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"Okay you can do this! It's just spilling out feelings, no biggie." Uraraka said, staring at her reflection straight in the eyes in the girls' toilets. Strangely enough, as she was collecting herself before her confession, her level of nervousness wasn't as high as her imagination had expected it to be. But a last little self-confidence boost wouldn't hurt. After all, she had been keeping her thoughts to herself for two years and a half already.
They had certainly taken less and less space in her mind but they were undoubtedly still there and sometimes distracted her when she needed to be focused. The most recent incident happened during hero training. As she was paired with Deku, he accidentally fell on her and had his hands unceremoniously pressed against her breasts. She reacted instinctively, meaning she pushed him away, her quirk activating instinctively and sending him floating away. Before either of them could react, their opponents took advantage of the situation: Deku found himself completely taped by Sero while they both were knocked out by an electric shock after hearing a murmured "Sorry for this" from Kaminari.
She woke up to the booming voice of Present Mic and was already in the cage. Disappointment was visible on her face as they summarized what they did well and reflected on their mistakes. No need to be an Einstein to notice it was directed at herself. She couldn't afford being distracted so easily.
One may think that for teenagers, love stories during high school - whether they end well or not - are as important to experience as having good or decent grades are. Uraraka once thought that way too, but that changed as soon as she decided to become a hero. She dedicated herself to her goal when she entered U.A. and did her best every day to surpass her limits and live up to her school's motto, "Go beyond, Plus Ultra!". And even though she had witnessed it on TV, never would it have crossed her mind that she, of all people, could so easily start liking someone.
Here she was now, preparing herself to confess to her friend. While getting out of the bathroom and heading to the exit, she promised herself that no matter what his response was, she would get over it. Even if he reciprocates her affection nothing shall come out of it or at least not now. When Ochako reached the doors, the boy was still waiting patiently for her as they had planned to at the end of classes. He noticed her and waved his hand with his big smile, seeing her already jogging to catch up.
“You’re finally here Ochako! I was starting to worry.” He stated, seeming relieved to see his friend.
“So much for being confident”, she thought when her heart suddenly started beating faster. Then again when did it not go freestyle around her crush? “Ah sorry Deku, I had to go real quick to the bathroom. Did I take too long?”
“It’s fine, I promised I’d wait! Kacchan on the other hand didn’t seem too happy that I took off some time from your training” Yes, she had been training with Bakugou Katsuki since their second year, meaning it had become common knowledge to everyone. She didn’t regret it one bit and her fighting skills now compared to two years ago were proof of it. At least she had gotten good enough for the hot-headed boy to willingly seek her companionship for some sparring. “You wanted to tell me something right? Do you need help with anything?”
“No, nothing like that! I’m okay it’s just...” She dismissed the idea with a motion of her hand, but her nervousness was starting to show and Deku couldn’t ignore it. Her eyes were fixed on anything but his, which was uncommon. They were friends, yet never had he seen her avoid looking at him before. Not to mention the growing blush adorning her already rosy cheeks.
“Are you alright? Your face is very red. Do you need me to take you to Recovery girl?”, As always he was being considerate. That was one of the qualities she admired, and thought would make of him one of the best heroes in the future.
Been trying to tell you this
I was supposed to tell you this
This is all for you
“Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine! Truth is…there’s been this thing on my mind, and I feel like I’ve carried it around for too long. It’s time for me to let you know, but please promise me you won’t react badly…”
Again, his smile looked comforting “You know you can tell me anything Ochako. I will always support you no matter the circumstances! That’s what friends are made for right?”
Exactly. Friends. What they had been for a couple of years now without interruption. What she wished they could stay regardless of the ups, of the downs or any other bump on the road. She smiled fondly, her gaze turning to stare right back at his. Of course he’d stay her friend.
Pointing out that he’s one of the kindest and purest souls out there would never got old. She’d always brag to anyone who’d give a listening ear that her friend was such a wonderful person, dedicated to his dreams and goals yet ready to sacrifice anything he must if necessary. There was no need for him to be more than what he was already. No need at all. So as her heart and mind calmed down, the words that were dancing along the line of her lips came out in the most natural and swift way.
“I really like you…”
A small chuckle erupted from his lips as he answered without a second thought “I like you too!”
