[Sorry for the one day delay, was supposed to come out last night. But I was writing the chapter at 1am and my dog kept barking, and with the house we're in (where its safe, but still feels sketchy compared to the house we were previously in) I decided to instead stay in the comfort of my blankets watching my phone. So...Yeah, sorry about that, but it's here now!!]

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[After two months we returned to this book two weeks again, at the stage of writing this it's just been under two weeks. And honestly, I kinda wanted to get this chapter out sooner, but I had commitments to other books at the time. The point I want to make with this Author's Note was that...I had a lot of fun writing the last chapter, and despite the wait, it did relatively well--In the sense that it felt like people still wanted to read it. It's those signs of life that really encourage me to write these stories that go on break for a while. So to see the reaction was really nice, so thank you, everyone, here's hoping that with the end of this ARC today, we can keep moving forward with this story even more!! Something I'll think you'll want to happen...especially after today's bittersweet chapter involving our all-time favourite bro...]

[Be sure to stick around for the Author's note at the end...It'll do some explaining for a lot of stuff about to, and what has been, going on. Thanks!]
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[Bakugo's POV]

You ever get those moments in life where you know you really fucked up. Like big time. Not just breaking your Mom's very special and ancient vase, or watching porn on your Dad's phone only for it to get countless viruses--Something I still claim isn't really my fault--I mean, his phone shouldn't have been spamming me every few seconds about hot singles in my area when browsing the internet. Like one minute I was diligently looking up photos of Mirko...for a school project...for school...when out of nowhere--BAM!

'Hot Singles In Your Area!'

As soon as I saw it, I was disgusted! How dare these very attractive and very single women hot up my Dad trying to ruin his marriage...He was taken, I was the one that was single! B-But, um...Of course, the sole purpose was to keep my family together. A-Anyway, I'm losing track of myself! The point I'm trying to make is, a lot of the shit I get myself into isn't really my fault. But this time around...I really feel like I've screwed up, big time.

Bakugo: "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Calm down--" [Panting] "--I really think we can talk about this..."

"Forget talking about anything! This is your fault!"

Bakugo: "Okay. Okay. Fair...But I really don't think now is the best time to talk about it. Maybe we can get out of this place and have some tea?"

Yeah...You knew shit was real when I brought up something disgusting, like having tea. But right now, I didn't find much else of a choice. My heart was pounding and my chest was throbbing...throbbing with guilt! And all the while it just continued to get worse the more and more I looked at the person standing across from me, the one I had wronged so bad, the one I considered my best friend...(Y/n) Midoriya.

(Y/n): "Bakugo...Stop. Get out of my way."

Bakugo: "No, (Y/n), wait! I-I can fix this! I swear!"

(Y/n): "Fix this?! Fix fucking what?! This is your fault!"

Bakugo: "I know it is! I know it is! But seriously...Please...Let me try."

But honestly, right now, I feel like trying is the furthest thing from a possibility. Though, I'm guessing right now a lot of you virgins are confused by what's going on...so let me break it down for you.

It all started twelve years ago...When I was barely the person I am today.

--Twelve Years Ago | Age: 6--

I've gone through a lot in my early life. I've lived to the age of eighteen, and honestly, that's seventeen years longer than I've even expected to be here. Not saying I hate life or anything, but like, seriously, if my Mom hadn't kept her eyes on me like a hawk when I was a baby there would probably have been memes all over the internet about some scruffy blonde-haired baby getting one deadly haircut with the families fruit blender. That's...not the point right now. Not really surprising, though, I've never really been good at serious moments like this. I'm only really good with speaking from my mind...Unfortunately, my mind is a warzone of killer insults; crappy jokes; and everything else a teenage boy's mind goes through on an hourly. 

Actually, that's probably the best introduction to what I'm trying to say right now. I talk a lot, and almost all of the time, it's never what needs to be heard in the moment. It's because of those antics that I've gotten the reputation by my few friends, and many haters, as someone who a lot would consider as a mistake. Depending on which side you'd ask, a different definition would be given about that remark. The thing is though, I've never really cared what people thought, or said, about me. At least, that's what I've made people think. Almost every day of my life a new worded description of myself would be given my way.

"Jerk."

"Idiot."

"Clown."

"Asshole."

"Shithead."

"Just how old are you, butlicker?!"

The list...went on, like a lot. Honestly, it's because of a lot of what was said to me that allowed my own arsenal of insults to grow over the years. As they say, another man's shit is another's sword...Or however the fuck that saying goes. I was too focused elsewhere to really care or listen to be honest. After all, I was much more focused on living my life instead of living in the thoughts of someone else's head. Such a mindset gave me quick the thick gut to take all the shit from others and launch it right back at them. (Y/n) sometimes say that would be a trait a lot of people would be enviest of...if it wasn't anyone else who had it in them. 

You see, around my friend group, and especially my best friend (Y/n), I've got the reputation from being a grade-A idiot. But not your typical idiot. You know, like the ones who say Pineapple on pizza makes sense or whatever. I'm the type of idiot whose job in the friend group is to make others laugh and have a good time whilst sometimes putting my own image at risk. Not that I ever really cared for my image. I don't know, I always took enjoyment in making others laugh...sometimes at the expense of nerds and worms who I deemed the needed inclusion to make those I considered above them to get some fun out of the day. 

A necessary evil, but one I was willing to commit to. It all probably started when I was younger. As a little kid growing up, I was barely the person I am now. I was quiet, without temper. Honestly, my parents probably thought I was a girl for the first few years of my life because I barely ever broke anything. Tried to kill myself by accident, sure, just look back at that blender incident for proof. The point being...I was me, but I still felt like I was missing out on a part of me that I needed to truly be happy. Yet it wouldn't be for a few years later that I went without such a realization, meaning my first year at junior high was anything but the best.

"Alright class, today we have a brand new student joining us. I know we've all gotten to know each other over the first few weeks of your very first year at school, but I do hope you all can make this young boy very welcome."

When I was six, I was nothing like I'd become a few years later. As previously mentioned, I was quiet, and along with that, shy as a sea turtle in a pool of plastic bags. To say it simply...I was scared shitless, I worried I was going to choke on my own spit and sweat that was making its way into my mouth. I stood at the front of the class, looking out at the various faces of kids my own age, imagining everything that would happen in the following minutes. To say they were good thoughts would be far from the truth.

"Bakugo...Would you like to introduce yourself?"

Young Bakugo: "H-Huh? Oh...R-Right..."

Turning to look up at the teacher felt like an eternity before I realized what she said. Yet once I realized what had been said, I started wishing that that eternity would have lasted longer. For as I turned to face those students before me once more, I couldn't help but see them for demons and monsters they really were. I mean, I may have been five, and rarely had a proper friend at this age, but even I knew kids were dicks...You just didn't know what kind yet. So as I turned to face the crowd, I nervously looked from one face to the next. I hoped that I'd eventually find one that brought me comfort...Eventually, I found that face in the crowd. 

It belonged to a girl, one with short black hair and pink cheeks. It didn't take much for me to be drawn to these features. She seemed like the type of girl that'd spark the sleeping boner within any seven-year-old boy...Wait, that came out wrong. Ah, fuck it! The girl was cute, and for young Bakugo, as popular as he was hormonal--which was nothing at this age--feelings like this were more than what I needed to help me relax in such a moment. So I focused on the eyes of this girl, and the sudden soft smile she offered upon realizing our eyes were locked, and introduced myself to the class.

Bakugo: "H-Hello, everyone...I'm Katsuke Bakugo, a-and today is my first day here..."

My words felt like they went on forever, but in reality, not even a single minute went by. Once they were done, and my body had finished shaking, I found a seat at the front of the class...next to the girl who smiled at me. I honestly thought that would be the end of our encounters, only for me to be proven wrong just a few seconds later.

(???): "Hey? Psst! New kid..."

Bakguo: "Huh?"

Turning my head, I found this girl looking at me. Even as the teacher started getting the class ready in the background, this girl had now become my entire focus in a matter of a few simple words.

(???): "You said your names Bakugo, right?"

Bakugo: "Uh...Y-Yeah?"

(???): "Cool. I'm Akiko, it's nice to meet you."

Bakugo: "Um...It's nice to meet you too?"

Like the wimp I was back then, I made that remark sound like a question. One which eventually led the first part of this conversation to start off on the note of this random girl questioning whether or not I was trying to be an ass with such a statement. I didn't mean so back then, but honestly if it was the version of me right now, I probably would have...throw in a few 'F-Bombs' of course, and it would have been perfect. Now, yes, let's get the big throbbing cock out of the way...Yes, this girl is the Akiko you know. Yes, I was a simp back then from ages One-to-Six and a half. What can I say? When your Dad's a cuck like mine, you don't exactly have the best role models growing up. 

But with all of that out of the way, here comes a part of the story that I'm not sure even (Y/n) knows. You see, at this stage, whilst (Y/n) was in the same class as me right now, he wasn't the (Y/n) you knew. Izuku had died yet...That wouldn't happen for another year, meaning he wasn't alone and sad 24/7. Instead, he was content with his life. He didn't have many friends, nor felt the need to. He was just happy sitting at the back of the class, head down in his note book, waitng patiently so he could go home to see his Mom and brother. I had yet to meet (Y/n) properly at this stage, but with my first meeting with Akiko I actually felt like my first day at school would end up being actually kind of cool. 

Unfortunately for me, all of those thoughts were soon thrown out of the window when lunch time arrived. Any wayward thought of me getting to know the girl named Akiko better were soon crushed, when I reached the start of the playground area to see her already in a group of her own friends. All laughed as they playes together, whilst young Bakugo...He was left to sit alone and eat his lunch like a loser. The next few days were like that, honestly. Until one day, as I sat on a bench looking down at the small container of rice my Mom packed me for lunch, a new voice called out to me. One belonging to a boy...

"Hey, you're the new kid, right? Bagugo or something?"

Lifting my head I was greeted by three faces. One with big teeth, wide eyes, who had a Quirk that allowed his fingers to stretch. The one next to him was fatter. His quirk allowed him to have wings. But it was the one in the middle who caught my attention. He seemed to be the leader, his smirk alone made me think of such. The way he'd keep smiling as he looked down at me, his brown eyes, backward baseball cap, and the bandage on his left cheek all told me he was a tough kid. Without a moment of doubt, I realized something. This guy...was a tiny chode of a boy. (No...It's not 'him'. Your cats are safe everyone)

(???) #1: "Hey. Hey. You're Bagugo, right?"

Kid #2: "Yeah, Bagugo! That's him!"

Bakugo: "Um...My name's Bakugo."

Kid #3: "You sure? I swear you called yourself Bagugo earlier?"

Bakugo: "Um...No?"

Kid #1: "Whatever then. Think of it as your nickname or something."

Bakugo: "Nickname?"

Kid #2: "Yeah, a nickname. Machi gives nicknames to everyone he meets."

