Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“This is bullshit! How’d I fail the test?! I’M THE NUMBER 1 PRO HERO!”

Any nearby intern quickly fled from the vicinity of Ground Zero’s office.

Shouto rubbed his forehead with a deep sigh as Katsuki sent his paper test results flying. “Bakugou, they’ve revised the test for the first time in 5 years. I thought I gave you all of this information so you could study properly.”

“DOESN’T MATTER. I’LL BLAST MY WAY THROUGH ANY OPPONENT,” Katsuki growled as he stood up from his chair and punched the closest reinforced wall.

Shouto rolled his eyes. “You do realize that you’re the reason they changed the test, right?”

“HAH?!”

Katsuki looked at Shouto with an incredulous look. Shouto only crossed his arms in disinterest.

“City officials have been complaining about the rise in property damages, especially when a certain combustible hero appears on the scene. So the pro hero licensing board added opponent quirk analysis in an effort to decrease damages.”

“I KNOW THAT! I just do it in my head! So what’s the point of being able to write it down!”

“I don’t make the rules, Bakugou. The only thing you need to be concerned about is that your pro hero license is expired, therefore, you are out of commission for the time being until you can retake the written exam.”

Katsuki pulled his hair in frustration. “YOU CANNOT PUT THE NUMBER 1 PRO HERO OUT OF COMMISSION!”

Shouto’s left eyebrow twitched in annoyance before he encased Katsuki in a block of ice, minus his head. 

“The fuck?!”

“You will listen to me, and you will listen well.” Shouto crossed his arms as he approached Katsuki with harsh glare in his eyes. “You put this on yourself. You’re right, you’re the number 1 pro hero, but your pride and ego have put you in a position where you can’t help anyone right now. You’re lucky that this hasn’t been publicized or else every villain would wreak havoc on this city. So for the time being—you are grounded. You will use this time to work on your public image. You will invest yourself into community service. And you will go to revision sessions with a tutor that I have personally hired for you.”

Katsuki returned Shouto’s glare with one of his own. “Fine,” he grumbled through gritted teeth, not wanting to anger the dual-haired male any further. Their rivalry during their days at UA continued into their pro hero lives, but Katsuki knew that Shouto was right—this was all his own fault for not taking the hero license renewal test seriously. Now, pro heroes everywhere would have to work even harder to pick up Katsuki’s slack. And if anyone—any civilian, any bystander, any innocent victim—got hurt while Katsuki was temporarily unavailable, that was on his conscience. 

“Good.” Shouto melted away the ice, freeing Katsuki from his confines.

“So who’s this tutor you hired,” Katsuki asked as he dried himself off with a towel.

“Apparently, he’s the number 1 quirk analyst in the country. However, he keeps a low profile and works as a local librarian. He’s hired for a multitude of services—helping quirk doctors during invasive surgeries due to quirk related accidents, identifying unusual quirks in young children, rehabilitating those who have been arrested for quirk misconduct. And now, he’s going to add tutor to the many feathers in his cap. He’s a genius.” Shouto shrugged as he handed Katsuki a folder with this so-called genius’ information.

“If he’s so damn smart, why haven’t I ever heard of him?” Katsuki scoffed as he opened the folder. 

Katsuki’s eyes practically jutted out of his head when he opened the folder only to be greeted with a printed photo on the top corner of the first page.

“Well, shit.”

Ding.

Ding ding.

Ding.

“Can I help you?” A disinterested voice asked as a young receptionist turned around in her chair, clapping her hand over the silver bell to make it stop ringing.

“Y-Yes! I, I ummm—“

“Have an appointment?” 

“Yes!”

The receptionist quickly typed on her computer. “Name.”

“I-Izuku Midoriya!” 

The receptionist looked over the counter and eyed the young man in front of her. The man seemed to be in his early 20s, innocent face covered in a light dusting of freckles, green curly hair barely tamed. He wore glasses, an oversized forest green sweater that matched his hair, and loose cuffed jeans with a pair of red sneakers.

“Yes… It says here that you have an appointment with Celsius. I’ll call him down now.” The receptionist picked up the phone on her desk before a hand tapped her on the shoulder. 

“No need, I was expecting him. This way, Midoriya-san.”

Izuku gasped and his eyes sparkled in barely contained excitement. He was standing in front of number 2 pro hero Celsius!

Izuku couldn’t contain the light skip in his step as he followed closely behind Celsius.

“Thank you for submitting your paperwork in a timely manner. Allow me to give you a quick reminder of your responsibilities. You have been hired by this agency for an important job. You will meet here 3-4 times a week, as much as you see fit. Treat this job like… a secret mission. If any reporter asks what your business is here, you may tell them that you have been hired due to your skillset as the number 1 quirk analyst in the country. And may I remind you that you have signed a non-disclosure agreement, and if anything leaks to the press—“

Izuku nearly bumped into the hero’s broad back as Celsius stopped dead in his tracks. Slowly, Celsius turned to look Izuku in the eyes.

“We will be suing you for every penny that you are worth. Do I make myself clear?”

Izuku nodded his head quickly.

“Good.” 

Izuku continued to follow Celsius down the hallway and into an elevator. 

“I-If I may ask… what is my job while I’m here?” Izuku asked softly, looking up at the pro hero.

“You’ll find out soon enough. It’s not for the faint of heart, I can tell you that much. This job will require patience, diligence, and nerves of steel. Can I count on you, Midoriya-san?”

Izuku nodded as he clenched his hands tightly and looked up at Celsius with a fire burning in his eyes. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

Celsius nodded. The two stood in a comfortable silence as the elevator took them to the top of the building. Even though Celsius looked straight ahead, watching the ground get further and further beneath them from the glass walls of the elevator, he noted the way Izuku glanced up at him shyly from time to time through his reflection in the glass.

“You’re a fan,” Celsius stated with a small smile on his face.

Izuku broke out into a grin. “Of course I am! Your quirk is amazing! I’ve watched all of your fights, even from all the way back during UA’s sports festivals! Can I ask you a few questions about your quirk? How complex of structures can you make with your ice and how structurally sound is it? Do you consciously apply theories of physics and architecture while you fight? How long can you use both fire and ice at the same time? How accurately can you regulate the temperature of your fire and ice? Have you ever used your quirk in a medical emergency such as cauterizing a wound?”

Celsius blinked unsure of when Izuku had whipped out a notebook and pen. He answered the man’s many questions to the best of his ability before the elevator opened.

“Perhaps it would be in my best interest to study architecture…” Celsius mumbled as he placed his chin in his hands, deep in thought. 

Izuku nodded his head quickly. “I saw during one fight that you stopped a building from collapsing by creating a replacement structure with ice until the victims could be rescued, and that went really well since they were rescued so quickly, but your ice actually damaged the structural integrity of the building further!”

Izuku quickly covered his mouth. “I-I mean, you still did a really good job rescuing all those people! I didn’t mean to step on your toes or anything, after all, you are the pro and—“

Celsius raised his hand to stop Izuku’s mumbling. “May I remind you that you are also a professional? I appreciate your opinion and I will take your suggestions to heart. I hope to continue working with you.”

Izuku felt a blush creeping up his face as he shyly turned away from the hero. “Th-Thank you…”

“We’re here.” Celsius stopped in front of an office door, and Izuku noted the way this floor was eerily quieter than the bottom floors. Celsius opened the door to the office for Izuku. “Lunch will be served in about two hours in the break room if you care to join us. If anything goes wrong, feel free to ring me on the intercom. Good luck.”

Izuku shook in his spot as he watched Celsius retreat to his own office. Were they planning on having him meet with a villain? Look at gruesome pictures of the victims of a murderous quirk?

Izuku used one shaky hand to open the door. He squinted his eyes at the bright lights in the office.

“Took you long enough,” a voice grumbled from behind the desk.

Izuku’s eyes widened in shock. “K-Kacchan?!”

Chapter Text

Katsuki looked the trembling Izuku up and down. Even after the many years that passed since they last saw each other, Izuku still looked the same—same freckled face, same unruly hair, same emerald green eyes.

Katsuki stood up from his seat and slowly approached the shorter male. Izuku nervously backed into the now-closed door as Katsuki stood in front of him, crowding his space. 

It had been years since they were in the same room together, 10 years since a thirteen-year-old Katsuki Bakugou picked on a thirteen-year-old Izuku Midoriya for being a quirkless, useless ‘Deku’. 

And Izuku was perfectly fine not seeing his once childhood friend and old neighbor ever again. But then Katsuki just had to become the number 1 pro hero, and Izuku felt like he couldn’t escape the man. Truth be told, Izuku held no hard feelings against Katsuki—he was young and stupid back then and had worked hard to become the hero he was today. But that didn’t mean Izuku wanted to see him again in person.

But now, here he was, standing in Ground Zero’s office while Ground Zero himself towered a head taller over him.

Izuku squeaked and shut his eyes tightly as Katsuki raised his hand only to feel a sharp poke between his eyebrows.

“Still so small… Haven’t you grown, Deku?”

Izuku huffed as he opened his eyes. “I have grown! I’m just not a giant block of meat! And stop calling me ‘Deku,’ Kacchan!” 

