Chapter Text
Izuku really shouldn't feel the way he was feeling—after all, it was his decision to keep their relationship a secret.
But wasn't it normal for boyfriends to get jealous when their significant other studies with another person alone in their room? Don’t normal boyfriends get upset when their significant other is out and doesn’t text them?
If it was so normal, then why did he feel so awful?
Izuku bit his lip as he checked his phone for the fifth time in the past 15 minutes, making sure that his phone wasn’t on silent.
And just like the past four times checked, it was definitely not on silent.
Izuku sighed, setting down his pencil next to his notebook. He really couldn’t focus on homework right now.
“Maybe I should just text him…” Izuku mumbled to himself but quickly shook his head. He didn’t want to be that clingy boyfriend that didn’t trust his boyfriend. And he definitely didn’t want to bother Kacchan while he was out with his friends.
Katsuki was currently hanging out with—much to Izuku’s surprise—Inasa Yoarashi, Camie Utsushimi, and Todoroki. Apparently, the four had developed a strange little friendship during their time retaking the provisional licensing exam.
Izuku’s phone dinged and the green-haired male nearly threw his phone in excitement. His emerald eyes gleamed until he realized that the text he received wasn’t from Katsuki.
Rather, Izuku received a group photo from Todoroki—the four were at a restaurant having dinner. Todoroki was at the very front of the photo, holding up a peace sign as he took the selfie. In the back, Inasa was grinning brightly, Katsuki sat with his arms crossed glaring at the camera, and Camie blew a kiss towards the camera.
Izuku couldn’t help but stare at the slender hand wrapped around Katsuki’s bicep and the low dip of the v-neck in Camie’s bodysuit.
A wave of unfamiliar anger bubbled in Izuku’s chest, and for a moment—just a moment—he wanted to rip Camie’s hands off of his boyfriend, wanted to be the one clinging to his arm as they took a picture.
Izuku quickly shook his head and tapped out a happy reply to Todoroki. After all, Todoroki was his friend and he was glad his friend was making friends.
And absolutely the same went for Katsuki.
Izuku nodded his head quickly. He was happy that his boyfriend was making friends, even if he knew Katsuki would never admit that he considered them to be friends.
Izuku breathed in deeply, letting his emotions wash away before he went back to his homework.
After an hour, his phone dinged again, and this time the text was really from Katsuki.
With a happy smile, Izuku opened the text message.
>We’ll be back late. Don’t wait up.
Izuku’s heart dropped. He checked the clock.
10 o’clock.
Katsuki hated being out late. After all, he was usually in bed by 8 o’clock.
Izuku bit his lip slightly before typing out a response.
Should I leave the door open for you?<
>No, it’s fine. Don’t wanna wake you.
Ah, okay…<
Izuku flopped onto his bed face first and sighed deeply.
Great.
Just great.
First, Katsuki didn't text him all evening. And now, he wasn’t even going to spend the night—something that had become a routine for them.
A chime from his phone brought Izuku out of his self-pity party.
>Everything okay?
A sad smile played on Izuku’s lips. He didn’t want to make Kacchan worry.
Yeah. Just tired. Gonna head to bed.<
>Goodnight, nerd.
>🧡
Izuku giggled softly before sending his reply.
Want kisses 🥺<
>😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘
>I’ll give you twice as many in the morning.
>Go to bed. You need sleep so your bones can grow big and strong.
Haha. You’re not funny.<
>I’m fucking hilarious, damn nerd.
>Gtg babe.
Goodnight! 💚<
Izuku smiled softly as he hugged a pillow into his chest. He never could have imagined a day when Katsuki Bakugou would text him hearts and call him ‘babe’. But here they were, together after years of pain and heartache. And Izuku couldn’t be happier.
He turned off the light by his bedside and snuggled into the warm covers.
Whatever these awful feelings were, Izuku needed to push them aside. After all, for the past three months, he had everything he wanted.
So he let his consciousness slip into a dream—a dream of warm hands wrapped around him whispering sweet nothings into his ear.
Izuku breathed deeply, sunshine warming his face. He felt a warm hand brushing through his hair and a pair of lips place gentle kisses on his forehead.
“Oi, Deku. Wake up or no breakfast for you.”
Izuku whined and buried his face into a broad chest. “Kacchan… Sleepy…”
“No, Kacchan is hungry. Now wake the fuck up.”
Izuku huffed, sending a sleepy glare to amused red eyes.
Katsuki leaned forward, placing a soft kiss onto Izuku’s lips. “‘Morning, baby.”
“G-Good morning, Kacchan…” Izuku’s face flushed a light red as he stared into Katsuki’s eyes. “What time did you get back to the dorm?”
“Around 1 or 2 in the morning,” Katsuki said with a shrug.
“O-Oh, wow… That was pretty late…” Izuku stuttered, trying to hide the bubble of discomfort rising in his chest. “S-So, what did you all do?”
“Camie and Inasa wanted to go to a karaoke bar after dinner. Since their schools are so far away, we thought it would be a waste to end the night early. They slept here overnight too.”
“O-Oh, really? Wh-Where?”
“Inasa slept in Half and Half’s room and Camie slept in Mina’s room. They’re probably already downstairs at breakfast.” Katsuki gave Izuku a final kiss on the forehead before pushing himself out of Izuku’s bed. “I’ll let you get dressed. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
Izuku nodded, watching Katsuki’s back as he left the room.
Izuku reached over to his nightstand, grabbing his phone from its charger. He saw a text from Todoroki—it was sent at 1:47 in the morning.
>We just arrived back at the dorm.
Izuku’s lips quirked up into a small smile before it dropped into a frown.
That was the only message he received.
How come Katsuki didn’t text him too?
Whenever Izuku went out, he always texted Katsuki when he arrived and when he arrived back at the dorm.
Well, it wasn’t like Katsuki had to tell him. It really wasn’t that big of a deal. Between him and Todoroki, it was more like a safety measure that started after Stain and the Hosu Incident. The courtesy, of course, extended to Iida as well.
So Izuku really didn’t understand why something so small was making him so… upset.
He quickly shook his head, quashing the uncomfortable feeling before making himself more presentable to join the others at breakfast.
