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It starts with Shouto's puppy dog eyes and ends with Katsuki alone with Shouto's two furballs circling his feet.
It's usually how these things go, Shouto asking for one of his rare favours and Katsuki willing to risk an arm and a leg to go fulfill whatever he wishes. And if that includes catsitting his two gremlins, well.
Well. Katsuki closes the door behind Shouto as he leaves for his work abroad. It's his first time at Shouto's place without him actually being there, and it feels empty already. Home is a person, and when that person leaves their home, its foundations crumble from a comfort space to just a space. Still, it feels like Shouto all around, from the cozy kotatsu to the cat blanket draped over the couch.
Katsuki leans back on the couch. He can still catch a waft of Shouto's strawberry shampoo on the blanket, freshly showered before leaving. He leans back on it, closing his eyes and imagining that Shouto's beside him.
Reality is less kind, but no less peaceful. Katsuki opens his eyes and lands them on the laundry list of things Shouto had written to do during his time catsitting.
The list starts off standard, feeding times and their likes and dislikes. Then it starts to veer off into interesting-to-Shouto tidbits territory, facts about the cats and things like 'hug them a lot' and 'have fun!' taking up half the paper.
The cats in question are off chasing a ball, and Katsuki crosses his arms as he watches them. Cats are independent creatures. Hell, they weren't even domesticated until like ten thousand years ago, he doesn't see why Soba and Udon need to be supervised while they go chase a ball.
He sends a picture of them to Shouto first, because he'd already asked for updates the minute he left the door. Katsuki's next point of contact is Eyebags because fuck yeah, he gets to spend time with Shouto's cats while the coffee addict doesn't, ha.
You (18:45)
Picture
🖕
eyebags (18:46)
the poor cats
You (18:46)
🖕🖕
eyebags (18:47)
go play with them holy shit
don't you want to impress todoroki
You (18:47)
🖕🖕🖕
All middle finger emojis are deserved, but Katsuki keeps Shinsou's suggestion in mind. It's not like Katsuki needs to fuckin' impress Shouto, he's impressive with or without looking after a buncha cats.
But hell. He thinks of Shouto's starry eyes whenever he talks about his cats. It's clear that they're important to him, and even if it's not for impressing, it's important to Katsuki that he gets along with his friend's pride and joys.
"Pspsps," Katsuki says out loud, then flushes. They don't answer to his call, and he sinks deeper in the couch. It's a comfy couch, but he's not gonna let it make him accept defeat by sagging further into woe. He sits up. "Oi, oi, oi."
The menaces zoom to the kitchen, still entranced by the ball. Or: Katsuki gets ignored.
eyebags (18:49)
they like feather toys
and chin scratches
Katsuki reads it from his notifications bar because like fuck if he lets the fucker know he's actually reading his advice.
He gets up, knees cracking because of hero work, not age, fuck you, and goes hunting for some feather toy or some shit. He finds one strewn across the kotatsu and begins his prowl for affection.
"Soba," he calls. "Udon."
He finds them grooming each other in front of the oven, apparently a great spot to get cleaning services. He dangles the toy over their heads like a fishing pole but they don't take the bait until he accidentally bonks the feather in Soba's face. She lets out an affronted mewl that he can't help but laugh unexpectedly at, short, brutish.
"Sorry," he says. He thinks Operation Cat has failed but Udon starts to paw at the feather.
Oho. Katsuki swishes the toy around, feather here, there, and everywhere as both cats find their interest piqued. He watches them scrabble for it, then realizes they need some sort of positive reinforcement so he lets it hang for a second more than usual, letting them grab it and start nomming away enthusiastically.
It's kinda cute.
They're both cute little shits, Soba a white fluffball and Udon a yellow fluffball. Katsuki still thinks the cutest fluffball in the place is Shouto, but he keeps his thoughts to himself.
Eventually they start to bore of the toy. Katsuki dangles it right in front of them but they stalk away like a clique. Tch. Tough crowd.
Well, whatever. He returns back to the couch. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are affections. In fact, it's good they aren't gonna show their soft side to just anyone. It's a hard world out there, and you gotta earn trust before becoming a gooey fuckin' mess in front of the other.
Which is why he's not sure if he's pleased or affronted when Udon starts brushing up against his legs. Soba continues to slink around him, and for such a fluffball, she's calculative in knowing how far she should be so none of her fur dare touch him.
