Chapter Text
“There you are!”
Shouto jerks awkwardly in place from his spot on the floor, the sudden interruption startling him. He’s not used to being disturbed when he’s lounging around the second floor of the grand training room. Most of the idiots here know better than to bother him, but just from the voice alone, Shouto can tell this isn’t just any other lackey interrupting his peace and quiet. He looks up from his phone screen, and sure enough, it’s Deku standing in front of him with a shy smile on his face. He’s dressed in his usual white work out shirt, black nylon shorts, wild curls pressed away from his face with a sweat band. Except those freckled cheeks aren’t flushed with exertion nor is his shirt sticking to his defined chest from sweat. Deku must have caught Shouto just as he was about to go work out.
Noticing that he now has Shouto’s attention, Deku gives him an adorable little wave.
The action causes Shouto’s heart do a little flip in his chest and it’s such a foreign feeling that he blinks stupidly in response. He sits there for a moment, unsure if he should wave back until the opportunity to do so, without looking like an idiot, passes. Awkwardly, Shouto clears his throat instead and asks, “What are you doing here?”
“Oh uh...” Deku stammers a light blush painting his cheeks, “I was looking for you.”
Looking for him?
“Why?”
Even though he asks, Shouto has a feeling he already knows why. After all, they haven’t seen each other since he passed out in the infirmary two days ago.
Not that he’s been actively avoiding Deku. Shouto knows better than to try that tactic again. It’s just that, ever since the incident, Shouto’s pretty much kept to himself and tuned out everything around him. Including his family.
Everything had just seemed so damn irritating and pointless at the time. Perhaps it was a lingering side-effect of his concussion or Shouto being the recluse his sister claims him to be. He doesn’t care. Shouto was more than happy to just hang around and pretend to be dead to the world.
It's not like he can really do much while recovering anyway. That and well, he’s also had a lot on his mind lately since their argument in the cafeteria.
That day hadn’t just been an eye-opener for Shouto. No, Deku had given him so much more than a reality check. He’d given Shouto a key. A key that had allowed Shouto to remove one of the shackles binding him to Endeavor.
And wow had that felt liberating.
Enough so, that Shouto’s been questioning the rest of the ties keeping him in his father’s grasp ever since.
So, more than anything, Shouto’s been spending this time rummage through all his emotional baggage and reinforcing the plan.
“You didn’t show up this morning, so I was worried that you might be avoiding me again,” Deku admits awkwardly, effectively bringing Shouto back to the present.
And he hates just how the other’s confession makes guilt settle heavily in his chest.
“I wasn’t,” Shouto mutters, even though it’s a lie, “I just can’t train right now.”
He points to his head as a reminder, despite Shouto knowing that’s not what Deku means.
“Well yeah, but I was more worried about our argument in the cafeteria,” the other says slowly, confirming Shouto’s suspicions. “I wanted to find you so that I could apologize.”
Shouto’s stomach twists painfully.
No.
That’s the last thing he wants to hear.
Deku shouldn’t be apologizing for anything.
Especially not for that.
Not when it’d meant everything to Shouto.
“Apologize for what?” Shouto snaps and instantly regrets it when Deku flinches away from him.
Be nice. The little voice in his head, that sounds an awful lot like Fuyumi, reminds him.
“I...I meant everything I said, but considering the state you were in, maybe I should have saved it for another day,” Deku explains softly.
Oh.
OH.
Good.
“No...It’s fine,” Shouto mutters, suddenly feeling embarrassed and looking back down at his screen to avoid the other’s gaze. He can’t believe that after everything, he still has a hard time reigning his temper in around Deku.
But honestly, who can blame him?
All of this is strange and new to Shouto.
Whatever this relationship between them is.
“I really needed to hear that so...thanks,” Shouto tries again and when he glances back at Deku, he sees the other fidgeting with pink dusting his cheeks.
Cute.
“S-so you mean you’re going to start using your fire from now on? I really changed your mind?” Deku say eagerly, moving even closer to Shouto in his excitement. When he nods, Deku’s eyes light up with a spark that makes them look like sea glass.
Suddenly, Shouto begins to feel very overwhelmed.