Machi: "It helps me remember people. I don't really waste my time remembering the names of people that don't matter to me..."

One thing I knew from this sentence, this 'Machi' kid was definitely unlike any other person I met. He was the same age as me, yet, he acted so much older. He wasn't afraid of getting in trouble by the principal, nor did he care much for what people thought of him. For this version of myself, Machi was the coolest person I could ever imagine. However, my fear started to rise when I began to question why he was even talking to me right now. Was he going to bully me? Was my first week at school already going to end in disaster? Thankfully...No. To my surprise, Machi and his friends wanted me to join their group. As soon as I heard this, I was shocked. 

They wanted me to be their friend, at least, as much of a friend as this group even called themselves. It was hard to explain, but the way these boys saw each other, they were more so together to benefit themselves more so than because they enjoyed each other's company. That confused me at first, but seeing as I was in desperate need of friendship I didn't hesitate to join their group. For the coming weeks, I would spend every free time during class with this group of boys. Machi being the one to lead us, and the others would follow. Originally there were some things I wasn't fully...comfortable with, like how he'd treat some of the weaker kids at school.

Machi: "Ha! Ha! Ha! Look at him, guys, Danti is playing with dolls in the sand!"

Not long after Machi laughed, so did the others. I remained silent, instead choosing to look on at the boy playing with his 'dolls' in the sand. In reality, they were action figures, but that didn't seem to sway Machi's thought process much.

Danti: "You shouldn't be mean like that, Machi. I'm not doing anything wrong."

Machi: "No, you're not. But not everyone is going to think that way."

Danti: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Machi: "What it means is...I'm trying to help you."

I never understood that remark, even less so when without another second Machi reached out and grabbed the action figure from Danti's hand. The action caused my eyes to widen, I remember it like it was yesterday. To say I was shocked in this moment would be far from the truth, I was immediately regretted my choice in joining this group of kids, even more so when Machi didn't even give the toy back. Instead, he just turned away and walked away. I wanted to say something to Machi, but I was too afraid that he'd suddenly turn to me and yell something. I was still new...I didn't want to be alone. 

A few days later I found out Machi had given Danti his toy back that afternoon he first stole it. A confusing action enough, only added when I found out the following days he'd just steal it again. For three days this process continued. Machi would steal Danti's toy only to return it at the end of the day. He didn't need to be asked by a teacher, nor by any other student, he just gave it back of his own accord...It was strange, and I needed to find out why. Luckily I got my opportunity the very next day when I was standing outside the boy's toilet. Machi had gone inside, leaving just me and Gorou outside--Gorou was the boy with the wings for a Quirk. Now was my perfect opportunity to get some answers.

Bakugo: "Hey...Gorou?"

Gorou: "Yes, Bagugo?"

He said with a snicker before shoving a cupcake into his mouth. Gorou was your classic, cliche, fat school kid. Loved to eat, and wasn't very smart.

Bakugo: "Um...I was just wondering, why has Danti been stealing Danti's toy only to give it back that same day?

Gorou: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Bakugo: "Well...That's strange, right? Why steal it only to just give it back? Especially when a teacher didn't even tell him to? It was all so mean and--"

Gorou: "Machi didn't do that to be mean...He was helping Danti."

Bakugo: "Helping, how?"

Little did I know that that one question would lead my whole life in a completely different direction. It was from this point that Gorou gave me some backstory on Machi. Apparently he had met both Gorou and Haru, the boy whose quirk was the stretchy fingers, outside of school. Gorou he met at a park. Gorou was being bullied by some older kids because he was fat. This left Gorou to sit alone and cry, that's when Machi came up out of nowhere and started laughing at him because he was crying. As soon as I heard that, I was really confused.

Bakugo: "Wait. He was laughing at you?"

Gorou: [Smiles] "Yep!"

Bakugo: "Well...That's not very nice."

Gorou: "I thought so at first as well. But then Machi told me he was doing it so when other people laughed at me, I wouldn't be phased by it."

I was still confused after he said that, but as time went on...I think I started to understand what he was talking about. This was the part where I started to understand a little more where Machi came from as a person. He came across as a bully, but in reality, he was kinder than a lot of others in this world. He was very forward with his mind, and showcased it by telling people the truth. He was mean to those in a way to help them. He did so with Danti with his dolls because he knew some of the older kids in school were purposely going around bullying kids and breaking their toys when they played with them in the sandpit. Machi took Danti's toy to make the boy realize he shouldn't bring them to school. 

It came across as a mean action, but in reality, Machi realized him stealing the toy, only to give it back, making Danti realize he shouldn't bring them to school if Machi was just going to take them from him was far better than them getting broken by someone who truly was mean. When I heard this, I didn't believe it. It didn't make sense. The very next day I was eating lunch with Haru--Gorou and Machi had gone to the cafeteria to get more food--leaving me with the perfect opportunity to ask Haru how he met Machi. To my surprise, it was very similar to Gorou's situation. Machi came up to Haru after a tough time and started bullying him. Although, it wasn't bullying in Machi's eyes. You see, something I would come to find out was that this group didn't really consider each other friends, instead, they saw their unity as a benefit for all of them. 

Machi would say he chose us because he saw us as the perfect people to rise up alongside him in this school to make it the funniest place imaginable. Honestly, when I first heard that, I thought they were all crazy, especially Machi. But the longer I hung out with them, the more I realized what Machi really meant by all of that. Something I wouldn't realise until I was much older was just how Machi positioned himself in the group. To those around us he came across as the leader, a mean person who didn't care for others, but he was the farthest from that. He cared for a lot of people, and in his own way, played the bad guy so people would truly notice him. Something you only realise when you're older, there are a thousand good guys in this world, all of which go by every single day without receiving a second glance. 

But someone who went against the world, marking themselves as the bad guy, would always be noticed. So Machi painted himself in this way so those around him who he wanted to help would see him, in hopes he could help them have the funniest experience in this world. It seemed a lot for a six-year-old kid to carry such a mindset, I always wanted to ask him more, but I always put it to the side because I actually started to see the fun in what Machi did around us. Whenever we were bored in class, he randomly do something that annoyed the fuck out of our teacher, but would always make the four of us laugh. He sacrificed his own image in the mind of the teacher and the other students so we could have fun during school. The more this went on, the more I realized just how much of a great person Machi was...and how I wanted to be just like him. 

That's exactly what I did. I started changing my attitude. I wasn't some lonely kid anymore. I was loud and happy to do so. I wasn't a bully, but I didn't hesitate to join in on the laughter that Machi brought on whenever he went about 'helping' people. I always wanted to ask more, but whenever the thought came up I always found myself getting distracted by just how much fun I was having. It all eventually came to a point where I couldn't wait to see what Machi had planned for the day, until one day, I found out he wasn't coming back. Apparently he and his family had to move, which was surprising, Machi never spoke about his family. Even more surprising was that he never told us he was even leaving. Machi was always direct in things and didn't care if what he said made us sad. But this...was different. 

It didn't make sense until Gorou came to school one day with a letter in hand.

Gorou: "Hey, guys...I got this letter at home today. It's from Machi."

Bakugo: "From Machi? Why'd he send you a letter, Gorou?"

Gorou: "I don't know. He came over to my house a few times, so I guess he knew where to send it?"

Haru: "What does it say?"

Gorou: "I don't know, I haven't opened it yet..."

It was fair to say it wasn't long until that mistake was rectified. By the time the letter was opened, we all turned to each other in anticipation, waiting to see what was inside, little did we know what we were about to read...

--Hey, guys...I'm sorry to leave without telling you all, but I find it easier this way. My Father got a job in Kyoto, so I won't be going to same school as you anymore, but that's okay, you don't need me anymore. Now...Before you say otherwise, I'll prove it. When I first met you all, you were alone, without friends nor the strength to smile by yourselves. Now you smile every day, and that's all I've always wanted. A lot of people may see me as an idiot. Someone who just talks crap without thinking. But that's far from the truth. I think a lot...and honestly, that's really scary. But I get rid of that fear by speaking my mind and just having fun, but I've never had as much fun when I was hanging out with you guys. Gorou, the way you shove so much food in your mouth is really funny, makes me laugh every time I think about it. Haru, the way you pick your nose using your quirk is digusting, but it always makes me and the others laugh. Bagugo, you were the last person I was able to help at school, and honestly, I don't know why I did. But in a way, you helped me too. I feel like you're the closest person I've ever seen to the real version of me, and even though I don't know why I wanted to help you in the first place...I'm glad I did--

By the time we finished reading the letter, we were all speechless. We didn't know what to say, we didn't know how to react. We just stared at each other. In the end, I only knew Machi for a few months, but it was because of him that I was able to find such friends in this school and not be alone. On a more personal level, he also helped me become the person I wanted to be. Someone who spoke their mind and didn't care what others would think. I didn't exactly become the person I am now back then, however, instead, that time came a few years later. Years after I met (Y/n) and became his friend. By this point we were still two years out from attending U.A., and all the crap with Kaito had happened. But on a particular day in this particular year, my life would be brought crashing back to the very reason why I became the person I am now...

--Two Years Ago From Present | Age: 16--

Bakugo: "Look, all I'm saying is that the rankings go like this. Mirko, Midnight, Mt. Lady, Ryuko, and then lastly Best Jeanists Mom..."

(Y/n): "Dude...She's not a hero."

Bakugo: "Who said anything about heroes, (Y/n)? I was just ranking women that are hot!"

(Y/n): "Riiight. Because that's totally normal, and exactly what women look for in a guy, huh?"

Bakugo: "Pfft! So what if they want me, I don't care. Besides, they'd just get in the way of me playing video games and hanging out with the boys. What more could I want?"

(Y/n): "Maybe a normal relationship with a girl when you're not so over the top?"

Bakugo: "Yeah, right! That's too boring for me. Besides, if we're talking about relationships here...What about you?" [Nudges your shoulder] "You got a crush on anyone?"

Whereas in modern day, such a question was something I asked a lot. This timeline, it wasn't something that came up a lot. Such being confirmed when as soon as I mentioned (Y/n) in a relationship, his smile fauklted momentarily before he subtly laughed the whole thing off.

(Y/n): "Come on, man...You know me. Relationships aren't really something I'm looking for."

Bakugo: "Oh, that's bullshit! You're a teenage boy, (Y/n). Of course you want a girlfriend!"

(Y/n): "Not really."

Bakugo: "Yes, you do. And if not for the obvious reasons, then for the other stuff...Like sex."

(Y/n): "Dude!"

Bakugo: "What? We're both big boys, we know about that stuff."

(Y/n): "Yeah, doesn't just mean you bring it up randomly...and in public of all things." [Shakes head; sighs] "Besides...I'm being for real. Relationships just aren't something meant for me. I've accepted that...It's okay."

