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Excruciating pain. That was all Bakugou felt when he finally regained consciousness. His arms and chest were bandaged tightly. When he tried to sit up, his entire body ached. A reminder of the reckless way he had protected that damn nerd.
Whatever. The pain meant he was alive. He would get over it.
"B-Bakugou…? Bakugou! YOU’RE AWAKE! EVERYONE! BAKUGOU IS WAKING UP!"
Bakugou realized for the first time that someone was in his room. “Quit being so damn loud!” He growled. He was frustrated to find that his voice was hoarse, taking away from his usual imposing timbre. He cleared his throat and turned to see that little runt Mineta crying in the doorway. Of course, it would be his least favorite classmate that was waiting for him. Despite himself, Bakugou was happy to see even Mineta alive and relatively well.
“Hey, he really is awake!”
Bakugou sat up as more of his friends rushed into the room. Sero arrived first. His warm smile immediately put Bakugou at ease. Sato followed shortly behind him. When it was clear no one else was coming, Bakugou took a moment to inspect the room. He was disappointed to find that a certain spiky-haired redhead wasn’t with them. Still, he knew better than to worry about something happening to that idiot.
“Shut up, extras. How long have I been out?” He spoke, still annoyed at his own raspy voice. He had meant for it to sound at least a little intimidating.
“You’ve been unconscious for two days. You had us all worried at first, but the doctors took real good care of you.” Sero said, leaning against the wall by the door. “Glad to see you’re back up though.”
“Yeah, for real.” Sato said, exhaling heavily. “You had us all on edge. I’ll go let the nurse know you’re awake. She’ll want to come check on you.” he smiled at Bakugou. “It’s good to see you up again.” Then, he gave a quick nod to Sero before rushing back to the door. Bakugou noticed Sato’s hunched shoulders slowly relaxing as he exited the room.
Bakugou blinked. “Two days...” He muttered. What the hell? The last thing he remembered was fighting that hand-faced freak. Who else had been there? Bakugou winced as pain surged behind his eyes. Dammit! I’m too injured to even think straight.
“What about everyone else? Deku? Todoroki? Mr. Aizawa? Endeavor? Is everyone else ok?”
Sero’s smile faltered. He really doesn’t waste any time. He shook his head and looked back at Bakugou. Sero was still attempting to smile, but his eyes betrayed his expression. Instead of the usual, carefree glow that Bakugou had grown to appreciate, there was only the desperate look of someone trying not to break.
“The others… Listen, Bakugou. There’s a lot that you missed.”
“No shit, tape-face. I’ve been stuck here for two days!” Bakugou was sore all over, but he could feel the numbing sensation of rage washing over him. His heart beat faster with every second that passed. “I know shit got hairy out there, I can handle it. Just tell me what the hell is going on here!”
Sero sighed. “Mineta, would you give us a minute? I was hoping to wait for Kirishima, but if he’s not here now, I’ll have to handle this alone.”
Mineta -who had been crying annoyingly close to Bakugou- wiped his nose on his sleeve and looked up at Sero, then nodded and walked toward the hall. Before the door closed, Bakugou saw Mineta fall to his knees. “He’s alive.” Mineta said as his shoulders began to shake. Then, Sero closed the door.
“What the hell do you mean ‘handle it alone’ Sero?” Bakugou tried to stand, but his legs collapsed beneath him and he fell forward. Sero caught him and eased him back to the bed.
“Easy there. You’re still waking up. You can’t leave until the nurses come check on you, and they’re busy. I’ll tell you everything while we wait.” Sero was surprisingly attentive. He made sure all the machines and tubes were connected properly, then grabbed a cup and poured a cup of water from the pitcher at Bakugou’s bedside. “Here. Sounds like you could use it.”
Bakugou took the cup. “Thanks. Now tell me what the hell is happening.” He sipped his water, feeling it drop all the way into his stomach.
Sero sat down carefully next to Bakugou, within arms reach but not close enough to be in his personal space. “Todoroki is awake. Kirishima is with him right now. He’s pretty messed up between his injuries and finding out about his brother, but he’ll be alright. The teachers are all up too, though their injuries are pretty bad. Nothing they can’t handle though.”
Sero hesitated, and Bakugou could tell something was wrong. “What about Deku, Sero?” He didn’t bother to hide his anxiety. Sero was one of the few people who actually knew about the troubled boy with an explosive personality and his complex relationship with the timid but determined nerd he’d known his whole life. Still, even Bakugou was surprised how delicate his normally laid-back friend was being with him.