Izuku puffed his cheeks out, staring at the man in front of him—tall, blonde, broad shoulders, broad chest, thick arms, and a smug smirk on his handsome face… 

Izuku shook his head quickly, glaring at Katsuki firmly.

Katsuki let out a snort of laughter before pulling away from Izuku. “It’s been 10 years and you still can’t say my name right, nerd”

Izuku was about to retort when Katsuki pulled up a chair beside his desk and motioned for Izuku to sit down. “You’re my tutor, right?”

“T-Tutor?” Izuku asked with a confused look on his face as he sat down in the chair beside Katsuki’s. “N-No one told me anything about tutoring… And why would you of all people need a tutor? Didn’t you just take the pro hero license renewal exam?”

Katsuki only stared at him with a blank face as Izuku continued to connect the dots in his head. He looked between Katsuki and himself before his mouth opened in an “oh” shape.

“Kacchan? Did you… fail the exam?”

“I didn’t fail the exam!” Katsuki snapped, crossing his arms. “I failed ONE SECTION of the WRITTEN PORTION,” he stated pointedly.

Izuku bit his lip to prevent himself from laughing at the sulking pro hero in front of him. “It’s okay, Kacchan, that’s why I’m here. I’ll make sure you pass with flying colors and then you’ll be back to hero work in no time!”

Katsuki watched Izuku flip through a folder in his hand before pulling out a review packet—the review packet Shouto gave him weeks ago that he tossed to the side. 

“Just go through this packet and then we can look over your answers together! No pressure!”

Katsuki groaned as he rubbed his hands over his eyes.

“WHY DO I EVEN NEED TO KNOW THIS SHIT?” Katsuki groaned in frustration, whipping the pencil in his hand against the wall. 

Izuku rolled his eyes as he began sharpening another pencil. “Because Katsuki Bakugou, the world doesn’t revolve around flashy quirks.”

Katsuki kicked his feet up on his desk and rubbed his eyes. He peaked over at the green-haired man who was going over his answers with a red pen, jotting down notes in the margins.

“What do you have there, Deku?”

Pale hands snatched the sheets of paper out of a trembling boy’s hands. 

“I-It’s nothing! Kacchan, give it back!”

“Is this… No way! It’s an application to UA!”

The students left in the classroom turned towards Katsuki and his pals who were towering over Izuku and joined in on the laughter. 

“There’s no fucking way UA is gonna accept someone as worthless as you! You do realize you can’t get in just because your grades are good, right?”

“Th-They got rid of that requirement! I can definitely get into UA!”

The paper in Katsuki’s hands burned to a crisp and Katsuki blew the ashes back into Izuku’s face. “I’m gonna be the only person who gets into UA from this shitty middle school, Deku. So don’t even think about getting in my way! But I’ll let you in on a little secret—If you really want a quirk so badly, why don’t you take a swan dive off the roof and pray you’ll be born with one in your next life—“

“Kacchan? Kacchan?”

The harsh words and harsh laughter rang through Katsuki’s ears as his eyes narrowed in on the packet Izuku was trying to stuff into his hands. 

Katsuki grunted as he took the packet from Izuku and casually flipped through the pages. “Damn… So much red…” Katsuki tossed the packet onto his desk. “Come on, I need a break. And some coffee.”

Izuku scrambled up from his seat and stretched. Katsuki could hear the crackle of his bones clearly until the rumble of his stomach cut through the silence. 

“Someone’s hungry too,” Katsuki grinned. He grabbed a hoodie, a baseball cap, and a pair of sunglasses to cover his appearance before pulling Izuku towards the elevator.

The ride down was pretty much silent other than the sound of electrical humming and the soft music playing overhead. Katsuki noted the distance that Izuku kept between them.

“Hey, nerd,” Katsuki called out, snapping Izuku out of his daze.

“Y-Yes, Kacchan?” Izuku squeaked.

“What do you want to eat?” Katsuki waved his wallet. “My treat. Anything you want. But I’m gonna guess that you’re gonna say—“

“Katsudon!” Izuku and Katsuki said at the same time.

Izuku blushed and Katsuki nudged him with his shoulder. “Katsudon, really? I’m offering to treat you to an expensive lunch. If you want katsudon, I can make it better myself.”

“Well, then…” Izuku hummed as he thought about it more, “Burgers then? And a milkshake!”

Katsuki chuckled. “Fine. I know just the place.”

Katsuki and Izuku exited the building together. Katsuki leaned his head down to avoid anyone from recognizing him. Katsuki brought Izuku to a nearby shopping center, and they headed straight for the food court.

“Kacchan! Is that— Is it really—“

Katsuki rolled his eyes as Izuku jumped happily in his place pointed at an All Might cardboard cut out holding a sign that said: “All Might Burgers and Shakes—Home of the Texas Smashburger.”

“I figured you were still a huge fanboy.” Katsuki chuckled as he and Izuku stood in line. For as long as Katsuki had known Izuku, Izuku proudly proclaimed himself to be All Might’s number one fan. During his time at UA, All Might personally whipped Katsuki into shape, and after the pro hero retired, Katsuki worked hard to take over All Might’s spot as the number 1 pro hero.

“So what do you want?” Katsuki asked as he nodded towards the menu above them.

“U-Ummm…” Izuku looked at the menu board, instantly overwhelmed with the number of choices. “I-I’ll just have whatever you’re having.”

“You sure? I eat a lot.” Katsuki teased. When it was their turn to order, Katsuki stood in front of the counter. “I’ll take 5 Texas Smashburgers, 3 large fries, and two strawberry milkshakes.” 

Katsuki grabbed their order number and led Izuku to a secluded booth in the corner of the restaurant.

Izuku’s mouth gaped. “Kacchan, are you crazy?! What are you going to do with 5 burgers?”

“Well, one of them is for you, obviously.”

“They’re huge!”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. They’re tiny! Look!” Katsuki nodded as a waiter set down three trays of food onto their table. 

Izuku gawked at the size of his burger. “This is not tiny!”

“Well if you ate properly, then maybe you wouldn’t still be so tiny,” Katsuki teased as he tossed a French fry at Izuku’s head. “Now eat.”

Izuku huffed as he tossed a French fry back at Katsuki’s head. “You better have tipped them generously.”

“I did, I did! Trust me, I’m not as much of an asshole as I used to be.”

Izuku smiled softly as he munched happily on his meal. He was actually pretty impressed by the way Katsuki could pack away his meal.

He watched as Katsuki wiped his hands with a napkin and nudged his ankle with his foot. “So, Deku. I haven’t seen since middle school… What’ve you been up to since then?”

“U-Ummm, well…”

Izuku quietly shared the past 10 years of his life with Katsuki, starting with after middle school. Izuku had gotten into Ketsubutsu Academy, UA’s rival school. There, he enrolled in the support course. Because Ketsubutsu Academy wasn’t as big as UA, Izuku had more freedom to study whatever he wanted independently—which he took full advantage of to continue to study quirks. After graduating from Ketsubutsu Academy, Izuku enrolled at a university in Tokyo that was famous for its research on the biological study of quirks. At the age of 23, Izuku Midoriya was the first quirkless individual to be a proud recipient of a Ph.D. in Quirk Analysis. But rather than stay in Tokyo, Izuku chose to go back to his home town to help educate the community he grew up in. 

Katsuki whistled as Izuku’s story came to a close. “Wow… You’ve done some pretty amazing things, Deku. Wonder why I haven’t heard of any of it until now.”

Izuku sighed. “It’s because I’m quirkless that people don’t take me seriously. Everyone thinks that this is just a way for me to pretend like I have a quirk. You don’t know how awful it was to defend my thesis because every session, I would always get some kind of ‘Well, how do you know what you’re talking about? You don’t even have a quirk?’” Izuku huffed as he sipped on his milkshake. “People are stupid and I hate them.”

Katsuki’s lips curled up into a small smile. “Nah. You’re Deku. You can’t hate anyone. It’s just not in your bones.” 

Izuku giggled. “I guess not. I mean, after everything, I don’t hate you.”

Silence settled between them as a fresh wave of guilt swept over Katsuki. Izuku quickly covered his mouth. 

“W-Wait! I didn’t mean it like—“

“It’s fine, Deku…” Katsuki cleared his throat. “I was… an asshole to you. And you didn’t deserve any of the shit I gave you. And I’m sorry. I understand if you can’t forgive me for all of the shitty things I’ve said to you, but I respect the person you’ve become and I’d like to get to know the new and improved Deku. If you’ll let me, that is…”

Izuku placed his hand over Katsuki’s. “I’d like that a lot, Kacchan.”

The two shared a soft smile before returning to their meals.

“Hey, Deku, try this.” Katsuki dipped his French fry into his milkshake before shoving it into his mouth.

Izuku giggled. “Kacchan, that’s so weird! Why would you do that?”

Katsuki shrugged. “Don’t knock it ’til you try it. After all, All Might himself showed me that.”

Izuku gasped. “Really?! All Might?!”

Katsuki chuckled as he dipped another French fry into his milkshake and poked it towards Izuku’s lips. “Tell you what—if you help me pass my exam, I’ll introduce you to All Might.”

“Really?!” Izuku’s eyes gleamed as he munched happily on the French fry. “You promise?!”

Katsuki nodded. “I promise. Just don’t… do anything weird. Like, steal his hair or something.”

