Scars That Mend - Kiribaku Emergency Services AU

UA High School: Second Year (Spring)

Ok. So I was gay. No big deal, right? Just because I suddenly realised that fact while looking at Katsuki doesn't mean I have a crush on him, right? It's fine. I'm good. Everything is normal.

I repeated the words over and over as I headed towards the gym for football try-outs. It was the first day of second year, and I'd spent most of the break hanging with Mina. She'd tried to get me to admit I had a crush on Katsuki, but I was adamant that it was just attraction - nothing else. She'd even given me a wink and a nudge when we noticed the blonde in the all-school assembly that morning.

The gym was packed with bodies when I arrived. Coach Inui quickly noticed me, ushering me into the locker rooms to change. When I came out, along with several other students, Coach took us out to the playing field for warmups. The first years went through try-outs first, leaving older students to sit on the bleachers while we waited. 

I noticed Katsuki a few rows up, chatting with Denki and a few students I didn't recognise. The canary-haired boy waved me over; I waved back but stayed where I was, adjusting my gym socks around my calves. After a few moments passed, I glanced back up, immediately meeting the eye of the crimson-eyed blonde. He stared for a moment, his expression unreadable, then set his jaw as he glared, baring his teeth slightly in a sneer. 

"Second and third years - move it!" Coach boomed, excusing the fresh-faced first years. As we trudged onto the grass, I looked around at the group. Most people had already made the team the following year - Katsuki, Denki, Izuku - and several third years were standing to the side watching.  I was one of the few second years trying out for the first time, which made my chest tighten a little. I didn't really care about making the team; I was only trying out because I'd promised Coach. Still, the thought of missing out to some brand new first years put me a little on edge.

We started out with some basic drills, before Coach had us running plays. I barely paid attention to what was going on, mostly using my instincts from middle school to get me through the plays. After what felt like only moments, we were gathered back on the bleachers. 

"Alright - anyone who made the team last year is excused - except Midoriya and Bakugo. Kirishima, you too."

I froze up as the rest of the team headed out, leaving Katsuki, Izuku and I to wait at the edge of the field for the Coach. He approached with folded arms, glaring at the blonde and greenette.

"You two. I hope you've resolved your issues from last year." He snarled. "If I hear one more word in the teacher's lounge about you getting into fights, you're both off the team."

"Coach-" Katsuki began, but the teacher barked over him.

"No back talk, Bakugo!" He shook his head. "I won't have teammates fighting each other. Midoriya had to be benched last season because you gave him a concussion."

"He was in the way." Katsuki hissed.

"I don't care!" Coach roared. "Get over it, or get off the team. Got it?!"

"Yes Coach." The boys said in unison.

"Good." He huffed. "Kirishima?"

"Yes, Coach?"

He blinked slowly. "You made the team. Bakugo will show you the kit room."

"I'll what now?" Katsuki growled, but shrank back when Coach gave him a firm look. "Whatever. Come on, loser."

I followed the blonde away to the equipment closet, leaving Izuku to change in the locker room. The blonde flicked on a light and started rummaging through crates of gear.

"Coach will assign you a number in your first practice." The blonde mumbled as he went through one of the crates of jerseys. He pulled out a numberless jersey and tossed it to me. "For now, wear one of these." He placed his hands on his hips, gesturing to rows of boxes on a shelf. "The rest of the kit is in there - pads and helmets, all that stuff. You said you played in middle school?"