the table, refusing to drink a single more drop of it. Then he sat back, listening to the discussion even though he still couldn’t hear Uraraka's parents.

”I’m at Bakugou’s.” She shook her head as if they could see her, sparkling a slight smile on the blonde’s face. ”No.” Then, she nodded, raising her gaze to look at him. ”I know.” She got up off the couch and went to the kitchen, talking outside of the phone. ”Mrs. Bakugou? My mom wants to talk to you.”

The mother took the phone, laying her back on the wall between the two rooms as Ochako stood still, look empty. The two women talked a few minutes, assuring that it was a pleasure to have the space cadet around, thanking each other and promising to watch over the two brats. Then Mitsuki gave her back her phone with a small smile. The girl took it, saying her goodbyes before hanging up.

Katsuki looked at her as she let her arms fall, still standing, look in the void. She played with her phone with her hand, turning it several times before remembering where she was and heading back to the couch. She sat back straight, foot on the ground and stayed like that for a moment, eyebrows furrowed. The blond sighed, approaching her. He put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her slowly. She looked at him without really registering it, letting her being pushed against the couch. Katsuki put the blanket back, but this time on the both of them before taking the remote control. He turned the TV on and they waited patiently for the dinner to be ready, shoulder pressed together without a word.

They talked to each other only once they were reunited in Katsuki’s room, in the dark, one on his bed and the other on the mattress on the ground. Uraraka was the first to talk.

“It was a weird week, hm?”

He nodded, look glued to his ceiling and sighed.  

“Yeah. Felt like a month.”

He was telling the truth, it was only a few days since they started school and yet, Katsuki felt like it’s been a lot more than that. So many things had happened in a week. Classes were intense, either it was hero class or normal ones. They had a lot to understand and learn, he hadn’t had a moment for himself since they started. Without forgetting the hands-on exercises and the physical ones that they suffered from. The first class with All Might had been catastrophic. Not only he had acted stupidly against Deku, but he had also realized the huge gap between him and his classmates. He had to give all he could, not to be left behind, in theoretic class as well as physical exercises. But despite the difficulties, Katsuki loved the school. Each morning he would wake up with the desire and joy to learn, to understand and become better. Then, he would fall asleep every night proud of everything he had done during the day. He was doing great, even if he was always exhausted.

He was also glad to have Uraraka in his class. Even if they didn’t stay together all the time, her smile and her cheerfulness enlighten his days. She often gave him courage and was always there to help him, even when he didn’t need to. He was pleased to go back home at her side after school, even though she wasn’t always coming to his house. She had made herself a small group of friends, composed of the nerd and four-eyes, but he was okay with it now. He, himself, had found some idiots to hang out with, even if they upset him more than not. Yes, despite the attack, despite the difficulties, he loved his first week at UA. His first week into learning to be a hero.

Uraraka hummed next to him. Then, she let out a long breath, asking.

“Can I come?”

For only answer he pushed himself aside, making a place on his bed for her. She joined him, bringing her blanket with her. This night, they fall asleep without another word.

“Shut your fucking mouth before I do it myself.” The blond growled angrily, shoving rice into his mouth, glaring at his plate.

“What I’m saying, bro,” Kaminari continued, not impressed to the slightest. “Is that she’s cute. And I don’t understand why you don’t want to admit it.” He pointed his chopstick at Bakugou.

This last rolled his eyes, ignoring his answer. But this didn’t close the debate for all that. A debate that the spiky blond would have preferred not to assist at all. This time, Mina was the one adding.

“There’s nothing wrong with admitting that your friends are good looking Bakugou.” She shrugged. “Look at me, I would never have sat with you if I didn’t find all four of you absolutely hot.”

He snorted, annoyed, while the other boys just laughed at her comment. He continued eating angrily, keeping himself from casting glances at the table not far away from his, where the being concerned by their discussion was seating. He felt an arm leaning onto his shoulder and rolled his eyes again, knowing the only person brave enough to do that was Kirishima.

“I don’t know why you're hiding it, bro.” Katsuki frowned at the surname. Why everybody was calling him that these days? “If you have a crush on Uraraka, just say it! It won’t kill you.”

“I- I don’t have a fucking crush on Uraraka, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why do you always think about that kind of gross stuff?” His attempt into closing the discussion failed once again as they all laughed. This time, Sero was the one talking.

“Because it’s part of life dude.”

He refrained himself from looking at the ceiling again, putting his bowl of rice on his plate to attack his fried chicken.

“So” Kaminari resumed. “You have nothing against me asking her out?”

Katsuki tensed, suddenly stopping moving before throwing the most murderous glare he could do. Then, he spat his venom, accentuating each word.

“Fucking. Touch. Her. And. You’re. Dead.”

But then again, his threat didn’t have the effect he wanted, because they all laughed at him. He didn’t know why he was staying with them. Pikachu dared to add nonetheless.

“I’ll take the risk.”

Bakugou restarted eating and then snorted. “As if she’ll accept dating your stupid ass.”

A few “oooooh” echoed. The five of them probably made more noise than the entire cafeteria right now. Kirishima put more weight onto his shoulder and teased again. “He’s jealous.”

This time, Katsuki put down everything he had on his hand, angrily pushing away the red-haired boy.

“I’m not fucking jealous you dipshits.” He noticed their grins growing on their faces but continued. “You’re all disgusting with your-“

“Is everything okay?”

A worried voice interrupted him. He turned furiously to the left to met big brown eyes observing him, anxious. His anger disappeared straightaway to the sight of the girl with pink cheeks carrying her empty meal tray. He sulked on his chair, crossing his arms, gazing away at his plate as if it was its fault. Then, in a grumbled voice, eyebrows touching each other, he spat.

“Fine.”

“Great then!” She responded with her usual cheerfulness, and he could imagine her wide smile. He didn’t look at her though. The gravity-user added, in a reedy voice. “I need to talk to you by the way. See you when you’re done okay?”

He sank deeper. “Yeah.”

She moved away finally to give back her tray in a small “see ya in class guys!” To which the table answered with joyful ‘see yous’. Katsuki didn’t need to look up to know that all eyes were on him, accompanied by shitty grins. He threatened.

“Don’t.”

But since when did this dorks even listen to him? They all started shouting absurdity such as “love” or “girlfriend”. 

“She’s my friend.” He growled, trying to shut their mouth once and for all.

Mina was the one who responded, a scowl on her face.

“We’re your friends, but I don’t see you being nice to us.”

Bakugou got up, glaring at each of them, then, in a scoff, he took his tray and moved away.

“You’re not even close.”

He found Uraraka in the corridor, talking to her friends. He waited patiently for her to notice him against the wall. She saw him less than a few seconds later, her face illuminating at his sight as she shouted his name, waving. After a quick “I’ll be back” intended for Deku and four-eyes, she ran to him, bag in her hand. Ochako stopped just in front of him, searching hastily into her bag to give him a note. He frowned, taking the paper where he could read homework indications for tomorrow.

”I caught you spacing out at Yamada’s class this morning, so here’s what we have to do for tomorrow.”

”I don’t fucking space out, Cheeks.”

She laughed, swinging on her feet. ”I know, I know. I’m joking Katsuki.”

He ‘tch-ed’ again, letting his gaze wander behind her. He crossed the two nerds looking at them from afar. He rolled his eyes but put his attention back on his friend.

”I know the teacher went a bit quickly at the end. I noticed you hadn’t taken your textbook out so I wrote it for you.”

He looked at his feet as he didn’t really know what to say. He opted for a small ”Thank you” as she just smiled at him happily.

”I give it to you now, since I won’t come back with you tonight, I have grocery shopping to do.”

Katsuki frowned, until now he hadn’t done the way back home without her. This would mean she hadn’t gone grocery shopping since they started school? He knew she often ate at his, but this was something else.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

She shook her hand, adding. ”No, don’t worry, I’ll be okay!”

He shrugged, not wanting to embarrass her more than she was. She cast a glance behind him and asked.

”Everything was really okay back there?”

Her smile was less shiny, less warm as he noticed the slight spark of worry in her voice. He sighed, letting out a small smile. ”Yeah, it’s fine, they’re just idiots.”

Ochako laughed, relieved, and gave him a tap on the shoulder. ”Don’t say that about your friends!”

”They’re not my friends.” It was her turn to roll her eyes. ”Yeah, yeah. Right.”

He grinned and plunged his hands in his pocket. ”You could... Come and eat with us sometimes. They aren’t that insufferable to be with.” He frowned. ”Well, not all the time.”

Uraraka laughed again, more wholeheartedly, swinging on her feet. Then, she spoke, in a reedy and joyful voice that warmed his heart.

”I’ll be glad to!”

Chapter Text

Everything was okay.

At least, as okay as it could get in this situation.

Katsuki kept glancing at his sides, alert. He couldn't help the apprehension growing in his stomach, neither the several chills spreading on his skin. But he had nothing to worry about; he was secured, protected by his classmates. Nothing could happen to him.

He hated to know he needed protection right now, but it was clear for everyone, he was the target of the villains. Plus, he couldn't complain, at least he could keep his eyes on Uraraka who was walking in front of him in this formation.

They were all on their way to the camp's building, walking in line. Apart from Deku and Shoji, nobody was severely injured. Ochako had a few bruises, but she had assured him she was fine, so he trusted her. Everyone was alert, stress clearly showing on their faces.

But everything was okay.

They were all strong and worked really well as a team. Even though he had little respect for his classmate, Bakugou knew they still had huge powers. So no one could injure them for now, they were going to the camp safely.

Everything was okay.

And the next thing he knew, he was dragged by an arm around his neck into purple smoke.

He had only a few seconds to understand what had happened but he quickly did the math. It wasn't really hard to guess when his classmates were a few meters away from him, eyes widen in horror. He crossed Uraraka's terrified gaze, running to catch him, arms stretched in despair. Deku was just behind her, face as distorted by fear.

The sight itself sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't bear to lose them, he couldn't live knowing they could get hurt. So as menacing as he could, in the most fearful growl he managed, he threatened.

“You two, stay back.”

Their devastated expression disappeared into nothingness.

Bakugou was good at hiding his true emotions behind anger. It was the best solution he found to bear with his pain and stress. He was very glad for it right now, as he glared at the villains. Pushing all his fears and stress aside to show pure anger.

“Ah, Bakugou.” The leader started, getting closer to him. His voice sounded like nails scratching on a board. “You and I are different faces of the same coin it seems.”

Katsuki had expected a lot of things really, but not this.

“Ah !?” He shouted, fidgeting to get away from their grip. “I have nothing in common with a freak like you !”

His remarks induced several groans and sighs. Shigaraki on the other hand, just laughed, the horrible sound echoing against the walls.

“Do you think so?” It was easily noticeable how excited this boy was to play around. His whole body screamed mischief. “Aren't heroes and villains on the same coin? Isn't it so easy to just... flip side ?”

Bakugou held back a sharp inhale, not wanting them to even have a crumb of his actual state. Instead, he kept on glaring, trying to throw all his rage by a simple look.

“And we all think you are on the wrong side, Bakugou.”

“What do you mean ?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking, brows furrowed, intrigued.

“People don't treat you as a hero right? They enchained you, forced you into something you didn't want. They shamed you. Just because you have a rather... Hotheaded temperament.”

The more he was talking, the more Katsuki's head was spinning. He didn't want to listen to that, he didn't want to be reminded of that. He just wanted to get away from here. But Shigaraki continued.

“We see the power within you. We acknowledge your strength.” He paused, probably for dramatic effect. “Join us. Join us and free this power .”

Bakugou looked at him, blinking slowly.

Who did he think he was?

“Ah !!?? As if I would ever join you fuckers? Go to hell !” He barked, pulling on the chains on his arms, trying to break free.

They all just sighed again, not impressed to the slightest. Of course, they wouldn't, he was just a high school student.

“I'll let you some time to think about it.”

And just like that, without further words, they all got out, letting him alone in the empty room.

Let alone in the dark, Katsuki found himself thinking about Shigaraki's words. He wasn't on the wrong side of the coin, he knew it. His goal since he was little was to become a hero, to save people and to beat the shit out of villains. He had fought for it so hard, putting his memories problems aside, focusing on his goal. All Might was a hero and nobody ever doubted his loyalty. So why did people doubted his? Why did people think he could be a villain?

He had already received a lot of remarks about his hotheaded temperament. He was brash and straightforward, it was a secret for nobody. In elementary and middle school, he didn't have a lot of friends, but it was because he didn't want them. He had to deal with his problems, focus on his dreams. That didn't make him a villain.

He thought about Deku and winced. Of crouse, his relationship with the guy wasn't healthy at first. He had been mean to the boy, not wanting for them to be friends. He already had Uraraka at the time and didn't need anyone else. But the green-haired boy stayed to his side, so eventually, he got with it. In the end, he was the one who had been fooled by Deku. This made him a victim, not a villain.

Back then, at All Might's first class, he knew he had gotten out of hand, acting recklessly against Izuku. But he had a reason to do it. It didn't justify his actions, he knew that, but he hadn't acted mean just because he meant to. He had been experiencing pain and betrayal at that time. It just made him a broken boy, not a villain.

He remembered the people hooting him at the sports festival during his fight against Uraraka. But they hadn't understood; she was strong. He had been so excited to fight her and hadn't been disappointed. She had gotten this brilliant idea out of her mind, nearly killing him in the process. Of course he had to give his all! She deserved it, she owned her place at this festival, so he had to give his all or that would have been disrespectful. Aizawa-sense had seen that. He had pointed out that she was nothing but strong, everything but fragile. So why didn't everyone see that? Why had he passed for the villain back then?

He even got chained to the podium, forced to accept something he clearly didn't deserve. He hadn't really fought for this medal, he hadn't fought for the first place; Todoroki had just abandoned. That was not a win, anybody with enough common sense could see that.

He wasn't a villain.

Then why did people think about him as a potential one?

Why did the league think of him as strong?

If anything, he was weak.

He had been kidnapped, unable to protect himself, unable to save himself. How could he pretend to save anyone?  He was weak and it showed.

He thought about Uraraka. She had helped him since day one. Remembering their friendship for both of them. Even at UA, she was the one making sure he had all the homework done. She helped him more than once into practicing his memory, learning his lessons. He also helped her where he could, but she was the one doing most of the job done. They worked well together.

Since the sports festival, her eagerness to become better has only grown bigger. He admired her for that. Her goal never faltered, even though she still had poor esteem of herself, she never gave up. It was her character. She was fighting for her goals while helping him achieve his. Actually, she helped pretty much anyone she could. She was always helping others, sometimes forgetting herself in the process. Just like Kirishima. And Deku for the matter.

He let out a heavy breath, wriggling to a more comfortable position. At least, as comfortable as he could get.

He thought about his friends, the way they always help anyone in danger, the way they put themselves in danger for someone. He was no way near them, he still had a long way to go. He still has-

He inhaled sharply as a thought crept his place into his mind. His eyes widened with fear, heart pounding in his chest as he found himself short in breath.

They wouldn't dare, would they? They wouldn't put themselves in danger to save him right? They weren't that reckless to the point they would act by themselves without the heroes. Right?

As the realization hit him, worry twisted his stomach. Of course, they will.

He had to get away from here before they would come up with a wonderful idea to get them all killed.

