So never cry (That's right, now, pick up your courage.)

by Puolukka

Summary:

Midoriya Izuku is a Dom but has no real control in his life. He’s a complete mess and he feels like there’s no point in trying for a dynamic that he cannot satisfy.

On the other spectrum there’s Bakugou Katsuki: a Sub who has so much control he had to make sure to loosen himself to not overload his dynamic.

After Midoriya breaks off a contract again he drops, hard. Luckily Katsuki knows what to do. Kinda.

Notes:

Despite the premises or whatever this is going to be a very comical dynamic that hopefully will make you laugh and maybe swoon, but just a little.

You saw that tag, the Kacchan's amazing, yeah? Yeah, he is.

 

Please point out any errors cause I just checked rapidly, otherwise, this would be still sitting in my folder and I would hate it.

Chapter 1: Unnatural

“What are you doing?”

Izuku swirled around, like a deer caught in the headlight while trying to fiddle with the thermostat of his apartment. Panicking he fumbled a little and with a weak voice said: “Warming the room?”

“I  actually  meant it like we cuddle together…”

“Oh…” was his genius response. He looked with guilt at the digital numbers displayed and walked towards the little nest on the plushy rug. He grabbed a smooth, green pile duvet positioned on the sofa and draped it around his partner.

Makoto tucked his chin inside and sighed loudly. “Izuku… I’m sorry I should have clarified it. I forgot that you take things… a bit too overboard.”

The pro-hero avoided his calm look, the disappointment too blatant to feign indifference.

“Izuku, please. Don’t be like that- I’m not saying there’s fault in it. I just believe that things are not moving… well  anywhere .” Makoto extended a hand and pulled Izuku into a warm hug. “I mean I certainly love the care you put in this dynamic, but I feel like we’re just moving without much thought in it.”

A frown twisted his baby fat face – something Izuku was very aware of since people kept mistaking him for a trainee, despite being in the field for a good 5 years now.  It was true that when they first signed their contract, they had just barely known each other so it was a continuous pull and push until they finally found a rhythm; after two years they were still tune-checking.

And well it was just how things ended up every time. Being a Dominant with an anxiety streak meant having no real control over anything. The more he tried to put sense and order in his deeds and thoughts the more discombobulated his routine. The impending sensation that something could always come and cause havoc, a suffocating grasp that constricted him at all times. There was no control, only a feeble, brittle sample of it – that could fall and smash and pulverize and Izuku could just stand there and watch it all.

And that’s why whenever they asked him a simple, little request he would go all out to fulfill it. A bit of comfort? He’ll prepare a warm bath, he’ll bring you flowers and prepare a meal and carry you anywhere, listen to you like you spoke the truest words on this earth. Are you cold? All the windows will be sealed, the conditioning at the highest degree, and gather the softest blankest for you. Don’t feel comfortable with it? He will crush down so hard, reel back and distance himself soul and body just to make you feel like you still are yourself and not just a symbiosis being with him.

Because that’s what everyone pointed out each single instance.

“You are too much, too kind, too sweet, too clumsy, too antsy. You have no control, it feels like diving in an Ocean so wide and so thrilling, but that brings out only a sense of constant dread: we’re both drowning in it.”

And for a Pro-Hero like him, whose greatest achievement was saving people in dire, knowing that his partners had no foothold in a relationship marred by splits. The failure made his stomach roll inside out.

“Izuku, I think… We should just break it off.”

That was a sentence he was so familiar with at this point; weird it hadn’t happened much earlier. Makoto had been trying to meet him halfway all this time…

And he just bumped and tripped each step before even reaching the halfway point.

---

 

“You are a wreck, Deku! What happened to you?”

The next day Izuku paced to work like any other. He picked something to eat from his favourite konbini – which was just the closest one from his apartment to his work office – greeted Marina, who had been restocking the mochi section, with a small smile and tumbled in the office without excessive fanfare.

Ochako had been the first one to speak to him, and that spoke loudly of what could transpire on his face.

“Makoto… Broke it off. The contract.”

“What!?” Ochako lunged herself to his side, grasping him and trying to search for some kind of lie in his dull eyes. “Tell me that’s not true. Makoto was a sweetheart; I can’t believe he gave up as well.”

Izuku just gave a faint nod, his lips trying to form a smile. “It’s… It’s fine Ochako. He is right. I’m… just not meant for this type of dynamic. I don’t even know why I keep doing it... It’s not like I can’t satisfy it with my line of work and all. I feel plenty good already.”

Ochako sighed and gave him a reproachful swat. “Don’t say that, idiot! You know you need it more than anyone else. You’re not like Tokoyami or Beast Jeanist- they’re another category altogether. Well anyway, what I mean is- Deku, you need it very much and it’s okay. Even if it’s not working yet with anyone. You always think about your partner first, but what about you? Did you feel comfortable with them? Did you feel comfortable with Makoto?”

“I- I don’t know. I don’t know how to discern it. I feel comfortable when my partner feels comfortable…”

Ochako smirked at that. She chuckled: “You’re a Dom through and through, Izuku. Can’t believe no one can see it…”

She hugged him tightly and left in a hurry mentioning she had a patrol scheduled and was running late already. “Make sure not to do anything stupid! Take care of yourself!”

And this is how he passed the day, mulling over her words while signing off documents for Mirio, putting his costume on and going for a hopefully serene patrol while his internal world was crashing down on him.

He was seriously considering the idea of just putting off his dynamic play for good. He wasn’t a Dom that could truly put ease to his Sub partners, maybe he should try with another Dom? It wasn’t unheard of, even if usually it caused a huge disbalance in the relationship, same could happen to Subs; usually, they didn’t last long. People preferred to just not indulge in it at all, or well those who could live off it.

Izuku had tried at first, following the example of Katsuki, but then he realized that he just loved taking care of others- he’s always indulging in it. With friends, family, strangers… But the more it got intimate the more he started fumbling, he didn’t know what to do anymore. And therefore, he does everything that he can If it can work with his close people, surely it will work with his partners. Oh, how silly he was.

A scream flung him back into the present: at once he sprang to action and individuated two villains pushing people off, running for their lives.

Ironically, very literal, since they were chased by no other than Dynamight himself – the one who had screamed now that he put things into perspective. The two were hightailing right in the middle of a huge crowd, one of them, an anthropomorphic cheetah, had a four-legged advantage while his companion tried to keep pace while holding onto his jacket.

Causing as many tantrums as they could, both pro-heroes had to rescue several citizens from a swerving camion, an old woman who lost balance – next in line for a very cruel departure, and a few punks who thought it smart to drive towards the two villains heading their way.

Luckily with the help of Blackwhip the majority of the damage was diffused and it gave Dynamight the perfect excuse to open fire at the villains and scare the punks. Therefore, it took just scant minutes to apprehend them and put out the flame invading the now-burnt scooter.

The punks complained loudly about it, but it took just a pointed glare to silence them forever; someone from the sidelines was squealing and thriving under it instead, but not enough to overstep on the crime scene just to get a Dynamight’s signature - which consisted in a poorly scribbled skull holding a literal dynamite. Izuku knew because he also had one at home.

Jogging lightly, he reviewed the scene and gave a nod at Dynamight, his lips curved up. He was genuinely happy to see Katsuki. He had skipped their last get-together because he was busy with work, and they honestly didn’t get to interact much – not counting on-field encounters and sparring when their schedule permitted.

“You did a great job, Dynamight!”

Katsuki scoffed, but his chest pumped up, clearly appreciating the praise. “You, too. Nerd. Though I didn’t need your help. I had them.”

Deku chuckled this time. “I know. Just tried to support as I could.”

A grumbling had him shift his eyes towards the villains. They were held back with special cuffs and  clearly  displeased. The cheetah had a red mark on one of his long, sturdy legs.

“You’re hurt…” he muttered. “Let me see it, the paramedics will be here shortly.”

He slowly approached the injured guy, looking at the burnt with a pained expression and drawing the first aid kit from his belt as he grabbed an ointment and reached for the villain’s leg, immediately his hand was swatted away roughly – it didn’t sting in the slightest, but the words surely did.

“Shut up, you fucker! We don’t need your baseless care. Don’t fuck with us,  hero .”

The last word was spit with such venom that even Dynamight turned around.

Izuku recoiled and looked aghast. Here it was again, that sensation constricting him. His sight started swimming and he gasped hard as the refuse of aid  hit  him  so  hard. He was being dismissed again. He wasn’t of any use because he was always floundering, with his mind with his actions. There was nothing he had control over. He couldn’t even relieve the pain of a single person… What credit did he have?

He would just further damage it; nothing seemed right, nothing of sense.

How could he call himself a hero? When no one wants his help, how can he prove himself that whatever he’s doing is actually worth something-

“ Izuku! ”

Unruly light strands appeared in his line of vision, just further down scarlet eyes framed by furrowed brows.

“What the fuck get it together! What the fuck are you doing? Breathe with me!”

The harsh words were accompanied by thick gloves checking his pulse, his temperature, reaching each centimetre of cold skin he could. Breathes trying to synchronize together. 

