Work Text:
Mineta was thankful for many things, like All for One not killing All Might that day, or surviving the USJ attack with minimal training...for Midoriya being who he is. Just thinking of his boyfriend had his cheeks tingling, no doubt turning pink at the thought. He subconsciously took a moment to appreciate the distraction from the anxiety inducing yet equally mundane job of homework. When he refocused the work in front of Minoru made his chest clench up. Part of him wanted to just get the work over with but knocking on the wall to wordlessly get his boyfriends attention sounded much better. Safer.
He let out a resigned sigh, kneeled on his swivel chair that was too large for him, and knocked on the wall his desk was pushed against. He didn’t have to wait long, barely having sat down before his door was open and the green curly mop, freckles, and darling smiles were leaning into the door. “You knocked?” He asked as he fully entered the room, not bothering to hide his All Might themed pajamas from the other boy, a testament to how close the two had already grown. Mineta nodded and propped his elbows on his arm rest.
“Yeah...I kinda need you…’nd a good distraction.” Minoru explained while izuku came over and pet Minorus's head, fingers moving through the curls.
Midoriya was quiet for a beat before stopping his touch, putting a hand on the boy's small bicep. "Anything bothering you?” Mineta was the first to break eye contact, never being capable of looking the boy in the eyes and lying, he was too kind for that. Aware that honesty would get him what he wanted, despite his nerves, Mineta nodded again, the anxiety over the mundane and complex crashing on him in that moment.
He looked up at Midoriya, his green eyes intense and shiny and Mineta felt so safe all at once in that instant. “This school,” His lisp prominent and comfortable on his tongue. He never felt the need to try and hide it from the boy, he didn’t feel any shame that might usually sit low in his gut. “It’s really stressful, I knew training to be a hero wouldn’t be easy but...still…” He trailed off, “I just wanna relax,” Minoru continued, taking the time to climb out of his chair, “I can finish the work later.” Midoriya nodded along.
“So what do you suggest?”
Mineta looked over to the corner of his bed that was always covered in pillows, blankets, and the occasional stuffed animal. “A fort?” he suggested.
Mineta glanced up to see Midoriya beaming. “I’ll grab my blankets and pillows!” An undeniable sparkle in the boy's pine green eyes. Mineta watched Midoriya dash out of his room, unable to agree nor protest, he held back a giggle, the comforting presence of his boyfriend already calming the nerves he had. Homework-forgotten Mineta jumped his bed, pulling his lime green comforter back in one swoop, before excitingly grabbing the blankets he kept in a basket at the end of his bed. It sat tucked away neatly next to a black ottoman. Leaning over the small end board and grabbing the rest. He looked over at the pile he created. Six or Seven blankets of all types, a knit one Shoji had given him, a Halloween themed one, the lime blanket, a few others that were plain colors, and his favorite. A black and white plaid blanket, worn down by a lifetime of use, he could never be without it. It had to at least be with him, even if he didn’t use it.
Finished just in time for the door to be opened with an audible struggle, Minoru turned and couldn’t help the childish giggle that came from his chest. Midroiya, a purple and yellow throw pillow in his mouth, and more than enough blankets in his arms alone.
“Hve gt d blghets!” Midoriya happily shouted as if what he said made any sense to Minoru, who laughed even harder.
“O-Okay?” Minoru smiled watching Midoriya drop the blankets next to his own pile. A few stuffed animals sticking out from the blankets.
“Where should we start?” Midoriya looked around the room, trying to think of a suitable spot and Minoru took a glance around indecisively. “The end of your bed might be nice,” He walked over, passingly touching Mineta’s shoulder as he walked by again. Mineta glanced at the hand, blushing, taking notes of how strong they looked. Toned from so much hard work, always driven to improve.
Mineta shook his head, loose curls bouncing a little, trying to get the thoughts out. “Yeah,” he started and Midoriya looked over, “I think that’s a pretty good spot.” Mineta hopped off his bed and rolled his computer chair over to the spot, facing the chair outward. The two set to work making the fort, Midoriya took a sheet and put it over the chair, Mineta took the other corner and attached it to the wall with one of his grapes. Tucking the other edge around the bed and between the mattress and boxspring for security. The jet black blanket draped satisfyingly over the tall wicker basket and ottoman.
“It already looks so good!” Mineta quickly glanced at Midoriya with wide and shining eyes. Mindoriya’s cheeks reddened deeply enough for his freckles to stand out even more.
