Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shouto is so happy to have two boyfriends.

Ironically, if anyone had told Shouto back in first year just who those two boyfriends are, Shouto probably would have laughed. Maybe. He hadn’t laughed much that year, so instead maybe he’d have frozen them and reported them to Aizawa that there was a clearly delusional person making wild, false claims about the future.

And yet.

“Look, Sho!” Izuku tugs Shouto by their linked hands, looking so excited at a Squishmallow display in one of the storefronts of the mall. “This one is so perfect! And it’s huge!”

Izuku, who is so cute with his bright green eyes and wide smile and the way he speaks to everyone with such conviction and belief, is someone that Shouto would have considered untouchable. Surely out of his league for someone like Shouto, who is still learning how to be more open around people.

But Shouto would follow Izuku to the ends of the earth and back again. And in the span of their three years knowing each other, he feels like he already has.

“Idiot,” a gruff voice says from behind them. “Don’t you already have enough of those shitty dolls, Deku?”

Katsuki, on the other hand, has always been seen as untouchable for a completely different reason. Whereas Izuku’s personality is so warm and affectionate that it always seems like everyone would fall in love with him, Katsuki’s personality is prickly and angry. He’s brash, quick to anger, and has an inferiority complex that can quite literally level a neighborhood. 

But all of that is—well, not quite a lie because Katsuki really is like that, but Shouto has spent enough time with Katsuki to realize that Katsuki is just as bad at expressing emotions as Shouto is. That he cares deeply and has just a good and caring heart as Izuku. That his way of showing affection lies in his actions, rather than his words. That he has a tendency to bully people—into taking care of themselves, into trying harder, into being better.

Katsuki makes himself untouchable, which means it is an honor to be one of the few Katsuki willingly clings to.

”Kacchaaaaan,” Izuku turns to face their blonde boyfriend with those big wide green eyes that made Shouto fall for him, and Shouto knows that Katsuki is powerless against them. He wonders if this might be another quirk Izuku hasn’t told them about. “They’re not dolls! They’re Squishmallows! They’re so soft and cuddly and cute and this one is so perfect!”

“We’re not here to add to your stupid collection, Deku,” Katsuki says with what sounds like an impatient growl. To anyone, it would seem like Katsuki is annoyed. But Shouto can see the softness, and yeah, those eyes definitely worked on Katsuki.  “We’re here so you can get a shitty present for Round Face.”

“Perhaps you can find something for Uraraka and use your leftover funds to buy the cat.” Shouto offers, trying to placate the two of them.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Izuku says. And no, that won’t do. He sounds so defeated.

They do shop around, and Izuku does find something he likes for Uraraka. It’s another plush, about the size of Izuku’s torso, but still so much smaller than the cat plush he had been looking at.

Izuku looks absolutely adorable holding the plush, and it tugs at Shouto’s heartstrings. Izuku is so open, so unafraid to be himself with his emotions, and Shouto treasures it forever.

Izuku heads up to the cash register, putting the little bunny on the counter. The cashier politely tells him the total, and Izuku opens his wallet to hand her the money. Once bagged, Izuku secures the handle of the bag around his wrist and takes Shouto’s hand again.

“Come on, let’s head to the food court,” Izuku says.

“What about that cat plush, Izuku?” Shouto asks curiously.

“Oh,” Izuku blushes, looking sheepish. “I didn’t bring enough money for that. But it’s okay! I know Ochako will love her present. I didn’t come here for me after all. I’ll just get it next time we come back!”

“If you’re certain,” Shouto says. He turns to their other partner. “Katsuki, you’re unusually quiet. Not that I mind, of course.”

Katsuki, like clockwork, growls at being called out, the tips of his ears red. “I’ll show you quiet Halfie!”

“I think you’ve just proven that’s physically impossible,” Shouto smirks as they make their way to the food court. “I want soba.”

“Of course you do,” Katsuki—to his credit, quietly—grumbles.

The three of them enter the food court area, and thankfully it’s not as crowded as it usually is.

“So what’s the deal with that stupid cat doll anyway, Deku?” Katsuki breaks the silence.

“Oh,” Izuku says, and he shuffles nervously. “It’s just—it was like a perfect combination of the three of us, you know? It had two different colors on each side—like Shoucchan, except one side was green like my costume. And it was lifting weights, which I mean, we all do, of course, but, plus—And! The workout band said ‘I don’t sweat, I sparkle’ which….made me think of Kacchan. So, I thought—I mean it was just so perfect to represent, you know, us and how close we’ve become—”

“Deku, you fucking idiot,” Katsuki rolls his eyes. “You think I fucking sparkle like that glittery French fucker?”

“Wha—no! I didn’t mean it in that way—”

“Whatever, Deku, just get your shitty food and find us a table,” Katsuki huffs.

He sounds annoyed, but Shouto sees a faint pink dusting his pretty features. He wonders if Katsuki has ever been immune to Izuku, or if he’s just gotten really good at hiding it.

“The fuck are you looking at, Halfie?” Katsuki growls at him, like he’s about to set off some explosions in his direction.

“You do sparkle,” Shouto says, because riling up his boyfriend is still a favorite past time. Katsuki is always so attractive when he’s angry.

“Listen, you fucker,” Katsuki steps forward and grips Shouto’s collar.

Shouto’s listening. But he’s also watching.

He and his boyfriends are taking it slow. Katsuki is like a feral animal at times, still so skittish to show or receive affection. Shouto has never kissed him in the months they’ve been together. Instead he treasures the rare contact that Katsuki gives or allows, even under the guise of threats. 

In turn, Shouto has never kissed Izuku either. They hold hands, hug, even cuddle, most times. Izuku almost always initiates, because Shouto is still also new at affection himself. He knows the reason Izuku hasn’t kissed him is because of Katsuki; Shouto is okay with this, because he thinks all three of them should move forward at the same pace. It’s only fair after all. If Katsuki isn’t ready for kissing, Shouto doesn’t want to make him feel left out by kissing Izuku.

But when Katsuki gets close like this—when he grips Shouto’s collar, or presses Shouto up against the wall, or crowds into his space, or the times that they’ve sparred and end up on top of each other—Shouto wants . He thinks Katsuki will close the distance and press their lips together, or that he’ll let Shouto capture his mouth with his own.

Shouto licks his lips. It isn’t a conscious gesture, but given the way Katsuki’s eyes track the movement and the way those crimson eyes darken, Shouto is glad. After all, if now is the time Katsuki finally kisses him, Shouto doesn’t want his lips to be chapped.

Katsuki backs down instead, averting his gaze. He’s still gripping Shouto’s collar, but it’s a looser grip now, much to Shouto’s disappointment.

“You’re coming back here tomorrow,” Katsuki says. “And you’re not breathing a fucking word about it to Deku. Got that?”

Shouto is taken aback by that, because it’s the last thing he’s expecting Katsuki to say. “Why?”

“Weren’t you listening, you idiot? To get him that shitty cat doll.”

“It’s not a doll,” Shouto says, because he’s still in shock. “It’s a Squishmallow.”

“Halfie, I swear to fuck —”

“But why? Izuku said he’ll buy it the next time we come here. Which will more than likely be in two weeks.”