As Izuku made his way down to the kitchen, he could already hear the ruckus.
“Oi! Sit the fuck down or no pancakes for you, Dunce Face!”
“But Kirishima’s gonna eat them all if I don’t claim mine!”
“I’m a growing man! I need my sustenance!”
“I’ll make more! Now shut it!”
Izuku laughed softly to himself as he entered the kitchen. Denki and Kirishima were glaring at each other while trying to hide their respective plates stacked with pancakes from each other. Sero watched in amusement as he poured syrup onto his own pancakes. Todoroki was in the kitchen standing next to Inasa while Inasa cooked his own breakfast (apparently he had an impressive appetite and didn’t want to be a rude guest by scarfing down all of the food Katsuki had already prepared for everyone else).
“Ah, good morning, Midoriya. Will you be joining us for breakfast?” Todoroki asked.
Izuku nodded quickly.
“Want some of mine? I’m making breakfast for me and Shou.” Inasa grinned while sending a happy wave towards Izuku.
“Oooor, you could have some of Bakubro’s delicious pancakes!” Kirishima exclaimed with a toothy grin. “If it’s you, Midoriya, I’m willing to share a few.”
“Hey, no fair!” Denki pouted.
“A-Ah, thanks for the offer, Inasa, but that’s okay. I think I’ll have the pancakes,” Izuku said softly as he pulled up a seat at the large dining table. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted a small smile on Katsuki’s lips as he continued to flip the pancakes on the stove.
“Oi, Shitty Hair, Dunce Face, Tape for Brains. One of you go get the girls,” Katsuki commanded gruffly.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Denki quickly exited his seat before Kirishima and Sero pulled him back down.
“No need, man. Here they come now!”
Izuku tilted his head over where Mina excitedly bounded into the kitchen.
“Pancakes?! You’re the best, Blasty!” She quickly pulled up a chair next to Kirishima.
“Good morning, Bakubabe!”
Izuku’s shoulders tensed at Camie’s playful voice. His eyes trailed after her as she followed Mina into the kitchen. While Izuku was used to seeing Mina in pajamas, his stomach twisted at seeing Camie wearing the pajamas she borrowed from Mina. The pajama shorts she borrowed rode slightly higher on her hips. Izuku’s jaw clenched as he watched Camie peek over Katsuki’s shoulders from behind, watching him make more pancakes.
"Yeah, yeah," Katsuki paid her no mind as he waved her away. "Good morning."
“First Midoriya gets to see her naked and now she’s calling Bakubro ‘Bakubabe’? Why can’t I be that lucky?” Izuku heard Denki and Sero let out matching quiet sighs.
Izuku didn’t realize how tense he was until a warm hand gently gripped his shoulder.
“Tea?”
Izuku looked up at Todoroki and nodded with a happy smile. “Thanks, Todoroki!”
Katsuki finished making the final batch of pancakes and brought them to the dining table. While Denki, Sero, Kirishima, Mina, and Camie sat on one end of the table, Katsuki sat in the middle right across from Izuku. Todoroki sat next to Izuku while Inasa sat next to Katsuki. Izuku’s lips twitched downward slightly when he saw Camie sitting next to Katsuki.
Kirishima gently elbowed Izuku’s side before handing him a plate full of pancakes that Izuku happily received. The table was full of playful banter and laughter, and a smile never left Izuku’s face as he watched the ruckus at the end of the table. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Inasa excitedly tell Todoroki a story while Todoroki only nodded, listening intently with a certain softness in his eyes. When Todoroki caught Izuku’s gaze, Izuku sent him a knowing smirk which caused a blush to rise in Todoroki’s cheeks.
A gentle nudge of his foot caught Izuku’s attention. He turned back to see Katsuki slicing up his pancakes as he yelled at Denki. But underneath the table, Katsuki gently nudged Izuku’s foot as a small gesture of affection. Izuku tried not to make his smile too obvious as he nudged his boyfriend back.
After breakfast, the group all pitched in to help clean up the dishes and the kitchen. Afterward, Camie and Inasa changed and gathered their belongings before heading to the entrance of the dorm.
“Thank you so much for having us!” Inasa bellowed as he bowed politely. “Let’s all meet up again soon!”
“Bye, Bakubabe! Bye, handsome!” Camie threw her arms around Katsuki and Todoroki in a hug before heading out with Inasa.
A small ‘hmph’ left Izuku’s lips as he watched Katsuki and Todoroki wave goodbye to their friends.
One hand clasped his shoulder and another patted him on the back.
“It’s okay, man. We know you had your eye on Camie first, but what can you do?” Denki shrugged as he gave Izuku one more comforting pat.
“Wh-What?” Izuku stuttered. “Wh-What are you talking a-about?”
“My mom always said that jealousy was a green-eyed monster,” Sero patted Izuku’s head gently. “Don’t worry, Midoriya! With that face and that body, not to mention your super sweet personality, you’ll find someone in no time!”
“U-Um… Th-Thank you?” Izuku laughed awkwardly as Sero and Denki pulled away and left Izuku to stand there.
“Midoriya.”
Izuku turned as Todoroki called his attention.
“Shall we spar?” Todoroki asked as he stood next to Izuku.
Before Izuku could respond, a familiar popping sound rattled the room.
“Back off, Icy Hot! Deku and I are training today!” Katsuki growled, sending a fierce glare towards Todoroki.
The dual-haired boy only shrugged Katsuki off. “Are you sure, Midoriya?”
Izuku quickly nodded his head. “Y-Yes! I promised Kacchan that we would train today, so…”
Izuku shifted his eyes away so he didn’t have to see Todoroki eye him suspiciously. “Well, alright then… Perhaps we can spar another time.”
Todoroki walked back to his room, and as soon as he was out of view, Katsuki quickly pulled Izuku into his arms, planting kisses all over his face.
“K-Kacchan!” Izuku giggled, playfully pushing the blonde away. “I thought we were supposed to be training!”
“Thought you wanted kisses, damn nerd,” Katsuki grinned before planting a soft kiss on Izuku’s lips.
