Chapter Text
Uraraka rushed as fast as she could down the hallway without running into anyone. She slid open the door to Midoriya's sterile smelling hospital room and sighed in relief, he was still there. Uraraka walked in calmly to find All Might sitting by the bed with a melancholic look on his skinny face. Once he heard the door shut, he looked up to find the young girl looking over at Midoriya with an equally sad look on her face. It truly upset her to see her friend, her crush like this. All Might could tell because it was the same look Midoriya had whenever he looked at Bakugou sometimes. It’s a look of sadness and longing that only the person wearing it would understand the true meaning of.
The older man spoke up, making Uraraka look at him.
"Young Uraraka, what are you doing here? You should be resting." He asked her
She walked towards the bed.
"I wanted to see how he was doing." She said in a quiet, but calm voice
"Oh... well he's unconscious at the moment." All Might said with a worried look for her and for Midoriya now
"Is he in a coma?" She asked, grasping the bed railing and leaning forwards just slightly to look at Midoriya's sleeping face
"...Yes, but he's stable... for now." All Might answered
He wasn’t sure what her objective was. The older blonde knew she was there to visit her friend, but he could sense there was something else she was here to do. He just didn’t know what. All Might hoped whatever it was, it wouldn’t distract them because they’re going to go to war and distractions can cost them their lives. The repercussions will be more severe than this time. The taller really wished he was in top shape so he could save them from this. He hates that he’s put it all on Midoriya’s small shoulders but there was nothing he could do. He was pulled from his thoughts when the young brunette spoke up again and he looked at her.
"Sensei, I hate to ask, but may I have a few minutes alone with him?" Her eyes were blurring from the tears that were beginning to breach her eyelids
She needed some alone time with him even if he wouldn’t respond. Uraraka just had to get it off her chest because when Midoriya wakes up they might not get to. Everyone knew war was coming, it was just a matter of time. If this was her only way then she would do it, it’s better than continuing to keep it hidden.
All Might looked at her for a moment as if to decipher her intentions but it wasn’t really his place so he stood up.
"Yes you may." He said and walked around Midoriya's bed
Uraraka bowed at him to which he bowed his head back as he placed his thin hand on her shoulder making the younger look up at him.
"He'll be okay. You really should go to the dorms and rest after you’re done" All Might said, giving a light pat the let his hand fall back to his side
The brunette nodded, giving a small smile.
"I know. I just wanna tell him something then I'll head home." She then wiped her eyes with a sniff
All Might nodded in return and gave her a sad look as if he knew something she didn't. At that point, the older blonde realized why she might be there. It wasn’t his place to deter her though so he only gave her a tight smile in return.
"I'm sorry, young Uraraka." He said then walked to the door as the other watched him leave
Sorry for what? She wasn’t sure of, but she had no time to sit and think about it. Uraraka walked around the bed and sat in the chair All Might left empty to gather herself for a few moments. The room was so quiet, it was void of life even with two people in it. Uraraka wished Midoriya was awake so she could hear his chattering, but he wasn’t. She had to focus right now though because this was it. She was finally going to do it, but it was scary. Uraraka steadied her breathing and wiped her eyes again, not wanting to cry the whole time as she said what she wanted to say. It was a secret she's been wanting to confess since she met the plain looking boy that was now laying in front of her unconscious. Almost his whole body was in a cast and it hurt her heart to see but she held it together.
Uraraka laid her hand carefully on top of Midoriya's casted arm and took a deep breath readying herself.
"Deku... I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm really hoping you can because there's something I wanna tell you. This is actually pretty hard for me, but I need to do it you know?" She said with a shaky voice as she looked down at her lap frowning
Then she heard a small grunt and her head shot up to look at the body the hand her hand was laying on was attached to. Brown eyes met green as they were slowly revealed and she snatched her hand away to stand up in shock. Uraraka couldn’t believe it.
"Deku, you're awake?!" She said a little too loud with a blush and it made Midoriya flinch groaning in pain
He blinked a few times, obviously trying to clear his blurry eyesight.
"Oh…" He winces as he shifts
"Uraraka what are you doing here? Where am- wait where's kac-" Midoriya's eyes widened as his memory came rushing in like a waterfall into a river
Uraraka cut him off with a nervous sounding voice because she was embarrassed at what she almost did.