Right, oh damn. He’s right.

Both crouched in the middle of the road, with onlookers seemingly trying to discern what was going on as some hollered and pushed to point their cameras – probably posting everything on the internet.

And wasn’t that just great? He made a fool of himself, and he dragged Katsuki right with him. Oh, no. Oh, no this will be stamped on any network within this evening.

“Deku! Goddamn it, listen to me right now. You are fucking dropping and you’re not making it easy as you’re just muttering nonstop about national cameras and fuck knows what else. Keep your cool, look at me.”

And Izuku did. He tried to recenter himself while Katsuki held his neck with clammy hands – when had he discarded his gloves? – and gradually he could feel the temperature rising. His eyes fluttered shut, but that was contraindicative as his earing started picking up all kinds of rumors, both phonically and figuratively.

Now, bad move, Izuku. Open ‘em.

And again, red eyes reappeared. This time filled with scant worry and indefinite rage.

“What the fuck did I say!?” he hissed as he pulled Izuku’s head; noses almost touching. “Keep. Your. Eyes. On. Me.”

“Yes, Kacchan.”

After a few good minutes, circular breathing exercises and annoyed villains fiddling with their restraints and severe threats by Katsuki, finally the police arrived with a group of paramedics that checked promptly the distressed pro-hero.

Izuku trudged inside the safe, sterile interior of the ambulance as they checked him up for any issues.

Then he heard officers saluting and pulling off. Dynamight entered right after.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, but not at Deku.

“Yes, Dynamight- He was just a bit shaken up, but I think it’s safe now. He probably had a panic attack.”

Stomping inside he stopped right in front of Izuku, still seated on the stretcher and nursing a water bottle they had provided to rehydrate.

“Can you leave us alone for a few minutes?”

The paramedic startled. She nodded vigorously and fled the van closing the doors just barely, so a bit of light left a long glowing line.

“It was a drop.” his gloves were tucked in a pocket, so one hand was dropped without care, the other one tucked in the free sleeve, giving him a lax approach. “Why did you drop in the middle of work, Deku?”

Green eyes followed the slight sway of his hand, looking everywhere but at red,  angry  red,  worried  red  that instead looked at him.

“Makoto broke off the contract.” There, he said it. Again. It didn’t make it any pleasurable.

“He got bored already? Thought you were hitting it off pretty nicely. You even said ‘Maybe we could go romantic next time’ when we last saw each other. What changed?”

And well, nothing changed. That’s the issue. He was still a bad dom and Makoto had every right to search for someone better.

He felt a swat on his shoulder. No sting.

“Stop self-deprecating, nerd! I’m not asking for a self-loathing session. I’m asking what happened?”

Sighing he caressed the offended part – just to do something with his hands , really . “Nothing. He told me that we had been, I don’t know, carrying the thing over, but not really? I’m just too much, that’s what happened. He couldn’t spend another minute with such an embarrassment of a Dom.”

“Oh, yeah and I’m sure those were his exact words and not what your creepy mind put into your fucking useless skull.” He retreated a little, giving a loud sigh. “Deku, you went on a fucking drop, right there. You don’t care about yourself at all, that’s the thing. You’re not a bad dom, you are just a fucking idiot. What would have happened if there was no one to save your ass, what if you were in a fight when that happened. You should have laid off today, and hell - all week seeing how bed this got.”

“I’m sorry, Kacchan.”

“You shouldn’t be saying that to me.”

His words felt like a cold shower, much colder than the one that left Makoto. Because he was right.

Even if this only kept reinforcing that ugly, unsightly side that scarred his self-worth with the  cruelest  words – what control he had was just an illusion, a stupid idea that everyone had been shoving at him. A dom should crave control, he should crave for people chunking at his side to seek protection, a dom would never let something like that happen, because a good dom should always prioritize  other’s  wellness.

Another whack startled his string-

“Ok, okay I got it. Well then since you seem so stuck with this twisted belief of what a fucking dom should be, I’ll show you the truth, Deku.”

Shaking his head – with a little luck maybe it will clear his mind a little – his eyes refocused slightly, only to take notice that Katsuki was now back in the personal bubble. His finger poked at his ribs.

“What truth?” he mumbled, not  really  getting where this was going on.

The other smirked. “That there’s no fucking label claim on people.”

---

 

It was a few days later that Katsuki showed up at his door, holding a bag filled with colourful containers.

He had taken the rest of the week off to ‘take his mind off’ as Ochako kindly reported to the office while she hurriedly gathered Izuku and his belongings and sent him home with immediate effect. Mirio had no complaint, only a curious frown, but let it off with just a “Take care!”

He was such a lovely Dom, not like Izuku who had only caused issues and had people pick up the pieces of-

‘Whack’

“What did I say about self-deprecating?”

“Not to do it…” This time it hurt. Katsuki had hit hard at his temple, and he wasn’t even barely remorseful.

He stomped towards the dining hall with confidence. He was used to the space seeing as Izuku’s been renting it since he graduated – he had to thank his mom for that, she  really  knew her ways.

“Well, I thought we could first eat and then talk, but whatever, you seem already better, so let’s just  talk .”

Izuku tentatively reached the huge island where the containers were dropped. It was food, just as he suspected. Homemade, no less.

“Talk about what?”

“About your Dom problem.”

That was kind of unexpected, he barely remembered the exchange in the ambulance, too preoccupied to chase out unwanted thoughts, but he did remember Katsuki’s  complains  about his ‘Dom problem’ as he put it.

Katsuki opened one of the containers and emptied it on one of those reusable plastic plates that were the only piece of kitchen utensils that he owned. He didn’t cook that often to warrant something fancier.

“Therefore,” a full plate of tamagoyaki and rice slid towards him. “Since I’ve been looking for a new Dom myself since Mina has finally got the gull to go official with Ei and put an end to their painful pining session” – “Oh they are so good for each other, the web loves them” – “Don’t Care! What I care about is putting an end to your fucking delusional Dom ass and getting myself someone to potentially blow off without worrying for their life.”

Puzzled, Izuku lowered the plastic fork from his mouth and checked again to see if Katsuki was actually talking with him or if he was just narrating some kind of weird dream he had. From his expression, it was hard to say.

“Wash that fucking fish look from your face. You look ridiculous.”

“Kacchan, are you asking me to be your Dom? Am I hearing this right?”

“Yes, nerd. What, you think I can’t? Are you making fun of my Sub?!”

This was going to uncharted lands and Izuku had no idea what to say, what to believe, what kind of alternative plane this was and if he had been watching too much hero-related sci-fi media – Number 13 was great in that trilogy – as he was kind of afraid that Katsuki had been replaced with an android.

“No! No! That’s not at all it. Kacchan, this is just- so- I mean. I don’t know if I’m sentient right now. Are you an android?”

“The fuck you’re saying. Get your head straight, fucker! Is it so absurd that I’m asking for a contract that you had come up with a dystopian theory!”

Munching his lips, he forced himself to take time before responding, lest an assured blast in the guts. It wasn’t  really  that far-fetched of a request overall: Katsuki had  being  looking for a new partner for a few months with no luck for the simple fact that he was very picky – notwithstanding the fact he had restricted the circle to a very few close people, Izuku was pretty sure he was even considering Shoji for a while, but discarded it – he’s working in Hokkaido.

“No, you’re right. Sorry, I was being rude. I just thought you- Well that I was not to your taste?”

“I munch nerds every day what the fuck are you saying?”

A chuckle. “Yeah, you are also a bit of a nerd-”

“Take that back right now, fucker.”

Katsuki’s stance shifted and his frown smoothed over, he glanced a Deku and at the half-finished plate. “I just know what it means; to feel like everything is wrong. I’m a hero and don’t heroes help people in distress?”

His voice was severe. Much like he was proclaiming that like a virtue and well Izuku got a bit emotional hearing it. Katsuki had changed profoundly during the time spent with Mina; she did wonders.

“Yes, they do. And you’re the most amazing one, Kacchan!”

Katsuki preened. “That I am.”

Then he shuffled the empty plates, forks and containers on his hands and went to the sink; Deku at once rushed and imposed “Let  me . You already did so much.”

 

 

 

Tap closed, Izuku dried the few containers and put them back in the tote bag Katsuki came in.

 

He was chilling on the sofa and surfing unsuccessfully for something to watch. He looked so lax, it was a far cry from the explosive teenager he knew. When graduation came they all went to work as sidekicks – very few could make it solo already, alas Momo, Shouto and Iida – all of them had to put up with a life much harsher. And those who managed better were the ones who knew how to take off the stress more efficiently.

Katsuki wasn’t one of them. Much like Izuku, he was a  bulldozer . He tackled work like a building in demolition – and well on that note he did tear down a lot of buildings in his short career and Miruko was  not  pleased, but proud for sure.

That’s how one summer day Katsuki off-handedly said: “I signed a contract with Pink Racoon.”

And it amazed him just how much that single phrase upturned his life. Katsuki was moving on; he was grasping his life and trying to make something with it. He was so happy for his friend, he also wished that for himself.

Couple of months later Izuku’s first partner broke off the contract and he spiralled.