“I wouldn’t do that, Kacchan!” 

“I’m not so sure about that, Deku.”

After they finished their meal, Katsuki made sure to leave a generous tip to their waiter on their table.

Now it was Izuku’s turn to whistle. “Pro heroes sure do make a lot of money…”

Katsuki chuckled. “Only if you break the top 10.” 

The stroll back to the agency was a calm and leisure one. Katsuki and Izuku walked side by side basking in the late afternoon sun. 

“Same time again tomorrow?” Katsuki asked, throwing his arms behind his head.

Izuku nodded. “Celsius said that I’m supposed to come 3 to 4 times a week until the retake exam.”

“Who the hell is Celsius— Oh, you mean that half and half bastard.” Katsuki chuckled. “Just call him Todoroki. Or else I won’t know who you’re talking about.”

Izuku playfully punched Katsuki’s shoulder. “You can stand to be a bit more professional, you know.”

“I’ll be professional when you stop dressing like a damn nerd,” Katsuki bit back with a smug smirk on his face.

The two stopped in front of the agency. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Kacchan!” Izuku waved. “Don’t forget to go over the packet with the revisions I gave you!”

Katsuki stuffed his hands into his pockets as he watched Izuku walk away. He smiled at the thought of seeing Izuku tomorrow as he entered the agency. "It's a date then, nerd..." he mumbled to himself softly as he made his way back to his office. He picked up the review packet Izuku left on his desk and flipped through the first few pages.

“Damn... Why'd he have to give me so much homework?”

Chapter Text

“Hi, Izuku! I made the changes to my hero costume like you suggested!”

“That’s great, Uravity-san!”

“Hey, Izuku! Did you see on the news? I tried out that awesome combo move with Celsius!” 

“You were amazing, Chargebolt-san!”

“Midoriya! I made sure they stocked your favorite donuts in the break room!” 

“Woooooow, Red Riot-san, you’re the best!”

Izuku happily skipped out of the break room with a plate of donuts in his hands and one in his mouth. “I’ll bring these to your office, Kacchan!”

Katsuki’s eyes followed Izuku’s back as he left the room. He leaned on the countertop waiting for the pot of coffee to brew.

“Soooooo, when are you gonna tap that?” A teasing voice asked as a figure sidled up to Katsuki’s side.

“Fuck off, Dunce Face.” Katsuki promptly shoved Denki’s head away.

Denki whined. “Ouch, Bakubro! It’s not my fault Midoriya’s the perfect combination of smart and hot! So make a move already! You’re holding up the line!”

Katsuki rolled his eyes. “What fucking line?”

Denki looked at him with a blank face and gestured to the other pro heroes and interns in the break room. When Katsuki’s eyes passed over them, they quickly turned away, whistling innocently.

Only two weeks had passed since Katsuki and Izuku’s review sessions, and Izuku already became a permanent fixture in the agency. Of course, Izuku couldn’t help himself when he was surrounded by dozens of pro heroes and heroes in training. It started with a small comment here and there, then suddenly, everyone wanted Izuku’s input on their quirks and fighting styles. He was the also the only person who could make sense of the agency’s hero costume and weapons designer, Mei Hatsume (an incredible feat on its own, if you asked Katsuki. He and Mei really did not get along well since she wouldn’t stop trying to strap a jetpack onto him).

“Back off, extras,” Katsuki growled, angrily pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“Whatever, Bakubro,” Kirishima teased, throwing his hands behind his head. “You better not let our resident Prince Todoroki sweep him off his feet.”

“Fuck you, guys! I’m way better than that half and half bastard!” Katsuki marched out of the break room, slamming the door on the fit of laughter that erupted after he left. 

“Fucking shitty extras… Fucking Deku and his fucking nerdy ass… Stupid freckles… So fucking cute…” Katsuki grumbled as he shoved his hands in his pockets and headed for his office. He tapped his foot impatiently the whole elevator ride up. When he exited the elevator, he stopped in his tracks, watching the two men standing in the middle of the hallway.

“Thank you for recommending these books to me, Midoriya-san,” Shouto nodded politely. In his hands was a stack of books on quirk analysis specifically for elemental type quirks. 

“No problem, Todoroki-kun!” Izuku beamed brightly. “Those are really good books! And I should know—I wrapped them myself!”

Shouto blinked and glanced at the plastic covering on the library copies he was holding. “Fine craftsmanship indeed.”

Shouto had meant it as a joke, but as most of the jokes he made, it went completely over Izuku’s head. 

Izuku clasped his hands tightly. “You really think so? No one ever appreciates how difficult it is!”

Katsuki couldn’t hold back a snort of laughter before he quickly covered his mouth.

Izuku turned his head to glare at Katsuki. “What’s so funny, Kacchan?”

Katsuki quickly shook his head. “N-Nothing you damn nerd!” He stopped trying to hold back his laughter.

With a ‘hmph,’ Izuku turned his back to Katsuki. “I’ll see you later, Todoroki-kun!”

Shouto nodded and Izuku headed back to Katsuki’s office. Silently, Shouto turned to face Katsuki who wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes.

“What are you looking at, icy-hot?” Katsuki scoffed at his rival and friend.

A moment of silence passed between the two before Shouto, with a blank look on his face, stuck his tongue out at Katsuki before retreating to his office.

Katsuki could feel his left eye twitch. “Fuck you, ya half and half bastard!”

He marched into his office where Izuku was happily eating a donut. “Who the fuck gave you permission to call that bastard Todoroki-kun?”

Izuku blinked. “You did, Kacchan.”

Oh.

Right. 

“W-Well, I didn’t mean it like that!” Katsuki huffed. “Why don’t you call him Todoroki-san like you call the rest of the extras?!”

“Because, Todoroki-kun and I are friends,” Izuku stated proudly. 

“HAH?!”

“Stop being so loud, Kacchan!” 

Katsuki was stunned by the stack of papers that hit his face. “What the— Deku! You’re in for it now!”

“Kacchan! W-Wait! I’m sorry!”

The sound of Izuku’s laughter filled Katsuki’s office as Katsuki aggressively tickled Izuku’s waist.

“Kacchan, you’re gonna make me get fat! Stop buying me milkshakes!” Izuku whined as he tossed a French fry at Katsuki’s head.

“You need some meat on your bones, Deku.” Katsuki stuck his tongue out at Izuku and slid him his milkshake. “You’re too skinny!”

“I’m not skinny! I’m dummy thicc!”

Katsuki nearly snorted his milkshake out of his nose by how hard he laughed. “D-Dummy what?!”

Izuku stuck his tongue out at Katsuki. “It’s what all the kids are saying nowadays. Get with the program, grandpa.”

“I’ll have you know, I’m very popular with children,” Katsuki retorted as he sipped on his milkshake. 

Izuku giggled has he sipped on his milkshake. 

Katsuki hummed as he leaned back in his chair. “You know, before you started as my tutor, I read over your file.”

“See anything interesting in there?” Izuku asked playfully, glancing at the man sitting across from him.

“Hmmm, a couple of fancy awards and diplomas,” Katsuki smirked as he rested his elbows on the table and leaned closer to Izuku. “I also saw that you got into UA through recommendation. So what gives? I thought it was your dream school. How come you chose to go to Ketsubutsu instead?”

Izuku paused thoughtfully. “Well, it’s true that UA was my dream school, my number 1 goal… But then I saw that you were accepted there.”

Katsuki felt a pang in his chest as he shifted his eyes away from Izuku.

“W-Wait! I didn’t mean it like that! I-I mean, it’s not because I was avoiding you o-or anything, but I just— I wanted to prove you wrong! And I wanted to prove to myself that I was chasing my dream for myself, not because of anyone else! When we were kids, I always chased after you! So… when I chose Ketsubutsu, that was the first time I chose me…”

Katsuki smiled and lightly tapped Izuku’s shin with his foot. “So… You basically told UA to screw off. You’ve gotta be real cocky to choose UA’s rival school like that.”

Izuku giggled. “It was Ketsubutsu or Shiketsu, and Shiketsu is just too old fashioned and strict! They don’t even let their students date!”

Katsuki rolled his eyes. “‘Course that would matter to you. So, who’d you end up dating then? Did you get yourself a high school sweetheart that swept you off your feet and promised to buy you a fancy ring and a big house after they went pro?” Katsuki asked jokingly.

“Yes, yes, yes, and no. He dumped me right after he graduated and joined a pro hero agency across the country,” Izuku said nonchalantly as he sipped his milkshake through the straw.

Katsuki grit his teeth and narrowed his eyes. “Who’s the damn bastard?”

“He goes by the hero name Grand now, but I knew him as Yo Shindo.” Izuku shrugged.

“Hah?! That asshole? He’s a huge jerk!” Katsuki exclaimed loudly, causing the other patrons to look at him.

“Kacchan, shhhh!” He waved his hands towards the other patrons, signaling that everything was fine.

Katsuki grunted and leaned back in his seat. “He’s a good hero, I’ll give him that. But a shitty guy.”

Katsuki remembered the exact day he met Yo Shindo. Yo was a second-year student while Katsuki was still a first year, and they met during the provisional license exam. The guy rubbed Katsuki the wrong way the moment he tried to shake his hand with that fake smile plastered all over his face. He didn’t know what the hell Izuku saw in that shady bastard. 