“You uh did, but it might take some time before I’m really comfortable using it,” he confesses, worried that it might damper the other’s mood.
Surprisingly, it has the opposite effect instead.
“Oh yes, of course you’d feel that way,” Deku stammers so quickly that it’s almost hard to understand him. It only gets worse from there though. Shouto blinks in awe as Deku begins muttering and going on a tangent right before his eyes.
He catches a few things here and there, but mostly Shouto fails to keep up. All he knows is that somewhere along the way, Deku mentions something about strategies and maybe even weaknesses involving both sides of his quirk.
Who knows?
It goes on for a full five minutes before Deku realizes what he’s doing, abruptly stops, and begins to apologize profusely. He even gives a few jerky bows for added measure.
“Don’t,” Shouto interrupts with a huff, “If I’m going to start using it again, then I think some of that info will be useful.”
Deku does stop, but by the way he scratches at the back of his neck, Shouto can tell he is clearly still embarrassed.
“You mean that?”
“I do.”
Despite saying so, the other still desperately searches Shouto’s face for any sign of a lie. Enough so that it makes Shouto’s heart sink. Deku has probably been conditioned to be ashamed of this part of himself and Shouto doesn’t understand why. He enjoys discovering Deku’s interesting habits.
“Oh, are you watching cat videos or something?”
Shouto blinks, the sudden change in subject throwing him off.
“What?”
Deku points down at the phone in Shouto’s lap and leans closer, trying to get a better peek at the screen.
Oh that.
“No, that’s my cat.”
Deku’s gasps, his eyes lighting up and sparkling as he takes in this new information. It reminds Shouto of the expression little kids make when they’re in a candy store. Except, Shouto has never seen it on anyone around his age, much less towards himself.
“You have a cat?”
“Yes, I just said that I do,” Shouto says slowly, not understanding Deku’s interest in his pet.
“Can I see?”
A part of Shouto wants to lock his screen and shove the phone away safely in his pockets, but an even bigger part wants to share this part of himself to Deku. Other than his brother and sister, no one knows about the existence of Mochi. It’s not something he’s purposely kept a secret, it’s just that no one else has ever asked. So, Shouto doesn’t see the harm in letting him see.
“Sure.”
He’s not sure how, but Deku seems to brighten even more, a wide grin spreading across his face. Shouto grabs his device, ready to hand it to the other, but Deku throws him off by squatting down and adjusting so that he’s sitting cross-legged right next to Shouto.
Oh.
A familiar whiff of mint fills his nostrils and Shouto swears the skin on the left side of his body starts sizzling.
“Is this from a camera recording from your house?”
Deku’s voice is like honey next to his ear and it makes a shiver run down Shouto’s spine.
What the hell is happening to him?
Why is he reacting so strangely to nothing at all?
The other stares at him expectantly and Shouto decides to compartmentalize all that later. He clears his throat before responding, “Yeah, my cat likes to destroy my apartment while I’m away, so I like to keep watch.”
Deku chuckles at that, “I’m sure he’s not that bad.”
“Trust me, she is,” Shouto says with a soft sigh as he thinks of every single item his cat has knocked over and broken the past year alone. “I swear Mochi does it as revenge for not spending time with her.”
“Oh, Mochi is such a cute name,” Deku coos before looking away from the screen to meet Shouto’s gaze, “Why aren’t you at home resting with her now?”
Resting at home?
Shouto nearly snorts at that. He can’t remember the last time he took a day off from this hell hole. Even as a kid, his father had never allowed him such luxuries. It didn’t matter if he came home from a mission bruised and battered, Shouto was expected to be ready at any given moment.
One time, while escaping the police, Shouto had broken his leg from slipping on his own ice and falling two stories to the ground. It had been a miracle he hadn’t gotten caught that day and the pain Shouto had felt as he wobbled home had been excruciating. Endeavor didn’t care though. Even in agony, Shouto had been forced to train with him the next day.
“I don’t really take days off,” Shouto explained, deciding to keep the rest to himself.
“What?” Deku gasps.
“If I’m not home sleeping, then I’m either here or out on a mission.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Deku sputters as he really looks at Shouto, “When was the last time you went out and had fun with friends?”
Well, that’s a no brainer. Especially since his father discourages him from having them.