Now he had another chance, and he wasn’t alone. Katsuki wanted to help him out. Trying to piece together what he trashed down. Could he achieve the same? Could he  really  do that?

Well, honestly, he wasn’t sure, but with some help maybe… maybe he also could happily declare one day that he was good – and  actually  mean it.

“I think- I think I could try it.” He muttered. Blond hair swished lightly, and curious eyes considered him. “I want to do this contract with you. I’ll try. I wanna be better, I know I can be better.”

“You sure? I’m not pushing ya, Deku.” He got up, shortening their distance.

“No, no. I’m sure- I want to do this with you, I know I can do this with you, Kacchan. Because- because you’ve always inspired me, and it has always spurred me.”

A clack of a tongue. “So fucking sentimental. It’s not that deep. You have nothing wrong, moron. You just can’t see it.”

Tearful green eyes closed. Taking a breath and releasing it. Then his lips quivered, and he tried to hold a nervous laugh as he said. “I  really  hope so.”

“I know so.” Then a fist bonked the top of his head,  again . This time it stayed there, though. “I’m gonna show you that you are a  good  Dom and a  good  person. At the end of this, you will be singing my praise for what a good fucking job I did at slapping some sense into you, Izuku.”

And at that point, he didn’t even pretend he wasn’t sobbing his eyes out as he grasped Katsuki’s forearm and squeezed. “Ahahah, I’m- I’m sure.” He snorted, drying his cheeks. “Because Kacchan is amazing.”

“Oh yeah, I’m fucking  amazing .”

Chapter 2: Settling

Notes:

They try to get used to each other, kinda.

Sorry if it's a bit inconsistent, I had this written months ago and then I added the last part like last week. Trying to get back to writing but I have oh so many stuff on my hand orz

Katsuki had already prepared all the requested documentation for the contract – he was that much meticulous. They signed it a week after; once Izuku was fully recovered and had no lingering indecisions – something the other had pointed out multiple times with a not-so-blatant intimidation to refrain from just following the tide or else - but Izuku was certain and had no intention to backtrack and that damped down the crackling sparks much too close to his freckled face.

Contracts were basically business transactions. Usually, they provided basic guidelines and clauses that had to be reviewed to avoid unwanted issues in the worst case of referring to a solicitor. However, those cases were sparse and rare. 

Each contract Izuku had signed usually ended with a mutual settlement. And he had signed a lot .

For the scarce knowledge he had of Katsuki and Mina’s one. It seemed the two were on such an amenable agreement they renewed it every year: and it said a lot seeing as Mina had started unofficially crushing on Eijirou since High School’s graduation and managed to tie the ribbon a year ago.

Eijirou’s Sub was ecstatic all month.

What really caused uproar in their friend’s circle was that Mina didn’t want to break the contract with Katsuki. The latter was not pleased in the slightest – saying he didn’t need coddling he could fend for himself, but Eijirou was anything but supporting of her decision.

It was quite sweet, truly. 

Mina was such a good Dom, not to mention one that was loved by Subs. Eijirou, Denki and Katsuki all went to her for any kind of problem – either with reluctance or not – and she always opened her door with a smile and very good pampering if what Denki had implied once held true.

That put Izuku in front of a paramount realization: how could he live up to such high expectations?

All his Subs hightailed at the first taste of the clutter amassed inside that mop head. A constant stream of reappraisals, considerations and doubts; hands that were always touching, replacing, collecting and retreating. No part of him could seem to settle into anything. He wasn’t a safe harbour; he was a stone cliff, in which no ship dared sail.

This is how he spent the next few days jotting down a list of potential activities and step-by-step processes he should tackle.

Which was unjustly rumpled once he presented it to Katsuki.

“I think you’re missing the whole point, Deku. I’m here exactly to stop you from doing pointless stuff like that - and, no, don’t try to speak over me, shut that mouth – So we’re just going to do whatever the fuck works for you and obviously for me without too much thought. Now you may speak.”

“But Kacchan! I had everything planned, all activities we could indulge in and even a balanced diet to follow so we could implement in our hero work, and I think I had noted there an appointment with my osteopath I have to call her later- but anyway that was rude of you to blow it up without even glancing at it.”

Katsuki was seething at the end of the spiel and Izuku gulped. Though he defiantly stood his stance. “Also, I was going to ask if you preferred meeting at your apartment?”

“No, I have too many leeches already in there. Leech number three kept pestering me for this allegedly contract we stipulated, and I had to fight him off my back before Scotchman dragged him away.”

“Oh right! Well, it’s fine if you want to keep it private or something.”

“It’s not like I want, it’s more like I finally can have some fucking private time and I wanna bask in it.”

Izuku chuckled. Suppose once you wrestle yourself with roommates you start craving for some quiet time alone. And Katsuki had always been a very introverted person; he was, incredibly, pushed into sharing a space with his friends – sans Eijirou and Mina, currently living on their own.

“Okay then,” he replied, and his fingers immediately linked in a nervous dance together. “What- What should we? I mean do? I thought- Okay whatever I thought was written there but you discarded it so what do you- like wanna do? What would you prefer me to do?”

“Wow, not even during the double interview with you and All Might at the Hero Parlor Show you were this nervous. Calm down, Christ.”

“Sorry.” Pavlov response; shut down by another dagger-like stare.

Shuffling down his jacket Katsuki dropped his bag on the chair and looked around the apartment – never that clean, Izuku was nervous, okay? 

“What would you like to do? We’re working on your dynamic here. Let’s hear what your blundering Dom has to say.”

That certainly wasn’t what he expected. Nevertheless, he considered it and tried to reach out for his Dom side, which honestly was nothing much but a little scratch in his brain that urged him and usually wasn’t that loud. As heroes they learnt how to control their urges; civilians could react very differently to an unprompted dynamic play and villains could hold too much power over them.

So special classes and private sessions were greatly supported by the Commission.

That was also one of the reasons why Izuku was that set on finding a good partner to relieve his dynamic: in the long run, it would only cause issues being bombarded on all sides from unsolicited orders or overloads.

Not really recommended.

His Dom was particularly defenceless in that regard: too scared to assert himself, a natural worrywart that reflected his own nature and got overwhelmed by his own dynamic easily. As said, dynamics were just another adjustment of the ego. His Dom was especially morally driven and loved to service and tend to others more than anything.

“I would like- to do something for you- Kacchan.”

Katsuki shifted and considered the request then snickered. “You’re a total pushover.”

“I’m not!”

“Yeah, yeah, keep repeating that maybe one day it’ll come true.” He slid on the stole near the island, then. “Need some drink, you still got that ungodly juice that tastes weirdly good?”

“Yes! Yes, I do! I bought two packs because I knew you liked them and I thought we could have them to energize after some yoga or meditation.”

“Yoga? Meditation? What are you, a massage parlour?”

Izuku laughed with mirth. Handing Katsuki the energy juice and standing in wait, fidgeting a little as the other chugged it down. Katsuki made a scene, licking his lips and tasting the aftermath of it, appraising it like a sommelier. 

“Not bad. It’s kinda stale at the hand but strangely it works.”

“I’m glad you like it!” Izuku chirped, very pleased to accomplish his task and without losing a beat said off-handedly. “But you looked kind of stupid doing that pantomime just to make fun of me.”

“Oh wow, now you got a tongue, you should be fussing over my approval and my assent right now.”

Another laugh. Izuku grabbed another juice from the fridge and drank it. “I know you liked it. I already got your approval.”

 

 

 

 

“So have you decided yet, before dawn, if possible, thanks.”

Izuku was holding the card on his chin, hiding it from prying eyes while considering his next move- Should he? Maybe Katsuki had an ace in the sleeve, maybe he knew Deku was going to play a Villain-type card and had already prepared a countermeasure. This was getting tricky; they’d been playing this game for an hour and only had a draw. This was the third round and Izuku wanted to win it. 

“C’mooon nerd.”

“Just- just gimmie a moment Kacchan. I need this  win .”

“You  wish .”

A jingle from his smartphone washed over the silence, the ambient music had this point had lost its purpose seeing as they were anything but calm. This card game was the last fashion in the market and at some point, during their get-togethers, someone – usually Ochako – always fished it out and declared play time: Sero was still undefeated.

“Okay, that’s enough for today. Gotta go. Leech number three is going ape on the chat, he needs food.” With a huff, Katsuki got up and retrieved his belongings, while Deku was still sorting the cards and lamenting his almost-win. (“How can you win when you haven’t even played the damn card!”)

“Take care, Kacchan. If you need anything contact me, okay? It- it helps my Dom knowing I can be useful.”

“You’re plenty useful at getting your ass handed.” 

Izuku smiled and pushed him out of the door with force.  “It was fun, thank you for being a sore loser! Say hi to Sero and Denki!”

His loud voice reached him even from the end of the other corridor. “Keep dreaming big, nerd!”

---

 

It wasn't until much later that he realized they had spent the day much like any other. Chatted, ate and played. 