Instantly (Y/n) went to walk away, as he did so, my facial expression change. My once quirky smirk shifted out altogether. Instead, a serious look found my face, my eyes slowly following after his person before I finally spoke out.

Bakugo: "But...Aren't you afraid of being alone?"

(Y/n): "Huh? What?" [Turns around; Smiles] "Alone? I'm not alone, idiot...I've got you."

Bakugo: "Oh...Uh, right! Hehe...Yeah...You've got me."

Despite my best attempt to come across in a good manner as I said those words, I couldn't help but find myself slipping into my thoughts. (Y/n) said he was fine with all of this, and stated that he wasn't alone. But I knew that wasn't the truth. Sure, he did have me...But what about when I wasn't around? I'm a pretty stupid guy, who knows when I could die. At least if it did happen suddenly, I'd want to know that he would be with someone who cared for him as much as I did. A pretty sour thought for me to have, but I couldn't help it. It's something I continued to think about momentarily, not believing it would lead to anywhere serious...Little did I know all of it would suddenly change with a mere text message.

Ding!

Bakugo: "Huh?"

(Y/n): "What's up?"

Bakugo: "Nothing...I just got a text is all. Which is weird, you're here...and I don't think I did anything to make my Mom mad."

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "What? Are we the only two people that text you?"

Bakugo: "Kind of. I mean, I don't just give my number out to any random people..."

Something I believed fully, and would turn out to be true. For upon reaching into my pocket and pulling out my phone, I saw a text from an unknown number. That set of information was more than enough for me to completely ignore what the message was about to say and just go back to my conversation with (Y/n). However, if by some strange sense of fate or whatever fucked up words smart people use, I happened to look at the first three words of the message on my phone screen. Three words that would have no effect on anyone else right now except for me.

'Hey, it's Machi...'

As soon as I saw those words, my eyes widened as shock set in. It was one thing to read such a name after all of these years, but as with that being more than enough to draw me further into the rest of the message, I soon found out just how fortunate I was to have done so. For in the span of the next thirty minutes, I found myself standing on some random sidewalk in the middle of the city, to the next moment I was walking through a hallway in some hospital. I don't exactly know which one it was, Machi's text just gave me an address and a room number. I thought it might have been a gay hotel at first...Luckily I was wrong. However, my confusion didn't fade one bit as I found myself wandering through countless halls searching for the room Machi had mentioned in his message. 

Luckily doing this meant I was in the 'process of elimination' as smarty pants O-choco would say. Which basically translates to just keep fucking looking and eventually you'll find what you're looking for, thankfully, it wasn't long until that turned out to be one hundred per cent true. However as I found myself standing outside the door to this particular hospital room, the open doorway positioned just to my side, I found myself questioning everything all again in an instant. Why did Machi want to see me? Why were we at a hospital? I hadn't seen this kid in years, and honestly, I don't even know why I'm here right now, it's not like we were exactly close...Yet, close or not, I still found myself here, and as I thought over it further I was soon brought back to reality by a faintly familiar voice.

"Bakugo? Bakugo...Is that you?"

Turning my head immediately upon hearing my name, my eyes darted towards the window to my left, the one connected to the hospital room I was about to enter. It was through this window that I saw the slightly familiar face of who I presumed was Machi. He was lying in a hospital bed, his skin was really pale, and...he didn't have hair?

Bakugo: [Instantly pokes head through doorway] "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

I said in my usual Bakugo-ness. Though, looking back on it now, probably wasn't the best introduction to seeing someone I haven't been around in years. Luckily for me, Machi seemed to find some humour in it.

Machi: [Chuckles] "I see you've changed since we last met."

Bakugo: [Entering the room] "What's that supposed to mean?"

Machi: "Nothing really. I just don't remember you swearing last time we saw each other...or this loud."

Bakugo: "Yeah, well, what do you expect? I'm fucking confused! I haven't seen you since we were kids, after you ditched us--fuckin' thanks for the dog act by the way--and don't get me started on you just randomly messaging me to meet you in a hospital! Dude, I was so worried!"

Machi: [Smiles] "About my health?"

Bakugo: "Fuck that! I thought you were gay! Not that that's bad...I'm just not down with it myself is all."

Machi: "What? I'm confused."

Bakugo: "Now you know how I felt! You just texting me to meet you after so long, not even telling me where you were, just some street address. Dude, I thought you were meeting me at some gay hotel to confess to me or whatever."

Machi: [Chuckles] "Why would I do that?"

Bakugo: "How am I supposed to know, dickhead?"

With another friendly remark, I made my way over to an empty seat next to Machi's bed. Honestly, I was seriously nervous at this point. Not for anything big, just the fact that I was still so confused by it all. Even more so when I finally turned to look back at Machi as he lay in the hospital bed, sitting so close gave me a front-row seat to his current appearance. Whatever looked fuckin' wrong with him before, now looked ten times worse...Not that I'd say that to him, of course. That'd just be rude...

Bakugo: "...Why do you look like my Dad's shrivelled junk?"

Machi: "What?"

Bakugo: "Don't ask. I'll get flashbacks."

Machi: "Oh...Um, okay?" [Coughs slightly] "Anyway...How you been, Bakugo? Last time I saw you, you were a scared, lonely, kid. But I'm guessing you're not like that anymore?"

Bakugo: "Fuck no. I'm cool as right now. I'm going to U.A. in a few months with my best friend, and I'm totally gonna meet a hot girl there."

Machi: "Oh, yeah? That sounds fun."

Bakugo: [Mumbles] "Yeah, if they'd finally get a joke and stop hitting me after I flirt with them..."

Machi: "What--"

Bakugo: [Suddenly stands up] "Dude! What is with you saying 'what' so much? And why am I here? It's weird! You left me and the others as kids without even telling us, and now you ask me here as if nothing has--"

Machi: "--I'm dying, Bakugo."

You know those moments in movies when they really get you to shut the fuck up? Like when everyone died in that one hero movie, or when they got that real sickly looking guy to play that weirdo in face paint with the word 'damaged' written on his forehead. Well...This was kinda like that, except less anger-inducing. For a moment all I could do was just look at Machi in confusion. I mean his body alone already gave off the hint that something was wrong with him, but actually hearing it from his mouth most certainly left one questioning a lot of what was going on. Especially me, cause I'm fucking ass when it comes to serious moments like this. Yet, despite not having seen each other for years now, Machi seemed to get a hint of that. 

So much so that without me even saying anything, he took the entire explanation into his hands. For the next five minutes, he told me how he had had cancer. In fact, he had had it since I first knew him, and was part of the reason why he left the school suddenly. Apparently, there was some experimental stuff over in Mexico or something that could potentially treat him. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work. But not wanting to be in a foreign country any longer, he came back to Japan and has been living here for about a year or two now. However, it seems that this time had finally caught up to him, his days were numbered and for the last few weeks, all he could do was think about me and the others from school. 

Machi also told me that in the last few days, he had spoken to both Haru and Gorou and explained to them what was going on. For whatever reason I was chosen last, but I couldn't really argue with a guy who had cancer. I'm me, but even that's too far. But out of everything said, the thing that was most shocking to me was how hearing all of this made me really think about who Machi was as a person, and to think back to how he was always seen as a bully back at school, when in secret he was doing so much for everyone else. I often wondered why he didn't just tell people about what he was really doing, but I never really got the opportunity. I could have asked him now...But now that I got the chance, I felt as if leaving it all to rest would be better. Little did I know my own patience would soon pay off.

Machi: "...Hey, do you remember that letter I wrote to you guys after I had left school?"

Bakugo: "Tsk. How could I not? Gorou wouldn't stop crying over it for a whole week, you really hurt him, man."

Machi: "Hehe...Don't worry, I made sure to apologise to him when I saw him last. Anyway, the part I wrote to you at the end, about how I didn't know why I helped you, but in some strange way I felt like you were the closest thing to the real me? Do you remember that?"

Bakugo: "I guess...Why?"

Machi: "Well, I think I can finally answer it for you..." [Sighs] "...I found out I had cancer at a young age. Probably about a year or so before I met you and the others at school...Before then, I was lonely, just like you were back then."

Bakugo: "Pfft! I wasn't lonely..."

Machi: "Hehe~ Well...I was. Before I got to your school, I never had a friend before. Not one. But...when I found out about the cancer, and was told I only had a certain amount of years left to live, I truly saw just how scary being alone is. So one day, I went to a park. I don't know why, I think I hoped that some strange seed of luck would allow me to one final chance at making a friend before I died. Luckily for me...I did.

Machi proceeded to tell me of the time he met Garou at the park, and how he helped him from those bigger kids bullying him. Then, he told me about how he met Haru. It was in this moment that I found out that the one kid who always seemed to boggle my brain--who was so carefree and without worry--was actually the most worried out of all of us back then. He was dying, and not only that, he was afraid of being alone. But he didn't just back down in fear, he wanted to make a difference. And he did so by finding people in need of friends, just like he needed, in order to help them. 

Even those who didn't end up as close as we did, Machi still considered them friends. He told me all of this in the span of the next twenty minutes. He told me of everything. All of it from his weakest moments when he was afraid to die alone, to those days we'd just laugh during school. He told me just how fun those times were for him, and how he wished he could relive them. It was all pretty sentimental, but I still felt as if I was missing something from it all. Fortunately for me, the time for answers soon arrived.

Machi: "...And then I met you, the last person I wanted to become friends with in Japan before leaving for Mexico. When I saw you sitting alone...I truly did see myself in you, Bakugo. Whereas I had seen other kids lonely, when I saw you, I thought I was looking in the mirror. That look you carried on your face that day was the exact same I had when I was at my lowest, that's when I realized something. Whereas I had helped so many other kids in finding happiness and bonds with others, you were different... and with my time running out, I had to make preparations."

Bakugo: "Preparations? For what?"

Machi: {Smiles softly] "Well, I knew I wouldn't be around for much longer. But that doesn't mean I wanted to leave this world without someone who wanted to strive for the same goal as me. I wanted you to take on my dream, Bakugo. My dream of making sure those you care about are never alone ever again...Because, trust me, being alone when you've lost so much is a really scary thing."

Up to this point, this might have all seemed like random words thrown together for the sake of it. However, it was this particular part in the conversations that my mind opened up. When Machi mentioned about how scary it was to be alone and lose everything, I immediately thought of (Y/n). I thought of how after everything he had been through, just how scared he must have been. I mean, sure, I was his best friend, and I'd always be there for him...But as Machi was trying to tell me, those we look up to and consider our friends wouldn't always be there. 

They could be taken without a second thought. It was this realization that struck with me, and thus, led me to find my own turn to speak out. I don't know why, but in a moment of some strange weakness, I found myself bringing up (Y/n). I told Machi about how he had lost his brother, and was so alone afterwards, and how I feared that he wouldn't be able to go on if I somehow were to die suddenly. If I wasn't there for (Y/n), I myself would feel the scariest feeling imaginable of picturing how he would turn out if he was left alone, without anyone being on his side.

