𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 | {Completed}

Chapter 15 | Back to Bath

The look in Deku's eyes that day outside Himiko's recovery room still haunted me. What did it mean? Did he still feel a little of that affection born eight years ago? Did he still feel the heartbreak and regrets as intensely as I did? 

I sighed and felt my shoulders slump. I couldn't go second-guessing his actions, not to mention I promised myself I wouldn't interfere.

"Miss Uraraka," I heard someone say. I looked up to see Captain Iida, holding a piece of paper in his hands. I quickly jumped to my feet and said,

"What news from my parents?"

"They are in a right state of worry over Miss Toga. Captain Midoriya and I have talked it over, and we believe it would be best if a selection of us went back to Bath. Not only would it ease Mr and Mrs Uraraka's conscious, but it would also mean Miss Toga would have time to heal unbothered. What do you say?" Captain Iida finished.

"Yes," I replied without hesitation.

"Then let us go to Miss Toga and see what she has to say," he said.

We quickly came to her room and, as we opened the door, Himiko said,

"Ochaco! Captain Iida!" 

I walked over and gave her a hug, carefully avoiding her injury. We drew back just as Deku strode into the room.

"Captain!" Himiko squealed, waving merrily. Deku smiled and kissed her hand.

"Good morning, Miss Toga. I hope you are feeling well," he said.

"Much better now that you're here," she flirted. I felt like burying my face in my hands, but I didn't.

"Miss Toga," Captain Iida said, "we would like to ask you a question - which two of us would you like to stay? The rest will be going home tomorrow."

"Oh, well, Ochaco and Captain Midoriya," Himiko replied without hesitation.

"I think I may have to change that, Himiko," a voice said.

We all turned and found Eijiro and Mina standing in the doorway. Mina looked a little green and she tried to stand up straight.

"I don't think I'm up for the journey home. I may need to stay here while my husband goes back to our estate," she said.

Himiko sighed but nodded.

"It's alright, Mina. I hope you feel better soon."

"I'll go home," I said, suddenly, "Himiko will have Captain Midoriya and Mina. I'm sure she'll be fine, and it would be better for me to go."

The room was quiet.

"I'll go back to Bath as well," Deku announced, "at least, I'll accompany Miss Uraraka back. Would you stay while I do that, Captain Iida?"

"Of course," replied Captain Iida.

"Excellent, I shall be back in three days or so," Deku said, cheerfully.

Then he turned his gaze to me. There was something there, and I couldn't tell what it was. But it was not unkind. 

"For now, I think Miss Toga should rest," he said, "let us go."

********
The carriage ride home was a quiet one, at least between Deku and I. Eijiro was happy to fill the silence, chattering away to me and asking if I enjoyed the trip. Personally, I was grateful. I couldn't bear a journey home without talk, especially in the presence of Deku.

When we got to my family's small estate, the two men helped with my luggage and we headed toward the front door.

A servant came out, smiling, and gave me a hug.

"Miss Uraraka!" She gasped, "I was so worried for you. Pray tell, how is miss Toga?"

I smiled weakly, tiredly.

"Thank you, Chitana. Himiko is getting much better and I'm sure she will return home soon," I replied.

Chitana sighed in relief.

"Well then, I suppose we must get this luggage upstairs. I'll get Kazuna," she said, bustling off to retrieve her husband to help.

I turned to Eijiro and Deku.

"Thank you, my good sirs. I couldn't have made it home in such fantastic timing without you. I shall see you soon... Captain Midoriya - please take good care of my sister," I choked out.

Deku nodded solemnly and met my gaze. His eyes crinkled as he smiled, and I felt my heart skip wildly around in my chest.

"I will, Miss Uraraka. I promise to take care of Miss Toga and return to you," he said. Then bowed quickly, turned on his heel, and strode away.

Eijiro grinned good-naturedly at me.

"I best be going as well. Good evening, Ochaco," he said, then gave me a hug.

"I will try and visit soon," I replied.

"Yes, please do."

Soon, the carriage rolled away from the front gate and I watched it go, trying not to appear sombre. I had enjoyed the trip, despite its flaws.

Kazuna came outside and started to collect my luggage, and I helped.

As we were heading up the stairway, the impact of Deku's words hit me.

I promise to take care of Miss Toga and return to you.

I stopped in the middle of the steps, astonished.

"Miss Uraraka?" Kazuna hedged.

But I wasn't listening. Those words were playing a drum roll in my head, over and over.

And return to you...

And return to.....you.

I tried to distinguish the meaning of his words.

There was only one possible conclusion.

He wanted to return to me. Perhaps...

He still loved me!