“He’s alive . When I tell you, I want you to give me time to finish.” Sero said, looking carefully at his injured friend.
Bakugou heard his heart beat pounding in his ears. He felt blood, cold as ice, spreading from his chest throughout his body. He felt stiff, a consequence of being unconscious in bed for two days no doubt. He took another drink of his water. “Whatever. Quit stalling.”
Sero sighed. “He hasn’t woken up.”
“He-” Bakugou started to stand up, but he felt a tugging at his waist. He looked down to see Sero’s tape wrapped around him. Sero wasn’t resisting, but it was a clear message. You said you would let me finish. Bakugou took a deep breath and sat back down. “Sorry. I get it. He hasn’t woken up. Fine . Have the doctors said anything?”
“They aren’t sure. All Might is with him right now. As far as I’ve heard, his injuries were pretty bad. There’s no indication of when he’ll wake up.” Sero released his tape from Bakugou’s waist. “There are a lot of injured heroes, Bakugou. Midnight…” He let out a shaky breath, his gaze falling to the ground. “Midnight didn’t make it.”
“Midnight… She was…” Bakugou trailed off. Midnight had been working with the group of pros that Sero and some of the others had gone with. She had also been the teacher Sero had fought against when class 1-A had paired up to fight the teachers. No wonder Sero was taking it so hard.
Sero put a hand on Bakugou’s shoulder, shaking him from his thoughts. “I know you’re worried about Midoriya, but don’t forget that there are people that are just happy you pulled through, and there are also people who are mourning the ones who weren’t so lucky.”
Sero… Bakugou hardly recognized him. Sero was normally so carefree and happy. Even after Todoroki destroyed him in the sports festival, Sero had been laughing and cheering with the others right away. Whatever he had seen - whatever happened to Midnight- had changed him.
After a moment, Sero stood and walked toward the door.
“Midoriya is at the far end of the hall. Turn left and go all the way down. Uraraka should still be outside his room, so you’ll find it easy enough. You should stay and rest more, but if you’re going anyway you might as well know where he is.” He stopped with his hand on the door handle.
“I know the two of you have known each other a long time, but you’re not the only one who feels responsible for what happened. At least you had a chance to reach out to him.”
Without another word, Sero opened the door and left, leaving it half-open.
Bakugou stared at the half-opened doorway for a moment. He would have to talk to Sero later, but for now, there were more pressing issues. He finished his water and stretched his legs and arms, careful not to push his body past it’s current limits yet. After a few minutes, a nurse walked in and made her way to Bakugou’s bed.
“Mr. Bakugou, if you can wait just a moment I’ll get these tubes and wires off of you.”
Bakugou’s leg shook and he tapped his fingers anxiously while the nurse checked his bandages and unhooked him from the heart monitor and whatever other machines he had been connected to. “It looks like you’re doing alright. Our suggestion is that you stay here and rest a while longer. I’ll be back in a couple of hours to check on you again, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to leave your room and walk around. If you’re really lucky, you may even be cleared to go home by tomorrow afternoon!”
“Thanks.” Bakugou said. The nurse smiled at him before leaving. He glared at the door for a few minutes. Stay and rest my ass. The nurse was obviously just being optimistic. The tubes may have been removed, but he was still stuck in the hospital bed, and no one would let him leave even if he asked.
Between his talk with Sero and the nurse’s visit, Bakugou had begun to slowly remember what happened. Eraser Head and Gran Torino were both badly injured. Endeavor’s spirit had been crushed. Deku had become an unthinking animal that Bakugou himself had almost died saving. Damn nerd. Of all the times to stop using your stupid head. Bakugou felt his stomach and ribs. Being impaled wasn’t exactly his idea of a fun weekend experience.
As the memories kept flooding back, Bakugou could feel panic spreading through his chest. His throat started to close up, and he wanted to puke. Won’t wake up, huh? We’ll see about that! Just you wait, Deku. I’ll knock some sense back into that thick skull of yours!
Bakugou stood up slowly, carefully putting his full weight onto his legs. Good. They’ll hold. He walked toward the door slowly at first, but by the time he reached the hall he had picked up speed. Mineta and Sato were sitting on a bench nearby. They stared at him in surprise as he left his room.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry, Bakugou?” Sato asked quizzically as he stood up. “I don’t know what Sero was talking to you about, but I’m happy you’re alright. Did the nurse clear you to leave your room already?”