There was much more, how to say,  serenity in their exchange. Katsuki was plenty satisfied at being praised so much – though it really came kind of like second nature to Izuku, and him: well, Izuku was delighted to be so much appreciated, even if with a good dose of jabs, still way better than dejections. Anything better than that. Jabs were playful and they were playing so that meant they had fun. It was successful. Cause plays were meant to be pleasant, and guffaws were the most pleasant reaction in Izuku’s repertoire.

He was so bright that even Iida looked gladly relieved when he reported the events during their lunch break. Shoto had just arrived at the family restaurant that was closest to their agencies and on the path of Izuku’s day patrol.

“So, you and Bakugou? Ochako had mentioned it on the chat, but I thought she was talking about some kind of new game penalty.”

“Yeah, it seems so absurd, right?”

“Not at all.” Both said. Iida’s fierceness drowned Shoto’s laid-back one, but with the same intensity they agreed and Izuku’s eyes grew ten times larger. 

“I think you’re both a good match. Bakugou has changed so much and now he’s much more… civil to be around.” Iida explained while chopping hair with a spoon. Shoto nodded and added. “Also, Katsuki needed a new partner. He was lamenting it last time. Thought I could offer, but he gave me a stare down and said ‘Don’t ever think that. You’re the fucking last resort in case the world exploded, and you were the only alive thing beside me’; seemed a pretty serious program.”

Izuku laughed while Iida explained to Shoto that wasn’t a backup plan, but a fatality fallback. (“I see, he could have just said so.”)

“Thank you, guys, it puts me at ease. I still don’t think that’s an overall good idea, but Kacchan insisted saying it was for my sake.” 

Shoto opened his mouth, but Iida blocked him before he could spill the food. “I think he’s right. You’ve been down, Izuku, and you worried us. Please try to be more aware of your well-being. Also, you gave Ochako a fright and she bombarded us with messages for three days; it was quite the ordeal calming her down.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble and thank  you .” A tear fell and Shoto handed him a napkin.

“Now I should mention that Mina was… vibrating with unparsed joy last time we met on the field. She asked me several questions about you and Katsuki, but private information disclosure isn’t something I approve of and moreover, I had little knowledge overall.”

Shoto mumbled around some rice: “So rigid, Iida.” (“I’m not. I only care about your private life! We’re heroes and we’re supposed to put a solid line between work and private matters to avoid-”)

Izuku wasn’t surprised he did receive a message from Mina – asking for details – but he had been busy and forgot to reply and when he mentioned it to Katsuki he had just scoffed “Let Leech One suffer.” It seemed Mina was enthusiastic about this new development and from the multitude of refuted calls and endless curses Katsuki directed to his friends someone had snitched on Mina they were hanging out for their first try that day. 

A sweet gesture in Izuku’s eyes; a painful hassle in Katsuki’s.

His disposition had leaned on amused frustration: he was enjoying tormenting Mina – she was just told the very basics, no further disclosure – and at the same time was clearly annoyed with her antics. And it was just a matter of time before he would cave under the incessant offence.

“Anyway, I think I’d like to see the others, lately I’ve been so busy with work…” was Shoto suggestion after listening silently to Iida going off on Pro-hero’s right conduct during all types of in-field situations without interrupting. 

“I must agree with you. Taking some time to link back close relationships with our peers would greatly improve our disposition.”

“Yeah, it could be fun! We should see if we can gather everyone this weekend!”

A waiter passed by to ask for anything else and Shoto just shrugged and asked for a coffee; Iida opted for another glass of water. 

“Well, then I’ll write in the chatgroup and see what day is best for everyone!”

---

 

 

Next meeting with Katsuki went much like the first one.

They did, in the end, go for stretching exercises and it pleased Izuku so much knowing that Katsuki would try to keep his pace: whenever Izuku did something overboard he would chastise him harshly, but then he would always push for a middle ground. So yeah maybe they couldn’t really go for acro-yoga, but stretching suited him just as well.

Nothing could make Izuku happier than watching Katsuki relax in his presence – so long were the days when Katsuki could only get irritated the more he spent time with Izuku – his eyes got watery just thinking about how much they had grown. Katsuki had grown so much without Izuku even realizing it. 

He was so happy.

“Nerd, stop crying.”

Izuku’s fingers tried to recollect his water-stained leashes as Katsuki just gave him a dry look. “Sorry- I mean ehr, I was just thinking how amazing it is that we can do activities together like this. I missed it so much.”

“Damn, what a sap. We have been practising and spending time with each other all along, Deku.”

Izuku nodded. “Yeh, yeah you are right! I was blessed all along!” his tears cascaded so easily. Izuku felt Katsuki scooting closer, raising his chin with one hand and using the other to dry his eyes with a gym towel.

“What a pathetic dom I’ve gotten my hands on.” He huffed. “So emotional for the most trivial things.”

“You said you wouldn’t make fun of my dom… Kacchan.”

“Never said that. I live for making fun of others, not passing this up just to make ya feel better.”

Izuku chuckled. “Yes, I know.”

Katsuki handed him his water bottle once they settled back on the mats. 

And he gulped down with enthusiasm when a thought wiggled in his mind and he voiced it with a grin “Y’know… I feel like I’m being the one getting pampered… You’re always putting up with my requests, but originally I was doing it for you. Because I thought it would make you feel comfortable...”

“You seriously think I would be feeling comfortable doing lip-sync of All Might’s 10th Special Anniversary songs?”

“Yeah, maybe that was a bit overboard…”

“Glad you’re getting more conscious.”

In retort, he gave Katsuki a swat on the arm, who retaliated with a kick and from there on they went full-throttle and Izuku was enjoying himself so much he couldn’t stop laughing even if the blond was getting meaner with his pinches. 

The scuffle died down as Katsuki came up with a triumphant smile having effectively made Izuku yield with a tickle attack. “Ah, good that was good.”

Izuku got up slowly, brushing his locks from his damped forehead, and looked at Katsuki. He indeed seemed overall pleased. “Kacchan…” he didn’t know if this would set off Katsuki, but he had to put his mind at ease either way – “Kacchan, am I being a good Dom? Am I doing enough for you? Does your Sub… ah- Does your Sub feel satisfied?”

A groan startled him as soon as he finished the sentence. Red eyes slanted just enough to glimpse all the fury. Well if he wasn’t before, now he’s definitely pissed.

“I knew this was coming, but I swear it irks me so much. I know, I know. You’re the wordy type so I should readjust accordingly.” He swatted his hair back. His hands were sweaty and he had to use a towel to mop up. Then he exchanged towels and used Izuku’s to do the same with him.

“You’re really irritating you know…” he pushed Izuku’s head back and dried his face with fervour, making Izuku squeal indignantly – that hurt! “You’re good. You’ve always been good, Izuku. But you get too much stuck in that stupid, big head of yours. Did I ever mention anything I was dissatisfied about until now?”

Izuku gave a curt shake for no. His head finally released.

“Did it seem like I was putting up with you?”

Izuku signalled no again, though-

“It doesn’t count if I was being snarky.”

Well, okay, then no nothing at all.

“Deku, it has been nice. I feel pretty good and so should… Are you?”

“YES! Yes! I’m feeling great, I love being with you and  I  love that you always push back and don’t get scared when I go off about things and that you always tell me whenever you don’t like something and I’m, really, truly grateful that your Sub chose me. That you chose me .”

Izuku was shaking, but he was glad that this time no tears were forming. Rough hands pushed his head back, again. “See? We’re good. Everything’s fine. You’re a good Dom.”

And Izuku preened at that compliment. His mouth twitched in excitement, and he grabbed Katsuki’s hand, squeezing it in a grateful gesture. 

For a moment he thought their roles were reversed: he was the one looking for relief and security and Katsuki his lifeline - a steady presence. 

He hoped that Katsuki felt the same: safe and at ease. Cared for and supported. He would make sure of it, even if, well, maybe Katsuki wasn’t really the type to be this mushy, as he would put it. He would do anything to make Kacchan happy!

“Thank you, Kacchan. You’re the best. Your Sub is the best, I wouldn’t feel so happy with anyone else.”

“I sure hope so, 'cause I’m a fucking cupcake. Now let’s stop this corny exchange and let’s eat something. I brought Kaarage.”

As Izuku watched him taking control of his kitchen and heating their dinner, he thought that Katsuki would have truly made one of the finest Dom.

Chapter 3: Mina

Notes:

This chap is my fav. I hinted a lot to their relationship because it's vital to Katsuki's growth in this AU of sorts.

Sorry as always for errors, please point them out. I check it like rapidly before posting because I'm lazy, also no beta reader and trying to avoid my responsibilities.

Unofficially it started in the third year, just three months before graduation. Katsuki was a bundle of nerves and rage, Kaminari and Kirishima had tried playing with him to get him to relax, but with very scarce results: they were the ones who ended up getting majorly spoiled.

Everyone knew how unnaturally Dominant Katsuki tended to be, and that put off a lot of Doms. Because Katsuki was certainly way better than them at their play.

His friends were always cheering for Katsuki to just go for another Sub or maybe a Switch - like Sero, who wasn’t into playtime and at that time had just gotten a girlfriend from General Course – and quell his quench, but Katsuki hated having people following his every order with a loopy grin and sickening obedience.