Machi: "It seems you really care about this (Y/n) person, Bakugo."

Bakugo: "Of course, I do. He's my best friend. He was the only one kind to me when others turned their back on me. I'd die for him...But, I'm scared that if I did that, then he'd be left alone. And I know (Y/n), he wouldn't just go out there to find a new friend. He swallow in the loneliness, and feel like he didn't deserve friends, but--"

Machi: "--You know otherwise?"

Bakugo: "...Yeah. I mean, (Y/n) is the kindest person I know. He loves helping others, and would do anything for those he cares about. He's gone through so much pain in his life already, he deserves to be happy. I've...I've always wanted that for him. In a way, I guess you could say that was my dream...To make him smile all the time."

Machi: "That's a nice dream to have."

Bakugo: "Yeah, but I'm worried that if I were suddenly to die tomorrow, who would be there to keep that dream going? I don't want (Y/n) to be alone--"

Machi: "--So don't let him."

Bakugo: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Machi: "Simple. Do what I did. Go out there. The world is big, Bakugo, you'll find people who care for your friend just like you do. Someone who will love him for the rest of his life.

Bakugo: "Like, what? Get him a girlfriend or something?"

Machi: "That could work."

Bakugo: "I-I don't know. (Y/n)'s already had bad luck with one girl before. Besides, I don't think he'd be as willing to let me set him up with someone."

Machi: "So do what I did."

Bakugo: "What did you do?"

Machi: "Be the bad guy. Or, at least, the opposite of who you are now in a way. You know (Y/n) best, right? And if you believe him getting with a girl would be what would make him happy down the line, sometimes you've got to go against what your friend insists he thinks to truly see. Who knows, it could be because of you that he finds the love of his life."

Bakugo: "...The love of his life?"

Machi: "Think about it. If he finds someone who loves him as much as you do, if not more, then he will always be happy, so you wouldn't have to worry about dying tomorrow. You could rest easy knowing someone you cared about would still be looked after even once you were gone."

Bakugo: "I guess...But still. I don't know if I could just keep pushing him to get a girlfriend. That's kind of a dick move if I keep doing it after he tells me to stop, because I know he'll tell me to stop."

Machi: "That's where you do it in a way that changes the perspective. Instead of it seeming so forceful, make it seem like a game to you or something. As I said, make yourself appear like the bad guy--Or in your case, a good friend who just wants to set his friend up with a girlfriend because...he just wants to!"

Bakugo: "But I don't want to do it just because...I have reasons for wanting him to get with someone who will make him happy?"

Machi: "And there'll be a day for you to tell him, but for now, you can play this role. Come across as this person, even if that isn't really you. Do it to show (Y/n) he deserves to be happy, only then can you drop the mask."

Drop the mask...? It all sounded so strange to me in the moment. But the more I thought over it, the more I couldn't help but wonder if this was exactly what I needed to do to show (Y/n) he could be happy, and that he deserved it, even after all this time of him feeling so alone.

Machi: [Coughs and smiles] "You...You know, Bakugo? I finally see it."

Bakugo: "Huh?"

Machi: "This is why I always felt like I saw me in you. It's because you would be the one to carry on my dream of creating bonds and happiness. But whereas I did it to so many other people, you're doing it for something much more special. That's what's so great about you, Bakugo. When people look at you, they see some dumbfounded idiot..."

Bakugo: "Gee, thanks..."

Machi: "...But they're wrong. You're not dumb, or an idiot. You're someone who is a whole lot smarter than a lot of other people on this planet. The fact you care so much about your friend, showcasing such selflessness is what truly makes me happy I became friends with you during school. And whilst we may not have been very close as you are with this (Y/n) fellow, I do hope you considered me a friend as well. Because I want you to know, for every day we spent together...Those were the happiest days of my life."

Those were the words that Machi's sentence ended on. A lot was spoken in the time that I sat with him next to his hospital bed. I stayed for a while more after this, but even as we talked and caught up, I still found myself thinking on what he said. It all seemed so confusing, but I think I understood what he meant. Machi was telling me that even though (Y/n) said he didn't want a relationship, I should believe in my own trust and beliefs, and go out to prove to my best friend that there really were people out there who would care for him. And though in the coming days and months, I was still new to this thought process and 'dream'. 

But as time went on, I picked up on it and wore my 'mask' with pride. If I had to act like a complete idiot who constantly spammed my best friend with the idea of getting with a girl, if only on the odd chance he'd find someone who would actually make him happy, I'd do it. I'd become the fool. I'd become the bad guy as Machi put it. All for my friend...Unfortunately, back in the present, it seemed I may have worn that mask a little too long. Because it was now my fault...for the situation we were about to find ourselves in, a situation that would change the landscape of my friendship with (Y/n) for the rest of our lives.

--Present Day | Ten Minutes Before Current Point In Time--

[Your POV]

...It didn't take a lot for me to defeat those two villains. Mustard and Moonfish, they ended up being as pathetic as their names suggested. Our fight lasted no more than two minutes, in which I made them both pay for being a part of the group of villains who had kidnapped Uraraka. It was in their defeat that I found out some handy information. They were no longer in the spot atop the hills where Spinner said they would be. Instead, the leader of this group, and more importantly, Uraraka, were now located near the main campsite building. That discovery alone was enough to extort my worries. 

If they were at the main campsite building, that meant one of two things was going down currently. Eraserhead as well as the other teachers were busy fighting off those villains right now as we rushed through various bushes and low-hanging trees in this vast forest grounds; or the worst option. The villains had somehow gotten the jump on the teachers. They were now at the villain's mercy, along with all of the other students who had been taken for extra studying earlier this night. I just hoped that whatever was happening...I would make it in time before things got worse.

Bakugo: [Whilst running] "So, dude, what's the plan?"

Todoroki: [Whilst running] "Whatever it is. I hope it wasn't a mistake leaving those villains back there alone. What's if they wake up?"

Bakugo: "Pfft! As if! (Y/n) hit them with the, One! Two! They ain't waking up for hours. Right, (Y/n)...?"

Again, I didn't respond to Bakugo. Not out of annoyance or anything, even though his antics had been starting to get on my nerves for the majority of the night, but I put that down to me just worrying about Uraraka. Even so, I tried my best to relax and breathe, during which I turned to look over my shoulder as the figures of Bakugo, Todoroki, and Shoji, who carried the unconscious body of Tokoyami in his arms, kept up with my fast pace behind me.

(Y/n): "First we have to make it to the camp building. That's where those villains said Uraraka would be. Once there, we'll do what needs to be done to get Uraraka back."

Bakugo: "Yeah, like kill them! There's no way they're stealing girlfriend number one, right, (Y/n)?"

Shoji: "Bakugo, come on. We're not going to kill anyone. We just want to save our friends."

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Sorry, Shoji. But this time around I think saving people isn't the only thing I want to do..."

It was with that mixed thought process that I picked up my speed, proceeding to launch off the ground and began jumping from tree branch to tree branch as the others kept going on the ground below. It felt like an eternity before we reached the main campsite building, but once we did...It was fair to say we made it just in time. A few minutes was all it took for me and the others to reach the end of the surrounding forest, but as we passed through those final branches to reach the main campsite building--the location where Uraraka, the villains, as well as the teachers and the students who had already been located, or sent there. Well...It was fair to say we were all brought to a stop just as abruptly as all of this mess had started. For those around me, it was probably due to the sight of seeing over a dozen villains. 

All of which bring forth different waves of terrifying imagery and fears inside of their young minds; standing atop the main campsite building. They all stared down at us with either sinister grins, or glares that could kill a person with a weak heart instantly. But for me, what stopped me so easily was seeing just how vulnerable Uraraka was. She lay unconscious in the arms of Muscular...who despite the beaten face, still seemed to carry enough of a fight in him to push past the pain. My anger sparked violently when I saw him grin my way, he knew what he was holding was dear to me, and the amount of power he currently carried. His own smirk alone told me he knew as such, and only left me even more desperate to go for round 2 with him. However, before I could do so, a group of familiar voices caused me to take my eyes off him momentarily.

"(Y/n)! You're here!"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Darting my eyes to the side, my heart was given some peace when I saw Yaoyorozu and Hagakure relatively safe. Along with them, Akiko, and the entirety of the girls from Class 1-B, the rest of the students could be seen standing behind a wall of teachers. Aizawa; Vlad King; Midnight; Mirko; as well as Tiger and Mandalay of the Wild Wild Pussycats. They all stood in a large group just to the right of the building. It seems they were in a pretty heated stand-off with several villains currently standing on the main camp building's rooftop. However, with my arrival, it seemed I interrupted whatever was about to go down.

Dabi: "Well. Well. Well. What do we have here, Eraserhead?" [Grins] "If it isn't the 'man' of the hour. The name's (Y/n), right?"

I was unable to respond to anything sad by the severely scarred villain, because before I could do so, the unsuspecting Bakugo, followed by Todoroki and Shoji, who still carried Tokoyami's body, came out from the bushes behind me.

Bakugo: [Panting] "Yo, bro! That--" [Panting] "--That was not cool. Don't run off on me like that..."

Shoji: [Looking up] "Um...Bakugo?"

Bakugo: [Still panting] "Yes...Octopussy...?"

Shoji: "...I think that's the least of our worries right now."

Bakugo: "What the hell do you mean? What could be more important than a bro ditching another--Oh..."

I didn't have to look at Bakugo to tell he had now gotten the point of it all. Then again, even if I wanted to look at him, I still don't think I would have. My eyes were now glued to the scarred villain, whoever he was. If his burnt, dead, skin that spread across his face, arms, and presumable the rest of his body, wasn't eye-catching enough. The dead look in his eyes as he taunted me with his grin most definitely was, and it seemed like I was as he had just stated. 

...I was the man of the hour.

(Y/n): "Who are you?"

Dabi: "Who am I? Oh, well...I won't reveal that much. Let's just say I'm someone who has been asked to come here for a purpose."

(Y/n): "And let me guess, that purpose have something to do with me or my class? Otherwise, you wouldn't have taken 'her'?"

Bakugo: "Huh? Why'd you call her that, (Y/n)?"

Bakugo said from behind, but I didn't respond. In fact, I was too busy right now praying and hoping that this villain, nor any of his fellow villains, heard Bakugo say that. Because, in a moment of brief attention, I decided to go out on a limb here and try something that might save Uraraka. I made it seem like she meant nothing to me. On the thin chance that whether or not I was the reason for all of this happening, as I rightfully presumed, they merely took Uraraka because she was in my class, and not because we were dating. 

After all, there should be no reason for any of these villains to know that her and I were together. At least, I hoped as much now. Because with these villains being the type of people I presumed they were, they could snap at any moment, and with Uraraka still in their possession, I couldn't allow anything sudden to happen. So if that made me have to act like none of this was bothering me, and leaving me to keep my boiling anger in check, all so I could keep Uraraka safe...I'd do it. Even if it meant causing some people to be confused.

