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“You. Meet me out front later.” Katsuki's voice was set, it left no room for debate and departed a sinking feeling deep in Izuku’s gut. “We need to have a talk about your quirk.”
Izuku’s eyes widened at those words, feeling even more apprehensive. Was Kacchan onto him? He didn’t want All Might to be mad at him if he was forced to let his powers known. He gulped, knowing he couldn’t just ignore Katsuki’s demands that easily.
“Um… okay.” He replied, watching Katsuki’s back as he walked away.
Izuku’s mind was flying miles a minute thinking of ways to explain somehow about his quirk. His secret felt suspicious and that it was so obvious but he couldn’t just expose All Might. He warned him! Izuku must come up with something to satisfy Katsuki’s curiosity. But what?
Izuku retired to his room earlier than the others, leaving with a reassuring smile so he could think this over. He was nervous to say lightly.
Katsuki has seemed more reserved lately, after the incident with the league of villains he had retreated more into himself. And now that he failed to get his hero license, something was bound to happen. It was almost as if Izuku was holding his breath around Katsuki, waiting to see his next move.
Izuku wished something would change between them, he wasn’t the same timid and weak kid from their childhood and Katsuki needed to acknowledge that. Their friendship has always been difficult but Izuku is older and still looks up to him. He only wishes Katsuki to realize that.
Before he knew it the sky outside got darker and Izuku startled, realizing he should probably go out even though the other didn’t specify a time. Standing up Izuku wiped his sweaty palms on his shorts and headed downstairs.
Once out front he found Katsuki leaning against the wall. He gave a quirk jerk of his head indicating for Izuku to follow. Izuku furrowed his brows anxiously but did so anyways.
The blond led the way, Izuku keeping a short distance between them as they followed the street lamps down the road.
“Kacchan,” Izuku broke the silence. “how far are we going? We shouldn’t be walking around in the middle of the night.”
The only response he received were the footsteps between them.
“Hello?”
Still nothing. The uneasy feeling in his stomach twisted even worse and he couldn’t help but be reminded of their childhood. Following Katsuki as he has always done only now the happiness was replaced with a tense atmosphere. How he wishes he could go back some days into a childhood without the worry of quirks.
Soon enough they seemingly reached their destination, the tall buildings looming overhead. Katsuki stopped in front of him.
“You brought us to ground beta?” Izuku spoke first, curious as to why the other led him here.
Finally Katsuki replied, his back turned towards Izuku, “This is the place where we had our first combat training, where I fought you and lost.”
His words brought back memories of that training. Izuku still couldn’t believe he had won so soon after acquiring his quirk and against Katsuki nonetheless.
“You’ve always made me sick, you know that right, Deku?” Katsuki said.
Izuku furrowed his brows feeling the realization set in. Katsuki was about to confront him about his quirk, about everything.
“You were useless, no power at all, a joke.” Katsuki continued, “So now you’re going to tell me how you managed to get into this damn school with a brand new quirk that appeared out of nowhere.”
Izuku swallowed, all pre-existing excuses flown out the window. How was he going to explain this? Not waiting for a response Katsuki moved on, glancing over his shoulder.
“I didn’t understand what you meant back then because what you were saying made no sense but still you kept climbing higher and higher always looking so satisfied with yourself.”
Izuku’s face twisted at that, he wasn’t sure what he meant, why wouldn’t he be happy with his progress? He opened his mouth to ask but the other kept talking.
“Ever since that sludge villain...No it actually started when All Might came to town, better and better until finally you passed the licensing exam while I failed. How the hell is that even possible?” Katsuki bit off the end, tensing his shoulders and looking upward.
Izuku reached out to him, “That wasn’t a matter of ability-”
“Shut up and listen you damn nerd.” The blond interrupted him causing Izuku to start and bring his hands back.
“Sorry…”
Katsuki shuffled his feet, “It pissed me off that I’d been beaten by such a pathetic weakling but after seeing what happened to All Might at Kamino ward I began to understand.”
