Work Text:
i.
In Eijirou’s mind, the epitome of true happiness and fulfillment is a life spent with Katsuki.
He understood that no matter what, the blonde had a unique ability to stir up emotions within him that no one else could replicate. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts and emotions overwhelmed him, seeping out from his very pores. Every day, he reasoned with himself, wondering why he shouldn’t let go of the fight and instead pour his heart into loving Katsuki wholeheartedly, even if it had to remain a secret.
Did Eijirou make it obvious?
To everyone apart from Katsuki, it would seem.
But it was no big deal.
It was clear from the start that, for Katsuki, there was no one else but Izuku.
Eijirou found it funny.
In Katsuki’s mind, the ultimate picture of happiness without any regrets is a life intertwined with Izuku’s.
Katsuki has always kept his silence about his relationship with Izuku, never discussing it aloud. They never bothered to confirm it with anyone. While Eijirou could be considered ignorant about certain topics, he proved himself to be highly intelligent when dealing with matters like this. Katsuki was known for never providing straightforward answers when asked about it, regardless of whether it was their friends or the paparazzi doing the asking. Eijirou was convinced that no matter what, the blonde’s answer would always remain unchanged, hidden beneath his anger and frustration.
Eijirou knew how the blonde felt. How could he not?
Did Katsuki make it obvious?
To everyone apart from Izuku, it would seem.
The more their friends or the paparazzi tried to unravel the truth behind the relationship of the two heroes, the more elusive it seemed. It had been a mistake on their part, because they’d always assumed that the love Izuku and Katsuki had for one another was the loud, beautiful kind. Seeing as Katsuki had always been loud, and Izuku had never once been ashamed of talking about his admiration for the former.
However, love isn’t always beautiful and it most certainly isn’t loud.
Eijirou's aware of this.
Katsuki’s feelings for Izuku were never expressed through romantic gestures like moonlit kisses or beautifully written notes. Izuku’s feelings for Katsuki were not conveyed through singing and dancing, or through lunch boxes wrapped in brightly colored fabric.
No. They didn’t love one another in that way.
Katsuki loved Izuku the only way he could. And Izuku, much the same.
Their love was just so silent and totally screwed up that Eijirou would have overlooked it if he hadn’t gazed as intently as he did at Katsuki. He would have missed how when Izuku was rushed to hospital for two weeks, Katsuki basically stopped eating and sleeping in order to take care of the other as much as he could. He’d most likely missed Izuku making threats and almost punching at least one from a bunch of camera crews for chanting despicable things about Katsuki.
Katsuki would be self-sacrificing for Izuku.
Izuku would be heartless for Katsuki.
The others didn’t notice, but Eijirou did.
For Eijirou, this was fine.
He was content with cherishing his friend from a distance, finding joy in observing him thrive in the life he loved. The one that promised him true happiness, a life untouched by regret. Hiding his love is pointless for Eijirou when it is overflowing and impossible to contain.
Mina would occasionally fix him with a sorrowful stare, silently conveying her belief that nothing would ever be different, and that he was exposing himself to the possibility of heartbreak. It was clear to Eijirou that expecting Katsuki to notice him was a foolish notion, one that he couldn’t afford to entertain.
For the most part, Eijirou turns a deaf ear to her warnings, opting to proceed without caution.
Regardless of whether it is with Izuku or not, he has long since accepted that he will follow Katsuki anywhere and everywhere he goes.
ii.
But then, Izuku dies.
He dies.
On a bright and sunny morning.
On a totally normal day.
He dies.
iii.
Being a hero always meant that their life was constantly on the line, but they never expected death to come so swiftly for one of them. They had a constant sense of invincibility, even when they made an effort to stay humble and grounded.
But, nope, Izuku didn’t die like a hero. He didn’t die with blood spilling from his lips as he screamed at the top of his lungs, slamming an enemy to secure a team victory.
He just...fell asleep. And he never woke up.
Izuku dies.
He just dies. Just like that.
iv.
Katsuki is the first one to find out. Eijirou, second.
And it was only because Eijirou woke up at 7 am that morning to the sound of his phone buzzing incessantly with missed calls from Katsuki. His mind filled with confusion and disorientation, he bristles, pondering if something had gone wrong and why Katsuki had opted to call him instead of Izuku. In that strange state between sleep and wakefulness, Eijirou mutters a barely audible hello.
“Hey,” Starting off groggily, he rubs his eyes before speaking. “What’s wrong?”
And sometimes, it’s the silence that speaks louder, and that’s exactly what happened. Eijirou could sense Katsuki’s presence on the other end of the phone line, yet the silence persisted. He was panting heavily, occasionally letting out small, audible exhales.
“Hey,” Eijirou says again, fully alert this time. “You’re freaking me out, dude. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Dek-Izuku,” Katsuki tries to say, his voice filled with raw emotion. Genuine shock washed over Eijirou as he realized he had used Izuku’s actual name. He always assumed Katsuki only addressed him as Deku. Eijirou’s lips form a tight line as he waits, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. In response to his silence, Katsuki simply repeats his words. “Izuku.”
“What about him?”
“We were sleeping,” Katsuki goes on to explain, catching Eijirou off guard with his unexpected words. We. Katsuki just said we. As if they were in a bed together. As if they lived together. The thought of Katsuki falling silent sends a wave of terror through him, compelling him to keep his mouth shut. “We were lying in bed, and I needed to eat, so I cooked a meal for us.”
There it was again. Us.
Completely bewildered, Eijirou cannot fathom why Katsuki is sharing this with him. Even though it was too early, his love for Katsuki kept him wide awake. As a result, he feels a wave of unpleasant jealousy wash over him. Izuku was his friend, but he loves Katsuki. Katsuki had never before been so candid and forthcoming about his feelings for Izuku. It was no surprise to Eijirou when he felt frustration surging through him.
“Why are you telling me this?” Eijirou, with an obvious hint of annoyance, asks. “Is it because I-“
Then, Katsuki simply says, his words echoing in the silence.
“He’s not breathing.”
And Eijirou feels like such an asshole. He feels like such an asshole because instead of mourning for his friend, instead of asking questions about how Izuku died, instead of running towards his door and calling the ambulance to demand they resuscitate him, he stays rooted to the spot.
He sits there, grappling with conflicting emotions, feeling like an asshole as a glimmer of hope unexpectedly stirs inside him. Slow at first, then all at once. Every inch of his body is tingling with tiny electrical currents as he sits there, feeling the energy surging from his toes. He sits there, feeling like such an asshole because everything he could think about was now, now, he finally had the chance.