Katsuki breathes through his nose, sighing like Shouto is missing something important. “Deku only had ¥7500 from his last job. Between the food and Round Cheeks’ present, he’s got about ¥1000 left. That stupid doll cost six times that.”

“Oh,” Shouto says, not realizing. But it makes sense. Katsuki always acts like he doesn’t care to the untrained eye. But he pays attention to them, looks out for them. “Okay. Tomorrow we can come back and buy it.”

“Were you not listening to a goddamn thing I was saying, you fucking idiot?” Katsuki growls. His eyes dart away from Shouto’s face to presumably scan for Izuku. “You’re getting him the damn cat.”

Shouto frowns, not paying attention to the threatening growl. They grab their food, and he turns to Katsuki. “Why not both of us?”

“Do I have to spell it out for you, you helpless asshole?” Katsuki is keeping his voice lower now, and that growl makes it harder for Shouto to concentrate, and even harder for him to take Katsuki seriously. “It would mean more coming from you. So get out that firefucker’s little credit card and bring your ass here tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Shouto says. He realizes that Katsuki may not have funds, though he has always assumed he gets an allowance from his parents. Perhaps Katsuki can’t afford to chip in for Izuku’s gift. “All right, Katsuki. I understand.”

“About fucking time,” Katsuki holds his food to him, and he’s making a face at Shouto. “I swear I do more shit in this goddamn relationship than the two of you idiots.”

Shouto can’t help but give a small smile. It creates a fluttering feeling whenever Katsuki mentions their relationship.

They spot Izuku already sitting down, practically guarding a small table. He waves to them when they catch his attention, and Shouto feels his heart swell.

Izuku doesn’t seem sad about not being able to afford the cat, but he doesn’t bring it up again either. Shouto eats his soba diligently, and he can’t help but smirk when Izuku steals a piece of broccoli from Katsuki’s plate, earning him a warning growl.

Katsuki won’t actually attack though, mostly because it’s his way of letting Izuku eat healthily. It’s absolutely entertaining.

The cold soba is fine, decent anyway. But he does prefer Katsuki’s now. Perhaps Katsuki has spoiled both himself and Izuku.

“The fuck are you smiling at, Candy Cane?” Katsuki growls, pointing his chopsticks at Shouto.

“That you’ve spoiled us,” Shouto says honestly. “I prefer when you make soba.”

Katsuki stops mid-growl, his chopsticks frozen. His ears and cheeks are turning red, and his brain only seems to restart when Izuku uses the opportunity to steal one of Katsuki’s dumplings.

“What the fuck Deku, that’s mine! If you wanted some you should have fucking gotten your own!”

Izuku plops the whole thing into his mouth, chewing it with pride. He swallows, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Shou’s right, food really does taste better when it’s yours, Kacchan.”

“How about you taste my goddamn fist!”

Izuku just bursts into giggles, because Katsuki is doing his best to look threatening while guarding his food. It’s not working. Shouto feels warm as he watches his two boyfriends bicker, and it has nothing to do with his quirk.

Finally Katsuki backs down, never going to admit defeat and practically hunches over his food. “Fucking freeloaders, both of you.”

“May I have some of your food, Katsuki?” Shouto asks in his most innocent voice, because he is still a brat who loves to watch Katsuki get riled up.

The blonde glares at him. “Fuck off and die.”

Shouto and Izuku exchange a look. Shouto is not always the best at reading people, not by a mile. And yet, he knows that he and Izuku are thinking the same thing. Katsuki is absolutely adorable.

When they get up to leave, Izuku takes Shouto’s hand. He likes the warm side the best. Shouto stretches out his other hand to Katsuki, daring to take a risk.

“The fuck do you want?” Katsuki eyes Shouto’s hand as if waiting for Shouto to summon a weapon of ice with it.

“Hold my hand, Katsuki.”

“HAH?”

Shouto is patient. He doesn’t want to push Katsuki into doing things he doesn’t want to do. He knows Katsuki is like a scared, skittish animal when it comes to affection and yet—

“I’d like for you to hold my hand,” Shouto says with no waver in his voice.

Katsuki sputters again, and it’s so endearing. Shouto knows that they have always challenged each other, pushed each other. It’s what’s made them so great.

“The fuck, did you hit your head? The fuck you wanna hold my hand for? Deku not enough for you?”

Shouto does start wavering then. He doesn’t want Izuku to think it’s that, not at all. His heart is there for both, never because only one is not enough but because they are equal to him.

“I want to see if you’re better at it than Izuku.” It’s a very transparent way of goading him, and Katsuki narrows his eyes at him. But a little bit of that confusion has relaxed into something else, like temptation.

“Kacchan’s just self conscious about his hands,” Izuku says. “Because he sweats so much. But it’s okay! I’m on Sho’s warm side. His other side is cool, so you shouldn’t have to worry about sweating.”

“I’m not fucking self-conscious about anything, Deku!”

“Ah,” Shouto says, the final nail in the coffin. “Then it’s as I thought. You’re just afraid of simple affection. It’s understandable. Izuku was the one who helped me—”

Katsuki stomps over to them and takes Shouto’s hand, a little aggressively. It’s a little sweaty and clammy, but not in a bad way at all. Shouto does his best to regulate his temperate on that side, to cool down where their hands are joined.

“I’m not afraid of anything, fucking—shut up,” Katsuki seems to try to make it come out intimidatingly, but it’s just a low, growling mumble that Shouto has come to learn is embarrassment.

Katsuki doesn’t let go of his hand though, not even when Shouto threads their fingers together.

Shouto is happy to have two boyfriends. Even when they can be a handful or two.

–

–

Izuku is so ecstatic to have two best friends.

Well, he has more than two best friends, but Iida and Ochako are different kind of best friends than Shouto and Kacchan.

For one, the three of them were an unlikely trio. Shouto and Izuku were rivals—and still are—and it wasn’t until the Sports Festival that that had changed. Since then, Shouto has been so protective of Izuku, and Izuku has been helping Shouto come out of his shell a lot more. To see the boy who had built up so many walls around his heart because of his horrible childhood starting to become more relaxed—smiling more, laughing more, becoming more affectionate—is amazing.

Kacchan is another entity entirely. Izuku isn’t naive enough to put their past aside completely or write it off. Kacchan hurt him for most of their formative years, bullied Izuku and said horrible and awful things. Izuku only had ever seen the good in Kacchan, but still had always craved his approval.

Katsuki over the time they’ve spent at UA has softened a bit, and it’s perhaps from all the shared trauma or just general growth that Kacchan has developed a respect for Izuku. Even to the point where one night, after a particularly nasty villain had placed the two under a living nightmare quirk that Katsuki had broken down, apologizing for everything he’d put Izuku through.

The two of them had ended up talking long into the night, side by side, leaning against each other. It was a moment of vulnerability and a time that Izuku will never forget. It’s changed things between them since, and Kacchan has become so much softer now, more teasing and—caring. He’s trying, and that means everything.

And Shouto and Kacchan are also getting along. It’s amazing really. At first the two were competitive in every way, antagonizing each other. And then as Shouto grew closer to Izuku, and Kacchan and Izuku patched things up, the two boys became competitive over Izuku.