Izuku sucked in a breath that he hoped Katsuki didn’t notice. He was getting closer to figuring it out. He gulped and mentally prepared himself when the other turned his steely eyes on him.
“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, you got your quirk from All Might didn’t you.” Katsuki said it as a statement as he turned to face Izuku partly. “He gave you his power.”
Carefully holding back any reaction, Izuku remained quiet and maintained eye contact with Katsuki.
He went on to explain his thoughts, of comparing All for One to All Might’s retirement and Deku’s sudden quirk. Izuku only became more anxious, he was connecting all the dots and what little could he say to dissuade them.
“I remember what he said after he beat the big bad, we all heard it.” All Might’s words echoed in his head. “Back then you were the only one who really understood what he meant.”
He talked further about the evidence regarding the Nomus and what he heard between All Might and All for One, ending on how it was all connected to Izuku's new found power.
“I asked All Might about this in a way but he wouldn’t give me a straight answer.” Katsuki moved to face the other full on, squaring up his shoulders. “That’s why you’re going to tell me the truth.”
Izuku cast his gaze downward, remembering All Might’s warning. He knows he’s taking too long to respond but he wouldn't even know what to say for an excuse.
“You’re not trying to deny anything which means I must be right. So say it.” Katsuki said.
Clenching his fists Izuku hesitated to respond. This was it, how could he refute all of that?
“Okay, what if it’s true.” Izuku replied.
Katsuki's eyes narrowed, “You and I both wanted to be like All Might when we were growing up, but I was the one who had the potential. And somehow a little nobody like you was singled out by the person I admired most and I didn’t even realize it. That’s why we’re here,” Katsuki raised his hand, even eyes set upon Izuku with a silent challenge. “You and I are settling this, right here, right now.”
Izuku’s eyes widened in shock as he held out his hands, “Wait, what! How is that the best way for us to work things out?” He glanced around already scared of getting caught by teachers from the school. “No, this is bad we’re not even supposed to be at ground beta by ourselves. Why don’t we talk about this at one of our free periods? We could reserve a training room or something there’s no reason it has to be right now.”
Izuku was feeling desperate, he didn’t want to fight Kacchan here at night!
Katsuki gritted his teeth, “If we fight for real at school we’ll be stopped,” Izuku let out his breath, starting to grasp his resolve. “I wanna know what made All Might give his power to a loser like you. Let me see for myself.”
Izuku quickly felt himself losing control over the situation, Katsuki didn’t want to wait, he felt he was missing something, something he didn’t understand.
“Is it because you looked up to him more than I did? And if that’s the case does it mean that everything I’ve done to be like him is wrong?” The last word came out harsh from the blonds mouth.
“No, Kacchan…” Izuku softly said.
He was beginning to understand. Izuku is slowly comprehending that Katsuki is insecure. How is beyond him but regardless he feels sad at this revelation. Their differences are becoming all the more apparent but at the same time they’re starting to reach equal ground. In this moment it’s just the two of them, facing each other and their problems.
“Y-You really wanna do this?” Izuku started backing up as he saw Katsuki begin stretching his arms. Was he actually serious?
“If you don’t want to get hurt, punch back” Well that’s one way to put it.
“Oh yeah you switched to using kicks more these days didn’t you?” Katsuki continued on steadily.
Has Kacchan been studying him fight? A slight blush dusted Izuku’s cheeks as he held out his hands in a placating manner.
“C’mon, stop! This isn’t smart!” His voice was quickly drowned out by the sound of Katsuki blasting towards him. “Kacchan!”
Analyzing his moves, Izuku read into Katsuki’s right hook and braced himself for the blow.
“You know your problem is you're always over thinking things, just fight me!” Katsuki yelled out from the smoke.
Izuku muttered mostly to himself, “You’re serious, you wanna spar.”
The two began exchanging blows but it was clear Izuku was holding back, only making Katsuki more frustrated.