Love isn’t always beautiful, and it’s certainly not very kind.
Eijirou’s aware of this.
And he truly was a complete asshole, because when he started speaking again, it was no longer just for Katsuki, his friend. No, there already existed an ulterior motive behind this one. Despite his attempts to justify his actions as genuine concern for the blonde, a nagging thought persisted in the depths of his mind. As he spoke once more, his voice carried a heartfelt promise to always be there for Katsuki, the person he loved more intensely than anyone in the world.
“Tell me where you’re at and I’m going there.”
Eijirou thinks, there won’t be any distractions this time—it will be only the two of them.
This time, Eijirou thinks, there is no longer any Izuku.
Eijirou knew it was wrong, to think like this.
But fuck, why did it feel so right?
v.
The realization hit Eijirou that Katsuki was completely unprepared for a world without Izuku, having never faced it before. Life, in contrast, had a way of throwing curveballs when least expected. No matter how ready Katsuki was, he would be thrust into a world void of Izuku’s existence.
Not a single tear escaped Katsuki’s eyes at the funeral, and he was noticeably absent during the initial days of Izuku’s wake.
The situation became even more perplexing for Eijirou when he stumbled upon them on top of their shared apartment’s bed the morning Izuku died. Katsuki cradled Izuku’s head in his lap, his fingers delicately sifting through his friend’s hair, his gaze devoid of emotion.
With a serene expression and a faint smile, Izuku resembled someone deep in slumber.
Eijiirou knew he was dead.
“Kats?” Eijirou announces his arrival, yet Katsuki remains motionless. “We should probably get someone’s help.”
His question hangs in the air, unanswered by Katsuki.
Instead, the blonde’s lips trembled, and Eijirou could see the tears welling up in Katsuki’s eyes, as if he was on the verge of finally breaking down. He doesn’t. Instead, Katsuki lowers his head, and Eijirou’s eyes widen. With bated breath, he witnesses the tender moment unfold as the man he loves presses a gentle kiss against Izuku’s temple. The sight of Katsuki, so gentle and fragile, made Eijirou question his own eyes.
Eijirou watched as Katsuki leaned in close to Izuku, his words too soft for Eijirou to catch from where he stood. Feeling a knot in his stomach, he contemplated turning around, not wanting to intrude on such a personal scene. Just as he opens his mouth, Katsuki beats him to it and speaks without hesitation.
“I gave his mom and All Might a ring when you were coming over,” Katsuki’s voice turned rough once again, erasing any trace of the gentleness he had displayed earlier. “I told them I tried everything, but he just wouldn’t wake up. I’ve got the certification and training to handle emergency medical care, so I did everything, but this asshole-“
Katsuki’s teeth grind together as he tightens his grip on the bridge of his nose, trying to suppress his irritation. Despite his voice breaking, Eijirou chose to stay silent.
“Can you believe this dumbass? He had to make everything about himself and die.”
“Kats-“
“Can you believe this fucking bastard couldn’t even do it in a cooler way? He just went to sleep. Who dies in their sleep? Dumb fucks, no doubt.”
Eijirou walked towards him, “Kats-“
“I couldn’t even enjoy my coffee, Izuku, you damn bastard.” Through clenched teeth, Katsuki hissed in anger. “I couldn’t even have my coffee, dammit!”
It hadn’t been about the coffee. Eijirou knew that it was more than that.
In his typical fashion, Katsuki hid his emotions behind a facade of anger.
When All Might and Inko finally showed up, he said everything that he told Eijirou and more, that Izuku Midoriya died in his sleep. He couldn’t wake up no regardless of how hard he tried. There had been a lot of tears shed, and even Eijirou, who had been such an asshole, began to cry as well. Katsuki didn’t. His face immediately became empty when the funeral attendees arrived. Every time someone tried to pry Izuku away from Katsuki, their hand would get scorched, leaving a lingering smell of burnt flesh in the air. Katsuki made the decision to carry Izuku, who was still bundled in blankets, refusing to let anyone else come into contact with him.
And what happens to Eijirou?
His gaze never wavered as he watched from a distance, taking in every detail. Then, he came along with them, his purpose clear - to be there for Katsuki.
It didn’t take long before their friends found out, and they quickly gathered around them. They bombarded Katsuki with questions about how he was doing and what had happened, but the blonde remained tight-lipped, refusing to answer. With his head buried between his knees, he sat there motionless, his eyes devoid of emotion as he stared fixedly at the ground.
When Eijirou takes a seat beside him, soothingly massaging his back, Katsuki refrains from pushing him away.
Eijirou would sometimes extend a small offering of food or a drink of water, which Katsuki would accept with a quiet expression of gratitude. Eijirou’s heart would flutter with excitement each time, but he would suppress the urge to grin, desperately reminding himself that there was nothing worth smiling about. One of them recently ended up dead, and the love of his life is in mourning.
Mina waited until the very last day of Izuku’s wake to confront Eijirou.
Eijirou decided to bring Katsuki a tray with warm tea and a plate of sandwiches. Right before he headed back, something compelled him to turn around. And there she was, Mina, standing before him.
The second she sighed and looked directly at him, he knew. As they locked eyes, he could sense that she was fully aware of his actions, and he felt a sense of unease about the impending conversation.
“What are you doing, Ei?”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“I know you,” Mina says, her voice quivering and her lips trembling. “You’re diving into a deep rabbit hole that’s nearly impossible to escape from.”
Breathing suddenly became a struggle, catching him off guard. Eijirou lets out a tired sigh and takes a step back, determined to steer the conversation back on track.
“Not sure what’s on your mind, but I’m not like that. I really love him, you know? But I get that Izuku just died, so I’m not really trying to do anything. I thought you trusted me, Mina.”
“I trust both of you,” With a rapid response, Mina vigorously shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself for comfort, and cast her eyes downward, fixated on her own feet. “But like, what’s up with all this? This is gonna mess with both of you. Katsuki’s going through a rough time, and you might be just what he needs for some misguided comfort-”
“I’m okay with that.”
“You shouldn’t be,” Mina insists, “You deserve more than just that, Ei.”
“All I want is to support him and take care of him.”
“Are you looking after him because you genuinely want to or because you want him to love you?”
There was nothing Eijirou could say in reply to that.