Rather than admit that, Shouto shrugs.
Deku frowns and immediately Shouto wishes he’d lied instead. Anything to prevent that expression from crossing the other’s face again. He doesn’t need Deku’s pity, but he also hates being the cause of that frown.
“Well then, that’s going to change starting today.”
Huh?
“We’re going to go out and do something fun!” Deku announces cheerfully.
“Like what?” Shouto asks carefully, not sure if he really should be encouraging the other like this.
It’s not like he’s against the idea, but again Shouto’s never done something like this before. What if his ill-tempered mouth ruins things again? What if he does something wrong and it makes Deku regret hanging out with him all together?
“I don’t know, but I’ll come up with something.”
When Shouto doesn’t respond, Deku nudges him gently with his elbow. “Come on, unless you need to be here for a reason?”
Shouto swallows around the lump of anxiety stuck in his throat. It’s not like Fuyumi or Natsuo will come looking for him. Even if his father were to find out, the man is miles away, so there’s no way he could severely punish him for playing hooky either.
As for ruining his plans for Deku, Shouto would just have to be on his best behavior and follow social cues.
Be nice. Be nice. Be nice.
“No, I don’t absolutely need to be here...”
“Great!” Deku practically shouts while beaming. He jumps up from his spot on the ground and turns to offer Shouto a hand up. “Are you hungry?”
Shouto accepts the help, trying his hardest not to focus on the warm palm in his and the strong body pulling him up. The mention of food makes his stomach growl in anticipation.
“I guess I could eat.”
“Okay, how about this?” Deku says as he pats the dust off his shorts, “Give me fifteen minutes to get out of these gym clothes and I’ll meet you back here?”
Shouto hesitates, but any doubts he has fades away when Deku gives him a cheery smile.
Crap.
He can’t disappoint Deku now. Not after everything he’s done for Shouto.
“Alright. I’ll be here.”
And when Deku takes off with a skip in his step, Shouto tries hard not to smile at his retreating back.
While Deku is changing, Shouto goes to his private room to pick up a hat for their outing. It comes down to two choices, either his favorite cap or that awful beanie. As much as he wants to reach for the white cap though, the black beanie will have to do. If they are going to be eating inside a restaurant, the beanie is the best way to hide his distinctive hair without coming off as rude. With a sigh, Shouto tugs the annoying thing on and tucks some of the loose stands away from his eyes.
With that task completed, Shouto takes one last glance at himself in the mirror before heading back. When Shouto isn’t out on missions or training, he usually wears his everyday clothes. So there isn’t really a need to change. Currently, he’s wearing a white V-neck, with an open and blue button up shirt, and a pair of black jeans. Clothes like these were acceptable for this kind of outing, right?
Who is he kidding?
Again Shouto has never done something like this, so he really has no clue.
With a parting huff, Shouto tears himself away from the mirror and out the door to his private room. If he’s right, Shouto should have about five minutes to get back to his previous spot before Deku shows up. It’s plenty of time, but he still rushes through the hallways anyway. The last thing he wants is for Deku to beat him there and think that Shouto’s stood him up.
Again.
Much to his relief, they get there around the same time. When Deku sees him, a wide grin spreads across his face as he picks up the pace to get to Shouto sooner. As Deku approaches, Shouto takes in the other’s appearance, never having seen him in anything other than his disguise or gym clothes. Not that his attire is anything special. The black t-shirt and blue cargo shorts are pretty plain, but Shouto thinks that the look is good on him.
Besides, it’s not like he was expecting Deku to dress up. This isn’t a...
Wait.
Is this a date?
No. No. No.
Shouto is jumping to conclusions from his lack of inexperience. Two people going out for lunch, doesn’t mean anything special. They’re just two…friends going out in order to get to know each other better. Besides, in the books he’s read, dates usually involved two people having romantic feelings for each other and one of them shyly asking the other out. None of that has happened in this case.
Right?
Shouto swallows around the anxiety slowly beginning to crawl up his throat and takes a deep breath. When he exhales, he tries to let go of any lingering fear along with it.
Because yes, he’s definitely being ridiculous.
There’s no way the man standing in front of him is currently crushing on him.