“It’s your amazing quirk that made it possible.” Midoriya said, walking to his blanket pile and pulling out a thick and heavy comforter that was a deep blue. He crouched down and spread out the comforter against the floor, folding it in half to make it even more plush to sit on. Mineta excitedly crawled in from the other side that was stuck to the wall slightly higher, the tv in against the back wall in full view. The two set to work quietly, taking time and care while they placed pillow after pillow against the furniture and wall, blankets forming barriers and spread out against the floor, some, including Mineta’s favorite, put to the side to use.
Minoru entered the fort, already turning out comfortable and plush, he crawled across the floor and cracked open the black ottoman, pulling out stuffed animals, dinosaurs, and some of Mineta’s personal favorites, such as a patchwork cat, a fuzzy Minecraft sheep, and a fairly large Appa. Once empty he closed the lid gently “Hey ‘Zuzu?” He called placing them on the sides of the fort and on top of pillows. “Did you bring your stuffies in yet?”
“Not yet.” He called out and Minoru heard the door closing, not realizing the boy had even stepped out for a moment. He turned to see Midoriya with snacks in hand crawl over and placed them on the now shut lid. “I thought you might want some snacks!” Mineta looked over what Midoriya brought, goldfish and chips, some fruit cups, cereal, granola, canned boba, and coke. Mineta let out a soft ‘ooh’, he looked over at Midoriya and the two locked eyes. Silently they took a moment to look at each other again and something in Mineta snapped, maybe it was the love that Midoriya had in his eyes, or how overwhelmed Mineta felt by the distant echo of stress, regardless, the dam broke and stray tears dripped down his chubby cheeks.
Midoriya’s jaw dropped a bit, shocked by the quick turn. “Oh ‘Ru,” Midoriya whispered and sat down, arms reaching out to pull the boy in close. Mineta buried his face into the crook of Midoriya’s neck, hiccupping lightly, and wrapped his arms tightly around Midoriya. Strong arms came to encircle the boy's middle, scooting back, and laying against the pillows. “It’s gonna be okay, I got you.” He whispered. Mineta felt a blanket get draped across the two. Mineta sniffled, that same feeling from the USJ bloomed in Mineta’s chest, almost buzzing, he truly felt safe. A villain could come in the window and he knew everything would be okay. Midoriya always made things okay. With that thought Mineta slowly felt his tears dry, eyes finally not so blurry. He sat up slightly and could only glance at Izuku for a moment before he leaned forward and kissed those freckled cheeks.
“‘M good now…” Mineta brought his hands to his eyes, chubby fingers rubbing the tears from his lashes.
“You can cry more if you need to,” Supportive and loving as always he took Minorus hands into his own, his smile was warm, , “I’ll be here for you ‘Ru. Whenever you need me…” Midoriya paused, looking away, the dim lighting hiding his blush for him. “I-I uh-” He audibly swallowed, “I love you. Very much ‘Ru.”
Minoru gripped the blanket, it was his blanket, and shakily whispered, “I love you too ‘Zu” Minoru shifted off of the boy's lap, taking the blanket with him, and snuggling up right against his side.
“Don’t get comfy yet, I wanna grab my All Might plush.” Izuku smiled down at Mineta crawling over the barrier of blankets out the side and back just as quickly, three All Mights of different styles and sizes in his arms. “Wanna watch a movie?” He asked, handing a chibi All Might to Minoru, who took it excitedly.
“Yeah! You can pick, I’ll watch whatever.” Mineta handed his tv remote to Izuku. He watched as Izuku scrolled for a bit before picking on the animated movies tab, much to Minoru’s excitement and, as Izuku settled back into the pillows Minoru nuzzled into his arms, getting comfortable with the arm wrapped around him, he reached back and grabbed blindly for the purple can of boba, ironically his favorite, and tried to open it. Before he could get his finger under the can tab it was wordlessly and gently taken from his hand. ”H-hey-” Minoru started to protest but was stopped short as Midoriya opened it with a single hand.
Mineta’s eyes practically sparkled as he was handed the can again. ‘So cool! My boyfriend’s the coolest!’’ Minoru, flushed again, and looked back at the screen.
As the movie went on, and snacks were open and set aside, Minoru felt himself slip deeper and deeper into the comfortable retreat that was his little space, unable to even recall the stress that brought the two together. By the time the credits rolled and Midoriya looked over it was clear to him that Minoru had finally relaxed, smiling to himself, he gave Mineta’s chubby bicep a squeeze to get his attention. “‘Ruru, wanna color some pictures, watch some tv, or both?” Minoru looked up and thought for a moment.
