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Inko Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou were two of the most contrasting personalities imaginable. Where Inko was known for being a devoted homemaker and coddling mother, Katsuki was all ragged edges and pure drive. Nobody outside of personal friends and family would have known that the two were more interconnected than they ever realized. It also wasn’t the shared love the two had for a certain starry-eyed freckle face either.
***
On the first day of kindergarten, she'd been anxiously waiting for her beloved son to finally walk through the door. Poor Izuku was always a soft-spoken and well-mannered child, yet it was extremely difficult for him to make friends with any of the neighbor's kids. So, when the door finally opened and Izuku trailed into the room followed by a timid looking boy with blond spikes and striking red eyes, she was thoroughly surprised.
“Welcome home, Izuku! How was your first day of school? I see you have a little friend with you today!” Inko instinctively jumped into hostess mode and stood up to greet their guest.
“Hi, mom! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. He said he didn’t want to go home and I couldn’t just leave him alone!” Izuku reflexively apologizes to his mother while running up to greet her.
Inko squats down lower to the ground and opens her arms wide so she can welcome her eager son. For a few moments, the two share a warm embrace underneath a scornful red gaze. Katsuki lets out a 'tch' loud enough to capture the woman's attention.
“Mom, this is Kacchan. He likes All Might too and we became best friends today at school!”
“I told you not to call me that in front of other people, Deku. My name is Katsuki Bakugou," Kacchan scoffs. His intense eyes never fell away from Inko's own.
“It's nice to meet you, Bakugou-san. Are you related to a family who works in fashion? If I’d known we were having guests over I’d have made snacks for the two of you.”
She plants a warm kiss on Izuku's forehead and positions herself so she can be at eye level with Katsuki. Inko extends out her hand, smiling at the blond boy so genial it makes him hesitate. He wasn’t used to this level of warmth from anyone, nevertheless two people.
“Tch. You're lucky, Deku. My mom never cooks for me." Katsuki's eyes glared over at him.
Be it empathic or motherly instinct, Mama Midoryia wasn’t fooled by this front. An envious ember for a mother so compassionate lingered beneath Katsuki’s withdrawn personality.
The Bakugo family dominated a fair portion of Musutafu’s fashion scene. She was acutely aware of the uncanny resemblance between the boy standing in her living room and Mitsuki Bakugo. Mitsuki had a natural appeal to her between a stunning appearance and a fiery drive. She'd pioneered her career without the help of powerful connections. The entrepreneurial woman married herself to her prospering business more than she did to her sweet husband and growing son.
“Would you like to learn how to cook?” Inko offered in an attempt to lighten the mood. The youth’s eyes widened in surprise for the first time.
“What?” Katsuki grunted. His face couldn’t decide between excitement, confusion, or downright anger for feeling like Inko had read his mind.
“I love to cook. Izuku here likes katsudon best but I’d be willing to help you learn to make something too.” Her hand reached out to pat down on her son’s fluffy green hair.
A pause of long silence. Izuku’s hopeful green eyes glistened for an anticipated answer. He bobbed his head up and down in a ‘yes’ motion rapidly.
“Only if it's extra, extra spicy. None of that sweet crap.”
Inko smiled, feeling relief wash over her and letting out a breath she wasn’t aware she’d held in.
***
Weekly visits from Kacchan became common occurrences for Inko and Izuku. Every Friday or Saturday night the two boys could be found sitting by Midoriya's computer. They consumed every piece of All Might media they could find after Inko gave it her okay. News articles, documentaries, movies, interviews, and Izuku's favorite videos.
Inko was surprised further to find out someone could not only understand her son’s passion for All Might, yet also knew almost as much trivia. Katsuki brought the fanboy out of his introverted, shy shell by encouraging him to speak louder and be confident.
“Stupid Deku, if you ever want to be a hero someday then you need to be cool like All Might. He never gives up. Do you want to be a baby forever?” Kacchan teased while nudging Izuku over so he could pick out the next video.
Inko kept track of the conversations from her place in the kitchen. When the clock hit 6 she’d peek her head back into the living room and summon both boys to the kitchen. Eager to learn and succeed as everything he’d ever caught an interest in, it wasn’t shocking for Katsuki to naturally pick up on cooking. His technique with a knife was growing better each time he tried and he’d never given up even when a dish didn’t turn out favorably.
Izuku preferred keeping his distance away from the two chefs. He barely knew his way around a stove. The last time he'd tried to heat something in the microwave it nearly exploded and filled the apartment with a thick cloud of gray smoke. Blissfully, he watched and listened to his mother and friend chatter. Occasionally they'd bicker about how much shichimi belonged in a dish so all three could tolerate it.
“Well done, Katsuki! You’re a natural cook. Let the vegetables cook for a few more minutes and then we’ll add the final touches,” Inko said with a proud smile playing across her lips. Lines crinkled under her eyes when she smiled.
“Yeah, I’m pretty great at almost everything I do.” The blond bragged while eyeing over the noodles sizzling in a skillet. His mouth watered.
"Everyone has something that they're not very good at. There's nothing wrong with taking your time and exploring things to see what comes naturally to you and what takes work," she explains while stirring the noodles, "even I wasn't very good at cooking when I first started. I think if you're not very good at something and keep trying, you can get better."
“My mom says if I don’t get something right the first time then I should quit being a loser and find something I can be the best at. What’s the point of doing something if you can’t be the best?”
Inko froze and laughed nervously. “We-well, sometimes it's fun just to try things without making it a competition. Izuku isn’t the best in the kitchen and he still has fun helping when he can.”
Upon hearing his name, a freckled face looked up from the notebook he was doodling in. "All Might says anyone can do anything they set their mind to as long as they don't give up hope!" He recited the wisdom Inko heard one time too many.
“That’s right, sweetie. Never give up on your dreams and one day they can come true! Keep pushing even if you’re not at the top, maybe you can get there one day with hard work.”
“What if I don’t want to have anyone else around when I make it to the top? I will make it to be the best, nothing can stop me!” Katsuki declared through gritted teeth. He bumped a fist to his chest for emphasis.
“Well, there's nothing wrong with having people help you on your way. You and Izu seem to get along so well I wouldn't be surprised if you two one day reached the goal together. Who says there can't be two number ones – one person equal to another?" Inko said. She turns off the heat on the stove and moves to grab a few plates to shovel the stir-fried noodles onto.
After saying their thanks and gorging on Inko and Katsuki’s collaboration meal, the elder woman turned to address her guest.
“Katsuki, I would be honored if you would ask your mother to join us for dinner next week. You and my sweet baby have been friends for a while now and I think it is only fair your mom gets to taste your progress."
A slam on the table abruptly changed the mood. Izuku turned his head to peer curiously at Kacchan, who slumped over the table and had his fist clenched. A growl ripped from his chest when he finally choked down the taste of bile in his throat.
“I don’t want that damn woman over here! Why would I want her to be here? I rarely want to be around her when I’m at home!”
Silence fell around the table. Inko’s soft green eyes focus on Bakugou’s trembling figure. The spell broke when a choked sob escapes from his clenched teeth.