"All Might's in the hallway a- and you're in the hospital. You got hurt pretty bad and were unconscious for a few days. We're all worried about you." She said, hoping he didn’t hear what she said before he woke up
She hugged him very gently then pulled back keeping her smile because other than her embarrassment, she was so happy! The look on Midoriya's face was not one of joy like he usually had when he saw her though. He was concerned but something else was eating at him. Uraraka wasn’t the smartest when it came to reading people but Midoriya wore most of his emotions on his sleeve. The brunette thought he was easy to predict especially since they’re friends so she knows him really well. Though, there’s one thing. It was a small thing that she knew he was bidding, but she honestly had no idea what it was. It was the only thing Midoriya was good at keeping close to his heart. No one knows why either but Uraraka wished she knew.
"I- I'm sorry." Midoriya said looking to the side
Again, not a happy look. It was a pleading one, not because he almost sacrificed his life, but because he knows losing him would cause a lot of people a lot of pain. In many cases, it wouldn’t be his choice but he wouldn’t regret it because being a hero is important. Saving people who can’t save themselves was important. He was silently asking for forgiveness though, and of course Uraraka would give it to him. It was easy to forgive Midoriya anyway. The brunette laughed short with a small shake of her head. Same old Deku. That’s what she loves about him. Midoriya was authentically himself no matter what. He never hit aspects of her personality or changed them for anyone. It was inspiring if Uraraka was honest.
"You don't have to apologize for being a hero, Deku." She told him with a soft smile
Midoriya blushed a little and nodded as best as he could in his position. He wasn’t sure what else to do or why she was in his room other than to visit. He could tell she might have something to say but they just looked at each other then glanced away. Then, there was a moment of awkward silence until Uraraka cleared her throat, choking down her anxiety. She needed to do this before it was too late. After knowing he was awake, she was going to backtrack but they seriously might not make it to next year. This could actually be her only chance to tell Midoriya.
"I- I asked All Might if I could have some alone time with you..." She started as she glanced to the side
Midoriya furrowed his eyebrows curiously.
"Wh- what for?" He questioned nervously and unsure because of the other’s behavior
Uraraka swallowed hard.
"Because after I saw what you went through…” She clenched her eyes shut and shook her head
“I don't think I can wait any longer so I'll just come right out and say it.” The brunette looked at Midoriya with determination
“D- Deku I... I love you." She smiled
Midoriya blinked confused.
"You wh-" He started to question until they heard yelling outside in the hall
They both turn their heads immediately towards the door in shock to see who was interrupting their moment. Uraraka frowned because she already knew who it was from the sound of his voice. Of course he steals her thunder, he steals everyone’s thunder. The brunette would like to say she hates him but that would be a lie. Sure, he has a bad personality but he also has a lot of great traits that sort of make up for his crappiness. Only sometimes though.
"I said m’fine, now lemme see that idiot!" The voice shouted gruffly
"I'm sorry young Bakugou, but you'll have to wait." Another person said calm and deep
"Like hell I will!" The door slammed opened to reveal Bakugou in his hospital attire that was hanging loose on him
The bandages across his torso including one of his shoulders were peeking through the robe tied around his waist. His hair was a spiky mess and his face still had lots of gashes along with other parts of his body probably. But red met green and for a moment, it was like everything else faded away for them. That was until the blonde opened his mouth again.
"If ya think you can die on me, then you're dead meat Deku!" Was the first thing out of his lips as he stomped to Midoriya's bedside with his usual scowl
"Kacchan, you're okay!" Midoriya smiled sheepishly
At that, they could tell Bakugou was at least a little happy to see Midoriya considering he showed up in the first place. However, his frown also turned soft like he was relieved that Midoriya was talking to him. Uraraka looked at the two during their interaction and saw Midoriya smiling. He's smiling and it wasn't at her. He didn’t smile at her when he first woke up or when she was talking to him. Yet, he was smiling at the boy that had been yelling when he entered the room, threatened him instead of hugging him, and stomped around before stopping at his bedside. She saw something she didn't want to see. Something maybe she shouldn't have seen, something similar to what she felt for the person laying on the bed. If only he would look at her that way, but it's obvious now that he doesn't. That he won't because his favorite color is red after all not brown. She really should have known.
