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An uncomfortable air took over the class; all eyes on Bakugo as one of the school administrators left the room.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clenching his fist. The words echoed through his mind again, “One more fight and your position in this school will be terminated.”
It surprised no one, Bakugo had been getting into more fights recently but yesterday was the worst. He had beaten a student from another class into the hospital. Unfortunately for Bakugo, that student was the child of a prominent contributor to UA.
All Bakugo wanted to do was scream at everyone to stop staring at him but the risk of getting in trouble was too high now. All his dreams of becoming a hero were on the line thanks to his temper and not being able to do anything was making the rage bubble even more.
Aizawa saw Bakugo’s frustration, clearing his throat to bring his class’s attention back to the front and off the kid.
“Okay class, go back to your worksheets or I’ll be the one expelling all of you. Bakugo, see me in the hallway?” It was phrased as a question but said as a statement as he headed to the door. The reluctant Bakugo getting out of his seat and following as everyone did their best to focus on their work.
The hallway had a cool chill which had come with the colder months, Bakugo couldn’t meet his teacher’s gaze, kicking his feet.
“Bakugo. I know that conversation should have been private, but there is a point to it. Recently your aggression has been... heightened. I want you to know, if there is something happening, at school, at home, in your social life, as your teacher I am here for you to talk to. And, as your mentor, I want you to succeed. Is there anything you want to tell me?” Aizawa trie to put on his most comforting voice, he truly saw the potential in every one of his students; he wouldn’t let them walk through the door if he didn’t.
Bakugo’s eyes were trained to the floor, “Chat shit; get hit.” He said coldly, trying his best not to let his voice betray the vast influx of feelings he was feeling.
Aizawa sighed, “It’s a solid policy; but, maybe it’s better applied to the villains you’ll be fighting then the fellow training heroes.”
Bakugo gave a dry laugh, “That bitch could never be a hero the way he was running his mouth.”
“Language. If you want to tell me what happened yesterday now is your chance.”
Finally, Bakugo met Aizawa’s gaze, his eyes filled with a cold rage that made even Aizawa blink, “I told you. He was running his mouth.”
“About you?”
“About someone he doesn’t deserve to speak the name of. Is that all, sir? I need to finish my worksheet.”
Pulling the door open, Aizawa nodded, pretending to not know Bakugo had finished it before their class had been uninterrupted. He had been a teacher a long time and knew when he wasn’t getting anywhere with a student.
The evening air was crisp with a cold bite, but all the running around and sparring made it a sweet embrace for Aizawa and the student he was in charge of giving extra training to.
The kid was strong, stronger than he reasonably should be but when the principle comes to you telling you that you had to train someone after hours, you don’t ask too many questions.
Furthermore, with a significantly weaker Almight always sits on the sidelines watching them train, it was easy enough to add things up. This kid was the next holder of his quirk.
Aizawa always thought he was an odd choice, he was a sweet and polite boy, plain looking though and seemed to a secret from the public and wider hero association as a whole. Once again, Aizawa learned not to ask questions.
The kid came at him again, faster this time, eyes focused in and fist ready to punch through Aizawa not at him as he’d been taught.
Just as he was about to be struck, Aizawa activated his quirk, he knew the kid could feel it, wanting to see what he’d do without his quirk. Would he be thrown off? Retreat until it was safer to make an attack?
To his surprise, the boy simply followed through, getting in a solid hit, he was strong even without his quirk. It was unusual. Most heroes were practically defenceless without their quirks.
Aizawa stumbled backwards, falling embarrassingly.
The kid moved back his focus completely dissolving, “Sorry sir, I thought you would have moved.” His sweet demeaner shinned through the cold calculating persona that took over when he did focus, offering a hand to his teacher.
Aizawa took it, being pulled up with ease by the sixteen-year-old, “Midoriya, never apologise for success. You did well.”
“I did?” He smiled; eyes bright from the praise. He did this a lot and Aizawa could never prevent himself from casting accusing eyes to Almight. This kid was a prodigy yet he never seemed to be provided the validation he needed.
Aizawa was all for pushing students and free with his criticisms, but it meant nothing is there was no praise. No encouragement when things go well can lead to these heroes of tomorrow becoming unmotivated and slipping away.
Out of the corner of his eye, Aizawa saw their usual visitor at his normal distance.
Bakugo’s unmistakable silhouette was only just visible from the setting sun. He never came close, no one ever explained the connection they had but it was obvious there was one. In the last two months neither had spoken to the other, but Aizawa had observed.
Midoriya became incredibly on guard around Bakugo, while Bakugo seemed to be holding back the urge to speak to him. Bakugo was obvious in his connection, the glances in the halls, specifically taking a later lunch then the rest of the class just to be in the same room as Midoriya and watching the training sessions rain or shine. Midoriya was more covert. If it was anyone else, they’d assume Midoriya never even noticed Bakugo. Aizawa, however, was not anyone else. The kid did well to hide on the surface, but underneath he was very aware of Bakugo’s presence.
