Back to the Present

Graduation for class 3-A may be in just a few months but the stress of it sure feels like it's tomorrow. These last few months are going to be a pain in the ass for everyone, Ejirou can just feel it. Who thought it was a good idea to have just so many hard finals and tests right before everyone has to finish finalizing their hero work. I know organization is key and all, but why does there have to be so much goddamn paper work! Not to mention the emails! Bakugou still gets on his case about checking his emails, but now he's starting to see why. Going through over 100 different emails in one night of all the agencies that would like him to be a sidekick for, was definitely NOT the way to go. He didn't even realize that so many agencies would want him, really! He was just planning on staying with Fat Gum because not only was he an absolutely awesome boss but just about the manliest man he knew, other than his best bro Bakugou of course! There were a lot more for places outside of Tokyo, even loads from other countries! Out of all the countries, the US wasn't surprising to see the most from with their high crime rates and known to be open to just about any good hero, no matter where from. The thought that so many people of such big and well known agencies wanted him gave him some good warm fuzzies. An extra of some much needed confidence couldn't hurt. One that seemed awfully good was an agency that was known for really kicking off All Might's career back in America. Amajiki was even transferring there for 3 years thanks to some motivation coaching from Fat Gum! He was so proud of the guy! It's not everyday that an agency reaches out to one hero multiple times about a few year transfer! Amajiki didn't think he was nearly good enough to be able to leave the city, let alone to another country. After literal weeks of all the amazing stories Fat and Ejirou could tell him about his past work did it finally talk some sense into him! Going out of the country was definitely a big deal, but other than staying with Fat Gum, it was by far the best option.

When I finally worked up the courage to tell everybody before the weekly Friday movie night they all agreed! Everyone wasn't even that surprised to hear the news! Most of the class gave him excited congratulations like Momo and Hagakure, and out of the corner he could swear that Midoriya was literally buzzing with how excited he was. Something gave him the feeling that his excitement was mostly from him keeping in at least a whole 50 page thesis level of All Might facts and stories about the place. Dam does he scare him with just how in depth he knows All Might sometimes. He knows so many with just so much detail you'd swear that All Might himself told him half of them. I mean c'mon, who knows that during an epic All Might battle it smelled like sulfur! With the Midoriya buzz intensified Ochacho added that she thinks it would be a absolute fantastic opportunity! Then just so many people started adding to it.

"I agree, I think you should really think about going ~keru" - Tsu

"If anyone could pull off going to a whole nother country, and come back with too many friends and no transitioning problems, You'd be my first choice" Tokoyami

"Is it just me or is that like the most he's has every talked around us all", whispers Kaminari.

"OMG Kaminari you can't just say that" - Jirou whispers back while laughing.

"Out of all of us you are definitely the one that deserves it the most!" shouts mina through the mess that Kiri accidentally created.

"Woah Mina I think that's a bit of an exaggeration there!" Ejirou says back.

"C'mon no way! Not only do you have some of the most villain captures compared to those two lunatics constantly trying to one up each other," Mina says while gesturing towards Bakugou and Midoriya, "but you have the best hero rating in all of Japan! Can't deny the facts! People anywhere are going to love you, and I'm sure you'd do the best with making new friends anywhere in no time!"

Sero adds, "Geez are you so right. Dude you have to stop being such a chatterbox when we go on patrols together. You reaaaaaally don't have to respond to everyone's hello at 7 in the morning."

"It's not manly to just ignore someone, and it's not my fault that I just happen to be great at accidentally continuing conversations!"

"There's no way all those are on accident man, you know you always make a conversation to never be reckoned with" chips in Kaminari

"But seriously!" Mina cuts in before another long side conversation gets going if she knows these boys any, "We'll all be super proud of whatever you choose! We just want to let you know that this is kinda big Kiri! One of the best agencies in America offering you a spot fresh out of high school is like the biggest of deals, and I just got to make your humble ass knows it!"