And then something had seemed to click, and now the three of them are practically inseparable. It’s taken them a long time to get to where they are now, and there are still challenges and bumps. So it’s different from Iida and Ochako, who have never had any real bumps or obstacles to overcome.

And the second biggest difference? Is that Izuku is also head over heels in love with both Shouto and Kacchan.

He’s always been a little in love with Bakugou Katsuki. Since the day they met back when they were children, Izuku’s always felt that Kacchan was different. Amazing in a way beyond others. He supposes that that was why he tended to write off a lot of Kacchan’s bullying during those years. But since they’ve been spending more time together, not only have those feelings come back in full force, but they’ve blossomed into something deeper, more mature. Less of a child with a deep crush and more of something real and forever.

With Shouto, it’s almost the opposite. It isn’t a small flame that had been nursed through the years. Rather, it had come from awe and respect, starting from the time Shouto had used his fire. Izuku had always known Shouto was incredible; but that day, Shouto was truly his own person. Izuku had seen a glimpse of the true Shouto and had wanted more.

Of course, he can never tell them. Because he knows they’ll never reciprocate.

He sees the way Kacchan looks at Shouto when he thinks they’re not looking. The way those crimson eyes will track him, that softness. The way Kacchan will look so proud of himself whenever he makes Shouto smile or give a rare laugh, and the absolute trust and adoration Kacchan has for him in a fight.

He sees the way Shouto wants and the way Shouto likes to rile up Kacchan just to get a reaction. The way that Shouto seems to thrive when Kacchan teases him, turns his attention to him.

Izuku is in love with the both of them. He can never have them. But he’s so happy that they’re all best friends.

“Oi! Nerd!” Kacchan throws something small at Izuku’s face, and it catches him between the eyes. “You’re fucking muttering!”

Izuku blinks, caught off guard. He looks at the projectile—a piece of popcorn.

He turns to the rest of the room, where the class is watching a movie with them. It looks like the only one who actually cares is Kacchan, since the others are either passively watching while on their phones or talking to the others, or are too engrossed in the film to care.

“You realize that you shouting is more disruptive than Izuku’s muttering?” Shouto asks from practically underneath him.

Izuku is curled up on the couch, wedged between Kacchan and Shouto. It’s become almost their designated couch now during movie nights, since no one wants to deal with Kacchan yelling in their ear, or with Izuku’s muttering during the whole movie, or Shouto’s tendency to ask terrible questions or make comments during inopportune moments—usually something that causes the former two’s actions.

Case in point.

“It’ll be sure as shit disruptive when I blast your ass with my fist, Halfie!”

“I didn’t know you were into fisting, Katsuki,” Shouto responds with the same deadpan tone as always.

Izuku and a few others start to giggle. Izuku especially is giggling at the way Kacchan’s face turns red and his mouth hangs open in shock.

“Did you just make a fucking sex joke, Two Face?”

“Nice one, Todoroki!” Ashido says with a cheer.

“Aww, you made Blasty blush, dude!” Sero chimes in.

Izuku gives a happy sigh. His heart is full, and he’s with the people he loves the most. His classmates are all amazing people, and despite the rivalry between Shouto and Kacchan, the two are friends and Izuku is so happy to just watch them get along.

“The fuck’s wrong with you, Deku?” Kacchan asks, eyes on him when he hears Izuku sigh. His eyebrows are pinched in something akin to worry, but Izuku knows it’s teasing, and fond.

Another check for things that make Izuku happy.

“I’m just…happy,” Izuku says. He nuzzles further into Shouto’s warm side, his thighs in Katsuki’s lap. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”

He can feel Kacchan go tense under his legs, and when Izuku looks up, he sees an expression on Kacchan’s face that’s different from anything he’s ever seen.

His eyes are almost wide and vulnerable, searching and intense. They hold an array of emotions that make Izuku feel warm and full of want.

But Kacchan’s gaze isn’t on Izuku.

Rather, Kacchan is looking above Izuku, where Izuku knows Shouto’s face is. He knows Shouto is turned toward Kacchan, because he had felt him turn his head earlier, chin brushing against Izuku’s curls.

He doesn’t know what expression Shouto has on his face, but if it’s enough to make Kacchan look like that then it must be pretty full of emotion too.

Izuku feels like he’s witnessing a moment not meant for him.

Izuku is in love with the both of them. And if they never return his affections, that’s fine. He’s perfectly happy with moments like this.

It seems that Kacchan and Shouto only have eyes for each other anyway.

“Just…shut up and stop your damn mumbling,” Kacchan says to Izuku quietly, his own tone mumbled. He sounds a little embarrassed, and huffs as he turns back to the screen.

Izuku knows he must be rattled or struggling with whatever emotions he’s feeling toward Shouto. He wonders if he should say something…but he knows he’s selfish and he’s afraid he might end up saying something that could sabotage the two of them getting together. Maybe it needs to happen naturally anyway.

When Kacchan’s hand comes to gently rest on Izuku’s leg, Izuku nearly cries from happiness.

Even if Kacchan and Shouto were to end up together, it’s nice to know Izuku won’t get left behind.

—

—

Katsuki hates Deku and he hates Todoroki.

He hates Deku’s stupid face, the amount of freckles on his face that always seem to grow in number in the sunlight. He hates Deku’s shitty green hair and green eyes that remind Katsuki of running through the forests when they were little, the curls that make Katsuki want to run his fingers through. He hates Deku’s shitty smile that’s always so wide and animated, that makes Katsuki want to smile back, wants to reach out and touch it and see if it tastes as good as it looks.

He hates that Deku has always been in his corner, even when Katsuki had treated him like shit. Hates the guilt he feels when he sees Deku flinch sometimes when Katsuki reaches for him, the pain he hears in Deku’s voice when he talks about how people treated him in the past. He hates that Deku, despite all the shit Katsuki has put him through, is still by his side.

He hates Todoroki too. He hates that pretty boy face, the way his hair, his eyes, his entire body is split into two colors, two sides and with that scar around his eyes he still looks fucking perfect. He hates the smoothness of his voice, the deadpan snark he gives, and the way he doesn’t flinch whenever Katsuki is in a Mood.

He hates that Todoroki is badass, powerful on a whole other level, and that when he laughs it feels like one of Katsuki’s proudest accomplishments. He hates that Todoroki is not only hot but he’s fucking cute and says such funny, snarky things but also innocently stupid things. He hates that he puts Katsuki in his place and is unafraid, and even more so, that he sticks by his side and that Katsuki trusts him with his life.

Katsuki hates that Deku and Todoroki make Katsuki feel so many things that he never wanted, that he fucking loves them both.

He hates it, because Deku and Todoroki are dating each other.

The worst part is, they’re both good for each other. Deku does what Deku does best—he brings out the best in Todoroki. He helps Todoroki come out of his shell, helps by encouraging him to use his fire, to turn his back on his shitty old man, to be himself and no one else. He makes Todoroki laugh and smile more, makes him seem more open and touchy and gives the space for Todoroki to show off who he is. It’s those glimmers of personality that Katsuki cherishes so much, that softness that Todoroki trusts Deku with, that he seems to inexplicably trust Katsuki with too.