“Kacchan…” Izuku called out, reaching his small hand to try and give his friend some comfort. It’s harshly slapped away.
“I don’t need your sympathy Deku, don’t look at me. Thanks for the meal,” Katsuki harshly muttered underneath his breath. He anticipated to receive a smack on the back of the head or be scolded for striking Deku. Instead, a warm pair of arms comfortingly wrap take him by surprise when they wrap around him. They are soft and squishy, unlike his mother's toned ones. The scent of lavender penetrates his nostrils.
Inko hugged onto the boy tightly. His trembles begun again. A harrowing whimper and then more soft sobs follow when Katsuki presses himself into her bosom. Everything about Inko Midoriya personified what it means to be a dutiful mother.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cross any boundaries, Katsuki. It's alright, I'm here for you." Her soft voice soothed him. Those embers in his chest quelled at her approach and Katsuki doesn't find himself despising a mothering touch.
“’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to snap like that.” The sobbing child quieted himself. Inko wiped away the salty tears with the pad of her soft thumb.
“Why don’t you two go get ready for bed and I’ll finish the dishes?” She released Bakugou when he finally pulls away and nodded his head in affirmation.
Izuku bypassed his friend’s outburst. Persuaded more than ever to help his Kacchan find his spark again, the greenette slid from his chair and offered a hand out to his counterpart. “Come on Kacchan, I have a new All Might magazine we can look at together!”
Bakugou hesitantly accepted the outstretched hand and follows in pursuit while Deku skips him throughout the house and back to the fanboy paradise of his room.
***
A week later Mitsuki Bakugou knocked on the apartment door of the Midoriya’s. A fairly physically fit woman with blond hair in spikes and striking red eyes she shares with a specific person. An outfit of a brown skirt paired with a black sweater showed off her curves and gave a business-casual look. Her spawn brooded next to her as she kept both hands placed firmly on his shoulders so he couldn’t dart anywhere.
“Behave yourself, Katsuki. I don’t need your friend’s mom thinking I raised a feral child even more than they already do,” she warned with a foreboding undertone. It was usually a signal he would get the shit slapped out of his head should he act up.
At last, the door is unchained and swings open to reveal the pleasantly round face of Inko Midoriya Katsuki quietly thanks to whatever forces may exist for her serene presence. It even catches Mitsuki off-guard.
"Hello, thank you so much for coming! It's lovely to see you again, Katsuki. You must be Mitsuki Bakugou. It is nice to finally meet you."
Inko bowed down respectfully to the blond woman. Izuku pressed himself next to his mother and followed the action, staring up at Kacchan’s spitting image.
Mitsuki returns with a bow of her own and forces her son's head down with the palm of her head. "Thank you for having me over, Midoriya-san. It's nice to finally meet the family who has been spending so much time with my little brat."
Inko moved from the doorway so that their two guests could make themselves at home. The Midoriya’s apartment was homely and far less luxurious than the one the Bakugou family had acquired. It still left the elder Bakugou feeling welcomed and understanding why Katsuki always insisted on spending one night a week with them.
One meal prepped by Inko later, the two women are seated on the couch while their sons fuss over whether All Might wore pajamas to bed or not. The boys could find any sort of excuse to have a debate over their favorite hero.
“Thank you again for the meal, Midoriya-san. It was delicious – it's a shame Katsuki didn’t help out with the preparation this time.” Mitsuki complained so that some of the tension would break in the air.
“I didn’t want to overwhelm him at all. He was a … little… upset when I asked to meet you last week,” Inko stated softly from over the rim of a piping hot cup of tea. The businesswoman dolefully sighed when she heard this. Her face became crestfallen, eyes transfixed on anywhere in the room except Inko.
"Yeah… the kiddo and I haven't always had the closest relationship. It's hard to explain to someone his age that it is hard to balance a full-time career and family life. I've spent years building up my profession. I work hard and budget so we can afford a comfortable life, plus save for whatever funds he may have in the future." She paused a moment before continuing to elaborate, "Y'know, college, a car, or maybe payment for a house. Whatever makes him happy."
Inko’s eyes widened in understanding. She knew the younger Bakugou was taken care of by his fine clothing and general appearance being on par with Izuku.
"It isn't that I don't love my kid, hell, I love him more than life itself. Unfortunately, he's so damned driven all the time and has had to partially raise himself. I'm lucky to have a kid who's as bright as he is stubborn," Mitsuki reflected. Her eyes landed on her son from across the room and Inko swore she could see a twinkle of unfiltered pride seep through them.
"I … well, more so my husband than myself likely understands how that is. He's been away overseas most of Izuku's memorable life so they've barely formed a true bond. It's rare for us to see him more than a few weeks a year. Each year it gets worse."
Mitsuki took her opportunity to grasp the topic change. "I see. So Izuku-kun has been without his father for a long time? Heh, I've got to say you've raised him pretty well. He's nowhere near the level of hotheaded and pissy as mine is."
“He’s a curious kid, that’s for sure.” Inko agreed with a nod of her head. A long sip of her tea punctuates the silence which followed.
"Midoriya-san, please excuse me if this is being too forward, but do you ever get bored of being a homemaker? Don't you sometimes wish for something more than cooking and cleaning or waiting for your son to get home from school?" Mitsuki asked. A knowing smirk is hidden behind the rim of her cup. She knew an opportunity when she saw one.
"O-oh. I suppose you could say that. I love being a mother! It's just… I sometimes wish I had taken opportunities for myself that I hadn't in the past."
The other woman quirked her eyebrow in response with her head cocked to the side. “What do you mean?”
Inko set down her cup of tea and bit her bottom lip in thought. Her chubby hand runs through a lock of green hair, twirling it around her finger nervously.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book. Cooking, writing, and knitting have always been my favorite hobbies since I was a little girl. I’ve barely done the last two since Izuku was born.”
Bingo.
“So? Your son’s almost heading towards middle school in another few years. He’s gone most of the day anyway when Katsuki’s not dragging him off somewhere to play. Why not utilize that time for some profit? Make the most of it.” The elder Bakugou leans herself against the couch and made her approach far more casual.
It wasn't that Inko hadn't thought about the opportunity to cultivate her career. She always held onto a silent prayer she'd one day find herself to be someone as driven as Mitsuki. Life without her husband was uneventful, dull, and left her wanton for attention or hobbies.
“I don't know about that. I-I've thought about it I have! Izuku and I live comfortably from my husband's job, but it doesn't give us any funds for extra things. I'd like to invest in his future as you've done with your son."
“Well, luckily for you Midoriya-san, if you helped put in with writing some of the recipes I’ve heard Katsuki dote on so much, then I can offer you some connections with publishers and editors I know.” The domineering woman extended her verbal offer and sealed it with a coy smile.
“That sounds wonderful. Thank you, thank you so much for the opportunity! I won’t let you down, Bakugou-san.”
Inko had long abandoned her tea and now her hands were nervously clasping around the hem of her shirt. Salty tears of joy welled into her dark green eyes. Her head respectfully bows down to her new friend and potential business partner.
