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“He was an amazing hero, and anybody who dares to say otherwise is a fucking liar.”
Katauki was blinded by the flashing cameras as he exited the conference room, voices surrounded him in a flurry of questions; the sound muffled to a static like noise. Pushing past the paparazzi he made it to the back of the building. Pushing open the metal doors he was met by the faint hues of the city.
“It doesn’t get any easier.”
Red eyes suddenly became laser focused on Aizawas form. He was leaning against the brick wall, lazily smoking a cigarette. Katsuki watched as his former teacher reached for his pocket and offered him the slightly beat up box. Now, Katsuki wasn’t much of a smoker but things have changed. He took it without question. Placing one in the corner of his mouth and setting off a small explosion to ignite it. Tossing the box back to Aizawa he mirrored him against the wall.
Katsuki debated for a moment before finally speaking up.
“They don’t care… they just want a story.”
“That’s how it goes.”
“Aren’t you mad?”
He noticed how Aizawa tensed up for a moment before relaxing back in his spot. Katsuki took a long drag of his borrowed cigarette before exhaling the toxins.
“Furious.” There was only a moment of sickening silence before he continued.
“But they aren’t like us Katsuki. They didn’t know him like we do. They saw him as this unstoppable force who would never be broken. Yet that’s not what he was. He was human like the rest of us.”
Katsuki scoffed. He knew the words were true. To an extent Katsukis always knew that, but he never experienced it like he is now. People loved heros, but it was a blind kind of love. They were thankful that heros were there to protect them, and they get sad when heros retire or pass away. But it’s a fleeting thought for them. Nothing more and nothing less. They know someone else will take their place as their protector. People, civilians, don’t know the tragedy that goes on behind the curtains. The pain and struggle it is to be a hero. The grief you experience when losing a friend that you spend every day fighting for life with.
“I miss him.”
“I know you do”
“If I-“
Aizawa placed a hand on Katsukis shoulder and gave him a squeeze. The old Katsuki would have pushed his hand away and shouted in his face, but now he ravished the gesture.
“Katsuki. No matter what they say, you couldn’t have done anything differently. You did your best.”
He nodded and took another painfully long drag from the cigarette.
“C’mon. Let’s go see him”
“…okay.”
~
The ride to the gravesite was silent for the most part. No music playing on the radio, no words spoke. Just silence. He felt like he should speak up, say something to Aizawa, but the words fell on the tip of his tongue. He knew Aizawa understood. After all, a few years prior he was in the same position he’s currently in.
When they got there Katsuki stepped out of the vehicle and followed Aizawa to the gates. He couldn’t help but hesitate for a moment as he stared up at the big metal arch. ‘Heros legacy’ was written at the top. I’m the corner of his eye he could see Aizawa waiting at the top of the hill for him. Katsuki gathered whatever strength he could and pushed himself past the entrance.
Katsukis stomach turned when he saw the gravestone. ‘Here lies Beloved hero Izuku Midoriya’ . Something about seeing it made everything feel much more real.
“Hello old friend.” He felt his eyes begin to burn as he fell to his knees.
“Say what you gotta say Katsuki. I’ll be right back.” With that Aizawa patted his shoulder before walking off. Katsuki looked over his shoulder to watch him leave, though he already knew where he was going. Turning back to the grave he let the tears finally fall.
“Idiot… you were supposed to live. Suppose to change the world… I can’t- do this without you” He wiped his eyes and sniffled.
“I’m number one now. Fuck, you lameass. Had to fuckin- go and die. I didn’t want the title this way. I was supposed to beat you.”
“I wonder if you’re looking down at me… I miss you. Hopefully, you’re happy up there. Fuckin round cheeks is crying her ass off and so is glasses… guess I can’t say much. I’ll do what you didn’t have the time to. Your vision for the world- I’ll do it. I’ll make the world safe.”
Katsuki presses his fist against the stone. Taking in a deep breath he gathered his composure.
“I’ll keep your secret… I’ll have One for All die with me. You don’t have to worry about anything Izuku. Just- Rest In Peace. You deserve it after all you’ve accomplished.”
~
When Katsuki found Aizawa he was standing at the foot of All Mights grave. He was quiet like usual, expression unmoving as he looked over the statue. Katsuki walked up, standing beside him.
“You ready old man?”
“Yeah… just updating an old friend. They’re happy together, you know. Though I think Midoriyas throwing a fit about not being buried next to him”
For the first time in a while, Katsuki laughed.
“The fanboy is probably going fuckin mental… nah knowing him he’s happy to just be buried near him”
Aizawa smiled at that
~
Two months had passed when Katsuki was finally ready to step back into the spotlight. His agency had set up a public appearance to explain where he’s been since becoming number one. Honestly, Katsuki hated being on stage. The flashing lights were always a brutal reminder of anytime he’s experienced anything bad. Yet, he stood there with pride as millions of questions were thrown his way.
“I know my disappearing act was irresponsible. But, I’m still human like the rest of you. I was taking the time I needed to mourn an important person in my life. I'm back though and I’m better than ever”
“Dynamight what are your thoughts abou-“
Katsuki raised a hand, cutting off the reporter in an instant.
“My thoughts about his death are my own. My grief is my own. You savages don’t deserve to hear my thoughts. The only reason I’m here today is to tell you this.”
Katsuki looked at the camera and glared.
“I’m going to complete his vision for the world. When I’m done you won’t have to fucking worry about lame ass villains. For you, and for those who don’t stand with us anymore”
He raised his fist in the air
“Plus Ultra”