Izuku melted into Katsuki’s embrace, throwing his arms around Katsuki neck, pulling the blonde in closer as their lips moved together. He tugged Katsuki’s hair gently as Katsuki nibbled gently on his lower lip. The two panted as they pulled away.
“K-Kacchan…” Izuku whined with a blush dusting his cheeks. “S-Someone could walk in…”
Katsuki placed one final kiss on Izuku’s forehead before releasing Izuku from his embrace. “Tch, fine. Let’s go, nerd, so I can beat your ass.”
Izuku pouted and glared at his boyfriend. “You’re not beating me this time, Kacchan.”
“Oh yeah?” Katsuki leaned, whispering teasingly into Izuku’s ear, nibbling on his earlobe. Izuku whined and gasped, his face turning a dark shade of red as a soft moan escaped his lips.
“Race you, nerd!”
And just like that, Katsuki was gone, dashing off towards the training grounds.
Izuku blinked, realization dawning on him as he activated his quirk to catch up to Katsuki.
“Kacchan, no fair!”
Over the next week, Sero’s words echoed through Izuku’s mind.
“My mom always said that jealousy was a green-eyed monster.”
Izuku pouted as he stared at himself in the mirror, sunlight from his window bouncing off of his verdant eyes.
Fate was just too cruel.
Whoever made ‘green-eyed’ the synonym for jealousy was just plain rude.
Izuku shook his head quickly.
He wasn’t a monster.
And he wasn’t jealous! He wasn’t!
Jealousy was for people who had something to lose. And Izuku…
Well, he had everything to lose…
His and Katsuki’s relationship was all so new, and even though Izuku loved the softness, the teasing, the warm, fuzzy feelings, it still felt like they were dancing around each other carefully—trying not to make a wrong move or else everything would fall away and they would fall back into the familiarity of hating each other, fighting each other, destroying each other.
Izuku felt a deep pit in his stomach form as he thought of Katsuki’s soft gaze turning back into a heated glare—the soft hands caressing him at night burning his skin.
With a gasp, Izuku turned away from the mirror.
No.
Kacchan wouldn’t do that. Not anymore.
Kacchan apologized for everything that happened in their past and Izuku promised he would do his best to forgive him. They promised they would try to work through this together.
So, really, Izuku had nothing to be jealous about, nothing to be insecure about.
Because as long as Katsuki could hold him in his arms, Izuku was safe.
Harsh knocking at his door and Uraraka’s voice brought Izuku out of his reverie.
“Deku! Hurry up or we’re going to be late for class!”
Izuku hurriedly pulled his uniform jacket on and ran out the door. “Ahhhh, I’m sorry!”
Izuku ran to the school’s main building, Uraraka, Todoroki, and Iida following leisurely behind him.
Izuku skidded to a stop. “Guys! Come on! We’re gonna be late!”
“I apologize for the trick, Midoriya, but it was a farce so that we would be early to class,” Iida explained as he pushed his glasses up.
Izuku whined. “You two were in on this?”
Uraraka giggled. “Sorry, Deku! But you know what they say, the early bird catches the worm. And you know how Iida is.”
With a huff, Izuku and his friends walked together to their classroom. As they rounded the corner, they saw Sero, Denki, and Mineta trying to sneakily peek their heads around the corner.
“Uh… What are you guys doing?” Uraraka asked before Sero quickly covered her mouth.
“Sh!” Denki shushed the group. “Bakubro’s getting a love confession by some girl from general studies. And she’s a second-year!”
The dark pit in his stomach returned at Denki’s words. Izuku bit his lip. He really shouldn’t try to see what she looked like—it would only fuel his insecurity.
But he really couldn’t help it.
Izuku peeked from around the corner and saw the upperclassman shyly handing Katsuki a letter. Of course she was beautiful, Izuku couldn’t deny that. But that wasn’t what made Izuku’s stomach drop and his heart twist painfully in his chest. Izuku was well aware that, unlike himself, Katsuki had no interest in women. It was more the fact that, as Katsuki changed and grew, people started to realize how amazing he was.
He had always been amazing to Izuku—but now, others started to see his talent, his headstrong nature, the sheer power the blonde radiated. And underneath the surface-level bristly personality was something much deeper, something much more vulnerable. Something that only Izuku was able to see, and something Izuku desperately wanted to keep to himself.
Izuku couldn’t hold back the annoyed sigh he let out. He felt his eyebrows narrow on their own.
“It really isn’t your week, man…” Denki patted Izuku’s back gently. “I didn’t even know you knew that senpai! But no worries, plenty of fish in the sea. That’s what I always say. And you, my friend, are a total snack!”
If Izuku wasn’t so upset, he would probably be too embarrassed at Denki’s words to properly respond. Good thing Iida took that exact moment to brush past everyone else and usher them into the classroom, much to the upperclassman’s embarrassment of having been watched that entire time.
“I-I-I’m so sorry!” The upperclassman bowed, her face red with embarrassment.
Katsuki only clicked his tongue and handed the letter back to her. “My answer doesn’t change. I still can’t accept this. Sorry, I guess.”
The upperclassman nodded tearfully and hurried away.
“Dang, Bakubro, way to let her down easy!” Sero and Denki threw their arms around Katsuki’s neck, much to his annoyance, as they walked into the classroom. “I totally thought you were gonna go berserk on her!”
“Why the hell would I do that?” Katsuki bit out. “I’m not that much of a jackass.”
Katsuki’s eyes glanced over to Izuku who trailed behind Iida, Todoroki, and Uraraka as they entered the classroom.
Izuku quickly looked away, a frown still etched on his face.
Throughout class, Izuku did everything he could to avoid Katsuki’s gaze. He didn’t want his boyfriend to know all of these terrible feelings that were threatening to overflow from inside him.
As soon as class ended, Izuku hurriedly packed up his things to head to lunch. He saw Uraraka, Todoroki, Iida, and Tsu coming up to his desk.
“Time for lunch!” Uraraka said happily.
Before Izuku could rise from his seat, a piercing red glare pinned him down.
“Deku will catch up. I need to borrow his notes.”
Izuku bit his lip at Katsuki’s unwavering tone. His friends glanced at him protectively, but Izuku quickly waved them off.
“It’ll only take a minute! Go ahead without me!” He said cheerily as he waved his friends away.
