Upside Down - Kiribaku

Chapter 20

A/N: Sorry i haven't updated in a week, i've had exams and i actually studied for Sociology despite my ADHD telling me to do fun shit instead.

Am i proud of myself? Yes.

But am i gonna fail anyway? Probably <3

And i didn't study for my Psychology exam and i didn't know anything on the test so that was kinda my fault lmfaooo

Alsooo in the midst of a depressive episode so i'm really sorry if my writing isn't up to scratch.

BOLD = SIGN LANGUAGE

"Ground Zero! How are you since Dabi's attack?"

"Zero! Look this way!"

"Ground Zero! Are you hoping to take Number 1 today?"

"How's the scar? Do you resent Dabi?"

Bakugo gave out a couple smug smiles and nods at reporters as he passed them toward entering the main building. Today was the Hero Billboard Charts. One of the biggest days of the year. And here he was, the guy who was hated nearly 4 months ago, now a runner up for Number 1 hero.

It was strange. One thing ruined his life and another brought it all back again. To be fair, he risked his life to put the big time villain behind bars, keeping everyone in distance safe at the same time. Still, it felt odd.

Due to his quick reaction, there were only a few unfortunate casualties, but he saved many others. He supposed his strength and honesty was showcased that day. He wasn't a hero to get money. He was a hero to protect the people, and that was genuine. Perhaps, the people saw that.

There weren't many heroes like him. And that's why he was so important.

"You're popular, huh?" Kirishima grinned as he waved at a fan wearing Red Riot merch.
"Apparently." He grunted with a smirk "I think i wanna tell everyone today- If that's okay with you," He glanced over to the redhead who was gleaming with pride.
"Whatever you want, Katsuki." He nudged into the others side, gently knocking the both of them sideways.

Bakugo huffed a laugh out of his nose and let his eyes follow the ground shortly "I appreciate you so much, Ei."
"Don't i know it?" He teased with a tug on his lips.
"Mmmm" The blonde hummed, looking up again to be met with a child watching him with wide eyes, Ground Zero figurine in hand. He couldn't have been older than 5, a merch T-shirt way too big for him.

Upon noticing the boy using sign language, his expression softened.

Sighing softly, he excused himself and crouched to the ground.
"Hey, kid." He smiled "Cool shirt and figurine you got there."
The child only looked up to his mother in excitement and then back at the Pro Hero.
"Can i have a hug?" the boy asked nervously.
He met the woman's eyes, silently asking if he could pick him up to which she nodded.

Bakugo rose to his feet, scooping up the child in his arms and sitting him on his hip bone.
"So, you like heroes or what?"
"They are awesome! I want to be one some day!" He gleamed, throwing his hand up in the air afterwards.
"Oh, yeah? In that case, you're already awesome." He shrugged and the boy gazed at him.
"I am?"
He nodded assuringly "Wanting to be a hero is awesome enough as it is. What's your name?"
"Mieko"
"You're gonna be an awesome hero, Meiko." He lowered Meiko back too the ground, the boys grin reaching both ears.

Katsuki waved as he left, Meiko full of glee. Joining Eijiro's side, he was busy signing posters and such.
"Hey, Number 1," He didn't look up from signing, only applying a flirty tone to his voice.
"I'm not even Number 1."
"You will be." He handed back the autograph and continued walking, Bakugo following in suit.
"Yeah, yeah, you're a loser, you know that?" He snorted, pushing his hands into his pockets as they strolled through the double doors.
"Youve told me many a time, Kats." He chuckled.