Of Gods And Maidens

21

The day before the tournament was different. Bakugou woke Uraraka up at the same time, but he didn't seem to be in a rush to train. "Is everything okay Bakugou?" Uraraka asked while they were walking to the training field.

"It's fine." He replied.

"Okay... So why does it feel like you're not in a hurry today? You're not even yelling."

"I'm trying to not push you too hard today. Tomorrow is important."

"Oh. Your mom yelled at you today, didn't she?"

"She did not! That Old Hag hasn't even been home."

"Sure sure."

"Tch."

"So what's your version of not pushing too hard?"

"You'll see."

Bakugou, in fact, did not push her past her limits. He worked with her all day. Mina and Kiri weren't around and it was... different.

Halfway through the day Bakugou stopped their sparring. "We're done for the day."

"Are you sure?"

"Would I say it if I wasn't Cheeks?"

"Why do you insist on using that nickname even when I asked you to call me my real name?"

"Why do you answer everything with a fucking question?"

"Why are you such an asshole?"

"Tch. Be grateful we're done. The tournament is going to be hell for you."

"Fine!"

They walked back in relative silence. Both seeming to be in their own heads about the tournament.

When they got home, Mitsuki was waiting for them.

"I see you didn't run her ragged today with your training like I asked." Mitsuki stated.

Uraraka couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny dear?"

"He told me you didn't tell him to do that." She replied.

"Tch. Whatever. I'm going to my room." Bakugou pushed past Uraraka and Mitsuki and headed towards his room.

"I've been meaning to thank you for all the meals this week. They've helped a lot. Thank you Mitsuki, for everything."

"You're welcome. It wasn't much, but I wanted to help out."

"You're being modest, it was extremely helpful. And it seems like you've been really busy."

"Preparing for this festival has been time consuming."

"I can only imagine." Uraraka smiled at Mitsuki. "I should get myself cleaned up."

"I'll see you at dinner."

Uraraka nodded and headed off to her room to take a bath.

She settled into the tub comfortably. Uravity even joined her. A relaxing soak in the bathtub seemed to be one of the most amazing things she did all week.

After her soak, her body had relaxed a bit, although her muscles still ached. She threw on clothes and made her way to the dining room for dinner.

Mitsuki joined her and Bakugou as well as Ground Zero and Uravity. There was more than enough food to go around and Uraraka hadn't even realized how hungry she was until she sat down.

"How do you feel about tomorrow?" Mitsuki asked.

"Well, to be honest I'm a little nervous. I don't know what to expect. I'll try my best and that's all I can hope to do." Uraraka replied.

"It's better to be nervous. It means you're being cautious. The Brat is never nervous, he's so reckless sometimes."

"Oi! I'm right fucking here!" Bakugou yelled.

"Reckless? Really? He always seems so calm." Uraraka deadpanned.

Mitsuki started laughing, and Bakugou glared at the two.

"I like you Uraraka, you don't pull your punches with this one."

Uraraka giggled, "He probably should scare me, I mean he's an actual god, or god in training? But I know you'd protect me."

"My son wouldn't harm you anyway. He doesn't go out of the way to help the people he hates."

"He just threatens harm."

"Tch. If you two are going to talk about me like I'm not here, I'm going to my room." Bakugou grumbled.

Before they could say anything, Bakugou was out the door. The only thing heard was the door to his room slamming shut.

"I didn't mean to make him mad like that. Usually he just brushes it off..." Uraraka said.

"Tomorrow is a bit of a complicated day for him. His father used to help him prepare in the morning. It was a tradition, but now that he's missing, he's coping in his own way."

"I should go check on him. I was done eating anyway. Thank you for dinner Mitsuki."

"Of course dear. Don't stay up too late. Tomorrow is very important."

Uraraka got up from the table and left the room. When she made it to Bakugou's door she knocked softly. "Bakugou, are you in there?"

"Go away cheeks!" He yelled.

"Look I'm sorry. I didn't think I'd upset you."

"I'm fucking fine! Go away!"

Uraraka took a deep breath. She didn't want to argue with him. "Alright. For what it's worth, I'm sorry. Goodnight."

She went to her room and closed the door. She felt bad, but she couldn't dwell on it. Tomorrow was a big day. The most important one she'd had here so far. She changed and snuggled into bed. Uravity by her side and fell asleep.