Tentatively, Mina approaches him, her fingers gripping his forearm tightly.
“I really don’t want you to get hurt. And you will if you continue on with whatever this is.”
Eijirou wanted to make it clear to Mina that love is not always a blissful experience, but can also bring about moments of pain and heartache. It can get horrible sometimes, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it’s love. While love can be incredibly beautiful, it also has its darker, less appealing side. It can be difficult to accept that one cannot exist without the other, but it is not an impossible task.
“Maybe,” Eijirou concedes, his face devoid of any emotion. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t entertained the idea before. Despite everything, his perspective on a life well-lived has remained constant. And with victory within his grasp, why would he choose to give up now? “But I’ll survive. Maybe Bakugou will eventually choose me.”
With her jaw dropping and tears threatening to spill from her eyes, Mina looked at him with a profound sense of disappointment.
“Ei, do you even realize what you’re saying?”
Eijirou has no idea what she’s trying to say. He knows what he’s saying.
Should she ask him again, he will respond with the same answer.
Nothing can make him change his mind.
vi.
Katsuki devotes himself completely to his work.
It didn’t take much time for Katsuki to earn the title of the number one hero. He accepted it graciously, reluctantly reading a speech that was likely drafted by his PR team. The generic statement expressed gratitude to the general public and pledged improvement in the future. When the media asks him about Izuku, as they inevitably will since they never really stopped, he responds by defiantly flipping them off before walking away.
As the one-month anniversary of Izuku’s death approached, Katsuki angrily throws two tickets onto Eijirou’s table. Eijirou’s brows furrowed as he gazed at them. It was a ticket to a convention a few hours away from their office. With a raised eyebrow, he looks up at him curiously.
“Come with me.”
It wasn’t a question.
Eijirou smiles, “Okay.”
vii.
Eijirou would like to lie and pretend that he wasn’t excited about it. Even though he was, and he was extraordinarily much so.
That day, he took his time, carefully applying gel to his hair, ensuring that each strand was flawlessly arranged. He looked up the hottest fashion trends online, and he completely dismissed his crocs, despite the fact that they had been the most comfortable shoes he had ever worn. After getting himself ready, he settled down and kept his ears open, waiting for the telltale sound of a knock on his door. When the knock finally arrives, a wide, joyful smile spreads across his face as he eagerly opens the door.
“Hey,” Katsuki mutters, the sound barely audible as he pulls his sunglasses down and settles them on the bridge of his nose, crossing his arms. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah,” Eijirou says eagerly, “Let’s go!”
Considering that they were still both pro heroes, they would need to continue wearing oversized hoodies and sunglasses. Eijirou had completely forgotten about wearing them, but when he mentioned it to Katsuki, the latter rummaged through his trunk and uncovered a spare hoodie. Eijirou snatches it up and eagerly pulls it over his head.
“It’s a bit tight.”
Looking at the worn-out All Might hoodie that Katsuki has handed him, Eijirou says.
With a casual shrug, Katsuki heads towards the convention hall.
“It’s old.”
The convention hall was a bustling maze of booths, each one showcasing unique and coveted collectibles from a multitude of heroes. There were monuments dedicated to legendary heroes like All Might and Gran Torino, alongside vibrant posters showcasing the next generation of heroes. A sense of humiliation washed over Eijirou when he unexpectedly stumbled upon a banner featuring a larger-than-life image of himself, caught in a moment of intense shouting.
Despite the overwhelming number of figurines and posters, one particular hall stood apart from the rest.
The majority of people in the long queues were clutching bouquets.
Coming to a sudden stop, Eijirou couldn’t tear his gaze away from the massive framed photograph of none other than Izuku Midoriya. His face beamed with a smile as he defiantly raised his right arm, a crimson stream flowing from his brow and tracing a path down to his cheek. Caught in an apparent trance, Katsuki Bakugou stood behind him, a smirk playing on his lips.
Eijirou, too, was taken aback by the strangeness of it all. The thought of Izuku’s absence weighed heavily on his mind, filling him with a profound sense of loss. The memory of him, laughing heartily and enjoying a beer while telling a cheesy joke, felt surreal considering he was still with them just a month ago.
Determined to get a better look at Izuku’s picture, Eijirou made the decision to move forward. Just as he was about to take another step, a firm grip on his forearm brought him to a sudden stop. It was so warm. Bringing himself to a stop, he cast a quick glance over his shoulder to find Katsuki gesturing towards something off in the distance.
“Just so you know, they’re selling Crimson Riot merch down the aisle for half off.”
“Oh, shouldn’t we go to- “
“I remember what the nerd looks like,” Katsuki forcefully interrupts him, grabbing his wrist and swiftly pulling him away from the gathering crowd. “I don’t need a picture to remind me of what he is.”
With a gentle smile, Eijirou looked at him affectionately. Even though a month had passed since his death, Katsuki’s emotions for Izuku remained evident.
Mina was probably right, things will never change.
And what if something does? A soft, whispering voice inside Eijirou’s head says. You’re here with him right now, aren’t you?
“Okay, lead the way.”
The moment they arrived at the booth, a wave of nostalgia washed over Eijirou, transporting him back to his schooldays. He already had a collection of Crimson Riot merchandise, but he figured there was no harm in adding a few more pieces. Katsuki was right there, standing next to him, his eyes locked on a few of the figurines without uttering a word. Eijirou didn’t even attempt to strike up a conversation, and the peaceful silence that filled the air between them was a welcome relief.
Until with a thoughtful expression, Katsuki selects a small All Might keychain and adds it to his basket.
“Crimson Riot is way cooler.”
“Stop lying, All Might is the best.”
With a roll of his eyes, Eijirou lets out a chuckle.
“Just say you’re getting it for yourself.”
“Nah, I already have that,” Averting his gaze, Katsuki quietly turned an All Might figurine away from facing him, “I just thought you’d like it.”
Eijirou couldn’t help but wonder what he meant by that, his heart leaping in excitement at the idea of the blonde surprising him with something. But Katsuki swiftly changed the subject, and the incident was immediately erased from memory. While he was preparing to pay for the products he had gotten, Katsuki suddenly swooped in, grabbing them from his arms and covering the bill.
“You didn’t need to do that.”
“I’m making bank compared to you.”
“Yeah, but you’re the one who shelled out for the tickets.”
“I didn’t buy shit.”
