Chapter Text
“I made a promise
To distance myself” -Laufey, ‘promise’
Osaka, March 13th
The reflection of harsh traits belonging to a mature face, sculpted by time, was captured by a big puddle full of cherry petals, unfairly ripped by the light wind that had accompanied the light afternoon shower that had stopped a few minutes before.
A hand lifted with effort and another hand joined its movement in order to accomplish the action of removing a heavy glove, revealing fair, damaged skin and bleeding knuckles. A pair of red eyes followed the movement, in a sort of bored state, as if they weren’t acknowledging at all the small injuries on their very own body.
The young man, whose body was standing against a railing situated on a climb of the city’s park, stared mindlessly at his opened right palm for a couple of seconds before emitting weak sunrise-colored sparkles. The moment lasted as long as it had started, the chilly wind capturing the faint sparkles and making them its.
This occurrence had provoked the man’s reaction, his expression startled, his eyes curious and displeased, his mouth slightly opened. He then closed his eyes, removed carefreely some petals and leaves that had got stuck during his patrol, and turned his back just to see another pair of eyes staring at him in the distance, thinking.
Both of the figures stared at each other in distance in a silent wait, the only noises that could be heard were the fall of rain against the ground, that had started again in the meanwhile, and the chirping of birds that were being dragged by the wind far from their nests.
Tokyo, March 15th
Neon lights took over the sight, the illuminated signs of restaurants, malls, bars and tourist attractions spread everywhere and made somehow more confusing the busy streets of Tokyo during the night.
A messy bush of green curls was tilting in every direction, trying to find a place or someone in specific. Its incessant movement was abruptly ended by slim, orned fingers that had reached the man’s hand.
The man stopped his unceasing movements to face the woman that he was looking for, grateful that she was the one that had found him instead.
As they greeted each other and their friends in the distance, they began walking, tentatively holding their pinkies together.
-愛-
‘I’m so grateful that we got to catch up after a long time. It would’ve been amazing if it was the 20 of us all, but I’m still happy that us four got our shifts at the same time in this city. We’ve been loving Tokyo, I have to admit. I’ve been considering moving here in a not-so-well-defined future. Well, we’ll see’
‘I have to agree with you, Kirishima-kun, even though I’ve found Okinawa more pleasant for my taste. There are many people, and I love this sense of life that the capital brings… I find it so amazing to meet many different types of people, all from across the world and with different lives. It surely helps with my association, and it’s gratifying to see people being more open about their quirks. What do you think, Mina? I think that this is the perfect city for an outgoing soul like yours!’
‘You’re perfectly right, my dear Ochako! As Eij said, we both have been loving the city. I’ve been patrolling here since the last week of February because they needed a filler hero for an indeterminate period, and honestly I’m so glad I volunteered. I’ve made many new friends, and every Friday evening we go to a bar where we have weekly dance competitions, as well as a karaoke stand. It’s really fun and I’ve been enjoying their company so much. We’ve been thinking about joining a regional hip-hop contest too! Well, we’ll see. What about you, sensei? Don’t you think you can escape my interrogation!’
‘I promise I wasn't trying to, Mina-san! Well, what can I say? To be fair, I’m enjoying this job much more than I first expected, even though having teacher’s meetings with Aizawa and Mic is still so weird! I’ve grown to care about my students, and it makes me so emotional to see their progress compared to when they started in first year. It’s also interesting to analyze their quirks. Yes, yes, you can laugh, I haven’t changed a bit since high school! Just… how can I say it… it’s so heartwarming seeing kids accept their quirks and recognize them as part of…well, themselves. I mean, I know I don’t have a quirk anymore, but it’s still my duty not only as a teacher but as a person myself to remind them that. I also have to observe that Uraraka’s campaign has been helping a lot. It’s fundamental for people to accept themselves, especially teenagers who are about to take one of the most fundamental decisions of their life.’
‘Well said, Midoriya! I’m happy that you’re satisfied with your job and with your students’ path.’
‘So… Kiri and Mina. It would be rude to assume but, are you a thing?’
‘No need to assume, Uraraka-san! Yes, we’re officially together, even though we haven’t told basically everyone because we first wanted to see them in person. We’re hitting the three-months milestone in four days, actually!’