At that moment, Uraraka believed there couldn’t be a happier person on earth than herself. The young girl knew she could leave it as it was and say that she just wanted to state that she liked him because no one knows what the future had in store. But it would obviously be a lie which would be contrary to the purpose of this discussion: honesty. “I know, silly! Except I didn’t mean it in the friend way.”
The way her confession had come out and the fact she seemed bold were only due to adrenaline, not some miraculous braveness. She was still having sweaty hands and some butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Those symptoms seemed to be the only things keeping her at the safe state she was in and that helped her let out her true feelings.
While her body was busy trying to make the young girl not run away, her only-now-understanding-what-she-meant crush was going through successive states of mind. It lasted only a few seconds during which he roughly showed shock, embarrassment, uncertainty, sadness. His stare only directed itself to her awaiting one when he finally seemed to find what he wanted to say. And much to her displeasure, she knew it wasn’t a good sign. Oh how she wished that he weren’t such an open book.
Let’s only walk on flower trails,
I can’t say that
Let’s only see good things,
I can’t say that either
He barely had uttered her first name that she interrupted. “You don’t need to say anything. I…I completely understand. You need to focus on your goal like all of us. I just really needed to get it out of my system but I don’t want our friendship to be affected.” Getting over it. Everything shall go according to plan.
There was no reason to make a big deal out of this situation. In fact, tears were out of the question too, simply because they were nonexistent. The salty protective liquid was nowhere near coming out (lies) and strangely enough she was feeling well, lighter even, after throwing away what she had come to consider as an enormous weight on her shoulders.
“Of course Uraraka, nothing could ever change the fact that I’m your friend! I too…need to give 100% of myself for my imaginings…However! You know I lov—” Deku interrupted himself, judging a little too late for his taste, that the four-letters word was no longer proper when speaking directly to Uraraka. And he seemed to regret it immediately. That type of reaction was typically one the girl didn’t want to witness in the future and so she decided to put it on the account of his awkwardness this time. “I- I mean you know how much you mean to me. Don’t ever doubt that okay? As I said, my goal is my top priority but you’ll always have my support and I will never turn my back on you!”
“I know and I thank you for that! I’ve taken enough of your time already and Bakugou must be waiting for me, better not make him wait any longer” She said with a hearty laugh that hid a pinch of sadness. Uraraka wanted to leave almost as fast as the road runner runs away from the coyote. So without giving him anymore room to speak, the girl bid her goodbyes to him and started running in the direction of the training grounds. “I’m happy I could have this talk with you Deku. See you in class tomorrow!”
Saying that there will only be good things from now on
Saying that you won't get hurt
I can't say that
I can't lie like that
When she arrived, it’s after a series of explosions in the air and a hard landing of Bakugou that she got one of the worst scolding ever. Not that she minded it since the fault was all hers.
“Where the fuck have you been, round face?! Do you know how much I had to discuss with shitty hair to get this time slot? Now almost half of it has gone to waste!!” He yelled with a furious expression, stomping in her direction.
“I’m sorry Bakugou! I had some things to ask from Deku, we started chatting then I lost track of time.” She didn’t know what else to say as she bowed, looking apologetic. It was obviously not true, but there was no way she was telling Bakugou Katsuki that she had ditched a training he agreed to help her with to go confess. As he was getting closer, she got a better view of his face and noticed how red he was and how much the grimace he held was huge. “I’m doomed…”, she thought.
The explosive boy was now in front of her, huffing and puffing. “I don’t care about stupid Deku. I remember telling you to make it fast! What’s so hard to get in “You have 10 minutes”?? I told you I’m not here to fool around. If you’re not gonna be consistent just say it and find yourself another partner.” Surprise at his words made her gleam a little.
“He says that yet he waited for me nonetheless…” She didn’t know what to say other than try to gain his forgiveness. He was the only one who trained seriously enough with her and helped her get stronger, so she needed him. “Sorry…I’ll never be late again I promise!”
“Tch. You think I’ll settle for that pitiful ‘sorry’?” He crossed his arms and Ochako knew it only meant trouble for her. Oh and he had a malicious grin now… “On the ground. 50 push-ups right now.”
“WHAT?! You know I--“
He still had a sly look on. “I said NOW. Or do you wanna do it until you’re about to lose your fucking arms??”