Bakugou glanced at the big oaf for a moment, but said nothing as he continued, speeding up his pace. Stay out of my way. I can’t waste my time answering your dumb questions.
“Hey! You can’t just run off without answering us!” Mineta called, running to catch up. “Huh? Is that blood? Wait. WAIT! YOU’RE BLEEDING! COME BACK!” He grabbed Bakugou’s leg and started trying to pull him back to his room.
No shit I’m bleeding. You try getting stabbed in the gut and see if your blood stays in your body. Shut up! Bakugou had half a mind to punt the little cretin, but he knew better than to risk opening his wounds further on something pointless like that. He shook Mineta off and kept moving toward the end of the hall.
Sato put a heavy hand on Bakugou’s shoulder. Bakugou winced at the impact, and Sato took the opportunity to move forward, blocking Bakugou’s path.. “Midoriya isn’t awake yet. You should go back to your room and rest until he’s-”
“He’ll wake up!” Bakugou growled. His throat was still scratchy, but now that he was moving around, his blood was flowing a little easier, even if it was spilling a little. He could feel his energy coming back to him. “He owes me that much! After what I did for him, that loser can’t seriously think I’m gonna let him die before he wakes up and faces me!”
“Bakugou, STOP! You need to go back and rest! Besides, All Might is in there with Midroiya anyway, so you couldn’t see him even if he was awake. We’ll send for you as soon as you can see him.” Sato said calmly as he started to push Bakugou back toward his room.
That’s not good enough! Bakugou leaned back, throwing Sato off balance. Then, he pushed his classmate to the side and tripped him. Sato landed face first on the floor, and Mineta jumped back in surprise as Bakugou stumbled forward. He put his hand on the floor to regain his balance, then took off in a full sprint. He may have been unconscious less than an hour ago, but he wasn’t about to just give up.
“Oi, Deku!” Bakugou called. He slid as he rounded the corner, almost slamming into a wall. At the end of the corridor, Uraraka, Iida, and Tsuyu turned to face him, surprise evident on their faces. “You damn nerd! WAKE UP DAMMIT! I’m already awake, so what’s taking you so long !” Before he could go any further, Tsuyu had him wrapped up in her tongue. He tried to pull her off of him, but her grip was too strong. “Let me GO!”
“Now’s not the time, Bakugou, ribbit.” Tsuyu said. Bakugou jerked his body back, pulling Tsuyu off her feet for a moment, but before he could take advantage of it he found himself wrapped up in Sato’s arms.
“Stop struggling, your wounds will open up!” Sato said. Bakugou was surprised at how gentle Sato’s grip was while still being firm.
“I don’t care!” Bakugou roared. He coughed and blood dribbled down his chin, but he kept trying to break free. “I have to see him! Deku! All Might! Let me in, you bastards!” As he kept struggling, Bakugou felt his wounds aching. He felt warm blood trickling out of him. Not yet, damn body! I ain’t done yet!
“This is a hospital. People are trying to grieve.” Sato said sternly. “Besides, you’re in no shape to be running through the halls.”
Shut up. None of that matters. Bakugou snarled, still trying to break free of Sato’s grip and Tsuyu’s tongue, but his adrenaline was running out. He knew all that. Sero had told him everything already. None of that changed the fact that Deku was in a coma despite Bakugou’s best efforts to protect that idiot.
“Let’s take him back to his room, ribbit. He should be resting. Mineta, go get the nurses.” Tsuyu helped position Bakugou on Sato’s shoulder and they started carrying him back to his room while Mineta ran off toward the stairs to the main floor.
“Hey, Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight!” Bakugou turned his head to see Best Jeanist coming out of Endeavor’s room. Todoroki was in there with the rest of his family. Bakugou felt a little relief knowing they were both ok. “How are you doing, Bakugou?”
“How the hell do I look?” Bakugou responded, letting some blood fly from his mouth, splattering the floor at Best Jeanist’s feet. He wanted Best Jeanist to scold him. Maybe to try and fix his hair like he had during his internship. Apparently Bakugou had let too much of his worry show in his face, though.
Best Jeanist put his hand on Bakugou’s chest. “I saw what you did. You’ve grown so much since your internship. You are a wonderful hero. Now go rest so you can get back to being a hero as soon as possible.”
Bakugou knew Best Jeanist was trying to help, but his words stung. A wonderful hero? Deku was in a coma. People were dead. Bakugou had been unconscious for two full days, and still wasn’t fully healed. Shigaraki got away. They had lost. He had lost. What kind of hero loses when everyone is counting on him?