“Please, if you’re going to be around me this much then let’s cut the formalities. Call me Mitsuki.”
Inko bit her tongue in an attempt to repress the tears that stung at the lacrimal glands of her eyes. It wasn’t of any use. She ended up weeping softly into her sleeve while Mitsuki reached over and offered a soothing path on her knee.
When the shorter woman finally calmed herself down her gaze lingered on the woman next to her and then finally sweeps over to her son. Izuku's face was glued to the computer screen and she could tell by the audio it was the one All Might video he'd played enough times to memorize each detail. His eyes lit up with determination and his freckled cheeks flushed from excitement.
Inko always knew she'd stop at nothing to give her son the best possible upbringing. She would provide him the love and support Hisashi never could. One day, one day when he was old enough to understand, he would recognize his mother had made every possible step she could to keep her darling boy flourishing.
This opportunity promised a new start. A chance for the two to begin depending less on an enigma of a man who rarely existed. She smiles to herself a little bit as her thoughts reflect. Katsuki had stormed into Izuku's life, given him that boost of courage, and pushed him to new levels. Now the boy's mother zeroed in on Inko's unpolished gem.
Fate had a facetious way about itself.
***
Fate was an unfair and cruel mistress to some, all while others were bestowed with prosperity.
Time roared past the Midoryias faster than either Inko or her baby could have expected. When Izuku inevitably found he would not be bestowed with the gift of a quirk, it devastated both of them. She'd known how badly he'd wanted to be a hero – to make a difference in the world like his role model. Sometimes, things didn't work out in that way.
Katsuki Bakugou's quirk had found him relatively early and set him on the course of becoming even more emboldened than he'd been before. Sleepovers between the two became less frequent due to Katsuki always being followed by a myriad of various admirers. He had grown into a conflicting personality, both equally a leader and a renegade who preferred to make his own rules.
Izuku became lost in the aftermath of his friend’s teasing. Kacchan became decisively more cruel against Deku’s pleasurable deposition. Yet, the quirkless boy would never hesitate to extend a hand to his friend or try to tag along with his new friends while they all began to experiment with the limits of their abilities.
Rapidly Katsuki and Izuku's friendship grew from bad to worse when the two had reached middle school. Meanwhile Inko and Mitsuki's own blossomed into a close sisterhood. The first cookbook had been a dedication to the Midoriya family's recipes and was soon followed-up by Inko's favorite dishes. The two women taught one another in more ways than one. The blond woman excelled in helping Inko become confident in her roles as both a mother and an author. She'd helped with getting deals signed, publicity, and even some financial advice when her pupil was overwhelmed by the seemingly endless royalties coming in from her immensely popular books. They were a hit, albeit written under a pseudonym so the author could still enjoy her quiet life.
Inko, for her part, gave Mitsuki endless support on her relationship with the other Bakugou. She helped bring the two closer together. The duo began functioning more like a family dynamic rather than a raging inferno. Katsuki's nerves weren't as grated when his mom tried to be a parent anymore, even if she was still annoying as hell. Both women benefited from each other's place in their lives.
The elder Midoriya's opinion shifted when her son would come home from school looking defeated. One particular day Inko finally cornered him long enough so she could gently pry at what was wrong.
"Izuku, sweetie, I'm sorry to bother you but I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes," her warm voice beckoned to a rather irritated looking Izuku.
He stiffened, fists clenched and teeth gnashed together as he turned around to face his mother. One look full of warmth was enough to cause him to start breaking down. Inko rushed over to his side, wrapped her arms around Izuku, and rocked him gently. Soft reassurances aided in stifling his sobs.
"I-I'm sorry mom," he sniffled when he could finally find the words to speak, "I thought I could fix this… I told myself I could handle it on my own and it would work out in the end. It hasn't, it's gotten worse."
Inko shushed him. “Don’t apologize for crying, baby. What are you talking about? Is this about Katsuki?”
She pulled away so she could push a few strands of curly green hair out of his face. Izuku didn't meet her eyes, instead opting to look down at his feet. Anything to not look at his mother. He couldn't bear to gaze upon her crying over his pain.
"Yeah, it is." His soft voice punctuated with finality to it.
Inko waited for him to continue. Silence descended on them for what felt like hours.
“Ever since Kacchan developed his quirk he's become a bigger jerk each year! I know somewhere deep down he's still the same person I met back then… he's still there, somewhere hidden." Izuku relaxed his fingers and then tightened them again.
“We never talk anymore, he’s not around because he’s found, new friends. They find Kacchan amazing, and he is! He could overcome anything thrown at him. He was born to be great, to be strong. That’s why I look up to him so much! He never backs down and never gives up. I don’t want to compete with Kacchan, I only want to be there to see him achieve his goal. I believe he can do it!” Conviction cemented itself into Izuku’s voice. He became more enthused while his speech rambles on.
“Has he…” Inko slid her tongue over her lips. She knew to be careful with what she said, “Has Katsuki been hurting you at all?”
Izuku’s shoulders tensed when the question left her mouth. She could feel his body begin to tremble. It was the only answer Inko needed without looking up to see his face full of salty tears.
"I could talk to Mitsuki! I—we could sit down and have a talk with them over dinner like old times, maybe she could-”
“No!" Izuku shouted loud enough to startle both of them. He'd rarely raised his voice to Inko.
“No," he said in a more modest tone, "I don't want either of you two being brought into this. This is between Kacchan and I. What happens between both of us is our problem."
“Izuku, baby, you know I only want to protect you. If Katsuki is hurting you or even making you feel bad about it… I don't think I want him over here anymore. I can't risk your well-being in our own home. Please try to understand. I love him too, but I have to think about what's best for you."
The younger Midoriya nodded his head in affirmation. His green curls bounced with the momentum of the move. “I understand. Thank you for listening to me, mom.”
Inko beamed a watery smile up at her son. Tears rolled freely down her cheeks without any regard for how emotional she looked.
“Always, Izuku. I will always be here to protect you. You’re my world, I love you so much.”
She pressed her head into her son’s chest and held him there for a long embrace. If she only looked up then she would have seen a despaired look on his face.
***
Time wasn't unkind to either family after the revelation. It seemed fate deemed the broken bond between two equals as tribute enough for it to go on its merry way. Nevermind the world turning gray for one specific green-haired lad, it ignited in color only a few months after he found himself consoled by his mother. His anchor.
Inko was stunned to find out her son harnessed an incredibly powerful quirk. Between herself and her husband, both quirks were relatively useless for anything involving pro-hero work. She couldn't recall any strength quirk running on either side of the Midoriya family. Nonetheless, she cheered on her son through every uphill battle he fought.
Income from her now three award-winning books helped supplement income to fund for UA. Whatever upgrades Izuku wanted to his uniform or little luxuries he wanted the school didn't provide, he could now do so without worrying about plunging the two into financial struggles. Life grew better until he found himself and his class at the center of media and villain attention.