Unfortunately, he had been right, they did come up with an idea to get them all killed.

But fortunately, the idea has been more thought out that he thought.

And when Kirishima told him Uraraka hadn't come with them, he felt a huge wave of relief wash his body.

He knocked at the door, knowing the second it would open, he would burst into tears. He had succeeded in keeping them at bay when he had talked to the police, even staying strong when he saw his parents and came back to his house. But he knew he wouldn't be able to keep his emotions inside the second he would see her.

His parents had been kind enough to let him go to her house but he wasn't even sure she was awake. It was really late at night, but he needed her right now. So he took his phone out and typed a message. In the second that followed the door opened wide, revealing herself.

Uraraka had been awake, he could see it from the way her eyes were puffy, the dark circles around them, and the fact that she had still her day clothes on. If he was being honest, she looked miserable. But he surely didn't look any better.

It took her a few seconds to process, eyes wide, mouth gape, starring at him to judge if he was real or not. And then, she broke. Without any warning she leaped herself at him, circling his shoulders with her arms and legs around his hips, crying his name loudly. She buried her face into his neck, hot tears flowing down her cheeks and strangled breathings escaping her mouth. He tightened the embrace, plunging his head into her hair, taking a huge breath, scenting her presence against him. Relieved to have her at his side.

He got into her apartment, pushing the door closed with one foot. They stayed like this for a long moment, just accepting the other's presence, trying to erase the fear and the stress. They were not ready to let go, frightened at the idea of losing them again, desperate to make sure they were together, they were safe. So they stayed like this, filling the void they felt these last days, trying to soothe their heart.

It took Ochako ten minutes to calm down. Runny nose and hiccups, she gently let go of Katsuki but put his hands into hers. Without talking, she just sat down in the corridor, the boy following her in her movement.

They stared at each other, registering every detail of their faces. They were reunited. He was safe. She was fine. He could see her rosy cheeks again, just in front of him. She slowly raised a hand and, in a tender gesture, brushed his cheeks, sweeping away several tears. He hadn't even noticed he was crying.

This simple gesture broke all of it.

He had been holding his feelings for so long. He knew he could let everything out right now, so he let himself cry. He wanted to talk, to apologize, to express his emotions and what was on his mind but all that escaped his mouth were hiccups and gibberish sounds.

She looked at him painfully and approached him, wrapping her arms around him again but pushing his head against her neck this time. She put him into a hug, encircling him with all her body. She kept drawing circles on his back, whispering sweet words.

His voice finally echoed against the wall, broken.

“It’s all my fault.”

She tightened her embrace, crying too, whispering louder. Uraraka shook her head several times on the top of his, telling him silently that he didn't have to talk, that he was fine, he was safe. She didn't tell him directly, firstly because she probably couldn't talk, but second because she knew he needed to vent right now. He didn't need someone to tell him he was wrong, he didn't need someone to tell him to not look in the past, that it was okay.

Because it was certainly not.

She waited for him to be calmer, rocking him slowly. Then, she asked in a strangled voice.

“Do you want to talk about it ?”

Katsuki stayed silent for a bit longer, sniffing and breathing hard. Then, he shook his head. He didn't need to talk about it, there was nothing to tell. He knew she understood him anyway, she didn't need to know what had happened back there to know how he felt.

“Okay.” She hummed lightly, slowly letting go of her embrace. “Then what about we get up to grab a glass of water ?”

It took Bakugou all the effort he had left to stand up. Hands still tied together, Uraraka led him to her small kitchen. She cracked the fingers of her free hand. He frowned, she never did that.

He looked at her. Her hands were shaky, and he could see she was feeling miserable. He wanted to see her eyes, the one that made him feel safe more than he would admit. He guessed they were still red and puffy from crying, and probably the lack of sleep. But when he searched for her gaze, she looked away. Preparing two glass of water with a single hand, and then handing it to him. She kept one hand in his as she started drinking but her look was everywhere except on him.

His scowled. She was purposely avoiding him right now and he couldn't pinpoint why exactly. They seemed to be fine back there in the corridors. What had changed during the few seconds getting up?

“What ?” His raspy voice startled her and she jumped slightly.

She finally looked at him, question in her eyes. But something was clearly off. He didn't know why the sudden change appeared, but it clearly pissed him off. It really wasn't the time for them to beat around the bush.

“What is it ?” he asked again, annoyance showing.

She bit her lips, gaze looking down at her glass. “Nothing important really, I'm fine. I'm glad you're safe, I-”

“Spit it out already Cheeks.” He interrupted, eyes narrowed, looking through her.

“It's not a good time to talk about it. And you told me you didn't want to-”

“Cheeks.”

She sighed, turning the glass between her hands. He could almost hear her neurones working hard in her head, searching for the right words.

“I was just wondering... How did you get free ?” Her voice was insecure, hesitant, afraid of the answer.

“Heroes came.” His answer felt dry, culpability overwhelming him at the memories. She breathed out a sighed of relief nearly imperceptible, but he noticed anyway. “And Kirishima, Deku, and four eyes also put their nose in it.” She stiffened. “There were also half-and-half-not-so-bastard I guess and ponytail.”

He could easily see her expression changing into a medley of culpability and hurt. Frowning harder, he waited for her to say something. Instead, her lips trembled and her eyes watered again. She finally looked up at him, and he was startled to read intense guilt in her eyes.

“I'm sorry” she finally murmured. “I'm sorry I didn't come to save you. I feel terrible, I should have-”

“Stop.” He let go of her hands, taking a step back. Then he shook his head, looking at her painfully. “Don't do this to you. I won't ever blame you for that, Angel. Plus, I would literally have killed you on the spot if I had seen you risking your life to save mine.”

His retort got a strangled chuckle out of her as she said playful. “As if you could.”

He scoffed, thinking the discussion was over, but she opened her mouth again, concern showing.

“But-”

“There's no but.” He interrupted. He sighed, take her glass out of her hand to put in on the table. Then, he took both her hands in his. “I am relieved you stayed safe. I know how pissed off you must have been to feel helpless, but I prefer it that way. I am not mad at you. Like hell I would!”

He pulled her into a hug, showing her that he was sincere, that he didn’t blame her. He would never. As they both let silent tears flowing down their cheeks again, he sighed painfully.

They were safe, yes. But they definitely weren't okay.

They had a long way to go before coming to terms with their emotions.

The day they moved to UA's dormitory, Katsuki and Ochako were inseparable. They always stayed close to each other while doing the visit, at arms reach. It wasn’t really new for them to stay together, their classmates knew already about their childhood friendship. But since the accident, they seem to stay close enough to keep an eye on each other.

And it was specifically because they stayed close that Katsuki noticed. She was pretty discrete, but still, he knew her for long enough to know when something was bothering her. It was the little thing that gave her away.

The way she would give him quick glances when she thought he wasn’t looking. The way she often stared blankly, lost in thoughts for several minutes. The way her nose would wrinkle each time Deku talked. The way her mouth closed itself in a thin line when she laid her eyes on Kirishima. Or the fact that she hadn’t talked to Four Eyes at all during the day.

He knew she still felt guilty about not coming to save him, and he absolutely had no idea what to do to convince her otherwise. He wasn’t good with words, she had always been better at this than him. He didn’t know what to say or what to do for her to understand that he preferred it this way. He preferred that she had stayed home safe instead of being involved in a reckless plan. He guessed it must have been hard for her to just stay home, thinking about what would happen to him.

If the situation were to be inversed, he knew he would have recklessly joined them too. So he understood how painful it must have been for her to stay back.

But the girl was also keeping grudges. She seemed to feel betrayed by her friends, Katsuki could see it. She no longer smiled at them with her gleeful expression and didn’t even talk to them unless it was necessary.  It pained him to see her like that.

“Cheeks.” he finally said in a whisper while they were still visiting the dormitory.

It took her a few seconds to look at him, lost in thoughts. But she eventually did, letting out a small sound of acknowledgment.

“You should talk to them.”

She sighed, knowing exactly what he meant.

“I’m probably not going to be able to hold back the angry-Ochako once I do it.” she responded, voice as low as his.

He scoffed. “Let them see her. They deserve it.”

A small smile appeared on his lips as she laughed genuinely for the first time of the day. Then she nodded.

“Would you mind staying with me while I talk to them?”

“I wouldn’t miss that even if I was on my death bed.”

She laughed again, silently thanking him with a tap on his arm.

When the visit ended, Bakugou went to the five people that helped him escape that day and forced them to meet outside for a moment. Which they did, willingly or unwillingly following him. Uraraka was waiting outside, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. When they arrived, she looked at all of them, bitting her lips.

Katsuki passed by her, and stayed behind, making him as small as possible but still here if needed. They all waited for her to start, and she did, after taking a huge inspiration.

“I wanted you to know how I feel.” She took a minute, searching for her words. “I am firstly lost, but also angry. Angry at all of you because you went risking your lives despite my warnings.” She paused again.

Midiriya took that for a clue to step forward. “Uraraka, I-“

“I’m not finished.” The girl said, voice steady, looking directly at him. He retracted. “But above all, I feel betrayed.” Her voice broke, as she looked at everyone. “You didn’t take my feelings into account. Neither everyone else’s feelings if I'm being honest. Do you even think about how useless we can feel right now? As if we weren’t enough, as if we weren’t your friends?”  She furiously swept away the tears rolling down her cheeks. “What? Wasn’t I reliable enough to be aware of your plan even if I wasn’t okay with it?”

Deku shook his head, taking a step forward. “No! No Uraraka, that’s not it! We couldn’t just stay back and wait when we could have done something instead. We just felt-“

“And how about me?” She yelled, interrupting  him. Her voice was shaky but she continued anyway, throwing her venom. “You of all people Deku. You of all people knew how I felt! Do you think I was fucking happy waiting in my room? Do you think I slept well knowing that my best friend had been kidnapped and that maybe he will never come back?”

Katsuki’s heart broke at her words. He inhaled deeply, understanding very well what she meant.

“And you!” She turned to Kirishima with an accusing finger. This last was crying too and jumped a bit when she addressed him. But he listened, accepting her anger. “You know how difficult Katsuki can be!”

The latter winced at her words. Well, he accepted to be there with her but didn’t think about all his truths being exposed to him.

“Imagine just one moment, that he didn’t want for you to save him! How well your plan would have gone hm?”

Her breathings were erratic as her whole body was trembling. But she didn’t stop there. Turning to Iida and Yaomomo she tried to shout again but ended whispering, tired.

“And how could you two agree to that? I thought you were against such a reckless plan. I thought-“

Bakugou approached her in a deep sigh, posing a hand on her shoulder. This time, she actually stopped, letting her words float in the air. She brushed her tears away but they kept coming. She sniffed and added calmer.

“I am just so afraid to know that- I could have lost not only my childhood friend b-but also you guys.” She raised her head to look back at them. “I care about all of you, and you just acted stupidly, putting your life in danger. You could have died and-“ she hiccuped and stopped talking again, gathering her thoughts.

Katsuki cast a quick glance at his present classmates. Kirishima was crying silently, preventing him from rushing toward Uraraka to pull her in a hug. He could see it the way he was slowly leaning forward, hands closed in tight fists. Deku was crying too, just looking miserable. Actually, he noticed pretty much everyone was crying, since Iida had taken his glasses off and Yaomomo had glossy eyes. Todoroki was the only one not crying, but that wasn’t a surprise. What was a surprise however was that he stepped forward and bowed deeply. His voice, stiff but steady.

“I apologize for all the pain I caused you Uraraka. I am deeply sorry not to have taken your feelings into account and promise to take better care of our friendship in the future.”

Ochako was as shocked as Katsuki as they exchanged a perplexed glare. She stuttered, wanting to add something but Four Eyes interrupted her.

“I am truly sorry too Uraraka for causing you so much trouble. I really try to be better as a prep class, but I see I still have a long way to go.” His voice was loud and he was bowing way under ninety degrees, making Bakugou scoff.

“Ochako...” Ponytail continued, voice trembling. “I hope you will accept my apologies too. I never wanted to hurt you.”

And then, Kirishima approached her and pulled both of them in a tight hug. “Uraraka, I am sorry. Bakugou, I apologize too. Thank you for talking this sincerely with us, I promise I’ll never hurt you again.”

Katsuki wiggled as Ochako let out a strangled laugh.

“Get off me shitty hair!”

When Eijirou finally let go of his two friends, Uraraka was smiling, relieved. Then, she bowed deeply at her turn and added.

“But even if I was afraid and angry, thank you  guys. Thank you so much for bringing him back home alive.”

“Shut up already!” The blond growled, pushing her slightly and rolling his eyes. “They didn’t save shit, they were just my better option.”

They all laughed happily, relieved that everything was back to normal, happy that they were all safe and sound.

As most of them started heading back to the dormitory, Deku who had been silent since the beginning didn’t move.

Bakugou sighed, giving his best friend a gentle squeeze to which she responded with a nod and a soft smile. Passing in front of the nerd, he glared at him, threatening him silently that if he would make her cry again, they were going to have a problem. And then, he got inside, letting the two friends alone outside. They probably needed to talk.

He didn’t wait for anybody or any sign as he went to his bedroom. Katsuki laid on his bed that night, for the first time in a foreign place. It didn’t feel like home at all, even though his belongings were there. But he guessed that even if he had been in his actual bedroom, he wouldn’t feel good either.

The only place that soothed him these days, the only place which felt like home was with her. He felt empty without her at his side. Since the accident, they really stayed together. When she ended her appartement’s contract, she had stayed in his house. They would sleep together, too afraid of being appart, hands intertwined.

And now, alone in his room he craved for her hand, for her breath echoing in the room, and her warmth at his side. He sighed deeply, plunging his head into his pillow. He didn’t know what that meant, but he didn’t want to search any further anyway.

He just knew he needed her.

So when Uraraka knocked at his door that same night, pillow in her arms, he didn’t question it. He pushed him aside, making her a small place on the bed.

And just like they had always done when they needed each other close, they cuddled together, falling asleep more easily.

Chapter Text

Living with his classmates wasn’t the worst thing in his life so far, Bakugou had to admit. He liked the idea of not being alone, and living away from his parents this week felt pretty relieving.

Not that he didn’t like them, but they tend to be a bit overprotective and intrusive since the accident. He couldn’t blame them, really. But being away was nice.

And if staying with a bunch of idiots become too much, he just had to go back in his room, or just find a quieter place to hang out. So it really wasn’t that bad, unlike what he had first thought.

The worst that happened was he hadn’t had time alone with Uraraka. The girls were always together, chatting, giggling and sharing secrets. Not that the boys didn’t do the same, he stopped counting the times were Kirishima forced him into some guys nights.

And even though he kind of liked these moments, just chilling, talking and playing, he found it hard to have some time with just his best friend. But he would die before admitting that to anyone.

So instead, he decided to invite her outside for their first weekend at the dormitory. Well, kind of. It was at his house, so it wasn’t really outside, and his parents will surely be there, so they wouldn’t be alone.

But at least, they could spend time together, as usual.

He plunged his hands in his pockets, lazily walking through the corridors until the living room, where he knew he would find pretty much everyone. Some of them had decided to go back to their house this weekend, so there shouldn’t have a lot of people.

Still, as he approached the room, he heard giggles and loud whispers. He rolled his eyes, stepping in to find every girl sitting around the couch, probably gossiping.