Once they left, Katsuki gently traced a hand over Izuku’s cheek. “Oi. What’s wrong with you.”
“N-Nothing’s wrong, Kacchan!”
Izuku quickly turned away, pulled his face away from Katsuki’s hand.
Katsuki huffed, settling for holding Izuku’s hand instead. “Don’t lie to me, damn nerd. We promised we wouldn’t hide things from each other. Now tell me what’s got you acting so weird lately.”
Izuku huffed, turning back to face Katsuki. “I haven’t been acting weird lately.”
Katsuki narrowed his eyes. “Yes, you have. Something’s off about you lately… I can’t really explain it… Look, is this about that upperclassman? I rejected her, so there’s nothing you should worry about—“
“I’m not worried!” Izuku insisted with an exasperated sigh. “Why does everyone keep thinking that…”
“Izu, what’s wrong—“
“It’s nothing, Kacchan,” Izuku said firmly as he pulled his hands away from Katsuki’s. “Let’s just go to lunch before the others start worrying…”
“Tch. Fine.” Katsuki rose from his seat in front of Izuku and headed out of the classroom. Izuku followed suit, the two walking some distance apart from each other. As he and Katsuki went their separate ways, Izuku bit his lip as he watched Katsuki’s shoulders sag slightly as he sat down with his friends.
That night, an awkward tension hung in Izuku’s room as Katsuki snuck into his bed. No words were exchanged between them, but Izuku buried his head into Katsuki’s chest, eyes begging for a goodnight kiss. Katsuki dutifully placed a gentle kiss on Izuku’s lips and one on each prominent freckle on his face.
“Kacchan?” Izuku whispered softly.
“Hm?”
“I, ummm… I—“ In that moment, Izuku wanted to pour out everything he had been feeling these past few weeks to Katsuki. Every pang of jealousy, every insecurity. But one look into those deep ember eyes had Izuku biting his tongue. “Goodnight, Kacchan…”
Katsuki let out a small breath that sounded vaguely like a sigh. “Goodnight, baby…”
The two held each other close as sleep overtook them.
Izuku happily skipped down the hall, fresh from training with All Might. On his way up to Katsuki’s room, he passed the common room where a majority of Class 1-A students were having a Mario Kart tournament. While Izuku noticed that Denki, Sero, and Mina were all there, Katsuki was missing. That wasn’t much of a surprise considering loud rambunctious gatherings were not Katsuki’s cup of tea. But Izuku was surprised to find that Kirishima was missing too.
“Are you gonna join us, Midoriya?” Todoroki asked, his eyes not leaving the screen. He was currently in first place as Princess Peach. “We can add you to the bracket.”
“I’ll join you all in a minute! Let me just drop my stuff off in my room!”
And after Izuku dropped off his things in his room, he quickly headed to Katsuki’s room. All Might had prepared a post-workout/study snack for Izuku and Izuku really wanted to share this precious meal with his boyfriend.
Izuku smiled happily as held the bento box wrapped in ribbon gently in his hands.
As he approached Katsuki’s door, he was about to knock when he heard a peal of familiar laughter erupt from the room.
“You’re pretty good at this, Bakubro! And your hands feel great!”
“Obviously I am Shitty Hair. Now, quit squirming!”
Izuku’s stomach flipped and he quickly pushed the door open, only to reveal Kirishima sitting on the floor of Katsuki’s room while Katsuki attempted to style Kirishima’s hair, his hands covered in hair gel.
“There. Done.” Katsuki said gruffly as he wiped the hair gel off of his hands.
Kirishima happily checked his hair in Katsuki’s mirror. “This looks great! Where’d you get this hair gel?”
“Best Jeanist, obviously,” Katsuki rolled his eyes.
“Heh heh, I should get this stuff!” Kirishima grinned as he turned towards the door. “Oh, hey Midoriya! Didn’t see ya there!”
Izuku let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. He realized that he must have an odd look on his face because Katsuki’s red eyes were looking at him with concern—not that Kirishima really noticed.
“T-Tournament,” Izuku stuttered as he pointed in a general direction behind him.
Kirishima gasped. “The Mario Kart tournament! It took so long to do my hair that I almost forgot! Thanks, Midoriya!” Kirishima patted Izuku’s shoulder before dashing out of Katsuki’s room.
“Izu?” Katsuki asked softly as he rose from his spot on the ground.
Izuku quickly turned on his heel as he walked away from Katsuki’s room only to be pulled back by strong arms.
“Not so fast.” Katsuki’s voice was stern as he kicked his door shut and moved Izuku over to take a seat on his bed. “You came here for something, did you?” Katsuki eyed the bento box in Izuku’s hands before reaching to grab it.
Izuku quickly pulled it away and hid it behind his back. “All Might made it. I wanted to share it with you, but I didn’t realize you were busy with Kirishima.” Izuku bit out.
“I’m not busy anymore, am I?” Katsuki knelt in front of Izuku, but Izuku hid his eyes behind his unruly hair. “Oi, why in the world are you acting so stingy?”
Izuku bit his lip, still refusing to look at Katsuki.
Crossing his arms, Katsuki let out a growl. “Oi. I’m getting real tired of your attitude, Deku.” Izuku winced at the way Katsuki said that name. “Now tell me what’s going on. I’m not a mind reader, Izu. You gotta tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“I-I’ve just been in a bad m-mood lately…” Izuku started, wringing his hands together.
“Yeah, you’ve been in a bad mood since Camie and Inasa visited. I don’t get it, Izu—Are you mad that I was out so late?”
“No! K-Kacchan can do whatever he wants—”
“Then is it about these confessions? Dammit, Izuku, I can’t control that!”
“N-No, that’s not—“
“You’ve seen me reject them, Izuku. I don’t understand— Do you want me to be meaner to them? I’m trying to be better, Izu! I’m really trying here—
“I-I didn’t like seeing you alone with Kirishima!”
Izuku quickly covered his mouth at his outburst. “W-Wait, I—“
“That isn’t fair, Deku! Kirishima is my friend.” Katsuki’s eyes narrowed into a glare pointed directly at Izuku. “You don’t see me telling you who you can and can’t hang out with, huh?”
