Among Misery (MHA AU)

Chapter 11- Reminiscing

With quick precision he manged to blow away the building rubble without harming the girl. The girl was quick with his action to help and got up. Katsuki got ahold of her forearm and was going to use his other one to get at a better distance. However he realised that it was going to be more difficult using only one arm. That's when he suddenly felt weightless and proceeded to get away with the girl holding onto his forearm too.

The two got away before more rubble fell. Then when they got at a safe distance, the girl deactivated her quirk. Katsuki was about to head off to continue with the exam but then there was a sudden announcement about the exam finishing. The giant machine stopped at its footsteps and so did everyone else.

Katsuki was panting from the exhaustion after being on such an adrenaline for the whole exam. He straightened his back and looked at the sky. However, he was then approached by the same girl he had saved.

"Hey so thanks so much for helping me out there" said Ochaco bowing gratefully.

"Yeah. It's no problem...though I guess I should also thank you for helping us both escape safely" said Katsuki.

"It's no biggie. Though I'm sorry you had to abandon that 3 pointer to help me. You mind me asking why the sudden change?" said Ochaco feeling a bit guilty.

Katsuki thought for second, knowing that the past him wouldn't have even bothered in saving her. He would've focused on only getting points for himself. However, he feels...no. He knows that his slow change was because of Izuku's influence on him, and he was thankful to have had Izuku beside him after everything. Though he wouldn't admit it to anyone else other than Izuku.

"Because I know a certain someone would be upset if I didn't, and I know that he'd do the exact same...heh, probably be reckless about it too" replied Katsuki.

Ochaco had a slight smile on her face when he saw that Katsuki was unkowlingly showing her his smile. So when he suddenly realized she was staring at him he quickly brushed it away.

"Agh! quit staring!" said Katsuki turning around.

Ochaco let out a giggle but nonetheless complied with his request. The two began to make their way out for the facility as they followed the evaluation robots guiding them towars the nearest exits. Ochaco dismissed herself from Katsuki when they reached the exit, since she was recommended to visit the school infirmary for any possible injuries. That was the last time they saw eachother until later they would find out they were assigned to the same class. Class 1-A.

PRESENT

Ochaco had finished telling Izuku about thr first time she met Katsuki. Katsuki had told him about how his practical exam had gone and that he did manage to save someone but hearing it from another perspective was also nice.

Ultimately, the two continued to talk and walk beside eachother. She was now telling Izuku about how today they were put on the same team for their first hero training, which was also taught by All Might himself. Ochaco continued to tell him about how Bakugou was determined to win and managed to lead the two of them to victory. Though she did mention how when Bakugou gets really into it, he becomes a bit more brash and confident.

Izuku told her not to worry too much about it, that's just his own way of showing how passionate he is about it. Honestly, it's in those times where Izuku is reminded a bit of how cocky he acted back then, but he knows this time that he doesn't mean anything bad by it.

After that, Ochaco also explained how Katsuki first mentioned that he has a step brother that he treats him like a real one, called Izuku Midoriya. This conversation happened when the entire class were getting to know each other. Katsuki didn't mean to say as much as he did and almost immediately afterwards he tried to brush away the subject, not bringing Izuku up back again after that. Ochaco assumed it was because he didn't like people seeing his more sincere side.

She was partially correct about what she said about Katsuki, thought Izuku. He hasn't really seen Katsuki throw many shouts when he's with him and for almost every moment he's shared with him, Katsuki always remained honest and modest with Izuku. Guess it surprises Izuku a bit on how much Katsuki truly does care for him. Izuku thanked Ochaco for telling him this. However, Ochaco then felt like she needed to bring up.

"So, I'm sorry for asking, but it's just been on my mind this whole, are you doing okay?"

Izuku froze when she asked that question.

"Wh- what do you mean?" Asked Izuku not really making eye contact that time.

"Well, I know I stopped those bullies from going any further but you already had that bandage on your cheek. I was just wondering if everything's alright" wondered Ochaco.

Izuku then reached for his cheek and instantly remembered everything that had happen earlier that day. Izuku then recalled back to their conversation and noticed that she still remained unaware that Izuku was quirkless. Not to mention, she only arrived to see when the bullies had already backed away from him, never seeing the actual beating he took. Before Izuku had another sudden moment that felt somewhat reminiscing in a dark way. Izuku brushed that thought away and replied back before he dragged it any longer.

"O-Oh this...Yeah this is nothing, just an accident that happened in school today" said Izuku looking to the side.

Ochaco took notice of how Izuku was acting and could tell that this conversation was somewhat uncomfortable for Izuku. She then decided to pull away from it, thinking it was best for him.

"Ah I see. Sorry for bringing it up" apologized Ochaco.

"It's alright...I mean it's part of your hero instincts to worry about others, is it not?" Said Izuku looking back at her with a forced smile.

When he did though, Ochaco could see how his hands were shaking. She didn't want to assume the worst, but she had a bad feeling that Izuku might be facing something and she just wanted to do something to help him in anyway possible.

"Hey you wanna exchange numbers?" Suddenly asked Ochaco catching Izuu off guard.

"Huh." Blurted out Izuku.

The two then reached a path where they would take different routes. The two had exchanged numbers with one another, Izuku still feeling sheepish of the fact that he managed to get a different contact om his phone. And from a girl in that matter!

"Well it was nice meeting the Izuku Midoriya in person" said Ochaco.

"Uh- Yeah, that's me" said Izuku laughing shyly "It was also nice meeting a classmate of Katsuki's"

"Well it was fun, I'll see you again some other time?" She said showcasing her phone hinting him.

"Oh! yeah, sure" said Izuku.

"Alrigt! See ya Midoriya!" Said Ochaco happily.

"Bye, have a safe walk home" waved goodbye Izuku.

"Will do, you too!" said Ochaco.

The two then walked their separate ways towards their house. As Izuku walked he looked back at his phone contacts, seeing that everything that happened was real. Though, he then recalled again about that weird event before she appeared in the scene. Somehow, he was managing to neglect their punches and not feel any pain from them. Izuku can't keep brushing this subject off like it isn't nothing, there is definitely something else going on, but it's just a matter of what and how it happens. That was his conclusion to that odd event that keeps happening, for now that is.

Izuku had arrived back home to a warm welcome by his parents. However, he remained unaware of the new guest invited in his head, one that he will reunite with after many years.

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Alright! I actually managed to get another one out this week. Trying to get some work done before the end of my break. Anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter. Maybe there will be another last one next week, but for now...

Hope to see you next time!