‘So, how did that happen? If I may ask-’
‘Izu, you always worry too much! Well, we were supposed to go to a bar with Denki, Jirou, Sero and Bakugo, but Jirou was called to perform a gig last minute and Denki had to switch his patrol with one of his colleagues because he got an injury, as well as Sero. Kats… well, to be honest we haven’t really heard from him for a while. He told Eij that he’s patrolling from December till May in Osaka, and I heard from Todoroki-kun that this week the two of them will patrol there together, but we haven’t got any news apart from that. Anyways, so basically it was only the two of us so we kinda went on a date and well, history was made.’
‘Actually, Izubro, I wanted to ask you if you knew something more about him. I’m worried because he tends to shut people off when he’s not doing good, and I know that you two have a sort of different bond compared to ours’
‘I really wish I could help,Kirishima, but I haven’t talked to him in a very long time’
‘Wait, you can’t be serious! You two used to be so close, what happened?’
‘Yeah, dude! I mean, he called himself on live-TV kacchan bakugo! Isn’t that a nickname you gave to him in kindergarten? I think he subtly mentioned it before…’
‘Wait, you guys, he did what? Why didn’t I know anything about it? I mean, Kaminari used to say something like that, but I thought he was just messing around!!’
‘Deku-kun, we didn’t want to bring this up because we firmly believed that he would bring that up to you privately. I got to know that because of my parents, who were watching the live news as it happened, and I knew that talking about what happened eight years ago is a painful memory that none of us, you specifically, would want to relive.’
‘What ‘Chako said is right, Izu… Well, I still can’t understand why he didn't tell you, and most of all why didn’t he call you in all these months? years? who knows what goes in that man’s head… I just hope that he’s alright…’
-愛-
‘Let’s get ramen, Bakugo. There’s a really good one on the same street as our apartments.’
The invitation hung in the air, the blonde man not answering, staring mindlessly at his combat boots. They both knew it wasn’t what they eventually needed to converse about, but for now it was okay.
The taller man continued to stare at him, waiting patiently for his response, until it came in a whisper so quiet that it could be dragged away by the persistent wind that hadn’t left Bakugo since he started his patrol that morning.
‘Dunno. ‘M gonna order a take out. Or the dinner that your old man is offering us.’
To that, Todoroki smiled. ‘You know my old man’s agency’s food sucks. And you’re going to end up broke if you continue to live off takeout until May. Let’s go get ramen, I’m offering. Deal?’
He scuffed before reluctantly saying ‘Fuck off. Fine’
-愛-
Izuku didn’t know how many drinks he had taken. In one hand he was holding what seemed like a bottle of ginger beer and in the other he was holding an empty glass. Whiskey, his taste buds suggested.
His vision was doubled and blurry, and not because he left his reading glasses at home. What overtook his sight was the fluttering neon pink and purple top of Mina, as well as her embroidered low-rise jeans that highlighted her slim waist and her belly-button rings. When he blinked, his vision shifted: now there was Kirishima, dancing with his girlfriend, his bright long hair hiding his huge back. He shifted once again his sight and he was met with Uraraka’s eyes, a genuine smile plastered on her face.
‘Are you having fun this evening, Izuku?’ she said, giggling as she caught a glimpse of her two friends kissing while energetically dancing.
‘Y-yeah. I am. Might be a little tipsy, though. I’m not regretting it, though! What about you, Uraraka?’
‘You might as well call me Ochako at this point, Deku! We’ve known each other for almost a decade!’ she said while smiling and reaching out for his arm.
‘Yeah, sorry, you’re right. You didn’t answer me, though!’
‘You’re right, sorry.’ A chuckle escaped her glossy lips, and Deku could see the reflection of the neon lights on her bottom lip, before the moment vanished because of her sharp canines biting it. They kind of reminded him of Toga, and his mind wondered for a brief moment if she had ever noticed that. He didn’t share his comments out aloud, though.
‘Going out with you guys is so nostalgic, and it makes me happy and melancholic at the same time. I miss high school and the dormitories so much, I still dream of it sometimes. I mean, our teen years.’ Her gaze dropped, but she continued. ‘I don’t know how you do, really. Teaching at UA would be way too nostalgic for me!’ her characteristic warm smile appeared again on her face, and her booze-tinted cheeks became somehow more pink.
‘But apart from that, I’ve been really enjoying our evening. Kirishima and Mina are really fun to hang out with, they’re always the life of the party. I am glad you are here too. I enjoy your company a lot. Don’t know, I feel at ease when I’m near you. Like you’re floating.’