And Todoroki is…kind to Deku. He shows Deku what a real friend and rival should look like. Not the shitty punk kid bully that Katsuki had been so long ago. He takes care of Deku, guards him, watches over him. Todoroki would die for Deku five times over, would give Deku the world.

It makes Katsuki want to be better.  It makes him want to be a better friend and rival to Deku, to take care of the shitty nerd. It makes Katsuki bite the inside of his cheek when Shouto shows himself more, like the time that he took them to a cat cafe and Katsuki got to see the dumbass looking so at peace and happy in a way he’d never seen.

It all comes to a head when Deku gets sick.

The dumbass is terrible at taking care of himself. It’s almost to the point where Recovery Girl, Aizawa, All Might, and practically anyone with half a brain cell are barring Izuku from getting himself healed too easily. Thinking that that’ll be a deterrent for him not breaking himself over and over to the bone.

It’s tough love, and Katsuki is nothing but the toughest.

That’s why he’s angrily stirring the soup he’s making, tasting the broth and making faces because it’s not fucking ready yet.

“What did the soup do to piss you off?” Shouto’s voice startles Katsuki from his thoughts. He isn’t showing it though; doesn’t even bother to look up at the other boy.

“None of your damn business,” Katsuki snaps instinctively. Todoroki doesn’t even react. “Here, taste this.”

He holds the soup spoon up to Todoroki’s lips, hovering it a couple inches away. Todoroki looks at it like it’s poison, one eyebrow raised.

“It’s fucking soup, idiot. I didn’t poison it.”

“It’s not spicy, is it?” Todoroki pauses.

“The fuck would it be? Deku doesn’t like spicy shit. Fucking whimp.”

Something lights up in Todoroki’s eyes, something soft that warms through Katsuki’s heart.

“Ah. This is for Izuku?” Todoroki asks, before he dives in.

Katsuki‘s about to say something witty and call him a dumbass because that’s what he just fucking said except—Shouto’s lips wrap around the spoon and he tastes the soup and his eyes flutter closed and he makes the most sinful fucking noise that echoes through Katsuki’s brain and it’s too fucking pornographic for goddamn soup and—

“Izuku will appreciate it,” Todoroki says. “It’s really good, Katsuki.”

Todoroki’s voice is soft in a way that Katsuki isn’t totally sure he’s just talking about soup. Like Katsuki has done something good and Shouto is…proud? And Katsuki doesn’t need his approval for shit, doesn’t need him to tell him he’s good, except—he feels himself preen under the praise anyway, eats it up like it’s the best thing.

“I’m not doing this for Deku’s shitty appreciation, Candy Cane,” Katsuki glowers at the soup. “I’m doing it because the idiot can’t take fucking care of himself and I’m tired of going easy on all the fucking extras. He needs to get better so I can have someone on my level to spar against.”

“Ah, well at least you’re admitting I’m far better than you.”

“That’s not what I fucking said!”

Todoroki gives one of those smiles and fucking FUCK. Katsuki needs to focus on cooking before he burns something.

A too-warm hand falls onto the nape of his neck, and Katsuki feels his heart both seem to stop and beat faster than ever at the touch.

“Thank you, Katsuki, for looking after Izuku. For caring for him the way you do.”

And there it is, that other shoe, that reminder that Todoroki and Izuku are together, that Todoroki is only looking at Katsuki with soft smiles because Katsuki is doing something nice for his boyfriend.

Katsuki hates it. He hates that it doesn’t make him angry like it probably should, doesn’t make him want to snap or yell. That he’s going to care for Deku and Todoroki anyway, even if they don’t look his way.

Fuck.

“Yeah well, it’s not like you can cook for shit,” Katsuki says. “It’ll be done in a half hour. Just gotta let it simmer.”

“Okay,” Todoroki says. “Can I help you clean?”

Katsuki looks at him through narrow eyes, skeptical. “Why.”

“You went through so much trouble making Izuku soup to make him feel better,” Todoroki says as if it’s obvious. “It’s only fair that I be the one to help you clean.”

Ugh. Katsuki hates how logical it sounds, while also sounding like Todoroki is helping him. When really, he’s probably just doing it so he feels like he’s helping his stupid boyfriend or whatever.

“Fine, whatever,” Katsuki says. “I don’t fucking care.”

Todoroki gathers the dirty dishes—not much except for the chopping knives and cutting board, some bowls and measuring spoons. He doesn’t turn the water on, instead hovers both hands over the sink.

Katsuki’s eyes widen as he watches ice and fire come out of his hands simultaneously, turning into hot water. Todoroki looks like he’s concentrating to do it, and soon the dishes are soaking in hot, soapy water.

He puts his hands down, and while he looks like it’s totally nothing, Katsuki can see the telltale little smirk that pulls just slightly at the corner of his lips when he takes in Katsuki’s expression.

“Impressive, right?” Todoroki says. “I’ve been working on that, creating different types of water between my quirks. I thought it might be useful for certain disasters.”

Katsuki scowls at being called out for the stupid look on his face. It’s probably is a more muted look of the one he’d had when he’d first saw Todoroki use his quirk.

“It’s okay, I guess,” Katsuki scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Stop fucking fishing for compliments.”

He glances at the soup, knowing it’ll be another half hour or so. He’s itching to do something, but also doesn’t want Todoroki to leave either. Not that he’d admit that.

“Would you like to watch something?” Todoroki asks, tilting his head. “I know you said there would be some time before Izuku’s soup is done.”

Fuck. Katsuki hates Todoroki sometimes, like when they’re on the same goddamn page and things are just so…easy. Like Todoroki understands Katsuki in a way that others don’t.

“We’re not watching one of your shitty animal documentaries,” Katsuki says as he makes his way toward the common room.

Partially because Katsuki fucking hates how Todoroki looks so damn cute when he’s watching one of those nature shows about animals and especially big cats. He knows that right now he needs to ramp down all those feelings, because Todoroki and Deku are together, and Katsuki is—

He’s just…their friend. That’s what he needs to be. He can’t keep letting his feelings for either of fuck up one of the only things that matter in his life.

“Can we…watch an All Might special?” Todoroki says, in that voice that Katsuki recognizes as almost timid, shy. “Izuku says they’re worth watching. That you two watched them growing up.”

Katsuki initially scowls at that, wanting to bite out a retort about Deku being a fanboy, about how he’s fucking surprised that Deku wouldn’t have forced Todoroki into watching every single All Might movie that had come out as a requirement to be his boyfriend.

But then…he remembers Todoroki’s father. He remembers exactly why that bastard had given Todoroki such a shitty, trauma-filled childhood. He knows without a doubt that any and all All Might merchandise or paraphernalia would have been banned in the Todoroki household.

He wonders if Todoroki ever wanted to watch one of these movies, had asked to watch one as a boy innocently to his father, and what that asshole’s reaction would have been.

Katsuki, not for the first time, wants to fucking kick Enji Todoroki’s face in for ever laying a hand on Shouto.

So instead he rolls his eyes, moving to flop on the couch. “Deku had every single tape he could get his grubby little hands on.”

Todoroki’s lips quirk in a grateful smile, and he sits on the same couch, just a few inches away from Katsuki. “I bet you did too.”