“He may have been a jerk, but he does have talented hands.”

Katsuki coughed as he choked on his drink, staring up at Izuku’s innocent, freckled face. “What the fuck, Deku?!”

Izuku only shrugged and sipped his drink, blinking his eyes innocently at Katsuki. “Yes, Kacchan?” Izuku asked teasingly.

Katsuki felt heat rise to his face as he tried to smush down the inappropriate thoughts that came to mind, “N-Nothing…”

If Katsuki didn’t know any better, he thought he saw the shadow of a smirk grace Izuku’s innocent face. “You know, I was there the day you two met.”

“R-Really?” Katsuki asked with his brows furrowed.

Izuku nodded. “The provisional licensing exam. Ms. Joke allowed me to spectate for my independent quirk study. I can’t believe you told those fake bystanders to go save themselves!” Izuku giggled. “You were terrible, Kacchan!”

Katsuki groaned as he ruffled his hair. “Don’t bring it up… I know I was a huge asshole back then… Did you know that I failed because of that? And your precious Todoroki-kun did too.”

“E-Eh?!” 

Katsuki and Izuku continued to trade stories of their high school days over their milkshakes and fries. It became a regular past time for them whenever they took a break during their review sessions. Izuku giggled as Katsuki recounted how he became good friends with Red Riot and Chargebolt and all of the trouble they got into.

“And that is why Denki isn’t allowed within 6 feet of any open flame in UA’s science wing.”

Izuku giggled. “I’m happy you made such good friends at UA, Kacchan.”

Katsuki smiled softly. “I am too… You’re not allowed to say a fucking word to them about this, got it?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Izuku waved Katsuki off. “Now tell me more about what it’s like being a pro hero! What’s it like being number 1? What’s it like being the new symbol of peace?” 

“Not the symbol of peace.” Katsuki shut Izuku down without hesitation.

Izuku was caught off guard by Katsuki’s response. “E-Eh? But I thought—“

“Sorry… I hate it when people ask me that question,” Katsuki grumbled, rubbing his hands together. “Just because All Might retired and I worked my way up to the number 1 hero spot doesn’t make me the symbol of peace… That’s too big of a role to fill—It was never meant for a single person to carry. I don’t… I don’t know how All Might did it. But I never wanted to fill his shoes like that. I wouldn’t be able to take that kind of pressure… In my opinion, I don’t think the symbol of peace should be a single person. It’s like a double-edged sword… It’s better to train heroes together and build them up to ensure an era of peace that lasts even after old heroes retire. So I don’t ever want to be considered the symbol of peace.”

Izuku placed a hand over Katsuki’s and brushed his thumb over Katsuki’s knuckles. “Even though you don’t want to be considered the symbol of peace, you can’t deny that you’re just an average pro hero, Kacchan. You make people feel safe. Just your presence on the field puts people at ease because they know that no matter what, Ground Zero always wins.” Izuku placed Katsuki’s hand against his cheek. “See? I feel safer already.”

Katsuki felt his face flush as he rubbed his thumb gently over Izuku’s freckles. He cleared his throat before pulling his hand away. “O-On that note, we should probably head back to the agency and whip me into shape for this exam. Gotta get back out in the field, after all.”

Their walk back to the agency was silent save for the longing glances when they both thought the other was looking away.

A sharp knock rapped against the door to Katsuki’s office.

“Come in,” Katsuki groaned, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose.

Shouto entered the room and looked at Katsuki with mild amusement. “Studying hard?”

Katsuki huffed. “Obviously, icy-hot. Now, what do you want?”

“No need to be so grumpy just because Midoriya-san isn’t here to keep you company,” Shouto teased, enjoying the way Katsuki’s face turned bright red. “I came to ask a favor of you. I was wondering if you’d be willing to run an errand for me.”

“Hah?! The fuck do I look like to you, you damn half and half bastard! Go ask one of the damn interns!” Katsuki shouted with a glare.

Shouto sighed in mock despair. “It seems that my library books are overdue and I’m about to go on patrol. I was hoping you’d be kind enough to return them for me—“

Shouto was quickly shoved aside, the books in his arms seemingly disappeared into thin air as a loud voice called out “Fuck you, icy hot!” and loud footsteps coursed down the hallway.

Katsuki practically ran all the way back to the neighborhood he grew up in, feet carrying him down a nostalgic path to the library where he used to spend his days after school with one Izuku Midoriya—before quirks, before Katsuki became a self-centered little brat. He could remember clearly the green and orange bean bag chairs that they curled into as they read all about quirks, trying to guess what quirks they would develop. 

Back then, the library was just a run-down one-story building with graffiti painted on the sides. Now, it was about three stories tall with more modern facilities, computer rooms, meeting rooms, and even a space designed for teens to hang out and play video games or read.

Katsuki panted, catching his breath before entering the building. Today was Izuku’s day off from tutoring, so he was back at the library. But in a building this large, how was Katsuki ever going to find the green-haired male?

Katsuki cleared his throat as he walked up to the front desk. “I’m here to return these… They’re overdue.”

The librarian at the desk nodded as she scanned the books. Her eyes flashed up to him as she gave him a small smile. Then her eyes furrowed in confusion. “You look… familiar…”

Katsuki chuckled nervously, ducking his head down. “Yeah, I get that a lot. So, uh, how much do I owe you? For the fines?”

The librarian clicked her tongue and typed away on her computer. “Let’s see… There are five books here and they’re three days overdue, so…”

A flash of green hair amongst the bookcases caught Katsuki’s eyes.

“H-Here!” Katsuki quickly slapped 10,000 yen onto the counter, much to the woman’s surprise.

“B-But sir! The fine is only 800 yen—“

“Consider it a donation!” Katsuki flashed the woman a grin and a salute before hurrying off to the bookcases. 

Izuku hummed, nodded his head to the music playing through his earbuds as he reshelved the books in his cart. He grabbed one of the books on his cart and stood on his tiptoes trying to get it into the space between two books on the shelf above his head. 

“Where’d I put my step stool…” Izuku mumbled with a huff as he stretched his arm as far as it could go.

Izuku felt a presence against his back as a warm hand grabbed the book out of Izuku’s hand and slid it into place with ease. Izuku quickly turned around to thank whoever had helped him and squeaked in surprise.

“K-Kacchan!” Izuku yelled in a hushed tone. “What are you doing here?”

Katsuki smirked as he pressed his body closer to Izuku’s, forcing Izuku to lean against the bookshelf. “Got bored studying. Missed you.”

Izuku’s face flushed and his heart rate quickened as Katsuki leaned over him. 

“Are you an overdue library book, Deku? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you.” 

Izuku shivered as Katsuki’s warm breath ghosted over his ear. 

“H-Haha, Kacchan, you’re so funny,” Izuku said sarcastically as he placed a hand on Katsuki’s chest to keep some semblance of distance between them. “But seriously! I’m working!”

Katsuki whined. “But I’m bored… When do you get off work? I wanna steal you away.”

Izuku felt like he was about to combust on the spot. “S-Seven o’clock! Now shoo!” Izuku said as he pressed a book between them.

“I’ll pick you up then, nerd.” Satisfied with Izuku’s response, Katsuki strolled out of the library leaving a flustered Izuku in the middle of the bookshelves feeling like a giddy teenager.

True to his word, Katsuki was waiting on a bench outside of the library when Izuku exited, waving goodbye to his coworkers. 

“You’re late.” Katsuki teased as he pointed to the watch on his wrist. 

“Only by five minutes, Kacchan. Don’t be so dramatic.” Izuku quickened his pace as he approached Katsuki. “So, what did you do while I was at work?”

“I’ll show you.” Katsuki stood up from the bench he was sitting on and gestured for Izuku to take his arm.

Izuku quickly looked around, making sure that his coworkers had already left before gently taking Katsuki’s arm. “Wh-What are you doing, Kacchan?”

“It’s a surprise,” Katsuki grinned as he led Izuku down the street. In many ways, the old neighborhood they grew up in was as different as it was familiar. There were cracks in the sidewalk that Katsuki and Izuku remembered hopping over as they ran to the nearest convenience store in the summer to get All Might popsicles. Old houses were filled with new people and new families, but the trees were still overgrown. Katsuki ran a finger along a run-down fence just as he did as a young boy.

“I’m guessing it’s been a while since you’ve been back here?” Izuku asked softly, basking in the warm glow of the sunset.

Katsuki nodded. “I moved to the city right after graduating so I could start working as a pro. I never cared much about my roots. Not as much as you do, at least.”

Izuku smiled as he squeezed Katsuki’s bicep. “Back then, you were the only one from our middle school to get accepted to UA. Not a lot of kids here dream so big. I wanted to make sure they had the same opportunity we had.”

“So damn sentimental,” Katsuki teased, pulling Izuku into a small clearing.

“K-Kacchan? Is this…?” Izuku gasped as Katsuki pulled him through the opening of a fence.

“Yup!”

Izuku laughed as the memories rushed back to him—memories of the day a small green-haired boy moved to a new neighborhood and visited the park for the first time. That was the day that little boy met a blonde-haired spitfire with gleaming red eyes.

“The last time I passed this place, it was a mess!” Izuku exclaimed as he walked around the familiar play structures.