“Ready to go?”
Something about Deku’s cheery question puts Shouto even more at ease. Whatever this is, Shouto is just going to let it play out. Because no matter what the other has planned for him, Shouto feels confident that he’s in good hands.
“Lead the way.”
It ends up requiring a train ride to get to the destination of their outing. One that Deku pays for, despite Shouto’s protests. Once they’re in their seats, Deku then proceeds to talk his ear off with small talk the entire way. Not that listening to the other is boring or anything. Deku just happens to possess some strange ability to talk without having the need to breathe. So Shouto isn’t sure what he’s supposed to say or do other than nod his head and hum in agreement. He also isn’t sure why they couldn’t go somewhere nearby and when he finally gets the chance to ask Deku about it, the other simply waves it off by stating that the trip will be well worth it.
Except Shouto isn’t too sure about that once he realizes what they are standing in front of.
“Why are we standing in front of a cat café?”
Deku’s mouth drops comically as his arms begin to flail wildly beside him.
“Because you like cats?”
It comes out more as a question than an explanation.
“But I already have a cat.”
Shouto stares as Deku proceeds to tug on his hair and mutter under his breath. This time Shouto does catch what the other is saying.
“I’m an idiot. Of course, this is a dumb idea. A cat owner wouldn’t want to go and pet other cats. I don’t even know if cats get jealous if they smell other cats on their human. I’ve heard dogs do, but I’ve never had a pet. So, I wouldn’t even know. I should just apologize and call the whole thing off...”
That last part makes Shouto frown. Just because the idea of a cat café might not make sense to Shouto, doesn’t mean he’s opposed to the idea.
Besides, he’s supposed to be on his best behavior right now.
“It’s fine.”
Deku stops self-berating himself enough to blink up at Shouto.
“Eh? Really?”
Shouto nods before motioning towards the entrance, “I’m hungry, can we go in now?”
“Y-yes! Of course!” Deku stutters, his cheeks turning pink as he awkwardly shuffles to the door to hold it open for them both.
As Shouto walks in, the first thing he hears are the voices of employees greeting them. Two young girls, dressed in frilly pink dresses and a black apron cheerfully call them over to a podium that sits at the bottom of a stairway. It doesn’t occur to Shouto that they have to pay to go in until Deku is pulling out his wallet to hand over some cash.
Shit.
Reaching into his own pocket, Shouto fumbles to pull out his own money out, but stops when he hears Deku chuckling.
“Don’t worry, I’ve covered it.”
“What? But-”
“No buts,” Deku interrupts with a wave of his hand, “I invited you, so it’s my treat.”
Shouto gapes at the other man and it must look hilarious because Deku bursts into laughter all over again.
A rush of warmth spreads across his cheeks and Shouto tries his hardest not to look away and pout at being made fun of. Again, the fact that he’s never done something like this before, and therefore doesn’t know how to react, rears its ugly head at him.
Was it customary to pay for someone else when you invite them out or was this a special occasion? Did this mean they really were on a date or did friends take turns paying for one another?
The thoughts make Shouto’s head dizzy, which is terrible because they haven’t even gotten to the cats yet and already he’s starting to feel overwhelmed.
“Come on, let’s head on up,” Deku says with a smile as he leads the way up the stairs.
Despite his inner turmoil, Shouto does his best to focus on the present. He follows Deku up the stairs and takes in his surroundings. There’s classical music playing softly in the speakers around them and the walls around them are lined with posters of cats that have been photo edited to look like they are wearing cute clothes. Underneath in big and bold print are their names, but none of them really stick in Shouto’s mind.
“I overheard a couple of people talking about this place while back, but I’ve never been here so hopefully the food is good,” Deku blurts out once they’ve made it to the top.
Shouto isn’t sure why, but suddenly the other seems nervous as they walk through the second door at the top. He sees it in the way Deku fidgets as he swaps his shoes for slippers, and by the way he stiffly cleans his hands with sanitizer. Perhaps he’s still worried that this is a bad idea?
Instead of bringing it up though, Shouto decides to ask something else.
“How come?”
“Huh?”
“How come you’ve never been here before?”