Katsuki glares at him without any heat, scrolling through the video library until he pulls up one of his childhood favorites.

“Just shut up and watch.”

And they did just that.

As the movie goes on, Katsuki can’t help but be more tuned in to the way Todoroki seems to be so enraptured. His heterochromatic eyes are alight with wonder, and so engrossed in the film. It’s practically a kid’s movie and yet—

The small gasp at his side when All Might seems to be in danger makes Katsuki’s lips move, warms his heart. Considering that Todoroki knows All Might personally and knows that he’s obviously safe and sound.

Over the course of the next half hour, they seem to also lean into each other, scooting closer to each other subconsciously. It’s not until their thighs are practically touching and Katsuki can feel the heat radiating from Todoroki that he even really notices.

As the short movie comes to an end, Todoroki’s eyes are lit up with excitement, and he turns to face Katsuki.

“Thank you for letting me watch this,” Todoroki says. “I’ve…never watched anything with All Might until now, except for what’s in the course curriculum.”

“We’re just killing time, Icy Hot,” Katsuki rolls his eyes, squashing down how those words makes him feel. “Not like I’m trying to do you any favors.”

“Still,” Todoroki says. He’s so close to Katsuki. “I…I really like spending time with you, Katsuki.”

The first name basis. The way it rolls off Shouto’s tongue like silk. The way he can feel the heat of Shouto’s body and the coolness of his breath.

“Icy Hot,” Katsuki starts, his voice dry. It comes out as a whisper, not wanting to break whatever atmosphere this is.

“Shouto,” Todoroki says, voice quiet. “Call me Shouto.”

Katsuki licks his lips, his heart racing at the intimacy of it all. Shouto. Fuck, it’s a curse. The way it’s all so pretty on Shouto’s lips, his own name, Katsuki’s name, that he’s offering Katsuki another part of him, platonic when all Katsuki wants is—

“Shouto—”

Shouto’s lips on his. A sweet kiss, Shouto cupping Katsuki’s cheek. Katsuki feels his heart stutter, feels himself pressing his lips back.

Shouto’s lips aren’t hot or cold, but are chapped and rough. Whether from biting or from some weird effect from his quirk, he isn’t sure, but fuck does this boy need chapstick. And yet—it’s perfect, everything Katsuki has ever wanted.

Todoroki— Shouto —makes a noise in the back of his throat, pressing closer, and Katsuki grabs a fistful of Shouto’s shirt and pulls him close.

It’s so perfect, and Katsuki wants to bury his fingers in Shouto’s hair, wants to grab Shouto’s perfect and cute little ass and hear Shouto make those noises, wants to do everything he’s been trying not to fantasize about because—

Deku.

It’s like Shouto's just used his quirk on Katsuki, because in that moment he feels as though his blood is running cold.

And is replaced with red hot anger.

He immediately shoves Shouto—Todoroki—back on the couch with as much force as he can muster, fury filling his mind.

“What the fuck, Icy Hot?” Katsuki glares at him.

Todoroki touches his own lips gently, his eyes wide. “What….was that….not okay?”

“Was that not okay?” Katsuki repeats, explosions popping from his hands. “Of course that wasn’t fucking okay! What the fuck is the matter with you? Just—kissing people just because you fucking think you can?”

“I—” Todoroki looks a little confused, if not also just a little sad. “I misread. I thought you’d wanted me to kiss you. And you just looked so…good.”

“What the—” Katsuki reels at that last part, and really, is he so fucking obvious that Todoroki can see his crush on him? Not like that fucking matters. “And what about Deku, huh? What, you can’t get any from him because he’s fucking sick so you decide to fucking throw yourself on me instead?”

“That’s not why I kissed you, Katsuki—”

“Out.” Katsuki commands, pointing toward the door. “I’ll bring up the soup to Deku and take care of him, because at least one of us gives a shit. Get the fuck out of here. Before I blow your fucking face off.”

“Please, let me explain—”

“I don’t fucking care,” Katsuki says, eyes hardening at the name. “What the hell kind of boyfriend are you, anyway? Because from my viewpoint, you’re a fucking shitty one. Never thought you of all people would stoop this low.” 

Todoroki looks struck, hurt and he nods. “Okay. I’m…I’m sorry, Katsuki.”

And with that, he’s gone.

What the hell just happened?

Chapter Text

Katsuki has been standing outside Deku’s door for a full minute, a warm bowl of soup in his hands.

He has to tell Deku. Izuku. He has to look Izuku in his eyes and tell him that his boyfriend put the moves on Katsuki. That Izuku’s boyfriend kissed Katsuki.

And that Katsuki liked it a little. Okay, a lot.

Not the whole cheating part—that part is scummy as shit and Katsuki may be an asshole but he’s not about to be a homewrecker for his two best friends. Especially after all he’s done to Deku.

And fuck, he knows that Deku will be heartbroken, that Katsuki is going to chip away more at the perfect ray of sunshine that is Izuku Midoryia, because that’s something Katsuki seems to be an expert in.

But it’s so, so, so much better than not telling him. Than keeping it a secret. He owes Deku that much, if not everything in the whole world.

“Fuck!” He kicks the door out of frustration and anger.

“…Kacchan?” 

Izuku opens the door, and fuck. He looks absolutely pathetic.

His eyes are red-rimmed and watery. He looks like he’s been crying, but Katsuki has seen Izuku cry so much that he knows it’s not the regular Deku crying, and more red and watery from whatever the fuck sickness he has.

His nose is almost as bright red as his cheeks, swollen and puffed up. Even his voice sounds scratchy. He’s wearing tattered and well-worn All Might pajamas, ones that Katsuki has only seen once or twice when Izuku has been in a very comfy state.

He’s got a blanket huddled around him.

He’s adorable.

Katsuki is fucked. Here he is thinking Izuku is adorable, and having fucking feelings that are inappropriate when he just kissed Izuku’s boyfriend not even a half hour ago, and is about to come blow up their relationship. And here he is thirsting after Deku. While he’s sick.

Katsuki’s going to hell. If he’s not already there.

“Eat this and go fuck yourself,” Katsuki thrusts out the container of soup.

Deku’s eyes fall to the container slowly, then back up to Katsuki. Then back to the container. And then to Katsuki. And it’s not fucking cute or anything, the fact that the sickness seems to be clouding Deku’s brain more than normal.

“Kacchan….made me soup?” Izuku blinks, and immediately lets out a sneeze into his sleeve, sniffling.

“Don’t make it weird,” Katsuki says, ignoring the tug that makes him want to wrap Izuku up in even more blankets and spoon feed the soup to him. Yeah, that’s not a normal thought even when you’re crushing on someone, and Katsuki is not going to unpack that thought today. “You look like shit.”

“I’m okay, really,” Izuku says, and his eyes are watering again. “Kacchan, you should go though. I don’t—I don’t want to get you sick.”

That makes up Katsuki’s mind pretty fast, and he’s barging into Deku’s bright yellow and blue room. It’s disgusting. Katsuki doesn’t know why he seems to like guys with such terrible taste.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Katsuki says, shoving past Deku, whose eyes are widening in shock. “Your room is ridiculous.”