“Okay fine!” Since she brought this upon herself, she complied with a sigh, put down her bag, got in position and started the exercise whilst counting. One thing was sure from her position: Bakugou was enjoying being the one giving orders and she would get him back for it with her fists. He’d drop that smirk right away.
For God knows what reasons though the boy stopped her right in the middle of her repetitions with a “Alright get up now” and turned back towards the center of the training field.
“Huh? But I wasn’t done yet!?” No answer. The moment she stopped and whipped her head up, she saw him get into his fighting stance.
“Might as well make good use of whatever time’s left. Let’s review that move you talked about. Come on, don’t just stay in the mud!”
And just like that she got fired up. “Hmph! You’ll be the one tasting it in no time!”
It's okay, come on when I say one, two, three forget it
Erase all the sad memories
Hold my hand and smile
It's okay, come on when I say one, two, three forget it
Erase all the sad memories
Smile as we hold each other's hands
Apologies accepted, they resumed sparring and her focus was at its highest. Something like that did not go unnoticed by the explosive boy. In no way was he complaining since the session ended up being one of the most productive they ever had. He wasn’t an idiot. He knew what she had said to the nerd.
Because he had gotten used to her acting strong most of the time, or because he knew her better after years of analyzing her moves, he immediately realized that her reaction was a cover. She gave herself away a little when she wouldn’t stop trying to punch him even after she had won a round. He also knew that keeping everything in wasn’t always the solution -and she knew it too- for he had done it himself on some occasions. Let’s just say in his case the punches were replaced by explosions, although he didn’t use a person as an excuse of a punching ball, but an actual one.
The question now was ‘when will she really explode?’. For her own good, it better be sooner than later. And no he wasn’t fucking worried. Training with her had been surprisingly useful and…entertaining? He could only hope the blowing up wouldn’t happen during a session - ‘cause he wouldn’t deal with stupid romance girl stuff - or that it wouldn’t make her stop the training altogether.
Hoping for more good days
If you believe what I say then one, two, three
If you believe then count one, two, three
~…~
“KEEP CALM KEEP CALM KEEP CALM KEEP CALM KEEP CALM” were the words Ochako had been thinking about at least five times a day for the remaining of the week. Once back in class, things hadn’t gone as smoothly between her and her ex-crush as she had hoped they would. Deku avoided her gaze a lot, flinched any time their hands or shoulders accidentally touched and wouldn’t stop stealing glances with his big apologetic and worried eyes.
One thing she was proud of though was the fact she hadn’t been the one feeling awkward. Still, it didn’t change that what she most feared was happening despite her efforts. She should’ve known that counting on Deku not to feel embarrassed was a bit too much considering the fact he had never really been in that situation in the past.
Her introspection was cut short, her anger fading away thanks to her classmates trying again to make their homeroom teacher laugh. She had to admit, even if their efforts were not recognized by Aizawa, they certainly worked on some of those who needed help to come back to their senses when the lesson was too boring and the wait for the bell to ring felt too long despite being mere minutes away. Most of the time it consisted in them making fools out of themselves before getting caught.
And so, Eraser head was forced to activate his quirk, his sharp gaze directed at two of the most troublesome students of class 1-A. Needless to say, it wasn’t really a good idea to interrupt him when he was giving important information on the upcoming aptitude test.
“Sero and Kaminari unless you intend to show it off during the test, your quirk compatibility experiments aren’t supposed to be done during class.” He stated with a tone of authority. In other words, he scolded them menacingly, then proceeded to end his lecture while applying his eye medication. “I will repeat this once since I got cut by your classmates. The pairs I made are a proposition, you’re free to find another partner or even two. The purpose is to see how you can work out a way to combine your quirks. Of course, heroes need to be able to fight for themselves. Remember…” His meds long lost in a pocket, he leaned on his table and sent a serious look at each and every of his students “…you won’t always be alone facing danger. You need to learn how to adapt and make out the best of your capacities even when you have to work hand in hand with other heroes. Two weeks. Dismissed.”
Just as the bell rang, 1-A students started packing their bags, some preparing to get back to their dorms, the others already thinking about doing their homework, training or even hanging out with each other. Soon, Mina began asking around who would pair up with who if they didn’t follow Aizawa’s plan and even made her own assumptions. She was followed by Hagakure and Jirou, then the other girls tagged along as they all got out of class, making their way to the dorms. The discussion had started quite seriously contrary to what one might’ve thought. Then again the trio of girls wasn’t really known for their seriousness…
“I’m telling you Ojiro and Mineta are one of the best unexpected associations! Remember during the first-year sports festival? Who would’ve been able to do what they did other than them? Back then they were kind of rookies, just imagine the possibilities now!” Hagakure interjected in between ideas.