Izuku remembered vividly what floating was like, and he would’ve lied if he said he didn’t miss it. He gazed at her, examining her whole self like she was a test about the history of heroes.
Her face was now well defined, and it was clear she was a mature woman. Nonetheless, in Deku’s eyes she looked breathtaking: her eyes were two magnets that captured everyone’s attention, her smile a powerful source of an unknown aphrodisiac that gave to everyone near her a boost of serotonin. Her porcelain-like skin was the landscape of her body and the main character of that evening, with every single light being captured and displayed on it like a watercolor painting of a sunrise.
She had made more hers a certain clothing style that she had been wearing since he’d first met her: in all the years that had passed since that very specific day that had forever signed his DNA, Uraraka had not only found herself, but she had carved it until she was satisfied with what she was and what she was going to become.
The result of her journey of self-discovery was displayed on her aesthetic: she kept her hair the same, maybe a couple of inches longer compared to high school. A handful of jewelry was distributed across her body: a pair of small gold loops on her upper lobes and a simple pair of pearls on her lower lobes. Many bracelets with charms were on her wrists , and Deku knew the majority of them were gifts she had never got rid of. What captured his attention was her necklace: it was a plain gold chain with a star shaped charm.
Uraraka noticed effortlessly his consistent gaze and provided him with an explanation.
‘One of the first kids that participated in the council program gave me this. His quirk is similar to Yayorozu’s: he can mold metals and other materials, but mostly them. He’d actually joined the program because he was desperately looking for a safe place where he could be open about his feelings. You see, he was a very insecure boy, and being fourteen also didn’t help’
‘I know something about that’ the man chuckled, looking at his own reflection on the ice cubes on the bottom of the empty glass he was still holding.
‘how is he doing now? You told me his story like it happened a while ago.’
‘I met him when the council program was merely a concept. It was the very beginning of it, really. He was so brave for exposing himself to a completely new experience, considering the fact that the program was at the time a revolutionary concept as well’ she finished the contents of her cocktail and licked her lips before continuing.
‘Anyway, this whole thing took place roughly three years ago, but he just recently gifted me this. He told me it was an appreciation gift for helping him face his fears and open up. He used to come to the weekly meetings, but since he’s graduating from high school in a couple of weeks he only comes once in a fortnight. His presence is always very appreciated, though.’
‘It must have been so gratifying seeing your hard work being paid off!’
‘Yeah, it really is. It gives me hope for the future of our society that used to be in crumbles.’ She waved her arm to call a waitress and ordered a can of some fruit flavored fuzzy drink.
‘I asked him for an explanation for this charm. I remember telling him: ‘why star shaped though?’ He looked at me directly in the eyes and told me: ‘because you made me realise that I don’t have to reach the sky to look for acceptance, and it’s thanks to people like you that I can say with certainty that stars exist among us’’
-愛-
The ramen restaurant was a cozy place with wooden coffee tables and armchairs with fairy lights hanging above them, giving the whole local a comforting vibe. A couple of clients were consuming their meal while chatting joyously, and Bakugo soon noticed the presence of three or four cats, and began petting one while his old classmate asked for a table for two.
‘They all belong to the owners of the restaurant that has been family managed for two generations as I’ve heard. The one you’re holding is the middle one. Her name’s Suki, I believe.’
Their gaze simultaneously shifted to the kitty that was laying comfortably on the arms and lap of the blonde. Her upturned muzzle and her dalmatanian-like dotted fur assembled together a picture of a curious silly cat, whose light snores echoed in Bakugo’s mind as he was caressing mindfully her downturned ears.
Almost as if she felt the stares of two strangers she opened her eyes, revealing two puppy-like large pupils floating in an expanse of green that awakened both of the men’s minds, especially the one that was holding her.
‘Is anyone joining you? I mean, is anyone else from our class transferring temporarily to Osaka because of their agency?’ Bakugou asked, gaze focusing once again on the action of petting the cat that in the meanwhile had fallen to sleep.
‘No. The Endeavor’s agency found it a good idea to send me across the country in order to gain new abilities in different surroundings, and mostly to get used to unknown places that I don’t know if I ever have the necessity to fight in unfamiliar areas.’
‘I see.’ the blonde mumbled.