When Frog-girl saw him, she quickly said in a loud murmur. “Girls, girls! Hush!”

They all turned to him, quick to end their conversation. He easily noticed Uraraka, sitting legs crossed on the floor, playing with the hem of her shirt. She was blushing furiously. Each other girls were grinning maddeningly.

He wrinkled his nose, stopping not far away from the couch. There was a heavy silence as they probably waited for him to say something, but Ochako was the first one to talk.

“Katsuki? Do you need anything?” Her head tilted to the side, the slightest ounce of worry in her expression. She looked ridiculous being worried while her whole face was crimson.

He cleared his throat. “I’m going back home.” He paused, waiting for her answer. Until he noticed that he, in fact, hadn’t asked any question. So he hastily added. “Do you want to come?”

And of course, that sparked silly reactions from everybody. Some laughed, others just let out high-pitched “oooh” while wiggling their eyebrows. If it was even possible, he noticed Uraraka becoming redder.

He rolled his eyes. “My parents wanted to see you.”

That was a lie, well a half-lie. Because his parents didn’t ask her to come, hell he didn’t even tell them he was passing by. But he knew they will be glad to see her anyway.

She finally answered. “Yeah. Yeah, of course!” As she got up, she earned a few more cackles. Then Mina whined.

“Why am I not invited too Bakugou?” She dramatically let herself fall on the couch, eyeing him with puppy eyes. Which were of course, useless.

He deadpanned. “Because you’re insufferable to be with.”

The pink girl looked at him murderously, pouting, even though she clearly wasn’t upset at all. “First of all; rude. Second of all, you’re the one insufferable here.”

He shrugged. “Then I don’t see why you’d like to come. Now, this is settled. Cheeks?”

But apparently, the girls weren’t done yet, as another high pitched voice echoed in the room. He didn’t see any lips moving and guessed it was Invisible girl this time.

“So you’re telling us Ochako is great company, hm?”

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “She’s better company than any of you out here.”

Another round of exciting laughs and “ooh” erupted as Ochako grabbed his wrist and forced him to move. She yelled a quick “see you later!” to her friends, moving fast to the exit. He could clearly see her ears, pinker than ever.

She waited for them to be outside to slow down the pace and let go of his arm. He put his hands back into his pocket and placed himself next to her as they started walking slowly.

She was pouting. Her brows were furrowed, gaze locked in front of her as her lips were swollen. Her face was still red as the wind blew between her hair, exposing her skin.

“What are you mad for?” he asked, keeping his gaze on her.

“You really can be a pain in the ass when you want, you know that?” Her eyes darted at him, look piercing.

“Ah!? What the hell did I do?”

Her nose wrinkled, mouth shut in a strict line. She added. “Gossiping!”

Eyes wide in surprise, he stopped a second, assessing her words. Then he burst out of laugher, legs working again. Which only earned him another glare.

“Your friends were the one gossiping. I did nothing of the sort round face.”

“Yeah? Well, you didn’t deny the gossip either!”

He arched an eyebrow, looking at her. “What do you mean?”

Uraraka sighed deeply, face slowly returning to normal. She averted her eyes, mumbling. “They think we are secretly dating.”

There was a small silence as the wind passed by.

“Aren’t we though?”

She nearly choked and halted violently, eyes even rounder than usual. He laughed, shaking his head, quick to add.

“I’m teasing Cheeks. Calm down.”

He felt the slightest source of warmth behind his neck but ignored it as Uraraka got a hold of herself and caught up with his pace.

She frowned. “That’s not funny Kastuki!”

“Let them talk.” He shrugged, plunging his hands deeper into his jean. “You shouldn’t care about what people think.”

A long sighed escaped her lips. “And you should care more.”

He eyed her, conveying his thoughts through it. Which she obviously understood, as she breathed out a quiet “right, sorry.”

Because in fact, he did care about what people thought of him. There used to be a time where he was fearless about other’s opinions, but not anymore. He wouldn’t admit it, but people believing he could be a villain truly hurt him.

Maybe he wasn’t as obsessed as her about the other’s opinion, but he did care. Even though he never showed it. She may be one of a few who noticed that about him, the others being his parents.

They walked silently for a moment, letting their thoughts wander, the fresh air of the morning brushing their skin. It felt nice. But Uraraka was quick to end the calm atmosphere. Not that he minded.

“Still, next time don’t say ambiguous things like that.”

He groaned, exaggeratedly rolling his head. “There wasn’t anything ambiguous about what I said. It was the strict truth and you know it.”

Her pink cheeks took a darker shade, but she kept it together and put her nose in the air, scolding him. “It was! They will all come at me for crumbs when I’ll get back!”

“Who cares? Just shove them away!”

“I can’t! They’re my friends!” She countered, frowning again.

“I have no problem with that.”

“That’s because you don’t have friends. Except me. And you never shoved me away.”

He pushed her indignantly, with a small “eh!”. Ochako laughed, pushing him back playfully. He had the hardest time of his life trying to hide his smile.

“Stop fussing about it. I’m not dating you, so it’s fine anyway.”

She narrowed her eyes, asking suspiciously. “And what exactly do you mean by that?”

Bakugou raised his hand to the sky, protesting loudly. “Fucking what now? Why are you mad again?”

She wrinkled her nose, pouting. “You said it with such... hostility.”

“I did not.”

“You did.”

“Listen,” he started, putting his hands back on his pockets, feeling his cheeks getting warmer. “It’s not that I think you’re not-“ He cast a quick glance at her, searching for his words, face blushing even more as she looked at him expectantly. “interesting.”

What a great choice of word.

“But first, you’re my childhood friend, so; weird. And second, we’re still young to think about this kind of stuff. Plus we have other things to think about, like becoming heroes.”

He didn’t dare to look at her, keeping his gaze in front of him as he felt hers examining him. She finally looked away, humming to herself.

“You’re right though.”

“Of course I’m right.” He scoffed, letting out a tension he hadn’t even noticed before.

A smile crept on her face, as she seemed satisfied with the outcome of the situation. She joined her hands behind her back, looking at him expectantly. To his relief, she completely changed the subject.

“I thought you didn’t want to go back home for this weekend?”

Indeed, he had planned to stay in his room all weekend, probably reading or practicing, but the thousands of messages from his mother, menacing him to come to visit irked him enough to actually listen this time. Plus, he wanted to go back soon anyway, to grab something he had forgotten in his room before setting down at UA.

“Yeah, the hag’s threatening texts suggested something else.”

She laughed wholeheartedly, eyes sparkling. She kept her smile on as she countered. “They never stopped you from doing what you wanted before.”

“I also have some things to take so, might as well do it now.” He shrugged.

She huffed, taking larger steps to find herself in front of him and turned around. She teased. “Just admit you miss your mother already, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Like hell, I would.”

She laughed again, turning around and jumping happily ahead of him to his house. She arrived first, knocking politely but opening the door and entering before him.

He scoffed.

He didn’t even have the time to actually enter the house that he heard joyful exclamations from his mother. He rolled his eyes, taking off his shoes after closing the door behind him.

“Ochako honey! What a surprise, I’m so glad to see you!” His mother beamed, planting long kisses on his friend’s cheeks.

He purposely ignored Uraraka’s glare and went straight to the kitchen, passing by her mother without any greeting. He found his father, already making diner.

“Katsuki Bakugou!” Mitsuki yelled from the corridor, quick to appear in the room, hands severely put on her hips. “You could at least say hello!”

He rolled his eyes, sitting on the table. “Yeah yeah.”

His father chuckled behind him, bending down to say hello to Ochako. She laughed too, sitting on a chair next to him.

“Didn’t you missed us?” His mother continued, voice roaring into the house. Yep, he definitely didn’t miss any of it.

“Calm down old hag. It’s only been a week.”

As she was about to retort something, his friend interrupted,  loud and happy laugh shutting his mother’s mouth. She countered.

“It’s okay Mrs Bakugou, he told me on the way that he missed you lots!”

“I did not.” He disagreed, glaring at the embodiment of betrayal itself.

“Totally did.” She winked at him, unphased or rather used to his murderous stares.

Mitsuki huffed, swinging into the room to help her husband preparing something for the new guests.

“We’re so fortunate to have you dear! If it was for my ungrateful son, I would know nothing about his life!” Uraraka laughed, casting a knowing smile at him. “You should give me your phone number and exchange news sometimes!”

Katsuki stared at his childhood friend, menacing, daring. All his posture shouted, “don’t you dare.” But the traitress just pulled her tong out and added in a mischievous voice. “I’ll be glad to!”

They went back to the dorm on sunset, two huge boxes of leftovers in hands. His father had insisted for them to take it so they didn’t have to cook anything for tonight. And his mother had made a huge deal about taking everything that they had left. There clearly was too much, even for the two of them, but they still could put it on the fridge for another day if they wanted.

“Did you got to take everything you needed?” She asked, opening the gate and keeping it wide for him to enter.

He felt the notebook in the pocket of his jacket, small, simple but ready to be used again. “Yeah.”

“What was it? I didn’t see you take anything?” She looked curiously at him.

He blushed ever so slightly, but the colors of the sun setting on his skin hid it pretty well. “Nothing much.”

She didn’t elaborate further, knowing he was embarrassed. He didn’t really like people knowing he kept a notebook about his daily life. Firstly, that was like letting them know there was a problem with him. And second, he’d like to keep his reputation, thank you very much.

Not that he was ashamed of writing. Rather that he was ashamed of what he was writing. Most of the things were moments Uraraka and him shared. He had never dropped the old habit, writing about their friendship, what they said and what he had felt. Because he was still afraid of losing these precious moments.

As they entered the dorms, loud chatter could be heard from the kitchen. They followed the voices, finding without surprise that almost everyone was gathered, talking happily and sharing meals. They were greeted with lots of smiles and warm welcomes.

Katsuki found him a place next to Kirishima who was eating a meal that he -without a doubt- prepared himself. He knew it thanks to the burnt chicken laying on his plate. He scoffed.

“Eh! Don’t you dare mock my meat, not everyone has a prepared meal from their mother.” Kirishima tried to defend himself, giggling.

He rolled his eyes, taking out his box off the bag and handing Uraraka hers. “Not my mom, my dad.” She took it with a grateful smile, giving him two chopsticks in exchange. “And I can prepare my shit myself, thank you.”

His nerds of friends eyed his box hopefully, eyes sparkling and nose sniffing the delicious smell. He glared at them, pointing accusing chopsticks. “Not in your wildest dreams.”

They all groaned, Sero and Kaminari turning back to their instant noodles. He eyed Uraraka, who was sitting next to four eyes and Deku. She was happily chewing on her food.

“Ochako!” Mina whined, turning to face her. “Bakugou won’t let us taste his mother’s treats! Can I take some in yours?”

She smiled happily, nodding and handing her box to the pink girl. Mina beamed, running toward her, a full grin on her face. She turned to Bakugou and pulled her tong out. But before she could taste it, Deku’s voice echoed.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” His voice was flat, matter of fact, but he winced, looking at the food as if he was remembering a painful memory.

Pinky tilted her head. “Why?”

Bakugou crossed Uraraka’s eyes, and they both shared a mischievous grin, knowing very well what the nerd was talking about.

“Kacchan’s family doesn’t have what we call sweet teeth.” He stressfully looked at Bakugou, who just scoffed, taking another bite of his curry.

“Well, Ochako does! So if she can take it, there are absolutely no risks!” Mina countered, finally tasting the curry, chewing happily.

It took her exactly two seconds to shout, gasping for air, eyes watering. She turned around quickly, rushing into the sink to pour water into a glass that she drank in one huge gulp.

Deku sighed, getting back into his own meal while the girl next to him just laughed out loud, finding the situation very funny. Katsuki allowed himself a wide grin.

They were all looking at Mina, who was still crying and cursing next to the sink. Then, their eyes fell on the boxes Uraraka and him were eating into. Kirishima was the next one talking, mocking Pinky.

“It can’t be that bad. If a girl who has a sweet tooth for mochi can handle it, everyone could. Mina, you’re just overreacting.” He chuckled but eyed the curry nonetheless.

Bakugou’s grin grew wider as he pushed his plate in front of his friend. With a simple look, he dared him to take a bite. Kirishima took it hesitantly despite his own words.

He chewed slowly, everyone looking at him, waiting expectantly for a reaction. Within three seconds he began coughing, eyes watering at his turn. He quickly shoved his own meat into his mouth, desperate for something lighter. Everyone laughed, as they all started eating again.

“Uraraka how can you be so manly?” he cried out, impressed and hurt.

To Katsuki’s surprise, Todoroki, who had kept quiet since they arrived, was the one taking Uraraka’s defense. Putting his empty bowl of soba on the table, he stated.

“You should drop the whole judging people by their cover by now.”

The blond hid his smile by taking another bite. Everybody assumed a lot of things about his best friend, he knew that. She was cute and had this angel face that screamed innocence, but she was way more than a sweet girl. And witnessing people assumption shattering had become a new hobby of his.

“But how?” Mina asked, clearly vexed while looking at the space cadet.

The latter just shrugged, shoving rice into her mouth. “I got used to it after all this time.”

Kirishima and Pinky groaned, eyes still wet from their mistake. And Bakugou’s smile grew wider, sharing a proud look with Uraraka.

In the intimacy of his room, Bakugou allowed himself to sighed deeply. Letting his body fall on his bed, he glared at the ceiling for long minutes. It had been a good day. It felt good if he was being honest. This week had been stressful, dealing with his own thoughts along with homework and school, so having this day off, being with his family and friends felt good.

He sat down, getting rid of his jacket and plunging his hand into it to take his notebook. He hadn’t brought all his previous ones with him, not wanting to attract attention, but he regretted it. Even if he knew there were a lot of people entering his room without warning -and by a lot of people he meant Kirishima and Uraraka- he would have loved being able to read them again.

It was something he liked to do. Taking all his notebook and reading them. Somehow, it eased him. Because he would notice that he knew some moments by heart already, and if he didn’t, at least now he could read it again and try to memorize it. But he had been afraid that one of his friends would found one and read through it, so he had played the safe card and had brought only one.

He opened it, taking a pen in his bag on the ground. There was a lot to say for once. He hadn’t written since the training camp and had a lot to tell. Not only about his friendships but also about himself, about his own thoughts.

It was kind of soothing to write. It helped him put his thoughts into order, be more objective. It helped him go through his emotions and feelings. He loved writing, a lot. So he wrote.

Until someone knocked and he threw his book into his bag as the door swung open. Kirishima revealed himself, a full grin on his face, as usual. Bakugou groaned, plunging his head into his pillow.

“Nice to see you too Bakubro!” He teased, pushing the boy aside to lay on his bed too.

“I’ve seen your face literally an hour earlier shitty-hair.” he mumbled.

“Yeah, well you’ve spent all day out so I decided to spend some time with you! What’s wrong with that?”

“Everything.”

Kirishima laughed happily, shaking the bed in the making. Bakugou turned around, looking at his ceiling, mirroring his friend.

He didn’t really mind the boy being here, to be honest. He had learned to appreciate his presence, accepting his cheerful aura and strong atmosphere. It was cool to have a friend as strong as him. He could spare without the fear of hurting him and he had a buddy to train with.