“Kacchan, what are you doing in my room? You can’t be in here, you’re gonna get sick—!”

Katsuki rolls his eyes and ignores Deku’s flailing to take a look around. He’s never actually been in Izuku’s room long enough.

There are All Might posters and memorabilia everywhere. The whole room is practically decorated with that ugly yellow and blue. Katsuki, of course still has some posters and merch of his own, but knowing Yagi Toshinori has dulled some of his fanboy fawning. He still likes the guy, but getting to know him up close has really made All Might less of a novelty. Especially given that Katsuki knows just how many bones Izuku has broken cause of the guy.

There’s a spot on the wall that’s dedicated to the class. A photo of Deku, Uraraka and Iida, another of Deku and his mom, another of Deku, his mom and All Might (and Katsuki does not want to look to hard into that), and Deku with what has been affectionately titled by the class as the (ugh) Dekusquad.

But what’s more curious is the near shrine that surrounds Deku’s desk. There’s a familiar sight of an orange X that catches his eye, and Katsuki realizes it’s his own merch, a prototype design. Next to it is another one that Katsuki’s never seen, but the flame and ice symbols he can definitely tell is Shouto’s design.

There are photos of the three of them in various poses and frames. A photo that Izuku must have stolen from either Katsuki’s mother or Auntie Inko, of Katsuki and Izuku as toddlers, snuggled up and napping together on a giant bed, the two of them wearing matching All Might onesies. Another is Deku and Todoroki from what looks like first year, where Deku has his arm wrapped around Todoroki‘s shoulder. Deku is grinning wide while Todoroki has a small smile on his face.

Katsuki lingers on that photo for a moment, but it’s the one that’s framed and in center view on the desk that he feels a curl in his gut.

It’s a photo that had been taken at Deku’s birthday party earlier that year. It had been hosted at his home, and Katsuki remembers Auntie Inko being so happy that Katsuki and Izuku were friends again. She had wanted a picture of Katsuki, Izuku, and Todoroki all together, and who was Katsuki to say no to his auntie?

So he’d slung an arm around Deku’s shoulder, while Todoroki had his arm around Izuku’s waist. Izuku had the biggest grin, his eyes crinkling with absolute happiness. In that photo, Katsuki’s eyes are warm and fond, a smirk on his face. Todoroki’s got a smile too, and it’s wider and softer than the first year photo, a testament to his growth and how relaxed and happy he must feel with them. Katsuki remembers how it felt good to have Izuku and Todoroki this close. And it’s all there, so obvious and on display how Katsuki feels about them both in that moment.

And now he’s about to fuck it all up.

"Kacchan?" Izuku's voice is full of worry now. "Kacchan, what's wrong?"

Katsuki balls his hand into a fist at his side and takes a deep breath, turning to look at Izuku. Deku's back on his bed, still huddled up in that blanket and looking paler than normal with a red stuffy nose. He's looking up at Katsuki with worried eyes, and Katsuki pushes through the guilt, the reluctance of making Deku feel worse than he looks.

"Deku," Katsuki starts, then licks his lips and tries again. "Izuku."

He sees Izuku's eyes widen just a little at Katsuki's correction and use of his first name, knowing whatever it is, it's serious. Good, he's got Deku's attention now. Now to break his heart. Katsuki promised himself ages ago he'd never hurt Izuku again, but Izuku not knowing would just make things worse.

"Kacchan, wha—”

"IcyHot kissed me."

Izuku immediately grows quiet, his eyes round and wide. He sharply inhales, and Katsuki is ready for the onslaught.

"Shoucchan...kissed you?" Izuku asks quietly.

It sounds more like a squeak, serious but also full of curiosity. And yet, Katsuki is pretty sure he can detect an undertone of betrayal, sadness.

"Yeah," Katsuki grits out. "And I kinda...kissed him back. Just for a second."

"Oh," Izuku says, then just goes silent. Katsuki wonders if Deku's got a fever or something, or if the news of Katsuki kissing his boyfriend is so shocking that Izuku's brain has stopped working correctly.

Katsuki clenches his jaw and folds his arms across his chest, looking over at the wall. "Fucking...say something, Deku. Be angry at me, or whatever."

"Kacchan..." Izuku's voice sounds softer now, and he scoots closer to Katsuki, leaning forward. "Kacchan why would I be angry? I'm...so happy right now."

Now it's Katsuki's brain that has stopped working. His eyes narrow, and he finally turns to face Deku, who's got a happy smile on his face, true to his word. Katsuki can tell Izuku's fake smiles from his real ones, and he can tell this is definitely a real one.

"What."

"Kacchan, I've known how you and Shouto have felt about each other for a while," Izuku says with a small and amused smile. "Neither of you are exactly subtle. You flirt all the time around me. It's cute."

That makes white-hot shame cut through Katsuki's gut. "Fuck, Zuku, I'm sorry. I didn't realize—”

"Kacchan, stop," Izuku says, placing his hand on Katsuki's arm. It's warm, too hot, and Katsuki is reminded that Izuku is sick and probably needs rest and is maybe a little delirious. "If I was uncomfortable I would have said something a while ago. I'm not. Honestly, it's cute how you and Shou are."

Holy fuck.

Katsuki's mind is reeling. So Izuku is okay with Shouto flirting with Katsuki around him, and is okay with Shouto kissing someone other than him. Polyamory isn't something new to Katsuki by any means. It's somewhat common, and about half the classroom is in some kind of weird messy polycule that Katsuki isn't touching with a ten foot pole.

But he's never realized that Izuku is polyamorous. He always thought Izuku was someone who would be a big romantic at heart with eyes for only one person (Katsuki, he’d hoped). Of course, he also had thought that Shouto is so emotionally stunted even one person is too much to balance.

Then again, Izuku is a big romantic at heart, and has a tendency to just love everyone he meets. And Izuku is the kind of nerd that just loves love in general.

That's...huh. That opens up a whole new can of worms. He wonders then...if he can date Shouto. And maybe...if he can also date Izuku. If there's a chance that the three of them can actually be together.

"So you'd be okay...if I dated Half and Half," Katsuki says, just to confirm. "Shouto Todoroki. If I—if I kissed him and—fuck, you know, all that shit. You wouldn't be upset."

"Yes, Kacchan," Izuku says fondly. "I love you both so much, and you two being happy is what makes me happy. Why would I be upset if my two favorite people also love each other? Just promise I'll still get to hang out with you guys, that you won’t leave me behind."

Katsuki lets out a breath, feeling better. He's got to apologize to Shouto, make it up to him. Now that he knows Deku is okay with sharing, he's got to plan. He's going to properly apologize in a way that'll sweep the bastard off his feet. And then, when Deku sees what an amazing romantic Katsuki is, that's when Katsuki's going to bring up the three of them being together, the way it should be.

Fuck yeah, great planning. Katsuki’s a fucking genius.

—

—

"Icy—Todo— fuck !—Shouto!"

Shouto is ready to head to bed when he hears it from down the hallway behind him.

Normally hearing the stuttering from that voice would make Shouto smile, smirk. And certainly he does feel the humor of it. But it also brings up the memories of the evening before, when Shouto had kissed Katsuki and angered him.

And what a kiss it had been.