Inko never expected All Might would lay himself down and beg for her permission to send Izuku back to UA. The Symbol of Peace, a man famous across the world who had risked everything to save people, pleaded to her. A plea from someone she likely owed her entire life to. One told with his nose pressed to the floor.
Izuku Midoriya was chosen to become All Might’s successor. He found potential in a Quirkless boy who only gained his powers awhile before. Izuku, her precious boy full of compassion and strength, was picked by the greatest himself. Despite an ache in her heart she knew would come from inevitably seeing her son injured again and him living somewhere other than their apartment, Inko understood a chance others would likely kill for. How could she deny her son and the Symbol of Peace the chance to bring joy to so many other people? Both already brought her plentiful happiness. Others deserved a taste.
This blessing strengthened All Might’s hold over ‘Young Midoriya’. It brought along a rivalry forged between Bakugou and Izuku. Except both were regarded as equals. No longer did Katsuki do his best to ensure his rival’s failure. If anything he pressed Izuku past boundaries he was sure he wouldn’t have passed otherwise.
By the end of their third year and on the brink of graduation Katsuki had warmed himself to Deku. Soon both would-be rivals and heroes against dangerous villains, together they could’ve been an unstoppable team. A single ember from a dying fire found itself being coaxed into an inferno. It threatened to consume Katsuki whole if he couldn’t contain it.
Both young adults found themselves at the same agency as sidekicks. Individually Ground Zero and Deku shot through the ranks between conjoined work and their popularity. Katsuki never lost his grit or haughty attitude, however, he had found ways to soothe his ego. His personality became less jagged and more rounded so he could personally interact with an interviewer a few minutes before the explosive hero stormed off.
Deku awed all civilians he met or saved. It wasn't an easy climb to the top despite his likability. Many frowned on All Might's chosen successor and swore he would be surpassed by Ground Zero. A strong hero with an unpleasant personality and excellent skills seemed more appealing than someone who looked barely out of high school. Endeavor's rise to the top spot was proof of such things.
After a fight between Ground Zero, Deku, and a major villain whose quirk seemed to devour whatever it came in contact with, public opinion shifted. By the end, Katsuki laid unconscious and severely battered. He hit a building hard after being catapulted into the air. The impact left a human-shaped impact and found him with a broken collarbone, ribs, and a shattered wrist.
Deku took hits far easier than his partner. He could withstand punches and be thrown at extremely solid objects without having too much damage thanks to All for One's immense strength boost. After a harshly thrown punch at 100% strength, the heroes have deemed the winners again. Izuku’s first instinct was to seek out Katsuki so he knew he was still alive. Thankfully he was, but the blond needed immediate treatment on his wrist and to make sure he hadn’t punctured a lung.
Camera crews caught Deku walking out of a minimal amount of rubble carrying a passed out Ground Zero. Tabloids, news articles, and social media sent the picture viral with blurbs about the unbeatable blond being transported to safety by his fated rival. On top of minimal damage to any structures, Izuku stayed behind to check on civilians. He gladly accepted questions from interviewers with a familiar smile on his face, eyes full of hope, and a gut-wrenching speech about remaining strong even when all odds seem hopeless. Heroes would always be there to ensure their country's safety.
Kacchan needed surgery to help repair the damage sustained to his wrist. It would take more strain to use his quirk, although he was grateful he still could use it. The battle could have been worse. The operation left a gnarly scar on his wrist which he wore full of pride. Ground Zero wouldn’t be held back by anything or anyone. No blast into a wall would slow him down. No injury is too great for him, even if it meant losing both hands he’d find a way to keep fighting. He would never quit.
A resentment settled in Katsuki as Midoriya rose through the ranks of the heroes list seemingly overnight. He was well known before he had left UA high school, now Deku’s likability helped him surpass past any rivals and into the top three. Bakugou felt a familiar shame settle of himself after being upstaged by his rival once again. Deku was meant to be behind him.
Forever Deku followed after Kacchan until he was sprinting beside him, then rushed ahead. He couldn’t let the nerd he’d left in the dust get a permanent upper-hand on him. His entire life he’d thrived off of pushing Izuku below him in everything from grades to combat.
Both couldn't share the number one spot on the hero charts. No one could choose both Ground Zero and Deku as their favorite heroes favored equally among them. It was all or nothing, any fans he made had to choose him fully or he didn't want them to choose at all.
On the mend and dismissed from work activities for a few weeks, this time gave Katsuki all the time he needed for reflection. He wracked his brain for any hints of when Midoriya had caught up to him. Analyzing memories brought up some old feelings he hadn’t thought about in a long time. A nostalgic ripple shot through his mind, then it built into a tide before turning into a massive wave.
All answers came back to Deku. Deku, who had broken rules to help save him when he was being held, hostage. Deku who won them a match against All Might, rose to become a worthy rival, and never let Katsuki's relentless taunting keep him from having a pure heart. Izuku Midoriya overshadowed each personal quality that he lacked.
The injured hero rolled over in his bed to stare at a nearby shelf of books. Reading was a popular pastime when he could afford some luxury alone time. One particular title caught his attention, a generic-looking book his mother had given to him. Katsuki previously flipped through some pages and immediately recognized several recipes he'd made with Inko.
Inko. He hadn’t thought about the elder Midoriya in years. He went one time to the apartment sometime during his first year at UA. A private visit when he knew Deku would be preoccupied with his circle of loser friends. When he’d rapped his knuckles on the door a nervous feeling squeeze his gut.
Inko came to the door blearily blinking, likely woken from a nap. When she finally looked up she saw a much taller Katsuki lingered over her, hands in his pockets and a cool expression on his face. Her eyes narrowed and her face contorted like someone had given her a lemon to suck on.
“What are you doing here, Katsuki?” She stood her ground, both feet planted firmly and her plump frame blocking off the doorway into the residence.
"Ah… I…” Katsuki opened his mouth to respond. Why had he come here? Nothing of value other than a warm personality and delicious food resided inside. “I came to see if you had anything I could make for lunch. Ya were the one to teach me how to cook--”
"Not another word, Katsuki. Not one! I don’t know who you think you are waltzing up to my home after being gone for so long. After what you did to Izuku…” Her voice quivered from emotion. Her eyes turned cold.
“He told you?” He asked nonchalantly. Inside Bakugou felt akin to a scolded child.
“Not everything. Only enough to know I never wanted you entering where my son lives and causing him more grief than you already have. I’ll do anything to protect Izuku, even if it means shutting you out of my life. Your mother may be a close friend, yet you aren’t. You lost my respect when you decided to treat your best friend, my son like he was beneath you.”
Rage coursed through his veins. The calm face melted away into bewilderment, wide eyes, and throbbing neck veins.
"You don’t know anything about that damn Deku! He’s always tried to be better than me, always wanting to be around me because he knows I’m better! He always was nothing and he’ll be nothing in the future. I told you I would be the number one and I’ll do it by myself.” His thumb jerked to motion at himself. A predatory smirk flashed across his lips.
"Nobody is going to appreciate a hero who can't even treat his mother with respect. How would they react to a hero who is known for being a bully and full of his own pride? You're better than this, Katsuki. I only wish you were mature enough to see that this isn't the right way to treat someone."