“I-I’m not trying to tell you th-that—“
“Do you not want me to have friends, Deku? I thought you’d be happy for me!”
“I-I am, Kacchan! Just let me explain! I-I was jealous and—“
“Why the hell would you be jealous? Do you not trust me or something?” Katsuki yelled, making Izuku shiver.
Izuku glared back at Katsuki with tears starting to brim in his green eyes. “W-Well, you’re always so much nicer to him than anyone else!”
“Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe it’s because he’s a good friend? He’s being a lot better of a friend than you are right now, Deku!”
A few tears started falling from the corner of Izuku’s eyes. “If you’re tired of me already, then just say so, Katsuki!”
Katsuki flinched as Izuku used his real name. “I’m not gonna fucking say that, Izuku! But I am getting real tired of your bullshit! So if you’re not gonna say anything useful, just leave!”
A heavy silence hung between the two before Izuku ducked his head down to cover his eyes as he ran back to his room leaving Katsuki all alone, fists clenched tightly.
Three days passed, and neither Katsuki nor Izuku made a move to speak to the other. Izuku was restless each night they spent apart—the dark shadows under his eyes a testament to that.
It would be wrong for Izuku to say that Katsuki was faring significantly better than he was. Katsuki’s mood grew angrier and more foul the longer they spent apart. He was more prone to snapping at their classmates the same way he did when they first enrolled in UA.
Izuku sighed, wanting nothing more than to kiss the blonde’s cheek and rub his arms until he calmed down. Looking down at his hands, Izuku didn’t think Katsuki would appreciate that right now…
As soon as their final class ended, signaling the weekend, Izuku watched Katsuki hurriedly change in the locker room, not once sparing Izuku a single glance.
With one last heavy sigh, Izuku grabbed the small duffel bag that he had stuffed into his gym locker.
“Going somewhere?”
Izuku jumped at the voice that startled him. “T-Todoroki! Y-Yeah…” Izuku clenched the strap of his duffel bag tighter. “I’m going home for the weekend to visit my mom…”
Todoroki nodded. “Perhaps it’ll help you get a good night’s rest.”
Gently, Izuku brushed the pads of his fingers underneath his eyes. He let out a dry chuckle. “They look that bad, huh…”
“You know, you can talk to me, right?” Todoroki placed a gentle hand on Izuku’s shoulders and Izuku leaned into the contact.
“Of course I know that,” Izuku said with a soft smile. “But this is something I have to figure out on my own…”
“I’ll be here to support you in any way that I can.” Todoroki gently squeezed Izuku’s shoulder.
“Thanks, Todoroki. And don’t worry, Aizawa-sensei and Iida know that I’m leaving for the weekend. I’ll be back Sunday night!” Izuku grinned brightly as he and Todoroki exited the locker room.
The train ride home was silent save for the music blasting through Izuku’s earbuds. He checked his phone once, twice, five times—no texts from Katsuki.
Izuku sighed. Maybe it was wrong not to tell Katsuki that he was going home this weekend. But after their fight, he wasn’t sure Katsuki would even care to reply.
Izuku’s heart ached—he wanted to spend this weekend lazing around in bed with Katsuki, sharing kisses, training together… But Izuku just had to blurt out the wrong this at the wrong time. Maybe their argument would resolve itself on its own, Izuku thought hopefully. Or maybe, Katsuki would realize that their relationship was a mistake and Izuku’s heart would shatter on the spot.
Izuku rubbed his eyes, willing the negative thoughts out of his head. He really didn’t want to start sobbing on the train full of strangers.
As soon as he entered his home, his mother greeted him with a tight hug.
“Oh, Izuku! I’m so happy you’re visiting this weekend! I’ve missed you so much! Have you eaten yet? You must be hungry! I made all of your favorites! Oh, honey, you look like you haven’t slept in days! They must be working you so hard! Come, come, let’s eat!”
Izuku slipped his shoes off and followed his mom into the kitchen before grabbing her hand gently.
“M-Mom?” He sniffled. “I-I have something to tell you… A lot of things to tell you, actually…”
“Oh, Izuku…” Inko brought Izuku to the living room, sitting next to him on the couch. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“W-Well… First, I g-guess, I should probably tell you that K-Kacchan and I are dating…” Izuku let out a wet chuckle as tears pooled in his eyes.
“O-Oh, honey, that’s great! Isn’t it?” Inko asked cautiously as she rubbed the tears away with her thumbs.
“W-We got into a fight… And it’s all my fault…” Izuku let the tears pour freely down his face as his mom enveloped him in a tight hug.
“Oh, honey… I’m sure that isn’t true…” Inko rubbed Izuku’s back.
“But it is, mom!” Izuku sobbed. “I’m the one who got jealous for no good reason and I’m the one that hurt Kacchan and made him mad and I’m the one who’s keeping Kacchan from being with someone better!”
“Izuku, you are so good, sweetie. You’re wonderful and amazing, and that doesn’t change just because I’m your mom.” Inko kissed Izuku’s forehead gently. “And if, if what you’re so scared about is true—why would you want to be with someone who doesn’t appreciate you?”
“B-But mom!”
Inko shushed her son as she rocked him gently in her arms. “Trust me when I say this, Izuku. Don’t fight for someone who doesn’t want to be with you.”
Izuku sniffled as he allowed her words to sink in.
“But that’s not what this is all about, right? You said you two got into a fight?”
Izuku nodded and explained to his mom all of the little things that started to pile in his mind—Camie’s flirtatious behavior and Katsuki’s nonchalant reaction to it, being out so late without bothering to text Izuku, the confessions that Katsuki received, Izuku’s jealousy and anger at seeing Katsuki alone with another boy in his room (even if that boy was Kirishima could do no wrong).
Izuku sighed. “Well, now that I’m saying all of this out loud, it sounds pretty ridiculous…”
Inko smiled softly. “Perhaps… But that doesn’t make your feelings any less valid, sweetie… I’ve always known that you were a self-conscious kid, but I didn’t realize how deep it went…”
Izuku whimpered. “I-Is there something wrong with me?”
Izuku’s stomach dropped and his heart sank just like it did when the doctor told him he was quirkless.