“Tch, yeah I know,” Katsuki rolled his eyes. “You don’t know how much broken glass I had to clean up. Who’s in charge of this place? I’m gonna knock some sense into them.”

Izuku giggled as he pulled Katsuki over to the swings and sat down on one of them. “Come on, Kacchan! Join me!”

“No way in hell, Deku! What if someone sees?”

Izuku stuck his tongue out at Katuski. “You’re just scared that people will think Ground Zero’s gotten soft!”

“Of course! I have an image to maintain, you damn nerd!” Katsuki leaned against the structure of the swing as he watched Izuku kick his feet gently to generate momentum.

Izuku hummed thoughtfully, watching the sun above them set. “Why’d you spend your day here, Kacchan?”

Katsuki shrugged. “Icy hot said that while I’m grounded, I’m supposed to be doing community service or some shit like that. I guess I am a bit out of touch with normal life and, I don’t know… Coming back here to all these places we used to spend time together when we were kids… Made me kind of miss normal life.”

Izuku smiled softly as he looked up at Katsuki. “Who’s sentimental now?”

Chapter Text

A month had passed since Izuku and Katsuki were reunited, and a month had passed since the two became practically inseparable—from their review sessions and lunch dates to picking up Izuku after work. Their dynamic was different now compared to when they were younger. No longer was Izuku chasing after a rough-around-the-edges Katsuki Bakugou. Now, they stood side-by-side, relishing in each other’s company. Their relationship was just as playful, though, and Katsuki loved to tease Izuku to the point where the green-haired male’s face would turn bright red.

“So, this is what patrols are like?” Izuku asked as he walked in between Ground Zero and Celsus, jotting notes down in his notebook.

“Nah, this is just for show,” Katsuki said with a smirk. “Who in their right mind would try to mess around with the number 1 and number 2 pro heroes on patrol?”

It’s true that in the month that Ground Zero had been unofficially grounded crime in the city didn’t fluctuate much. The PR department at the agency was pretty good about playing off Ground Zero’s quietness as a way to boost his public image. 

Izuku nodded, flushing at the way onlookers whispered as the two heroes passed by.

“No way, it’s Ground Zero and Celsius!”

“Who’s with them?”

“A new intern?”

“Nah, he doesn’t look like a hero. Maybe he’s just a lucky fanboy.”

Izuku huffed, rolling his eyes at the whispers.

“Don’t mind them,” Shouto whispered to Izuku who flashed Shouto a polite smile.

“I won’t, don’t worry. I kinda wish people recognized me too, though…”

“It is quite a shame that people don’t recognize you for your intellect,” Shouto empathized with a nod of his head. “If you really wanted to, you could probably work with some of the best hero tech developers and scientists on I-Island.”

“I did get a few offers after I graduated. But I just wasn’t ready to make such a big move and big commitment. I-Island sounds amazing, but I’d basically have to spend the rest of my life living on a high-security island! And as much fun as that sounds, I like my freedom.” Izuku explained.

“Well, if you do ever want to go to an exhibition at I-Island, let me know. Bakugou and I get a plus-one each year.” Shouto grinned as he placed a hand on Izuku’s shoulder. 

“Are you asking me out, Todoroki-kun?” Izuku asked playfully, batting his eyelashes jokingly at Shouto.

“Me? No. Pro hero Celsius might be asking, though.”

“Okay, knock it off you two!” A low growl sounded behind them. At some point, Katsuki began trailing behind the two rather than walking next to Izuku. Now, he pushed his way in between the two, separating Izuku and Shouto. “We’re on patrol, so act like it, damn half and half bastard.”

Izuku and Shouto bit back smiles as they shared a knowing look behind Katsuki’s back.

“I believe Ground Zero is jealous that he’s the third wheel.”

“Hah?!”

Izuku giggled. “Awwww, Kacchan, don’t be jealous! I’d never steal Todoroki-kun away from you!”

“Quit screwing around, you idiots!”

Shouto and Izuku shared a laugh as they returned to the agency. Izuku waited patiently in Katsuki’s office as Katsuki went to the locker room to change out of his hero gear. The frosted blue windows allowed Izuku to look down at the bustling city below while also giving the office a sense of privacy. Katsuki’s office was minimally decorated. There was a futon couch in the corner of the room where Katsuki often slept if he had a busy night of patrolling and couldn’t wait to make it to his apartment before crashing. Katsuki’s desk was tidy, all of his paperwork arranged in neat piles. There was a single picture frame on the desk, which Izuku held gently in the palm of his hands. A disgruntled blonde-haired young man wearing a graduation cap glared off to the side of the camera as a similarly blonde-haired woman and brown-haired man hugged him tightly with bright smiles on their faces.

The door to the office creaked open and Izuku set the picture frame back down on Katsuki’s desk.

“Your mom looks the same as when we were kids,” Izuku smiled softly, glancing at Katsuki. “Maybe even younger.”

“Don’t let her hear that, Deku. You’ll give her a big head,” Katsuki said with a scoff and a roll of his eyes. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen them though, right?”

Izuku nodded. “Over 10 years, I believe. How are your parents?”

“Same as always,” Katsuki shrugged, rubbing his thumb over the picture. “Living the big life now that their only son is making a ton of money. I think they just got back from a vacation in Paris.”

“Wow, they really are lucky,” Izuku giggled.

Katsuki hummed. “It’s actually been a while since I’ve seen them… I’ve been so busy lately…” Katsuki turned to glance at Izuku. “We should have dinner with them.”

“W-We?” Izuku squeaked. “Wh-Why me too?”

“Because the old hag is gonna want to see you, obviously,” Katsuki rolled his eyes. “I’m positive she liked you better than me when we were kids. Besides, I can’t stand spending too long with them, or else they start nagging me about settling down. So you’re coming with me.”

Izuku blushed. “K-Kacchan, you can’t just decide for me!”

Katsuki pulled out his phone and quickly typed out a message before showing the screen to Izuku.

The message was addressed to the contact “Old hag” with a crown and heart emoji by the name.

“Don’t make plans tomorrow. Coming over for dinner. Bringing Izuku Midoriya.”

“Katsuki Bakugou, don’t you dare send that!” Izuku reached for Katsuki’s phone. 

Katsuki only held it higher above his head. “Send it?”

“No!”

“Oops, I guess my thumb slipped.”

“Kacchan!”

Izuku huffed as he stared into the mirror in his bedroom. “Stupid Kacchan…” 

Izuku knew that it was just a casual dinner with Katsuki’s parents, but he still felt oddly nervous—like he was meeting his boyfriend’s parents for the first time.

Which he wasn’t!

Because he’s known Masaru and Mitsuki Bakugou since he was four years old.

And Katsuki Bakugou was definitely not his boyfriend.

But Izuku couldn’t help the way his heart started to race just thinking about how Katsuki was on his way to pick him up right now. 

Izuku stared into his reflection in the mirror and tried his best to tame his hair. It took him 10 minutes just to decide on whether he should wear his glasses or his contacts—he decided on keeping his glasses for tonight. Carefully, Izuku smoothed down his cream-colored knit sweater. It was his favorite sweater and one of his most formal pieces of clothing he owned, not that Izuku really had any reason to wear formal wear often. It wasn’t loose and baggy like all of his other sweaters—it hugged his slight body quite nicely. He paired his sweater with a pair of form-fitting dark-colored jeans and his signature red sneakers.

“This is fine, right?” Izuku asked no one but himself as he turned himself around in the mirror, checking himself out at different angles.

A sharp knock at his door pulled him out of his thoughts. 

“Coming!”

Izuku rushed to his front door and yanked it open, only to be met with a tall handsome figure leaning against his doorway. 

“Finally. I’ve been calling you for the past 10 minutes. Check your phone, nerd…” Katsuki’s words faded as he looked Izuku up and down. “Wow…”

“Wow, yourself,” Izuku mumbled as he looked Katsuki up and down. As flashy as ever, Katsuki wore a deep crimson button-up shirt that matched his eyes. It stretched over Katsuki’s broad chest and Izuku quickly flicked his eyes up to stare into Katsuki’s.

“Your frumpy librarian clothes definitely don’t do you justice,” Katsuki teased as he flashed Izuku a wink.

Izuku nudged Katsuki out of the doorway and locked his front door behind them. “I still turn heads wearing my frumpy clothes, Kacchan,” Izuku flashed Katsuki wink back. 

Izuku lead them out of the apartment complex and noticed Katsuki was trailing slightly slower behind him. “Kacchan, hurry up! We’re going to be late!”

“We’re going to be fine, nerd. They can wait a few more minutes. Just let me enjoy the view.”

Izuku squeaked and smacked Katsuki’s chest. “Kacchan! You’re terrible!”

Katsuki chuckled as he walked diligently beside Izuku and led him to the parking lot to where his car was parked. “Want me to open the door for you, princess?”

“I think I can open it myself, Kacchan,” Izuku playfully stuck his tongue out at Katsuki. 

After Katsuki moved out, his parents decided to move from his childhood home to a smaller place on the outskirts of the city. It offered them a sense of safety and privacy from Ground Zero’s many fans. The 30-minute car ride was spent with teasing remarks and casual conversation. Izuku let himself drink in the sight of Katsuki as he concentrated on driving.