"Ok ok, I guess you kinda got me there", before I even think of saying anything else Mina gives me the look of if you spill one more brutally wrong fact I will end you.

"Well I think it's time to start movie time so that it can be done before Bakugous' bed time in two hours!" That gained some chuckles from the class as Ida immediately started chopping in the air for movie ideas and genres. You'd swear that guy was a machine or something. Well he does have metal coming out of his legs, so a cyborg? That would explain his following of rules to a T make much more sense.

As I kept babbling on in my head out of the corner of my eye I see the one and only Bakugou, but he's just kinda standing there not moving or saying anything. He looks like he's very stiff and tense about something too. It's a little concerning to say the least. Especially since I used his sleep schedule that he always defends to steer everyone's attention back to the movie. Speaking of that, he didn't speak up like everyone else did is just a wave of congrats. Even now he just looks... shell shocked? Should I be concerned? Am i kidding myself? Bakugou stunned into SILENCE is always concerning.

***
~~~ Switch to Katsuki's POV ~~~

America. Not only did Kiri get an offer in America, but it's one of the damn best agencies IN AMERICA. Hell, one of the best in the world! Who was he kidding, any person with some semblance of a brain was going to choose such a fucking fantastic opportunity. Katsuki had half the mind to be surprised that Kiri was offered this, but he knows the man. And like really knows the man, because some red haired brick shit house weaseled his way into being his friend. And there was some fight on Bakugous side alright. He knew himself 3 years back and he only had one thing in mind, being number one. That meant he had to workout himself and his quirk, but also beat as many as he could during classes too. You can't blow up all your problems, not that he hasn't tried. Somehow in that first year, Kiri managed to dodge all the shit that he would throw at him and just roll it off his now ridiculously wide shoulders. Managed to even realize that maybe paying attention to the others in his class are even worth while. It took Kiri's obscenest trying months to finally make him even consider being friends. And he'll be damned if he didn't accept it now. Turns out to be number one, having someone there with you isn't so bad. Friends can even help you out every once in a while.

He didn't even consider him a friend at the time and he still risked everything just so that he could rescue him from the league of villains. Why did he have to be such an ass back then to realize just how great he was? How great friends are? Turns out a bunch a lackeys that just agree to everything you say isn't even close. They all ditched him during that slime monster attack, and that was just one guy. Kirishima was willing to go against the whole LEAGUE OF VILLIANS to get some kid that refused to call him by his name back. Kirishima really is something else, and there's no way he can consider him anything less than his equal. Partners against crime.

But what does it make me if he's gone? As much as I shit on the guy, he is NOT an idiot. ...Mostly. Anyone whose personality is the sun and a golden retriever reincarnate really does deserve to be the number one most liked hero by the people of Japan. He'll become the most liked hero in no time with his just love of everyone and that charming and blinding smile. Mina was right, if anyone was to get this it should be him. He's put in almost double the effort of everyone else to become just a brick wall of muscle, but also into studying so that he will never be in the bottom five of the class ever again. When he brought it up to Bakugou months later when the heat of the kidnapping finally dialed down some, he had the GAWL to say it was somehow his fault. The boy who managed to single handedly decide to save him from the League, and was able to get others motivated too so that it really happened. He said that if he just wasn't in the bottom then like he still was. If he had just studied harder for that midterm he could have been there. He heard that they were looking for his friend, his best friend. And while he was getting kidnapped, he was stuck doing nothing at all. Stuck in a stuffy room studying when all he did before was study, and for what? He was still in the bottom of the class, all those all nighters and Khan academy videos watched for nothing! (sorry side note, OMG was khan academy the goat back in high school. Why oh why did my high school teacher need to give 30 problems of homework a night and only go through half of the examples needed).

Oh boy did that piss Bakugou off. It was weird though, because it wasn't that he was mad at someone like he always was, he was mad for someone. It felt like it was the first time he was ever mad FOR someone else. Kirishima did more for him than he could ever ask for! Hell, the guy was the reason he was saved at all! If anything Kiri should be at the top of the class. He was the first to come up with a whole new super move (don't fact check that ':D), and he was more of a hero than any of them! Selfless to a fault. If only the school was more focus on actions than numbers on a paper. I've seen what he does everyday, and his plans in combat. There's no doubt he's smart. He just doubts himself. So if there's anything that you are, it isn't stupid. Just stupid strong ya idiot. And I told him just that back then. God and he even cried a little bit, the sappy fuck. He still didn't think that he had it in him to get above the bottom five. So I told him I knew he did, and I'll be damned if I can't get it out for you. I'll smack it out of you every night if I have to! Besides, what's a better way for me to refresh that to teach it to ya. And yet again, two times in one night did he see the 'manliest man' he knew cry tears of joy in one 5 minute span.