‘About the others…’ the taller man continued ‘…what can I say. I’ve been talking to Hakagure and Oijiro, who recently got engaged. It was about time, I must observe. I’ve also kept in touch with Iida. He and his wife, you might remember her, Hatsume Mei from the support course, are expecting their second born who’s due in July. Tsuyu and I have shared a few lunches or dinners after patrol depending on the day, totally platonic of course. I was supposed to hang out with Shoji two weekends ago but he had a last minute meeting and we had to reschedule in an uncertain future’
The waiter interrupted his explanation to receive their orders and a quiet comforting silence settled in the air between the two.
‘What about pink cheeks and the others? I remember you had a little shitty trusted friend group in high school’
‘You mean Uraraka, Momo and Deku? We call often. Uraraka is busy with her council program about kids with unusual quirks, and I believe she’s in Tokyo at the moment for a national conference. We’re all really proud of her, she’s really done wonders for our society. Momo is currently abroad. Told me she wanted to explore the world while saving others, and that’s what she’s been doing. She’s staying three months across China, last time I checked she was in Shanghai but right now she should be in the capital, Beijing.’
‘So is she just moving around China, patrolling?’
‘Not only. She’s leading various global projects and doing international lectures and conferences about research. She’s also always trying to find new ways to put to use her quirk. She’s really hardworking, my only hope as her friend is that she doesn’t overwork herself too much, but it seems like she’s having a nice time’ as the last sentence was said, Todoroki took out of his hero suit his phone to show a picture of a lovely girl that was grinning at the camera while feeding bamboo to a red panda. The photo description commented ‘at the wild animal reserve after a conference. having fun :)’
A smile made its way through the face of both men, and then an awaiting silence fell again. It was not later broken by the same man.
‘Midoriya is also doing great. He loves his job as a teacher just as much as he loves his kids like they are their very own. What I have to point out, though, is that he misses our company.’ He paused before going on, grabbing a glass of sparkling water that the waiter had brought beforehand.
‘It was quite predictable, really. Almost something to take for granted. I would’ve been more preoccupied if that hadn’t happened, really.’
‘Would you stop talking in riddles? Spit the frog out, half-n-half’
‘I’m not trying to be mysterious or enigmatic. What I want to say is that he feels left out because we have moved on, and so has he. But we still have a quirk we were born with, while his quirk, the one that he worked so hard for, is gone forever and he can’t do anything if not accepting it. I am relieved that it didn’t affect as much as I was expecting his mental health, or at least that’s what he’s showing to us all. But at the same time I can do nothing if not watching him watching us working as Pro Heroes while he’s a teacher in high school, and I feel quite guilty for it.’
‘And why would you feel guilty for it?’
‘I didn’t do anything to prevent it from happening, even though we all know that it had to happen sooner or later.’
The rhythm of their conversation was followed by another predictable pause, that was then interrupted by the arrival of their lunch.
They ate in silence, but it wasn’t an unpleasant one. What they both enjoyed about the other was the company and the silence that didn’t need to be filled, and principally Katsuki appreciated that.
Warmth filled his throat when he sipped the noodles’ broth, and with Suki purring and warming his legs he felt his nerves lose tension for the first time in months. The metallic ‘tilt’ of the chopsticks against the bowl alternated with his puffs composed a melody that felt so ordinary and right that he felt like a kid again. He started a conversation for the first time since they had entered the restaurant.
‘I haven’t really talked to anyone from UA recently. Sometimes Shinsou bastard pays me a visit, and Tokoyami keeps telling me that we’ll meet again soon. I haven’t texted my dumbass ‘squad’ in some months.’
‘And why is that, if I may ask?’
‘Tsk. Don’t know.’ He took a spoonful of noodles and rapidly swallowed it, smoke coming out of his ajar lips.
'Suppose I needed some time to myself. To think, change space. Don’t know, who cares.’
Shoto nodded and continued to taste his spicy noodles.
‘Kyoka. Jiro texted me privately recently. Told me she’s going to go on a summer tour in a couple months. Asked how I was. I don’t know, this is stupid.’
‘Go on.’
‘No that’s like really fucking stupid. You don’t wanna hear that shit’
‘I wanna hear it even if it’s a stupid thing’
He scoffed, playing with his food with the metallic chopsticks. ‘I guess I just wanted to distance myself. The routine was killing me back in Musutafu. I couldn’t do it anymore, I felt suffocated by everything. You know, my parents even if I do care for those two old hags, the stillness of the routine. Nothing fucking ever changed, do you know how that feels?’
‘I do. That’s why I also accepted to work in another part of the country for a while.’