Again, Deku stares at him as if he doesn’t comprehend the question. Had Shouto not been clear? He considers rephrasing the question, until Deku comprehension seems to flash through emerald eyes.
“It’s uh kind of pathetic to admit,” Deku says with a defeated look, “But I’ve never had anybody agree to hang out with me before.”
A sharp and painful pang shoots through Shouto’s chest at the other’s words. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out why. Not only because Deku is so kind, he can’t imagine why anyone would turn him down, but also because Shouto understands the feeling all too well.
Loneliness.
They’ve both been so lonely this whole time.
A kindred soul.
And perhaps that’s what drew them to each other in the first place.
A bubbly waitress interrupts Shouto’s thoughts when she asks them if they are ready to go inside the enclosure. They both nod their heads and with a cheer she guides them behind a glass door and into a jungle themed room full of fake branches for cats to perch on. One of the cats, cinnamon colored with black stripes along it’s back, meows at them curiously from a branch nearby.
Eventually, they are seated at a table for two with menus and a booklet about the cats placed in front of them. The waitress leaves them to it with a promise to return for their orders. As she turns to leave, Shouto swears she sees her wink at them.
Nervous and unsure of what to say or do next, Shouto goes straight for the menu and hides his face behind it. The last thing he needs is for Deku to see how anxious he is. He busies himself by looking over the lunch specials, specifically the bento boxes...except, one glance at the thing is enough to make Shouto snort.
“What’s so funny?”
Lowering his menu slightly, Shouto sees Deku tilting his head at him curiously.
Cute.
Except there’s no way he’s embarrassing himself by answering that.
“Nothing…It’s dumb.”
Deku pouts. “Oh come on, you can tell me.”
The way Deku’s bottom lip sticks out and the puppy-eyed look he gives Shouto is enough to make his strong resolve crumble to pieces.
Be nice.
“I just… I didn’t expect everything to be in cat puns.”
Deku quickly scans the menu to see for himself before he too starts to chuckle. Shaking his head and clearly amused, Deku responds, “True, it’s a bit much, but you have to admit that the names are cute.”
Shouto lifts a skeptical brow, lowering his menu to point at the most ridiculous name he’s found so far. “So you’re telling me that you see nothing terrible about the item latte meowcchiato?”
The man in front of him chokes, his face going red as he tries to hold in his laughter and fails miserably.
“N-no but when YOU say it, it DOES sound ridiculous,” Deku sputters as tears start to form in his eyes.
Shouto isn’t sure if he’s being made fun of or not, but he supposes he can let it go if that means Deku is having a good time instead of flinching away from him.
Soon the waitress returns to take their order and while Shouto gives his with a straight face, Deku struggles to say anything on the menu without doubling over in a fit of laughter. The interaction with the confused waitress makes Shouto’s chest squeeze fondly.
When the waitress takes off again with their menu, Deku opens his mouth to say something before he pauses with a new realization.
“Wait, I was about to call you by your uh…well, you know….” Deku scratches the back of his neck before continuing, “But now I’m thinking maybe we should call each other something else in public?”
Shouto blinks realizing that Deku indeed has a point. He’s never been out with anyone who doesn’t know his real name. So, it never occurred to him to be discreet about using his villain name with Deku until now.
“Agreed. What do you want me to call you then?”
Deku rubs at his chin while he contemplates this.
“Well, we could use a fake names for each other, but that might get too confusing with too many names and I might forget…Also, no offense, but I don’t really feel comfortable with giving out my family name. For identity purposes, of course. You know, since we’re…”
Shouto nods his head. “I get it. No offense taken. I can’t exactly give you my last name either.”
“Right!” Deku continues awkwardly. “But maybe we can use each others given names? Unless you’re not comfortable with that either! I totally understand if you don’t, since we barely know each other but…”
“No, you’re right. It’s unconventional, sure, but it makes sense. I’m fine with it, if you are?”
Deku gapes a little, with a small flush on his face, before composing himself with a shy smile.
“Then please, call me Izuku.”
“Shouto.”
Shouto finds himself gazing into the other’s emerald eyes, while Deku, no, Izuku does the same. The warmth in Shouto’s chest returns with a vengeance, before the moment was interrupted by food sliding in front of them.
