We're caught up with Season 5. I changed the teams around a little for the plot tho :3
Patreon is 7 chapters ahead and we're having cool discussions, hehe they be crying rn tho <3
Class 1A vs 1B would prove to be a test more than a competition. Katsuki knew that more than anyone in the class. Today was about conquering, not standing by and letting rivals think him a fool or worse a weakling.
The new industrial training ground meant noise travelled without insulation. The metal reverberated everything making quirks sensitive to sound like your and Jirou's a tad more difficult to discern.
That also meant Katsuki could hear every little comment 1B has to make about his 'tyrannic' way of leadership. Didn't let any of it get to him though. How could he? There were bigger things to take care of than the opinions of some mindless idiots.
"Hey," You said, Katsuki just now noticing your presence. You stood next to him, winter costume not much different from your original, perhaps a tad more layered. He took a look at your face.
There was an easier glow about you now. Some sleep- some space- had done you good. Over the last few days, Bakugo kept his distance while at once making himself available. Instead of constantly lurking in your corner, he only texted you after school, told you he was in his dorm or out training if you needed anything. Seemed drawing that boundary had brought eased some tension.
"Mm," The boy hummed in response, eyes focused up on the screens as Aizawa and Vlad discussed today's teams and training operations.
It didn't go unnoticed to him that you weren't talking much to anyone except Todoroki. Depression is never personal, he had to remember that. Everything you did was a reflection of issues he had no right to meddle in without your permission.
But it still lingered at the back of his mind. The conversation he had with his mother. This ever encroaching feeling he had that you didn't need him. Nowhere as much as he needed you anyhow.
"Your new costume looks nice," You said, and from your tone, the way you crossed your arms and gave a crooked smile, he knew you meant it. Knew you were reaching out, closing some of the gap to remind him your love hadn't faded.
"Mm," He hummed again, more appreciative this time. It made a laughing breath erupt from you.
"You're focusing, I take it?"
"Mm," The boy nodded once, hard gaze still pinned to the screens, his mind ruthlessly analyzing all his opponents while at once enjoying this little piece of your presence. It made you laugh a bit.
He didn't realize how guilty you felt blowing up back at his home. Didn't realize you thought he needed space just as much as you did. After some time, it was simpler to reflect on the situation involving Tenko. Even easier to realize that even if you followed down the path of heroes, no one could ever force you to go against him.
Staring side-longingly at Katsuki now, you took in the sight of his determination and want to succeed. This dream of his was as much a part of his soul as your past was a part of yours. Uncrossing your arms, you let your hand slip to his now completely covered shoulder, trying to take his attention for just a crucial moment.
"Relax," You whispered, kissing the frowning boy on the cheek, nursing his confidence that you still very much supported his every goal. When he met your eyes you smiled genuinely the way he liked. "You always do your best when you take a breath first."
On cue, the hero in training's steel shoulders relaxed with a heavy sigh. Perhaps not all his doubts about your well being and relationship were alleviated, but your reassurances only served for the better while at once leaving his pride intact. Of course, what hurt his chances of not beating up a classmate was Monoma's big fat ugly mouth entering the scene.