With that, she closed the door on his face. Katsuki sulked off in a fit of boiling anger.
That conversation from years before never fully left his mind. It was always a memory he banked on to push himself further. He’d show that witch what sort of hero he could be.
Reflection felt that reserve harden. Katsuki was no longer fourteen, he was in his early twenties and commonly worked with Deku on a multitude of different missions. The two practically were partners without the official paperwork or titles. He owed it to Deku for carrying him back to safety, rescuing him, and many other favors he didn’t deserve.
There he stood in a casual t-shirt and jeans while he knocked again on a very familiar door. Shuffling inside notified him Inko must be home. A minute passed, the door unlocked, and it swung open slowly to reveal her.
Still plump and short in stature, crows feet crinkled around her eyes, and strips of gray ran through her hair. An aged look truthfully complimented Inko's already 'old soul' vibe. Her green eyes scanned over the man standing outside her doorway.
"Katsuki.” She breathed the name and almost choked on it.
"Midoriya-san,” Katsuki responded with a respectful bow. The action made Inko’s eyes widen in surprise. She’d never seen Izuku’s former friend act so cordial.
"Is.. is there something I can do for you?” She stumbled over her words a bit and fidgeted with the sleeves of her shirt.
"Yeah. I know that it's been years since you last saw me and even more since you let me into your home. But I want to sit down and talk about everything that has been on my mind. If that’s alright with you,” he quickly added.
Inko hesitated before moving to the side and allowing Bakugou to move past her. The apartment looked the same as it had years before. It only felt emptier without Deku’s vibrancy in it.
A few minutes later the couple was sat at the table with two cups of tea. Both sit across from each other so they can talk directly face-to-face.
"So.," Inko commented while stirring sugar into her beverage.
“I’m sorry to suddenly drop in like this. I know you don’t really like visitors coming last minute. This is something I had to do. It couldn’t wait another God damn minute.”
In characteristic Inko fashion, she fell silent so Katsuki could lead the conversation and talk.
"Look, I'm not very good at this sort of thing. I barely apologize for anything I do 'cause I don't feel like I do very much that deserves an apology. I am who I am and I've done some fucked up things in the past. I'm not gonna deny that" he begins. His vermilion eyes stare directly through the woman and into her soul. "I'm here because there are things I've never understood and shit I need to fix. Things I need to make right. Wrongs that have gone on for too long."
He sighed deeply.
"I’m sorry, okay? That’s the easiest way to put it. Sorry for messing up and making your life a livin’ hell while I went about life leaving Deku behind. He was always weak. A bug I could crush underneath my shoe and yet he’d still keep coming back. Time after fucking time.” His fists clenched together by instinct.
"That shitty loser never had a chance before his quirk and I was determined to be the best. Deku held me back from all that potential. Then when he magically got into UA and had a super strong quirk? I was sure he led me on, lied to me for so many years to make me look stupid. I felt it," he confessed, "Shit changes. Deku changed. Hell, I changed. I am still cocky and still myself without hesitation. I don't give a damn about who likes it or not. I'm Ground Zero. But you deserve an apology. An apology for me not being better to someone who only wanted to see me grow."
Inko braced herself for Katsuki’s speech like she had with Izuku’s so many years before. Salty tears stung at his eyes. He rapidly wiped them away. The elder woman looked down to give him a sense of dignity.
"Katsuki. I was beyond disappointed to see you grow into someone so spiteful. You were always full of passion. But it wasn’t passion full of spite. You brought out a side of Izuku even I couldn’t. He thrived when he was with you. Before you got into UA, I found out exactly how you made him feel.” Inko drawled. Katsuki shut up for her turn to talk.
"He never wanted to upstage you. You should have known years ago Izuku doesn't willingly try to embarrass anyone who doesn't deserve it. Even then he's trying to help them better a part of themselves that won't change. He never wanted to be better than you, he wanted to be equal. He wanted to support you when you climbed to the top." She paused to breathe. "My son means the world to me. I know him better than anyone. You follow in second place after all these years. He's never stopped trying to see the good in you. That's honest love."
Inko sips her cooled tea. A pregnant minute slipped past them. Both stared at each other, Katsuki wide-eyed and Inko full of calm rationality. She allowed him to break the silence first so she was sure her message settled in.
"Goddammit! Fuck! He's told me more than once for years about that. Somehow it never sank in. Never clicked until I hear it coming from your damn mouth."
Love. A strong four-letter word enough to make Bakugou's world completely stop spinning. He never trusted the word and shooed away any attempt at someone expressing it to him. He had no time for something useless.
In those moments it changed everything. A nervous knot manifested in his gut. It gave his body the feeling somewhere between sinking into a warm bath and being thrown into a frozen lake.
I told you before sometimes there is room for two people to be number one at something. There's nothing wrong with having someone who reflects your own weaknesses, it should make you want to improve them. I think it's a lovely idea. Two people who can constantly push and pull with mutual respect."
Katsuki did remember that mantra when he'd been over at the Midoriya household one evening It flashed back to him. Back then nothing made sense other than being the best. Nobody could hold a candle to the person Bakugou planned on becoming. Now, he wasn't so sure.
"Yeah, I do remember that. I put it out of my mind for the longest time 'cause I thought you were honestly full of shit. Trying to sell me some snake oil about friendship and teamwork like every hero out there does." He gritted his teeth together. His tea remained untouched.
"I always wished the best for you. I knew you could achieve it. I only wish Izuku could have been there as more than someone you thought was in your way. We never thought this would happen… but it did. We’re here in the present. We have to embrace changes and that plans don’t go the way they want. I don’t think it's ever too late for repairing lost bonds. You two always will be connected.” Inko reached across the table to place a small hand across Bakugou’s large one. The connection made him loosen tension in some of his muscles.
"Where do I start?” He conceded at last.
Inko smiled brightly. A sly look came across her face when she patted his hand to indicate to give her a moment. She pushed herself out of her chair and scurried off somewhere in the apartment. When she returned, she held a cookbook look-alike to the one he had.
"You probably already know I wrote all of these books. I published most of my recipes in them, all except one very special one. Do you remember Izuku’s favorite food?”
Katsuki nodded. “Katsudon.” His preference had never changed.
"Right! Well, the recipe I have written in the back of this book in something I’ve been saving for someone special who I know can make Izuku happy. Its the way I've always prepared katsudon for him. It's his favorite. I trust you enough you'll know how to make it just right." Inko opened the book to the back white pages. Sure enough in cursive handwriting was a step by step direction on her beloved recipe.
Katsuki accepted the book. He looked up at Inko who gave an encouraging nod. Instructions were elementary for someone skilled like himself. It wouldn’t take much for Bakugou to prepare something equally delicious, if not even better.
“Alright, this looks like I could do it in my sleep. I'll make that Deku the best meal he's ever had. It'll taste even better with some of my spices in it."
Inko smirked smugly at him. “Izuku doesn’t really like spicy food very much. It makes his stomach queasy. You might want to be careful with how much spice you put in his food.”