Shouto glances at the smirking waitress before taking in the food that had been rudely deposited between them.
Beady little eyes shaped from sesame seeds stare back at him. The onigiri in his bento in shaped like a cat, with carrot shavings used as whiskers. Thankfully, the rest of his food looks normal. He can’t say the same for Izuku’s lunch though. A latte with foam shaped like kitten peers over the mug facing Izuku. While the sandwiches on the other’s plate are cutout to be shaped like cat’s head.
“Awwww…” Izuku coos at his meal with a soft look, “That’s adorable.”
“I guess…” Shouto replies with a huff as he scoops up one of his onigiri, giving it one last glance before deciding he’s over it and shoving it into his mouth.
Immediately Izuku gasps at the action. It’s so dramatic that Shouto can’t help but look up from his food to see that the other man is staring at him in horror.
“What?”
“N-nothing,” Deku stammers and turns pink in embarrassment, “Just, I guess, cute things don’t affect you, do they?”
Shouto takes another bite as he considers this. It’s not something he’s thought about before, but maybe Izuku has a point. Shouto’s never been the type to notice cute things. Except that hasn’t been true lately. For some reason, he feels like the word has been on the forefront of his mind these past few weeks.
“Sometimes they do, but food is food. Why would you order it if you’re not going to eat it?”
Izuku laughs awkwardly.“True, I guess you have a point,”
They spend the rest of their meal watching the cats around them, with Izuku pointing something out every now and then that he wants Shouto to see, like the two cats cuddling on the windowsill.
When they finish their meals, Izuku manages to get away with once again paying for the both of them by sneaking his card over to the waitress. It doesn’t help that when Shouto tries voice his annoyance, Izuku just waves it off and practically drags Shouto by the wrist to where a majority of the cats are lounging. When they pause in front of some scratching posts, Shouto tries to complain again, but that all changes the moment he finds himself surrounded by demanding cats.
“Woah Shouto! Looks like they’re really excited to meet you!”
Izuku laughs as he squats down to the ground to try and pet a fluffy and grey cat. Shouto tries not to snort when it dodges Izuku’s palm in order to makes it way over to Shouto’s left side instead. The problem is that Shouto already has two cats rubbing along that pant leg, so when it fails to find room, it starts meowing at him instead.
Unsure of what else to do, Shouto leans down to pet the cat with the hand he’s sure it’d prefer. Cries for attention immediately turn into content purring.
When he glances over to see how Izuku is fairing, he finds the other staring at him in awe.
“What?”
That makes Izuku snap out of the weird trance he’s in.
“Nothing, really, I was just wondering if they were attracted to your quirk.”
Shouto hums thoughtfully. “Probably. Mochi does the same thing.”
“See!” Izuku exclaims, “I told you, your quirk can be used for good!”
Warmth spreads through Shouto’s cheeks, making him turn away to hide his blush. “I’m not going to spend the rest of my life using my quirk to attract an army of cats.”
Izuku chuckles. “Of course not, but you have to admit that’d be adorable.”
Shouto chokes at being associated with anything Izuku finds adorable. Could Izuku even see him in that light?”
While musing this, Izuku tries to play with another cat nearby, only to pout when it ignores him as well. Shouto can’t help but feel bad so he walks over to where Izuku is to sit on the floor to sit next to him. He purposely positions their bodies so that his fire side is pressed close to Izuku’s body. The other stutters at the sudden lack in personal space, Shouto doesn’t care because his plan works perfectly.
Cats begin to crawl over Shouto’s and Izuku laps to try and get near that radiating warmth. Immediately Izuku stops acting self-conscious and a delighted smile spreads across his cheeks instead. This time it’s Shouto that finds himself fascinated by Izuku. It’s like a weight is lifted off of Izuku’s shoulders as he curls around the cats and starts talking to them. Their ears perk and eyes blink as Izuku asks what their names are and what their favorite toys are, as if they can actually respond. He seems so content, turning to Shouto every now and then to grin and laugh when the cats do something silly.
It all becomes too much when a cream-colored cat, with a bobbed tail settles in Izuku’s lap and begins to purr happily. The kind and loving expression that crosses Izuku’s face takes Shouto’s breath away. Even worse, is that it makes his heart squeeze and fill with longing.