“Hmph.” Bakugou grunted. He stopped struggling and let Sato and Tsuyu carry him back to his room. “Close the door on your way out!” They both hesitated for a moment until Bakugou looked at them. “Please.” He was barely holding back his tears. All he wanted was to be alone so he could let out his pain without an audience.
“Are you sure-” Sato started, but Tsuyu grabbed his hand and shook her head. Bakugou was silently grateful that she had enough emotional awareness to understand without him having to spell it out.
Before she closed the door, Tsuyu looked at Bakugou. “We really are happy you’re back, ribbit. If you need anything, let us know.” Then, she closed the door.
As soon as the door was shut, tears began to spill down Bakugou’s cheeks. He shouted and sobbed, not caring if they could hear him in the halls. He thought about Aizawa and everything he had endured before Bakugou and Deku showed up. He remembered the look of horror on Todoroki’s face when Dabi revealed himself to be Touya, Todoroki’s brother who everyone had thought was dead. With every face and moment he remembered, Bakugou cried harder.
He screamed into his pillow when he thought of Deku’s stupid smile, and watched as it morphed into something feral. Dammit Deku, you stupid, Quirkless nobody. It wasn’t fair that after everything Bakugou had done, he was the one that woke up first. Bakugou beat his pillow and threw it across the room.
When he was done crying, he laid motionless in bed, staring at the ceiling. His nurse came in and changed his bandages.
“You’re lucky your friends were there to stop you, young man. There was no major damage done by your outburst, but you still need to rest.” The nurse scolded Bakugou. Bakugou’s expression remained blank as he stared at the ceiling, giving her no response. She sighed and continued fixing his bandages.
When she finished tending to him, she left, closing the door behind her. Bakugou stood up and poured himself some more water. He grabbed his pillow from the corner of the room and walked back to his bed, drinking his water on the way and setting his empty cup next to the pitcher. Then, he laid on his bed and stared at his hands until he fell asleep.
A couple of hours passed before Bakugou woke up to someone knocking at the door. “Go away.”
“Hey, man. Sorry I missed you earlier. I heard you made quite the commotion.” Kirishima said with a smile as he opened the door, ignoring Bakugou’s request.. “Sero told me he talked to you already.”
Bakugou grunted. His eyes were still puffy from crying, but Kirishima didn’t mention it. “Sero’s changed. Has he been like that the whole time?”
“Nah.” Kirishima sighed, closing the door behind him. “He was worse at first, but I don’t think anyone except me could tell. Whenever there were people around he was smiling and laughing, trying to raise their spirits, but I followed him one time when he said he was gonna get something to drink. As soon as he thought no one could see him he just broke down.”
“What the hell? It’s not like him to fall apart like that.” Bakugou inclined his bed so he wouldn’t strain his neck looking at Kirishima.
“Wel, his injuries were pretty minor, so he may feel like he didn’t push himself hard enough.” Kirishima folded his arms across the back of a chair and leaned forward. “ On top of that, and aside from being in the group that Midnight was in, Sero told me he also was involved with helping Midoriya control his new quirk. Midnight’s death and Midoriya’s current situation must both weigh pretty heavily on him.”
“That idiot. Obviously it’s not his fault. He works plenty hard, and not being beat to shit doesn’t mean he didn’t try hard enough.” Bakugou thought back to how Sero had looked earlier. He was broken, just like Kirishima said. Go figure, the guy with a tape quirk is forcing himself to hold together when his spirit’s been shattered.
“Sero’s pretty manly that way.” Kirishima said, as if reading Bakugou’s mind. “He may be hurting, but he cares more about making sure everyone else is doing alright. Come to think of it, he was that way when the League kidnapped you, too. He and I were stuck in that room away from all the action. Afterward, while I got worked up and emotional, Sero tried to help keep everyone's spirits high." Kirishima sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I’ll keep an eye on him. Don’t worry.” He smiled and stood up straight, facing Bakugou. “No luck getting into Midoriya’s room?”
“Tsk.” Bakugou clicked his tongue and ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t even make it to the door before those bastards dragged me back to my room.” He sighed. He knew they were right, but that just made him even more angry. “That nerd had better wake up.”
“He will, man. Midoriya’s a fighter.” Kirishima punched his fists together, activating his quirk. “He’s been through hell before, and he’s always come through. For now we just need to make sure things are as good as they can be when he does wake up.”