Therefore, after being pushed by Kirishima to just vent some other way, he decided to pick easy prey. Someone who could help him out without him feeling unnerved by it. His first choice befell on Mina.  

He hunted her in the hallway as she was chatting up with Hagakure and gave a curt nod. Mina bounced to his side with that energetic smile that made him lightheaded.

“I wanna ask you something. You can say no.”

She looked up at him, confusion written all over. But eagerly listening.

“Be my Dom.”

From that moment on they signed a contract for five years straight. The initial uneasiness was wiped as soon as they first played together – Mina was stupidly goofy and he felt much more in control knowing she wasn’t just going along with him, but even trying to boss him around. Sometimes Kirishima and Kaminari would play too. Though Katsuki always took the reversed role and ended up frustrated. He very much preferred having to deal with just one person at a time.

And Mina was always up for a private thing, she loved to spoil him even if it always ended up in scuffles. He was a rough player, but Mina loved it.

Once he was much more comfortable Mina eventually confessed that she wanted to tie the ribbon with Kirishima. He had no idea why she would ask him for his approval, but he gladly gave his endorsement, cutting off the contract at the same time.

That was the wrong move- Because as he mentioned it Mina yelled loudly that she ‘wouldn’t give up her contract’. She was going to pamper Katsuki for a bit longer- her Dom was restless for his wellbeing, and she wanted to slowly put it off; wanted him to feel at ease before ending it ultimately.

 

That had happened a year ago.

“Oh, my! Look at you, oh my God, you’re glowing!”

That shrieking-pitched voice was the ban of his existence now.

“My, you’re always a snack, Kat. You’re really filling up those biceps, damn I’m a married woman, but you put me on trial.”

“I swear Mina- get off me. Now.”

With a childish pout, she unlocked her arms from Katsuki’s middle and gave a playful appease. She had invited herself over, without notice, during their weekly practice session. Izuku had reached Katsuki at Mirko’s agency – where he worked - as they were borrowing the gym. In the middle of a short break, Mina had appeared and launched herself at Katsuki before he could blast her face off.

“I was passing by to say hi! Hi, Mido! I’m still so electric that you two contacted, I wanna know every, little detail.”

“No way,“ – (“Hi Ashido!”) – Katsuki physically blocked Mina who was already putting her deft fingers on the nerd. “Don’t you have any shame? Go fuck your husband or whatever.”

“C’moooon, cupcake! My Dom has been stirring up, and I need to know. I want to know how you’re doooing. Let me see if my lil subby-sub is in good hands.”

Izuku was getting agitated, knowing Ashido was going to test him to see if he was a good fit for Katsuki was putting him on the edge and he was already freefalling.

“Ohi! You’re seriously so stupid. Look you got the nerd all worked up for nothing. You think I have crap taste to pick a shitty slop? Who did you take me for, Mina!?”

Ashido stilled, her mouth fumbled a bit until she regained her senses and glanced at the bleached state of Izuku. “I’m sorry, Mido. I didn’t mean anything with that. I was just teasing. I know you’re a very good Dom and really, I know you can take care of Katsuki.”

Izuku breathed out. He regained a bit of colour and managed a curt nod and a rueful smile. “It’s okay.”

“What the fuck! It’s not okay, stop always pushing things aside, you got a fucking spine, stand on it.”

Mina pouted, narrowing her eyes. “Now who’s being a meanie!?”

“What are you saying, I’m no mean. I’m a fucking cupcake.” Katsuki’s grin had Mina laughing. “That you are! My favorite cupcake, can I kiss ya?”

“No.”

But Mina had already pushed him down and stole a wet kiss on his cheek. Her fingers caressed his blond hair with such familiarity, and he sagged his shoulders, giving her a mean squeeze on the side; a grumble left her lips as she delivered kiss after kiss on his cheek until Katsuki wrestled her away.

“I miss you. Y’know Kiri is always asking for us to all play together, but I know you don’t want.”

“I’m not playing with you psychos. You get too frisky. I hate it.”

“How can you opt-out; we are a wet dream. Megs put us in first place for the most sexy couple.”

“Who cares, I’m a wet dream, too.”

“Oh, yeah that you are. I wanna gobble you up.” She licked her lips.

“You’re getting too frisky, go fuck your husband.”

“You’re no fuuuun.”

Huffing, Katsuki grabbed Mina and shoved her towards the exit, as she tried to wiggle free and call out to Izuku, who had just been watching the interaction with the same awkwardness of a friend third-wheeling during a date. He wasn’t too unused to it, Mina had always played like that with Katsuki during their reunions, but since she had broken off the contract, she had gotten even bolder. 

Katsuki had to fend off a horny Mina on a good day; adding his best friend was even more enthusiastic to go for a threesome was putting things into perspective: he fucking hated those fuckers. He dragged Mina towards the main exit as they shouted at each other and made several heads turn curiously.

Sighing he grasped Mina’s shoulder. “Please, just go. I know you leech just wanted to see how things were going. I called you two days ago exactly for this. Deku’s on edge on his best days, it makes things harder with you around.”

Mina pulled him aside and caressed his neck. “Oh, you’re getting so considerate, it makes my heart skip a beat.” She smiled and kissed him again. “You’re such a good Sub. The best one ever, you know that cupcake?”

“Yes, I know. But get your hands off me, people will go crazy if they see you with me.”

“Ohhh, yeah. It reminds me of that time you swooped me in midair when I lost balance because of that earthquake during rescue ops. Press went crazy when they saw you holding me bride-style, checking for injuries like a knight in black armor. What a time, it was a wet fantasy of mine.”

Katsuki hissed. “You’re getting off from a memory, you horny excuse of an alien. Stop making wet sounds to piss me off, you know how much I hate when you – don’t put your hands on my abs! I swear Mina, just go play with Ei already!”

“Treat Mido well, okay? I’ll see you again. And reply to my messages!”

“No and stop sending me kittens!”

---

 

It was a real pain when the group decided to merge and throw a party. Even worse when they did it to celebrate shit events like two friends contracting.

They picked Katsuki’s apartment. He said "his" because honestly, he was the only one putting the effort to clean shit up around here. Denki or how he called him, Leech 3, loved to crash on the couch every time he returned from whatever the fuck he did at the Club and Sero, his only ally in that mess, would make sure that he came home safely whenever he joined him for the fun, that meant the living room was almost presentable the next morning.

Sero was the perfect roommate: he was quiet.

After living with a ruckus group of leeches for years, the gift of silence was the most outstanding of all.

Luckily Leech 1 and 2, respectively Mina and Ei, had finally decided to move on their own after getting married six months ago. They were still settling; hence they would occasionally come back to spend time together, or as they put it “We missed y’all. The new apartment feels lonely.”

Their apartment was therefore the perfect place for gathering large groups. It had enough space for everyone. The rent was high, but sharing the expenses made it manageable.

Izuku was already there. He was the first one to arrive with a huge welcoming gift, which was immediately stolen by Leech 3 who hollered while making space in the fridge for the wine. They decided to go for a simple meal: so curry it was. Sero was currently stirring it, guarding it from Leech 3 – no way he was putting those dirty hands on his curry.

At some point came the nerd’s group, Glasses and Round Cheeks flew to Deku for a hug while Todoroki silently nodded at him and said. “Congratulations for the contract. I’m glad you found someone to relieve your Dynamic.”

“Yeah, I was getting kinda desperate. Thought it was time to come ask you.”

“Oh, sorry. Thank you but, I don’t think we’re compatible.”

“That hurts me.”

“You don’t look very hurt to me.”

Izuku appeared at his side – going to greet the newcomer – and shoved Katsuki hard, scolding him for making fun of Shoto. “Kacchan!”

“Oh, you were joking, sorry I didn’t get that.”

Katsuki gave him another smirk. “Yeah, it’s funnier that way.”

Sero laughed from the kitchen and Leech 3 went to retrieve Shoto’s gift as well. He was getting a bit too into it. Those were not for him to enjoy during his videogame sessions; he should make real clear he knew.

Jirou came around as well, along with Frog and Tokoyami.

Last, but not least, obviously entered his major headache: The Leech Couple. Mina didn’t waste a second to spring on him and make him lose balance. Thank God Leech 3 was coming from behind him for a group hug and ended up cushioning them as they fell. Nice.

Sero poked his head around, laughed like an idiot and decided to hug Ei instead. Mina nuzzled his cheek for a good while until Leech 3 whined so hard that he couldn’t feel his lower legs anymore.

“How’s my cupcake doing?”

“Fine, until you came.”

“That’s not very nice” she elbowed him. Denki was greeted by one of Ei’s bear hugs, they had been at it for a good minute now. It was getting pathetic. Once he fully rose, Ei broke the contact and sneaked one of his big as fuck hands around him to squeeze them both in that crashing embrace, again.

“You fuckers-! Can you stop this!? We see each other almost every week, stop acting like forlorn puppies.”