“Yeah that was actually a good idea but how long did they last…? Mineta is a total perv, he ended up ruining it all! He’s still is one doubled by an idiot so I doubt he’d even try.” said Mina. They all agreed while glaring intently at Mineta who only responded with an unnecessary wink. “We should just pair up by affinity. Being close already can only help us work better!”
“It could also be a good idea to try out new things. Different situations can occur and you may not find yourself with a comrade you are accustomed to. We should prepare ourselves. I am ready to bet the teachers plan on separating us from our partners during the exam.” Momo’s supposition prompted gasps from the other girls.
“You’re right, that sounds like something they’re capable of doing, ribbit.”, Tsuyu agreed.
After a tired sigh and stretching her arms up, Mina grumbled “Anyways they’re not gonna go soft on us, it’s going to be so difficult!”
“There goes my sleep again…”, It wasn’t because her sleep schedule had already been cut by her training with Bakugou that Uraraka didn’t still wish for more cuddles with her pillow. As they all made their way to the dorms, the thought of ditching by ‘accidentally’ falling asleep seemed more and more appealing. However she didn’t want to face his wrath for the second time the same week. Her nerves would surely break under the pressure. Against her stomach’s will, she opted for another muscle torture encounter.
Immediately after having exchanged her uniform with some sweatpants and a black tank top, she grabbed a bag with a towel and some water, then set out to meet with her coach. It seemed as though the odds weren’t on her side this time: after being spectator of a training, the pink teen wouldn’t stop claiming their chemistry screamed “relationship goals”. Whatever in the world made her think so, Uraraka always denied it fiercely when she’d get teased by her friend about it. This time was no exception.
From across the living room, sitting on the floor in front of the sofa, Mina squealed “Ohh look who we have there! Ocha running straight to her lover~” A wholehearted laugh came from her throat as she got the reaction she was waiting for: a blush, albeit a faint and subtle one.
“Just shut the hell up Mina!” Uraraka countered, which resulted in only one more remark from the girl who was soon joined by Kirishima.
“See? You’ve already picked up his vulgarity”
“Yeah, sounded just like him. If you weren’t in front of me I could’ve sworn it was, haha!” Kirishima only encouraged the teasing. She decided it was best to just ignore them after letting out a groan, rolling her eyes and just head out to get some type of peace. Fate appeared determined to attack her still.
In the entrance hall between her and the door, stood Deku and Todoroki who were speaking in hushed voices. They hadn’t noticed she stopped 10 feet away. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. Really. Until she heard bits of what they were talking about; the name of Melissa Shield was mentioned, alongside “attracted” and “give it a try”. She knew it was wrong to jump to conclusions by listening in on people. On the other hand, the words left no place for misunderstanding. That was enough for her fists to clench painfully until her knuckles turned white, lip trembling uncontrollably as she was rooted in place with her thoughts racing so loud in her brain that she almost jumped out of her skin when a hand grabbed her wrist all of a sudden.
Me, a shadow behind the stage, me, in the depth of darkness
I didn’t want to show everything including my pain
But because I’m still unaccustomed
I just wanted to make you smile
I wanted to do good
“Move, fuckers.” Bakugou growled at the boys without slowing down and almost knocked into them with Uraraka right after him. The girl didn’t spare a look at her ex-crush, for shame clawed at her subconscious for listening in on her friends. They started walking straight to ground gamma in silence, hand and wrist still intertwined. For a second Uraraka looked at the back of his head, dumbfounded, then turned her stare to her feet. Two years ago she would’ve been even more shocked but now all she was feeling was grateful.
“Of course he’d lied to you, dumbass.” She thought. She couldn’t help the bitterness crawling up her throat. Deku didn’t owe her anything, she wasn’t his girlfriend after all. Still, it stung to know that not only did he lie in her face not even a week ago, he also actually liked someone else and had always been out of her league to begin with. Why was she even complaining again? Wasn’t she over it after their discussion? Why were there so much “why’s” and no answer to fill the void they created in her mind?