It wasn’t unusual for the red-haired boy to be here, what was unusual though was the fact he was just laying on the bed. He was always in for playing card games or play on Katsuki’s video games. He had never entered the room without a thing to occupy his hands.

Bakugou sighed. “Why are you here Kirishima?”

His shoulder sagged, sighing inaudibly. “I just... I get that you don’t want to talk about what happened.” Katsuki inhaled sharply, he should have known what this was about. “but I’m worried.”

He didn’t answer. He had known this moment would happen somehow but had hoped to have more time. It’s been a week already, and he hadn’t missed the worried glare Kirishima had given him. He had let him time to think about it, time alone, but of course, he would check on him after that.

“I’m not asking you to tell me everything.” He scoffed, adding. “You won’t anyway. I just want to know if you found a way to let out your feelings. Bottling up is wrong I’m so many ways, and if you need to let out some emotions, I’m here. Whether you’d like to talk or spare or anything.”

He knew that. And he wasn’t as fine as he would like to admit. But he didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t know what to say anyway. It was easier to just write on his notebook and then pushing everything aside in a corner of his mind.

Though he wouldn’t be against some sparring. So he spoke.

“I don’t need your fucking help shitty hair, I’m fine.” His voice wasn’t as harsh as he intended. He added, in a whisper. “But thanks anyway. Some sparring can be cool someday.”

Kirishima beamed at his side as he rolled his eyes, letting the smallest of grin appear in his lips. His friend sat down, looking at him expectantly.

“Great, now that this is settled! What do you want to do?”

He wrinkled his nose and closed his eyes before saying. “Sleeping.”

He heard the pout in Kirishima’s complaint. “You’re no fun bro!”

He didn’t have the time to retort something that someone knocked at his door again. He exchanged a puzzled look with the other boy and waited for his door to open.

Uraraka was standing on her pajamas, playing with the hem of her shirt. Her expression widened into surprise when she saw he wasn’t alone. She flushed, muttering.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would- Uh... Sorry, I’m going to-“

“What’s this? A desperate anonymous club?” He growled, sitting up at his turn.

The girl yelped, scratching the back of her neck. “Ah sorry really. I’ll see you tomorrow then, I-“

“Oi! Cheeks!” He interrupted her before she could escape. “It’s fine. Come in.”

She hesitated again, eyes darting between him and Kirishima. Until the latter smiled happily.

“Come on Uraraka! We were about to play a video game, join us!”

“Oi!” Katsuki countered, looking at the red-haired boy this time. “This is my room, I’m deciding.”

Ochako finally entered the room with a smile, closing the door behind her and joining them in the bed. Kirishima ignored his retort, getting up to chose and start the game, only coming back with three controllers in his hands.

As they all played, teasing and cheating, Katsuki noticed how soothed he was for the first time this week. He felt secure, knowing his parents weren’t far but not too near either, knowing he had his friends at his side. He didn’t need to talk about it. They knew him enough to get his thoughts out of it.

He laughed, wholeheartedly and candidly, ignoring the proud look the two dorks shared.

Chapter Text

Exhausted. Weary. Lifeless. Empty. Hopeless.

There were a lot of words to describe Katsuki’s mindset, yet none of them seemed deep enough. He didn’t even have the strength to sigh, barely registering the pain shooting in his body.

The fact was, he didn’t care about his wounds, he didn’t care about physical pain. His mind was focused on anything else than physical hurt actually. Wandering through his childhood, roving through the few memories he had of his life.

Trying to find where he had fucked up.

Desperate to pinpoint why his life was such a failure.

His eyes were locked on the door without seeing it. His breathings were barely existent and his heartbeats were low. It was a good thing both were automatic mechanisms, he wouldn’t have the force to breathe or keep his heart pounding right now.

He didn’t even have the strength to cry. There was just emptiness, void and rushes of memories which -for the first time- he wished to forget.

He didn’t move when the door opened again, letting the small and worried body of Ochako entering the room. She was talking hurriedly and shakingly but he didn’t listen, he didn’t even hear.

Why his life was so damn difficult? Was it all because of his memory problem? Or was he really the problem? He didn’t know and it frustrated him. It upset him to no point to know that somehow all the effort he has been doing since he was little had been for nothing. All the times he tried to push his insecurities away, affirming that he could only succeed, had just been lies.

Lies told by no one else but him.

His eyes finally left the door, falling on the girl who sat just in front of him, putting a bucket of water and a small bag at her sides. She had her legs crossed, fingers fidgeting. She looked at him for a moment, biting her lip, eyes full of despair.

The silence fell between them.

He had come to her room ten minutes earlier. At least, he thought so, he lost track of time when she got out to search for medical aids. She had nearly screamed when he had entered, wounded, weak. She had asked a lot of questions, to which he never answered so she had left him a moment, taking his health for duty.

“Do you want to sit on the bed?” She questioned, voice low, afraid of startling him.

He was sitting on the ground, back laid against her bed. He didn’t have the will to move though, so he said nothing, deciding that this posture wasn’t that bad after all.

Uraraka sighed, lips firmly shutting in a straight line. She took a small towel, putting it on the warm water and taking one of his arms to wipe away the dry blood. He watched her movements carefully, without backing away or shifting as he didn’t feel the pain.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?”

There was no reproof in her question, just worries. What had happened? A lot actually. Maybe too much for him to handle this time.

“I know how secretive you are Katsuki,” she continued, not bothered by his silence. “but I’d like an explication this time.” She was gentle, has always been. Breathing slowly, talking tenderly and hands moving carefully.

To be honest, he’d like to have an explication himself. How did all his efforts had turned into nothingness?

He had tried so hard. He worked harder than anyone, pushing at his limits, overtaking himself for years. Not only physically but also mentally. He learned and learned, forcing his brain to memorize things, forcing himself to recall each bit of his life, each bit of his relationships, of his lessons at school.

He admired All Might, taking him as an example, thinking he could be as strong as him. Never failing, never letting anyone behind, always succeeding. He wanted to prove how strong he was, how worthy he was. To the world, but also to himself.

He got walked on for being stubborn, he got betrayed by one of his only friends. He got into the best school he could ever hope for but found out that he was nowhere near the capacity he needed to be there. People talked shit about him, treating him like a villain. He got kidnapped. He failed his hero license exam. And now he learned that the only hero he had so much esteem for had given his powers, his trust, to the one guy that he thought had betrayed him. All Might had chosen Deku of all people to be his successor.

What did he do to deserve that? Wasn’t it enough for him to be mentally unstable because of his fucking memories? Fate, destiny or whatever it was called had to add these weight on him?

“I know that look,” Ochako said in a painful smile. Her hand was now cleaning his cheeks from dust and blood. “Don’t do this to yourself Katsuki, please.”

He could see the tears in her eyes, threatening to flow but staying in place. She was holding them back, he knew it. She didn’t want to cry in front of him, not when he was like that. She thought she needed to be strong for him.

But she was already strong. She didn’t have to refrain herself for his sake.

She kept brushing his face with the towel, putting it back into the water when needed. The hot clothes tapping against his skin, cleaning his wounds, still had no effects on him.

He just kept his gaze in front of him, looking at her face. Pink and round as usual. Full of worries, fear, and love, as usual too. He hated it. He hated that he always made her feel concerned, stressed. 

“These are pretty deep. It will take time to heal.” She brushed her finger against his eyebrow, frowning slightly. “You clearly got into a nasty fight.” She let out in a long breath.

He didn’t say anything, keeping his gaze on her face. She was pretty even when she frowned, cute even when her face was distorted by anxiousness.

She stopped, backing down a bit to look at his whole body. She sighed again, dropping the towel into the bucket.

“I need you to take off your shirt.”

He didn’t move, staying stoic just like he did since he had sat on the ground. As if he couldn’t move. The thought itself seemed impossible to do.

“Come on, it’s not like I’ve never seen you shirtless.”

But as he didn’t react, her expression softened. She approached him carefully, undressing him. He was being difficult, not helping her to the slightest, but she didn’t complain. She gently took his arms, straightening them so she could pull his shirt off. She even put the shirt on the floor tenderly, looking through narrowed eyes at his chest.

Uraraka cleaned his wounds with the hot towel. She frowned more and more through her gestures, lips tightened in a firm line.

“Is it about the exam?” She asked, knowing very well he won’t answer, but trying nonetheless. “I know this won’t change anything, but I’m sorry you didn’t get it.”

She was right, it won’t change anything. Yet, he felt it. The way he sensed the air escaping his lungs, the blinking of his eyes and the gentle touch against his skin. He felt them.

“You know,” she hesitated, stopping mid-gesture. “This failure has nothing to do with your memory. You are being too hard on yourself Katsuki.”

She stopped, looking at him in the eyes. He felt the air entering his lungs, felt his arms tingling as the pain slowly started to show up.

“You’ve been hiding behind that anger, putting on a facade so people won’t know about your insecurities. But you don’t have to. People won’t judge you any less worthy of love.” She inhaled, smiling softly. “You’ll be surprised how refreshing and liberating it could be for you to just, let go.”

He felt a beating, then two, followed by plenty else. He sensed his heart beating again in his chest, slowly but surely. She always had that effect on him.

“Can you turn around, I still have to check your back.”

She had always been there in his “off” moments. At least, as long as he remembered. He recalled her hugging him even if he never asked for it, telling him he was cool, he was doing great. She held him tightly against her more times than he would admit, watching him cry without mocking him. She tried to keep his mind out of stress, forced him to be kinder, gentler when needed. Uraraka has always been there at his side.

Even when she wasn’t physically at his side. She was there, through phone calls, through gifts and memories. Through his notebook.

He felt slightly surprised when two hands encircled his cheeks, finding himself starring right into brown eyes. “Katsuki please,” she murmured, voice trembling but still strong for him. “I need you to help me there. Can you turn around.”

He did. For the first time since she talked to him, he listened to her, sparking a sighed of relief out of her. He slowly turned around, giving her his back, plunging his head into the mattress.

He didn’t remember the beginning of their friendship. At least, he didn’t remember it from his own memories. But he knew how it happened, he knew how they met, how they started being friends. He knew all of that because she had told him everything.

He had forgotten every part of their early relationship but she had remembered it for both of them. Knowing it was difficult for him, she took it upon herself to tell him everything he would forget.

Ochako has been his first friend and probably the only one to consider him as an equal like he wasn’t some freak while knowing his memory problem. Aside from his parents, she was the only one that supported him, knowing his deepest secrets.

He guessed she wasn’t the only one to know now. Deku knew, of course, but he didn’t know what to consider him anymore. Even knowing he hadn’t really been betrayed, calling the nerd a friend again felt way too bitter on his tong. All the teachers were also aware of his condition, but he couldn’t count their encouragement as supportive.

And even if his new classmates were cool, even if he had esteem for his friends, they didn’t know.

So for now, Ochako has been his only pillar.

“There.” She said after a moment. “Turn back, I need to sanitize the deepest wounds now and put bandaids on them.”

He did as told, still quiet. She was dropping alcohol on some cotton, conscientious about not spilling it everywhere. When her head rose to face him, she smiled genuinely.

That was a habit of her too. She was always cheerful, even in those times. She always tried to ease the atmosphere, to make him feel lighter. And she had always succeeded .

“So...” She started, tilting her head while applying the cotton on his wounds. “Who did you got into a fight with?”

She knew the answer already. So he kept his mouth shut. Which caused her to sighed deeply.

“At least, I hope Deku hadn’t been reckless like you and went to see Recovery Girl.” She smiled fondly at him, not really meaning what she said, simply teasing. Trying to ease the mood.

When he didn’t answer, her smile faded. She went back to healing him, finding back her frowned face.

“You know, I’d really like to know why you two can’t stand each other. You were both friends back then. I know you wouldn’t be so cruel to him without any reasons but, don’t you think it’s time for you two to apologize and start something new?”

Her voice was careful but steady, knowing that talking to him like a baby would just make the situation worse. There were just a few inches between them as she cleaned his brow again. He could see the concern in her eyes.

“He told me a little about you two that night, when I burst out in front of our friends.” She chuckled at the memory. “He hadn’t said much. He explained that even if you guys don’t have our friendship, he cares a lot about you and admires you. Because you both had a disadvantage and worked together through it to achieve your goals.”

This time, Bakugou shifted. It was small, nearly imperceptible but caught her attention as she flicked her gaze into his. But she quickly went back on his wound, frowning harder.

“He understands why you hate him, you know? I don’t, because I’m not into the story, but he does. And he would love for things to get better but don’t want to force you into anything.” She breathed out, air brushing his skin. “I’m not taking his side or anything, but maybe, you should give him a chance.”

He knew she wasn’t taking Deku’s defense. He knew her as much as she knew him. She had always pushed him into what she thought was best for him. She probably wanted him to found back an old friend.

“I’m not asking you two to be best friends again.” She winced on the last word. “But I think putting an end to this war would ease your mind. This will resolve a problem, and you could focus on other things.”

Ochako was pouting, cheeks slightly puffed out and eyebrows touching. She was as confused and upset as him about the situation, even though she didn’t know about the whole situation.

He knew she was right, and maybe he could think about it. He didn’t want to befriend Deku, he still felt betrayed, not only by him but also by his mentor. But he could at least end the war as she said. Maybe that would really free him from a weight uselessly heavy.

She had stopped moving, staying mid-gesture again. Her gaze was locked on his wound but her mind was somewhere else.

Slowly, he moved his arm, directing his hand to her face. He put it on her cheeks, and with one finger pressed between her brows, where a line was resting, easing her frown. She relaxed into the touch, taking her own hand away from his face.

She smiled sadly as he let go of her.

He hated seeing her like this because of him.

Ochako searched into the small bag, taking out bandaids. She started opening them and applying onto the deepest wounds.

He didn’t know how she always did it. She would bandage him, not only his physical wounds but also his emotional ones. She had always succeeded in making him feel safer, secure. She had shown him multiples times that it was okay to feel down, as long as you get up. She had always helped him rise up. Never failing once.

And here she was again. Putting bandaids onto his arms and legs, and wrapping his heart in a warm blanket. She was incredible. She had always seen behind his walls, through the several layers. As if he was easy to know, easy to read.

He remembered seeing a quote one day. He had wrote it next to the drawing she had done in his first notebook when they were still little.

“She always loved the things that the rest of the world forgot, snails and slugs and the broken flowers. I think that’s why she loved me, I was another broken thing, that the world had left behind.”

When he had read it, he had immediately thought about Uraraka. The way she cared about him, she way she had always supported him, whether he was feeling down or good. Taking care of him, with so much tenderness and love that he forgot many times how broken he could be sometimes.

She truly was an angel.

Ochako was talking, but he wasn’t listening anymore. He approached her, cupping her cheeks with his hands, interrupting her rambling. She was surprised, eyes wide and mouth slightly opened. But he didn’t stop, he didn’t let go.

He approached her further and further until the space between them was insignificant. He put his forehead against her, looking down at her face.

He took everything in. Her surprised look, pupils brown and shiny as if they kept all the stars of the night. Her little nose, pointy and small, highlighting the roundness of her face. Her cheeks, round, puffy and pink, and so soft. Her lips, pulpy and pink.

He noticed the sudden blush on her skin, coloring it gently with red. Her lips parted, once, two times trying to say something but the words died without him hearing it. She was gorgeous.