Bakugou looked around his room. “Can’t get that done if I’m stuck in a hospital room.” He pressed the call button beside his bed. “I’m gonna see if I can walk around a bit, I’m sick of this bed. You wanna join me?”
Kirishima shook his head. “Nah, thanks man. I’m waiting for Todoroki to come out so I can finish talking to him. I’ll wait with you for the nurse though.”
Bakugou nodded, and sat up so Kirishima could sit by him. They didn’t say much, but Bakugou was happy to have some company.
“It’s taking them a while isn’t it?” Kirishima asked after a few minutes. He was about to press the call button again when the door opened. Bakugou recognized the nurse who had looked him over when he had first woken up.
“Hello again, Mr. Bakugou. What can I do for you?” She asked with a smile.
“First, stop calling me ‘Mr. Bakugou.’ Just Bakugou is fine. Second, I want to leave this damn room. My legs are stiff and I want to walk around.” Bakugou said gruffly.
“Well, now. I seem to recall that the last time I told you to stay in your room you went screaming through the halls anyway.” The nurse said dryly, still wearing a friendly smile. “Are you sure you won’t do that again?”
Bakugou winced. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be on my best behavior. Promise.” He mockingly put his right hand over his heart and raised his left hand when he promised.
“Alright, just let me look over your bandages.” The nurse checked him over and replaced the bandages around his arms and chest, then scribbled on her clipboard for a second. “You’re clear to leave your room, but if you cause another scene you’ll be back on house arrest.” As she turned toward the door, her voice softened. “It’s a nice day out, so feel free to go outside for a bit. Just don’t stay out too long. You still need to rest.” She smiled at him over her shoulder, then left the room, leaving the door open behind her.
“Hey, congratulations Bakugou! I’m gonna go see if Todoroki is done talking with his family yet, but I’ll catch up with you later.” Kirishima smiled, then left the room as well, leaving Bakugou alone. Bakugou sat there for a couple more minutes collecting his thoughts before finally leaving the room himself.
Bakugou spent the next hour walking around the hospital. His nurse was right, it was a nice day. A cool breeze was blowing and there were almost no clouds in the sky. Hard to believe only two days ago the city had been a war zone.
By the time he went back inside, most of his classmates had been discharged, and some had already returned to the dorms to rest. The only students from his class who were still at the hospital besides himself were: Midoriya, who was still in a coma; Iida and Kirishima, who were waiting to make sure everyone recovered; Todoroki, who was still with his family; Yaoyorozo, who was talking to the pros and relaying what happened with her group during the war; and of course, waiting for Midoriya to wake up, sitting alone on the bench, was Uraraka.
“You’re still here, Cheeks?”
“Oh, hey Bakugou. You startled me!” She laughed nervously, then smiled up at Bakugou as she moved over on the bench. “Do you want to sit down?”
Bakugou looked at her for a moment, then sighed. “You’ve been here all day. Have you eaten?”
“O-of course I have!” Uraraka puffed her cheeks indignantly. Less than a second later, Bakugou heard her stomach growl. He raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I have eaten. Just, you know… not today…Hehe” She rubbed the back of her neck, putting on an obviously forced smile.
Bakugou nudged her shoulder. “Come on.” He jerked his head over his shoulder, turning his back on Midoriya’s door. “I’m hungry anyway.You can eat with me.”
Uraraka tried to turn down his offer, but Bakugou cut her off.
“That wasn’t a question.” Bakugou deadpanned. He continued in stride, not bothering to check if she was following. A couple seconds passed and he heard the sound of her shoes against the floor behind him. He buried his fists deep in his pockets and kept walking.
He led her to the cafeteria, but after seeing how crowded it was he turned around and went to a vending machine in the hall. “What do you want?”
“You don’t have to-” Uraraka started, but an intense glare from Bakugou was enough to change her mind. “U-um, just something sweet is fine.”
Bakugou got them both something to eat and drink, then brought Uraraka to a bench outside under the shade of a tree where they wouldn’t be bothered by the noise and chaos inside the hospital. He set everything down and started separating his meal from hers.
“Thanks, Bakugou. But, why are you-” Uraraka yelped and glanced away when Bakugou glared at her. So intense. Why is he taking care of me? She pressed her fingers together in front of her.
“Here. Don’t skip meals. The damn nerd will just worry about you when he wakes up if you aren’t taking care of yourself.” Bakugou thrust Uraraka’s food toward her without looking. He sat down and opened his food, then glanced at Uraraka. “You gonna sit?”