Oh
oh no.
This needs to stop here.
Shouto isn't sure why he’s feeling this way. Izuku isn’t looking at him like that. It’s just a reaction to the cats, but... Shouto wants to see more of it. He wants to be the reason behind it.
Except Shouto knows he can’t. He has to stay realistic. Even if they’re both villains, Izuku’s not as tainted as Shouto is. He deserves better. Someone who is as gentle and loving as he is.
Besides, Shouto knows he’s cold and unlikable. The only reason anyone would want to be with Shouto is for his power and connections to Endeavor.
The same man that Shouto’s plans revolve around and what Shouto should really be focusing on.
That’s right.
He can’t be selfish and forget his only purpose.
Shouto needs Izuku on his side of the chessboard, not as his queen but as a knight.
“You okay Shouto?”
Shouto snaps out of his disparaging thoughts to glance at the man still sitting next to him. Izuku is petting the cat in his lap, but his smile has been replaced with a frown.
“It’s fine. I just have a few things in my mind,” Shouto mutters as he watches another cat rub against his knee.
“Oh, um are you not having fun? We can leave if you want?”
Shouto shakes his head before answering. The last thing he wants is for Izuku to think that Shouto isn’t enjoying himself. In fact, he needs Izuku to know just how much he appreciates this act of kindness.
“No, this is...nice. Thank you for bringing me here.”
Shouto even tries to give him a small smile. It feels odd and probably looks more like a grimace, but Izuku eats it up regardless. He looks so absolutely delighted at Shouto’s words and damn his traitorous heart and brain for skipping a beat at the fact that he just made Izuku happy.
Shouto decides to be on his best behavior after that. Making sure he interacts with the cats and doing what he can to have fun. The best part being when he teased a cat with one of those toys on a string and watched Izuku laugh so hard he started complaining about being unable to breathe.
Soon, the café starts to get busier with students just getting out of school, so they decide it’s best to go. They say goodbye to their new friends, with Izuku promising to visit again, then head to the exit.
The moment they step outside, nerves start to eat at Shouto’s stomach. He really doesn’t want to part just yet and something tells him now is the best time to ask about his offer.
“Are you heading back to the base?”
Izuku scratches at the back of his head. “Actually, I was going to call it a day. Unless you need me to go back there?”
“No, I was going to head home too...”
“Oh.”
They awkwardly stare at each other and Shouto thinks it’s now or never.
“Izuku, actually there’s something I want to ask you.”
“You do?”
The other man blinks at him, waiting expectantly for Shouto to explain. He almost does before he remembers that they are still standing in front of the Cat Café.
“Yeah, it’s just not something I can say out loud where anyone can hear, if you know what I mean.”
“Oh!” Izuku flails as he looks around him, probably checking to see if anyone was indeed listening to their conversation. “Uh, how about you ask me in that alleyway then?” Izuku says as he points in the direction he wants them to go.
It’s an odd choice but Shouto doesn’t argue against it as he follows the other man there. They walk until they are situated in the middle of the terribly lit alley. Shouto waits until Izuku makes himself comfortable, leaning up against the wall before he speaks.
“Before I bring up what I really want to ask, there’s something I need you to answer first.”
“Okay,” Izuku says sounding unsure.
Even though Izuku seems calm, Shouto can tell the other has suddenly gone on edge.
“You’ve said before that you wanted to be a hero and that you looked up to All Might. I believe you, but if that’s true, then why do you work for my father? He’s the one that killed All Might.”
The moment the words leave his lips, Izuku’s face pales, staring him like a deer caught in headlights. Then just as quickly, the Izuku composeses himself enough to hide his emotions and finally answer.
“What are you trying to get at Shouto?”
Great. A question answered with another question.
Too bad Shouto isn’t playing this game right now.
This is the moment of truth.
“Just answer me honestly. Does it bother you or not that you work for the man who killed your hero?”
Izuku clenches his fists and tears his gaze away from Shouto. “Why does it matter? Yes, he’s the reason that All Might is gone, but he’s my boss. Whether I like him or not, I still have to work for him and you.”
Shouto groans in frustration. He knows he’s getting somewhere here, but he doesn’t understand why Izuku refuses to admit it.