“Really?” With a mischievous grin, Eijirou teased Katsuki by lightly elbowing his arm. “You’re telling me these tickets just appeared from nowhere?”
Katsuki sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he stuffed his hands into his pockets and averted his gaze.
“I got them from someone. Thought it’d be a shame not to use it.”
It is remarkable how far the human mind will go to avoid acknowledging the truth.
The moment Eijirou opened his eyes that morning, he could feel a surge of expectation coursing through his veins, as if the winds of change were blowing in his favor. Today, he had a feeling that Katsuki would finally choose him. The intensity of his longing to be with him blinded him to any potential arguments or reasons why their relationship might not work. The cruel reality couldn’t drown out the haunting whispers of Mina’s voice, echoing in the recesses of his mind, reminding him of her earlier attempt to warn him.
The moment Eijirou understood what Katsuki said, his heart dropped like a stone.
A question danced on the tip of his tongue, yet he couldn’t quite determine the specific reply he was hoping to elicit from Katsuki.
If Katsuki begins to tell him the truth, how will he respond? If Katsuki says their trip today was a total waste and they can only ever be friends, what’s he gonna do? And then?
Eijirou’s not up for finding out.
Despite everything, he couldn’t help but ask the question that had been lingering in his mind. With a downward glance, he can’t help but notice the worn-out, frayed sleeves of the hoodie he’s wearing.
“Was this his?”
- And you made me wear it, made me wear what was his.
Katsuki doesn’t answer.
“And, he gave you the tickets,” With a hesitant voice, Eijirou whispered, his words filled with uncertainty and the desperate need for bravery. “Didn’t he?”
- And you took me to this place, the place that was meant for the two of you.
Katsuki inhales sharply, his breath catching in his throat, and just when Eijirou thinks he won’t get a response, the blonde nods. He just nods. He doesn’t make any effort to hide it or concoct a fake tale to ease Eijirou’s feelings.
Eijirou’s heart breaks.
Eijirou opened up his mouth, only to clamp it shut as a wave of anxiety constricted his throat. Right now, all he wanted was to go back home and remove the suffocating hoodie, but his arms remained frozen in place. He held onto the belief that if he waited patiently, one day Katsuki would finally acknowledge his presence. See him for him. That if he could just prove that he can make him happy too, he would be prepared for anything even the ugly and the messy parts of love. That Katsuki would stay.
And maybe he can try and convince Katsuki that he, too, can become what he wants and needs.
But that’s never gonna happen, right?
Eijirou was made aware at this moment in time that even with all of this, he would still blindly follow the other man anywhere and everywhere he asked him to. The realization that he can never truly rid himself of him is a heavy weight on his shoulders. Katsuki would always hurt him. As he acknowledges this truth, an increasing sense of despair settles within him.
Eijirou felt like a fucking idiot. Fidgeting, he bites his bottom lip and absentmindedly scratches the back of his neck.
“I feel really stupid now,” With an apologetic smile, he blinked rapidly to clear the sting from his eyes. “I just thought…”
“You thought what?”
Katsuki continues to ask, his voice devoid of emotion, as if each word is being dragged out against his will. There is an inexplicable desire within Eijirou to have Katsuki communicate with him in the same manner that he does with Izuku from time to time. The way his voice would shift, conveying both frustration and a subtle affection.
“Nothing important.”
“No,” Katsuki continued, “What did you think this was, Ei?”
Eijirou wipes his tears away, his trembling lips attempting to form a smile as he locks eyes with Katsuki, despite feeling utterly miserable.
“Something that might change things.”
viii.
The exhaustion from his patrol takes its toll on Eijirou, resulting in him falling asleep immediately upon resting his head on his workstation, completely disregarding his unfinished reports. It’s not until he hears his door open and the sound of footsteps approaching that he realizes he forgot to clock out. Startled, he wakes up abruptly, hastily wiping the drool from his chin, silently pleading that it wasn’t Fatgum who found him asleep.
And it was not. It was far worse.
The conflicting emotions stirred within him as he tried to pinpoint the source of his heartache — was it Katsuki’s expression or the sight of the plastic bag clutched tightly in his hand? With nothing to say, Eijirou finds himself biting his lower lip, unsure if he should divert his attention to the documents on his desk.
And Eijirou does.
He hastily grabs a pen and scribbles messy notes, but the reports he continues to write lack coherence. Katsuki remains as silent as a stone, not uttering a single word. Standing there, he tightly gripped the plastic bag in his hand. Eijirou could sense the blonde’s piercing gaze, but he was determined not to embarrass himself any further. Two weeks had already passed since they had attended the convention, but he still wakes up in a cold sweat, haunted by the shame he felt for expecting something more between them.
Eijirou freezes as Katsuki slowly makes his way towards the table, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
“Look at me.”
Not a question, but another order. Katsuki really likes doing that, doesn’t he?
Like a fool, Eijirou stubbornly keeps on following.
“What?” Eijirou can no longer stand the suffocating silence, so he blurts out his question aloud. “I’ve got reports to do. And besides… I can read between the lines, Kats.”
Katsuki lingers in silence for a moment before nonchalantly setting the plastic bag onto Eijirou’s desk. As the aroma of savory meat and steaming rice filled the room, his stomach couldn’t help but growl in hunger.
“You haven’t had anything to eat today.”
Eijirou honestly wished Katsuki was trying to crack a joke. Katsuki’s statement set off a flurry of racing thoughts in Eijirou’s mind. How did Katsuki find out about it? Was he looking at him? Why did he bother getting him anything after what happened at the convention? Why does he even give a damn?
Eijirou glances at it. He stares at it for a while.
Once again, his heart twists and clenches, filling him with a familiar ache. Katsuki was cruel. He was cruel, cruel, cruel. Gradually, he lifts his head and directs his gaze towards him. Opening his mouth, Eijirou hesitates, unsure if this is some kind of test that he needs to pass.
“I don’t get it.”
“There’s nothing to understand,” Katsuki replied with a curt simplicity. “I ended up getting food, and I thought you were hungry. I didn’t see you eat all day, so I figured I’d buy you some shit too.”
“Why?”
Katsuki shrugged.
“Should there be a reason?”
Yes, Eijirou wanted to scream, It might make me think you’re doing this for all the wrong reasons, you know?
Eijirou slumps forward in absolute defeat, the weight of his disappointment pressing down on him as he desperately reaches for the plastic bag. Katsuki never did anything without a purpose, and though he didn’t explicitly state his intentions behind the purchase, Eijirou sensed his good intentions.
