Chapter Text
Hitoshi has never in his life felt more exhausted than he did that night.
He's surprised that the Wild Cats —or whatever the hell they're called— cooked the meal for the class. He was even more surprised to hear that Class B will not be arriving until early tomorrow morning. Apparent cutting through the terrain does have its perks. It’s still hard to see all of them.
Thankfully, after dinner there was still enough energy in the class to explore the place in which they're training for thirteen days, the fourteenth will be a day just for Hitoshi. Anyway, while exploring more of this earthy resort, they saw natural springs and a hill that's great for rolling down.
While the latter had not been a choice made directly from Hitoshi, it is a truth he can confirm from first experience. And multiple experiences from then on too.
As for the springs, the girls have their own section, as do the guys. It's at this moment when all just seems to disappear into the air. It's relaxing and it feels like everyone is at their respective age.
Which is why the moment had to be ruined.
"Everything is going too well."
Kaminari groans into the water, causing it to bubble up and for him to choke in response. Sero pats him on the back to try and help him and Katsuki looks over to Aoyama, the man to ruin the silence. "Now why would you say that you French Baguette?" He sends a chilling glare to Aoyama who looks off to the section of the woods.
"Desole, mon ami, I cannot help but feel on edge." Aoyama turns back, eyes still not meeting the class in sorrow.
Hitoshi is about to question it when Iida cuts in, hands chopping in motion. "Do not apologize! It is unfortunate that we as a class have had to endure such causes but on the bright side, it has made us come close together as a class. We all strive to become the best heroes we can be, and heroes come across various situations. We've just expiernced some quicker."
"Yeah man, it's okay to be scared. We're not even eighteen yet anyway, hell, I'm scared to be out here without all the extra heroes." Kirishima joins in, hands splashing the water, he gets ready to dip and he lets his hair form a fin tail. He doesn't comment anything else, and that's fine with everyone.
They're all just pleased that everyone is on the same page. It's reassuring for the growth of pubescent teenage minds.
It's calm afterwards, everyone a little too tired to talk anymore. They enjoy the water from the springs as it heals its aching and sore muscles. There's a new sense of communications and any arguments that may have been harbored before, it all just disappears.
One by one everyone starts to get out.
Soon, all that are left are Izuku, Hitoshi, Shoto, Katsuki, and Kirishima. No one dares to speak, not out of fright of being judged or breaking the peace. They just stayed like that because no communication was needed.
Before, this may have bothered Izuku a bit. The sense of losing his best friend yet again, but fighting monsters beside him all morning, along with his new friends... It seems silly.
But most of all, he now understands where Kacchan's anger and betrayal—because that's what it was, wasn't it? he was worried for a friend who encountered a well-known serial killer and he couldn't even tell him good morning. Quirkless discrimination and horrible thoughts were just a product of his own mind. That's the real betrayal.
Kacchan has never once doubted the hero Izuku could be. Not when he was gone the first time and not now. He was always there but has Izuku?
It’s funny… this small moment in time and it’s feels like the biggest of what’s to come. Does Kacchan feel this way too?
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Katsuki doesn't have an expression on his face.
His brows aren't furrowed up together, his lips aren't twisted in, and his eyes seem to peacefully be looking out through stained glass.
His mind is transported back to when they were fighting that villain back in the island and now to the earth monster-fucks that have sprouted from that obnoxious blue cat.
Each even it consistent.
He plays frame by frame of the take downs Izuku had accomplished on his own, with someone else like that Icy-hot Bastard, and the take down that only they could manage.
Katsuki realizes that Izuku isn't helpless anymore. He isn't that small quirkless kid who acted before he thought things through—though his tendency to run heart first, head second hasn't changed since then—Izuku is fully capable of leading.
He has friends who cared about him from the beginning and haven't had to rejoice their friendship after a jab of murder. He thinks about this over and over in his mind until he feels Kirishima jab him softly on the shoulder, "We're gonna head inside now, want to join?"
Katsuki looks faintly back at Izuku, noticing his eyes flicker to him and Kirishima, his own look of acceptance settled into his own face. Somehow, it makes him look older; his face still round with baby fat and his freckles deep with color. His eyes still hold innocence to the world and Katsuki can't help but think, this is his first life.
But soon, Izuku's eyes filter back to Shoto—Hitoshi long out by now— and a new smile slips onto his face.
And while Katsuki would much rather speak with Izuku. To right their wrongs and pray that they won't make them again... he can wait.
Because Izuku's happiness and peace of mind comes first. He wants to keep it that way as long as possible. One for All is a name that will shield their horror to no one.
So, Katsuki happily accepts Kirishima's waiting hand.
A new sense of belonging.
He knows everything will be alright.
It has to be.
His friend will return.
And he will too.
Such a small moment in time and Katsuki knows it’s nothing but greatness from here. Promises to be written and friendships to gain.
It scares him a bit, because he knows how easy it is to lose everything. A rose petal second is all it takes for everything to be stolen.