“Gonna stare at me all night, nerd?” Katsuki chuckled, eyes not leaving the road.

“Maybe,” Izuku teased.

“You better behave in front of my parents, Deku,” Katsuki flashed Izuku a teasing grin as he parked his car in his parent’s driveway.

Katsuki quickly exited the driver’s seat and made his way over to the passenger side to open Izuku’s door.

“What a gentleman!” Izuku teased as he followed Katsuki up the front steps. Katsuki pressed a finger against the doorbell and a ruckus of hurried footsteps sounded from inside. 

“Masaru, they’re here!”

The door was thrown wide open and Izuku was instantly enveloped in Mitsuki’s arms.

“Little Izuku Midoriya! Oh, you sweet thing! Where have you been all this time?!”

“It’s nice to see you too, old hag,” Katsuki grumbled, rolling his eyes at his mother. 

Masaru came to stand beside his son, patting his shoulder. “Leave her be. She’s been talking about this non-stop for the past two days.”

“Auntie, it’s so good to see you!” Izuku chuckled as Mitsuki led him inside. 

“You’re all grown up now, Izuku! So handsome! How have you been? How’s your mom?”

Mitsuki practically dragged Izuku over to the kitchen and sat him down. Katsuki and Masaru followed diligently, and Katsuki took a seat next to Izuku. For dinner, Masaru made some of his famous curry with a specially made extra spicy portion set aside for Katsuki. 

Laughter filled the Bakugou household as Mitsuki recounted how Masaru nearly fainted when they reached the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

“So, how did you two find your way back to each other?” Mitsuki asked, looking between the two young men. “Katsuki barely told us anything!”

Izuku blushed as Katsuki nudged his leg with his knee under the table. He looked at Katsuki silently asking for permission to which Katsuki nodded. “Well, it’s kind of a funny story…”

Izuku made Katsuki’s parents roar in laughter as he shared how Katsuki failed the pro hero license renewal test.

“ONE SECTION! ONE!” Katsuki huffed.

“Yes, yes, Kacchan. Just one,” Izuku giggled, patting Katsuki’s arm gently. 

“Has it really been that long since you’ve been in school, you brat?” Mitsuki howled in laughter. Katsuki only rolled his eyes. 

The rest of the evening passed in small talk—Mitsuki and Masaru recounted how much they missed having a little Katsuki running around their house. Now he was far too busy to spend any time with them. While their plight tugged on Izuku’s heartstrings, Katsuki knew it was a cheap strategy for them to convince Katsuki to visit more often.

After dinner, Katsuki and his mother stayed in the kitchen to wash the dishes while Masaru and Izuku looked over old photo albums together. Katsuki diligently dried the dishes as his mother handed them to him.

“So, brat,” Mitsuki asked pointedly as she handed Katsuki a plate. “How long has this been going on?”

“Well, it’s been a month since Izuku started acting as my tutor—“

“Not that, stupid. When did you two start dating?”

“Hah?!”

Mitsuki shushed Katsuki with a whack to the side with a dishrag. 

“We’re not dating!” Katsuki whispered harshly.

“Friends with benefits then, shit, I don’t know what you kids call it these days.”

“Mom!” Katsuki quickly caught the glass that nearly slipped through his fingers. “You’ve got it all wrong! We’re just— catching up and stuff.”

A small smirk graced Mitsuki’s face. “You’ve never brought anyone to meet us before.”

“That’s different! This is— This is Deku we’re talking about. You know him!” Katsuki willed the heat rising to his face to leave as he shook his head.

“Katsuki, let me give you some advice.” Mitsuki smacked her son upside his head. “That man is not the same Izuku Midoriya you met on the playground nearly 20 years ago. And if you keep thinking that way, you’re going to let him slip away just like you did 10 years ago.”

Katsuki didn’t have time to retort when his mother handed him a beautifully wrapped bottle of wine.

“Here. A souvenir from Paris. Maybe you can invite Izuku over for a taste,” Mitsuki suggested with a wink.

She left Katsuki in the kitchen holding the bottle of wine in his hands, his heart threatening to jump out of his chest. He quickly headed over to the living room where Izuku was happily sitting in between Mitsuki and Masaru as they flipped through old photos.

“Kacchan! I forgot how cute you were back then!” Izuku giggled as he pointed to a photo of a young Izuku and Katsuki wearing matching All Might pajamas. 

Katsuki rolled his eyes. “I’m still cute, damn Deku. You ready to go now or what?”

Izuku nodded his head quickly, giving Masaru and Mitsuki a tight hug before joining Katsuki by the door. “Thank you for having me !" Izuku bowed politely.

"You're welcome back here any time, sweetie!” Mitsuki said with a happy wave. “You too, brat.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes as he gave his parents a quick hug. He didn’t miss the way his mom flashed him a wink as he and Izuku headed out the door.

When they got into the car, Katsuki checked the time on his phone. 9 PM. 

“I-It’s still kind of early to call it a night…” Katsuki rubbed the back of his neck shyly. “My mom gave me this as a souvenir,” he said as he nodded to the bottle of wine in the back seat. “Would you want to… have a glass with me before I take you home?”

Izuku’s body stiffened in surprise and Katsuki braced himself for the rejection.

“I-I’d like that a lot, Kacchan…” Izuku mumbled, turning to face the passenger window. 

The drive to Katsuki’s apartment in the city was silent, a heavy tension hanging between the two. Katsuki would steal glances at Izuku every few minutes through the corner of his eyes. And Izuku hoped that Katsuki didn’t realize how red his face was under the shadows of the night sky. 

After parking, Katsuki led Izuku up the stairwell of a worn-down apartment complex. 

“It helps with privacy…” Katsuki explained, noting the confused look on Izuku’s face. Katsuki opened the front door to his apartment, allowing Izuku inside the quaint space first.

“It’s cozy,” Izuku commented, looking around the apartment. Like his office, Katsuki’s apartment was minimally decorated. The kitchen was attached to the living room area, and by the looks of it, it seemed like there was only one bedroom.

“It’s good enough for me,” Katsuki gently brushed Izuku aside as he tossed his keys into a bowl by the front door and headed to the kitchen. Izuku pulled his shoes off and quietly made himself comfortable. 

Katsuki popped open the bottle of wine and poured two glasses half full before returning to where Izuku was sitting on the couch. 

“Thanks for coming to dinner tonight, nerd,” Katsuki said with a smile as he handed Izuku the glass.

“It was a lot of fun,” Izuku laughed softly as he raised his glass.

Katsuki gently clinked his glass against Izuku’s and they both took a generous sip of the sweet red wine Mitsuki had given Katsuki as a gift.

“I’m not usually into wines, but this one isn’t half bad,” Katsuki commented with a shrug as he leaned in for another sip.

Gently, Izuku’s hand reached out and grabbed his glass right before it touched his lips.

“Deku?” Katsuki furrowed his brows in confusion as Izuku set both of their glasses on the coffee table before climbing into Katsuki’s lap. “Wh-What are you d-doing?”

Izuku hummed, playfully tugging on the collar of Katsuki’s shirt. “Do you always invite friends over for a glass of wine after having dinner with your parents?”

“W-Well, obviously n-not—“

“You’re a lot of things, Kacchan,” Izuku whispered against Katsuki’s ear. “You’re strong… You’re brave… You’re handsome…” With each word, Izuku popped open a button on Katsuki’s shirt. “But you’re not slick.”

Izuku undid the final button of Katsuki’s shirt, leaving Katsuki in a breathless daze. “So, why don’t you tell me why I’m really here?”

Katsuki shuddered under Izuku’s hooded gaze. “I-I didn’t— I mean, it wasn’t like that—“

Izuku shot Katsuki a playful pout. “Don’t you want me, Kacchan?” 

Katsuki’s back arched as teeth nipped at his collarbone and shoulder blade. “F-Fuckin’ want you s-so ngh bad nerd,” Katsuki said through panted breath. “J-Just— damnit— Izuku, you gotta— hng— gotta talk to me first.” 

Katsuki gripped Izuku’s shoulders and gently pushed Izuku away, leaving a few inches of distance between them much to Izuku’s annoyance. 

“Kacchan,” Izuku whined, lips tugged down into an adorable pout.

“Don’t be a brat,” Katsuki growled, causing Izuku to shudder.

“We both know that I’m smart, Kacchan,” Izuku said with a playful glare. “So don’t pretend that you haven’t been eyeing me since the day we first saw each other in your office. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?”

Katsuki’s face flushed a deep red. “D-Deku—“

“I’m not ‘Deku’ anymore, Kacchan.”

Katsuki looked up at the smaller man settled on his lap, staring into deep emerald eyes dark with desire. There was no longer the shy, trembling, Deku in front of him that begged for his praise and attention as a child. Instead, Katsuki’s lap was full of the incredibly intelligent, smart-mouthed, confident Izuku Midoriya that teased and taunted him just as hard. And he felt like the luckiest man alive.

“No… Guess you’re not…” Katsuki whispered, lips barely hovering against Izuku’s.

Hot breath sent shivers down Katsuki’s spine as emerald eyes stared into deep rubies, neither one of them wanting to make the first move.

With a shaky hand, Katsuki gently traced his fingertips under the Izuku’s sweater. Izuku leaned his head back with a gasp at the touch of Katsuki’s fingertips on his warm skin. “K-Kacchan!”