Katsuki didn’t waste any time, he didn’t wait for him to open it. Settling into the chair opposite him, he effortlessly moved across the table and eagerly tore open the plastic bag. The scent of steaming hot food wafted from the two cartons. As he caught a whiff of the mouthwatering scent, Eijirou felt his mouth instantly water.
“I know I eat a lot, but I don’t think I’ll be able to finish everything.”
“Dumbass, it’s not only for you,” The tension between them dissipates as Katsuki’s mischievous grin spreads across his face. “I haven’t had dinner yet.”
Eijirou nodded his head. His eyes followed Katsuki’s every move as he carefully placed one container in front of himself, and then the other right in front of him. He handed him a gleaming silver spoon and a polished stainless steel fork, and they commenced their meal together.
Just as Eijirou finally manages to chew some of the food, Katsuki confronts him, causing him to choke.
“I was a total ass a few weeks ago.”
“Kats,” Eijirou groaned, “I don’t want to talk about this.”
“I do,” Katsuki goes on to say, his gaze fixed on his food until he finally meets Eijirou’s eyes. “I shouldn’t have done that. I was totally out of it. You’ve always had my back and I totally took advantage of that. I’m sorry.”
Eijirou wished Katsuki could hear the thumping of his heart, racing in his chest. He hoped Katsuki fully grasped the weight of his words, knowing that asking for forgiveness would only deepen Eijirou’s emotions. Had Katsuki decided to disregard him and cut off all contact, there was a chance he could have preserved his boundaries.
“Why are you apologizing to me?” Clearing his throat, Eijirou’s expression becomes more gentle as he starts to focus his attention on him. “I made things weird by thinking it was a date.”
“It wasn’t.”
Eijirou’s heart stings painfully, and he quickly averts his gaze, trying to hide the hurt in his eyes.
“I know.”
“The one on Saturday is the date.”
Eijirou once again found himself coughing uncontrollably as he choked on a mouthful of rice. The sound of wheezing filled the air as he pounded his fist on his chest, prompting Katsuki to rush over and quickly rub his back in an attempt to ease his discomfort.
“Stop chewing on the damn food, shitty hair!””
“Ffhfhfh,” Eijirou attempted to speak, but his words came out in a jumble, the remnants of rice making it difficult to understand him. After a couple of extra hits on his chest, he managed to dislodge the obstruction from his throat. “Oh my god, I thought I was a goner.”
“Yeah, no shit. You gave off the impression you wanted to go on a date, but when I asked, you wanted to die. You’re a real comedian, jackass.”
Eijirou’s face turned red, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.
“What? That’s not what I-?”
He locked eyes with Katsuki, their gazes meeting with intensity. Katsuki’s lips trembled, a telltale sign that he was trying hard to suppress his laughter. Eijirou couldn’t help but snort when he saw the sheer joy on Katsuki’s face. It only took a few seconds before they erupted into fits of laughter.
“You’re an asshole,” With a sigh, Eijirou’s smile widens, his eyes twinkling with delight. “I hate you.”
“Let’s see if you still feel the same way after Saturday.” With a smirk still lingering on his lips, Katsuki bursts into laughter once again. “You’re gonna hate me even more.”
Eijirou wanted to feel joyous about this, but he couldn’t shake off his somber mood.
He fidgets uneasily, his fingers nervously scratching at his neck.
“Are you really sure about this?”
Eijirou decided to ask, even though the words he wanted to say were trapped in his throat.
- Are you even ready for this?
Katsuki rolled his eyes, then impatiently devoured the food in his mouth, barely taking the time to chew, before attempting to respond.
“Yes, I’m sure. I asked you, I said it, like, out loud. Eat your damn food before it gets cold.”
Eijirou’s stomach twisted uncomfortably, betraying his nerves. Without uttering a word, he filled his mouth with another spoonful of food.
“You like it?”
“Hmm?” Murmured Eijirou, “Sure. I’m not crazy about Katsudon, but I do enjoy it.”
Katsuki’s grin widened, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth.
It was a smile Eijirou had never witnessed on his face before.
ix.
Their Saturday date went well.
They settled on mountain climbing for their activity, so Katsuki packed his equipment and Eijirou, in his typical fashion, packed way too many bottles of water. After three hours of hiking, they finally reached the summit. Katsuki eagerly pulled out some burgers from his bag, and they savored the meal as they enjoyed the breathtaking view of the setting sun. They brought up mundane topics, discussing everything from Denki’s lack of a dating life to speculating about what their retired teachers from U.A. are up to.
It was such a positive experience that Katsuki couldn’t resist asking him out on a second date.
The next date was just as enjoyable as the previous one.
They strolled through the carnival, taking in the vibrant colors and lively music, but decided to skip the rides. They confidently approached the colorful kiosks, eager to test their luck at the outrageously unfair games. Frustration was evident among several shopkeepers, and their disguises did little to deter a significant number of vendors from driving them away. The moment they laid eyes on Katsuki’s iconic blond hair, they knew they had to give him a stuffed rabbit plushie, despite their loss in the game. In the end, Katsuki decided to give it to Eijirou, who has held onto it with great affection.
It was Eijirou who took the initiative and asked the Katsuki out for the third date.
Eijirou took the blonde to a vibrant beach where they could both learn how to surf. Even though they were terrible at it, the sea water and sand in their hair provided a satisfying experience. The sound of Katsuki’s hearty chuckle filled the air whenever Eijirou tumbled off the surfboard, solidifying it as one of their best dates ever. They found themselves lying flat on the sand, immersed in the beauty of the night sky and the peacefulness of their surroundings. It was in that moment that Katsuki turned towards him and softly kissed him.
It was insanely good. Life was amazing.
Eijirou was living the dream, and he was sure he could die happy. It has been several months since Izuku’s death, and Mina has stopped giving Eijirou odd stares whenever he is with Katsuki. Not when she notices the sudden glow surrounding Katsuki and how their friend seemed to be taking better care of himself once again.
Occasionally, Eijirou would catch the blonde’s intense gaze fixed upon him.
Staring at his eyes, his lips, his cheeks, as if searching for something that could never be found. Life was so good for Eijirou that he never felt the need to mention it. He prefers to keep things uncomplicated. What truly matters is that he has become an integral part of Katsuki’s life, and they find joy in each other’s presence.
