Chapter Text
Izuku is in his office working on his half of the incident reports from his patrol with Katsuki’s earlier when there’s a soft, stilted knock on the door.
“Come on in!” calls Izuku thoughtlessly as he puts his signature at the bottom of his statement.
“Can we talk?” comes the low voice of his ex, and Izuku freezes momentarily before looking up at Shouto in confusion.
“Didn’t we do that when you broke my heart? I don’t think we have anything else to talk about.” replies Izuku evenly as he tries to focus his attention back on his work.
“I know I hurt you, but that mess at karaoke night was unnecessary. You know that!” exclaims Shouto as he steps closer to the desk.
“I was answering Ochako’s question because of the bet we’d made the month before. That was all it was.” replies Izuku with a scowl before he’s glaring at Shouto after he slams a heated hand on his desk. “If you burn my desk, you’ll pay for a new one, Todoroki. Get a hold of yourself.”
“You’re playing the victim like you weren’t just as responsible for our break-up.” sneers Shouto as he meets Izuku’s glare with one of his own, steam rising from his skin. “You didn’t listen to me, and all you care about is being a hero. I told you we needed to go public, I told you I could protect myself, but all you did was choose your rankings over everything. What did you expect me to do?”
Izuku scoffs, anger ripping through his veins before he yanks out his drawer, grabs something, shuts it, and drops a magazine on his desk. On the cover was a picture of Shouto and Inasa kissing outside of the Wonder Duo agency.
It’s dated a week before their break-up.
“That’s my fault?” asks Izuku as he stands, stabbing a finger into the magazine as he looks at Shouto, genuine hurt in his voice. “You refused to go public because you said Enji would come after me and you didn’t want anything to happen to me or this place. But that was a lie, huh Sho? You claimed that it was a family dinner night with Touya, but that was clearly a lie. So, what else did you lie about? Why are you even here?”
“I’m here because our friends are icing Inasa out because you made a scene at Karaoke night! Izuku, you can't take them from me just because we broke-up. It was mutual!” snaps Shouto harshly, flames licking at his fingertips as he loses control.
“You ended things! You did that! You told me you loved me that morning, and before I could tell you about dinner with my mom, you told me I was a good time, but you only see me as a friend.” yelled Izuku in his anger, green lightning sparking around him as he glares at Shouto. “Get the hell out of my building, Todoroki!”
“It’s not just your-” growls Shouto haughtily.
“Get him out of here, and make sure security knows he’s permanently banned, alongside Inasa, from the building.” comes the cool voice of one Katsuki Bakugou as he cuts Shouto off, security entering the room on his command.
“Bakugou, come on. This is a bit much, don’t you think?” asks Shouto as he’s grabbed by the arms.
“What was a bit much was you leaving Deku crying so you could go meet Inasa’s parents. Your handling of your entire relationship with Deku was wrong. Get him outta here before I explode his face in.” sneers Katsuki as his hands spark with mini explosions of his anger.
“Wait. I want to know how long. Todoroki, how long were you seeing Inasa behind my back?” asks Izuku in a pained voice as he stops everything with his need for answers.
“Deku, that’s not-” starts Katsuki protectively before Shouto laughs and sneers, “Since you went on that overseas mission six months ago. He gives me everything I want and more, so there’s your answer.”
“You bastard!” snarls Katsuki before he’s being held against the wall behind him by blackwhip.
“Did you ever love me?” asks Izuku numbly, not even really looking for an answer.
“No, I wanted Inasa. You were just fun until he came back from the international hero program.” replies Shouto with a smirk.
“You can go now.” says Izuku hollowly, releasing Katsuki as soon as they disappear from his sight.
“Deku, Izuku, that was not your fault.” says Katsuki as soon as he’s free, coming into the room and shutting the door behind him. “You did everything right, he’s just a bastard who doesn’t know a good thing. Zu, you didn’t deserve to be a stepping stone.”