“You have to stop this, why hurt each other when we can just talk things out.” Izuku said though started to feel as if it was futile. “You were right to look up to All Might like you did, I know just how much he meant to you when we were growing-”
He didn’t get a chance to finish before Katsuki leapt for him aiming a blast at his feet.
“I told you to wait!” Izuku was becoming agitated, he wants to know what Katsuki is feeling and help but he can barely get a word in between his lashing out.
Katsuki growled, “You were always behind me our whole lives, you were stuck to me, I couldn’t get rid of you. No matter how much I tried you kept coming back!”
He reared back for another attack.
“Listen to me-” Prepared, Izuku jumped away from his explosion.
“Stop running! Stand up and fight! We both admired him so why-” Katsuki was seething, so caught up in his feelings of doubt and desperation.
“Why?” Katsuki launched forward, bringing his leg up and slamming Izuku in his chest and igniting his palms.
“WHY?!”
Izuku used a kick and blocked the explosion, wincing from Kacchans strangled tone.
“TELL ME!”
Katsuki stumbled backwards falling to the ground onto his elbows. Instantly Izuku moved forward, worried.
“Hey- are you alright?” He reached forward, offering his hand only for it to be smacked away.
“Don’t you dare worry about me!” Katsuki’s voice was different, distressed and confused. “Attack me! Why won’t you fight back?!” He slouched over on himself refusing to meet Izuku’s eyes.
“Why did I end up having to chase after someone who was always so far behind me!? Why did a damn small fry like you get strong and become the number one hero’s sidekick? His favorite!” His voice was cracking and with each word Izuku is fully understanding.
“You got so much better and I destroyed All Might! I admired him so much but it’s because of me that he ended up losing his power!” He looked up, a dismayed expression on his face as he finally focused on Izuku.
Izuku sucked in a breath almost taking a step back. Is that what he really thought?
Katsuki resumed, clutching his black tank top frantically. “If I had been stronger,” His voice cut off, twisted with emotion. “If I hadn’t been kidnapped by villains then it never would’ve happened.”
He swiped an arm across his face, hidden by the shadows. Izuku reached out a hand wanting to comfort but knew that it wouldn’t be smart. He clenched his fist between them reluctantly.
“All Might knows it was my fault but hasn’t said anything. Everyone has to know though! I can’t get it out of my head!” Katsuki was wrought, yelling his frustrations at the ground. “It’s like it’s constantly playing on loop! So what the hell am I supposed to do?!”
Izuku was watching the tears drop from his face, each one feeling like a strike to his chest. He has never seen Kacchan like this, the blond was ever careful about his emotions and keeping them unknown from others. It was as if a whole new side of Katsuki was being revealed.
Even worse, Izuku is now grasping all of the guilt the other has been holding, thinking he is the sole cause for the number one hero’s retirement. Blaming himself and never talking about it, feeling shame hot upon his back whenever another glanced at him.
This is much more than just about his quirk, Kacchan has been desperately wanting to let this go and is doing so in the only way he knows how. Fighting. Entrusting his feelings to his childhood friend because it’s the only option he knows who can discern.
For this, Izuku knew it could only be him to fight Katsuki. He will take his feelings and attack because in that moment, he was the only person in the world who understood how Kacchan felt.
They had a messed up relationship, never talking to each other, never understanding the others feelings, knowing each other for so long yet never resolving anything. Izuku wasn’t about to walk away from Katsuki’s plea, not after everything they’ve been through.
Izuku knew they were about to begin for real. Katsuki ran forward, a blast ready at his palms that Izuku deflected with a strong kick. They were about to go all out, no holding back and Izuku wasn’t going to go easy.
“I refuse to be your punching bag, Kacchan!” Izuku determinedly said as he sunk into a fighting stance. “Let’s go!”
He was met with Katsuki’s grin, ready to finally fight.
Katsuki sent an explosion to the ground, shooting himself upward and back down to surprise the other. Barely in time Izuku leapt backwards trying to analyze Katsuki's next move.