A low growl sounded from Katsuki’s throat as his fingertips danced over Izuku’s pale skin. “Tell me… Tell me to stop now, Deku— I-Izuku… Or I won’t be able to stop…” 

A soft hand pressed against Katsuki’s chest, pushing him further into the couch. “Kacchan… Katsuki… Please…”

Katsuki groaned as soft lips and teeth nipped and sucked at his neck.

They didn’t make it to the bed that night.

A scream erupted from the men’s locker room, startling away the poor interns who just got ready to go on patrol. 

“Denki! What’s wrong!” Kirishima quickly ran towards the sound of screaming. “Did you electrocute your locker again?”

“N-No!” 

Kirishima looked at the way Denki covered his eyes with his hands, barely peeking through the slits between his fingers. “Bakubro looks like a grilled steak!”

Kirishima looked over to wear Katsuki was changing out of his civilian clothes and into his hero costume. Blood rushed to his face as he noticed the red scratches blooming across Katsuki’s back and broad shoulders and the dark marks all over his neck.

“What the hell happened to you, man?!” Denki screamed.

After he finished changing, Katsuki walked up to Denki, towering over him intimidatingly before patting him on the shoulder. “I think you know.”

Katsuki smugly walked over to the entrance to the locker room before turning his head slightly. “By the way, I wouldn’t bother waiting in line anymore.”

Kirishima patted Denki’s back as he cried about needing to bleach his eyeballs.

Chapter Text

“Is there anything you want to go over quickly before the exam?” Izuku asked nervously, wringing his hands together.

Katsuki chuckled. “Can’t exactly cram while I’m standing in front of the entrance, can I?” Katsuki tapped Izuku’s nose gently. “I’ll be fine, Deku. You gonna come pick me up after the test is over?”

Izuku nodded his head quickly. “I’ll be here after my meeting. Good luck, Kacchan!”

Izuku leaned in to Katsuki a quick kiss when a crowd of pro heroes who also needed to take the exam began to arrive. Izuku quickly pulled away, deciding instead to give Katsuki a shy wave before walking out of the courtyard.

Katsuki leaned against the pillar by the entrance as the other heroes chattered excitedly, entering the building. 

“Ehem.”

Izuku turned his head, slowing his walk when he heard Katsuki clear his throat. 

Katsuki blew him a quick kiss before running into the building, not waiting for Izuku’s reaction.

Izuku giggled, placing a hand over his heart. He really felt like a giddy teenager in love for the first time.

“Well, what do you think, young Midoriya?”

After dropping Katsuki off to take his exam, Izuku took the train to a quaint tea shop in the city. Just last week, Izuku and Katsuki had made their relationship official. And two days ago, an unknown number called Izuku’s phone while he was working at the library claiming to be a friend of David Shield’s. Apparently, Professor Shield had read about Izuku’s work on quirk analysis and asked for him personally to be a research assistant on a new project. However, this meant Izuku had to move to I-Island temporarily. The job paid more than Izuku could ever imagine and it was everything he dreamed about. But...

Izuku looked at the paperwork and contracts in his hands and glanced up at the pale and slightly sickly-looking blonde male in front of him. “T-Toshinori-san, I’m really flattered by Professor David Shield’s offer, but…”

“I assure you, the contract isn’t extremely binding. It’s merely a two-year-long research position on I-Island and you’re still free to come and go as you please. Obviously, there will be security measures in place and you won't be able to take your research out of I-Island, but you'll have complete freedom to visit friends and family here in Japan. I'm sorry I can't give you as many details. David would be here if he could, but since he is the head researcher, he had to stay on I-Island for security reasons. But keep in mind that he asked for you personally. Please, think long and hard about it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

The blonde male in front of him grinned ear to ear, smiling with bright eyes as he folded his hands together, waiting for Izuku's response.

Izuku bit his lip, looking down at the papers again. An opportunity to research alongside the infamous Professor David Shield—former sidekick of All Might himself and world's greatest support item developer? He remembered reading all of David Shield’s essays and research studies while he was studying for his doctorate. 

But…

His life was here.

Everything he knew was here.

And Kacchan was here…

Izuku quickly shook his head. It was only two years—two years was nothing compared to the 10 years they spent apart.

There were only a handful of times in his life where Izuku chose to put himself first.

So Izuku uncapped the pen and signed his name on the dotted line. 

“Kacchan!” 

Katsuki folded his glasses and put them into their case before rushing over to where Izuku was sitting on a bench in front of the testing building.

Izuku hopped up from his seat excitedly. “How’d the test go?”

Katsuki smiled smugly, holding up his test results. “Read it and weep, nerd. Got the top score on the written exam.”

Izuku squealed, planting a kiss onto Katsuki’s lips. “I’m so proud of you, Kacchan!”

Katsuki chuckled, wrapping an arm around Izuku’s waist. “I couldn’t have done it without you, baby. Now, how’d your meeting go?”

Izuku shuffled around in Katsuki’s arms, pulling out the contract he signed. “I accepted the research assistant position!”

“That’s amazing, Izuku!” Katsuki lifted Izuku in his arms and spun them around before setting Izuku back on the ground. “So, how should we celebrate? I'm thinking milkshakes— mph!”

Izuku grabbed Katsuki by the collar and pulled him down for a kiss.

“Izu— mph— Zuku— mph! H-Hey! Wait—“

Izuku did not stop his barrage of kisses against Katsuki’s lips until Katsuki had to physically restrain the smaller man.

“Baby, we have an audience.” Katsuki nodded his head to the pro heroes that had exited the building and were currently frozen in surprise.

Izuku squeaked, burying his face into Katsuki’s chest, using Katsuki as a human shield.

“As you were,” Katsuki said gruffly and the pro heroes immediately scattered.

“I-I’m so sorry, Kacchan!” Izuku apologized, burying himself further into Katsuki’s embrace. “D-Do you think this will get out?”

Katsuki shook his head. “Nah… There’s no press around and no one would be stupid enough to mess with Ground Zero. Plus it's pretty much an unspoken rule between pros not to rat each other out to the tabloids. Now… Where were we?”

Izuku giggled as Katsuki tilted his chin up, kissing Izuku passionately. Izuku tangled his hands into Katsuki’s hair, tugging gently on his blonde locks while Katsuki rubbed gentle circles on Izuku’s waist.

Minutes passed, maybe even hours as they wrapped themselves in each other. That is, until a cough sounded behind them.

“What fuckin’ now.” Katsuki grumbled annoyed as he shot a glare to whoever interrupted them. Upon seeing the person behind them, Katsuki immediately straightened up and bowed his head quickly.

“Young Bakugou! And… young Midoriya?”

“Toshinori-san?” Izuku felt his face flush as the man who just interviewed him approached him and Katsuki. 

“You know each other?” Katsuki asked confused. The glare he had before softened into a look of familiarity and embarrassment.

“Y-Yes… He’s a friend of Professor David Shield’s. He’s the one who interviewed me…” Izuku gripped Katsuki’s arm shyly before bowing to greet the man.

“Ah, I had no idea you two were acquainted,” Toshinori smirked at Katsuki who blushed shyly.

“Do you two know each other?” Izuku asked, looking between the two men.

Katsuki cleared his throat. “Izuku, this is Yagi Toshinori. But you’d probably know him best as All Might.”

Toshinori grinned and gave Izuku a happy wave.

Silence.

Then a pause.

And then a sharp scream pierced through the air.

“Katsuki. Bakugou.” 

Shouto slammed a newspaper onto Katsuki’s desk that was burnt on the top left side and frozen solid on the other.

Carefully, Katsuki picked up the newspaper and read over the front-page headline.

“GROUND ZERO’S SECRET LOVER?: Has the Number 1 Pro Hero Taken Time Off to Settle Down?”

Shouto quickly slammed down a stack of different tabloids, newspapers, and magazines, and printed internet articles onto Katsuki’s desk. Each had a similar front-page headline. 

“GROUND ZERO IS SECRETLY MARRIED?”

Katsuki looked at a photo of him, Izuku, and Toshinori sipping on milkshakes and enjoying their burgers together. Katsuki chuckled at the memory of what happened just yesterday—properly introducing Izuku and All Might to each other over burgers. But according to the article, Toshinori was the officient of his and Izuku’s secret marriage.

“GROUND ZERO PLANS TO ADOPT? — Insider claims Ground Zero and his new beau are adopting twins from the United States!”

“WHO IS GROUND ZERO’S NEW BEAU?”

“GROUND ZERO IS GROUNDED — WHO IS JAPAN’S NEXT ELIGIBLE PRO HERO BACHELOR?”

"HOW WILL GROUND ZERO'S RELATIONSHIP AFFECT HIS POPULARITY POLLS?"

"VIDEO: FANS SOB UNCONTROLLABLY AS THEY LEARN GROUND ZERO IS NO LONGER SINGLE."

"LOVE CONQUERS ALL: CAN A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A PRO HERO AND CIVILIAN REALLY WORK? INSIDER DISHES ALL."

"NEW IN STYLE—HOW TO DRESS LIKE GROUND ZERO'S MAN."

“WAY OUT OF HIS LEAGUE? — Ground Zero in a relationship with Japan’s number 1 quirk analyst! How did he do it?”