It was such a delightful time that Eijirou’s work responsibilities faded into oblivion. His mind was so consumed with thoughts of their next date that he failed to notice the low-level villain sneaking up behind him. Before he knew it, he was thrown off the roof of a building and rendered unconscious.
He woke up to find his right arm all wrapped up, with Katsuki standing right beside him.
Eijirou’s face contorted into a grimace as he observed the fingers sticking out from the end of his cast, a peculiar and unsettling sight. The hospital reeks of rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. There’s this annoying beeping sound on his left. Apart from that, there is a complete absence of sound. Slowly, his focus shifts to Katsuki, his eyes lingering on him for a moment.
Katsuki’s intense stare, accentuated by the dark circles under his eyes, remained locked on him.
“Hey,” Eijirou asked, a smile on his face, “How long was I asleep?””
Katsuki takes an unsteady breath.
“A week.”
“Oh.”
Katsuki managed to remain silent, the only sound being his steady breathing. As his shoulders started trembling and his hands instinctively shielded his face, Eijirou’s body went rigid, freezing in place. The sight of Katsuki’s tears instantly fills Eijirou with guilt, as he finally comprehends the extent of the damage his accident caused. A groan of pain threatened to escape Eijirou’s lips, but he managed to hold it back as he leaned towards Katsuki. With a gentle touch, he pulled the blonde’s hands away from his face.
“Hey, hey. Stop crying. I’m fine.”
“You’re a fucking idiot is what you are.”
“I know, I’m sorry.”
“You couldn’t even let some higher-class villain knock you out cold? You had to let some lowlife keep you asleep for an entire week, bastard?”
“I’m fine now. Are you even sleeping, Kats?”
“Do you understand what I’m going to do if I fucking lose you too?”
Coming to a sudden halt, Eijirou felt a rush of alarm bells ringing in his head. Before uttering a word, he pauses, his brow furrowing as he carefully weighs his choice of words.
“You don’t need to do anything because I’m not going anywhere.”
Katsuki’s expression darkened.
“Don’t go around making promises you can’t keep, Deku.”
Oh.
Deku.
Don’t go around making promises you can’t keep, Deku.
Deku. Katsuki called him Deku.
It’s like the name is on a loop in Eijirou’s mind.
Katsuki also doesn’t appear to realize what he’s said. Without warning, a wave of lightheadedness overcame him, accompanied by an unexplainable anguish that left him feeling unsettled. Not knowing what else to do, Eijirou averts his gaze from Katsuki and attempts to conceal his pain by bursting into laughter. He starts to bring his hands up to his face, vigorously brushing away his tears.
And they just stay there, only two feet apart, not saying a word.
“Eijirou,” With a soft stammer, Katsuki’s eyes betrayed his panic. “I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant-“
“It’s okay,” Through the tears, Eijirou tries to speak, even though he knows it’s not the best decision. “I’ll get over it.”
“It’s not okay, goddammit,” In an instant, Katsuki’s face is right in front of him, his hands gripping his cheeks firmly, ensuring he can’t escape his gaze. Genuine guilt and remorse shone in Katsuki’s eyes. The blonde’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as he tenderly pressed their foreheads together. “It’s not okay. I just got scared out of my mind. I was so scared I’d end up losing you, too. I think...Izu-Deku had said that to me before and my brain just decided to bring me back to my past, but I’m over it now. I’m tired of losing people I care about, Ei. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
Eijirou pondered what exactly had made him feel so convinced that he had successfully gotten past it. Katsuki had known Izuku for almost his entire life. It makes perfect sense if he’s still haunted by memories of the other one. All he wanted was for Katsuki to be honest with him, no matter how painful. Despite everything, the moment Katsuki’s lips connected with his own, Eijirou’s hurt and anger evaporated into thin air.
Love isn’t always beautiful, and it’s certainly not always honest.
Izuku would constantly haunt Katsuki’s past.
But Eijirou is here right now, and Katsuki is kissing him.
Eijirou is content with Katsuki’s present and future.
That’s all that matters.
That’s all that should matter.
Right?
x.
One year after Izuku’s death, Katsuki asked if they could start living together.
Eijirou, on the other hand, seriously thinks the other didn’t really ask. Just as expected from Katsuki, he forcefully demanded that Eijirou become his roommate. With his mind preoccupied by patrols and work deadlines, Eijirou barely noticed the sunny morning when Katsuki abruptly pressed a set of rusty keys, adorned with an All Might keychain, into his chest.
Time seems to slip away unnoticed as Eijirou becomes entranced by the intensity in Katsuki’s eyes. The increasing confusion in Eijirou’s eyes only served to further irritate Katsuki.
“Your place is a dump.”
“Uh,” Eijirou shook his head in disbelief and asked, “Sorry?””
“Those neighbors of yours are total assholes.”
“But the old granny next door only glared at me only three times this morning.”
“Your landlord reeks, like piss and dogshit.”
“Hey,” Eijirou’s voice carries a sharp edge as he clutches the key tightly against his chest, his actions filled with dramatic flair. “That isn’t fair, Kats.”
“My apartment is the absolute best. It’s got a whole security team, 24/7 surveillance, and an elevator that actually works. My neighbors don’t annoy me, and the place smells amazing like a newly renovated resort.”
“I’m aware of that. I was there the other night, you know.”
Under his breath, Katsuki lets out a string of curses.
“If you know, why haven’t you said yes already?”
“You’re not even botherin’ to ask me anything.”
“Let’s live together. Leave that crappy house behind.”
It wasn’t a question.
Eijirou’s gaze slowly drifts away from the keys, his focus now fixated on Katsuki.
“You want me to move in with you?””
Katsuki’s eyes rolled in exasperation as he muttered, “What did I just say?””
“I snore like crazy and take forever in the bathroom,” Eijirou began by speaking, his gaze unwaveringly locked onto Katsuki’s intense, crimson eyes. “I’ll probably forget to close the fridge, and your electric bill will be sky high. I can’t sleep when the lights are on. I tend to dump all my clothes on a chair and leave them there ‘cause I can’t be bothered to wash them.”
With a soft smile on his face, Katsuki delicately touches Eijirou’s neck, his fingers tracing soothing circles.
“That’s so nasty, Ei.”
“That’s just me, sorry.”
Katsuki, visibly irritated, rolls his eyes before using his fingers to start counting.