Finally, after a lot of fuss, they were seated properly down. They had to move a few tables over from their rooms, along with chairs, but everyone could comfortably enjoy the meal while chatting lively about whatever had happened in the meantime. The main topic was last Sunday’s villain attack; a tough ordeal that had almost all agency on alert ‘cause it happened right during a manifestation. A lot of them were there to assist the march so they promptly intervened, no serious injuries and no casualties: a success.

Next was Iida’s agency; some issues that had risen after a few sidekicks had left. Then came very annoying chatters about life in general that nobody cared about. Katsuki stepped out on the balcony; his ears were whistling. Izuku joined him just a few minutes later.

“Is it okay Kacchan? Are you tired?” He stood in front of the window like an idiot.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Com’ here- You’re blocking the passage.”

Izuku shifted over and tentatively joined him. He was still so tensed up, damn. What a worrywart.

“It’s a pain when they’re all together. Though, I guess it’s fine.”

Izuku chuckled lightly. “You’ve never liked large crowds.”

Katsuki bumped him, leaning heavily over his shoulder, they were almost the same height at this point. “I don’t like a lot of stuff.”

Izuku smiled and they shared their presence for a bit more until Katsuki stretched and signalled, he would get back inside.

“So so so so let’s hear from the celebs of the day: how is your new contract treating you?” Mina’s eyes skittered to the nerd, a deer caught in the headlight that tentatively shied away from it with scant results.

“I- I guess pretty good? I mean I believe… I don’t know…”

“Oh, gosh, what a cutie.”

“C’mon babe, let him be. They’re still trying to work it out…” said Ei, massaging his wife and easing her back on his lap.

“Yeah, stop being a snoopy bitch. We’re doing great.” Katsuki’s booming voice drawled out Izuku’s smaller one who was trying to sound reassuring.

Ochako smiled sweetly, her eyes finding Deku’s. “I think you’re doing fine. You’re still new to it, but I think you’re doing already much better!” Iida, on his right, nodded vigorously as he started listing the good benefits of safe playing which triggered the rowdier ones, who teased him for sharing their quite illicit experiences at the Club.

Izuku padded to Todoroki, quietly conversing with the Frog about whatnot. Katsuki picked the seat near the Leech Couple. Mina immediately started pestering him. She vividly recounted what had happened a few days ago with the washing machine and he again wondered how those two were still alive.

“Oh, babe, it was a disaster. Though I’m glad we saved that panther motif shirt, it’s one of my faves.” Shrilled Mina as she clawed Ei’s shirt like a cat playing with a sofa.

“I see you got god-awful taste in fashion as usual.” Snarked Katsuki.

“That’s not true, babe here is so fashionable! She always picks my outfits as well.”

“I can believe that: you two are a match made in tasteless hell.”

Ei squeezed Mina playfully as they flitted even closer. “I think you’re just jealous.”

“I would prefer to die killed by a meteor than end up like you sickos.”

“You say that, but you are a chocolate-filled cupcake in truth.” Ei enthusiastically clapped in assent. (“You tell ‘im, babe!”)

A hiss. “I’m a rage-filled cupcake!”

A pink arm was shoved right in Katsuki’s nose, palm up. “Here.” And just like that Katsuki naturally got in her space, taking the offending hand in a light grasp, and stopping just a few breaths from Mina’s. The air charged; all eyes caught in their act.

And Mina, that bastard, kissed his nose and declared. “See? Told you. You’re a sweetie and such a good Sub as well.”

Oh, Katsuki was gonna let her pay so bad for it.

Leech 3 attacked him on the open side, kissing his cheek. “It’s hard to get a sneak attack when he’s always super alert.”

Ei agreed and the three laughed without a care, while Katsuki seethed in rage. Mina just winked at him and resumed cuddling with Ei, squealing loudly.

 

 

Around midnight most of the pro-heroes left, a lot of them had work next morning. Izuku, Shoto and Jirou were left behind, good arms for cleaning. Afterwards, only Izuku remained.

Katsuki invited him over to his room, as Sero and Leech 3 made very suggestive allusions that were blasted off at once. “Don’t come snoopin’. I’ll kill ya.”

“I’ll hold ‘im back, have fun!” Katsuki again thanked all deities Sero was living there. He would have been outlawed from hero work otherwise; Denki’s dead body would be put in big display as a warning on the front door.

Jittering, Izuku had tentatively scooted near the bed, not daring to sit there yet. “Ah, you got a new lamp. It looks nice.”

“Could you stop getting so awkward and taking note of my furniture like a stalker?”

A blush rose, Izuku muttered something and then he sighed. Sitting finally on the bed.

“I like how close y’all are.” Started Izuku, his hands playing with the hem. “It’s nice. You are such good friends.”

“The same I could say about your nerd group.” Without care, Katsuki dropped onto the bed; Izuku wobbled with the mattress. “I think I almost envy they don’t get all handsy, but then I’m reminded of your cheesy conversations and honestly I prefer wrestling hands and mouths off me.”

Green eyes rose with mirth. “You really love it. Ashido was right.”

“Oh, please. She a bitch. A horny one at that.”

Izuku feigned agreement, but Katsuki elbowed him; only he could play pretend. “Would you like to play a bit?”

Izuku was taken aback by the proposal – like they hadn’t since they contracted, ptf, what a nerd.

“I would like that. I’d feel much better.” And just like that Katsuki grabbed Izuku’s nuke and shoved him on his lap, head squished against solid muscles, nose trying to wiggle free. He managed to turn around and he found Katsuki grinning at him with those pointy teeth. “Gonna spoil you a bit, today. Would you like for this amazing Sub to pet ya?”

Izuku made a strangled noise, he was red as a pepper. Now he understood what Mina meant each time she managed to make him blush – That was cute.

“Yes, please. I’d love it. Would you pet me, Kacchan?”

They stayed like that for a while. Katsuki adjusted his position, scooting back against the wall, he put a cushion on his tight and raised the other one slightly. Izuku mewled now and then under his ministrations, and it made his Sub rejoice for the good work done. Sometimes Izuku would direct him to scratch behind his hair. His praises forming on their own.

“Kacchan feels so nice.”

“Thanks, I got magic hands I know.”

“…” a uhm. “Kacchan…”

Katsuki hummed back, Izuku had his eyes closed so he couldn’t gesture him to continue.

“Ashido used an order today.”

“Yeah, the bitch. She knows they make me tickle in a bad way. A fucking itch.”

“I’ve always wanted to ask you that. I think we didn’t really mention it when we signed the contract. I thought you were against them, so I never mentioned.”

Rough hands left and stretched, changing hand for the left one.

“You know we pros are trained to sustain them; some Doms are also affected. I hate getting ordered around, but if you want to try I don’t mind. Only know that they make me itchy.”

“Oh, no it’s fine. Whenever I use orders, I get queasy. You saw me three years ago when I used one unwillingly on the field, I cried for days.”

Katsuki laughed. Oh yeah, that had happened. “But what about play?”

Mulling, his brows scrunched up. “I think… It’s good, but they still make me feel uneasy. Like I’m forcing myself on others. I hate that feeling.”

“Try an order.”

“Now?”

A nod. Izuku's eyes flew open, and he looked with wariness at the other. Rough hand still stroking.

“Kacchan, could you… Smile.”

The lamp flickered for a second and the legs under Izuku shifted until Katsuki grinned down at him. “That was lame.”

Izuku laughed. His shoulders sagged and he felt at ease. The hand was doing wonders. Katsuki kept petting until Izuku’s breath evened out.

Chapter 4: Ripple

Notes:

Was originally going for 6 chapters, but I think next one could wrap up everything nicely since, form the start, I didn't really have a planned ending: this was supposed to be a 'fun and amusing story to try again my hand at writing"

I wanted to put some porn at the end just because, but honestly I'm not really inclined to it. (I know a lot of you would love it though!)

I wanna write something funny, I really enjoy the bakusquad shenanigans: they make my day.

Izuku had ended up crashing at Katsuki’s. He woke up the next morning groggy, despite Katsuki had rolled out a guest futon for him – his bed was too small for two grown-ups – and shared a breakfast with Denki. They chatted about inane stuff until Katsuki woke up. Then hell broke loose, as usual. Denki being the catalyst, as usual.

Their relationship since High School had changed a lot: Katsuki had learnt to let him into his space more willingly– pulling him in, really. Izuku was a mess the first time that had happened, he was scared to always say or do the wrong thing and broke the spell. It scared him. He didn’t want to lose Katsuki.

But eventually, he warmed up to this new status: they were finally friends again.

They didn’t visit each other much – because of work – though they always tried to reach out when convenient. His ex-partner, Hiromi, a nice Sub who worked in the financial part of the hero work, once mentioned that he “looked like a little duck following Dynamight-san with clumsy and wary steps; giving him space so not to get in the way, but never straying too far.”

Embarrassing, how true those words rang.

Maybe it was some kind of childhood imprinting, in some kind of ironic fate. Or maybe Izuku’s attachment was gradually nurtured by Katsuki’s phenomenal deeds and invincible defiance. He had always been the little duck quacking after the fine plumage of the swan that everyone in the lake couldn’t help but envy; so enthralled by him that he couldn’t see how much, he himself, had grown as well – maybe not a beautiful swan, but a goofy goose, maybe – finally able to swim in the lake alongside all the other.