But Shouto is one who values consent and bodily autonomy. After all, it was his father who had showed Shouto the value of what it is to be your own person, free to make your own choices, rather than a whole destiny forced upon you. It had been clear that Katsuki had not been ready for kissing the night before, and Shouto had let his own desires consume him in his own flame.

What kind of boyfriend are you?

This line has been ruminating through Shouto's mind for hours, wondering the same thing with guilt.

But Shouto must face Katsuki. He needs to apologize for his brash behavior. Needs to apologize for forcing himself upon his boyfriend. He is not the kind of partner who would do that, and certainly isn't one who would do that because his other partner is sick. Shouto is still so...new at all of this, and he knows he must do better, must be held accountable for his actions.

When he turns to face Katsuki, he's not expecting the explosive blonde to grab Shouto by the collar and kiss him.

Shouto is stunned at first, but he melts into the kiss. Katsuki is the one kissing him, after all. Katsuki's lips are warm and soft, and he faintly tastes like the caramel sweetness that radiates from him. Shouto relaxes, his hands moving chastely to Katsuki's shoulders. It's a fierce kiss, brush after brush of lips, and Shouto finds that he can drown in this touch, this warmth. It's everything he's ever wanted and more.

They part with an audible sound that makes Shouto feel warm, and it has nothing to do with his quirk.

"I'm sorry--" they both say in unison, and frowns of confusion mirror on their faces.

"Why the fuck are you sorry?" Katsuki asks. He hasn't really stepped away from Shouto, his thumb brushing over Shouto's jaw. Shouto shivers at the touch.

"I...forced myself on you," Shouto says. "Last night. I misread the moment and upset you. That isn't the kind of partner I want to be. I don't want to hurt you, Katsuki." 

"Fuck," Katsuki swears under his breath. He looks down the empty hallway, behind himself and behind Shouto. "Come on, let's get inside away from the prying extras."

Shouto doesn't see anyone in the hallway, and from what he knows, most of them are downstairs watching a movie. But he opens his door to his room, and Katsuki walks in first like it's his room, not Shouto's. Shouto follows him in and closes the door behind him.

He blinks at Katsuki.

"Let's get one thing straight," Katsuki says. "You're a dumbass. But not for the reason you think. Look, you didn't...you didn't force yourself onto me. I was just surprised, alright? And I didn't know—I just fucking assumed—I talked to Deku after. I didn't want him to get hurt. I didn’t want to…fuck things up with him more than I already have. But he said it was okay, that he was happy about it and shit. So I just...yeah. You're not a bad boyfriend, or any of the shit that I said. I’m sorry." 

Shouto feels a weight off his shoulders at the words, and Katsuki must realize just how deeply it all had affected him. Katsuki rarely apologizes, and hearing him so honest and raw makes Shouto truly relieved. Katsuki puts his forehead against Shouto's, and Shouto closes his eyes.

But it's sweet, really. Katsuki had been worried about Izuku not being there for their first kiss. Of Izuku being left out. Katsuki's one who is always quick to be emotional, quick to get upset, so it was to be expected for something that would catch Katsuki off-guard. Once again, Shouto is grateful to have such a thoughtful partner.

"I'm sorry," Shouto says. "I'm still very new at all of this. I should have been more clear beforehand, especially in regards to Izuku. Truthfully, I didn't think he'd be upset about me kissing you without him there, but I didn't communicate that to you." 

"Nah, it's good," Katsuki sighs, looking away. "I just...didn't know you and Deku were...open like that."

Shouto nods. "Of course we are. We tell each other everything. He's my best friend as much as he is my boyfriend. Just as much as you are."

There's something that sparks across Katsuki's face, makes him flush pretty and pink. It's almost coy, shy, and Shouto finds he likes that look.

"Yeah? Is that what we are?" Katsuki's eyes drop down to Shouto's lips, and he looks both shy but also...flirty. That definitely makes Shouto heat up in all the right ways.

"Of course we are," Shouto says. He's not the best at actively flirting, but he still tries. Especially given the misunderstanding and the fight. "If you still want me."

Katsuki's in his space again, gripping Shouto's uniform shirt. "Then let's go out on a date. Tomorrow. As boyfriends or whatever."

Shouto has never seen this much affection and confidence radiating from Katsuki. Either kissing has awakened something in the other, or the talk between Katsuki and Izuku has unleashed a whole new monster. Either way, Shouto is very pleased. He licks his lips, and relishes in the sight of Katsuki tracking the movement. Shouto backs up minutely until he feels the edge of his desk digging into his thighs. He grips the ledge with his hands, wanting to touch but not wanting to scare Katsuki away.

"Okay," Shouto says. "A picnic, after classes. Can we kiss more?"

Katsuki crowds into Shouto's space, pressing him back further against the desk and captures his lips again with an almost feral smirk that has Shouto's heart racing. He's definitely happy that everything's been smoothed over between his boyfriends, and he's eager for the upcoming date.

He's very proud of how great he and his boyfriends are at communication.

—

—

"Izuku," Shouto waves when he sees his friend training in the gym later that day. He hasn't seen Izuku in almost the entirety of the weekend, since he'd been out sick. Shouto is pretty sure Izuku was on mandatory bedrest on Aizawa's orders the day before up until this evening. 

"Sho!" Izuku greets, his face cheerful and full of light. Izuku wraps his arm around Shouto's shoulders and hugs him happily. Shouto feels so happy, missing his boyfriend's presence, and he hugs back tightly. 

"Hello, Izuku," Shouto greets. His gaze trails over Izuku's face which is lightly flushed, eyes lit up. He looks very attractive, and not for the first time today does Shouto wonder what kissing Izuku will feel like. He wants to try, especially now that he's kissed Katsuki, but he also isn't sure if Izuku is still contagious and possibly pass it along to Katsuki. There's time for kissing later. Still, Shouto's struck by how soft and plump Izuku's lips are, how beautiful Izuku is. "You look very good today."

"Thanks, Sho," Izuku beams. "I'm feeling a lot better than yesterday. I was just about to spar with Kirishima and Kaminari. Do you want to join?"

Shouto glances across the gym, seeing the two boys wave at him. He nods at them. "I suppose I could for a bit. I don't have any plans for the rest of the evening."

"That's great!" Izuku says, then squeezes his arm. "By the way, how are things with Kacchan? Did you two get a chance to talk?"

Shouto smiles at that, at the way his partner is concerned over them. Shouto loves him so much. "We did. It was a simple misunderstanding. I was worried that I had pushed things too far, but Katsuki assured me he's ready for this step. We've been kissing a lot."

Izuku's face is starting to flush, and Shouto wonders if Izuku may still be a bit sick. Shouto raises his cool hand to Izuku's forehead, hoping that helps.

"Are you feeling well, Izuku?" Shouto asks. "Your face is looking red. Perhaps you should go back to resting."

"I'm fine! I mean, you know, just a little flushed from working out is all, I promise, but I'll drink some water before I spar, yep, that's definitely it--" Izuku starts muttering in a way that Shouto finds endearing.

"Before we spar," Shouto says. "Katsuki and I were going to go on a picnic tomorrow after class. Would you like to join? It would be nice to spend time together, since we didn’t see you much over the weekend."