“Both!” He clapped his hands together and quickly pushed himself onto the pillows slightly, popping the lid on the ottoman up once more and pulling out a pack of 96 crayons and coloring books ranging in difficulty from kids books up to adult coloring books with tons of small details. He dropped them on the ground and laid on his tummy, propping his head in his hands.
Midoriya laid down next to him, the two sharing another look. “You can pick what to watch this time, Berry.” Midoriya slid the remote to the boy and Minoru eagerly grabbed it.
“Yay! Tank you!” Minoru flipped through a few streaming options before deciding on a cartoon from the 90’s, background noise that could be equally entertaining. He pulled out one of the coloring books, it was different animals and insects, opening to a page of a butterfly Minoru set to work. “What are you gonna color?” He asked sweetly, popping a chip into his mouth.
Izuku looked through the coloring books before pulling out one of the more difficult ones, the line work was precise and detailed, Mineta watched Izuku turn though the pages before stopping on a page filled with cats, spirals worked into their fur and all doing different things from playing with yarn to napping. “This one’s pretty cute.” Izuku decided and Minoru nodded, excited to be coloring together, he began pulling out crayons. “When you’re done with your butterfly, let's take it out of the book so I can hang it in my room, okay sweetie?” Izuku pet Minoru’s head while he spoke, his other hand pulling out a few crayons.
“Okay daddy-” Mineta’s breath hitched a bit, his brain suddenly powering on a bit too much and he stole a quick glance at the taller boy. He didn’t react, his hand played with his curls either oblivious or…
‘He really does just like me for me…’ The comforting thought seemed to dull his anxiety once more, completely comfortable in the fort they made together, he decided that he was going to color the prettiest butterfly possible. Having a picture hung on the wall was no small achievement. That tiny act meant the world to Minoru and it was obvious that Izuku knew. Minoru was shading the leaf the butterfly sat on when Izuku let out a soft “oooh”.
“That’s really good ‘Neta,”
Minoru smiled to himself as he felt a heavy hand rub his back, the constant contact and affection the two shared always made them blush. Even in the short time they had been dating it felt like a lifetime of closeness between the two. Minoru kicked his legs back and forth while he colored, trying his very best to stay in the lines. “I wanna make it good, ‘cause you’re gon’ hang it.” Minoru explained
Izuku's hand moved to rest on the boy’s shoulder. “Well it’s turning out very pretty Minoru,” he lifted it to touch the tip of Mineta’s nose, “just like you.” Minoru couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled from his chest, only to have it interrupted by a yawn.
“Oh?” Izuku whispered and laid down on his stomach, “You sound tired.” Never truly forcing Minoru to do anything he didn’t want to, even when it came to proper sleep. Minoru considered for a moment.
“Yeah...I wanna sleep in the fort though,” He explained, getting onto his knees and rubbing his eyes. “I’ll brush my teeth in a second.”
“Okay ‘Ru, I’m gonna move the food to your desk so we don't sleep on it.” Izuku gathered the food up, knee walking out the fort and giving Minoru a moment to himself. He took his blue crayon and quickly filled in the sky, the picture fully colored, a mock monarch butterfly with flecks of blue and green throughout it sat on a leaf, flowers of many shades surrounding the bug. Carefully, oh so slowly, Mineta pulled at the perforated edge, taking extra care to not rip the paper. Finally it popped off with a flutter and Mineta excitedly crawled out of the fort and tip-toed over to his boyfriend waiting patiently for his presence to be noticed, not wanting to interrupt Midoriya’s organization and bag clipping process. Stale chips were never enjoyable anyways.
When Midoriya finally finished he turned and noticed Minoru he excitedly reached out, showing the picture up to Midoriya.
“D’ya like it?” Minoru looked away as he asked bashfully.
“May I hold it, little one?” Midoriya asked, his voice soft and low, always so sweet, like unfiltered honey. Mineta nodded vigorously, excited about how genuinely Midoriya always cared. Gentle hands took the paper, pinched softly between fingers as if he were afraid to rip the paper from touching it just a bit too much. “It’s so pretty. You did such a good job!” Izuku smiled, the apples of his cheeks blushed from how excitedly he grinned. “I’m going to hang it on the inside of my door so I can always see it, okay ‘Ru?”
Stars practically filled the smaller boys' eyes. “That good?” he gasped with disbelief evident in his voice. Midorya nodded.
“Even better than that.” Midoriya looked back down at the page, eyes darting across it, taking in the details made using colors and shades. His attention to the smaller things in life made Mineta feel just as noticed.