“I know, Kacchan, but I can’t really blame him, can I? I was gone for two months on that mission, and it was a last minute mission. But even then, I said yes even though I also had feelings for Hitoshi. So, can I really blame him for being with Inasa?” asks Izuku in a gutted tone, uncertainty mixing with his hurt in a bad way as tears fall down his freckled cheeks.
“Izu, he cheated on you and he tried to blame you for it. If he didn’t want to be with you, then he shouldn’t have asked you out.” explains Katsuki as he walks over and hugs a crying Izuku, holding him tightly as he talks quietly. “He should’ve ended things. You two were building something despite the other feelings. Should you have said yes knowing you felt something for Hitoshi? No. Did you lie to him when you told him you liked him too? Also, no. This shit happens, but that’s done now. Focus on tomorrow, not two months ago.”
“Maybe I should cancel, I mean, Toshi deserves better than me.” says Izuku as he pulls out of Katsuki’s hold, panicking.
“Ah, but you can’t decide that for me, Izuku.” comes that deep voice that makes Izuku want to melt. Hitoshi is standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame smoothly. “Sorry Blasty, had to talk to Pops before I could escape UA.”
“It’s all good, Zu wouldn’t let me blast the dumbass anyways.” grumbles Katsuki as he leans on the desk while Izuku falls into his chair, still sniffling. “You two talk, I’m going to let the others know what happened. Zu, when you’re done, go home. I’ll have you do desk duty tomorrow since I have to patrol with the bastard.”
“Yeah, alright. Tell the squads I say hi.” murmurs Izuku, feeling exhausted as he rubs a hand over his face, clearing the tacky wetness harshly as Katsuki pushes off his desk.
“Will do, catch you two later. Don’t upset him more, eyebags.” says Katsuki as he passes Hitoshi and leaves the room.
“Well, that’s my sixth threat today. Should I be worried?” asks Hitoshi jokingly, smiling when Izuku snorts in response. “Izuku, I’ve liked you for a long time. So, unless you really want to cancel, I’d really like to go out with you tomorrow. I think I deserve to see my hope come to life, don’t you? I’ve been dreaming of this since our last year at UA, but I don’t want you to force yourself. If you really don’t want to, then we’ll cancel.”
“That long ago? Why didn’t you say anything?” asks Izuku as he looks at Hitoshi in surprise.
“I knew I was going under right after graduation, so I couldn’t start something when I wouldn’t be there. By the time I saw you again, you were with Shouto for a year. I decided to be your friend and take that happily instead of saying anything.” explains Hitoshi a bit sheepishly as he moves and sits in the chair in front of Izuku’s desk.
“Wow… I wasted so much time.” mumbles Izuku forlornly to himself, pouting.
“I disagree. Our time is happening right now. It’s up to us to decide when, and I think we needed to have those experiences first. Besides, we found our way here in the end. No regrets, bunny.” replies Hitoshi softly, genuine and thoughtful as he catches Izuku’s eyes with his own. “Are we still okay?”
“Yeah, of course we are! I-I’m sorry. This wasn’t how I saw today going. I’m sorry Kacchan called you because I was a mess.” says Izuku instantly, reassuring Hitoshi as he over-apologizes.
“Don’t apologize. You had every right to be upset, Izuku, and he knows that under that icy exterior. But his loss is on him.” says Hitoshi as he reaches a hand over the desk to lay on the hand Izuku’s left on top of the paperwork he’d been working on. “You deserve the world, and I’d like to be by your side as you get it. If that’s as a friend or a lover, that’s up to the both of us. And I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to, bunny.”
“I-I really want to go on our date, and I really want to see where this goes because I really like you. But I don’t want you to have to deal with me being an emotional wreck because he shows up. That’s not fair to you or anyone else.” explains Izuku as he watches Hitoshi’s thumb rub over his fingers, trying to be open about his worries.
“Izu, as your friend, or something more, I would want you to come to me about these things. I understand where you’re coming from, but I want you to feel comfortable enough to come to me. So, my question now is… Do you still want to go on a date with me tomorrow, or do you want some more time first?” asks Hitoshi, soft and understanding as he rubs his thumb in circles over Izuku’s knuckles, keeping his touch light but firm.