He knows that boy isn't an idiot. He tutored years of material into his head, usually physically. Who can blame him, it seemed to work for some reason! He can say he literally smacked sense into a man. He knows that this idiot would really be an idiot if he didn't immediately agree a thousand times yes. So that leaves them partners against crime, without his partner. It'll just be him and himself for years if he knows that agency, and he does. Sure he'll have his usual brigade of idiots to keep him company, against his will like always, but it just won't feel the same. While he hates using the word, Kirishima really is his best friend. His first real friend that he's been almost non-stop with for two years. What is he going to do without him? He knows no one else can spar with him like he can because no one is an impenetrable shield like he is. Who else is going to genuinely make him chuckle? He didn't even know a laugh other than maniacal before him for fucks sake!

How can everyone be just so ok with this? So ok that he's going to be a whole thousands of miles of ocean away from them, from him? He's never realized just how intertwined their lives are now that he realizes he's going to leave. He finally learned about friends! It only took me over 14 years to figure it out. Now I just have to go back to before friends? Just focus on me, when I would workout, study, sleep, and repeat? Every single day for years nonstop and be satisfied? I can't go back to that, I refuse to go back to that life!

Then just when he was about to get really angry and start accidentally popping some explosions on himself, that giant calloused hands of his worries was gently places on his shoulders. Like the gesture alone could break him into a million little pieces. "Hey dude are you ok? You've been quiet for a while and knowing you that means your thinking about something way too hard"

"Pfff like you could tell that by just looking at me from across the room"

"Well I could point out the unfocused look on your eyes as they gloss over in thought, or the fact that you've been slowly and slowly getting more tense in your shoulders like you're going to accidentally make emotional explosions again when you REALLY overthink something. Though it has been ages since you've last done those"

Well shit, I guess he can read me that easy. Fuck, how do I keep forgetting that he's a wizard at emotions. At least when it comes to me for some reason. God we really have been attached to the hip for two years haven't we. "Just one hell of an opportunity you got there in America. I'd say I'm impressed, but I knew you had some great places waiting for ya if you just read your damn emails for once."

"I'll have you know I read hundreds of them all at once!" That look in his eyes knows that imma bout to give him shit for it, but he cuts me to the chase. "It's like one of the best rated agencies! Asking for me! Still can't believe they reached out to me and not anyone else in class! Especially you man! You've been doing a BANG on job since we were all in 1A" I couldn't stop the over exaggerated eye roll from happening at that abysmal pun. "But seriously, it's super cool but not going to lock it in right away ya know? I know it sounds weird but I want to wait out a bit and see if I'm still wanting to go all the way to America instead of stay here in Tokyo."

"WHAT?!" I yelled way too loudly for one living room. We got a couple of looks before they realized it's just bakugou being his extra self before going back like nothing happened. That even surprised me, geez. I quiet down a bit, "You quite literally can't get a better offer than this and you're just going to think on it? You'd have to be an idiot to not go for something like this, so don't be the idiot that I keep saying you are!" What the actual fuck am I doing?! I was about to have an existential crisis at just the thought of losing him and now I'm basically pushing him away from me?

"Heh, thanks man. Ya know next time you can just call me smart, it's ok!" Not the smartass wink! Now is really not the time for fun loving shenanigans. I never really feel like these movie nights but after having this fuck ton of rocks tossed on me I'm REALLY not feeling it.

"Alright dumbass, I'll call you smart when you stop trying to pet every squirrel we pass while saying they deserve love too. I'm heading to bed, class whooped my ass today. Enjoy whatever cheesy RomCom the girls picked this time" I yelled over my shoulder while stuffing my hands in my pockets.

"Ok you got me there man, but I will never cease! They must be so soft! And I know you don't hate those Rom Coms! No matter what you say!" I make sure to flip him off as I head in the elevator. As soon as the doors shut I fall back against the wall. Fuck. FUCK. "FUCK!" I shout as I punch the door hard enough to bruise.

I fight back tears as I throw open my door and slam it shut. I'm about to loose him, my best friend. Hell, basically my only friend. But he's just moving away. Why the hell am I so upset over this? I'm acting like he's dead for fucks sake. I'm acting like not being able to physically be in the same room together is going to kill me.

Wait.... Why AM I so upset over this?