He could feel her breath on his skin and guessed him against hers.  She seemed mortified, breath itching, yet still cute. He wanted to kiss the redness of her skin, touch her swollen lips with his thumbs and plunge into the depth of her eyes.

She finally asked in a strangled voice, gaze switching from his eyes to his lips. “Katsuki?”

He sighed, eyes closing as she took a sharp breath in and stopped breathing. He stayed like this a bit more, enjoying the warmth of her cheeks in his hands, her air against his skin and her forehead against his.

Then, slowly, he let go of her cheeks, encircling her neck with his arms and plunging his head into it. She sighed deeply, body relaxing against his. He also felt the hurried beats of her heart against his chest and nuzzled deeper into the embrace. She hugged him back, pulling him closer.

After what felt like hours, they both put air between them without really getting away from each other. They stared silently, simply enjoying the presence of their best friend.

Uraraka was the one breaking the silence, as usual. She tilted her head. “Could you braid my hair?”

And for the first time that night, Katsuki chuckled. The sound was raw, strangled and he even winced after finally feeling the pain creeping in, but it was still a chuckle. Her gaze softened as she smiled at her turn.

She turned around, scooting close to him so he could braid her hair. He didn’t question it, he passed his fingers through her strands, almost like an expert after all this time. His moves were a bit slow because of his wounds but he still took the time to do it gently and perfectly. A giggle escaped the space cadet.

“I would give anything for our friends to see you braiding my hair.”

He smiled without stopping, focused on her brown locks.

“Nobody will ever see it and stay alive after that.” He answered, feeling the weight on his chest lessen.

She laughed again, crossing her legs and bouncing happily. “You know, I already told the girl about your soft side.” She teased.

“You would never.”

This time, they both laughed, the sound echoing against the wall, filling the room with happiness. Katsuki felt lighter, calmer and stronger. He knew he had made the right choice by coming here after the fight.

Maybe he still didn’t know what to do, maybe he still wasn’t sure about him being worthy. After all, these kinds of thoughts won’t go out easily. He still had to think about what to do next, how to be better, how to be stronger. How to say fuck off to life and keep going even if he didn’t feel like it.

But at least, for now, he didn’t need to think about all that. At least, for now, he had Uraraka at his side, helping him as she had always done.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t. But still want to do it though.” She sing-sang, smile audible.

He tapped her shoulder, silently asking for an elastic which she gave him straightaway entangling it from her wrist. He tied the result, proud of his little accomplishment.

It felt silly. Braiding someone’s hair and being proud of it. He was patched up with bandaids, had just lived one the worst time of his life and here he was, being content because he succeeded braiding hair.

But first, it wasn’t someone; it was his childhood friend. And second, seeing her turning around in front of her mirror, coming back to him beaming, felt like a win. It may be just a little accomplishment, but it made her happy. At that was the best accomplishment he could do in his life.

“You really got skilled!” She exclaimed with a wink.

He rolled his eyes, grinning. “Of fucking course.”

“All right now!” She took his hand, forcing him to stand up. He did, face distorted by pain but didn’t complain. She led him on her bed, pushing the blanket away so they could lay down. “Time to sleep, it’s way past your bedtime sleeping beauty.”

He laughed, happy to actually remember this memory. He got into the bed, quickly followed by her. As usual, they cuddled together, facing the other but legs and arms tangling. They looked into each other eyes, like they always did, waiting for sleep to take them away.

Katsuki felt whole, complete. Looking into her warm pupils and feeling her soothing skin against his left him feeling calm, content. Thankful to have such a good person in his life.

And there, plunging into her eyes, he knew that he could do anything for her. He had always known if he was being honest. But right now, he could get to the moon if she asked him to.

She had always done so much for him. It was normal that he was willing to do as much and even more for her.

In the intimacy of the moment, as he could see her eyes slowly closing, he whispered. Voice hoarse, overwhelmed.

“Round face?”

“Hm?” She was slowly fading out, and he laughed silently. She was the one talking about being past his bedtime and yet, here she was dripping off already.

She smiled at the sound, trying to stay awake so she could hear what he had to say. He approached her, giving her a sweet peck on her forehead, widening her smile.

“Thank you.” He finally murmured, heart bursting from emotions.

She looked at him through small eyes, a smile still on her face. She nodded and added.

“Anything for you.”

And if his heart started to pound faster in his chest, cheeks flushing and breath itching, he ignored it.

Chapter Text

“You could at least try!” Ochako whined letting her head fall backward in exasperation.

“I am fucking trying Cheeks,” Bakugou growled back murdering her with a wild look.

She only rolled her eyes, unimpressed. “Well, not hard enough.”

Fed up, he threw his pen on his desk and crossed his arms, clearly pouting. He glared at his homework instead, since it didn’t work for her. It surely won’t make his book disappear neither but he tried anyway.

“I’m done.” He stated in an angry huff.

“Oh, you’re likely not. I did not go through all of this just for you to give up.” She lectured him, tapping loudly on his notes in front of him with insistence.

They were at it for an hour now, trying to finish a science exercise due for a few days. Ochako had been kind enough to join him in his dorm to give him her lessons and help him.

She stayed to explain to him what she had understood about it, but clearly, she was lost too since her explanations were shit. They had been trying the same exercise for god knew how long now, but neither of them had found the result.

“You’re shit at teaching, it’s not my fault.”  He spat back,  not moving a finger to start working again.

“You really are an asshole.”

The words took him by surprise as he backed down a bit on his chair, eyes wide open. He shot her a puzzled look but she just glared back, cheeks puffed and brows knitted together.

“I already told you to watch your fucking mouth Round Face. Cursing doesn’t suit you.” He simply stated, turning back to his homework nonetheless and taking back his pen.

“Stop calling me that really. It’s insulting.” She whined, coming closer to him to look at their homework.

Bakugou only rolled his eyes. “I’ve always called you that.”

“Not true. There's Cheeks, there’s Angel Face and Round Face.” She listed, taping her cheeks with her pen. “But I find Round face really insulting, so please, stop.”

He looked at her for a solid minute, trying to read her. He didn’t know if she was seriously bothered by the name or if it just embarrassed her a bit. Either way, he shrugged. “It’s cute.”

Ochako shifted at his side, clearly looking at him. But his gaze was now locked on his homework, refusing to acknowledge his compliment. He tried to get back into work, but her heavy stare made him uneasy so he turned sharply to face her, daring her to say anything. He yelled a bit louder than he wanted.

“What? It’s true. You have a round face. I never said it was an insult or that it was unpleasant so now shut up and work.” He cursed himself knowing his cheeks were slightly pink, hiding them by plunging his head into his book as if he was actually thinking about it.

There was a small silence and then Uraraka scoffed, answering sarcastically. “There’s only you to compliment someone this aggressively.”

“Take it or shut up.”

She sighed. “Okay. Just, let’s get it done. I’m tired.”

She went back to her book, chewing on her pen. It wasn’t the first time they would work together, so this kind of bickering wasn’t foreign. But there was never real anger behind their words, they were just teasing, too tired to laugh about it.

It had become quite a habit. She would come into his room to make sure he didn’t forget about any homework, helping him to exercise his memories while he would help her the best he could with subjects she was awful at.

It was a habit both had fallen into without thinking about it, even adding sparing to the schedule. They would meet up several times in the evening to work on homework and then leave a day or two for sparing together.

Bakugou was thrilled by it. Even though it was tiring, he was always busy. That was perfect for him, it would prevent him from thinking too much about things he shouldn’t think about. And spending most of his week with his best friend made the whole picture even better.

They were finally using quirks when sparing. That meant they would always end up with bandages all over their body and stiff muscles. But they were glad to be able to work together and against each other.

Uraraka closed her book, slipping it in her bag before getting up sighing. “I’m exhausted.”

He just nodded in response, letting his own body fall onto his bed, keeping an eye on her.

“Oh, by the way. I won’t be able to train tomorrow, I’m going to the store. I need to buy some stuff.” She warned him, already turning to go back to her dorm.

He nodded again, gaze turning to the ceiling. “Night. Round face.”

There was chuckle echoing in his room, quickly followed by “Good night Katsuki” before his door closed, leaving him alone in his room.

Bakugou was sitting on the ground of the gym, playing with his shoelaces. He had been there for nearly twenty minutes now, waiting patiently. Well, as patiently as he could manage. He could have started without her, warming-up until his friend would finally show up, but there was something wrong.

He didn’t know what exactly, but there was a weird feeling in his chest, preventing him to do anything else than just sit and wait. So that was what he was doing, trying to ease the weird feeling, to calm his nerves.

She could just be late. After all, it won’t be the first time. But he hadn’t got a text from her telling him to wait for her. So that couldn’t be it. Now, why was she taking so long to show up?

He huffed, taking his phone from his bag and texting her. He waited five more minutes but still got no answers. It’s only when the waiting turned into forty minutes that he got up, going back to the dorms.

He couldn’t push away the weird feeling. If he analyzed them carefully there was worry, and a sense of betrayal. But he tried not to dwell on the last, even though the first didn’t seem appealing either.

He entered the common room, hoping to see her sitting with friends, giggling stupidly. He preferred seeing her here, telling him he had forgotten about it than imagining any other options. But she wasn’t here.

And it was pretty unusual since almost everyone where gathered in front of the TV or talking at the table.

“Hey bro! Care to join us?” Kirishima yelled from a table, waving cheerfully. Katsuki just frowned for answer and went directly upstairs without further words. He heard a loud complaint but ignored it.

He went directly to Uraraka’s dorm and knocked loudly. He waited, knocked again, and when he heard nothing behind it, he turned away to go to his own dorm.

There, he laid down on his bed, looking angrily at the ceiling as if it would give him the reason for Ochako’s absence. He was trying really hard not to think too much, but the feeling of distress and pain he felt when the League had captured him crept into his mind.

He didn’t wish for anyone to experience something like that and surely didn’t want for Ochako to know how that would feel. He knew he was being ridiculous, jumping to conclusions, but where could she be?

She always told him when she would go somewhere, and this time he was certain she hadn’t told him anything. His memory was doing well these few months, even if he would have preferred the contrary for once.

He could remember each moment of the attack, the abortion, his failing at the hero course and his fight with Deku.

Deku. Bakugou winced at the thought, but he was sure the green-haired boy knew where Ochako could be. The idea that she could have told the nerd and not him wasn’t pleasant in his mind, but he shrugged it off and got up.

He checked his phone before entering the common room, but there was still no messages from the space cadet. It’s been three hours now since he waited for her at the gym, and the sun started setting.

“Oi! Deku.” He yelled once in the common room, startling everyone. The nerd had round eyes, looking at him with a mix of incomprehension and fear. But he got away from his friends anyway, walking directly to him.

Rolling his eyes, Katsuki led him away from everyone else. Spitting the words out of his mouth was really hard, but he asked anyway.

“Do you know where’s Uraraka?” Speaking her name also felt weird, but he refused to refer to her with a surname in front of Midoriya.

The boy only frowned, eyes locking on an invisible point as he was clearly thinking. “No, I don’t. I thought she was with you, training like usual.”

Bakugou flinched, disturbed and annoyed by the fact that he knew bout their little habits. But he said nothing, swallowing back his remark.

“She was not. Did she tell you anything?”

His heartbeat quickened when Deku shook his head. “No, she didn’t. But maybe she just went out for a bit, you shouldn’t worry too-“

“Don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.” Bakugou spat, crossing his arms from uneasiness. “It’s been three hours, and it’s not normal. She would have said something to me.”

There was a slight pause where Deku analyzed him. He could see it the way he was looking at his crossed arms, the way he was observing his moving feet. And Bakugou didn’t like that at all, because he knew what was coming next.

“Kacchan, are you sure she didn’t-“ Deku started, voice so soft and careful Bakugou wanted to vomit.

“I am fucking sure Deku.”

He was certain she hadn’t told him about it. Even though there was still a little voice, telling that maybe she did and he just forgot, as usual, he refused to listen to it. Because his memory kept getting better and better, and all the hours exercising it with Uraraka didn’t go to waste.

“Okay. Maybe we should wait for her in the common room for now. If she’s not back in an hour we will warn the teachers.”

Katsuki just nodded, thinking that he wasn’t wrong. There was nothing else they could do right now than just wait to make sure they weren’t making things up. So he went back to the living room and sat on the couch. Deku sat next to him, both of them just looking at the TV without really seeing it.

If their actions shocked some people, they said nothing, clearly seeing that the boy wasn’t in a good mood. They all went back to their occupation living Bakugou alone with his thoughts. Which wasn’t doing anything to soothe him.

They waited. Minutes felt like hours and Katsuki kept fidgeting, shaking his legs, crossing and uncrossing his arms, eyes darting to the entry every second. He knew Deku and Kirishima were eyeing hind silently checking on him, but really he didn’t care to hide his discomfort right now.

There was something wrong.

He could feel it.

And when the hour finally passed without the arrival of his best friend, he burst out. Standing abruptly, he yelled loudly.

“Does anyone know where is Uraraka?” His voice was shaky, but it could be confused easily by anger if they didn’t look at it too closely.

There was a huge silence in the room, everybody looking at him, surprised. Annoyed by the lack of response, he repeated more firmly. “Does anyone know where the fuck is Uraraka?”

“No.” Were all the answers given. Some tried to reason him, saying she was a grown-up woman, she will be back soon. Others were more perturbed, clearly seeing that he was on edge.

“She’s probably sleeping in her dorm,” Ponytail suggested, a small comforting smile on her face. He didn’t need her comfort.

“She’s not.” He answered dryly.

And as silly suggestion went on and on, with none of them actually true, panic started rising in the room. The majority of the class was now standing, brainstorming about the idea of telling their teacher that they hadn’t seen her since their last class this afternoon. It was now dark outside.

The only one not taking part in the brainstorming was Deku. He was still sitting on the couch, arms encircling his legs. Bakugou knew why, but he refused to let Deku’s idea come to him.

We would give everything to believe that he was the one panicking for nothing. He wanted him to be wrong so bad, and see Ochako coming into the room saying she had just fallen asleep. Or say she had just forgotten that she needed to go somewhere.

But it wasn’t it. He knew it wasn’t it. And if it was, then that would mean his fucking memory wasn’t any better than when he was little kid.

There was a loud noise, as the door opened. All eyes turned to the sound, to see Uraraka stepping into the living room four bags in hands and struggling to get away from her jacket. She had a huge smile on her face. She stilled when she noticed all gaze on her as her cheeks turned crimson.

A common sighed could be heard around the room, but Bakugou didn’t care. He rushed to her, stopping inches away from her. And in a furious shout, he let out all the fear, all the insecurities he felt during these last hours.

“Where the fuck have you been? oDo you even know what hour is it? What the hell were you even thinking?” His hands were turned into a tight fist, and his breath unsteady.

Ochako, taken off guard just blinked at him, taking a moment to register. And when the corner of her eyes soften, when her mouth closed into a firm line and when her shoulder sagged slowly, he felt his heart sink.

no

She didn’t have to say anything. He knew he had fucked up again.

All anger flowing out of him, he huffed and turned away. He didn’t want to see her pity and soft gaze. He didn’t want to see the hurt in Deku’s eyes, knowing he had been right. He darted out of the room, going straight to his dorm.