Mineta felt another yawn so he quickly went to the shelf he kept his beauty supplies on and picked out his toothbrush and toothpaste before Izuku had a chance to notice the boy had even moved. “The way you blend colors is so pretty, hon’. I’ll hang it up while you brush your teeth.” Midoriya moved to open the door, Mineta nodding and following close behind. Though he didn’t know what time it was, it was much too late for anybody else to be up, he walked down the stairs, taking his time, not wanting to risk tripping in such a little space. Thankful to be on the second floor, not having to go very far or down too many staircases. He tiptoed into the bathroom down the hall, flipping on the light and setting to work, washing his face with warm water, enjoying the splashes of warmth, next came brushing his teeth.
Minoru allowed his mind to wander while he brushed, thoughts catching and lingering on his boyfriend. ‘I hope he comes down too...I don’ wanna be away from him.’ Minoru looked at his reflection, cheeks dusted pink at the thought of sleeping in the fort together. He couldn’t help the blush that always came to his cheeks. ‘I never expected to be with him...but how could I not. He makes me feel like there's nothing wrong with me.’ Minoru thought dreamily, unaware of the fact he was no longer alone in the bathroom.
“Ru-”
“AH!” Minoru whipped around, almost falling off of his step stool, suddenly caught and held up slightly by big hands encircling his waist before he could tip over anymore. He looked up and Izuku's worried eyes and kind smile were all he could see, his eyes focused in, pupils wide. “Zu…” That protected feeling washed over him like a wave, serving to push his mind deeper into little space, his thoughts getting airy and quiet.
“I thought you heard me come in.” He explained sheepishly. Minoru shook his head as Izuku set the boy on solid ground.
“No...too busy thinking about you dada” He grabbed onto Izuku’s pant leg, holding on tightly, he glanced up, realizing Midoriya was looking at him.
“That’s so sweet Ru, I-I was thinking about you too...I think about you a lot. You’re so special to me.” He explained like it was the easiest thing in the world, though nervous and flustered like always, the two romantics had accepted long ago that those nervous excitement might never fade. Much to both of their pleasure. No more words were traded between the pair. The quiet relaxed atmosphere affected Minoru more than he realized until he felt himself swaying in place and realized how close he was to falling asleep standing up. Still he couldn’t bring himself to wake up anymore, spent from a day of stress, he allowed himself to sway back and forth, noting the sound of the faucet turning off.
“Let’s get you upstairs and in bed now, want uppies?” Izuku asked, tucking his toothbrush behind his ear like a pencil. Minoru nodded slowly, just barely keeping his balance as Midoriya turned to lift him into his arms. Minoru raised his arms, gently wrapping them around the taller boy's neck as he was lifted into strong arms. Izuku decided to walk slowly, taking his time to leave the bathroom and, by the time the light had been shut off in the bathroom Minoru snored softly on his shoulder. Izuku smiled to himself, his little grape was so cute when he was like this.
‘Even when he’s being a pervert he’s still adorable.’ Izuku mused silently, crossing the hall to the staircases, thinking back on some of the “flirting” attempts the boy made, though crass once he read between the lines he really wasn’t too bad. The stares and comments about his “boobs”, ‘Even though they’re pectoral muscles!’ Izuku corrected, we’re just the boy’s acknowledgement of the hard work he put into his physique. He gently went up the stairs, taking extra caution to not jostle the boy awake.
Once he arrived at the second floor Izuku flicked the hallway light off behind him, the moon glowed through the windows in the hall, illuminating it from the end. The slow walk served to tired Izuku out too, the soft hums of night, crickets and owls, the fan running from Tokoyami’s room, the air conditioning in the hall, his sweetheart snoring in his arms. It was an environment built on safety, being a similar structure in Minoru’s life served to give daily life a new and welcomed spin. He opened the door, slowly to ensure fewer creaks than necessary, and shut it behind him. He flicked the overhead light off and took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dim lights. Izuku crouched down and held Minoru tight to his chest as he crawled up to the corner, placing the boy down gently and putting his blankie over him, tucking him in nicely.
Pulling his toothbrush from his ear and Minoru’s from his pocket, poor boy almost forgot it. He placed them on the ottoman and laid down, pulling a blanket from the side over the both of them. Snuggling close to Minoru, enough to smell the fruity body wash he preferred to use, he placed a kiss on his cheek, glad Ru was asleep and unable to see the deep ruddy color that rushed to his cheeks. With one arm around his tiny body Izuku settled into sleep, silently deciding he’d help the other boy complete his homework before school started. He finally let his eyes slip shut, knowing he had taken care of the boy, sleep came easily and peacefully; already looking forward to waking up to forehead kisses and whispers meant only for each other.