~~~ Switch to Ejirou's POV ~~~

Well that was... different than I was expecting to say the least. Other than the fact that Bakugou quite clearly didn't even talk about the whole feelings thing which just screams something is really bothering me, something about that entire conversation seemed ... forced? The words he was saying didn't match the passion in his eyes. They seemed more lost and distant. That was something entirely new. Even his "Bakugou translating" as the idiot brigade put it, was not enough. Bakugou hiding something in a completely new way can not be good. It means something quite bad probably, but I just can't pinpoint what it could possibly be. If he left that fast means I should stay away for a bit, but man this is definitely going to bother me for a while.
It did indeed bother me all week. I thought once he went to bed and cooled down for a night everything would be back to mostly normal, but not even close. First bakugou left without me to head to class, and I can count the number of times he did that this semester on one hand. Because there were NONE. Even if I was real sick he'd still be banging on my door yelling to get my lazy ass outta bed. Once I made it to class with a sadly silent walk, I waved at bakugou when I walked in. He started for a good couple seconds frozen before he scrunched his eyebrows and quickly looked away. Then after hesitating for a good few seconds, he flipped me off. Okaaaaaay? Yeah nope, something is up and very wrong.

During lessons he was just as immersed writing like Midoria after he finds a new interesting hero. Other than the occasion zoning out, nothing out of the ordinary. Lunch started out just like usual. Mina, Sero, Kami, and I were all talking about nothing and anything we could think of like always, with the occasional insult about our stupidity from Bakugou. About halfway in, Mina asked me about the job in America. "OH! Kiri! I wanted to contrats you about that job in America, but without all the class listening in. Your totally going right? Cause if it was me I'd make sure to say yes before they can change their minds. Apparently great charisma, looks, and even better humbleness isn't what every agency is looking for. Loss for them really!" As Mina was talking, I could see bakugou tense next to me and freeze.

I told her, "Well.... About that. I'm not sure yet? Don't get me wrong, I would absolutely kill it in America, but it's just so far. I'm so used to virtually all my friends just being a floor down, so being in a country almost halfway around the globe seems a bit daunting. That and I still have yet to tell Fat, and he always has the best advice. Feel like it wouldn't be right to just decide without the great sage of wisdom himself!"

"All right really thinking about this decision all responsible like. Bakugou's responsibility is really starting to wear off on you, and it still takes me off guard. Speaking of, Bakugou! I think this offer may be even better than those ones at Best Jeanest and Endeavor you were thinking about.