Katsuki reaches down, holding out his hand with curled fingers for them to sniff. Udon comes waddling right over like it's a beacon or bacon (do cats eat bacon?), sniffing before headbutting his hand with a purr.
Fuck.
Udon lowers his head slightly, and Katsuki takes it as permission to pet his little furry head. He scratches the top, then moves to the side under the chin. Udon sags to the ground, almost belly flopping.
Fuck.
"Why are you so cute huh," Katsuki grumbles. His heart constricts, and he sits on the ground, back propped by couch as he pets the happy little shit.
It's clear who has survival instincts outta the two. Soba watches them from a distance, loafing with judgmental eyes.
Good for her. One does not simply forgive someone who whacked a feather in their face, and Soba clearly remembers. It's up to her whether she forgives (but not forgets), but for now, Katsuki continues petting a happy Udon, flopping like his namesake on the floor.
"You trusted me so fast," Katsuki says, and it comes out quiet.
He's not- good with animals. He likes Ei's dog well enough and vice versa, but that dog likes everyone, much like his too-smiley owner. But cats, every time he accompanies Shouto to the cat cafe, they usually turn the other cheek, right to Shouto's one.
And it's not like he needs to be liked, fuck, it's not like he's rising in hero ranks for his personality. But this joyful little cat, pawing at his fingers so he can continue petting him, seems to like him just fine.
Udon just gazes at him with guileless eyes, then plops right down on his lap like it's his throne.
Katsuki does not do thrones.
But he'll do it for Udon.
Katsuki takes a picture of Udon on his lap, then sends it to Shouto.
Shou (19:26)
Happy Pusheen Sticker
I'm happy you two are getting along :-)
Did you win over Soba's heart too?
You (19:27)
i will
Shou (19:27)
I know.
You always do
Katsuki blinks at the message, but before he can decipher it, another message pops up.
Shou (19:28)
Make sure to feed them soon
You (19:28)
i know
Picture
u only wrote it like five times
Shou (19:29)
Repetition makes the instructions stick
You (19:29)
clearly
i'm gonna remember their feeding times till i'm old and grey
Shou (19:29)
You see now how repetition makes the instructions stick
You (19:29)
...
Shou (19:29)
It's nice to imagine we'll all still be together when we're old and grey though
You (19:29)
i guess you won't be halfie anymore huh
Shou (19:30)
I'm sure you'll think of something when we get there
You (19:30)
i hope i can call you mine
Draft
old halfie
Sent✓
Shou (19:31)
Your creativity knows no bounds
You (19:31)
neither does your bedtime. isn't it like ass o clock over there?
Shou (19:32)
Picture
You (19:32)
wtf is that
Shou (19:32)
The night sky
You (19:33)
not one picture of ur trip and u send me blackness
Shou (19:33)
It's the sky
At night
Black
You (19:33)
wow. someone hire this guy as a photographer
Shou (19:34)
I'd give you my services for free
Katsuki chokes.
You (19:36)
how generous
Shou (19:36)
Indeed I am
You (19:37)
i'm going to head out before you get a big head
Shou (19:37)
My head isn't big
Is it?
Katsuki?
Katsuki??
.
Katsuki scoops out clumped litter that Soba has carefully hidden under more litter. He puts it in a bag, to be tied and disposed of as soon as possible once he finishes his litter rounds around the apartment. He feels like a servant, first and foremost to the cats, and second to Shouto, who led him to this predicament.
It still feels jarring, wandering a space that's so innately Shouto, without the soul fueling it. His presence seeps through the gaps the comfort of his design choices and cats leave behind, a melancholy sort of longing that hits Katsuki every once in a while.
But there's a few days to go still, and Katsuki will fulfill his duties as a catsitter with gusto. And if it means litter duty, so be it.
"The great King God Explosion Murder scooping poop," Katsuki grumbles. "Who'd a thought."
Not him.
He hears hungry meowls, feels fur rubbing against his leg.
"Yes, yes, I'll feed you soon," Katsuki says, but it does nothing to deter Udon. "Soon. Not now. Oi."
The words soon and not now clearly don't mean anything to the little guy. He keeps circling Katsuki's legs, and hopping on the counter to paw at his arms with a sad mreowl. It's a pitiful display, but Katsuki's not a weak man-
except when it comes to these cats and their owner apparently. He puts the bag in the trash, then washes his hands because hygiene is the key of health and health is wealth, bitches. Only then does he turn to the food cabinet, and Udon makes a mad dash towards it, jumping on the counter and sitting on it with waiting eyes.