A ‘tch’ sound escaped through his lips.
“If that nerd can handle his entire body is broken, then he can handle a few extra damn spices. I bet you he’ll love it even more than the shit you make.”
“Do you want to make a bet on that?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”
***
Katsuki felt nervous pangs when he'd opened up his messaging app later that night to compose a text to "Dipshit Deku" in his drafts.
Hey, want to come over for din- No, that sounded too formal.
Yo, dumb ass Deku, come over to my – Once again, not even close to being right.
Meet me at my place tomorrow at 6 PM. Don't be late.
He sent the text off with a sigh of relief. Opting to stare up at the ceiling while he waited for a familiar ping from his notifications. It came less than two minutes later.
Should I be worried? I’ll be there.
He barked with laughter and smirked when he formulated his response.
Depends. See you then, nerd.
Katsuki decided he would attempt to be at least semi-nice to Deku tomorrow. They both had some things to talk about.
At 6 PM sharp the next day, Izuku Midoriya knocked on Katsuki's apartment door. It only took seconds for it to swing open and Bakugou stepped to the side so the other man could enter. Both opted in wearing something casual, Katsuki in a black shirt covered with a short-sleeve flannel and matching jeans, Izuku for a teal shirt with jeans.
“Come in,” Katsuki said gruffly. Izuku shuffled inside and glanced around the area.
The set-up of the apartment was modernly simple. Being a pro-hero, Katsuki figured it was worthless to keep treasured items at a place a villain may one day find about and destroy. Furniture could be replaced, walls rebuilt, but sacred photos and other items never could. He stored those away somewhere specifically so ordinary most people wouldn’t think to look.
"Thanks for inviting me over, Kacchan. We haven't had dinner together in years! It's like old times. Not that I'm upset or anything, why'd you bring me here though?" Straightforward and to the point more than Izuku used to be in his teenage years, that's for sure.
"Sit down at the table and I'll get the food. Then we'll have ourselves a nice chat." The blond man ominously said before retreating to the kitchen to serve the warm katsudon on two bowls. A sprinkle of spice over the two dishes would prove if his bet with Inko held.
Quizzically Izuku stared at Kacchan as he took his seat. A few minutes later his filled to the brim dish sat in front of him. The smell enticed him and made Izuku's mouth water. A certain hint of spice brought back memories of choking down Bakugou's spicy dishes on the nights he'd cook with Inko.
Saying thanks, the two gorged themselves on the meal. The green-eyed man tried his best to blink away tears welling in his eyes from the spiciness added. Somehow he succeeded in fooling his companion so he didn’t have to answer any questions or make him feel bad.
“This is the best katsudon I've ever had, Kacchan! It tastes like my mom makes it" He quipped between his slow bites. It was a white lie, sure, it is not like he could openly state he disliked spiciness when Katsuki worked so hard on prepping the meal.
“Glad ya like it because I got the recipe from her.”
Izuku choked down a piece of pork. His eyes widened comically, frantically searching Katsuki’s expressionless face. The man yielded no clues in what was going on.
“Yo—you talked to my mom?!”
Katsuki shrugged his shoulder. His lips morphed into a snarl. “Is that a problem? Yeah, I did, what does it matter?”
Deku choked back a lump forming in his throat. Bakugou’s words held less sting than usual when he was challenging someone. “No, no, of course not! I just didn’t think you two talked anymore at all…”
“Look. I'm gonna cut straight to the fucking point here. I went over to your mom to settle some stuff from the past. We talked. She suggested the way to warm you up was to make your favorite dish. I got the recipe and added my twist. I knew my spices were a good idea."
His face contorted into a prideful smirk. Katsuki Bakugou would not be bested by the creator of this recipe. He would surpass it, crush it!
“Warm me up for what?" Deku echoed.
“Being trapped in the apartment for a few weeks gave me some time to think about stuff. Really think and settle on it. I went to your mom for a chat and left with a kickass recipe and some advice." The taller man bit down on a piece of his pork. Suspense floated in the air like a thick miasma.
Deku leaned forward on the table, enraptured by the story. He was quite literally on the edge of his seat.
“Your mom gave me some advice about the fact that not everything has to be a contest. I disagree with that bullshit logic. She did make a valid point two people can be equals in different areas. Help each other grow, become stronger… some even forge a solid bond out of it. Kind of like us."
Izuku stopped eating. His face showed visible discomfort when being compared to number one. "Kacchan, we don't have a solid bond. You've hated me ever since you got your quirk and took every opportunity to knock me down for something you did only slightly better. We were friends once… I always wanted that back."
Katsuki quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. It gave him a comically cute appearance for a tense moment.
“I never really hated you, I guess. She made it clear enough to me about all the stuff you’ve said over the years about finding me amazing. It stuck comin’ from someone who knew you better than I do. Your mom has a way of sticking up for herself when she has to.”
Across the table, Deku chortled. "True. She's got a backbone to her when it comes to people she cares about."
“It's up to me about what I let get under my skin at this point. I don't wanna keep feeling like I'm lagging behind you when I'm just as good. I know I made some shitty choices in the past, Deku. I'm aware of it even if I don't want to be. But it happened and I own up to my fuck ups. I want to rebuild what I threw away." Katsuki offered. His red eyes beamed directly into Izuku's own without breaking eye contact. His words were efficient and clear without remorse.
“I’ve waited more years than I’ll ever admit to for wanting to hear you say that. That’s almost as great as All Might himself praising me.”
Kacchan would take almost for now.
***
Days melded into weeks and then into months. The growth was slow between Izuku and Katsuki. It wasn't a natural routine to fall back into weekly meals when they had pitted themselves against each other for so many years. That isn't to say Deku didn't feel unwelcome in his friend's home. He preferred it more than his own.
He came by earlier and earlier each week to help the self-proclaimed chef disinfect vegetables and be a taste tester. Once a month Katsuki awarded him with the spicy katsudon version of his mother’s recipe, and each week Midoriya choked down the spices with a confident front on his face. Later that night he spent most of his time in the bathroom or huddled beneath his blankets.
It was worth the suffering to see Kacchan crack a genuine smile. Smiles so rare when they happened he wanted to capture the moment and laminate it so he could always have a picture of Katsuki looking genuinely pleased. Those smiles made an electric zap tingle through Izuku each time he was graced to be in the vicinity of one. It made it even better to know they were directed at him of all people.
A torch he'd always carried for his childhood friend burned brighter than he had in multiple years. Not only did it combat the loneliness he'd felt, but it also lit the way for new and more wonderful things he'd never thought of trying. Katsuki introduced him to a variety of new hobbies, points of view, and methods of combat. The man's intuition and intelligence were invaluable for interesting conversations.
It was on a Saturday evening at about 6:30 PM when Deku stood in the kitchen against the door frame watching as Katsuki wiped down the counters. Clean dishes were placed on the rack to dry and the floor followed after the counters. Kacchan didn't like the chance of any vermin in his clean space.