The other knew this and attacked relentlessly, exploding forward to catch him before Izuku even landed. He missed his initial hit but maneuvered up and behind to land a brutal punch to Izuku’s side sending him into a section of hand railing.
Once again he was already coming for him, Izuku used the railing to jump up and backwards but the other grabbed his wrist and launched him across the road. The force sent Katsuki into the railing as well making him growl.
Izuku quickly got up, trying to think before his next attack. He knew Katsuki was fighting with such speed in order to prevent the other from planning but Izuku also knew he was much better than the last time they fought.
“What are you smiling about!” Katsuki yelled and prepared to charge again.
Izuku didn’t even realize he was smiling, too enthralled but it was quickly wiped off his face when he was sent backwards again by Katsuki’s explosion.
“I thought you weren’t gonna be my punching bag!”
“I’m not!” Izuku exclaimed while pushing forward.
“I bet you’ve got some kind of plan up your sleeve,” He let off a bright explosion to stun Izuku. “It’s one of the things I hate most about you!”
With a punch he sent Izuku backwards into the air.
“I can never tell what your thinking, no matter how much I beat you up you keep coming back!” Katsuki shouted, “It’s obvious you’ve always looked down on me even when we were kids!”
Izuku gasped, there was more that Kacchan needed to verbalize.
“You think you’re better than me but if you seriously think you’re going to surpass me as a hero even with your new power you better think again, Deku!” Katsuki’s voice was rough from yelling so much.
“Wait, is that what you actually believed?” Izuku voiced softly. “All this time...think about it Kacchan, If I looked down on you I wouldn’t want anything to do with you anymore.”
He clenched his fist, “But I’m still here.” Still here taking the brunt of your feelings because I care, he left unvoiced.
Izuku held eye contact with the other, desperate to get Katsuki to believe him. “I notice things you couldn’t all these years because I had nothing at first.”
“There were things I hated about you, sure, but I could clearly see how amazing you were!” Izuku continued, “You had so much going for you that I didn’t have.”
He could feel the power of One for All coursing through his veins, sharp bursts of green lightning dancing around him. Izuku stormed forward, “All Might was my hero but you were the one actually in my life!”
Kacchan has always been incredible in Deku’s eyes, put on a pedestal at a young age and it blinded him. He wanted to see what Katsuki would become and if he could live up to those standards as well.
Izuku reared for a kick, putting more power than usual into it. It was hard to keep control while fighting Katsuki and his new speed made all the difference. Katsuki had no choice but to put up his arms for a block, taking the strong blow with a grunt.
“That’s the reason I kept chasing after you!” Izuku declared.
Katsuki’s eyes widened, he had always assumed that the other was mocking him, never would he have thought it was earnest. He too was learning from this fight, Katsuki wasn’t the only one who talked best whilst attacking.
Skidded backwards from his block, he blasted at Izuku who met him halfway. Each reared up for a strike, Deku’s kick landing first and forcing Katsuki to stumble back. Now was his time to practice shoot style, Izuku moved to the steps and launched another kick bearing down on the other.
Barely moving back in time, his attack missed by an inch and Katsuki felt the small jolts of electricity arc across the gap. Igniting his hands he put his all into a giant explosion that catapulted them both across the ground. Izuku was fast to get up, sprinting towards Katsuki again as he crouched, ready to meet him.
“Is that all you’ve got?!” Izuku shouted.
He knew he was getting too wrapped into the fight but he couldn’t help himself. Kacchan had a strong effect on him and he wanted nothing more than to prove he has changed. Izuku wanted to win this no matter how the other felt, he wasn’t nice enough to let Katsuki beat him up to relieve a little stress.
They drove forward ready to meet mid-air. Izuku feigned a kick and readied his fist, delivering a harsh blow to Katsuki’s cheek.
Katsuki let out a strangled growl, “I won’t lose to you!”