"You're just like Shouto," Katsuki grumps out. "Always looking at me like that right when I feed him."
Always looking like stars shine outta his ass, when all he does is fix him a plate. It's a tiny, simple gesture, but he knows those are the things that Shouto's grateful for. Those little things that he missed during his childhood, Katsuki strives to make up for in multitudes.
And right now he's striving to keep these cats happy and fed.
Fuck, they better give him a five outta five star rating for his catsitting service. He warms up their wet food straight outta the fridge with some warm water, mixing it so the cold doesn't shock their little organs. He has to shield the bowl from Udon's strategic pawing, adding dry food to another bowl with some treats on top like gold leaf to foie gras.
Katsuki carries out the four bowls to their designated eating area, and watches as they dive into their meals once he sets them down.
"Enjoy you little shits," he says, and is met by chowing down.
He snaps a photo of the buffet, and sends it to Shouto. Predictably, there's a buzz not a minute later, even though Katsuki knows Halfie's meant to be in patrol.
Shou (7:21)
Breakfast seems to be a bit early
୧| ͡ᵔ ﹏ ͡ᵔ |୨
You (7:21)
wtf is that meant to be
Shou (7:21)
A knowing look
You (7:22)
and what do u know huh??
Shou (7:22)
They got to you didn't they
You (7:23)
no
the clock wasn't working that's all
Shou (7:23)
୧| ͡ᵔ ﹏ ͡ᵔ |୨୧| ͡ᵔ ﹏ ͡ᵔ |୨୧| ͡ᵔ ﹏ ͡ᵔ |୨
You (7:24)
stop
no more cat pics for u
Shou (7:24)
(っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ wait no
I'll internalize the knowing looks
Keep sending cat pics
Katsuki
Catsuki
You (7:27)
...
Shou (7:27)
Keep sending them :-(
Picture
Soba looks up from her meal when there's a clatter, phone dropping on the ground. It's not a far distance, he'd been sitting after all, but hey, no one warned him he was about to see his crush with a dumb cat ear filter on. Said dumb crush with dumb cat filter owes him a screen protector for the troubles.
You (7:29)
is that a reveal your true self filter
Shou (7:29)
I really love cats so I'll take that as a compliment
You try it too
Katsuki doesn't usually like taking photos.
He scrolls through the different filters until he finds the same one Shouto used. It takes him several tries (not everyone is photogenic as Mr. Ice Prince, jeez), before taking one that makes him look fly as fuck. With cat ears, but the point remains.
You (7:35)
Picture
happy?
Shou (7:35)
Very
You look cute
*It looks cute on you
Katsuki's ears turn red, but he chalks it up to Shouto liking all things cat, and that includes the dumb cat ear Katsuki photo. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah.
Like all things involving the heart, Katsuki deflects.
You (7:36)
Aren't you meant to be on patrol?
Shou (7:36)
Just surveillance
You (7:36)
ah yes
i'm sure you'll catch the guys by being on your phone
Shou (7:37)
They won't be here till another two hours according to the recon
So I'm fine to talk with you a while further
You (7:37)
why're you there so early?
Shou (7:37)
My roommate snores too loud
Wanted to get some air
You (7:38)
ah shit
those are the worst
Shou (7:38)
Says you
You (7:38)
excuse me?!
Shou (7:39)
You're excused
But not for snoring so loud
¯\_(☯෴☯)_/¯
You (7:39)
one
i don't snore
two
no more cat pics
Shou (7:39)
You can't blackmail me against a fact
You (7:39)
u can't prove it
Shou (7:40)
Let's have a sleepover when I'm back then
I'll record your snores
You (7:40)
creepy much
Shou (7:40)
Just trying to get evidence
You (7:40)
i won't sleepover then
ha
Shou (7:41)
The more you resist the more it sounds like you're guilty
Oh
They're here
You (7:41)
kick their ass
.
Day six of catsitting and Soba has taken to flicking her tail on Katsuki's face whenever the opportunity arises. He ends up with fluff on his face, and he wrinkles his nose and turns the other cheek.
Udon is inside his cat bed, which looks like an instant noodle container. He pokes his head out when Katsuki sneezes, then rests his head on the edge of the bed, paws out like a little gentleman.
Katsuki takes in the sight, then takes a picture. He keeps it in his camera roll, and makes a note to send it to Shouto later, when the dumbass will most likely spam his phone asking for updates. Ha. Serves him right for daring to say he snores. He's not a bear.