Hagakure: [Whispering] "What's (Y/n) doing? Why's he acting like he doesn't know Uraraka, or at least like they're not close?"

Yaoyorozu: [Whispering] "I don't know. But I'm sure he's got a reason why."

Akiko: "He's keeping her safe."

Hagakure: "Huh? What do you mean, Akiko?"

Akiko: "I don't know. I just...Have a feeling is all."

A feeling that left Akiko to keep her eyes on what was going on before her. She wasn't the only one to be confused by it all, even the teachers and Pro Heroes standing in front of her had themselves looking on in confusion.

Midnight: "What is (Y/n) doing? Don't tell me he's going to fight those villains right now?"

Mirko: "Don't worry about him. I'm still questioning why WE aren't fighting them?" [Turns to her left] "Aizawa, stop being a fist blocker and let me punch one of those villains already!"

Aizawa: "We can't, Mirko. We have to keep our current position. If we move, the villains could disperse and attack the children."

Vlad King: "Aizawa is right. It may be boring, but protecting the kids is our number one priority right now."

Mirko: "But I could be--"

Vlad King: "--And we need all people for that job."

Mirko merely narrowed her eyes at the back of Vlad King's head, meanwhile, Aizawa kept his eyes on me as I slowly approached the building closer, my eyes remaining on the roof where the scarred villain stood.

Aizawa: "We have our job as teachers, to protect these students. We have to uphold that."

Mandalay: "But what about (Y/n)? He's a student...What's he going to do right now?"

Tiger: "Mandalay's right. We know he took on those two villains from earlier alone. But I counted six villains still standing on the roof, there's no way he can take all of them on at once--"

Vlad King: "--Maybe not. But I'd relax a little if I were you, Pussycats. I'll be the first to trash talk Aizawa's class, but even I have to admit...That kid's special. He won't get pushed around easy."

Aizawa: "(Y/n) stood at the front alongside All Might during the attack at USJ. That day there were far more than six villains to go up against. Don't worry, he'll be able to stand his ground."

At least, that's what Aizawa thought, and what I hoped. Cause being honest, no matter how much rage and frustration coursed through my system right now, it wasn't enough to completely block out the thoughts of everything going on. If that scarred villain wasn't enough to worry about, having Muscular alongside him, as well as another in a black and white mask, some guy in a yellow trenchcoat and tophat; and a girl I couldn't really make out in some type of school outfit were all wildcards in my books. My eyes traced from one to the other very slowly. I took this momentary pause as I slowly grew closer towards the building they stood upon, to study them all. I already knew what I could do with Muscular, but these other villains...they were still mysteries to me.

(Y/n): "So? Am I right...? You took her because of me."

Dabi: "Oh~ We most definitely took her because of you, hero."

(Y/n): "And why's that?" [Continues slowly walking] "I don't even know her very well."

Dabi: "I wouldn't say that. You're both in the same class at school, right? Surely you know each other?"

(Y/n): "Sure, I see her in class. But she's nothing more..." [Thoughts] "Sorry, Uraraka."

Dabi: "Not even a best friend?"

(Y/n): "Nope."

Dabi: "A normal friend?"

(Y/n): [Slowly moves closer] "Sorry, don't have many of those."

Dabi: "...Then how about a girlfriend?"

Instantly my entire body stopped moving. My legs stopping dead in their tracks only ten meters from Bakugo and the others, and the line of trees behind them. Now my focus was no longer on moving closer to the building, in hopes of pulling a move fast enough to dash up there and save Uraraka. Now all I could do was look up at this villain in shock. A seemingly clear giveaway to what he just said was true. But just before I could curse myself for failing my own plan already, something in his eyes told me he already knew the truth...his following words only confirmed that.

Dabi: "Ooooh, yes. Don't you worry, we already know a lot about you, (Y/n) Midoriya? We know just how close you are to this girl. No point in hiding it."

(Y/n): "Close or not. It shouldn't matter. What should matter is that you have someone I care about. That should make you scared, you deformed freak."

Dabi: "Oh?" [Chuckles] "Getting hurtful now are we? Fair, I suppose. But I'd suggest slowing down on the witty remarks and instead question one thing...How the FUCK did a group of villains know you and this girl were a thing?"

His words were straight to the point. Made even more so with the way his eyes stretched, his smirk growing to the size that only a sinister villain with wicked intentions could carry. It was like he was getting off on the information he kept from me right now. I guess that only goes to show how this moment went from zero to one hundred real fucking quickly. Just five minutes ago I was running through the forest, now I'm brought to a standstill as I begin to question just what set of information this villain has.

Dabi: "Ooooh. There it is. Caught out, huh?"

(Y/n): [Head held low] "What the fuck do you people want?"

Dabi: "Straight to the point? I like that. Well, to answer your question, we're here because of you, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "What?"

Dabi: [Continues] "...You see, our boss, Shigaraki, still holds a grudge against you for the little stunt you pulled during the attack on your school."

Reactions from all around quickly followed from that particular statement.

Bakugo: "Seriously? You losers are still caught up on that lose?"

Todoroki: "Not surprising. Villains aren't really known to be the type of take loses easily."

Bakugo: "Neither is my fist. But even I don't stoop so low as to steal someone's girlfriend...That's (Y/n)'s job." [Looks at you, chuckles] "Haha. Ain't that right, (Y/n)? (Y/n)...?"

Over near the teachers and the other U.A. students, the minds of Mirko and the Wild Wild Pussycats were still struggling to remain still and not just jump in to take out as many villains as possible. Even more steady minds like Vlad King and Aizawa were starting to second guess things, especially with how this particular villain was beginning to talk.

Aizawa: "(Y/n), don't listen to him! Whatever he has to say, just ignore it."

Vlad King: "He's playing you, kid!"

Midnight: "Don't fall for it, (Y/n)!"

...As much was obvious. This guy, whoever he was, wanted me to act without thinking. He wanted me to dig my heels into the ground beneath me and go towards him as fast as possible without even thinking of what could happen next. I knew it...Yet, for whatever reason, the struggle to just stay still was something I could barely keep in control of. This villain already knew as much. The look in his eyes showcased I was only moments away from breaking, it was only thanks to the loose hinges that kept together in my head that I hadn't already done so sooner. It was these final threads of sanity that I tried to push the distance between myself and these villains are little further.

(Y/n): [Lowers head; Sighs] "All you villains really are the same, huh?"

Dabi: "Hmm?"

(Y/n): "First... You try intimidation. Your pal Muscular up there liked to do that as well...Before I made his face look like the insides of an apple pie." [Glances up at Dabi] "You sure you want to go about the same route as him?"

Muscular: "What the hell did you just say brat?! Because I'd watch it if I were you! I could crush the skull of your little girlfri--"

Dabi: [Raises hand] "Whoa. Whoa. Easy, big guy." [Glances back at Muscular] "You remember what the boss said...No hurting the kids? Well, at least not yet."

Muscular: "Fuck you, Dabi! You're not my boss! You know what? Fuck this! Someone take this girl, I'm gonna rush down there and finish what I started earli--"

Muscular was doing exactly as I wanted. I truly get at these villains, I needed them to break apart. Despite their differences, they were trying the exact same protective tactic that Aizawa and the other teachers were doing with the students. It was like a group of animals that stuck together to keep their strength, but all it took was for one idiot to move for the weakness to be seen. Muscular's weak mind was that weakness for this group of villains, and all I needed to do was exploit it to get an edge over them so I could save Uraraka. Such seemed to already be working...when out of nowhere, Muscular was cut off. 

But his sentence wasn't made short by words, nor actions from this scarred villain I now knew was called 'Dabi'. In an instant, a red blur, faster than anything I had seen before, flashed in front of the villains. At first, I thought it was Vlad King, due to the similar colour setup on his costume. I'll admit, I felt a sting of annoyance that he decided to be the one to move first, potentially ruining my plan. The annoyance only grew with the knowledge that the only reason I hadn't done so sooner was that I was trying to think instead of just acting on instinct, all so I could save Uraraka and not have her get hurt in the process. All such emotions were soon shown to be for nothing. 

However, when after a quick glance towards the group of heroes still standing in front of the students, protecting them, I still found Vlad King standing at his post. Instantly my eyes widened slightly in surprise. But just like every other thought that currently circulated through my mind, it was soon taken down by an even bigger discovery. This time around, that discovery came in the form of an unknown figure that now stood before me. Well, he was unknown in every aspect...except for appearance. This person, whoever it was, now stood before me in an almost identical costume to the very one I wore right now. The only difference was the colour. 

A dominant red colour palette was carried all over the body and head of the costume. But what really caught the most attention was his eyes. Glowing red, as if hell itself were staring back at you. I always found the green of my costumes own to be nightmare-inducing. But looking into those red eyes, that so easily cut through the darkness that separated us in this very moment, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a set of chills building up my arm right now. To see an almost mirror image of my current appearance stand right in front of me, sent my mind in a thousand directions. My shock and surprise weren't alone. Everyone else from U.A. also carried this same expression as I did now. 

Hagakure: "Th-That's him!" [Turns to Yaoyorozu] "That's him, right, Momo? T-The...The one we..."

Yaoyorozu: "...Yes...That's definitely him."

Aizawa: "Him? Who?"

Midnight: "Who is that, girls?" [Turns back Around] "...And why does he look like (Y/n)?"

Akiko: "He's the person we saw in the forest, Uncle Aizawa. The one we thought was (Y/n). The one...who took Uraraka."

An instant was all it took for everyone's faces to contort in shock and confusion. But for me...I didn't have time for that. Those final words were all I needed to hear to decide all this time of talk and thinking before I act was a waste. I didn't think about what was going to happen next, I knew what would happen next. These villains...All of them...They'd be on the ground, after I sent them there.

[3rd Person POV]

No more thoughts followed through from (Y/n)'s head after that point. The building weight of his anger, frustrations, and regrets were reaching their boiling points. And just like a pot left too long to boil on a stove, there eventually came a time when the pressure couldn't be restrained any further...and what waited inside screamed to be free. (Y/n) right now went about the same way. By quickly tossing his mask over his face, he showcased it was no longer the boy looking to save his girlfriend who these villains were now fighting...But the nightmare that had been born all these years prior. (Y/n) had already lost one person he cared about already, he wasn't about to just let that happen again. So with his mask on, and energy to burn, (Y/n) launched into the air with a powerful explosion of rage roaring from the pits of his stomach.

"AAARRRGGGHHH!!!"