“I want to go on a date with you tomorrow, Toshi, no doubt about it. But I think I should make an appointment with Kacchan’s counselor.” replies Izuku a bit shyly as he meets Hitoshi’s eyes.
“If you think you should, then you know I’ll support you. Call when you’re ready. But, for now, are you feeling better?” asks Hitoshi supportively as he smiles at Izuku.
“Yeah, I really am. Thank you, Toshi, you didn’t have to come here, but I’m glad you did. How are you, by the way? Denki said you were in trouble with your boss.” replies Izuku with a thankful smile before his own worry peeks through the mess.
“Oh, yeah, that… Well, firstly, if I am able, I’ll always come, no matter what. Secondly, Denks is a goofball. I’m not in trouble with anyone, my boss had me go speak at UA to the general studies students on Pops and Nezu’s requests. That’s all it was, and he only knows that because he was leaving when I arrived.” explains Hitoshi amusedly, smirking when Izuku giggles.
“That makes more sense, so how was it?” asks Izuku curiously as he leans on his arm, elbow digging into the wooden desk.
“It was good. I’m supposed to go again tomorrow to speak to Dad’s class, so I’ll tell you more over dinner. But I’m excited for this year’s Sports Festival, that’s what I’m certain of.” replies Hitoshi softly, mind trailing back to the girl with a blood control quirk that he saw some of himself in.
“You’ll have to tell me who has you feeling all soft right now, but for the moment, I happen to have it on good authority that you have to patrol in half an hour. So, I’ll talk to you tomorrow?” says Izuku knowingly, squeezing Hitoshi’s hand gently.
“Ah, and I have to drop by Tsukauchi’s station to help with an interrogation before I go in. Text me when you get home, and I’ll pick you up from your apartment at five-thirty tomorrow. Dress casual, we’re gonna grab dinner at Lala’s Diner. By the time we’re done, we should be on time to see All Might’s Silver Age Titan movie.” Hitoshi rambles as he reluctantly lets go of Izuku’s hand to stand and pull his phone out to check the time.
“I’ll text you when I get home, and you’ll message me when you’re back home from patrol. Then I’ll see you at five-thirty on the dot, and we’ll have the best first date ever. Now, go so you aren’t late.” replies Izuku with a giddy giggle as Hitoshi playfully pouts.
“Fine, I’m going. Text you in the early hours. Get some rest, and take it easy.” says Hitoshi lightly as he walks backwards to the door.
“Text you in an hour or two, go be a kick-ass underground hero, Toshi.” replies Izuku with a soft, fond smile as Hitoshi opens the door before disappearing into the hall. “I’m so lucky.”
Izuku runs through his small stack and decides the other stacks can wait until tomorrow. He locks his office on his way out, then he peeks his head into Katsuki’s office, three doors down, at the sight of the open door.
“Kacchan, I’m heading home. Are you coming or staying?” asks Izuku when Katsuki looks up at the sound of him lightly knocking on the doorframe.
“I’ll come home now, got a date to get ready for. I’ll meet you at the car.” replies Katsuki, a soft look lighting up in his deep, red eyes.
“Alright, see you in a few then.” says Izuku before he’s turning and walking down the hall.
They take turns driving that way both of their cars are driven, but this way they don’t waste gas. They only drive because their apartment is half an hour away, and they’re too recognizable now to travel any other way without having to be completely decked out in disguises that include itchy wigs and frustrating face masks. Izuku is hit with a panic-worthy thought as he muses about driving. He’s too recognizable for public dates, they’ll be all over him and Hitoshi, by default.
Izuku pulls his phone out and quickly sends a message to Hitoshi.
Bunny: How are we going to have a date in public when I’m so recognizable? It could be catastrophic to your career. We have to do something else, I don’t want you to get in trouble!
“Would you stop panic mumbling in the middle of the office? Eyebags has a plan, stop freaking out.” comes a grumbly Katsuki from behind Izuku, making him jump in surprise. “Seriously, do they get a kick out of this too? Let’s get to the car. I have half an hour to get ready before Ei comes to get me.”