"Soba, can you stop-" Katsuki says, his hand a barrier between her tail and his face. "Stop whacking me. Now. Now. Oi-“
If cats could laugh, he bets Soba's cackling a storm right now, stirring a cauldron while she's at it and plotting his demise. In this lifetime though, she settles for another whack!, bushy tail giving him a conniption.
He's not gonna move from his spot though. Katsuki is an immovable rock, and like hell is Soba gonna be his unstoppable force. Sides, he just got back from work and he's tired, something he's sure sleepyhead Soba can relate to. She's sleeping now, somewhere between making Katsuki's life miserable and making his life awful having the gall to loaf and take another catnap.
He takes a picture of that too, then decides to do some shopping.
It's raining out, but the konbini is so close by he opts out of an umbrella and puts up his hood. He regrets the decision once the rain pelts against his forehead and soaks his bangs, spying the drenched rat look on the clear sliding door before it opens to warmth and goodies.
Well, whatever. He's not here to impress anyone but himself, and the only person he might put in an effort for isn't here, so he punts his umbrella regrets out the window. He grabs a basket and goes on his merry fuckin' way.
Since it's evening, there's clearance stickers and last minute sales to clear out the goods. Katsuki spots a strawberry shortcake for half off and snickers to himself. Half off Halfie, ha. He ends up putting it in his basket, idling the aisles languidly.
Soon his basket is almost full, and Katsuki looks down and realizes it's just a buncha unhealthy snacks that Shouto loves to gobble up. The little koalas of the Koala March clan look up at him, making peace signs when all he feels is despair.
Fuck. Since when did his shopping cater to Shouto?
Katsuki debates putting them all back, but well. Shouto will be back, and will probably appreciate the gesture. Katsuki keeps them all in his basket, picking up some spicy senbei for his own taste buds.
Somewhere between the sauce aisle and the ramune section, he idly wonders what Shouto's up to. It's late by now, so he's probably sleeping. That is, if his roommate didn't keep him up.
Fuck. Who was this roommate anyway?
The only thing Shouto's shared about this mystery roommate is a dumb trait, and yet Katsuki still feels his hackles rise at the thought of someone else sharing the same sleeping quarters as Shouto. It's silly, he knows. It's not like they're together, and Katsuki has no right to stake a claim on someone he doesn't even have the fuckin' balls to confess to.
Still.
It's ok to rage think about this mystery roommate, Katsuki concedes, and proceeds to do exactly that as he heads to the self checkout and scans out the items with a sour expression.
This mystery roommate wouldn't buy Shouto's snacks for him, Katsuki thinks, justifies his purchase as the amount racks up slightly above his snack budget for the month. Which means Katsuki's clearly the better choice. Yeah.
Katsuki puts his hood back on as he heads outside, then makes a mad dash to Shouto's apartment, grocery bag held tight to his chest. He takes out the spare key, jams it in the lock and turns, door creaking as it opens.
"Tadaima," he says.
He's met by silence for all of five seconds before the cats, both of them, come scurrying to the door with mreowls sounding like okaeri.
(Shouto isn't here, but it's starting to feel like a home already.)
"Yes, yes," Katsuki acknowledges, and bends down to pet their heads.
He holds his hand out to Soba who sniffs it, and licks the side of his palm before headbutting him. A burst of fuzzy goo punches him in the heart, and he punches back softly, softly as he's finally allowed the grace to pet her demanding little head.
His knees start to ache, even though he's a pro at Asian squats, so he indulges them a bit longer before indulging himself, getting up with a big stretch that the cats follow suit.
Katsuki unpacks the snacks, putting the ice cream in the freezer and cake on the kotatsu to enjoy later on. All of the other shit goes in the snack cupboard which is already boasting a good amount, then the premium instant noodles, which finally went on fuckin' sale, to the noodle stash.
There.
He moseys over to the kotatsu with a fork, and opens up the packaging from the cake. He takes a photo from his phone to send to Shouto (see what he's missing out on, ha), but sees a notification from the guy already.
Shou (19:58)
What pickup line did one fish say to the other fish?
Katsuki blinks. It's not rare for Shouto to send puns. Fuck knows he needs some comedy in his life, it has to balance out somehow from all the hell he's been through.
Still. Fish?
You (20:23)
what
Shou (20:23)
You're a catch
He almost chokes on the fuckin' strawberry. It's so awful, not even the type of awful that veers into cinematic genius level, and yet he ends up wheezing anyhow. In-between his attempts at air he types out a reply.