“I think we’re done for the day, kid. Go get some rest.” Aizawa said, hoping to get home and discuss with his husband.
Midoriya looked to Almight who shook his head, “If you need to go, he can keep training with me.” Almight stated.
Aizawa’s gaze hardened, this kid never got a break, it was going to be his undoing. “I think he’s done for the day.”
“And I am saying he is not.”
The two engaged in a stare off, tensions high until the little green boy popped up in between them. “It’s okay, I need more training if I’m ever going to be useful. See you tomorrow, Sir.” His smile was sweet but something in his eyes cut Aizawa to the core.
With nothing else he could do, Aizawa left the two, feeling guilt bubbling up, knowing full well that he was being pushed far too much.
Bakugo fled the second he saw is teacher heading his way; back to the dorms which were quiet now. Everyone was settling down to sleep. The quiet was nice. Even for Bakugo who was known to break the decibel level on a regular basis.
The next morning, there was a different buzz in the air. The worst kind; gossip.
“That green haired kid-“
“Passed out-“
“Who is he?”
“Recovery girl-“
Bakugo’s rout to class quickly turned to the infirmary. He wasn’t worried. Obviously. He just... He just needed to see that everything was...okay..?
As he stormed along, Bakugo came to the conclusion the reasoning didn’t matter, he was almost there, just outside the door when he heard voices.
“He’s exhausted. When was the last time he had a day off?” recovery girl’s voice was harsh and accusatory.
“A day off? A day off?! Do you know who you are looking at?” Almight was angry.
“I am well aware but-“
“Then you should know he can’t have a day off. He can’t afford a day off.”
“Well, he can’t afford to keep going like this either.”
Bakugo jumped as a hand was placed on his shoulder, he turned to see Aizawa. His teacher put a figure to his lips signalling Bakugo should keep his own quiet as Aizawa entered the room.
“Almight, Nezu has sent me to tell you that you are going to give him the day off. The school winter dance. He needs a break and he needs to socialise.”
“No, he needs to get stronger. What’s more, he technically isn’t a student here so an actual student will need to take him. The students here either don’t know him or hate him. Who do you propose take him?” Almight’s voice held a tone as if he had won, but Aizawa clicked his fingers, Bakugo pulling the door open. He needed no verbal command to know what to do.
“I’ll take him.” He kept his gaze trained on Almight.
He used to be Bakugo’s hero. How things change.
Almight sighed, “Fine. One day.” With that he left and Bakugo finally got a good look at Midoriya. He was sleeping, IV fluids in his arm. It was worrying.
“Don’t worry young one,” Recovery Girl put her arm around him, “He’s just sleeping. Midnight had to knock him out, poor thing tried to get up even after passing out this morning. It seems he’s been training all night.”
Bakugo sighed, “Damnit Deku...”
“Your friend?”
Bakugo shrugged, “Not really, I think he hates me.”
Recovery Girl smiled gently, “Well I hope you too can make up. Do you want to stay for a while?”
Bakugo glanced to Aizawa, who’s class was starting soon, he gave Bakugo a nod, leaving the room. Recovery Girl left them too, shuffling off to her office.
Bakugo sat next to the bed, looking at his childhood friend lying motionless. It was uncomfortably familiar, not something that he would ever admit to the rest. But like the other times, Bakugo just wanted to hold him. To apologise. To fix it.
But this time it wasn’t Bakugo. This time it was their old favourite hero. Before they saw the other side of Almight, the side that pushed Midoriya until he broke over and over again so that he could be rebuilt into a new version of Almight.
Midoriya stirred from his quirk induced sleep, Bakugo shifted, unsure on whether to leave before he fully woke up or to stay. He didn’t have a chance to make the decision before Midoriya was opening his eyes.
Bakugo froze, now what?
When Midoriya’s eyes focused, he saw Bakugo, looking uncomfortable and very close. Too close.
They’d been delicate not to come close to each other since Midoriya’s training had been moved to UA. It didn’t mean that Midoriya hadn’t noticed Bakugo was around much more then he aimed to. He had assumed it would be much easier to avoid his childhood friend and bully but he just kept popping up in different places all the time.
In a half sleep daze, Midoriya opened his mouth to speak, unsure on what he was going to say until the word left his mouth, “Kacchan?”
Bakugo didn’t know how to react. This is the first time they’d spoken since middle-school. Especially after how their last day had been, Bakugo expected something else. Anything else.
“Hey... How are you feeling?”
Midoriya just lay back, “Like I am wasting time.”
“God, Deku, take a break.” Bakugo’s voice was rushed with anger, which he immediately regretted, but Midoriya let out a laugh.