“They enjoy it a little too much, truthfully.” grumbles Izuku as he hears the quiet echo of laughter from the past users in his head before he’s shaking himself out of the connection and rushing forward to fall in step with Katsuki. “What do you mean he has a plan? Do you know the plan, Kacchan?”
“Of course I do. Who do you think helped him plan that whole thing at Karaoke night? Trust me, you’ll have a blast tomorrow night. He thought of everything.” replies Katsuki with a proud smirk as they clamber into the elevator and head to the garage below the main floor.
“Oh, are you proud of him, Kacchan?” asks Izuku teasingly as he lightly nudges Katsuki with his elbow.
“Obviously. Eyebags was very meticulous, and I can appreciate how protective he is of you. I do know the feeling as your best friend and hero partner.” says Katsuki stubbornly as the elevator doors open and they step off into the ground level of their employee parking garage. “Now, move your ass. I’ve got a date to get ready for.”
As soon as they park in their apartment’s gated parking lot, Katsuki is out and heading into the building. Izuku trails after him, chuckling at Katsuki’s date mode as he’s been doing it since Eijirou first asked him out almost a year ago.
“Move it, nerd, or I'm locking you out!” calls Katsuki over his shoulder as he steps onto the elevator, and Izuku runs and slips between the closing doors, pouting at Katsuki as the elevator moves. “It’s not my fault you caught the fuckin’ giggles, stupid nerd.
“Yes it is. You’ve got into date mode again.” replies Izuku arguably as the elevator slows to a stop on their floor.
“Oh, fuck off.” grumbles Katsuki as he shoves past Izuku, the tips of his ears turning pink.
“But we’re going to the same place, Kacchan.” replies Izuku amusedly as he follows Katsuki down the hall and into their shared apartment. “I’m going to heat up some dinner, you have fun.”
Izuku walks around Katsuki to head into the kitchen as Katsuki is typing on his phone. He pulls his own phone out as his mind reminds him that he told Hitoshi he’d message when he got home. He’s slightly surprised to see a message already from Hitoshi until he remembers he panic-messaged him.
Kitten: I’ve got a good plan, one that includes a rooftop dinner and a fully tinted car. We’re going out together, Izu, it’ll be good. As long as you’re still okay with it.
Bunny: One, I’m home. Two, you put a lot of thought into this huh? I very much still want to go out with you. It sounds even more amazing than before.
Izuku doesn’t realize he’s unconsciously activated float, until his head hits the ceiling in their kitchen. He carefully drops down, cheeks heating up as he realizes his excitement and love for this date and Toshi makes him lose control.
Kitten: One, good. Try to get some rest. Two, of course I did. Our jobs are incompatible if we let them be, and I refuse to let it stop me from going on a date with you.
Kitten: Gotta run!
Bunny: Be safe! Can’t wait for tomorrow night!
“I’m leaving, are you sure you’ll be fine for tonight after everything earlier?” asks Katsuki as he steps into the kitchen, buttoning his shirt up.
“Oh, this is a fancy dinner, huh? I’ll be fine, Kacchan. Honestly, I'll probably eat, scroll twitter, and knock out.” replies Izuku teasingly as he opens the fridge to grab his container of curry.
“You were supposed to have already been heating food up, the hell were you doing?” asks Katsuki with a suspicious look on his face.
“Texting Toshi.” replies Izuku with a shrug as he pulls out a bowl for his food.
“Whatever, don’t get into trouble. I’ll see you at the office in the morning, and your ass is on desk duty.” says Katsuki over his shoulder as he leaves the kitchen.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Have fun on your date!” calls Izuku as he sticks his bowl into the microwave and sets it to cook for a minute.
“It’ll be a blast!” calls Katsuki before the door opens and shuts.
Izuku chuckles as he watches the time dwindle for his food. When it beeps, he checks that it’s hot, then he grabs a spook and heads to the living room to watch a docuseries on quirks that he’d started two weeks ago. And that’s how his Thursday is spent.