He gripped Izuku’s arm, bringing his leg up to knock the air out of him and lifted his hand, blasting them both to the ground. It was a large explosion and smoke billowed out around him but ultimately Izuku was pinned beneath Katsuki.
He kept a hand smushed against the other’s face, pinning his arm with one foot, holding his other arm and kept his leg pressed against Izuku’s hips. Both were breathing heavily, scratches and blood littering their faces. Katsuki glared down at him.
“That’s it we’re done here, I won this fight.” Katsuki muttered between pants. “You have All Might’s power but even using his strength, even after making it your own you still somehow managed to lose to me.”
He took a deep breath, eyes never leaving Izuku’s face.
“Why… how could you lose.”
Katsuki removed his hand, placing it on the ground next to the other’s face. Izuku finally looked up, meeting his hard gaze but staying silent.
“You- you’re so confusing! I don’t understand why you keep chasing after me!” Katsuki said, frustrated.
Looking away Izuku replied softly, “I told you, Kacchan, I’ve always looked up to you and only want to become as good of a hero as All Might and you will become.”
Katsuki’s face scrunched up in confusion, “I- I still don’t get why though-” He inched forward, intent to read the other’s thoughts.
Izuku’s startling green eyes shot up straight into Katsuki’s.
“It’s you, it’s always been you.” He admitted gently as if it was as simple as that.
Something in Katsuki’s mind clicked. He guesses it has always been them, ever since childhood. The one loser he could never scare away, the one he misunderstood for mocking, the one who followed and offered his hand to help no matter what.
Katsuki squinted as if still trying to comprehend and pushed closer till his forehead rested against Izuku’s. He slowly removed his legs to fold against Izuku’s side as he saddled on top of him and changed his grip on his forearm to lightly rest it on the ground. A faint pink washed over Izuku’s complexion.
“Who woulda thought it’d always be you, nerd.” Katsuki almost whispered.
His breath fanned across the other’s cheeks and Izuku’s throat got caught. He couldn’t say anything, stuck watching Katsuki’s face in a moment that felt like forever. Izuku didn’t think anything could snap him out of this. Well he was wrong.
Making up his mind, Katsuki quickly leaned forward wiping that intense look off Izuku’s face by capturing his lips. Frozen for a moment, Izuku closed his eyes and slowly began to kiss back. Kacchan is kissing him? What?!
He has little time to think since Katsuki was taking up all of his senses. The light grip on his wrist moved up to his hand and hesitantly entwined their fingers. Turning his head to the side, Izuku deepened the kiss further, squeezing the hand that just a few minutes ago blazed with fire.
Katsuki pressed further, swiping his tongue up against Izuku’s upper lip and seizing it between his own. Izuku let out a small noise and grabbed the front of Katsuki’s tank top to pull him even closer. With his free arm Katsuki laid on his forearm, ignoring the bits of gravel digging in and dove a hand into the other’s soft albeit dusty hair.
Splitting from the kiss, Kacchan quickly moved onto the other parts of Deku he suddenly wished to taste. He nipped and soothed against his jawline while Izuku gasped for breath, tightening his hold on Katsuki’s shirt. The blond explored along his neck, taking sweet time on the spots that made Izuku clutch tighter until he came up and met his lips again. It was slower, more sweet kisses until they separated, resting their foreheads on each other and lightly panting.
Izuku searched his face for his thoughts, taking notice of the heat in Katsuki’s face that only reminded him of how red his own face must’ve looked. He never would have thought that this fight would’ve ended up like this.
“Kacchan-” Deku broke the silence. “I like you.”
Katsuki’s eyes widened, he didn’t expect this. He wasn’t even sure what cause him to initiate the kiss, he just moved without thinking. Did he like Deku? Katsuki looked to the side at their hands, still entwined and gave a light squeeze. He didn’t know what to say and hoped Izuku would understand what he felt.
“I really like you but,” Izuku said, “I think we need to work on our friendship. Do not doubt my feelings but I think we should be friends first.”