There was a knock at his door, but he ignored it. He didn’t want to see her, not right now. He had already made a fool of himself today. He wasn’t ready to talk to her, didn’t want to hear her say that it was okay, that she wasn’t mad. He knew all of that already.

But she should. She should be mad at himself because he didn’t remember something she clearly told him. She should be furious at him for yelling at her in front of everyone. He had been mean and inconsiderate, she should be upset.

But he knew she wasn’t. So he didn’t want to see her.

But the knock continued, so he grumbled.

“Go away Cheeks, I don’t want to talk.”

But the voice behind the door wasn’t what he expected. “It’s me. Please open the door.”

Bakugou scoffed at the man’s voice and added. “I still don’t want to talk. Go away Kirishima.”

“There must be something wrong if you’re calling me by name. So now, open the door or I’ll break it.”

He tsk-ed, rolling his eyes while crossing his room angrily. When he opened the door, he met a smug Kirishima. This fucker. Katsuki went back on his bed as his friend closed the door behind him. He laid down next to his friend, both falling into a calming silence.

"What happened back there, man?" Kirishima asked after a few minutes, keeping his gaze on the ceiling.

"Nothing. Not your business." Katsuki grumbled for only response, knowing very well he won’t get away from it but trying anyway.

"Come on Bakugo. You scared everyone to death and you were clearly panicked. So what happened?"

Katsuki shifted a bit, turning slightly to his friend. The red-haired boy turned his head too, both looking at each other. He didn’t know what to do, didn’t know what to say, but he was tired. He was listing the pros and the cons, judging Kirishima’s expression, trying to know how his friend would react.

He sighed, turning back his gaze to the ceiling. "I have a memory disorder." His voice came out so shaky he thought he was about to cry. But he didn’t.

Eijirou frowned at his side, sitting up on his elbow to look at him. But Bakugou couldn’t do the same right now. He continued, closing his eyes, words hurting him.

"I tend to forget moments, parts of my life. Whether it’s something I learned the day or months before, I just... Can’t remember everything." He let out a breath, trying not to back down. It was too late now anyway. "And there’s nothing I can do about it."

"That’s not true." Kirishima finally answered, even more confused. Katsuki was about to yell at him, eyes opening from anger, but his friend continued, rolling his eyes. "Not the memory part dumbass. There’s something you can do about it since you remember most of the things we talk about. Plus you’re basically among the first people in class."

Bakugou’s jaw tightened as he spat. "Not everything turns around school Kirishima. I- She told me about it. She told me she won’t be there tonight, but I forgot about it. And I still don’t know when she warned me or even where the fuck she was." His frown deepened, face becoming crisper. "She’s my fucking best friend and I’m not even capable to remember something she obviously told me."

"It happens dude, it’s okay. Plus it's Uraraka, she won’t be upset."

"I know that."

Kirishima sighed, letting himself fall on his back. "It kind of makes sense, thinking about it now," Katsuki grunted in response. "I mean, I don’t complain. I got to tell you the same pun several times and you still laugh about it." He let out a loud snort. "It makes you even cooler."

"Oh shut up." Bakugou groaned, but the laugh of his friend sparkled a small grin on his face.

It was the first time he actually told someone about it. Uraraka knew because his mother had told her and explained it to her. Deku had guessed it. But this time, he had chosen to talk about it, willingly. And it felt different, it felt good. He knew Kirishima won’t pity him, won’t judge him. He knew their relationship won’t change. So he felt at ease.

"You better shut up about this though shitty hair. Or I’ll rip you apart."

The loud laugh of the red-haired man echoed in the room, and he allowed himself a small chuckle.

"There it is, the surname is back!" He hit the man’s ribs with his elbows but there wasn’t any force in it, so Kirishima sat up, grinning. "Now that the memory thing is settled, let’s talk about the next subject." He wiggled his brows horribly, grin growing. "Uraraka hm?"

“What about her?”

Kirishima groaned tilting his head dramatically to the back. “Come on man! You can’t tell me you aren’t head over heels about her.”

Bakugou blushed furiously, coughing. He heard his friend’s laugh echoing in the room but didn’t found any of this funny at all. He shoved Eijirou away with his hand, yelling.

“Gross!”

“What do you mean gross?” He asked, grin spreading wider in his face, one brow arched. “There’s nothing gross in Uraraka, she’s-“

“I’m not talking about her stupid, of course, she’s not gross.” He interrupted, glaring. “She’s my best friend.”

“And?”

“And what? That’s it. Don’t poison our relationship with something like that.”

The smirk on Kirishima’s head and his tone showed he didn’t believe him one bit. “Yeah, yeah. There’s nothing wrong with being in love, you know?”

“I. Am. Not.”

“You guys are always glued together. You can’t get away from each other without panicking, and don’t get me started on all the time she slept here.”

Bakugou’s cheeks reddened as he pouted, averting his gaze. He wasn’t in love with Uraraka. She was his best friend, he wouldn’t do that to her. They had multitudes of things to think about and love was the last of their issues. Hell, it wasn’t even an issue.

“Shut up. There’s nothing. We’re childhood friends and that’s it.”

Kirishima was clearly about to add something but got interrupted by a knock on his door. Groaning, Bakugou turned to plunge his head into his pillow as the boy next to him just laughed.

“Wanna bet on the person behind that door?” He proposed teasingly. He received a glare but shrugged it off as he got away from the bed, opening the door.

As they both guessed, Ochako was standing behind it, hands empty and looking worried. She was always worried.

“He’s all yours!” Kirishima announced, winking at Katsuki while storming out of the room, letting the girl come in. She blinked a few times, looking at the boy running away before turning back to him.

“Can I come over?” She asked, without moving, waiting for an answer.

He growled in response and sat up to make a place for her in the bed. After closing the door, she climbed into the bed, laying her back against the wall.

“I’m not mad.”

“I know.”

His brows nearly touched each other as his mind was racing. He still didn’t want to talk, he had nothing to say. He knew sorry wasn’t an option, even though he truly felt sorry. He was more angry at himself than sorry but still. He knew she won’t accept it though.

So he kept his mouth shut, waiting for her to talk. Which she always did.

“Yesterday, in your room, we were just finishing our homework and I was about to go to my room. That’s when I told you.”

He remembered the homework part, he even remembered the bickering about her surname, but nothing about canceling their plans for tonight. She continued.

“I had to go to the store. Your father was there and invited me to come over. I waited for them to make diner so I could bring some for us.”

“Why didn’t you picked up your phone? You could have texted or something.” There were no reproaches in his tone, which allowed her to sighed, relieved.

“Battery was off. I’m sorry, I should have warned you through your parents. I didn't think...” Bakugou turned his head to see her, but she kept hers straight ahead. There was evident guilt in her words.

“It’s okay.” He answered, sighing at his turn. “And I’m sorry,” he added before she could counter it, already noticing the shifts in her position. “For yelling at you. I shouldn’t have worried everyone and then lash all my fear at you.”

There was a silence, heavy but not sharp. It was kind of unsettling but not enough for him to break it. But as a sob made his way to his ears he turned quickly to her. Bitting on her lips, cheeks puffed, Ochako was clearly keeping herself from crying. Failing miserably.

His heart broke as he saw the tears rolling down on her cheeks. Not really knowing what to do, he just stared at her, feeling his chest being opened, stabbed. When the first cry came out of her, she leaped herself at him, burying her small and built body against his.

Katsuki shifted slightly for her to be more comfortable, wrapping his arms around her.

“I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “It’s just- It’s hard.” He tightened their embrace. “I try so hard, but I know I’m not enough. I’m so sorry I feel like I can’t help you like I keep forgetting that even if your okay that doesn’t mean your memory is okay. I keep forgetting that and put you in so much trouble.”

“Shh. Please,” he murmured, voice hoarse. “No more Cheeks.”

But she continued anyway, unstoppable. “And I keep feeling bad because if this is how I feel, how do you feel? You’re so much more hurt than me and yet I’m still thinking about my own fucking feelings and-“

He wanted her to shut up. She was rambling nonsense. She wasn’t useless in his life, she was everything. And yes, yes it was fucking hard for him, but he knew it was too for her. He knew that, and he won’t blame her for thinking about her.

But her words hurt him, planting knives in his already fragile heart. He didn’t want her to think that. He didn’t want her to blame herself. He just wanted her to shut up.

She was still rambling, a miserable mix of sobbing and panicking. Kirishima’s words popped up in his mind as he cupped her cheeks, making her look up. But he pushed them away as he approached her.

He just wanted her to shut up.

And when his lips met hers, she did.

It was small, chaste and wet. The tears on her lips were salty, but she was still soft. They barely brushed, touching each other for a matter of seconds. When he parted and saw her eyes, pleading, he kissed her again. He didn’t want her to say those things.

Because if there was someone not worthy of the other here, it was him. She was worth every beauty of this world.

So they kissed, barely but still. No words we’re needed, the touch was enough. Two, three, four times. Little pecks on the other’s lips to keep their mouths closed, just to prevent the other from talking.

When they really stopped, they just hugged each other close, letting the moment float between them. For tonight, they didn’t need to talk about it. They will think about the importance of these tiny kisses another time.

For tonight, sleeping into each other’s tight hold was enough.

Chapter Text

The end of their first years was nearer than they all thought. Their first one into UA passed at phenomenal speed. Between attacks, abduction, festivals and hero courses, they hadn’t had the time to breathe. Everything happened so quickly, keeping them distracted even though it wasn’t always welcomed. 

And in a blinking of an eye, they found themselves on their last week as first years. Each of them had different plans for the holidays. Some were preparing trips, others were going back to their house. They all tried to see if they could see each other, as if seeing them all day long for a year, even living together, hadn’t been enough. 

Katsuki didn’t know where to situate himself thought. He was grateful for holidays, even though he knew he won’t have as much freedom as the other if he wanted to be ready for next year, he was happy to have more free time. But he will be staying at his. And Uraraka will go back to her parents. Which was normal, he could understand. But after spending a whole year at her side, two months seemed a bit long. 

In that case, they all decided that being away from each other for all holiday was going to be boring, so they planned a party for the last week at school. It had been decided that they would go to eat somewhere all together and then dance at a gathering not far away from the school. 

But Bakugou wasn’t having any of it. 

That’s why Ochako was in his room, whining. 

“What the hell are you doing in your pyjamas? Why aren’t you all dressed up already?” Hands settled on her hips, she looked at him through narrowed eyes. 

He shrugged. “I forgot.” 

“Cut the bullshit.” She rolled her eyes, crossing his room to open his wardrobe. 

“Stop swearing for fuck’s sake it looks horrible one you.” He complained, putting his attention back to his game. 

“I don’t care. You’re going to get dressed up and come with us.” Her tone was firm as she was scrolling through his clothes clearly lost for choice. There wasn’t any fancy outfit in it, he knew that. 

She turned to him, raising her hands in defeat. “Of course you have nothing!” A small smirk made his way not his lips, which she noticed. “Don’t you think you’ll get away that easily. If I have to drag you there in night clothes, I will.”

He sighed, pausing his game for the first time since she burst into his room to look at her. And really, he should have known better. 

She was stunning. Hairs gathered up in a cosy but elegant bun, she had put a pink-purple dress that looked amazing on her. He could notice bits of makeup, and even though he wasn’t a fan of it, he knew that it made her happy. She wasn’t bad looking in makeup, not at all. But they made her less round, especially her eyes, giving them a sharper end. But she looked good. 

His heart pounding in his chest told him so. 

“Come on, Katsuki, please! We didn’t got to do anything together for weeks.” 

He knew that. And he intended to keep it that way. He has been avoiding to be alone with her, or in weird situations since that night. This famous night when he had kissed her, more than one time. 

They never talked about it. They woke up the next morning, flustered, messy and didn’t know where to put themselves, but neither said a word about it, silently agreeing to forget it. But he did not. At all. It has been a bit more than one month since they did it, but things were still weird between them. 

Their touches weren’t natural anymore. Hugging each other became weird, and then non-existent, bickering with each other always ended up being so flustered that one of them had to go away. 

He felt dumb. 

He knew he shouldn’t have done it. It was a stupid idea that looked necessary during the moment. He doesn’t really remember his train of thoughts which pushed him to kiss her, but they did. He did. And he fucked up everything. 

Because Ochako hadn’t slept with him once after that. Keeping eye contact was hard as she would get embarrassed and look away or literally get away from him. He shouldn’t have done that. 

Now, she was overthinking it, letting it take over their friendship and it hurt. All of that for nothing. Because whatever this was, it was clearly nothing to be worried about. 

“I don’t want to go.” Was his only response, gaze still on his video game. 

He could see her pouting in the corner of his eyes, hands clutched in tight fists. He could guess her frown, brows knitting together and mouth swollen. But he didn’t look directly at her and added nothing else. 

He didn’t want to go. He didn’t like dancing and wasn’t in the mood to spend the night with all his classmates. He won’t go. 

“Fine!” She yelled, raising her hands again. Without further words, she stormed out of his room, slamming the door behind her. He winced, knowing she really was upset but stayed sit on his bed, pausing his game. 

Call him a coward, but this night could be a disaster. Seeing her in her pretty dress had been enough to shut his mind, so spending a whole night with her? He knew it was too risky. 

Risky because since that night, there were thoughts, ideas crossing his mind that he didn’t like at all. He would notice her pink lips, and he knew, soft. He would see the way her eyes would crinkle when she would smile, cheeks puffing and turning pinker. He would remark her pretty curves, the way her body moved effortlessly. So he knew the only sight of her dancing was a bad idea. 

He didn’t want to fuck everything up more than he already did. 

He was stupid, he knew that. His body would react because he’s just a fucking teenager and people had planted ideas in his mind. He just had to take a bit of distance so he could be him again. Then they will go back to being best friends. 

There was nothing between them. Just a bit of awkwardness that will soon be gone. 

Sighing, he turned off his game and the light, and let himself fall on the bed. He tried to tame the weird feeling his chest telling him he had fucked up everything. That couldn’t be true. They both got through multitudes of event, starting by forgetting their friendship to a fucking abortion. A kiss won’t be the thing to put their friendship to a halt. 

So why the fuck his heart was beating this fast when she was around?

A ring interrupted his thoughts. Grumbling, he got up on one elbow to look at his phone. He nearly choked when he noticed the late hour, not even thinking once that he had been sulking on his bed for that long. It was a call from Uraraka. Worry built up in his chest as he sat up, responding. 

“Are you okay?” He asked immediately. 

A silence, then. “KATSUKI!” he literally jumped at the scream, moving his phone away from his ears, wincing. Now he was even more concerned. 

“Ochako? Are you okay?” He asked again. But he was only welcomed by silence. He stood up; worry overtaking him. “Ochako?” 

Finally, a high pitched laugh echoed in his ears. “Very very very good now!” Her voice sounded incredibly wrong, near to annoying as she continued. “You really really really should have totally come.” 

He frowned deeper, asking in a threatening voice. “Cheeks please, don’t tell me you’ve been drinking?” 

Another giggle. “Maybe one or two. But I swear nothing much.” 

He sighed, closing his eyes. Indeed, he should have come to watch over her. He knew this party would end bad, they were enough dumbasses to have a few drinks in secret. He hadn’t thought Uraraka would be one of them. 

“Are you fucking insane?” He reprimanded, preventing himself from screaming. 