“First off, I always wear earplugs when I sleep so I don’t get disturbed by any little noise. Two, take your pick, I’ve got three bathrooms. Three, you know, my fridge door actually closes on its own after a few minutes if you leave it open. And if my bill gets too high, whatever, I’ve got so much money and no idea where to spend it. And last but not the fucking least, I sleep with an eye mask, so the dark is just what I want when I sleep. But seriously, that chair needs to go. No way am I having a chair that smells like a pro hero’s sweat.”
Eijirou chuckles softly. It was hard not to be impressed by Katsuki’s ability to address any issue or worry. And, like a complete fool, the sweetness of the gesture lingers in Eijirou’s mind. With his eyelids fluttering to the floor, Eijirou lets out a soft sniffle and feels the weight of the key in his hands as he rests them on his hips.
“What’s got you crying, dumbass?”
“We’re not even official yet, Kats.”
It’s been a year since Izuku died. Almost nine months have passed since they started dating. They don’t really talk about it, but Eijirou hesitates to bring it up because he’s unsure if he’s ready to hear Katsuki’s answer.
After that, silence hung in the air for a few moments.
“Scratch that, forget what I said. You thought that one was weird, right? It’s pretty unmanly of me to just say it like that. But, yeah, sure thing. I can be your roommate or something.”
As if his life depended on it, Katsuki’s fingers latched onto Eijirou’s hand, the one that wasn’t tightly grasping the key. Specifically, Katsuki is gently clasping two of his fingers together. In that peaceful stillness, Eijirou gently runs his thumb across the back of Katsuki’s hand, silently urging him to continue.
“Live with me,” Katsuki goes on to say once more, his words carrying a sense of determination. Eijirou couldn’t hide his disappointment, as he had envisioned something entirely different. He carefully watches as Katsuki inhales deeply, sensing the immense struggle he’s experiencing in sharing the truth about what they really are. It seems that this is all he can extract from Katsuki, so Eijirou takes a deep breath, taking in the moment and imprinting it in his memory. As he opens his mouth to speak, Katsuki interrupts him, refusing to let him finish his sentence. As he lifts his head, his eyes meet a direct, intense stare. “Make me your boyfriend or die.”
Katsuki’s hand felt warm, but it was nothing compared to the intense heat that seemed to radiate from every pore of Eijirou’s body. He seriously thinks his entire face has turned a shade as vibrant as his fiery red hair.
“Are you trying to force me into a relationship with you through intimidation, Kats?”
With a scowl, Katsuki looks at him. Eijirou’s cheeks are already beginning to ache from the immense smile on his face, even though Katsuki still hasn’t released his hand. In an instant, he places his hand over Katsuki’s, their palms pressed together and their fingers interlocked. Katsuki’s gentle eyes meet his, and in that moment, Eijirou feels a glimmer of hope that things are finally falling into place.
Eijirou, of course, readily agrees.
Being the eternal optimist, he agrees without hesitation. He agrees because he loves Katsuki and chooses to believe that the other loves him back. If Katsuki didn’t truly care about him, he wouldn’t have asked him to live together and be his boyfriend, right?
If Eijirou had been more observant, he would have noticed that Katsuki’s voice had an unusual tone when he said it.
If he had paid attention, he would’ve known Katsuki was just saying what he wanted to hear.
xi.
“So...” Mina smirks and jokingly elbows Eijirou in the stomach, causing him to let out a surprised grunt. “When were you planning on letting me know that you and Bakugou moved in together?”
With a joyful laugh, Eijirou tries to gently shove her away, a mischievous smile on his face.
“Never. How did you find out?”
“So, I saw Bakugou at the convenience store last night and was like, “What’s up? What are you doing here? I didn’t think you’d be the kind to buy stuff from corner shops.”” Mina narrates with lively gestures and a beaming smile. “Can you imagine how shocked I was when he said he was buying something for you? He wanted to surprise you when you’re finally able to come home, since you’re always so busy at work.”
As Eijirou scratched his cheek, he could feel the heat rising from his face.
“My roots are showing,” He tried to explain, his fingers nervously twirling a strand of his hair. “You can only get the brand I really like at the convenience store by the building. I haven’t bought any yet ‘cause I’ve been swamped at work. I’ve been crashing at the office the past few nights because I’m hustling to get these reports done for the month-end evaluation.”
“All right,” Mina mentions, her head gradually finding its place on his shoulder. “So, when were you gonna tell me you guys are officially a thing?”
Eijirou’s heart raced as he was taken aback by an unexpected wave of horror.
To be honest, he hasn’t confided in any of their friends yet. He’s too freaked out that if he does, he’ll find out his brain is full of crap and nothing actually happened. But, it totally happened. And it is happening.
When he opens his eyes, he is greeted by the sensation of toasty arms enveloping his torso, and the soothing feeling of Katsuki’s fingers running through his hair.
Katsuki has kept their secret from all of their friends as well.
At first, Eijirou felt a wave of insecurity wash over him. However, he later understood that Katsuki’s strong emphasis on privacy indicated just how much it meant to him. No matter how hard he tries not to, Eijirou can’t help but constantly compare himself to Izuku. Whatever bond he once shared with Katsuki was also hidden away from the world. That fact alone brings him a slight sense of relief, although it also leaves him with a lingering feeling of guilt.
“Judging by your face, I’m guessing you didn’t plan on sharing that with me.”
“I didn’t plan on telling anyone.”
“Meh, it’s none of our business. I wanted to let you know how thrilled I am for both of you,” With a happy expression, Mina adds her thoughts. “But your hair, though! Your new look is fire!”
Eijirou ran his fingers through his hair once more, feeling the strands slip between his fingertips. Back then, it wasn’t easy because he was constantly gelling his hair. Thanks to Katsuki’s suggestion, he decides to leave it untouched, causing it to fall flat on his head and end right below his ear.
“Kats was massaging my head the other day because I had a killer headache, and he said I’d look way better with my hair down,” As Eijirou explained, he could feel a blush creeping up his cheeks, embarrassed to talk about their daily routine at home. The feeling of domesticity was so intense that he had to fight back tears, even in public. “It’s not bad, I guess. He seems to like my hair when it’s not all stiff. He’s always running his fingers through it and saying it’s softer.”
“Bakugou is such a drama queen sometimes, he’s supposed to love you for who you are, Ei,” With an eye roll and a cheeky puff of air, Mina hugged his arm tightly, as if seeking comfort. “Next time he gives unwanted advice, tell him to shut his mouth if he wants more friends. We keep it to ourselves, because we’re nice like that.”
xii.