"My boy, you shouldn't interrupt. Young Uraraka was trying to tell Young Midoriya something important." All Might said tiredly and with an apologetic look towards the brunette
Then Bakugou's attention was on the girl. His red eyes that were always analyzing, always judging, gazed over at her. This is probably like the second time he has ever paid any attention to her. The first time was at the sports festival and he didn’t even know her name. She’s still not sure he does because he never talks to her, but sometimes she catches him looking in her direction with the same look. Analyzing and judging, like he was working out some sort of puzzle. Uraraka could never figure out why he was looking at her like that.
"I- it's fine." She smiled awkwardly as she stepped back from the bed
Bakugou frowned at her weird behavior and glanced at Midoriya whose smile had turned awkward also then his eyes met Uraraka again.
"Shit." He said like he figured it out because it was that easy
Uraraka laughed uncomfortably.
"Um, I'm just going to leave now. We can talk about it later, Deku. I'm glad you're awake." She told him
As much as she didn't want to, she had to accept reality.
Uraraka took the walk of shame to the door, but stopped when Midoriya cleared his throat and spoke up.
"Th- thank you Uraraka. I'll give you an answer when I'm better." Midoriya said looking down at his body with a small blush again
Bakugou shifted his weight feeling unsure about the situation, which he didn't feel often. He hated that feeling actually. Usually he just always knew what he was doing, where he was going, and what he wanted. Unsureness wasn't really in his vocabulary.
Uraraka shook her head and waved her hand dismissively.
"You don't have to rush, I think I kind of... already have my answer anyway.” She shrugged but smiled genuinely
“As long as you're happy, I'm happy." She said as she left with All Might following her out and shutting the door
She stood outside the door and turned to the older man.
"You knew, didn't you All Might-Sensei?" Uraraka asked looking at her feet, tears threatening to pour out again
All Might sighed heavily.
"I'm afraid I did. I'm sorry, young Uraraka." He patted her on the shoulder again for some comfort
The brunette sniffled.
"Why didn't you stop me?" She asked him
There was a pause before the taller answered.
"Because... Having an answer, good or bad, is better than not having one at all, don’t you think?" All Might shrugged
"I guess. I don't know why I even thought I stood a chance against Bakugou." Uraraka said with a broken laugh
All Might looked at her with remorse.
"Young Uraraka, don't put yourself down like that. You're a special girl so you'll find someone one day." He said meaning to be sincere, but used words that are over way overused
Uraraka nodded, wiping her eyes with the heel of her hand. She knew there was some truth to what All Might was saying. After all, Uraraka was strong, smart, independent, and knew what she wanted in life. She has a lot of great qualities! As the saying goes, there’s plenty of fish in the sea! Maybe she’ll get another tug on her reel and catch someone new. Maybe she’ll meet someone she already knows and can start up a relationship with them. Who knows. Being optimistic was her forte though.
"Thank you sir." Uraraka sniffled
The older blonde nodded then chuckled lightly.
"If it's any consolation. I don't think anyone stands a chance against young Bakugou, in that sense." All Might told her
Uraraka nodded.
"You're right Sensei, I guess Deku just has an affinity for Bakugou like no one else." She laughed quietly again at the hard truth
All Might have her a small smile. There may be a little pity in his bright blue eyes, but not too much. She didn't need pity right now. She needed comfort.
"I'll be going now. I really need some rest after today." Uraraka bowed and took her leave giving All Might a wave
"I'm sure you do." All Might waved back at she walked down the hallway
He shook his head after putting his arm down.
"Poor girl, she really never even had a chance." All Might muttered to himself
Then he went quiet when he heard Midoriya and Bakugou’s voices leaking through the door. It sounded like their conversation was ending so All Might decided he would listen in. Only this once. Though he might often eavesdrop on their conversations. He knows it’s not hero-like, but he needs some sort of gossip to bring to the teachers lounge.
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"You look like shit." Bakugou said after Uraraka left with All Might
"I know..." Midoriya gave a small pout to the ash blonde
Bakugou's eyes flickered to the floor then back up.