Katsuki nodded slowly, he agreed because he too was overwhelmed with these new feelings and wanted to sort them out. He bit his lip although, still worried that he might lose this new found thing between them.
Izuku leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of Katsuki’s mouth, almost reassuringly and pulling him out of his thoughts. He gave him a small smile that Katsuki returned before realizing their position and moving to get up. The two of them weren’t given much time to think before a stern voice spoke.
“You two.” All Might called out, walking over to them. “I’m sorry but I’ve heard what you said.”
Izuku and Katsuki shared a glance, wondering just how much All Might saw between them. Izuku’s face was still flushed but it could seem as if it was from the fighting. The both of them turned towards All Might, still surprised he showed up out of nowhere.
All Might let out a frustrated breath, “I didn’t notice before but I should have.”
“It’s too late now.” Katsuki echos as thoughts of guilt came rushing back, he cast his gaze downward. “Why did you pick Deku? It started when the sludge villain came didn’t it. So why him.”
It came out as a statement but not harshly. He heard what he needed and vented to Izuku, Katsuki only needed confirmation from All Might now.
“He was powerless but still more heroic than anyone else. I knew you were strong, that much was obvious.” All Might replied as he came closer. “You were someone who could already fight so I decided he should have a chance to stand in the ring.”
His words were solemn as they washed over Katsuki’s ears, the blond gritting his teeth. He was still so mad at himself, hard to let go of his remorse and shame.
“But now you know I’m weak too, I always wanted to be like you which meant being as strong as possible.” Katsuki’s words were becoming strangled again, unable to bring his face up. “But look what I did to you, because I’m not good enough.”
Izuku watched him carefully, wishing badly to reach out but the footsteps of All Might came closer.
“This is not your fault, young Bakugou.” All Might said softly, “I was always going to lose my power, you couldn’t do anything to change that.”
Katsuki’s face trembled, delicately holding his tears back behind tightly shut eyes.
All Might continued, “You are strong, but I focused too much on your physical strength and overlooked what was important.” He reached out a hand against Katsuki’s head, gently pulling him into his embrace.
“This isn’t your burden. I apologize, sometimes I forget that you’re children.” All Might sounded 100 years older, far from that loud booming voice bringing help to others. This voice seemed all the more comforting.
Katsuki clenched his teeth, willing the tears away. He had already cried once. The blond jerks away, shoving All Might’s arm off still refusing to look up.
“After being a hero for so many years you learn a few things. Striving to be the best, like you young Bakugou,” All Might spoke. “And caring deeply about people, about rescuing those in trouble like you young Midoriya. Both of those feelings are necessary in a hero otherwise they’ll never truly be able to represent justice.”
Izuku and Katsuki glanced at each other, eyes heavy with intent and understanding.
“That’s why you admire his strength so much, young Midoriya.” All Might watched them both, “And I know that’s why you’ve always feared his heart and spirit, young Bakugou. Now that you’ve laid your feelings out on the table, maybe you can understand each other.”
The two students held eye contact, solidifying their new found judgement. Each were determined to become the best.
“If you have mutual respect and focus on making one another stronger, I’ve no doubt you’ll become the ultimate heroes, winning and saving people at the same time.” All Might finished, hoping now the two could become proper friends.
Katsuki gave the other a soft smirk, letting out a sigh. “If you want to be the best, don’t let yourself get pinned so easily, Deku.”
Izuku flushed instantly and pouted but before he could stutter Katsuki swore lightly, sitting down with a huff. He brought his knees up, resting his elbows on them as he thought out his next words.
“You had the strongest guy lay the groundwork for you. Don’t you dare lose again.”
Izuku looked at him, recognizing the challenge and wanting to stand up to it. Furrowing his brow he gave a resolute look, nodding to Katsuki’s words.
“I’ll work harder, so that I can beat you.” The words were soft from Izuku’s mouth but portrayed his strong resolve.