The pure exhaustion of (Y/n)'s anger was a clear warning of his urge to attack, and a few seconds later that came to be. In a bolt of green streaks with black borders surrounding them, (Y/n) dashed toward his alternate-coloured self, his fist drawing itself back as he went to punch him without restraint. But with his scream already enlisting such thoughts of attack, his opponent was ready. Quickly sidestepping out of (Y/n)'s way, all (Y/n)'s fist could reach were sparks of red, ones also with familiar black borders, that were left behind from his alternates fast movements. The missed opportunity most definitely raised (Y/n)'s anger, but it wasn't something that would slow him down.

It was upon realizing that his punch wasn't going to reach his target, that (Y/n) quickly lowered his body and slammed his fist into the ground. But before anyone were to think of it as a self-containment of his attack, (Y/n) showcased it was a mere altercation to what he originally planned to do. Thus being confirmed when the young boy, quick on his thinking, quickly pushed all ounces of his strength into his right arm. This allowed for (Y/n) to balance himself and bring the rest of his body to launch upwards and spin to the side. This very movement causing his left foot to quickly slice through the air and strike his opponent in the gut, sending him flying through the air, only to stop himself by digging his clawed glove hands into the ground. 

Just shy of ten meters was how far this Alternate (Y/n) travelled before he came to a stop. But even before then, his glowing red eyes remained on (Y/n), never once leaving. This was a sign for (Y/n) that his opponent wasn't phased, even after he landed such a hit. Luckily for (Y/n)'s opponent, the thought of the fight having ended hadn't even entered the boy's mind once. So without a single glimpse of hesitation (Y/n) returned to his feet and chased after his opponent, meanwhile, Aizawa turned to his fellow teachers who stood beside him...Shock still plastered across their faces at the scenes playing before them. It felt like something out of a manga, at least, that's what came to mind seeing a young teenager fight someone who appeared to be his exact opposite.

Mandalay: "What's going on? How can any of this be happening?"

Tiger: "Surely we have to do something. We can't just stand here and watch."

Mirko: "Forget watching! I don't care what any of you say, I'm getting in on the figh--"

Aizawa: "--No! We have to go!"

Midnight: "Huh?"

Mirko: "WHAT?!"

The shock and anger in Mirko's voice was quickly subsided by the similar notions that came from her fellow facility, but for Aizawa...He seemed as calm as ever.

Aizawa: "...We have to go. This is our one opportunity."

Vlad king: "Aizawa, you can't be serious."

Aizawa: "We have to protect the students, that's our main priority right now."

Midnight: "But what about (Y/n)?"

Mandalay: "He's a student as well. We can't just leave him--"

Mirko: "--And let him have all the fighting to himself! I'm already pissed off I missed out on any earlier...Thanks to miss 'I'm lost all the time'."

Midnight: "Hey!"

Mirko: "What? It's your fault we got lost in those woods in the first place. Otherwise, I could be punching bad guys right now!"

Aizawa: "Would you both stop that right now? We need to take the students back to the buses and get them out of here."

Hagakure: "But what about (Y/n)?"

Akiko: "Uncle, we can't just leave him!"

The pair of younger voices were quick to garner Aizawa's attention, his eyes dropping down to longing gazes of all the students who stood before him. No further words were said, but from all the faces made up of Classes 1-A and B students, none of them wanted to just leave (Y/n) and the other boys behind.

Kaminari: "Sir, surely there is something we can do."

Kirishima: "Can't you guys just go fight the villains? We can defend ourselves!"

Aizawa: "No, not after what happened at USJ. The school cannot handle such a thing. We have to keep you safe."

Hagakure: "But what about (Y/n)?"

Yaoyorozu: "We cannot just leave him."

Jiro: "Yao-Momo's right. (Y/n)'s our friend."

Aizawa: "I realise that, I am not saying to just leave him behind--Argh--It's difficult to explain right now. But we need to think of all of your safety right now--"

Mirko: "--I'll take them to the buses."

It was fair to say that a lot of people were surprised to hear those words, especially coming from Mirko. The first to react was Midnight, who turned to her frenemy in confusion. After all, this entire time Mirko was complaining about how she couldn't get into the fight...now she was volunteering to get out of it all? It just didn't make sense.

Midnight: "Wait. You wanna go now? Why?!"

Mirko: "Well...Be-Because. No one else will shut up about it, so I might as well do it. Besides...If you do it, kids will probably die or something."

Students: "WHAT?!"

Midnight: "Hey...That's not true."

True or not, Mirko wasn't going to fold on her words. Instead, she just crossed her arms and turned her head away in a very...un-Mirko like manner. Something that a lot of people present thought about currently, but couldn't quite put their minds on why she was acting this way. One such person was Aizawa, who was also confused as to why Mirko was suddenly siding with him in a way. Though, a part of Aizawa questioned whether or not she had picked up on what he struggled to say this entire time? 

You see, the very reason why Aizawa was even thinking about leaving (Y/n) alone to defend for himself, despite being a kid without the supervision of a Pro Hero, was something that compared to Aizawa's past. 

Add in the fact he knew the type of person (Y/n) was, who'd never just turn away from a situation right now, led Aizawa into a corner. So the best thing he could come up with was first get these students to safety, only for himself to go half way, turn back, and bring (Y/n) and the others to safety. But it seemed like that plan wouldn't be needed with Mirko's sudden decision to take the kids back to the bus herself, therefore leaving the other pro heroes to take on Dabi and the other villains.

Midnight: "Well...If Mirko is going, I'll go too."

Mandalay: "Me as well. Then there'll be three here, and three going."

Aizawa: "That makes sense. Alright, go."

Mirko: "Uh, hold on! I didn't agree for company." [Turns to Midnight] "Why do you even want to come along anyway?"

Midnight: [Grins] "...You'll probably get lost if I don't~"

The witty remark, a playback on the earlier conversation between the pair, was more than enough to piss Mirko off. But before she could say anything, Midnight took off, soon followed by Mandalay and the reluctant students. Seeing them just leave her behind, annoyed Mirko even more, so of course she had to immediately race after them.

Mirko: "Hey! Hold up! G-Get back here...ARGH! I'LL FUCKING KICK YOU, MID-BITCH!!"

In an instant, Mirko was off. The only people left behind were Aizawa, Vlad Kind, Tiger from the Wild Wild Pussycats...and three remaining students. Whom Aizawa quickly noticed now that there were no other children left around.

Aizawa: "Girls, what are you doing? You need to go."

Akiko: "Uncle, we can't."

Yaoyorozu: "Please, sir. We're worried about (Y/n)."

Hagakure: "And Uraraka. We can't go."

Akiko: "Please, Uncle, we...we need to make sure they're safe."

Amongst her state of pause, Akiko slightly lowered her head, not wanting her Uncle to see how truly scared she was right now. But even if she was scared, something within Akiko made her stay behind. Yet despite this lack of eye contact from any one of the girls, Aizawa knew their thoughts and fears right now...Something he could relate to in a way, which most likely led him to his ending decision.

Aizawa: [Sighs] "...Fine. You can stay."

Akiko: [Lifts head] "Huh?"

Yaoyorozu/Hagakure: "Really?"

Aizawa: "Yes...But you need to remain hidden. Go hide behind those trees over there--and no matter what...Stay there. Is that understood?"

The stern voice of an Uncle and Teacher was present in Aizawa's voice, but such wouldn't seem so if you were to go off the smiling faces of the three girls standing before him. Despite the situation they were in, they were happy they could at least be nearby as their boyfriend/former friend fought off against a lot of things that seemed against him right now. But even as (Y/n) continued to exchange blows with his alternate self, it was now time for Aizawa and his fellow Pro Heroes to join the fight.

Vlad King: "So...What's the plan, Aizawa?"

Tiger: "Those villains are still on the roof, they seem like their focus is on the fight between (Y/n) and the red one. Could be the perfect opportunity to attack."

Aizawa: "I agree. They don't seem to have noticed the others leaving yet, but we need to be careful...Anything could still happen."

A mindset all Pro Heroes carried as they jumped into action. As they did so, on the building rooftop, Dabi, as well as the other villains watched onward. Their attention fully on the fight before them.

Twice: "Whoa! Look at him go. That kid from U.A. really seems angry, huh?"

Tophat Villain: "Of course he does, Twice. We have his girlfriend, remember?"

Twice: "Oh, yeah...I forgot about that. Thanks, Sako!"

Tophat Villain: [Clears throat] "It's 'Mr. Compress', remember, Twice?" [Leans over, Mumbles] "...I don't want heroes to hear it, idiot."

Twice: "Huh? Oh...Right! Gotcha, Sako--I-I mean, 'Mr. Compress'."

The mysterious villain in the yellow trenchcoat and tophat simply shook his head as Twice returned his focus towards the fight. However, Mr. Compress' attention soon shifted to Dabi, who stood at his right.

Dabi: "Hmm...Seems like Shigaraki was right about this one."

Mr. Compress: "Right about what, Dabi?"

Dabi: "He said he was easy to agitate. The perfect opportunity for us to strike."

Mr. Compress: "Strike? But I thought we weren't supposed to attack him much tonight."

Dabi: "Oh, don't worry. We're not. We're simply going to...show him the world isn't as kind as one may think."

It was as Dabi spoke those words, that he reached into his dark blue trenchcoat boat and revealed a black flip phone. Upon seeing the object, Mr. Compress tilted his head in confusion. But as the mystery around that phone remained, Muscular, who still carried Uraraka's unconscious body, made his own remarks about (Y/n), unfortunately for him the person he was talking to wasn't too receptive on them.

Muscular: "See! What did I tell you, Toga? This kid isn't like those other students at U.A.; he doesn't hold back. He's going all out against our guy down there, so it's not a surprise that he beat me...Even though I still say he didn't beat me! I just...let him, is all. Yeah, to build up his confidence and whatever."

Toga: "..."

Muscular: "Huh? Toga? What are you--"

Toga: "...So...Violent~"

Muscular: "What?"

Upon glancing down at the crazy girl in the withered high school uniform, Muscular was surprised to find Toga's view on the exact same thing he was just looking at. However, going off with her fanged smile, and glistening eyes, she was thinking of it as a whole different thing. For whereas to Muscular and the others, it was just a fight, for Toga...It was like a dance. One that showcased the rage and anger that was buried beneath this masked hero. He fought unlike any other person she was asked to kill before. His glowing eyes, they made her heart quicken; her chest pulsated with each new thought that entered her mind. When he went to punch his opponent, he wanted to kill him...she could tell. This hero, he was just like her... 

...He was just like her. 

Unfortunately Toga didn't get much longer to think on this, when suddenly, out of nowhere--

Twice: "Look out! It's the heroes!!!"

The word 'heroes' was more than enough to spark to life the focus of every villain present. All of which turning in union as from the front of the building, Aizawa, Vlad King, and Tiger pounced into attack. The confrontation started with Vlad King tackling Twice and Mr. Compress, pushing all three over the back edge of the building. Meanwhile Muscular was quick to toss Uraraka over the side of the building seconds before he and Toga were forced to fight against Tiger. Of course, this only left Aizawa and Dabi to face off against one another. 