Might even say something you should be jealous over, seeing as you want to be number one and all." Kaminari responds back, clearly trying to egg on Bakugou. It seems bakugou didn't notice his name at all. Actually since Mina brought up this new conversation he swears he hasn't moved once. Not even a flinch or twitch of his eye like it usually does. After a few long seconds of silence waiting for the Bakugou storm to go off, Kami says his name again. This time he jolts a bit, and it seems he's finally snapped out of it.

"Not even planning on leaving the country. Being number one in another country just wouldn't be the same. That and stupid Deku is staying in Tokyo, and there's no way I'm letting him get ahead. Besides who wouldn't want this enthusiastic loveable idiot. Always been too much of a chatter box for his own good, and all of our time."

"Le gasp~ Oh my lordy, Bakugou, was that a genuine compliment? AND you used the word love in a sentence, thought I would never see the day." I say as dramatic and extra as I possibly can. Just the way that I know bakugou hates and will give an even more extra eyeroll back to. Of course he does that exaggerated eye roll right on cue.

"First of all, Fuck you. I tell you little shits about the extra villains I LOVE obliterating almost on the daily. You are nosy fuckers. Don't worry, next time I'll be sure to just have the insult." Bakugou quips back.

"You know the rule! No takies backsies now!" I let him know. God, feels like I've been saying that a lot lately.

The regular quips and insults were thrown, but with a bit less bite. The rest of class and the walk back to class were pretty normal too. He still ditched the regular vibe shesh after school for homework, but just didn't come back to the living room before heading to bed. Must have just been tired today then, that would explain the no bite today. Welp, let's hope he's better tomorrow then. I do the obligatory dad knee slap and go "Welp I guess it's time for me to head to bed, I'll see you guys tomorrow!" (not sorry, Kirishima would be like a way to nice midwestern dad)

At that all I get is a whine from Kami, "Why must Kacchan ruin you so! We all had such a good schedule of vibing, homework, and more vibing until we all almost passed out in the middle of the night. It's as all teenagers are intended. Back me up here Sero!"

After a sigh, Sero says, "Sorry man gunna head to bed too. It's the review for the test tomorrow and I want to be awake for this one, unlike LAST time." He makes sure to punctuate that last word by staring at Kami.

"All right fine be a the party pooper, it's prime time for me and Mina to hang losers. Right Mina?"

"Hell yeah your right, I need to beat your ass in Mario Kart for once. Who would've thought owning the game gives you an unfair advantage of being able to practice." Me and Sero wave as we say our good nights and head to the elevator. Sero gets off first, and I manage to drag myself to bed and almost immediately pass out. Not before I hear Bakugous door next door quietly open and close. Well, quiet for bakugou. He somehow makes even the simple things like closing a door unnecessarily aggressive. Must be finally heading to the kitchen for dinner. The words of my last thought seem to slur together as I quickly fall asleep.

**After notes**
Here's to hoping people read this story, and this little note guy. Anyways.... comments are very welcome! Tell me you like it, parts that you hate, anything is welcome. The more comments there are the more I would want to continue the story for you guys! I would love to know your thoughts on this first chapter I've been working on for months. Here's to hoping people are still in the fandom and Kiribaku ships or this will be a bit awkward. I will be honest, this is a little passion project of mine that mixes some of the best tropes I've seen into one long story. Of course there's the friends to lovers, switching POVs, at least my attempt at humor here and there, basically dating but they dense, flashbacks, able to read their emotions like a book, dense at emotions an ungodly amount, casual emotional breakdowns (aka gay panic), pinned flirting and low key wanting to kiss, tease flirting, talking emotions out with the gang, and those are all the tropes in just this chapter! I just want people to know that this story was inspired by I'd Do Just About Anything by ayoreset, but instead of bakugou going back in time, it was Kirishima. If you want a really good Kiribaku read where Bakugou goes back in time to save Kirishima, I'd highly recommend! It's one of my absolute favorite reads and I go back and re-read it every couple months!