“That brings back memories.” He was smiling, eyes closed.
Hit with guilt, Bakugo took his hand, “Sorry, I shouldn’t call you that...”
Midoriya shook his head, “No, it’s...” he laughed again, “It’s nice. Oddly enough, I haven’t had any connection to before until that.”
“Before?”
“Before I took this... responsibility.”
“Well, you can always count on me to remind you how stupid you are Deku.” Bakugo said, much more gently then is words should have been spoken, gently squeezing Midoriya’s hand.
Weak and obviously tired, Midoriya squeezed Bakugo’s hand back, “Thanks Kacchan.” He laughed again, “Can’t believe I was still scared of you. I could probably kill you with one hit now I have a quirk.”
Rolling his eyes, trying not to ask the only question he wanted to, “Well let’s not yet too cocky yet Deku.” He tried not to let himself be to hurt at the fact Midoriya was afraid of him, it was his fault after all.
Midoriya was about to close his eyes again when Bakugo stood, “I’ll let you rest. I’m taking to the winter dance as well.”
All at once Midoriya sat bolt up right, face red, “Excuse me? That’s not exactly leaving the room conversation Kacchan!”
“What’s the big deal?”
Midoriya crossed his arms, it reminded Bakugo of when they were kids, “You could at least ask.”
“If I ask would you say yes?”
“No, I have training to do.”
“Then I’m not asking.” Bakugo left before Midoriya could make any protest, smiling quietly to himself. Maybe he could fix things between them after all. At least now he had a chance.
Chaos.
That was the word for what the dorms had become hours before the dance, and now it was only one hour away, the girls were putting their shoes on, some with the help of Iida, while the boys ran around like headless chickens.
“Dude, any one seen my tie?” Denki asked, giving everyone small electric shocks as he passed by.
“I told you I layed it all out on your bed!” Mina shouted as Iida helped buckle her heels, the cosets the girls had chosen to wear were pretty but no one remembered the ‘boots before boobs’ rule as Mina put it.
“I took it all off to I could put it on!” Denki whined, still rushing around.
“Then why isn’t it on your body?” Mina rolled her eyes.
Sero rounded the corner with a smirk, “Shinso is here for you, he brought something he accidently picked up when he packed up his clothes earlier.” in his hand was a black tie with bolts in it. Denki reahed for it, only for it to be pulled away, “Tell me why he needed to pack up clothes in such a rush Denki.” Sero teased, Denki’s face was bright red.
He managed to snatch the tie and ran off without giving an answer.
Bakugo checked his watch, he needed to go pick up Midoriya from the teacher’s doorms soon, “Hey, ponytail,” Momo turned around with a smile, now very used to Bakugo’s nicknames fully aware it could be much worse, “Got any of that red lip gloss stuff I can borrow? The clear tinted one.”
Everyone’s eyes snapped to Bakugo, the last time he wore lip gloss was when he had to go on a date his mother had set up with another designer's kid. He’d worn a black gloss that time though.
“Yeah, here. I didn’t know you were bringing anyone to the dance.” She said, handing it over from her bag.
“Yeah well, I don’t really talk about my love life much.” he said, hopping to shut them up, and secretly hoping that never got back to Midoriya.
Everyone did shut up. They couldn’t argue it, Bakugo never did talk about his romantic life. They had honestly assumed it was because there was nothing to talk about. Bakugo was a tough guy, really aggressive and kind of scary. It left his classmates wondering who could ever date him honestly.
“Well she’s a lucky lady to bag you Baku-bro.” Kirishima slung an arm around Bakugo’s shoulders.
Quickly, Bakugo headed to the door, “He isn’t. His’s too good for me honestly.”
Shutting the door, he left them in stunned silence. Another development none of them had seen coming.
In Bakugo’s mind, technically he hadn’t told a single lie, whatever they assumed from what he had said was their problem. It was true he never talks about his love life and it was also true that his... accomplice tonight was way too good for him.
Aizawa stood in front of Midoriya, adjusting his tie and pushing hair from his face. If he found out Midoriya was in the custardy of Almight he’d adopt him in an instant. Mic wouldn’t get a say, even though after last night’s talk Mic was already trying to get the paper work.
“I’ll be chaperoning so if you need anything, I’ll be around, just come find me.” Aizawa was worried, with how much this kid flinched just helping him get ready he wondered, even if they knew each other, if pairing him up with his most aggressive student in a loud and crowded environment was the best idea.
Midoriya nodded.
He still didn’t particularly want to go. He had training to catch up on, but he supposed social skills was a kind of training. What’s more, Aizawa had spent the entire afternoon helping him and it felt... nice to be taken care of for once. It was unnerving, to let someone else do everything for him.