However, shock sparked through the teacher's spine when he saw Uraraka's unconscious body begin falling to the ground, so in a moment of choice, Aizawa quickly used one of his bandages to change his direction and head for the side of the building. It was only seconds from her descent at the top of the building, to the ground below, before Uraraka was set to reach it. It seemed like this would be her end...If it weren't for Aizawa who arrived in the final mili-seconds to catch her body and land on the ground safely. 

Aizawa: "Uraraka!!"

Slowly, Uraraka's eyes began to flutter open."

Uraraka: [Coughs] "Where..." [Coughs] "...Where am I?" [Eyes flutter open] "Sir? Wh-What's going on?"

Aizawa: [Sighs] "Thank goodness. You're alri--"

"--I wouldn't say that just yet, Eraserhead."

Uraraka: "...Huh?"

Slowly lifting her head, as her body still remained in Aizawa's arms, Uraraka saw the bored expression that covered Dabi's nightmare-inducing face. Seconds later, Aizawa's head turned around to greet the same face. It was clear that even with the opportunity to leave, Dabi wanted nothing more right now than to fight a hero. And for Eraserhead, he now had to make sure he was at the top of his game. It was from this moment onward that a full-on battle royal of conflict was taking place. All over the surrounding area of the main campsite building, multiple fights were going on. 

Vlad King fought the multiplying abilities of Twice, and the magical essence of Mr. Compress. Tiger did his best to deal with the strength of Muscular and the full-on violent nature of Toga. Meanwhile, Aizawa was being pushed around by Dabi, who further pushed the Pro Hero away from Uraraka's weak body which remained leaning against the building's right outer wall. But, of course, the main call for attention was in the far right corner of this clearing next to the campsite. It was in this spot that (Y/n) and his alternate-coloured opponent went at it. 

For five minutes now the pair had been fighting, leaving both using up their stored up energy to keep on going. Multiple strikes had since connected with the other, both dealing with definite bruises and scars that would pop up within the next few days. But other than that, no determined winner had yet to be seen. Now, both came to a momentary pause, where nothing but five meters of grass separated their panting bodies from one another. No words were said as either figure caught their breath, but as (Y/n) was moments away from stepping back in, he felt a hand land on the back of his shoulder.

Bakugo: "Don't worry, Partner. You take your rest...Ice Spice and I got this. But don't worry, we'll save some for you with the final blo--"

(Y/n): [Panting] "B-Bakugo...No."

Bakugo: "Huh?"

Looking over his shoulder, Bakugo found (Y/n) looking up at him through his mask, his gloved hand holding his wrist tightly. As this happened, Todoroki came up by his opposite side.

Todoroki: "(Y/n), I understand you still may want to fight. But we're also here. We want to help."

Bakugo: "Yeah, and I understand how your mind works. You think you can't go on if you don't beat every villain you fight against. But, come on, dude. Look at you! You're tired, let us help."

(Y/n): "No...I...I got this." [Struggles to stand up] "Just...Leave me alone."

Bakugo: "Whoa, dude, relax. It's okay. Besides, you can hardly stand. You--"

(Y/n): "--I SAID LEAVE ME! I'VE GOT THIS!!"

Trying to prove a point, (Y/n) pushed through the pain. Though, as he did that, he also pushed Bakugo. His grip on the young boy's wrist tightening as he pushed Bakugo to the side. The action shocked the scruffy blonde and Todoroki. But before they could make any comment (Y/n) took three steps forward. Each is heavier than the last. On that third step, he seemed to stumble, but managed to catch himself by planting his left fist into the ground. However, as he raised his right hand to his right thigh, it was easy to see he didn't fall on accident. He was merely taking this fight to the next level...

Or as (Y/n) would have it...The next gear.

(Y/n): "Fear...Second!!"

The words came in a vicious bark from (Y/n)'s mouth, which caused his mostly silent (other than a few grunts) opponents to tilt his head. Though, that tilting action would soon need to be on a whole other level when he saw what followed. For all it took was the sight of seeing green mist, like fog from the pits of hell itself, rising from (Y/n)'s body to make anyone confused and scared, let alone the person he was currently fighting. 

Such a reaction was soon proven to be worth it, however, when in the blink of an eye (Y/n)'s entire figure disappeared before his counterpart's very eyes. But the surprise that set in would not last very long, for just as quickly as he disappeared, (Y/n) appeared again. This time around, right next to the masked villain's body, close enough that all he could do was really turn his head before his left cheek was greeted by a heavy fist to the face.

(Y/n): "ARGH!"

Punch!!

Getting sent off his feet for the second time now, this familiar-looking villain was quickly put on his toes. But no matter how quick he tried to be, it seemed nothing compared to (Y/n)'s own speed. For before this villain could even properly return to his feet, (Y/n) was back on him. A plethora of punches came his way, darting forward, one after the other as (Y/n) hovered in the air seemingly. Two punches to the chest, one to the ribs, and the final one to the side of his face was enough to make this copycat villain dazed for sure. 

But with (Y/n) wanting to deal much more damage to someone who dared to take someone he cared about, (Y/n) wasn't just going to end it all with this mere damage. He wanted to go deeper, and he did so by quickly activating One For All in his heels. The added energy allowed (Y/n) to jump off the ground at even greater speeds. So fast that his alternate couldn't even see it clearly. For on (Y/n)'s descent upwards, he kneed his opponent directly in the jaw part of his mask, causing him to spin slightly from the impact. It wasn't a full twist, but (Y/n) didn't want it to be. 

For as this villain, dazed and confused, hobbled in his place momentarily, (Y/n) quickly landed behind him and didn't waste the opportunity to wrap his arm around his opponent's neck. Quickly using his hand to hook around the wrist of his other which came up in union. This meant that his copycat was caught in quite the tight headlock, one they tried to escape from with countless shoves and pushes backward. But nothing was letting him escape (Y/n)'s clutches, and the young boy wanted his enemy to know that.

(Y/n): "So...? You thought you'd just dress up like me, and what? Scare me? Scare the ones I care about? Making them think I'd hurt them! That'd I'd make them afraid?!" [Pulls mask Back] "Well, you listen here you son of a bitch. The only one who's about to feel any fear...is you!"

With each sentence that left his mouth, (Y/n)'s grip around this copycat's throat tightened. The way he spoke also showcased his true inner emotions in this moment. Showing he wasn't just angry that someone would take someone he cared about, but they did so whilst dressed as him. It made (Y/n) question the emotions Uraraka felt in the moment when she first saw this person. She probably felt safe and secure, seeing someone she knew would look after her...Only for all that to be thrown into fear. 

It's a thought that made (Y/n) sick, and disgusted inside. But most of all...It made him angry, and in a moment like now, anger was the last thing anyone going up against him would want. (Y/n) wanted to end this right now. He wanted to go into an entire other level and make this person...Whoever it was...be swallowed by the fear of their own life. But before he could do so, he'd have to let go of them, but that was becoming something much harder to do...Such was what Bakugo and Todoroki were beginning to notice.

"(Y/n)! Stop this!!"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Snapping from his thoughts, (Y/n) picks his head up. As he did so, he came face to face with the shocked and worried expressions of Bakugo and Todoroki. However, Bakugo's was clear the most. He was scared seeing his friend in such a broken state.

Bakugo: [Slowly Approaching] "Dude...Please. You need to calm down, okay? You're going over the edge."

(Y/n): "Over the edge?! Bakugo, he took Uraraka!"

Bakugo: "I know! I know...And whoever this person is, they'll pay for it. I promise you that. But--"

(Y/n): "--No! I don't want promises from people, Bakugo! I can make him pay now! I don't want to wait!"

Bakugo: "(Y/n)...You have to understand."

(Y/n): "No, Bakugo! You have to understand! He...He made Uraraka afraid...Afraid of me. I can't live with myself if she's scared of me."

Bakugo: "Afraid of you? Bro...(Y/n)...How could she be afraid of you?"

(Y/n): "I...I-I...He..."

The words struggled to exit (Y/n)'s mouth, but he still tried. What he was trying to get out was how he was afraid that whenever there came a time when Uraraka needed to be saved, where he'd be there...in his costume...she wouldn't feel safe and secure. She'd just be reminded of this night when she thought (Y/n) was there to protect her...Only for her to be proven wrong. To a lot of others, this may seem silly. But (Y/n) knew a lot about fear. He knew how it plunged itself fangs into your soul and never let's go. Months and years could pass. But you'd never truly escape the fear. It had a way of sticking with you, and whether or not it was because of his Quirk. 

But (Y/n) knew deep down what Uraraka felt when she saw this familiar mask...suddenly turn against her, it made her scared. That thought alone broke (Y/n), to the point his arms began to loosen around his opponent's neck, and the mist of his Fear Second power-up started to fade. It was a combination of both of these things that gave this copycat to (Y/n) the perfect opportunity to escape. Doing so by stabbing the back of his left foot into (Y/n)'s left knee, causing him to stumble and break the hold on his opponent's neck entirely. This allowed the copycat to free himself, before backflipping over (Y/n)'s body and going for a heavy punch to the back of the unsuspecting boy's head, only...to be stopped.

"That's enough."

(Y/n): "Huh?"

No words came from the copycat, only proceeding to look over his shoulder. (Y/n) soon did the best he could, whilst Bakugo had a clear line of sight to who was talking. It was Dabi, who now stood before the four individuals with a small grin on his face. Some distance behind him, the defeated body of Eraserhead lied on the ground, barely moving. The sight shocked Bakugo, enraging the boy to activate his quirk. But just as he did so, he was stopped by a mere raise of Dabi's hand.

Dabi: "There will be no need for that, trust me."

Bakugo: "Fuck what you say! I do what I want, and right now, I want to see how far I can explode your fucking head off your shoulders!"

Dabi: [Chuckles] "As...Amusing, as that sounds, that is not in my best interest right now. How about I put it like this...Don't move, and my guy won't kill your friend."

All it took was a single glance down at (Y/n)'s panting body, unable to move due to a broken spirit and lack of energy, that made Bakugo's answer all the more clear. He didn't speak as he lowered his arms, but he didn't need to. Dabi was more than happy with this outcome and made it known almost instantly.

Dabi: "Good. Now then, count yourselves lucky that this is where our mission ends. We will leave all of you unharmed...Including the girl we took, and we'll leave. And as long as you little heroes remain where you are, it'll remain that way. Sound cool?"

Again, no words were spoken. Bakugo's eyes just narrowed, very tempted to just try his best against this villain. But seeing that Eraserhead was down and out, he knew it probably wasn't the best idea. As for (Y/n), hearing that Uraraka was okay was all that mattered to him right now. Though, if it weren't for all the energy he had used up through this very climactic night, perhaps he would have gone on to fight for a few more rounds. But in the end, he just remained seated on the ground. Even as his copycat let him go and went to walk off with Dabi. As they did so, Bakugo rushed to his best friend's side, holding him upright. But just when things seemed to be over...