Admiration shone in green pools while Izuku watched his best friend clean the kitchen. A sheen of sweat covered his forehead. He was dressed in a tank top where his muscular arms were on full display for anyone blessed enough to see them. This was a domestic side of hotheaded Ground Zero, one very few people knew existed.
A thought popped into the younger man’s mind if he preferred seeing Katsuki lightly sweating from housework over melting from combat. He looked good either way. No use denying it. Why did the way he wiped his forehead clean of sweat make Izuku’s heart flutter a bit?
Immersed in his world, Deku hadn't noticed Katsuki was staring directly at him. His lips were pressed into a thin line with his whole body turned in Izuku's direction.
“Why are you staring at me, shitty nerd?” The gruff voice asked. It was lightly playful. “Do I have something on my face?”
Izuku raised his hand in a defensive motion as if to thwack away invisible words floating through the air.
“Staring?! I’m not staring! You’re j-just seeing things.”
A low grunt followed his terrible excuse at lying. Katsuki didn’t need to know Izuku as well as he did to know he was one of the worst liars imaginable. The innocent man could only lie when it was for a plan.
“First I caught you with my own two eyes. Second, I know when you're lying. Do you think I'm fucking stupid?" Bakugous menacing figure was across the kitchen and hovering over Midoryia in a few seconds. He was inches away from the shorter man's face. Unfortunately, Izuku never experienced a growth spurt of more than a few inches during highschool.
“N-not at all! Why would I think that? You’ve always been super smart and observant, Kacchan.”
The lingering form wasn’t dissuaded. “Then what’s your problem?”
Izuku gulped down a hard lump. He could feel bile threatening to creep into his esophagus. No getting out of this one without an honest answer. He’d never live this down either way.
“I was admiring how good you looked in a setting other than being out in combat. You look …" He bites down on his lower lip in the thought of what word to use, "You look attractive. Natural – like you belong here as much as you do out there."
“Attractive.” Katsuki mimed back in shock. His face was so close to Izuku he swore he could smell the aftermath of their meal.
“Yeah. I suppose I’ve always thought that and only realized it until now.”
Bakugou took a serious moment of consideration. He knew he was almost unnaturally attractive when his face wasn't contorted into anger. Had he ever truly thought about someone like Deku finding him appealing past mutual respect? Especially since they'd repaired their relationship in recent months.
“You’re not bad looking yourself.”
“K-Kacchan?” Izuku questioned underneath his friend’s piercing gaze. He shuffled uncomfortably, yet dared not move from under Katsuki’s frame.
In an instant, that nickname stoked a bonfire in Katsuki's brain. What had been a dormant thought for a majority of the time throughout their childhood and budding friendship suddenly made itself known. Feelings he wasn't too sure he could handle kicked the door open and raided his mind. Bakugou never allowed himself to open up enough for romantic connections. Kirishima wasn't even someone he talked about this stuff to.
Enthralled by how cute Izuku looked stuttering over several apologies and excuses, he directed his gaze to watch the shorter man’s lips talk. Katsuki blocked out all sounds coming from the dork and only vacantly looked down at him while he rambled.
“Kacchan?” A soft voice asked again for the second time. It snapped Bakugou back to the moment.
“Can I kiss you?" The question knocked the air out of Izuku. He swallowed hard only to choke on his spit and ended up coughing.
Katsuki patted him on the back a few times until Izuku gathered himself enough to attempt an answer.
“What do y-you mean to kiss me?" God, Katsuki could feel his heartstrings being pulled while his patience trickled down the drain. This man gave him too many contradicting emotions he's pissed he couldn't explain away logically.
“Exactly what I fucking said. Do you think I’m asking you to prom or some shit? Exactly what I said.”
Silence with the Midoryias must be a trademark family trait because they once again fell into it. Katsuki counted in his head how long it would take for Deku to answer the question. He got to 10 seconds, it was record shortness.
Hesitantly Izuku placed a hand underneath Bakugou’s chin and willed him closer. The two looked at each other through heavy lids and eyes full of something both couldn’t pinpoint. He drew Katsuki closer to him and their noses bumped together awkwardly. Izuku nervously laughed and tilted his head to the side.
The gap-sealed between the two. Katsuki could feel warm, chapped lips against his own. The kiss was soft, lacking something full of passion. A test run to see how the two would feel after they pulled away. So, when they did, Izuku looked up at Katsuki for his response.
An answer granted wasn't verbal. In a moment a passionate kiss heated Izuku's body. His face flushed red with excitement, reaching to his ears. His hand pressed itself onto the back of Bakugou's neck and drew him closer.
Being entangled so close to Katsuki wasn't anything short of nirvana. The two melded together as if two puzzle pieces made to be conjoined. The world around them melted away. The universe surrendered the concept of time just so the two of them could enjoy the moment forever. Izuku felt his inner flames consume this newfound feeling like adding gasoline to a bonfire. It only grew when fed.
Inevitably it ended. Silent questions passed and were answered between them when Deku could see the dopey grin on Kacchan’s face. His cheeks weren’t nearly as flushed. It was an accomplishment to make Bakugou blush though. He never let himself be seen with anything people could describe as ‘cutesy’. Ground Zero was not cute.
Izuku understood he would continue to chase that high for the rest of his life. He'd tasted the forbidden fruit, an experience he had been told he would only come to understand when he found it for himself. Now he had, he tasted every flavor and recognized truths about himself he never thought could exist. Kacchan brought out a protective side, his meek side, emboldened him and made him vulnerable all at different points.
Katsuki could beckon him wherever he went and he would follow without question. He'd sacrificed so much of himself over the years to ensure that happiness and prosperity of others. Deku would gradually become a symbol people could look to, cast their fears, and hopes onto. He never took anything from anyone other than good wishes. He went home alone each day to stare at the ceiling and think about how many people he may be surrounded by only to feel so lonely. Except he never was, Bakugou had been by his side since the first day.
It was not in ways he had wanted for much of the time. Katsuki still had issues he needed to desperately work on if this was going to work between them. He was willing to try, willing to go the extra mile and take some more pressure off the other man if it meant he could continue to see him prosper.
They’d face it together.
***
Today Katsuki and Izuku coexist in what had previously been Bakugou's apartment. Now it belongs to both, inhabiting the same space. Their toothbrushes placed next to each other in the bathroom, shoes next to the door together, pictures from each person's respective families, and then ones of the two blended hung on the walls.
Both men live lives together as equals. A yin and yang pull between both. Traits of Katsuki dwells inside Izuku, and Izuku lingers inside of Katsuki. Balance is a constant threshold they both walk. It isn’t to say everything is harmonious in the relationship, the two bicker frequently over dissenting opinions before eventually falling into a fit of silent laughter. Deku will pick up his lover’s favorite drink at the convenience store as an olive branch. Katsuki shows his love by prepping Deku’s meal for the next day so he has something to grab before bolting to the office.
Inko Midoryia, All Might, Mitsuki, and Masaru Bakugou sit at the dining table talking among themselves while Izuku and Katsuki take refuge in the kitchen. It was a bi-monthly family gathering of the parents. Due to hectic hero schedules, the duo couldn't offer more time to host dinners. Time spent together as a collective group is sacred, sought after.