There was a knock at the door, Aizawa looked over, frowning. His instincts to pull Bakugo aside and threaten him with expulsion if Midoriya came back anything resembling any emotion less then over joyed was strong but he had to remind himself this one wasn’t his kid. He had already pulled Denki aside after class. That would have to do.
Pulling the door open, Aizawa was surprised to see Bakugo in more makeup than he thought he’d ever see him in. Aizawa had always taken Bakugo as the hyper aggressive masculine type but seeing this side of him gave him hope for this training hero’s future.
“I’m here for him.” Bakugo said awkwardly, pointing to Midoriya.
With a frown, Aizawa stepped in front of Midoriya, “Want to try again?”
There was a moment of silence as Bakugo tried to figure out what to say, “May I take Midoriya to the dance?”
Aizawa stepped to the side, “You may.”
Midoriya waved awkwardly, “You look nice.”
Bakugo nodded, “So do you...” his words were slow, unsure. Another side Aizawa hadn’t seen before. It was nice to find something, or someone, who can seem to bring Bakugo down to an almost normal level, maybe a level below.
The two went down the hall together without speaking a word, it wasn’t until they made it outside that either said a word.
“Okay, you can leave me here. Just meet me back to walk me back in at the end.” Midoriya said, stopping in his tracks.
“What?” Anger crept into Bakugo’s voice.
“You don’t really want to be seen with me. I’m sure you’ve heard what they say, plus, I need to go train.”
Rolling his eyes, Bakugo grabbed Midoriya’s hand, dragging him to the dance. “I’ve heard. I’ve been shutting them up.”
Music pounded through the room, strobe lights changed colours with the beat and the entire place was packed with students. Wall to wall, dancing, talking, singing along. The air was hot. Stuffy.
Bakugo glanced to Midoriya, taking a firmer grip on his hand as he led them into the thick of the mass to cross the room and meet up with his friends- classmates- extras.
There they all were, Denki and Sero goofing off, Iida telling them off half heartly as Uraraka and Mina tell him to take the night off. It was a familiar sight to Bakugo but he was suddenly self- conscious of his peers.
Before Bakugo had the chance to change his mind, Kirishima sees them, waving the two over with a wide smile; nudging Denki to look over. To look over at Midoriya.
Reluctantly, Bakugo went over. Nodding at them, he didn’t bother to say anything, he was mentally preparing for the bombardment of questions. That was how it always when there was someone new in a five-meter radius.
However, this time, no one said a word.
It wasn’t clear whether they didn’t know what to say or if they didn’t want to say anything at all. Both ticked Bakugo off somehow.
“Hi, I’m Izuku Midoriya. I’m Bakugo’s...” he paused, looking up at Bakugo wondering which term would annoy him the lest, “Acquaintance.”
Eyes flicked to the two’s hands which were still entwined. Again, no one spoke on it.
Midoriya laughed uncomfortably, “You’re all much quieter than I thought Kacchans’s friends would be.”
Denki laughed, “Kacchan?”
“Sorry, childhood nickname.” Midoriya almost whispered, Bakugo grumbling.
“And you’re much sweeter than I thought an... acquaintance on Bakugo’s would be.” Uraraka said, smiling, “And you’re so cute!” She reached forward to pinch Midoriya’s cheek but Bakugo tugged him back, glaring at her.
“Don’t touch.” were the only words Bakugo managed to formulate.
Everyone exchanged a look before Midoriya wriggled his hand free, “It’s okay Kacchan, I’m not made of glass anymore. Sorry, I used to be... weaker, when we were kids.”
Denki laughed to break the uncomfortable building quiet, “OH... I thought it was some kind of ki-”
“Look what the cat dragged in.” A student from another class gave Bakugo a hard shove. One arm was in a sling but that didn’t stop Bakugo from stumbling before spinning around. It was the kid he’d fought yesterday. “Hanging out with your boyfriend? The freak probably getting on his knees for all that extra time with Almight.”
Bakugo clenched his fists and jaw,
“What’s this? No fire today? Is it because you’ll get expelled? Or because you know I'm right?” the boy laughed, taunting Bakugo even further, “You know all I say is true. Look how pathetic you are now you can’t fight back. You’re so fucking pathetic-”
Bakugo felt a firm hand on his shoulder behind him, puling him back.
He looked up as he fell into someone, Iida had caught him.
The music and talking had stopped, harsh whispers took over after a moment.
As he looked to where he was just stood, Midoriya was standing, fist still in the air.
Following a line down Bakugo could see a cleared path, the boy who had been taunting him was laying on the floor across the room, other’s trying to wake him up. He’d been knocked out cold.
Midoriya stood up straight, shaking out the had he’d used to strike, as the boy seemed to wake up, he spoke out, loud enough to cut through the whispers. Midoriya's voice out cold and level, “Next time, I won’t be so gentle.”