“Thanks.” Uraraka said softly, sitting next to him. They ate in silence for a moment before she spoke up. “I’m happy you’re alright, Bakugou.”
“Yeah, yeah. Everyone keeps saying that. What the hell does it even mean to be alright?” Bakugou took an angry bite of his snack, then exhaled heavily through his nose.
“I mean, you’re awake and recovering, aren’t you? Sure things aren’t great right now, but as long as you’re alive there’s a way to make things better.” Uraraka smiled at Bakugou. “Especially for someone like you, Bakugou. You’re so talented and strong. Not like me…”
Bakugou turned to face Uraraka. She had her hands folded in her lap and was looking down. He scowled at her. “Haah? The hell are you on about now, Cheeks?” He asked.
“Huh? Oh, sorry. I just mean, you were there with Deku and the others when Shigaraki appeared. I watched you two run off together so confidently, and I wanted to follow but I…” Uraraka squeezed her drink, denting the can slightly. “I couldn’t even take one step.” When she realized she had dented her can, she laughed nervously again, then hung her head. And smiled weakly. “It’s frustrating, but I guess.. I’m just not strong enough to follow you--”
“Bullshit.” Bakugou scoffed. Uraraka looked at him in shock, but Bakugou continued unphased. “You were plenty strong when I fought you at the sports festival, and you’ve only gotten stronger since then. Stop looking down on yourself and letting your lack of confidence get in the way. If you don’t believe it yourself, then maybe hearing it from someone you think is strong will convince you.”
Uraraka leaned back and looked up at the sky. “Thanks, but you don’t have to lie to me. I know I’m weak. I’ve only gotten this far because I had other people helping me. When I’m on my own, no matter how hard I try, I can’t win or help anyone. It’s pathetic.”
“What’s pathetic about needing a little help?” Bakugou was getting irritated. She should have been happy that he acknowledged her strength. Why was she being so gloomy?
“You don’t get it at all, do you Bakugou?” Uraraka said without looking at him.
“Get what?” Bakugou snapped back. I get that this conversation is starting to seriously piss me off.
“What it’s like to be weak.” Uraraka smiled wryly, letting out a pitiful laugh that had no humor behind it. “Of course you don’t. You’re the great Katsuki Bakugou . You fought off a villain before even enrolling at UA. You placed first at the sports festival. You held out against the League of Villains!” Uraraka grew louder as she kept listing the things Bakugou had done. Her normal smile was now warped with a twisted combination of awe and envy. And maybe something else too. “You trained with Best Jeanist, the number three hero, and then trained with Endeavor, the number one hero after All Might’s retirement!”
Uraraka was shouting now, and tears started to spill down her cheeks. “You’re not like me! I lost to you with nothing to show for it! I couldn’t face the villains right in front of me without needing someone to save me ! I couldn’t come after you with the others! I just keep watching everyone growing and wondering what I’m doing! You say I’m getting stronger, but HOW WOULD YOU KNOW ? You’ve been growing at the front of the pack, and I’ve barely changed! You keep getting further and further ahead, so WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BEING WEAK!”
Uraraka stood and tried to storm off, but Bakugou reached out and grabbed her wrist. He didn’t grip enough to hurt her, just enough that she couldn’t leave. “Are you planning to ask me a question and leave before I can answer?” He said gruffly. He didn’t let go of her wrist until she sat back down. “I don’t know a damn thing about being weak, is that what you think?”
Uraraka stared at Bakugou silently. Of course you don’t. How could you?
Bakugou finished his drink and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “That villain I faced before even getting into UA, I didn’t fend it off. I was completely at its mercy until Deku and All Might showed up. I lost my first battle exercise against you and Deku because I was careless and self absorbed. I won the sports festival on a technicality because that damn half-and-half bastard wouldn’t use his fire on me, and Best Jeanist only took me in because he wanted to fix me.”
“That doesn’t mean-”
“JUST SHADDUP AND LISTEN! ” Bakugou was breathing heavily. His injured body was struggling to keep up with his emotions. Uraraka glared at him, unflinching, but said nothing. “The entire class tried to protect me, and I still got kidnapped by those damn villains. I couldn’t get away until Kirishima and the others showed up to save me. All Might ended his career protecting ME ! I was the last one to get my provisional license, which you got first, by the way.”