‘Liar bastard. We both know it wasn’t a coincidence you found yourself in Osaka. You could’ve chosen Tokyo, Kyoto, or even Sapporo for hell’s sake. I know your squad sent you or some type of shit to check on me. But I’m doing fine.’
‘Actually, I have to correct you. Neither Midoriya, Uraraka, Iida or anyone else apart from my father and his employees know I’m here.’
He took a spoonful of his soup, emptying the bowl.
‘I was supposed to catch up with Deku, Uravity, Red Riot and Pinky in Tokyo this Saturday, but I told them I was busy. So,’ he got up and grabbed his wallet from his pocket ‘you don’t have to worry. No secret mission was established by my so-called squad.’
The other man still wasn’t convinced, but listened to him anyway. He carefully put Suki back on the ground and followed his ‘friend’.
‘Just as promised, I offered.’ he smiled at the other man. ‘Now, I expect you to offer next time.’ he stated half-jokingly, even though Bakugo knew he was serious, and what preoccupied him was that it was implied that there was gonna be a next time.
Next time. What was Todoroki up to?
He couldn’t help but wonder as he walked back to his apartment, pondering what could have been his true intentions.
-愛-
Tokyo’s air at midnight was cold even though the multitudes of heated lights displayed in the main streets helped. Even so, goosebumps formed on Izuku’s whole body and he couldn’t help but wonder how Mina in her crop top with much exposed skin was feeling just fine.
He tilted his head to look at Uraraka, who was showing some signs of discomfort on her face and was cold judging from her expression, and he thought it would’ve been a good idea to offer her his leather jacket. She couldn’t help but accept, while thanking him multiple times, and as Mina and Kirishima dismissed them and wished them a good night, they remained alone.
Izuku became aware of his surroundings and took his time to absorb the beauty of the city. They were in the very heart of the capital, and he smiled in a blissful awe.
Red, orange and bright shades of yellow were displayed everywhere. It looked like the objectification of a sunset, like if it had chosen to assume the identity of a city. That sensation of warmth that persisted in Deku’s chest and that had followed him since that early evening was all he could feel in that moment, and in that joyous moment his mind couldn’t help but send him a glimpse of a memory: in the messy shades of those warm colors he saw for an instant a familiar face he had known for a lifetime, and the realisation of who that face belonged to made him immediately freeze.
Ochako interpreted his sudden stiffening as a reaction to the cold air and decided to start a conversation, again.
‘Thank you for the jacket, Izuku, really. But I think you need it the most’ she proclaimed while unzipping the leather jacket.
‘There’s absolutely no need, Ochako! You can keep it. W-well, until you get home, I mean. O-or if you like it you can keep it, there’s absolutely no problem! Actually, keep it. It’s a gift from me. Um, do you need a lift or? Because well it’s pretty cold and I don’t know whether you live far from here or not and I wouldn’t want you to travel on your own during nighttime in a big city. Tell me if-’
‘Woah, woah, deep breaths Izuku. It’s roughly a 20 minute walk from there, but I would appreciate your company, if it’s not a bother’
‘Sure, for sure. Let’s go, then’
Pinkies hesitantly holding each other, they started walking while commenting on the various stands and shops they encountered. Eventually, Izuku bought dangos for Uraraka and himself.
As he was walking though, he couldn’t help but think about his feelings towards her. He deeply cared about her, and after the war they had become really close, even though they didn’t really have a formed conversation about the death of their loved ones. He also observed, reluctantly, that they both tended to keep everything inside and pretend to be fine.
Did he really know how she was feeling? And did he really know how he was feeling?
The thought startled him, and he was grateful that the woman next to him unknowingly gave him a distraction.
‘Look! They’re selling those fireworks sticks!!’ (A/N I meant the ones with the sparkles that u use during new year’s Eve. pretend that you’ve got it pls)
‘They’re so pretty, aren’t they? Hold on, I’m going to buy us two of them.’
As the weak flame of a used lighter Deku used to keep in the pocket of his jacket kissed the top of the sticks, an explosion of sparkles erupted from both of the wooden ‘wands’.
‘Make a wish, Izuku. There’s a local legend that says that it will be heard once the sparkles are fully gone’
And so, as he was watching the sparks getting weaker and weaker, he silently prayed that the only person who gave him the same pinching sensation that the sparkles were giving on his skin would find a way to reach him, as he always did.