Katsuki snickered, tucking that article into his pocket to show Izuku later. 

“This isn’t funny!” Shouto exclaimed, flames leaking from his side. “Do you know how many calls the PR department has received today? Our phones are ringing off the hook! They've even had interns take over some of these calls! Some have even been put through to my office! You owe them a written apology! You are hosting a press conference tomorrow afternoon! Now fix this!”

Katsuki cackled in laughter as he flipped through the magazines on his desk. After all, it wasn’t every day that Shouto lost his cool—pun intended. 

Chapter Text

[Morning after]

Izuku groaned as light filtered into the room. His muscles ached as he stretched, soft silky sheets rubbed softly over his skin. Izuku’s mind replayed the events of the night before—dinner with Katsuki’s parents, the half-filled glasses of wine left forgotten on the living room table… His stomach growled as he smelled the scent of warm rice and eggs from the kitchen. Izuku covered his body with a light blanket and moved to stand up.

“Eek!”

Izuku squeaked as he crumpled to the ground. His lower body tensed and ached, reminding Izuku exactly of what happened the night before.

“Izuku? Everything okay?”

Izuku blushed as he covered his naked body more with the blanket from Katsuki’s bed. “K-Kacchan!”

Katsuki entered the bedroom, a pair of grey sweatpants loose on his hips and a wooden tray in his hands. He set the tray on the bed and lifted Izuku back onto a sitting position on the bed. “Was I too rough last night?” Katsuki asked with a chuckle.

Izuku averted his gaze, lightly hitting Katsuki’s chest with his fist. “Sh-Shut up…”

“Awww, where’d that confident Izuku go?” Katsuki teased, planting a soft kiss onto Izuku’s lips.

“H-He’s still waking up…” Izuku stared at Katsuki’s chest, noting the many bite marks and hickies dotting his pale skin.

“You sure know how to use that mouth.” Katsuki tapped Izuku’s nose playfully, snuggling up to the smaller man’s side.

Izuku covered his face with his hands and whined. “K-Kacchan, stop!”

Katsuki chuckled and set the tray of food in Izuku’s lap. “Here, eat. I’ve got to get ready for work in about an hour.”

“K-Kacchan, I—“

Izuku gripped Katsuki’s shoulder tightly, preventing the man from standing up. “Wh-What are you?— Me— I mean… we?” 

Izuku’s chest was tight with nervousness. Red eyes looked softly into his own.

Katsuki leaned forward and brushed his lips gently over Izuku’s. “Dating, obviously. Unless… That isn’t what you wanted…”

Izuku quickly shook his head. “No! I mean— Yes! Yes, that’s what I want!” Izuku flung himself into Katsuki’s arms and stroked his cheek with his palm.

Katsuki placed a gentle kiss onto Izuku’s lips, cupping the back of his head gently and stroking his green locks. Carefully, Katsuki laid them down onto the bed and gently peeled the blanket off of Izuku’s naked body.

“K-Kacchan!” Izuku squeaked as Katsuki pressed his weight onto him. “D-Don’t you have work?”

“I’ll just come in late.”

“B-Breakfast?”

“You look pretty tasty.”

“I-I should take a shower!”

“Just gonna get all messy, Deku.”

“K-Kacchan! Ah~”

[Press conference]

“Izuku, how did you meet Ground Zero?”

“How did someone like you manage to catch the number 1 hero’s attention?”

“Are the rumors true that this relationship is only meant to boost Ground Zero’s public image?”

“How does it feel to be dating the number 1 hero when you yourself are quirkless?”

Cameras flashed in Izuku’s eyes, adding to the blinding glare from the spotlights. Izuku flinched with each flash, trying to use his hand to cover some of the light.

“W-Well…”

A microphone was shoved in his face. “What’s it like dating someone completely out of your league?”

A rough hand grabbed the microphone out of Izuku’s face and promptly shoved the reporter away. “It’s fucking amazing and the sex is fantastic. Now scram, you shitty extra.”

Izuku curried his red face in his hands while Katsuki used his quirk to blow up the microphone and the reporter quickly fled from his presence. The reporters began to shout questions over each other, trying to shove their microphones into Ground Zero’s face.

“Listen up you useless fucks!” Ground Zero barked, commanding the crowd to become silent. “The next person that talks shit to Dr. Izuku Midoriya, you’re banned from all press events with any hero from my agency. Have fun trying to find a job after that.”

Quiet murmurs filled the audience, each reporter too afraid to ask a question.

“Well, if that’s it, then we’re done here.”

Katsuki grabbed Izuku’s hand and pulled him backstage as cameras clicked and flashed behind them.

“I’m so sorry about that, Izuku…” Katsuki gently placed his hands on Izuku’s face, tilting the smaller man’s head to look up at him. “I know I warned you that they’d be vicious, but… You didn’t deserve any of that…”

“Kacchan…” Tears brimmed in Izuku’s eyes.

“Baby…” Katsuki brushed his thumb over stray tears. "What's wrong?”

“Kacchan…” Izuku sniffled. “Y-You… I can’t believe you talked about our sex life! On national television! MY MOM WATCHES THIS SHOW!”

“HAH?! THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE MAD ABOUT? I thought you were upset when they said you were out of my league!”

“Kacchan, we both know that I'm the one that's out of your league!"

“HAH?! That’s it! Get in the dressing room right now! I’m giving you the best head of your life!”

Katsuki promptly threw a squealing Izuku over his shoulder and never looked back. 

[I-Island]

“Welcome to I-Island! Now scanning. Yo Shindo, Hero Grand. Pass level, 5. Please enjoy your stay.”

The double-paned glass opened and Yo exited the scanner. He breathed in the crisp air on I-Island, the sounds of laughter and crowds of people filled the air. It was time for the annual I-Island exhibition. Pro heroes and scientists everywhere gathered to see the new support item technology and ground-breaking quirk research. Only the best heroes were invited to go—those in the top 30. And it was Yo Shindo’s first time attending. 

“Midoriya-san, all of the data from the last five years has been organized and coded.”

“Great! Thank you!”

“Midoriya-san, there’s been a mix up in exhibition room J!”

“Have Melissa take a look at it—those are her inventions being displayed.

“Yes, sir!”

Yo’s head turned towards a crowd of people in lab coats surrounding one green-haired male. Yo’s mouth gawked as he stared at his ex-boyfriend from high school.

Izuku walked with a confident stride, calmly laying out directions to the frazzled scientists until they all went their separate ways. Izuku was wearing a black button-down underneath his lab coat, and Yo could see the flash of a fancy watch peek out from underneath one of his sleeves. Izuku switched his glasses for contacts, letting the sun catch on his deep green eyes. 

“Zuku!” Yo called with a wave of his hand.

Izuku paused in his steps, looking for the sound of the voice. His eyes caught the sight of Yo and he gave him a polite wave.

“Zuku, it’s been so long!” Yo ran up to Izuku’s side. “You look amazing, by the way. How have you been?”

“I’ve been great, how about you—“

“Y-Yeah, I’ve been pretty great! You know, hero work and all. I bet you’ve seen some of my rescues on TV,” Yo flashed Izuku a cocky grin.

“Um, yeah… You’re doing pretty great,” Izuku gave Yo a polite grin. “Well, I have to get going—“

“Wait! Let’s get coffee or lunch or something! My treat! I want to hear about all you’ve been up to!” Yo grabbed Izuku’s arm firmly.

“Umm, n-no thank you—“

“Come on! It’ll be fun!”

“I’m actually really busy right now—“

“Everything okay here, babe?” A gruff voice behind them. 

A firm hand clasped his shoulder and Yo felt sharp sparks against his shoulder. He hissed as he wrenched his shoulder away, turning to glare at whoever grabbed him. “Watch it, pal—“

Yo Shindo shrunk against the crimson eyes glaring at him. It was Ground fucking Zero.

“Kacchan!” Izuku exclaimed happily as he grabbed Katsuki’s hand. 

“You done with work, baby?” Katsuki slipped his hand into Izuku’s back pocket as he led his boyfriend away.

“Mhm! Everything’s almost set for the exhibition tomorrow night!” Izuku kissed Katsuki’s cheek, a grin spread across his face.

“Oh? Guess that means we get more time to play,” Katsuki teased, letting Izuku land punches on his shoulder. Katsuki turned his head slightly, sending a final sharp glare to Yo Shindo before the couple left the gaping hero behind to quiver in his spot. 

Chapter Text

GUYS! So, I kinda fell in love with the little AU I built in "Ground Zero Needs a Tutor" and decided to make this sequel! This sequel is definitely gonna have more plot and be a little more angsty as Katsuki and Izuku navigate their relationship more. It's also rated M for a little bit of spicy 👀 I hope you all enjoy!

-I'm Here-

Katsuki and Izuku’s relationship seems to stay in a never-ending honeymoon phase, and after spending two years long-distance, the two decide to move in together. Izuku even gets a job working at the same agency as Katsuki as a mission specialist. But after Katsuki is seriously injured after a fight, Katsuki feels like he has to choose between being the number 1 pro hero and being in a relationship with the love of his life. Izuku just wants to prove to Katuski that he's a lot tougher than he seems.

Read it here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24860986/chapters/60143479