Inko quickly grasped his hands. “No sweetie! Absolutely not! Some people just need more reassurance than others. That’s not a bad thing. And if you’re with someone who really loves you, they won’t mind giving you the extra reassurance you need. Have you told Katsuki any of this?”
Izuku shook his head, his face flushing at the ‘L’ word. “I-I tried but… I didn’t do a very good job… And then we fought and we haven’t spoken to each other in days… I just wanted to come here to get away from it all…”
“Oh, sweetie…” Izuku squeezed her son tightly. “If you aren’t hungry just yet, go ahead and take a nap for as long as you need to. I’ll wake you in time for dinner.”
Izuku smiled sadly. “Thanks, mom…”
He headed to his childhood bedroom that felt much smaller now and dropped onto his bed. At least Katsuki had never slept with him on this bed, Izuku thought. But his body still yearned to feel Katsuki beside him, to breathe in the sweet scent of caramel and burnt sugar that radiated from Katsuki’s body. It didn’t take long for Izuku’s exhausted body to give in to the warmth of his covers.
Loud, brash knocks on her door forced Mina to open the door as quickly as she could. “Blasty, what gives?” Mina was currently doing a self-care routine after class, a clay mask was smeared on her face and the slices of cucumber for her eyes were lying on her desk on a paper towel.
“Need to talk.” Katsuki forced his way into her room as he sat down on her floor with his arms crossed.
“Geez, what’s gotten you so grumpy lately?” She asked as she joined Katsuki on the floor.
Katsuki paused to think while Mina sipped on the hot chocolate she made.
“If you were dating someone—“
“Ha!”
“IF you were dating someone, would you get jealous if they were hanging out with someone in their room?”
“Hm… Door open or closed?”
“Does it fucking matter?”
“Of course it matters! Door open means you have nothing to hide and you’re not doing anything that warrants the door being closed.” Mina pointed out as she sipped her hot chocolate.
“W-Well what if it was just a friend in your room?”
“Is that friend cute?”
“DOES IT FUCKING MATTER?”
“Oh, Blasty, Blasty, Blasty,” Mina said as she clicked her tongue. “This is basic relationship etiquette and respect.”
“But I haven’t done anything to make him distrust me!” Katsuki growled as he crossed his arms before realizing his mistake. “I-I mean! They— theoretically!”
Mina sighed before scooting closer to Katsuki. “Why don’t you just tell me what this is really about? It’ll make it a lot easier to help you, you know.”
Katsuki grunted with a sigh. “Izuku and I have been dating for a few months now…”
Mina screamed as she jumped from her seat. “No freaking way! Who else knows?!”
“Just you. And it better stay that way.” Katsuki glared at her as she sat back down.
Mina gasped. “Not even Kiri knows?!”
“No, he doesn’t— Why is that so surprising?!”
“Well, honestly, I figured that if you would date anyone, it would be Kiri,” Mina shrugged. “He is the only person that you tolerate, after all. No wonder poor Izuku’s jelly.”
“That’s different!” Katsuki growled. “And what do you mean by that?!”
“Obviously poor Izu feels threatened,” Mina pointed out. “Maybe not because of Kiri. Maybe because of something else! Maybe Izu’s just insecure about your relationship.”
“B-But I haven’t done anything that would make him not trust me!” Katsuki huffed as he bashed his head against her coffee table.
“Well… Have you done anything to make him feel… secure?”
“What, is sleeping in his bed every night not enough?” Katsuki shot Mina a glare. Mina’s mouth opened wide. She was about to say something before Katuski quickly interrupted her. “N-Not like that, you damn perv!”
Mina let out a ‘hmph’. “Well, maybe Izu needs something more?”
Katsuki groaned. “I’m not a damn mind-reader.”
“That’s true.” Mina nodded as she patted Katsuki’s head. “Izu definitely needs to tell you what he needs. And if he’s not sure of what he needs, then he should still try to figure that out with you.”
“That’s what we promised to do…” Katsuki sighed. “What am I doing wrong…”
“Maybe he just didn’t feel comfortable sharing with you?”
“But I’m his boyfriend!”
Mina quickly swatted Katsuki’s head. “Did you also forget that you spent the majority of your lives trying to rip each other’s throats out? Trust isn’t built overnight, Blasty.”
“Tch, you don’t have to beat around the bush… That was all me…” Katsuki looked down at the floor sadly. “You’re probably right though…”
“Of course I am!” Mina grinned as she pulled Katsuki up off of the floor. “Come on, you gotta apologize to your man and yes, he should apologize to you too. Now off you go! Go buy him some flowers and, you know, don’t yell at him!”
Katsuki grumbled a few curses as Mina shoved him out of her room.
He quickly made his way into town and bought the first arrangement of flowers he saw (a bouquet of half a dozen roses). Since he didn’t get permission to leave campus, Katsuki made sure his trip was quick so Aizawa wouldn’t yell at him later on.
Holding the bouquet of flowers tightly behind his back, Katsuki quickly made his way to Izuku’s room, careful to avoid the other students lounging about throughout the dorm.
“Just say sorry…” Katsuki inhaled and released, calming his nerves as he approached Izuku’s door.
He knocked on the door gently. “Izu?” He whispered. After Katsuki knocked, Izuku’s door creaked open, causing Katsuki’s brows to furrow. Peeking inside the room, Katsuki saw that the lights were turned off. He quickly checked his phone. No new messages.
A cold chill ran up Katsuki’s back. That wasn’t right. If Izuku had left, he would have texted Katsuki. He always texted Katsuki. Katsuki’s eyes quickly scanned over the room for any signs of a struggle. Did the League get him? No, no… Maybe he was out training. But if he was out training, he would have left a light on or something.
“He went home to visit his mother,” a cool voice brought Katsuki out of his worried daze.
Katsuki turned around and glared at Todoroki who merely shrugged as he sipped on a glass of water.
Todoroki brushed past Katsuki, knocking his shoulder as he passed making Katsuki growl in anger. “Also, his favorite flowers are lilies. He likes the way they smell, and his mother has a garden full of them in their backyard.”