Bakugou’s left hand stiffened the way it did when he was bracing for his explosions. Tiny sparks popped, and he clenched his fist, trying to hold himself back. He could feel his palm seething as black smoke slipped through his fingers. “While you and Deku were off helping take down a real villain and save a kid, I was babysitting a bunch of brats. You got to face off against that Permeation guy while I was cleaning the dorms. Everyone else kept advancing while I was stuck dealing with the consequences of my childish actions. But I worked tirelessly every damn day to get to where I am now.”
Uraraka sighed. “Bakugou, I know how hard you work. But still-”
“ JUST LISTEN TO ME DAMMIT !” Bakugou bellowed abruptly, clenching his eyes shut. He leaned forward so far he could feel his chest brushing his legs. Then, so quiet Uraraka almost missed it, Bakugou said, “Please!” His voice broke. He was completely vulnerable.
Bakugou... Uraraka stared at him in shock. She had never seen him like this. “Ok.” She responded softly.
Bakugou looked up at her with a look that said Thank you. His voice cracked, and he stared back at the ground as he continued. “I put everything I had into making up for the shit I put Deku through when we were kids. I poured myself into my atonement. And after all that work, did it make a difference at all? NO! I’m still out here, just fine, and he’s still in a FUCKING COMA !” Bakugou stared directly into Uraraka’s eyes. He could feel tears streaking down his face. He wiped at his cheek with the inside of his shirt collar. “You still think I don’t understand what it’s like to feel weak?”
“No. No, I don’t. I just… I didn’t know you could be… you know .” Uraraka trailed off, kneading her hands together and staring at the ground.
“Good. Take me off that damn pedestal everyone seems to put me on when they meet me.” Bakugou said, finally starting to calm down. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “You can think you’re weak all you want, but don’t you dare think I don’t know what that’s like. You think it’s weak to count on help, but I’ve never been weaker than I was when I was alone. Relying on others doesn’t mean you’re weak. Knowing you’re outmatched doesn’t mean you’re not improving.” Bakugou crushed his empty drink can in his hand. “Stop being so down on yourself and look at how much you’ve grown since your first day at UA!”
“Bakugou… I had no idea that you were… I mean, I thought you didn’t care.” Uraraka spoke between sniffles, tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “You always acted so calm and like nothing affected you.”
“Of course I did. That’s ‘cause I’m so damn weak I don’t know how to be vulnerable. I can’t let that weakness be exposed. I’m not like you. I can’t just show people I’m hurting that easily.” Bakugou leaned back against the bench. “There’s more than one type of weakness, Cheeks. And there’s more than one type of strength. Stop comparing yourself to Deku and me, and focus on yourself. You’re the only one in class who could look at me and shout like that without backing down like a timid dog afterwards, so start owning your strength. And quit crying so much.”
Uraraka laughed softly.. “Maybe you should take your own advice. For someone claiming to be so reserved and emotionally distant, you certainly are opening up.”
Bakugou glanced at Uraraka out of the corner of his eye. “Shaddup. And don’t tell anyone or I-”
“Relax. I won’t tell anyone. Consider it as a thank you for the meal.” Uraraka winked at Bakugou, then stood and stretched her arms, stifling a yawn. “All that shouting reminded me I didn’t sleep last night either. I think I’ll see if I can find a pillow and lay down somewhere.”
“Tch. Good luck. They barely had enough for the patients. You’d be better off sleeping out here on the bench.” Bakugou said sarcastically.
“And what, use you as a pillow?” Uraraka laughed.
“What the hell, why not. I already cried in front of you, can’t get much worse. You have two hours until my nurse wants to check up on me. After that I’ll pretend none of this ever happened.” Bakugou said. It had been a weird day, and as much as he didn’t want to admit it, Bakugou could probably use the company himself.
Uraraka smiled at him. “Thanks Bakugou, for checking on me and helping me feel better.” She threw away the trash from her snack, then returned to her seat and leaned against Bakugou. “You’re a really comfy pillow by the way.” she said sleepily.
“Shut up before I change my mind.” Bakugou said softly. Uraraka drifted off to sleep, and Bakugou stayed with her for the promised two hours. He marveled at how serene Uraraka looked when she slept.
After a few minutes, Uraraka moved in her sleep and her head fell from Bakugou’s shoulder to his leg. Her eyes opened groggily and she started to sit up. “Sorry.” she said slowly, her voice scratchy from exhaustion
Bakugou put his hand on her shoulder gently and looked at the sky. “‘S fine. Sleep.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Uraraka smile as she closed her eyes. She pulled her legs onto the bench and curled up, resting her head back on Bakugou’s lap.