Dinner is cooking on the stove. Deku manages to convince Katsuki to make extra spices optional due to anyone who may not be able to withstand it. Secretly he knows his mother has the same weak stomach he is cursed with.
Izuku shimmies past Bakugou and places a hand on his hip to alert his partner he was right behind. The other man hums in an absentminded response. Izuku grabs for an ability to ward off the hunger he's carried all day.
“What are you doing, shitty nerd?” Katsuki asks, turning around to glare into green eyes.
“Getting an apple to snack on before dinner gets ready because I’m hungry,” Deku explains without making eye contact. He’s busy making his way to the knife holder and withdraws one to begin slicing off parts of the apple into sizable chunks.
“The fuck do you think you're doing with a knife?! You can barely boil water without almost burning yourself! Give me the damn apple." Katsuki intervenes. He's become an extra degree of protective over the Number One Hero. Years together having only strengthened his need to handle minor things he feels are a waste of Deku's valuable time.
“Kacchan, I can peel my own – hey! I'm plenty capable of using a knife to cut my own apple. It's not my fault you're obsessed with doing everything."
“Go to hell,” Katsuki answers flatly in response. He wrestles the knife and ripe red apple away from Deku.
With expert strokes taught to him by courtesy of Inko, he begins to peel the fruit. Dinner wouldn't be done for a few more minutes so there was enough time to get through most of the apple. Deku moves to get a napkin so the apple slices have somewhere to be held. The dork quietly munches on an apple slice, closing his eyes to savor the moment.
Izuku silently loves when his better half frets over him. “You’re always so worried about me, Kacchan. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve to fall in love with someone like you.”
“You hexed me and suddenly I lost all ability to rationally think. You made me a moron,” the response comes with a flat voice. Bakugou is focused on not cutting himself.
“You don’t have to be so mean about. You always tell me how I’m one of the greatest things to ever happen to you,” Izuku retorts. He opens his eyes when he hears the knife stop cutting and get tossed into the kitchen sink.
“Same shit, Deku. Call it what you want.”
At last, the meal is served by the hosts to their guests. Thanks are praised for the meal and to its gracious hosts. Everyone looks forward to the days they get to taste Katsuki's expert cooking. Luckily Izuku was fortunate to taste it almost every day they had time to eat a proper meal.
“Young Bakugou, both your hero and chef skills are impeccable. You never fail to impress me with your prowess. Thank you for inviting me to join you as your meal.”
"We always invite family, All Might," Izuku speaks up before Katsuki can. All Might turns his hallowed eyes to his successor.
"Nothing warms my heart more than hearing those words come from you, Midoriya. I've taken pride in seeing you succeed much like I would if you were my blood." All Might gives his signature smile, full of trust and warmth. Izuku flashes a mirror of it back to him.
"You're family, you old bag of bones. Doesn't really matter how you look at it. Blood or not." The blond hero speaks up from across the table. He was sat next to his mom and directly across from Izuku.
A loud smack on the back of his head and feral screaming interrupts the serenity of the meal.
“Don’t you start talking to All Might in front of me like that, you little brat! You may be a grown adult now but I’ll still smack you to hell if you talk to him like that again!” Mitsuki scolds her son who was already prying her flailing hands off him.
"Go to hell, you hag! Don't hit me in my damn apartment," The younger Bakugou retorts with his full temper flaring. Some things never change no matter how much time goes by. Mitsuki and Katsuki Bakugou are one of those people.
“Guys, please..” Masaru attempts to plead with his wife and son only to be drowned it. Why does he even bother?
All Might raises his hand and gives another overbearing grin.
“Please! We're all here to enjoy the meal. I take no offense to what Young Bakugou said at all. I find it quite comedic. I'm honored to be valued as a member of your family despite no blood relation. It is an honor."
The fighting ceases at once. All eyes land on All Might with awe. He knew how to simmer down flames for even the mother and son.
“The food has been absolutely delicious, Katsuki! Thank you for having me over for dinner. I can taste you've altered the recipes to your liking." Inko gushes over her son's partner, beyond delighted and overjoyed for the two of them.
In the years following the two heroes deciding to cement a relationship, Inko has set her differences aside to repair her relationship with Katsuki. She always loved the spitfire like a second son since she had forged a maternal relationship when he was younger. Seeing how he thrived and transitioned into the number two hero rank was more than enough to cry.
She supports her son wholeheartedly for his choice in partner. If Izuku has a permanent hold on the number one ranking, she does not doubt Bakugou is held at the top in Izuku's heart. After all, rankings were simply numbers to designate heroes to specific popularity and position. They were prestigious and helped identify many great heroes, however, it didn't change her earlier opinion. Two people could be the best at something.
What Katsuki was the best at wasn’t only being natural at combat, he was most in his element when he could bring Izuku out of his shell.
The pair worked in sync most times despite coming to walls or simply disagreeing. Together the two were an unstoppable force of righteous vindication. Bakugou melts down every wall around Izuku's heart while her son's soft personality helps cushion the jagged edges of Katsuki's own.
Love is prevalent in every look the two pass each other. It made her giggle inwardly to see Katsuki have the same doting eyes Izuku frequently had for him when they were growing up.
Later, the two are finally alone and laid up in bed underneath the comforter. The room is dark and silent. Moonlight trickles through the window and casts deep shadows across both their faces. It mainly hits Izuku and lights up his eyes. A perfect moment Katsuki wishes he could replicate at will any moment they are alone.
Izuku is intertwined with Katsuki. His leg is hitched up, locking his lover down. An armrests beneath him while the other presses itself to Katsuki’s chest. He can feel the pumping of his heart only inches below his palm.
Bakugou strokes pieces of Izuku's fluffy hair, pushing it back out of his face to pelt his freckled forehead in gentle kisses. The touch of his lips sends a message of clear worship for the very being lying in his arms. A love he feels he will never understand why he was chosen to have. In his opinion, there were other people more deserving, better suited for relationships.
“I love you more than anything,” a soft voice whispers into Katsuki’s chest. “I’ll always be grateful to wake up next to you each morning… how could I ever tell you how much I adore you?”
A hand tilts up Izuku's chin to capture him into a passionate kiss. It's sweet and pure, full of words Katsuki doesn't have the willpower or brain function to say at the moment. He lets his body do the talking when he can't bring himself to do anything else.
“Love you so much…” Izuku coos with his voice laced full of sleepiness. It isn’t too long after little snores are heard and Katsuki can feel his chest rise and fall while he breathes. Full of life, even when asleep.
"Love you too, you shitty nerd," Katsuki whispers into the darkness when he's positive Deku was asleep on top of him.
His arms might become numb and he’ll likely be sore in the morning from sleeping at an odd position with Deku clinging to him. It wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle though. It was worth it to simply hold his entire world in his arms. To protect, love, and cherish him for the rest of his life.
Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. He’s fucked up a good many things in his life. This one he’ll fight tooth and nail to preserve. Come hell or high water he won’t let the love of his life slip away. Anything for Izuku.