“Wake up, Cheeks!!” The booming voice of Bakugou rang, her focus coming back; he was crouched in front of her kneeling form, holding firmly her shoulders, crimson hues searching chocolate orbs for any signs of further panic. He let go of her hand for only a few seconds and next thing he knew, he saw her trembling more and more, composure long forgotten. He only had time to finish taking off his black top before rushing at her side and trying his best to calm her, calling her, and even shaking her to get her back to reality. Although Uraraka seemed to finally focus on him, it was clear she was still having an inner conflict.
“Bakugou…I…” she barely uttered these words before she started to fully sob. After spending as much time as they did together for the past years, Katsuki Bakugou could tell he knew Ochako Uraraka fairly well, and of course he had already seen her having a breakdown requiring comfort from Mina and her friends. The incident hadn’t occurred for a long time though and never would he have thought that one of the people he considered the most tough would be affected this way by a heartbreak. What was the big deal anyway? Nevertheless he decided to try his best at comforting his sparring partner, his honesty never failing him.
“Cut the crap and stop crying already.” Seeing as Uraraka had a hard time stopping her sniffles, he took hold of both her hands and stated more firmly “Hey! Look at me Uraraka!” The use of her given name made her look up “I’m going to count to three and I want you to calm down once I hit three.” He slowly pronounced each number and repeated the action until he felt her trembling fade.
Finally getting her attention with their irises meeting through a slowing down stream of tears, the explosive boy let out a huff. “I don’t know how pinky takes care of your outbursts but there’s one thing I do know. Open your ears ‘cause I’m not repeating this ever again: You are strong. Why would I even fight you if you were not? You stumble and fall but what of it? What matters is that you get up even more fierce and ready to kick ass. Also fuck the stupid nerd, you don’t need his opinion.” Seconds passed, then a minute and surprisingly enough…
Ochako giggled suddenly.
(So thanks)
For believing in someone like me
Dealing with these tears and wounds
(So thanks)
For becoming my light
For becoming the flower in the most beautiful moment in life
She could say she was happy to have friends like Mina, Tsuyu, Momo and the others, always ready to give her a hug or an encouraging word whenever she felt blue. But it never crossed her mind that Bakugou -who had the funniest confused face from her laughing- would comfort her someday, hence why she broke in a fit of light laughter. The most empathetic she had ever seen him was when he had given a push to a nervous Kirishima during a fight at the second year’s Sports Festival. She had to admit…his words struck a chord in her. From first year and even more now, she’s admired him. Of course she’d never admit it to him out loud but she was more than grateful for his concern.
“Yeah, you’re right.” As she took back her hands to rub her eyeballs, her resolve lighting a fire through her whole body, she stood and exclaimed “I’m Uraraka Ochako and I kick ass!”
“That’s the spirit.” Bakugou said, a proud smile on his face. He would never say it out loud, but he liked seeing her happy, full of herself and confident and would do anything to keep it that way. He was ready to wipe away any hurt falling upon her. But before taking on his role of knight in shining armor, he had to beat her up a little himself, so he stood back up and headed further from the sides of the gymnasium. A small voice reached his ears from behind.
“Hey Bakugou?”
“Hm?” The boy didn’t stop in his tracks.
“Thank you.”
She barely heard him mutter a small “welcome” before he turned around and started stretching. She wouldn’t have expected anything else from him and it was more than enough. “Now you’re done having a pity show, move your butt and get ready to show me what you’ve got.”
“You’re always asking for a beating, don’t beg for mercy when you’re tired!” As she went to position herself a few meters from him, mirroring his stretching, she couldn’t help but stare shamelessly at his pecs moving as if they had a mind of their own. As always, he noticed her every moves and his smug smirk was back.
“Like what you see, round face? You can touch if you want.” There came his teasing. She couldn’t help the blush that crept on her stained cheeks, but she’d gotten used to it and had her retort right at her sleeve so she smiled.
“Don’t tell me you’re that eager for me to hit you, Bakugou. Didn’t know you were a masochist” Her stance changed. So did his, a smirk replacing whatever surprised of embarrassed look she hoped her wittiness could have brought.
“Shut up and fight me.”
One.
Two.
Three.
Hoping for more good days
If you believe what I say then one, two, three
If you believe then count one, two, three
Hoping for more good days
If you believe what I say then one, two, three
If you believe then count one, two, three