Katsuki bit his lip, wanting to curse Todoroki as he walked away. But his eyes dropped down to the roses in his hands—stems green like Izuku’s eyes, petals red as his own. He dropped the flowers off in his room and quickly marched to the teacher’s dorm. Hopefully, he would be able to see Izuku tomorrow. But tonight, he would have to settle for sleeping alone… Maybe that would give him enough time to sort his thoughts out.
Izuku wiped his brow with his forearm as he finished painting the small picket fence for his mom’s garden. “All finished, mom! Just gonna let these dry before I put them up!”
“Thank you, sweetie!” Inko called through the window in the kitchen.
“Do you need any more help? I’m just gonna do some homework.” Izuku asked as he walked into the house and washed the paint off of his hands.
“Go ahead and do whatever you need to, sweetie,” Inko smiled as she finished washing the dishes. “I’ll call you when lunch is ready.”
“Okay!” Izuku hurried back to his room and started working on his assignments for the coming school week. Apparently, the past few nights of restless sleep were catching up to Izuku, so after finished three assignments, he decided to treat himself to a nap.
A nap that lasted several hours.
When she finished preparing lunch, Inko peeked into Izuku’s room and found the boy dead asleep, snoring away. With a soft smile on her face, Inko gently closed the door to his room and made her way back to the living room. Since Izuku came back, he helped her around the house, so all of the chores she would normally do on Saturdays were finished, leaving her with a lot of spare time. So she decided to catch up on the latest TV drama while enjoying a cup of tea.
A soft knock at her front door caught her attention.
“Just a moment!” Inko opened the door only to be greeted by a familiar blonde boy who now towered over her.
“H-Hi, auntie…” Katsuki greeted shyly as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Is Izuku home?” The boy looked winded as if he ran all the way from the train station to her house.
Inko stifled the strong urge to glare at the boy causing her son so much heartache. But she still loved the blonde boy like her own, even though he had dropped out of their lives for quite a bit of time.
“Yes he is, but… He’s taking a nap right now.” Inko knew that she could easily wake Izuku up with the mention that Katsuki had stopped by. But she wanted to make Katsuki wait just a bit longer. “Actually, I could use your help with something.”
Inko didn’t let Katsuki into her home. Instead, she led him around to the back where the small fence Izuku painted was drying in the sun. “Izuku painted these earlier, but I could use some help putting it up. I’m afraid I can’t stay hunched over for too long anymore or else my back will hurt for the next few days,” she laughed softly.
Katsuki nodded his head quickly, setting a bouquet of flowers down before he got to work. As Katsuki set up the fence, the hot afternoon sun beat down on his skin. He was careful to wipe his hands often so as to not accidentally blow something up. And Inko was kind enough to refill his glass of lemonade often.
Once he was finished, Inko asked him if he would be so kind as to water the plants for her. The sun was starting to set, causing the house’s shadow to loom protectively over the garden. That way, the water would soak into the soil without evaporating too quickly. Katsuki obliged. He held the hose in his hands as he watered each plant dutifully. He knew what Inko was doing—trying to keep him out of the house as long as she could. Maybe she hoped he would break and decide to come another time. But Katsuki was anything if not diligent when it came to seeking something he wanted. And what he wanted right now was to apologize to Izuku.
So he watered the garden in the back and the flowers by the front patio before coming back inside. Then, he helped Inko with the dishes, helped sweep the floor, wiped the countertops, cleaned the windows, watered all of the houseplants, fixed the bent antennae on the TV, and showed Inko how to use Herogram. When he was finally finished, he grabbed a glass of water and noticed that the kitchen table was already set and the food was covered.
“Ah, Izuku slept through lunch,” she explained softly. “Will you be joining us for dinner? I can make more food. Spicy too.”
Katsuki noticed a glint in her eyes. He took a deep breath. “M-Maybe, auntie… If that’s okay with Izuku…”
Inko nodded. Apparently, that was the right answer. “I’ll heat the food then. Would you mind waking him?”
Katsuki quickly shook his head, dashing over to Izuku’s room before entering slowly. He saw a familiar lump snuggled under the covers. Katsuki couldn’t help but chuckle at the light snores that filled the room.
Gently peeling back the covers, Katsuki settled in next to Izuku, gently stroking his hair. “Oi, nerd… Time to wake up…”
Izuku let out a whine as he cuddled closer to Katsuki. “Kacchan… Tired…”
With a soft snort, Katsuki placed a kiss on Izuku’s forehead. “No, Kacchan is hungry… So hurry up and wake up so we can eat.”
Izuku only wrapped his arms around Katsuki’s chest tighter, quickly shaking his head. In his half-asleep daze, he only breathed in the scent of caramel and burnt sugar, letting out soft snores.
Katsuki’s chest rumbled with laughter, gently shaking Izuku awake. The green-haired male rubbed his sleepy eyes open. Deep red stared down into deep green, and for a moment, Izuku forgot where he was. The only thing that mattered was Katsuki’s arms around him, warmth radiating from the blonde’s skin. Izuku almost forgot that he wasn’t in his dorm room at UA but he was, in fact, in his childhood bedroom at home. And he was at home because…
Izuku’s eyes turned downward as he gently pushed himself away from Katsuki.
But Katsuki drew him back into his chest, rubbing Izuku’s back with warm hands. “I got scared when I found out you weren’t at the dorm… You didn’t tell me you were going home this weekend…”
“Didn’t think you would reply…” Izuku mumbled into Katsuki’s chest.
Silence bloomed between the two. Izuku traced small shapes onto Katsuki’s back while one of Katsuki’s hands gently threaded through Izuku’s green curls.
“Izu—“
“Kacchan—“
The two spoke at the same time, breaking the silence.
“Can I go first?” Katsuki asked gently.
Izuku slowly nodded his head, bracing himself for the worst.