“What? It was just one I swear, I’m fine.” 

He could clearly hear the pout in her tone and imagine her puffed cheeks. Pinching his nose, he tried to calm himself. They were being relentless. If the teacher knew about that, they could get expelled from school. Plus, they weren’t in the safety of the dormitory; having drunk underage in the streets was definitely the worst outcome. 

“I’m coming.” He stated, quickly putting on his shoes. He didn’t even bother changing as he opened his door. 

“Yeah! It will be a lot funnier!” She beamed at the other end of the phone. 

“Don’t get worked up about it. I’m coming to bring you back to the dorms.” He warned, walking faster. 

“Oh, you’re no fun.” She pouted again. 

Bakugou didn’t have the time to answer that she hung up. He looked angrily at his phone, calling her back. After four tries she finally answered back. 

“What the hell cheeks? If you think I’m going to let you alone in that state you’re fucking wrong. So don’t fucking hang up.” 

She groaned but stayed in line anyway, storytelling him bits of the party. He quickly learned pinky and dunce face were the ones proposing alcohol and took a mental note of kicking their asses tomorrow. 

When he arrived at the party he found her giggling with Hagakure, phone glued to her ears. He hung up, grunting and going straight to her. He took her hand, not even bothering with her gleeful yet surprised expression, leading her away. 

“Katsuki, wait!” She yelped, laughing. He turned to her, squinting his eyes. She wasn’t exactly drunk, but she wasn’t sober either. Her cheeks were even pinker than normal. “I have to tell the other goodbye.” 

“Tch. They’ll be fine, let’s go.” 

As he was about to go out of the room, music already annoying him, Deku ran to him. He rolled his eyes. 

“Kacchan, wait!” He winced when he saw Katsuki’s frown, knowing immediately the boy wasn’t in a good mood. “You didn’t have to come, I was taking care of her.” 

“Yeah, I can see that.” He scowled, eyeing the girl at his side who was pouting now. 

“Ah yes... That. I tried to dissuade her but she floated me away. But I would have brought her back safely. Just wanted you to know that she was safe.” 

“Yeah well, she going back with me now.” He started walking again, pulling Uraraka with him. He stopped mid-gesture; turning back to the freckled boy. “Take care of the others.” He growled, but there was a knowing smile on Deku’s lips as he nodded. 

He finally walked away, keeping his hand on Ochako’s hoping he wasn’t sweating too much. As they were finally on the street on the way back to the dorms, the girl pulled back violently, stopping suddenly. He took a huge breath in before turning back to her, glaring. 

“What?” 

“Let me go.” She asked, pulling her hands to get away from his hold. 

“No way. I’m not taking the risk to lose you right now, so now come on.” He was clearly getting annoyed. 

He would like to think that it was just because she had been reckless. He would give everything for the reasons to be because it was late and she was being stubborn. But he couldn’t deny the warmth spreading on his cheeks. 

With her round cheeks puffing from discontentment it was difficult to miss the rosy colour. Her lips were swollen and her eyes as round as ever. But there was something else. He couldn’t pinpoint it, but there was something different in her. 

Or in him. 

“I am not a child.” She complained. 

“Then stop acting like one. Let’s go.” He turned, taking a step further but she pulled back again. 

“You and Deku have been taking me for a child all night.” Even in her state, her knitted eyebrows and pout were enough for Katsuki to know that she was serious. “I am not a child. I can take care of myself.”

He sighed. “Yeah, I know.” 

Apparently, she wasn’t ready to accept his excuses yet as she starting walking quickly, leading him this time. She was clearly angry now.

“Cheeks, wait.” 

“Absolutely not.” She shouted not even slowing down her pace. “You were the one who wanted to go back now deal with it or I'll carry you like a balloon.” 

He sighed, knowing there was no way to argue. So he followed her to the dorm, trying desperately not to focus on their hands still tied together. It wasn’t the right time for that.  And there will never be a right time to think about how soft her hand feels in his. 

She led them into his own room, closing the door loudly once they were both in. He let go of her hand, wiping it against his shirt. 

She immediately opened his wardrobe to take out pyjamas. But she stopped herself after choosing one, turning suddenly to him with an accusing finger. 

“You really had to ruin everything!” she yelled, eyes squinting. 

He felt stress building up in him as his heart missed a beat. He can’t help but think about their kiss. Was this what she was talking about? Or was this only about tonight? It had to be the last one, right? He took a huge breath, waiting for her to continue. 

“I wanted one night. One fucking night to just enjoy myself!” He sighed. But his relief was short-lived. “Since that night, I hadn’t had one, not one nice day.” Her finger is still pointed at him, but she didn’t move, staying one meter away from him. It felt like a chasm was between them. “I have been overthinking about it each day, asking myself why did you even do it!” 

His heart broke; eyes watering. He knew it. He knew she had been overthinking about it, he knew she was mad at him. But this still hurt. 

“And of course, since I’m so lucky, I have been the only one thinking about it because you fucking forgot it!” 

She let her arm fall down, voice breaking into a sob. He wanted to comfort her, he wanted to hold her close, but he was stuck into place. What did she mean he forgot it? But she didn’t give him the time to ask that she started undressing. 

Eyes wide, Katsuki turned around quickly. He closed his eyes shut, cursing. She really was making everything difficult tonight. She didn’t seem to be bothered by his embarrassment though as she continued. 

“I said nothing. I didn’t want to scare you about something you did and didn’t even remember. But it hurts. It hurts that I had to keep my distance and made our relationship so awkward.” 

He could hear her struggling to put his shirt on, puffing and whining. But he kept his back turned to her, biting his lips. 

So that was why she hadn’t talked about it? He didn’t forget about it. How could he? Just like her, he had been overthinking it. He had thought she didn’t want to talk about it because she felt embarrassed, because she hated him. 

“I had to deal with a kiss you didn’t want.” She paused as she probably succeeded in putting his shirt on. Then, in a strangled cry, she shouted. “I had to deal with my feeling of being unrequired!” 

He couldn’t help himself, he turned around, eyes wide. She was struggling to put her pants on, not finding equilibrium. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, all trace of anger gone. She was just hurt. 

“And here you are tonight caring about me, calling me Ochako and holding my hand!” Fed up, she ruffled the pants and threw it at him, howling desperately. “I had one night and you had to ruin it!!” Uraraka stood there, arms lose, looking at him.

He didn’t know what to do. He was a mix of contradictory feelings, multitudes of emotions boiling in his mind. 

She had feelings for him. His best friend, his childhood friend had feelings for him. And judging by the unrequired part, it was easy to understand they were romantic feelings. 

He didn’t know if he was hurt or happy. It was a medley of everything as his heart started beating faster, as hope starting creeping into his mind. But he could feel her pain, the way he hurt her. He could feel the sadness of the moment, as she was probably admitting what she clearly wasn’t ready to do yet. 

He was lost. 

“I didn’t forget.” He decided to whisper, sighing deeply. 

“What?” 

“I didn’t forget about the kiss.” He repeated, locking his gaze into hers. 

Her face was distorted in disbelief as he could easily understand the emotion in her eyes; betrayal. He closed his eyes, preventing him from crying. 

“It’s great to hear!” She screamed sarcastically. Katsuki looked up as she raised her hands in defeat. “Glad to know you willingly ignored the kiss.” 

“I didn’t want to hurt you, I’m sorry.” He took a step forward, arms stretching slightly, trying to hold her back. He felt as if she was going away from him, as if they were both falling, never touching the bottom. 

“Then why?” Her cry was strangled, pain and deception evident in her voice. “Why didn’t you talk to me about it? Why did you kiss me Katsuki?” 

Love.

The word slapped him like a gust of wind, realization stabbing him in the chest. It took him a few seconds to even know how to breathe again, as he blinked quickly, dumbfounded. 

He was in love with her. 

It had appeared so slowly into his life that he hadn’t seen it before now. But it had always been there. It was in their bickering, in their words. It was in their embraces, cuddling against each other, searching for comfort. It was into their gazes, into their little attentions. It slowly made his way into his mind, into his heart. 

He was in love with her. 

He looked at Uraraka. Shoulder sagging, expression desperate to understand, hurt. A shirt too big for her falling in her shoulders. Her rosy cheeks and round eyes. Her face, as round as the moon. He could even see the scars in her body, proofs of her force, her power. 

He was in love with her. 

He sighed deeply, passing his hand in his hair. He didn’t answer, approaching her. He picked up the pants in the making. She was crying silently now, observing his moves. He kneeled, holding the pants for her. She obediently put her feet into the wholes as he helped her dress up. 

When she was fully dressed, he took her hand, bringing her onto the bed. She laid down quickly, as he placed himself in front of her, burying her head into his chest. And as he kissed her forehead, he left her question without an answer. 

It wasn’t the right time. Not tonight, not like that. She deserved better than a confession in the middle of the night while she was slightly drunk. Even though he knew she would remember everything, even though he knew she was conscient about everything, it wasn’t the right time. 

So he murmured, heart on the verge of bursting. “You need rest,” he tightened his embrace around her. “sleep for now.” 

—

He woke up the next morning, Ochako still wrapped in his arms, sleeping peacefully. The memories of the previous night overwhelming him, he felt a pang in his chest. Sighing deeply, he decided to get out to run. He needed to be alone for a bit, he needed fresh air and exercise to clear up his mind. 

So he untangled himself carefully from her hold, leaving a little note on the nightstand in case she would wake up before he would be back. And in a last gaze directed to her, he closed the door behind him. 

As soon as he was outside, he filled his lungs with fresh hair, feeling like he was breathing for the first time since last night. He began running, relaxing his muscles, focusing on their movement, of the sensation of his limbs moving. 

He barely started that he could already feel his mind soothing, becoming less and less heavy, less burdening. It was a feeling he had learned to love through the years; finding it was the best way to gather up his thoughts. And today felt particularly blissful. 

He still didn’t know how to feel about their revelation from last night though. He just realized he was in love with Uraraka, and it was pretty important news. She had always been there in his life as his best friend; childhood friend; even family. He never guessed she could be more. Never would have imagined she could be more. 

And he didn’t know if he was ready to for her to be more. 

He would lie saying he never thought about relationship. He was in high school, it was a common subject. But he never really felt the need to have a significant other in his life. He thought it would be nice, but never thought about actually having a girlfriend. 

The world itself sent a shiver down his spine. Would he like having Ochako as his girlfriend? He winced as his heart pounded faster. But it definitely wasn’t from the run. 

But as a thought crept his way through his mind; he stopped dead in his momentum. 

Maybe he had difficulties seeing Uraraka as his girlfriend, but he couldn’t see anybody else than Uraraka for girlfriend. 

He groaned, plunging his head into his hands. He didn’t know what he wanted, didn’t know how to react. He didn’t want to hurt his best friend, but he didn’t even know he felt. Being in love was something. But what should he do with it? 

Tell Uraraka about it? And then what? They would start dating and make stupid cutesy shit that wasn’t like them? Would their relationship change? Would he be happy with that change? 

He didn’t know. He was just so afraid of losing her. She has been the only consistent thing in his life, staying at his side, protecting him and supporting him. He knew how their friendship worked. But a romantic relationship? What if he wasn’t enough for her? What if he had to change for that? 

What if Uraraka didn’t even want to be in a relationship with him? 

He sighed deeply, taking his phone out of his pocket. He searched through his contact and called. After a few seconds, a voice echoed. 

“Hi, son. How can I help you?” Katsuki can hear his smile through his tone. 

“How did you know I needed help?” He growled hiding his head behind his hands again. 

“You never call Katsuki.” His father chuckled, no trace of reproaches in his voice. 

He sighed, biting his lips. “I need advice.” He paused, allowing his father to understand that it was a serious conversation. “It’s about Uraraka.” He took a long breath in. Better spit everything out. “We kissed.” He winced. “I kissed her. And she told me she liked me. Well kind of, she told me she had feelings for me. And I don’t know what to do.” 

There was a small silence before his father answered. “Do you love her son?” 

He didn’t even stutter, didn’t flinched or feel  embarrassed as he said. “Yes.” Because even if there were so many questions in his mind; this was a truth he was not ashamed of. 

“Then what is the problem?” His voice is soft, understanding. But not overwhelming. 

“I don’t know if I want to be in a-” He winced again, still feeling weird about the word. “relationship? I don’t want our friendship to change. I don’t want to lose… My best friend.” 

At that moment he’s extremely grateful to have his father in call and not his mother. Because it’s the only thing keeping him from blushing and becoming crazy. 

“Why would you lose your friendship?” He chuckled slightly, but it’s considerate. “Katsuki, being in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to put your friendship to an end. Actually, having a significant other is just like having friends. With some other bonus.” There’s a teasing tone reaching his ears, and this time he felt a blush creeping on his cheeks. “And if you are not ready for that, just tell her. Talk about it with her, I’m sure Ochako won’t pressure you into anything.” 

As usual, his father was right. He had always admired him, had always thought he held the truth. And nothing changed. Because once again, he was right. 

They were Katsuki and Ochako. They had always been considerate with the other. They had always cared, loved each other. They were bound with a force that nobody could take away from them. They didn’t need to do things like everyone. They didn’t need to put a label on their relation to know they loved each other. 

He sighed and knew straight away his father was smiling. “Thanks, I guess.” He grumbled. 

His father laughed, and a high pitched voice echoed in the phone. “Is this the brat? Is he okay? Why is he calling? Tell him to call me too sometimes!” 

He immediately groaned, rolling his eyes. His father teased. “Your mother said hi.” 

“Yeah yeah, hi!” He didn’t wait for any answers and added quickly. “Got to go. Bye.” 

“Wait! Son!” His father urged before he could hang up. “If you ever decide to do it; make sure she wants it too.” 

“Yeah, I know.” He breathed out, feeling all his burden fly away. 

He finally hung up, raising his head to look at the sky. He couldn’t help a laugh from escaping. Passing his hand into his hair, he just laughed, feeling way better. 

He had been stupid this whole time. There was absolutely no other answer. It was her. It was Ochako. It had always been her. And however she would accept him in the future, it will always be her. 

So he ran. Stupid smile on his face, he ran. Going back to his room. He was going to tell her. They would talk, and come to the perfect solution for both of them. They could do it. Together. 

He opened his door widely, stepping inside, smile still on his face. Uraraka was sitting on his bed, she jumped, looking at him with wide eyes. He was about to tell her right now, yelling that he loved her but he noticed something. 

Several things, in fact, that didn’t fall into place. First, her look; panicked, eyes round, stressed. Then her tears on her cheeks, small but present. And finally, the notebook in her hands. 

A notebook he knew way too well. A notebook he wrote into days after days, storytelling his life. 

His smile disappeared, eyes widening. 

His biggest secret. Open in her hands. 

No. No. No. NO!

Chapter Text

Uraraka Ochako. 

-birthday : 26 december 

-one dog (mochi) and two fishes (cupcake and lollipop)

-likes sweets like mochi and ice cream 

-met her at 8 years old

-childhood friends 

-wants to be a hero 

-drinks her cold milk with cocoa 

-two cats (Kats and Ocha) 

-is at UA with me

-angel face, cheeks, pink cheeks

Words engraved in his mind since he was little, adding facts to them as time went by. Facts written in his first notebook, next to a little drawing of a little girl. He had learned them by heart, repeating them every night, making sure he didn’t forget a point. 