Bakugou is such a drama queen sometimes, he’s supposed to love you for who you are, Ei.
Eijirou’s gaze slowly turned towards her, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
“He didn’t really mean it like that, you know.”
“Yeah, I was just messing with you.”
“He loves me, Mina.”
As Mina’s toothy grin persisted on her face, she stared at Eijirou with a curious expression, but suddenly, the sight of her smile began to frustrate him.
“Duh, I know that. You two are connected at the hip, and you don’t have to convince me that he loves you because I have eyes. I can see it.”
Despite knowing he shouldn’t find comfort in her words, Eijirou can’t help but feel reassured by what she says. There was a tiny voice, barely audible, within his head, reminding him that it wasn’t Mina he needed to convince. With each word he spoke, he could feel himself trying to convince himself that this was his truth.
The times spent with Katsuki were amazing, but occasionally, a distant look would cloud his eyes, as if he was lost in some other world.
Like he’d rather be somewhere else.
They stood silent for a few moments. For what felt like an eternity, Mina’s eyes remained fixated on him, unwavering.
“Are you all right?”
“He’s fine, raccoon eyes,” Katsuki’s voice pierces the silence, causing them both to jump and anxiously glance behind them. They could feel the weight of the blonde’s glare as his eyebrow arched in a silent challenge. “Can you find someone else to bother and leave my boyfriend alone?”
“Seriously, you’re a jerk. I was just chatting with him.”
“Spend time with him tomorrow, I’m taking this workaholic home.”
With a mischievous cackle, Mina smacks Eijirou’s arm and gives him a playful shove.
“Fine, Ei. Go home. Loverboy is waiting for you.“
xiii.
Eijirou was in the middle of brushing his teeth, the minty toothpaste foam filling his mouth, when he suddenly remembered that now was as good a time as any to dye his hair. In the bathroom, he shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Where’s the hair dye at? I’m thinking of dyeing my hair right now!”
Katsuki let out a loud curse, and the clattering of pots and pans echoed.
“Bathroom cabinet, Ei! Seriously, I’ve been telling you this! You keep forgetting, how many more times do I have to remind you, it’s always right there!”
Eijirou thinks life is freaking hilarious.
Life, in its own ironic way, unfolded with a multitude of choices that seemed never-ending. If only Eijirou had chosen a different day to dye his hair, one that was filled with misfortune instead of the goodness that today had brought.
With unsteady hands, he reached for the bottle of dye, its smooth surface cool to the touch.
Eijirou’s hair was already a chaotic tangle, but he made a feeble attempt to brush it with his other hand before deciding it was a lost cause. In the dimly lit room, he studied his reflection on the mirror, trying to decipher the emotions etched on his face.
He had never once pretended to be flawlessly perfect. His skin wasn’t smooth, he had lumps and bumps here and there, and there was a scar above his eye. He paused, his eyes fixated on the bottle of hair dye, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He read the label repeatedly, finding amusement in its words.
Inside his head, Mina’s voice resounded loudly and distinctly.
He’s supposed to love you as you are, Ei.
The realization hit Eijirou as to why he had been feeling so peculiar during his conversations with Mina. He felt an overwhelming need to try and convince her, but deep down, he knew he was really trying to convince himself. Maybe, things were starting to look up for them, despite everything.
All he wanted was to make himself believe he was what Katsuki wanted.
He was very well aware that love isn’t always beautiful. It was at times painful.
But this just…felt too much.
He takes another look at the bottle of dye in his hand.
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, He reads, Shade Forest Green.
xiv.
“You done yet?”” From behind him, Katsuki goes on to ask with a curious tone in his voice. “Lemme take a look.”
It wasn’t ever a question.
As Katsuki approached Eijirou, he leaned back against the bathroom vanity. Folding his arms together, he focused his attention on examining his hair. When was the last time Katsuki had actually met his gaze? Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t remember.
He can’t quite remember when Katsuki last said “I love you” to him.
Did he ever say it? Is he supposed to ask? Does it even matter?
Love isn’t always beautiful and it most certainly isn’t loud.
Love isn’t always beautiful, and it’s certainly not very kind.
Love isn’t always beautiful, and it’s certainly not always honest.
Love isn’t always beautiful.
It was at times painful.
“I knew it,” Katsuki grinned, and Eijirou felt his heart race once again. Katsuki was simply too beautiful and too bright. How can he possibly refuse when Katsuki smiles so irresistibly? When he starts looking at him like he’s the stars in the sky? “I knew it would look great on you.”
Eijirou takes a look at himself in the mirror. He no longer recognizes the person staring back at him. The overwhelming urge to close his eyes and escape from reality was beginning to consume him. The shade of green on his hair looks wrong. He doesn’t recognize himself.
Through the mirror, he notices Katsuki’s smiling face, and despite everything, he can’t help but recognize it. The way Katsuki’s eyes crinkled with immense joy, lighting up his whole face.
Eijirou recognized that look immediately - it was one he had seen countless times before.
From a distance.
Katsuki now gazes at him with the same intensity he once reserved for Izuku.
Strong arms wrap around his waist, pulling him close against a chest radiating heat, yet Eijirou remains fixated on his own reflection in the mirror, his eyes devoid of emotion, his mouth set in a tight frown. With a playful laugh, Katsuki lightly grips Eijirou’s chin, guiding his head to sway from left to right. With an unwavering stare, Katsuki effortlessly extends his arm past Eijirou to access the cabinet, retrieving the bottle of dye. Once again, a smile cracks on his lips.
“It looks good on you, just as I thought. I’m amazing, aren’t I?”
Eijirou’s jaw twitches involuntarily, but his intense focus on Katsuki never wavers.
“I love you, Katsuki.”
“Hmm, yeah sure, love you,” Mumbling absentmindedly, Katsuki frowned, as if Eijirou’s response wasn’t what he had hoped for. The same beaming smile he used to reserve only for Izuku is still present on his face. He’s smiling at Eijirou like that now. Eijirou had forgotten just how much he longed to see him smile like that. Leaning in, the blonde smiles again, his lips brushing against his bare shoulder, his breath warm against his skin. “I have a question.”
Eijirou couldn’t bring himself to say no, not when Katsuki was grinning at him with that same smile he once reserved solely for Izuku.
And this time, he’s not just ordering him, he’s asking him a question.
xv.
“Think you can start calling me Kacchan?”