Izuku’s spoken his mind before. Why is he scared to do so now?
Is it because of Shouto’s relationship to that bastard? Is he worried Shouto is going to snitch and have him killed?
“Izuku, you don’t have to give me a bullshit answer. I don’t care if I’m his son, you can tell me the truth.”
His words snap something in Izuku, because the next thing he knows, the other man is tugging at his hair with a pained expression on his face.
“You don’t get it do you? I know he’s the reason why All Might is gone and…and I think I’ll always hate Endeavor for various reasons. But you don’t know what it was like for me! When I was quirkless, everyone looked down on me. Even…even after I got my quirk, I was still made fun of for not knowing how to control it. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever fit in. I’m not going to ruin this by biting the hand that feeds me!”
“But if you had the chance to take him down, would you?”
Izuku’s jaw slackens and he gapes at Shouto like a fish out of water before anger replaces that incredulous expression.
“I thought we were past this Shouto! Do you still think I’m the rat?”
The rat?
Izuku really thinks this is still about finding the fucking rat?
How can someone so smart be this dense?
“I don’t care about the rat Izuku! I only wanted to catch him so that I could convince him to work for me. Don’t you get it?” Shouto hisses, trying his hardest not to shout, “But I don’t need him anymore, not when I want you!”
“What?” Izuku breathes, shock clearly written all over his face.
He’s speechless and Shouto doesn’t know what to say or do. It’s finally out in the open and while his stomach is full of dread, there’s no taking it back now. Not when he’s said too much. Izuku might not have understood at first, but there isn’t a single doubt in his mind now that Izuku knows exaclty what Shouto is asking of him.
After taking his sweet time, Izuku finally breaks the tension when he gulps loudly and takes a step closer to Shouto. Hesitation is written all over his face and it takes everything in Shouto to avoid going into a panic attack.
“Shouto, are you…are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Yes.” Shouto rasps, not realizing how dry his throat had gotten. “I want you to help me destroy my father and take down the Alliance with him.”
Like a puppet cut from his strings, Izuku falls back into the wall he’d been leaning against before. His face is dark, with no sign of what he’s thinking, but Shouto doesn’t push his luck for an immediate response.
“Why me?” Izuku asks with no emotion in his voice whatsoever.
Shouto swallows around the sudden lump in his throat. He was hoping that Izuku would agree with no questions ask, but Shouto should have known that was a foolish desire.
“Because I’ve been trying to find a way how for years and I think I’ve finally someone who can help.”
“And that person is me, someone you’ve only known for, what, a couple of weeks?” Izuku counters, sounding like he’s trying to put together a complicated puzzle.
“Yes,” Shouto breathes, his voice sounding shaky even to himself. “You’re the only person whose ever been able to break down my walls and help me see through all the bullshit that’s been holding me back.”
His confession must do something to Izuku, because the next thing he knows, emerald eyes are boring into his own.
“You’re serious about this?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re doing this because?”
Shouto clenches his fists, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. He knows that in order to convince Izuku, he needs to be completely honest, but this is his darkest secret. One that’s he’s been holding onto for as long as he can remember. He’s told bits and pieces of his plan to Fuyumi or Natsuo, but he’s never shared all the complicated feelings behind his motivations.
So it takes everything in him to answer, “Because even if It’s selfish, I want to save my family from a life we never wanted. I couldn’t…I couldn’t become a hero like All Might, but I still want to be their hero.”
An unusual burning in his eyes makes Shouto’s vision go a little fuzzy. It’s not until Shouto rubs at his irritated eyes, and feels the moisture on his fingers, that he comes to the realization that he’d been about to cry.
Dammit.
How embarrassing.
His emotions don’t seem to deter Izuku in the slightest though, because the other approaches him with a determined look on his face. He gets close enough to put a hand on Shouto’s shoulder and gently squeezes it.
“I understand and don’t worry.”
A searing warmth spreads from the point of contact on his shoulder, all the way across his chest until it takes root in his heart.
At first he doesn’t understand the feeling.
Then Izuku says those magical words.
“I’ll help you.”
Oh
It’s hope.
For the first time in years, Shouto feels hope that things will get better.