He was happy he could paddle alongside Katsuki.

---

 

It was a Sunday afternoon.

Both Pro-heroes had a matching day off – a lucky star must have blessed them; thus it was a mutual agreement to spend it together – when Katsuki surprisingly said: “Let’s go out. Always cooped up in this shit isn’t good.”

Izuku agreed enthusiastically and immediately went to fetch his stuff and change to casual wear. He muttered during the whole process, taking mental note of any kind of fun stuff they could do until Katsuki grabbed his head one-handed.

“Just a walk, nerd. No stupid ass dodgeball shit. I have a reputation.”

“What about baseball, then? We could play at the batting centre.”

“That… Yeah, okay.”

The spark radiating from Izuku followed him during the whole outing. He wasn’t even that offended when Katsuki destroyed him at batting balls and boasted for a good hour afterwards.

“Oh, I need to buy some stuff. Leech 3 decided that changing the broom’s filter was too much work, it’s completely ruined now. Need a new one. Also, gotta buy a new toothbrush for Sero – and yes Denki’s fault for that too.”

Izuku laughed. He then recalled how Denki last time used a shirt found on the chair to clean a stain of milk on the table and then hid it after he noticed it was Sero’s.

“I’d have killed him if it was mine.”

“Yeah, he said it, too. He was so glad it wasn’t.”

Wondering around the mall and checking the shops Izuku tried to look occupied – Katsuki had warned him to wait for a moment while he went fetching something at once. They had decided to stop by the big mall near the station: it had all kinds of stores and even an open garden where they could take some fresh air.

He was looking at some running shoes – maybe he should buy them since his last ones had their soles tearing twice already – when he heard screams and a clattering from the other hall.

And then a big shout that could only belong to Katsuki.

He was buzzing towards the source just as rapidly, leaving the shopping bags at the colourful bench as people started swarming by upstream. What greeted him was a scene from an American movie: a villain nimbly eluding Katsuki‘s attempts to block him: the disadvantage of using quirk-less attacks was visibly slowing him down – he couldn’t very much use explosions in a closed space with people running around. Katsuki was, however, keeping up with the acrobatic moves of the other: some very tall guy clad in a long black punk overcoat and wearing a medical mask.

Izuku appeared right behind the villain and unleashed blackwhip. With a grunt the villain, pushed himself on a backflip, hovering above and kicking him right behind the nuke. Izuku lose balance and was promptly pushed away by Katsuki with a “He’s a swift piece of shit, nerd! Don’t just stand there like an idiot.”

“That’s uncalled for! I was-!”

Katsuki had already run far off as the villain was visibly getting impatient. At a moment notice the over-clad guy grabbed something from his coat and slashed Katsuki right in the face – the pro-hero barely avoided it by a nimble, his nose and cheek getting the brunt of it. “You- bastard! You had a weapon. Fuck I can’t generate blasts, but since things escalated, I guess I can get excused for doing this.”

He thrust his sweating hand into the other’s middle chest, securing a firm grasp with the other that managed to sneak on the long arm holding the weapon and unleashed a controlled blast. Just for a second a flick of blinding light unleashed, that lasted enough to make some civilians recoil. The villain dropped like a dead weight, a burnt wound right at the centre of his slim body.

Old women murmured distressed while the kids were hollering at the grandiose action.

Then a command resonated deep into the tall walls: “Let him go, you bastard!”

Izuku’s body prickled all over as he watched another villain jumping down from upstairs – clearly in cahoots with the one they had just apprehended – and trying to sneak on Katsuki. Like in a slow-motion film, he witnessed the bald villain descending on his partner, metal bat in hand and going for a secure kill.

“Don’t you dare!”

Green electricity buzzed uncontrolled, sizzling with the same rage that Izuku felt. The bald guy cried as the bat clattered on the floor; head smushed on the floor.

His secure grip had caused a few cracks on the perfectly gres tiles and some employees were trying to contain the few people who didn’t manage to get away in time as police sirens blasted nearby.

Izuku heaved hard and turned around only when he recognized a plethora of whines.

A few kids had started crying and some civilians were visibly distressed, one of them had dropped into a crouch, shaking. And in that moment, he realized that two contrasting orders were given in a short span. A man was even dropping!

He immediately sprang into action, crouching beside the middle-aged man and trying to diffuse the situation.

He had fucked up so badly, oh god. What a disaster. He was a disaster of a Dom! How could he make such a blunder!

Truly, what kind of hero could fuck up like this? What kind of Dom would shout orders without considering the situation... What kind of person that made him?

No better than those villains…

No! No! It wasn’t the time for self-loathing, the civilians were more important right now! He had to make it up. He could do it. He knew what to do and he had to keep focusing on it. It was the least he could do right now.

Katsuki appeared right at his side, fortunately – as the police arrived and blocked the perimeter, taking charge of the villains as well. There was a nasty slash running from his cheekbone to the base of his nose; blood had been smeared hastily – probably with his hands and just a few droplets managed to reach his chin.

“You went all out there, Deku. And here I thought you didn’t like ordering around.”

He crouched in front of the shaking man who had finally gained a bit of color back. “Medical help is arriving, squeeze my hand if it’s alright. You did a good job, you managed it well despite all.” The man looked still a bit out of it, but gripped Katsuki’s hand and squeezed with a sort of desperation; he let their hands link and they waited for the ambulance.

“I’m sorry. I fucked up. Didn’t mean to shout an order, I shouldn’t have lost control like that. The villain had already pushed his dynamic recklessly and I stupidly did the same despite I knew it was counterproductive.”

“Yeah, you did.” His eyes were completely focused on the man as Izuku had gathered the other civilians and managed to ease them out of the shock. “But it’s fine, you can fuck up. Just make sure to not make it a habit.” He smirked.

Izuku sighed, eyes a bit misty. “I won’t. I’m sorry-”

“Ohi, we already have kids crying don’t add to the party, it’ll be a mess.”

He gave a wet chuckle. “Yes, sir.”

 

 

 

“Fuck, thank God nobody trampled on the bags, or I would have killed you for leaving them unchecked.”

“I was in a hurry, Kacchan!”

Katsuki scoffed and pushed the bags on his shoulder. They had reported to the police and after two hours finally left the mall; since they weren’t on duty they were left off the hook, still had to fill out paperwork later – not something they were really looking forward to.

“Dealing with those villains was a pain, they completely ruined it. Fuck.”

“I’m glad we were able to stop them before things escalated. You managed to intercept them immediately! You busted their plan before they could even put it into action.”

“I know, I’m the best. They were so stupid to drop everything as soon as they recognized me. What kind of third-rate thieves.”

“I think they got pretty scared by your killer stare.”

“Nice. They all should cower before me.”

A light jab; a hiss was the response.

“I’m still sorry for what I did. I made a mess. I’m sorry Kacchan. You had to intervene and clean it all up.”

Katsuki stopped abruptly. Izuku turned around slowly, afraid of what he would say. Surely, it’ll be reprimanded for his reckless act, like many other times.

“You were stupid as fuck.”

He craned his neck in shame.

“But I know you hadn’t meant to do that. You are just so reckless sometimes. I get it, though.”

Izuku was still looking at the pavement, eyes swimming in his own unshed tears.

“And thanks, I guess. I would have gotten a nasty cracked head in addition to that shitty cut on my face. Not really something I was looking forward to.”

Green eyes looked finally up, a small, nervous smile ghosting his lips. “I’m so glad that didn’t happen, Kacchan.”

“Yeah, me too. Now, let’s get something to eat and rejoice in our fantastic job done.”

---

 

Uraraka had rushed to the family restaurant, sweating as the weather was getting warmer at this time of the year and grappling the table in a vice to restrain herself to just check her friend all over.

“Oh gosh, I heard what happened, Deku! Are you okay?”

Izuku was just tasting the parfait Shoto had shared with him when he jumped slightly at the shrill.

“Ochako-chan we already talked about this over the phone. I am alright, don’t worry.”

Uraraka plopped down beside him and gave him a worried look. “Last time you gave an order you cried your eyes out, Deku.”

“That was long ago!”

Shoto nodded. “This time he only panicked. I think it’s a great achievement.”

Ochako didn’t seem convinced, and her fidgeting had Izuku feeling bad for dismissing it.

“I swear Ochako, I’m doing fine. Kacchan helped me greatly. He stayed the whole day with me and he even made me Udon and then we walked to his apartment and got some Taiyaki! He didn’t even comment on the calories!”

“And Katsuki is really strict on his diet.” commented Shoto.

“Yes, exactly, very very strict!” confirmed Izuku.

Uraraka picked a spoon and ate from their parfait. “Well, I’m glad then. He’s gotten a lot more approachable after his contract with Mina.”