You (20:25)
that was so bad
Shou (20:25)
Yeah but I bet you're laughing
:-)
You (20:26)
u can't prove it
Shou (20:26)
:-)
You (20:27)
hey, what'd the fish say to the other fish when it's way past their bedtime
Shou (20:27)
Gee. How could I possibly guess that
What?
You (20:28)
go to bed
Shou (20:28)
Very funny
But ok
Goodnight Katsuki
Sweet dreams
You (20:29)
night shouto
.
He's still thinking of the pun when he draws up the blinds for his own bedtime. It's so fuckin' dumb, yet when he's pulled out the futon, covers pulled over his face, he thinks of the line being directed at him.
You're a catch, Katsuki.
Feeling small all of a sudden, he pulls the covers higher and turns to the side.
Maybe in his dreams.
.
Katsuki kicks ass at patrol and rests his own on the couch after. He's got Udon kneading biscuits on his lap and Soba a furnace on his side and he can easily fall into deep slumber like this, surrounded by warmth and purrs.
He keeps his eyes open though, too busy trying to remember the tiny details of the now.
It's hard to think that Shouto's finally coming home today. It's been ten days, ten days too long, but Katsuki's gotten used to coming to this home after work, and seeing the cats.
Maybe he'll be able to subtly come over more often. Shouto's always let him loiter around his area with no remark, and Katsuki lets him do the same whenever he shows up at Katsuki's doorstep with takeout.
"You two are so lucky you know that," Katsuki says to the cats. Udon looks at him with wide eyes, then slowly blinks before settling his head back down where it's being gently cradled by Katsuki's elbow. "Getting to see Shouto everyday."
It's not like he doesn't see Shouto everyday. They work at the same agency and get together often, but it's different doing patrol together and cooking together; sharing a living space together.
"He's a great person," Katsuki says, and he's not drunk but it feels like it, when he gets going about Shouto. "His hair is always so soft and smells like strawberries. And he's so fuckin' pretty, easily the prettiest boy out there. And still he's so- kind. Even when the world dealt him a shitty hand. He's so good."
Katsuki swallows. "I really like him, y'know?"
There's a clatter, and Katsuki turns to see Shouto there, mouth open in shock. It's a standstill for a second, two, three. Too long, and yet Katsuki doesn't know how to remedy his fuckup. Except maybe, maybe-
"Did you mean it?" Shouto asks, like there's a world out there where Katsuki doesn't love Todoroki Shouto.
Katsuki thinks, of course I mean it. You're Todoroki fucking Shouto and I trust you with my life and my heart, and says:
"You're a catch."
And maybe it's not the best thing to say but it's the right thing to say because Shouto's shuttered expression blooms into one of his precious, precious smiles. Something small but no less radiant than the sun, maybe more so-
"Then you better reel me in."
definitely more so because the sun doesn't always make him smile but this absolute goofball does, now and hopefully always, always-
"Yeah. Ok."
always.
And Katsuki's reeling Shouto in, Shouto who's still got his backpack on and a strawberry bucket hat to avoid getting sunburnt, and Katsuki tips up the hat so he can see Shouto's face in full bloom. They meet each other's eyes, and the pretty two toned eyes are wide but soft, so soft and all directed at Katsuki.
"Can I kiss you?" Katsuki asks, soft because he's entrenched in the feeling and doesn't want to ruin it with his brutishness, not now.
Shouto just taps his lips in reply, tilting his head. "I'm waiting."
Brat. Katsuki feels affection surge through him as he leans in and kisses Shouto. His lips are soft, and hair even more so as he reaches a hand to rake through the strands. Shouto keens slightly, pulling him closer and Katsuki closes his eyes and wonders how he got so lucky.
Katsuki parts first, and sees Shouto chase for a second right after with closed eyes. He indulges, a tender one that lingers for a second before he pulls his head back and slots it on Shouto's shoulder instead, pulling him in a tight embrace as he breathes deep and releases.
Shouto holds him just as tight. "Tadaima."
"Okaeri."
There's a scratch on his leg then, and both cats are climbing up his legs like a tree until they reach Shouto and chirp for his attention too. Shouto reaches for both cats to cuddle close to him. He laughs, eyes crinkled with joy that are directed at his pride and joys, then with full force at Katsuki, like he's one of them too.
(Like this, surrounded by cats and Shouto, Katsuki thinks it finally feels like home.)
fin.