Katsuki didn’t stop rubbing small circles onto Izuku’s back. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry for yelling at you when you were trying to tell me what was wrong… And I’m sorry for pushing you to tell me when you weren’t ready… And I’m sorry that, for whatever reason, you didn’t feel comfortable telling me…”
Izuku quickly shook his head. “D-Don’t apologize for that, Kacchan… I didn’t tell you because I… I was ashamed about how I was feeling and I didn’t want to bother you with it…”
Katsuki tilted Izuku’s chin up so he could look his boyfriend in the eyes. Tears pooled at the corner of Izuku’s green eyes, and Katsuki gently traced the freckles on Izuku’s face. “We promised to try, Izuku… If there’s something you need to talk about, that’s not bothering me… That’s helping me better understand how you’re feeling…”
Izuku sniffled. “I’m sorry for saying mean things to you, Kacchan.”
“I’m sorry too, Izu… You know I’d never get tired of you, right?” Katsuki placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I’m not leaving you just because we fought once… We’ve fought our whole lives. If anything, I’m worried you’re gonna get tired of me.” Katsuki let out a soft chuckle. “I hope you know that you have nothing to be jealous about… I’m all yours, you dumb nerd.”
The two shared a soft kiss, tangling their limbs together before pulling away.
“Now will you tell me why you were so upset?” Katsuki asked, grasping Izuku’s hand gently.
Izuku buried his head in Katsuki’s chest. “W-Well… When you were out with Camie and Inasa… I didn’t like how Camie was all over you…”
Katsuki let out a laugh and Izuku smacked his chest. “Kacchan!”
“Heh, sorry, Izu,” Katsuki apologized with a laugh. “Trust me, that’s just how she is. She’s definitely not into me like that. She even said that I’d be a lot better if I just didn’t talk.”
At that, Izuku giggled. “Well…”
Izuku let out a squeal as Katsuki punished him by tickling his waist. “K-Kacchan, stop!”
With a chuckle, Katsuki let Izuku go. “Alright, what else?”
Izuku returned to his spot in Katsuki’s arms. “I didn’t like how the only text I got from you that night was that you would be back late… Todoroki was the one who sent me the picture and he was the one who texted me when you came home…” Izuku mumbled softly, “I don’t need to know where you are 24/7, but it would be nice to know that you got home safe…”
“Yeah…” Katsuki stroked Izuku’s hair. “After your disappearing act yesterday, I know it doesn’t feel good not knowing where you are…”
“I didn’t mean to be petty, Kacchan, I promise…” Izuku kissed the tip of Katsuki’s nose. “A-And about Kirishima…”
Katsuki shook his head. “No, it’s okay… I can understand why that would have made you feel uncomfortable… I promise I’ll keep my door open if I have someone in my room.”
“Y-You don’t have to do that, Kacchan!” Izuku quickly waved his hands. “I-I don’t want to force you to do something—“
Katsuki grasped Izuku’s hands and placed gentle kisses over his knuckles. “You’re not forcing me to do anything, Izuku. I want you to feel comfortable and secure. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t feel like you’re gonna lose me.”
Izuku’s eyes brimmed with tears as he stared into Katsuki’s—there was a softness and sincerity in his eyes that Izuku hadn’t seen before. “K-Kacchan…”
Gently, Katsuki used one of Izuku’s hands to pat himself on the cheek. “I was a bad Kacchan… I’m sorry, Izuku.”
With a sniffle, Izuku let out a giggle as he pulled Katsuki into a deep kiss. Katsuki gasped as Izuku nibbled on his bottom lip, letting Izuku slip his tongue into Katsuki’s mouth. Katsuki groaned as his hand cupped the back of Izuku’s neck, bringing the smaller male closer to him. Izuku gently rolled them over so he was on top of Katsuki, gently rubbing his hands over the blonde’s chest. When the two pulled away, they panted, breathless as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“Oi, nerd.”
“Yes, Kacchan— Eek!”
Izuku squealed as Katsuki flipped them over. Katsuki caged Izuku’s head between his hands as he leaned over the boy, red eyes staring down at him hungrily.
“K-K-Kacchan?” Izuku shivered as heat rose to his face.
“I’ve gone days without any kisses, Izu. So what are you going to do about that?” Katsuki whispered into Izuku’s ear before placing gentle kisses on Izuku’s neck.
“Ngh, K-Kacchan!” Izuku whined as Katsuki planted his lips on his.
When they emerged from Izuku’s room several minutes later, their lips were bruised and hair mussed, a light blush covering both of their faces. Izuku was thankful to see that his mom had decided to go to bed early.
“Oi, Deku,” Katsuki said sternly as they sat down at the kitchen table. “You should help out your mom more often around the house. I had to do all kinds of chores today.”
Izuku could barely bite back a smile as Katsuki recounted everything Inko had asked of him.
“Ah… Kacchan?”
Katsuki stopped mid-sentence.
“I… I actually did all of that stuff earlier today. Well, except Herogram. Thanks for teaching her how to do that, Kacchan!” Izuku beamed a bright smile at his boyfriend who stared back at him with a blank look on his face.
“B-Bakugou-san!”
Izuku and Katsuki paused their conversation as a student from the support department ran up to Katsuki. The male held a letter in one hand and a bento box in the other.
“B-Bakugou-san, I really admire you! I-I know that you’ve rejected every girl that’s confessed to you, s-so I thought that I might h-have a chance! Please, accept my feelings!”
The boy bowed, keeping his head down as he waited for Katsuki’s response.
Class 1-A all peeked through the doorframe of their classroom as they watched the event unfold.
“Woah… I think this is the first time a guy has confessed to Bakubro!” Denki gasped. “How come he gets both girls and guys?!”
“Fear is a powerful aphrodisiac?” Sero shrugged.
“Hey, extra.”
The support student stood up straight, awaiting Katsuki’s response. But his jaw immediately dropped as Katsuki pulled Izuku in for a deep kiss.
Mina screamed as she took photos.
Uraraka fainted.
The rest of Class 1-A stood in shocked silence.
And Todoroki sipped on a cup of tea Momo handed him.
Katsuki pulled away with a smirk as Izuku turned into a blushing, stuttering mess. “Sorry. But you just ain’t my type.”
The poor support student ran off with a sob.
“Kacchan!” Izuku smacked Katsuki’s shoulder. “You didn’t have to be so mean!”
“Well, I can’t have you getting jealous again,” Katsuki let out a snarky laugh as he wrapped an arm around Izuku’s waist before pulling him into another kiss. He had no problem flipping off his classmates that hooted and whistled at them.