“Yeah, he also seems much more at ease. He managed to handle with great care the poor civilian who dropped because of my clumsy judgment. He even used skin ship to comfort him; it was honestly very amazing-“

“Well, you always say that of him.” Shoto ordered another parfait to share. Ochako had stolen theirs and was listening with interest, licking the spoon. Then continued: “Though I agree with you two. Katsuki has become a very caring hero.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” said Uraraka, but smiled when he saw the slight pout Izuku was wearing. “I mean he’s still an asshole.”

“A caring asshole.”

Uraraka and Shoto kept exchanging a few jokes about how villainous he looked now – sporting that still fresh slash (“It adds to his charms, I guess.”, they all agreed at that) – then shifted topic asking Izuku a few more questions about what happened during their outing. At some point, they gave goodbyes and went back to work – or well only Shoto went back to work seeing as he had changed schedule just to meet with Izuku; that’s the kind of privilege that came with owning your own agency. Ochako said she had plans with some colleagues, instead.

Izuku decided to walk and sort his thoughts out.

These last two days he had held up quite well, despite his friends’ concern. He had even asked for the contacts of the man who was affected by his order to send him flowers and an apology letter – Katsuki had mentioned how unnecessarily invading it was,  Mirio instead was the one to instruct the secretary to prepare everything, adding a little gift from the whole agency.

The shame he felt had slowly receded once he knew things had turned for the better, but he was now even more confident that giving his Dom to reign could be detrimental to his job and his mental health; he was a menace for everyone – not fitting in the role at all. He had known since day one, honestly, he was just too obstinate to yield to reality.

Obviously, Katsuki had a different opinion in that regard, as well.

“That’s why I called you over. You spew the worst shit via message, and those emojis don’t smother the bullshit, they just look pathetic.”

Thrusting a fuming plate of Tonkatsu with a side of tamagoyaki, his finger tapped the table with a dry “Eat”. Izuku had walked into Katsuki’s apartment with the same doom of someone who was going to get stoned, and those rocks were made of harsh words and searing truths.

“I think I’m just a lost cause. I’m just trying to be rational like you said.”

“I said you should be less reckless and certainly someone who had rational thoughts wouldn’t write ‘I think I’m just not cut out to be a Dom’, like there’s even a thing like that in the first place!”

Chowing with slow movements, Izuku’s eyes fell on the little chunks of Tonkatsu, perfectly divided, just how Katsuki liked. His first partner, Mariko, a nice girl from general studies during UA years, had loved his slapdash dishes, she thought it was such an ingenious method that had no real finesse, but it did its job; thereafter he levelled his cooking skills, believing that he could be of service to someone and himself. After all good cooking could make anyone happy.

Make him good at taking care of others; make him a loving Dom.

“Ohi!” Katsuki flicked him over the head, his eyes refocused on the half-eaten Tonkatsu and then back to his interlocutor. “Don’t go wonder in your own head, I’m talking to you!”

“I’m sorry-“

His fingers grabbed a lock of hair and pulled. “Shut up. I’m talking. You gonna listen in silence. First of all, I think you’re getting ahead of yourself: I’m the perfect one here, you can maybe get to semi-decent working your ass off, but still below my ineffable, amazing Sub. You’re a shitty Deku and a shittyDom.”

He kept pulling his locks to emphasize his point, Izuku tried to swat his hand away, but to no avail – he had no balance, and he didn’t want to ruin the meal using all his force.

“Second, you gave one order wrong and you’re dooming yourself out; not even Shoto who had lost control of his Dom multiple times ever reached that pitiful line you’re tapping at every chance.”

“But Shoto is a good-“

“Yes, Shoto is a good Dom – a bland and definitely dull one – but a good damn Dom.”

“He’s just not that good at expressing emotions… I wouldn’t call him bland-”

“And still, he knows better than to join the pity party that you throw constantly.”

Finally releasing him, Katsuki fixed his red eyes on green-washed ones. His face revealed nothing, just a blank stale. “You are a good Dom. You fucked up a little there, but it’s okay. I said that already.”

Humid lips wobbled, green eyes shaking. “I’m not. I’m bad, I’m such a bad Dom. It’s okay I got it, I’ll just- I dunno I’ll just won’t indulge anymore, my dynamic was shit anyway.”

“No.”

Katsuki’s fingers drummed on the table, then he sighed and pushed up. “Com’here.”

Izuku didn’t understand what he meant. Was he meant to follow him somewhere? But then he rose slowly and Katsuki latched on his hoodie, giving a few short tugs and inviting Izuku into his space. The latter slotted in front of him, on the dinner table there were still waiting for their two plates, laying forlorn. The tamagoyaki had grown long cold.

He felt warm, though.

Warm hands had sneaked just above his shoulders, and Katsuki's hair was tickling his face, cheek to cheek.

“You’re such a stupid Dom. And a stupid nerd. You make a big deal out of the stupidest thing. It’s a pain following your flow…” He sighed, tightening his hold. “You should thank me for being so amazing. You got the most amazing person to help ya out. Don’t just say shit like that again or I’m socking you in the head next time. I don’t take lost cases; I’ll bring out the best of you.”

Oh.

He was crying now. He had tried so hard to hold it in. Well, it’s not like he could help it this time. His hands flew to Katsuki’s lower back, and he pushed his head on his shoulder; Katsuki had trapped him so he couldn’t do much else.

“You’re the most amazing person, Kacchan.”

“I am.”

Izuku chuckled. Oh, to have even a drop of that confidence. “And I wanna be amazing as well.”

“You can’t. I said semi-decent.”

 “I wanna be the best like you.”

“Let’s set reasonable goals now, Deku.”

“Will you help me?”

He felt Katsuki releasing the grasp, and he let go reluctantly. Katsuki smiled down at him, a real smile. Like those few rare ones that he reserved for very big and important moments – and yes, he knew because he always noticed even the tiniest quirk about Katsuki.

“I’m already working on that, idiot. You’re just slow on the uptake.”

“Sorry.”

“Whatevs. Now let’s finish that.” he pointed at their dinner. “Then we’re getting comfortable and play that stupid ass game that Denki thinks to be the top dog at. Gotta peg him down and show him how’s played.”

The evening went exactly like stated and it put much ease to the restless mind of Izuku, still piecing together everything that had happened: his eyes unfocused on the screen, watching Katsuki play – he had died already and was waiting for the match to end. He realized belatedly, with a tender smile, that Katsuki had planned, again, how things were gonna play out tonight.

That’s also why Denki and Sero were nowhere in sight.

“Kacchan.”

“What?” the insistent clicks of the buttons overpowered even the music and voices coming from the speakers. “I’m trying to win this, just a minute. Then we can play Street Fighter: Vigilante, just gimmie a second.”

“Could we play dynamics a bit together? I wanna try something.”

The clicks finally eased down; the recorded voice stated with enthusiasm the winner. Katsuki turned to him with a frown. “You sure?”

“Mh-mh”

Pushing the joystick away, he scooted over: his leg hanging out of the sofa, the other lodged under him; Izuku had his legs crossed and a soft plaid on.

“Can I use an order?”

“Sure.”

“Would you please hug me?”

Rough hands grabbed him by his shoulders and brought him much closer, head pushed once again on his shoulder, Izuku pushed his legs out and framed Katsuki’s waist. “You know I think that trying to push an order masking it as a request is pretty stupid.”

Izuku chuckled, nosing the curve of Katuski’s neck and breathing out. “It feels more right to do that.”

“Because you’re too kind.” Snarked Katsuki.

“You make it sound like a bad thing…” He felt calloused hands on his back, massaging slowly. “Mhh, it’s nice, Kacchan.”

“So, what now we’re just gonna hold each other until you’re satisfied?”

Izuku reflected on that proposal and then said: “Yeah.”

He felt a pinch and jolted. “Now you’re getting bossy?”

“Hold me a bit longer, Kacchan.”

Calloused hands got back to their previous work, and he sighed contently. Getting this kind of attention from Katsuki was always a blessing and he felt so honored. Since they were still kids running in the park and he had first tried to reach out to him, instead getting pushed each time by mean snarls – he knew that any kind of contact from Katsuki could fulfill his need. Having him in his life was his only wish from the moment he childishly decided that Katsuki was the most amazing kid in the whole world(an old and rusty playground) – even if he certainly showed it in very hurtful ways.

He’s loved him, even when he’d hated him for those painful insults.

“I’m so glad to have you, Kacchan.”

Katsuki shifted so they could lay down and Izuku was brought alongside. The plaid was now back over him, after a lot of struggling and legs trying to kick it up. “Guess we won’t leave this uncomfortable sofa in the foreseeable future, so I’m graciously yielding my physical health for your happiness.”

“Thank you,”

His eyes grew watery again. As Katsuki stroked him with such care and he thought it was only fair to give back all the love he was delivering, his crooked hands reached his cheek and he caressed the still visible scar, it made him look like a thug, indeed. The press had so much fun posting it everywhere with some catchy slogans – selling that look as much as they could for the hands of the avid fans.

That made him smile. his hand slowing down the stokes, now just lying on Katsuki’s hair.  

Notes:

Pointless trivia: The villain didn't use an actual weapon. He can just turn paper or anything of that kind of material into a sharp object. So yes basically he paper-cutted Katsuki lol