To pass the time, Bakugou looked around. He watched the clouds drifting lazily across the sky. He looked at the trees, reaching upward in an endless struggle to touch just one of those clouds. Several times he caught himself looking at Uraraka’s back, rising and falling steadily, or at her face, which was so peaceful and calm, so different from when she had confronted him.
Eventually, Uraraka woke up. She sat up slowly and stretched, then rubbed her eyes. “How long was I asleep?”
“An hour and a half.” Bakugou said, blushing as he had just caught himself looking at her seconds before she woke up. “You feeling better?”
“Mmhm.” Uraraka smiled. “I am. Thank you.”
“Tch.” Bakugou stood up and thrust his hands in his pockets. “C’mon. Maybe that nerd has woken up by now.” He started walking back inside, and heard Uraraka moving behind him. He was surprised when she jogged to catch up, walking directly beside him.
“You know, Bakugou. You should be taking care of yourself too.” Uraraka said, looking at his arms and chest.
“I’m fine.” Bakugou replied gruffly. He gently rubbed his wrist with his left hand. “Just a little sore.”
“Sure.” Uraraka laughed. “Whatever you say, Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.”
Bakugou glared at Uraraka as they walked, but she was unfazed. “If you’re gonna make fun of it, you can just call me Bakugou.”
Uraraka giggled and gently nudged him with her shoulder. “Are you sure that’s not too familiar? Wouldn’t want anyone thinking we were friends, now would you?”
“Shaddup.” Bakugou walked faster, partially to make Uraraka catch up and partially to get to Deku’s room already. Come on, damn nerd. Be awake.
When they got to Deku’s room, Tsuyu was sitting on the bench. She turned toward them as they approached. “Oh, Ochaco. There you are. I was worried, ribbit.”
“Oh, sorry Tsu! I was just accompanying Bakugou for some fresh air.” Uraraka said, blushing slightly. “Did I keep you waiting long?”
“Not at all!” Tsuyu said, looking slowly between Bakugou and Uraraka. “I was going to walk you back to the dorms. If you’d rather stay here, though-”
“What? Why would I want to stay here?” Uraraka laughed nervously and Bakugou scoffed and glanced the other direction. “We were just coming to see if Deku had woken up, and then I was going to leave.”
“Oh, really? Will you be alright here alone then, Bakugou?” Tsuyu asked, pointing a finger at the corner of her mouth and tilting her head.
“Haaah?” Bakugou glared at her. “Why would I care if I’m alone? She tagged along on her own, it’s not like I invited her or anything.”
“I see. Well, I’ll wait outside then. I hope your recovery goes well, ribbit.” Tsuyu nodded politely to Bakugou and then walked down the hall to the hospital entrance, leaving Bakugou and Uraraka alone.
“Well… I guess he’s not up yet.” Uraraka said, looking nervously at the floor.
“Damn nerd.” Bakugou growled. He clenched his fists, then let out a sigh. “He’ll wake up.”
“Right.” Uraraka nodded, then grabbed Bakugou’s hand. “We’ll be here when he does.”
Bakugou stared at their hands until Uraraka noticed what he was looking at. When she looked down and realized she was holding his hand, she must have panicked. Bakugou started to float off the ground, and Uraraka quickly pressed her fingers together, canceling her quirk.
“Sorry!” Uraraka squeaked, bowing apologetically. “Uh, I should go! I don’t want to keep Tsu waiting! Haha… ha…” Her face turned read and she turned and quickly walked down the hall.
“Oi!” Bakugou called, and Uraraka stopped. “Get some rest. You still look terrible.”
Uraraka turned and stuck her tongue out at him, then smiled. “I’ll be back tomorrow to check on Deku.”
Bakugou wasn’t sure, but the way she was looking at him, he thought she was implying that she would be there to check on him too. Before he could decide if he wanted to ask, she waved and turned again. He watched her leave until she disappeared around the corner at the end of the hall.
Tomorrow. Bakugou thought. He sighed and went back to his room. And if not tomorrow, then the next day. I’ll be waiting, Deku. I know you’re not dead. So hurry up and come back. He groaned as he laid down in his bed and stared at the ceiling. A few minutes later, his nurse came by to make sure he was still in his room and in good condition before rushing off to check on another patient.
When Bakuogu finally closed his eyes to sleep again, he remembered Uraraka’s smiling face, and felt her hand in his. I guess it doesn’t hurt to have some company while I’m waiting.