Words important in his life, proofs of his childhood, proofs of the person he cherished the most. 

The same person kneeling on his bed, tears rolling down her cheeks, sobs loud and clear escaping her mouth. She was hiding her head between her knees, guilt and embarrassment taking the best of her. Ashamed of herself. 

As she should be. 

Katsuki was sitting on the floor, back leaning against the door of his room. His gaze was on her, but he didn’t pay attention, didn’t even see her. All his focus was on his thoughts, screaming, fighting, agonizing in his mind.

They both had been in this position for half an hour. At least Katsuki thought; he lost track of time the moment he opened the door to see Ochako reading through his notebook, sudden change of mood overwhelming him. She had been crying and apologizing since then, but he didn’t know what to say, how to react. So he just stayed sit on the floor, thinking. 

She is really kind. Maybe a bit too much, it will probably be annoying later. But for now, I like her. She told me how we met. It was in her town, and I got lost and she found me and she brought me back to the hotel and waited for mom and dad with me. 

She said we played a lot. At a park. She also said she was the one who scribbled in my diary. She drew herself, so I won’t forget about her, but I did anyway. But it’s fine now. Because she said she has enough memory for the both of us. She can remember for me. She will make me remember when I will forget. It’s nice.

He wanted to shout. He wished he could go feral, scream at her, telling her how mad he was that she even thought about reading his notebook, how furious he was that the idea even popped up in her mind. He wanted nothing else than yell how disappointed and vexed he was, how she shattered his trust into pieces and acted selfishly. 

But he couldn’t. 

He was actually distraught, disappointed, and felt so betrayed he couldn’t do anything than just stare into the void. Forced to feel his heart ache, his mind racing without being able to do anything. 

She won’t come this holiday too. I know I shouldn’t be mad, but it’s been two years already. We barely talk to the phone anymore; I don’t understand. Didn’t she say she’ll remember for us? Is she forgetting about me? That would be the worst thing possible since I do remember her and don’t think I’ll ever forget now. 

I know she’s busy with her parents’ work but still… I’m only asking for a week together; which is very little compared to a whole year apart. I hate it. I hate how attached I am, I feel powerless and stupid. It sucks, because… I don’t want to lose her. She’s the only true friend I have. 

At least, I hope she won’t forget to call me for my birthday. 

He didn’t understand. Why did she even look into the notebook? She should have known; after all, she’s the one who knows him better. She should have known how betrayed he would feel. So why did she do it anyway? 

It wasn’t like her. She was usually so considerate of him; they both were to one another. Always making sure they were fine before doing anything, always respecting the other’s privacy but still saying everything because they needed each other. 

Of course, they were time they would bicker, sometimes they would get angry for whatever reason. But still, they would always apologize, even the one who wasn’t in fault. Because they cared about each other. 

So why had she looked into his most precious secret? 

We helped a cat giving birth today. It was really cool, and everything went well! The mom was a bit angry and didn’t want us to help, but we did anyway. Ochako helped me calm down the cat while I helped her with the babies. We both did good. 

The best part about it was we got to name the kittens. I chose to name one Ocha, because she did a good job helping me. And she decided to make a pun with the other naming it Kats. It’s stupid, but it’s Ochako. She got to keep the three cats; her parents agreed. I’m glad for them! More, I'll be able to see them too when I’ll visit. 

“Why?” He murmured, brows knitting together, talking for the first time since he entered his room. His voice felt foreign, it’s hoarse, empty of emotion. It took her a few seconds to register he was speaking to her, before she rose her head to look at him. 

This time, he really observed her. The most evident thing to notice was for sure her eyes. Red, round, buffy. But it wasn’t what was more noticeable. What took his attention was the intensity of her guilt. Emotion overwhelming her to the point a single look into her eyes was enough to know she felt terrible. 

He hated himself for thinking she deserved it. She hurt him, did something he never thought she ever could. But did she deserve all the hate she was feeling for herself? He knew she should be feeling bad, but this; this was something else. 

I hate myself. I wasted the two last days we could have spent together. We could have done so many things; going to the park again, baking, cooking, playing, talking, watching movies. But all I did was sleeping and worrying her and all her family. 

They told me they didn’t mind, but I know I put them in a delicate situation. Her father had to miss work, which they couldn’t afford too; he knew it. Ochako probably spent all day at his side, taking care of him instead of enjoying her holiday. He had been a burden, and he hated it. 

“Why?” He repeated, unmoving, gaze locked into hers. 

But she wasn’t able to keep the contact as she looked down, hands swiping her nose and breath itching. “I didn’t mean to harm you, I-”

“That’s not the question.” Katsuki interrupted, closing his eyes a fraction of second to keep his voice from trembling. 

She sighed, fidgeting with her fingers. “I saw the notebook and thought it was the one you had when little. The one I scribbled into.” She inhaled deeply, looking up for just a moment to watch his reaction. But there was none. “I wanted to look at the drawing I made back then.” 

I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid.

“I didn’t know you were still writing. I never thought this wouldn’t be the first notebook.” 

How did I forget that? How in hell could I ever forget she wanted to go to UA? It’s fucking written here, I probably read it millions of times. How could I forget it the day I’m supposed to remember it? 

When will all this be done? When will I be able to remember what’s important, to live without the fear of forgetting something without even knowing it? I saw her disappointment, I saw how mad she was; she told it herself. 

She has so much faith in me she thought I couldn’t forget about something that big. And here I am, disappointing her all again. How can I call myself a friend? I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I’m stupid. I hate it. 

She was right. He never told her he kept writing in notebooks. He always made sure to write at night, when she was sleeping or wait until he was back home. He wasn’t ashamed, he knew she would never look into them —how ironic— but still, it was his part of secret. It was the only way he found to deal with his thoughts, to lay down his memories. 

That was why these notebooks were important for him. They were a part of him, a part of his brain, his own memories; the only way he had not to forget. And he liked having them for himself, knowing it was his and no one else to judge what he forgot and what he remembered. 

He didn’t know if he was relieved to know this one was his most recent book; preventing her from reading too much; or if he would have preferred for it to be his first, knowing there wasn’t anything she didn’t know about. 

The thing was, he didn’t remember when he had started this one. 

“When does this one start?” He asked, feeling fear slowly creeping into his mind. 

She hesitated before answering, wincing painfully. “League of Villains’ kidnapping.” 

Nightmares keep getting longer and stronger. I hate them. I want to forget it, forget everything that happened. Why do my fucking brain don’t want to forget the ONLY thing I actually want to? Why kind of karma is that? What did I do wrong? I keep forgetting about the important things but can’t stop thinking about this. How weak I am.

They get worse each time but they always start the same way. We are running into the forest at night and the league appear. They get me, and there is always Ochako and Deku’s cries. Most of the time, I wake up here. But the more the time passes, the more nightmares get longer. 

They torture me. I can’t get away from them. I’m too weak. Useless. They have to rescue me. Heroes win, but everyone has to retire, is hurt or dead, or afraid to ever be called a hero again. 

And her. She’s always here. Screaming. Saving me. Fighting them. And dying. 

She dies. Again. Again. Again. Again. Every. Night. 

She dies. 

And I wake up. 

Ah, right there. This was where this notebook started. Realization flew over him, menacing, threatening. The moment he registered what she had been reading, it fell on him, crushing him down. He felt suddenly cold, quickly replace by a feel of destructive flames growing in him. 

He snapped, voice firm. “Why didn’t you stop reading when you saw it wasn’t the first one?” 

He could see the shiver running down her spine at the brutality of his tone; knowing very well he was about to go feral. She answered anyway; as honest as ever. “I wanted to know how you felt.” 

“Where did you stop reading?”

She closed her eyes, whispering, “Last night.” 

All of it then. 

He burst out. 

“You read all of it?” His voice echoed in the room, sharp, trembling, sending waves of anger in the atmosphere. “The idea to stop because it’s my private life never even occurred to you?”

Ochako flinched, but when she talked, her voice was defensive. Pleading, yes, but defensive. “How could I not?” He hadn’t expected for her to fight back, taken off guard, his eyes widened. “Katsuki I’ve been your friend for years,” She cried out, moving her arms to illustrate her point. “Don’t get me wrong, I know I just did something terrible. And you know how bad I feel for it but just consider this.”

She was sitting on the verge of the bed this time, tears flowing down her cheeks but voice firm. “All these years having a friend, trying desperately to help him with his memory loss but failing. Being attacked by villains twice, witnessing, powerless, him being taken away from you, being captured by monstrous people. Losing him.” 

He shivered at her tone, at the way her voice was quivering, at how much feeling she was pouring out while talking. He wanted to scream and was ready to do so, but he waited. 

“The emotions, the fear, the despair you feel because of these nightmares; I felt them. Because it happened for me.” She was broken, struggling to continue talking but keeping up anyway. “You didn’t die. Thank god, you didn’t die. But it’s not far from it either.” 

He felt the stab in his chest, agonizing. He straightened up, facing her entirely. 

“Now, imagine your best friend closing up to you. He doesn’t talk to you about what he had experienced, which is his right. Still, it hurts to feel like you are not worthy enough to know. Imagine your best friend, having nightmares but never talking about it to you. Imagine your childhood friend slowly spiraling down. And you can do nothing about it.” 

The last sentence was told in a trembling whisper, quickly followed by a sniff. 

“You didn’t let me help you Katsuki. How couldn't I, me lowly human, look into what could have helped me find out what to do to help my best friend?” Her hands fell unmoving on her thighs, giving up. “I know I fucked up. I wanted to help you.” 

This last admission clicked something in him, as he stood up, approaching her dangerously. He pointed an accusing finger at her, but this time, she didn’t flinched. 

He screamed, “I wasn’t ready! How could you not understand that? I didn’t want to talk about it because I was fucking hurt Ochako!” His voice too was trembling, anger and pain evident. 

“What was I supposed to do?” Ochako yelled back, standing up at her turn, raising her arms up again. “Look at you fall in depression?” 

“I wasn’t-”

“Fuck you Katsuki. Weren’t you? Look at me right in the eye and tell me you weren’t.” 

He kept silent, hands closing into fists, lips shut in a firm line. 

“Do you even know how many times you ended up in my room crying at night? Do you even know how many times you forgot about homework? Did you notice how much anger you have when we spare? You didn’t notice shit because you were trapped into your thoughts unable to look around you and see everybody was worried about you! So now tell me Katsuki,” Her voice broke again as she shouted louder, imploring. “What was I supposed to do?” 

“I don’t fucking know! I am allowed to have secrets. I am allowed to keep things to myself, I just-”

“I never said you weren’t!” She interrupted. “Of course you can, I don’t mind you keeping secrets. I want you to let us help you. I don’t even care if it’s not me who comforts you, whether it’s Kirishima, Deku, or anyone I just want you to be happy, or at the very least okay. But you don’t let us help you. And I can’t just stand still and look at you walking away from me. I can’t bear losing you okay? Not again.” 

“You didn’t have to look into these notebooks. You should have asked me, you should have insisted instead of searching into private things. I would have told you eventually. Hell Ochako you’re supposed to know me better than anyone!” His eyes were filled with tears, but he refused to let them fall. He hated where this conversation was going. 

“I know! I fucking know that and feel terrible. I’m not asking you to forgive me or trying to get away with it.” He never heard her screaming like that and didn’t want to hear it ever again. He wanted this to stop. “I’m asking you to consider why I did it; not forgiving it!”

Please, stop.

“I’m asking you to put your head out of your ass and accept you are not feeling okay and need help.” 

Please, STOP! 

“I hate fighting with you!” He burst out, feeling guilt hovering on top of him. 

“Then stop!” She yelled at her turn. 

They looked at each other, out of breath, eyes glossy. 

Ochako was the first to break, sobbing loudly again and rushing herself against him into a tight hug. Encircling her strong arms around his body, he sighed, getting rid of all the tension accumulated before wrapping her into a hug at his turn. She kept on whispering hushed apologies, each of them breaking his heart a little more. 

Everything felt so wrong, so out of place. They never got angry to this level, and he hated it. He never wanted to experience this again, it hurt enough like that. But then again, they were both in wrong. He had been insensitive, only thinking about how he felt, how to deal with his problems. He didn’t think about how powerless she could feel, unable to help him, being rejected in a certain way. 

Passing a hand in her hair, he plunged in head in it, inhaling their scent. After a few seconds of silence, broken by crying sound, he murmured. 

“Can I braid your hair?” 

And just like that, all the tension evaporated; Ochako’s light chuckle breaking through the heavy atmosphere as she nodded. They both sat down on the ground, Uraraka sitting between his lap while he was working his fingers into her hair. It felt natural, something they have done multiple times, a way to cope, a way to tame the mood when things get too overwhelming. It was their thing, and it worked. 

“We really are idiots, right?” She laughed quietly.

Katsuki scoffed, “Talk for you.” 

Ochako laughed again, as she brought her hands to her face, swiping away the few tears rolling down her cheeks. But she was fine; he knew it. It was tears of relief. “What are we going to do then?” She asked, and he could imagine her biting her lips, waiting for his answer. 

“What do you want to do?” He finished the braid, tying her hair before taping on her shoulder; a silent request for her to turn around. Which she did. 

She looked at him, biting on her lower lip just like he imagined. Pink cheeks and red eyes. Expectant, hopeful. His heart missed a beat at the sight, and he felt his own cheeks heating. 

“I would like to try.” She finally murmured. 

Katsuki nodded, chest growing with hope. “I would like that too.” He knew he was looking sappy right now, with probably heart eyes and a disgusting smile but, it was Ochako. And he was too happy, too relieved, knowing they were more than okay, even after such a fight. 

He would lie if he said everything was fine. They still had things to discuss, things to work on. Both of them had apologies to make, mistakes to correct. They still had a long way to go before he could say everything was perfect. It will probably never be perfect anyway.

There were still parts of his life that he couldn’t change, part he couldn’t forget, and the same went for Ochako. It won’t probably be their last fight, even though he hoped they would never have one as violent as this one. It won’t probably be their last mistakes. 

Still, it was progress. Good progress. 

Katsuki was still afraid, though. Afraid it might change their friendship in a negative way, afraid things will become awkward. Afraid he would fuck everything up. He knew he would try his best not to, he knew he would do everything in his power to treat her right, but still, he was afraid. 

But thinking back to their conversation; he remembered he wasn’t alone in this. They were two. Both of them would work together, side by side to help each other. And because he believed in her, because he didn’t want to have another fight like this, he admitted, voice lower than he intended, trying to do what was right. 

“I’m scared, though.” She looked up at him, tilting her head, listening. “I have no control over my memories. I know there will be plenty other days where this fucking disease will get in the way.” 

It felt weird, foreign to say it aloud, and he regretted it seconds after. But again, the girl facing him wasn’t anyone, she was Ochako. 

She smiled fondly, “Katsuki, we will be okay,”

Uraraka Ochako. 

-birthday : 26 december 

-one dog (mochi) and two fishes (cupcake and lollipop)

-likes sweets like mochi and ice cream 

-met her at 8 years old

-childhood friends 

-wants to be a hero 

-drinks her cold milk with cocoa 

-two cats (Kats and Ocha) 

-is at UA with me

-angel face, cheeks, pink cheeks

-girlfriend

“I will always have enough memory for the two of us.”