Katsuki let out a sigh and finally looked up between All Might and Deku. He wanted to know more about their quirk and who knows. So All Might told him. The only other student at UA to know the secret of One for All. They knew they could trust him but All Might still felt guilt coarse through him.
All of this burden, just on a 16 year old student. The both of them were thankful to Katsuki, not many would have kept this secret.
When they were finished, Izuku stood up and held out a hand to the blond. Katsuki evenly stared at the hand before glancing up at the other’s green eyes. He reached out and grasped the hand, the first time since childhood to accept Izuku’s help.
Izuku pulled him up, closer than expected and forgetting to let go of Katsuki’s hand. So up close he could see the red eyes dilate and hear his breath catch. Izuku knew they agreed to wait but how bad could one more kiss be?
A sharp cough split the moment making them each to take a step back. They looked at who made the sudden noise, All Might standing there with a quirked eyebrow. He turned around and started walking back, inviting them to follow.
“You two can become suitable rivals now or whatever it is that you are.” All Might said with a hint of amusement.
Izuku’s back shot straight, looking down as if caught red handed while Katsuki just shook his head fondly.
“Don’t think this means I’m going to go easy on you now, Deku. I still want to be the number one hero.” Katsuki said.
Clenching his fist, Izuku glanced at him determinedly. “Of course not, I want to become number one too!”
“Only if you can beat me!”
“That just means I’ll have to train even harder than you, Kacchan!
“I just said you won't beat me and I’ll be number one!” Katsuki bickered back but kept an indulgent look on his face.
All Might sighed and interrupted, “You two are lucky I stopped Aizawa from finding you guys but don’t think you’re going to get out of this easily. You did sneak off at night to fight unsupervised.”
Izuku’s mood instantly dampened, suddenly fraught with worries about punishment and what Aizawa sensei would say. He even started mumbling to himself only to be disrupted by Katsuki lightly bumping him with his shoulder.
“Quit that damn mumbling, nerd.” The blond muttered.
Izuku peered at him with surprise, still not used to this new side of Katsuki. The swearing could be helped but then again this was Kacchan he was talking about. Izuku gave a small smile and looked away, staying quiet.
The three of them walked back in a comfortable silence until they finally reached the dorms again. They instantly noticed Aizawa waiting and Izuku tensed anxiously. It wasn’t too long before the two of them felt the restraints of his capture scarf bind them awkwardly. He at least let them get inside to see the nurse beforehand though, how kind.
After the lengthy explanation of their punishments they were finally released to go to bed. Not that they had much time to sleep before the two have to be up and cleaning, but still.
They were alone and Izuku felt a small twist of nerves in his stomach. He actually admitted how he felt to Kacchan but knew it was best if they waited a bit. That didn’t stop the lingering feeling of want however.
The elevator ride was short with Izuku’s room being only on the second floor, it was probably around 3 am so he hoped he didn’t wake anyone up. Almost feeling awkward he snuck a glance at Katsuki and hesitantly stepped out of the elevator.
Abruptly a hand shot out and held Izuku back from taking a step further into the dark hallway. Surprised, Izuku looked back at Katsuki and was met with a deep regard, as if the other was trying to convey all of his feelings just with that stare.
Katsuki stepped forward tentatively, asking a silent question when he lifted his free hand to ghost over Izuku’s cheek. The other responded by moving closer and flicking his gaze between Katsuki’s eyes and lips. Ever so slowly, the blond leaned in and gently kissed Izuku causing his eyelids to flutter shut. Not much more than the press of their lips but it triggered a wave of content to wash over the two.
It was sweet but short lived as Katsuki angled back and gradually opened his eyes. He took a step back, releasing the other and giving him a nod.
“Friends first.” Katsuki said quietly.
Shutting his mouth he hadn’t realized was parted, Izuku smiled one of his bright, Deku smiles and nodded back. He turned and continued down the hallway to his room as Katsuki rode the elevator to his own floor.
Softly touching his own lips, Katsuki made it to his room and prepared for bed.