Dabi: "Oh, and one more thing..."

Turning his head around, Bakugo found Dabi smiling at him once more. Though before Bakugo could make any remark on such, he was silenced as Dabi reached into his pocket and tossed the kids a phone. It was the same flip phone he had showed Mr. Compress earlier. But that didn't make it any more confusing as to why he was giving it to Bakugo.

Bakugo: "What the hell is this?"

Dabi: "It's your phone."

Bakugo: "What? No, it's not. I don't have a flip phone. I ain't 90!"

Dabi: "Oh, right. My bad. It's not your phone...It's just the phone we transferred all your information when my friend here (Red) stole it from your home a few weeks ago with you noticing."

Bakugo: [Suddenly stands up] "What the fuck, man? Why'd you do something like that?"

Dabi: "Well, we had to find as much information on your boy in green there. How better else to do so then to take the phone belonging to someone that's surely had a lot of interactions with him through texts and social media? And, of course...Photos~"

Bakugo: "What? You a perv or something?"

Dabi: "What? No!" [Grins] "What I'm saying is...You know what? Don't worry about it. If you want to know, maybe just check the phone gallery? That should explain it."

Confused beyond belief, Bakugo proceeded to do as such. Meanwhile, from behind, Todoroki approached, whilst (Y/n) slowly lifted his head from the ground. By the time it was high enough for him to look up at his friends, he was given a front row seat as their otherwise normal faces suddenly shifted out for looks of shock. Bakugo's eyes most of all telling a story. The way they suddenly widened was a clear giveaway that something wasn't right.

(Y/n): "What...? What is it?"

Bakugo: "I...I don't understand."

(Y/n): "Bakugo?"

Bakugo: "I...I-I don't understand...I don't know how this happened."

(Y/n): "Bakugo?!"

(Y/n) screamed. But instead of Bakugo suddenly turning to face him, he just looked away in what appeared to be shame. This confused (Y/n), causing his anger to low. But as his confusion only continued to rise, Todoroki slowly took the phone from Bakugo's hand and offered it down to (Y/n)'s own. But as (Y/n) took the device in his hand and prepared to look at what was on the screen, nothing he imagined could have prepared him for what he was about to see. There, on the screen, was a photo of him and Uraraka. It seemed like a normal photo. One of (Y/n) and Uraraka holding hands somewhere in public. But by the way, it was taken from a distance, whilst also having the pair look seemingly unaware of anyone taking it, made (Y/n) feel uneasy. 

It was in that moment that (Y/n) realized he had seen the photo before. It was the photo (Y/n) found out Bakugo made Kirishima take after stalking the pair in public a while back [Ch: 24]. It happened right after (Y/n) and Uraraka had gotten together, and after (Y/n) hadn't spoken to him for a few days, Bakuog had blackmailed Kirishima into following the pair to see what's up. Kirishima being forced into it because he was told if he didn't, Bakugo would push him out of the friend group with he and (Y/n). All of it was coming back to the young boy in an instant, but it was only adding fuel to the fire as Dabi continued to speak.

Dabi: "You all look shocked...So let me elaborate. That photo was one you had taken, right, Bakugo?"

Bakugo: [Abruptly turns to him] "Wh-What?"

Dabi: "I'll take by your shock that that means a 'yes', good. Well, it's because of that photo that all of this even happened. Because if it wasn't for that photo, we wouldn't be here right now. We wouldn't have known that (Y/n) had a girlfriend. Nor would we have a reason to attack poor little Uraraka."

Bakugo: [Eyes widen in fear] "What?"

Dabi: [Sighs] "Fine...I'll make it simpler. This. Is. Your. Fault. Bakugo...You're the reason this happened. The reason Uraraka got taken. The reason (Y/n) got hurt. And the reason why everyone else here will never forget this night of camp. You're to blame..." [Grins] "And I gotta say, I'm loving the fear on all of your pathetic fac--"

"Shut the fuck up."

Dabi: "Hmm?"

With his smile still remaining, Dabi proceeded to slowly turn his gaze away from the stunned Bakugo, and turn it to (Y/n). The aforementioned male now stood up straight, using whatever strength he had left to glare daggers at Dabi's face as his hand crushed the phone in his grasp. But this didn't scare Dabi...It only made him more excited for what was about to come.

[Bakugo's POV]

--One Minute Later--

...You ever get those moments in life where you know you really fucked up? Like big time. Not just breaking your Mom's very special and ancient vase, or watching porn on your... *Sighs* ...You know what? Forget it. I always try and joke around because I believe it's what people need when they're sad...or angry...or as guilty as I feel right now. But it's because of my stupid fucking jokes that I'm even in this mess right now. If I...If I had been normal, if I had just backed off the first time (Y/n) told me to cool it with this girlfriend stuff...Maybe none of this would have happened. Maybe...Maybe people would see me in a better light than they really do?

It was only a question I could ponder on, as things went on around me. But in the end, thinking of one question led me to another. When I was young--Heck, even when I'm this old, I do things...Stupid things that even I sometimes think are too far. A lot of the crap I do at school, or at home, leave those around to ask how 'How old are you?' and 'What's your age again?' to taunt and ridicule me for how I act. Beforehand, I would bark at such claims. That they were just being losers who couldn't have fun. But right now, I'm not having fun. All I can do is try and keep a clear head on as Todoroki and I try to keep a hotheaded (Y/n) from starting another fight with these villains who I caused to be here.

Bakugo: "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Calm down--" [Groaning "--Please! I really think we can talk about this..."

(Y/n): "Forget talking about anything! This is your fault!"

When (Y/n) first said those words...they broke me. The pain and anger in his eyes hurt...But what hurt the most was how little regret he carried when he said them. It made me feel sad, but I didn't have an excuse to feel that way. After all...He was right.

Bakugo: "Okay. Okay. Fair...But I really don't think now is the best time to talk about it." [Hesitantly smiles] Maybe we can get out of this place and have some tea?"

(Y/n): "Seriously? You're joking, right now? After all of this, and you're still running your mouth?!"

Bakugo: "Okay. You're right...Again. But, dude, I'm just trying to calm you down from--"

(Y/n): "Calm me down? From what? The mess you made? No! I just found out all of this was because of stupid photos YOU MADE HAPPEN! But like I always do, I've got to fix your mistakes all over again!"

Bakugo: "(Y-Y/n), I..."

(Y/n): "No, Bakugo! I've had enough of this! I've had enough of your dumbshit! Your jokes! Your relentless antics in getting me a girlfriend--Fuck! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have anyone I cared about right now, which means I wouldN'T HAVE STOPPED AT ANYTHING FROM KEEPING MY PROMISE TO IZUKU! IT'S YOUR FAULT!"

Bakugo: "...(Y/n)..."

(Y/n): "But most of all...I've had enough of you, man."

Bakugo: "...Wh...What?"

It felt like the world had completely gone to listen after those words were said. Part of me thought they weren't even real. But again, I knew they were by the way (Y/n) looked at me. It was as he did so that everyone around me went silent. Todoroki stopped holding (Y/n) back; Shoji and Tokoyami were left to watch it all fold down. Talk about the perfect time to wake up from unconsciousness... *Sighs* ...I could honestly go for being unconscious right now, at least it could save me from all of this. 

Not that I deserved to be, of course. Back when I was a kid...I was normal. At least, more then I was now. I didn't care for pushing girls onto my friend, or running out endless stupid jokes from my mouth. But after I met Machi, I saw what he did in life. He made himself out to be the bad guy, all so he could help people. Because sometimes people don't see help from just a random person, they had to see you and properly see you.

I once thought me being an idiot would was enough to be seen by (Y/n), and therefore be able to help the person who helped me. But then I began to question who would keep him happy when I was gone, which led me down the road to undeniability in what has come about now. And so, as I stand here, looking into the eyes of my friend...or...someone who once was, I can't help by mentally ask myself one of those very questions that where thrown my way as insults when I was young.

...What is my age again?

[And there we have it...A chapter I have been waiting years, literal years, to release. Of course, during that amount of time I've had different ideas of how to implant that. I wanted to showcase Bakugo's innocence, and why he acts the way he does. Because when the book first started, a lot of people complained that he was "over the top" and just "annoyed". But back then, I told those people to wait. That there was a reason why he was that way. His reason...was because he wanted (Y/n) to be happy, and he came about that way by seeing a random boy from his school who made himself as a "bad guy" so people would actually listen to him so he could help them. Because all Bakugo wanted to do was help, and I hope that came across in a good way with this chapter where you all could understand that.

In the show, Bakugo is seen as your typical bully. Of course, he does have other things that make him grow as a character. But with my Bakugo, as I do with a lot of other characters, I wanted to get to the core of 'why they are' and 'how they came to be'. Bakugo is one of those characters who, in this book, he's really caring, but people around him only see him as an idiot. But he's purposely made himself look like that--purposely put his own image down so he could make people see just how great (Y/n) is. Because he wants his best friend to be happy, even when he's gone. And I truly do hope that came across in a good way with this chapter, because I really did put a lot of effort into it, because as I mentioned, I've been waiting years to get this point across. And there are a few others that are down the line that I've just as long, if not longer.

Now, moving on from that, this chapter does end this Bootcamp ARC. The next one will have like a basic epilogue for this arc, and then we move onto the next one right away in the same chapter. So this storypoint did end here, so if you were growing tired of it (as I honestly was as well) a fresh start is just around the corner. ANOTHER THING I WANTED TO ADD: 'In the last chapter, some people complained about the reader in certain aspects of how he acted, and whether or not you agree with how he acted at the end of this chapter...Whether you agree or not...that's the right way to feel, and how I wanted it to be. I'll say this in bold writing so everyone (hopefully) sees it. THE. READER. IS. NOT. ALWAYS. GOING. TO. BE. IN. THE. RIGHT. I don't care what people say about fanfics, blah, blah, blah. 

I write my stories like they're real life, in certain aspects. Such as character growth and development. Because whereas the reader may be strong and capable in fighting and abilities...His weakness comes at his heart, and his mental strength. A lot of people would be annoyed if someone was OP, but they're also annoyed if he is OP. A very fine line to walk...So I went about it in a way that puts him as both. So yeah, the reader is going to be wrong from time to time. He's going to be weak when you think 'oh, just get up and fight'. Because in real life...A lot of people want to just give up, but they keep pushing because, as thor says...That's what heroes do. And the reader here is a hero, but he's also a teenager who saw his brother die and felt useless in the moment. 

So please be patient with the story I have to tell, and be sure to think before you write some comments judging certain things. I love the feedback, just make sure it's valid. Anyway, I'm off to bed, thank you all for reading 18k words of ANTI-HERO...and if this chapter keeps up the momentum this story has recently, I'll bring the next one out in two weeks probably!]