"I'm... glad you're okay and awake." He added like it was a little hard to admit
Another smile grew on Midoriya's face.
"I'm glad you're okay too, but I have a lot of questions, Kacchan." Then his smile faltered looking at Bakugou with big green eyes
Bakugou rolled his own with a sigh.
"You’ve always got questions, Nerd. Why don't you lemme ask you one for once?" He said
"Okay... w- what?" Midoriya asked him curiously unable to really do anything else
Bakugou tilted his head.
"Why'd ya do that to her?" He asked in a serious low tone
"Do what to whom?" Midoriya questioned, confused
"Pink cheeks. Why didn't ya give’er an answer before I came in here?" Bakugou looked to the side with a frown
"You… kind of interrupted us." Midoriya told him
Bakugou eyes snapped back to Midoriya.
"Oh." He said realizing what he did
Midoriya look down at his body. If he was able to move his arms he would be fiddling with his fingers.
"Besides I- I would've said the same thing even if you didn't interrupt us. I don't want to reject her while I'm... y'know, practically in a full body cast." He tried to shrug, but winced instead
Bakugou frowned.
"Well, whose fault is that?" The taller crossed his arms also wincing from putting too much pressure on his wounds
"Mine." Midoriya answered, looking at his feet that were casted and in separate slings to keep them elevated
Bakugou looked around the room for a few seconds processing what Midoriya said.
"You uh- you said "reject her" why would ya do that? Don't you like her?" He asked
The two didn't talk about things like that when they hung out. When they did, it was just to study or train. There wasn't room for other things, but Bakugou had seen Midoriya blush at the brunette a few times so he just assumed he liked her romantically. However, when he saw them together he always felt strange like Midoriya should be looking at him instead of her, but that was just Bakugou being selfish right? He’s always wanted Midoriya’s attention, even when he acted like he didn’t.
The smaller nodded.
"I like Uraraka. She’s pretty, she's strong, kind, and a loyal friend, but just not… not in the way she likes me." He admitted
"Hm." Bakugou said, not really sure what to answer with
"Yeah, so I feel like it would be better to tell her when I'm more healed.” Midoriya explained
“I just hope we can still be friends after, I'd hate to lose her." He added with a small sad frown
"If ya don't like her "that way" then is there someone ya do like?" Bakugou asked, suddenly nervous as he walked to the empty chair to distract himself
"Do you really wanna know?" Midoriya questioned Bakugou like he didn't believe him
Bakugou scowled at the silent accusation.
"Well you don't have to tell me, but kinda thought we were... friends or whatever.” He shrugged as he sat down
“Don't friends share that type of shit with each other?" The blonde defended himself
Midoriya huffed a small short laugh wincing again, but smiled brightly as always.
"I guess they do sometimes, but I don't think I'm ready to tell anyone yet." A blush dusted his pale cheeks
Bakugou nodded understandingly and leaned back in the chair to get comfortable.
"Right. Whatever, it's not like I wanted to know about your dumb nerd crush anyway." He grumbled
"Kacchan, did you know my favorite color's red?" Midoriya smiled softly changing the subject
He was in a lot of pain, but Bakugou being there seemed to dull it a little.
The taller rolled his eyes.
"Duh, how long we been together and you think I don't know something like that?" He scoffed at Midoriya's implication that he wouldn't know something so simple as his childhood friend's favorite color
"I knew you would know." Midoriya laughed lightly
"Then why'd you ask idiot?" Bakugou shot him a glare
"It's a… a hint." Midoriya stated with a blush and making his freckles almost disappear
"Hint for what?" Bakugou cocked an eyebrow
"For who I like." Midoriya smiled brightly again
The blonde scoffed.
"Tch- damn cryptic Dweeb! How's that s’pposed to tell me who it is?!" Bakugou grumbled again
Midoriya just giggled at the other’s outburst. As he calmed down, he looked right into those blazing eyes that he’s been seeing since he was a little boy. Yeah, his favorite color is definitely red like his favorite pair of shoes.
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"Jeez these kids are gonna dance around each other until the end of time." All Might muttered to himself again, shaking his head after hearing the tail end of their conversation
"Oh, I need to go alert the the doctor that young Midoriya is awake." All Might rushed off suddenly