Izuku opens his mouth as if to ask a question, but Kaminari and Kirishima start calling for him. Izuku just beams at him and nods. "Sure! I'll be there! Come on, Sho!"

Izuku grabs Shouto's hand, pulling him toward the other end of the gym where the other boys are waiting. Shouto laces their hands together, smiling.

He's looking forward to their date. 

—

—

Izuku’s looking forward to hanging out with his best friends.

For one, it had been near torture that he’d been cooped up in his room for most of the weekend. Aizawa-sensei had only let Izuku spar with the others the day before, because he’d been feeling much better for one, and for two Izuku might have been blowing up Hitoshi’s phone about Kacchan and Shouto getting together until Aizawa had personally texted Izuku to leave his room and do something productive and to stop texting his adopted son.

Izuku totally owes Hitoshi for being a true friend. Unlike Ochako, who blocks Izuku’s number when he starts talking about Kacchan and Shouto and how amazing they are and that Izuku doesn’t want to get in between them but also he would give anything to get in between them and—

Of course he’s happy Kacchan and Shouto are together. He hadn’t been lying to Kacchan when he’d said it. But at the same time, it’s hard seeing the two people he’s in love with only have eyes for each other. He worries this will change things, that he’ll still get left out, be a third wheel—

Except, Shouto invites him to come hang out. Like they always do. Shouto and Kacchan are together but they still want to hang out with Izuku. They missed him. And that’s more important than anything.

Classes go by and Izuku doesn’t get much of a chance to talk to the other two. The class has been swarming him a bit, happy to see him back. Shouto and Katsuki aren’t the only ones who have missed Izuku.

He’s not too worried though. They’ll be together soon for the picnic.

–

–

Shouto knocks at Izuku’s door after classes. Izuku gives his friend a smile when he opens the door, ignoring the familiar butterflies that are fluttering within him at the way Shouto’s lips tug up in a soft smile aimed just at him.

“Katsuki insisted on leaving first to set up,” Shouto explains. “Would you like to walk together?”

“Sure,” Izuku says. He doesn’t know why he feels so nervous. He and Shouto and Kacchan hang out all together all the time. Maybe it’s because this is the first time that they’re all hanging out since Kacchan and Shouto started dating.

Izuku wonders how different it’ll be now. Shouto and Kacchan have never been one for outright affection, and yet they’re also probably the two most touch starved people Izuku knows. Izuku wonders if they’ll act the same, like close friends, or if their teasing and bantering will end with kissing instead of fighting.

Izuku doesn’t know how to feel about that. 

“Are you okay, Izuku?” Shouto asks, breaking Izuku out of his spell. 

Izuku worries for a horrifyingly embarrassing moment that he’s been muttering, but the genuine concern in Shouto’s eyes make Izuku breathe a sigh of relief. “Yeah! Great, just thinking about—things, you know me. What did Kacchan make for the picnic?”

"I'm not sure, actually," Shouto says. He takes Izuku's hand, and threads their fingers together. "He refused to tell me. I believe his words were 'none of your goddamn business because you're going to like whatever I cook for your ungrateful ass.'"

"So romantic," Izuku deadpans, supportively. At least, he hopes it comes out supportively, and not in a jealous way. Not in a way that makes Izuku sound like he wishes Kacchan would tease him in such an affectionate way, and not in a way that makes Izuku sound like the warmth of Shouto's hand in his is giving him butterflies, wishing they could hold hands as boyfriends. He's happy for them. He really is.

The two talk as they head over toward the fields. Shouto asks about how Izuku is feeling and whether being sick affects his quirk in any way. Which in reality, Izuku hadn't really noticed, and now that that can of worms opens, Izuku is curious about if Shouto's quirk is affected when he's sick. This leads to Shouto confessing that he has no real ability to regulate his temperature when he's sick, which results in things like coughing up ice, sneezing fire, and literal steam coming off of him when he has a fever.

That is enough to get Izuku's thoughts going, about things he wants to test out next time Shouto gets sick, trying to think back to the last time he's ever seen Shouto actually sick in the first place, and wondering how that also translates over to their classmates' quirks and if they have anything like that happening when they're sick.

By the time they've approached the small spot where the three of them usually hang out in the field, Kacchan has a big blanket spread out with all sorts of containers full of what Izuku is sure is delicious food. Izuku can feel his own stomach growl, both in response to the large buffet of food but also in response to Kacchan's amazing cooking.

Kacchan looks up as they approach, and Izuku can see a weird mix of emotions crossing over his face. His eyes are on Izuku and Shouto’s linked hands, and then go to Izuku. There’s surprise there, irritation, and then….something else. Something softer that Izuku has never seen. It’s probably for Shouto.

“Deku,” Kacchan says, and there’s a slight hesitation, a slight question and—

Oh. Kacchan hadn’t known Izuku was coming. Shouto had invited Izuku without Kacchan knowing, which means this is a date and Shouto hadn’t realized—

“K-Kacchan,” Izuku stutters. “Shouto invited me. Um, I didn’t realize—I can—um, I should probably—”

“The fuck are you on about, nerd?” Kacchan scowls. “Did I say shit?”

There’s a softness in Kacchan’s voice, in his eyes. He and Izuku have always been on the same page, a wavelength that comes with a lifetime of knowing each other. So Izuku knows that Kacchan is telling him it’s okay and that Izuku is welcome here.

“No…”

“Damn right. So sit down and shut the fuck up. Katsudon is in the green container.”

Izuku is surprised at that, and he lets out an excited gasp when he opens the container and the smell of his favorite food hits him. It’s incredible, it’s Kacchan’s own cooking, and even though Izuku wasn’t invited it’s clear there is still a place for him with them, always.

“Kacchan…you made it for….me?” Izuku asks softly.

Kacchan’s cheeks are pink and he looks away. “Shut up. I made it for me. Didn’t know you’d be here.”

And maybe that’s true, but the katsudon isn’t spicy enough for Kacchan’s liking and Shouto doesn’t really eat anything aside from cold soba and snacks. And the fact that the container of Izuku’s favorite food is green isn’t lost on him either.

“Hello, Katsuki,” Shouto greets from behind Izuku.

“Sup,” Kacchan says in reply, and it’s clear to Izuku that Kacchan is trying to be cool but Izuku can hear the excitement and nervousness underneath it all. Definitely a first date.

Izuku turns when he hears shuffling behind him, and he lets out a squeak when he sees Shouto crawling over the blanket and kissing Kacchan on the lips. It’s only a brush of lips, but it ignites a fire in Izuku and—nope, he shouldn’t be watching this and shouldn’t be creeping on his friends.

Kacchan meets Izuku's eyes, but instead of getting angry about Izuku spying on them, Kacchan locks eyes with Izuku while licking a slow line up the side of Shouto's cheek, his gaze a fierce challenge and a smirk on his lips. Izuku tries to ignore the way his body reacts to that image. "Like what you see, Deku?"

Shouto slowly wrinkles his nose at the lick, clearly having different thoughts than Izuku and Kacchan about the definition of sexy. But there's a small amused smile, like Kacchan is cute and Izuku finds the whole interaction between the two sweet and adorable. 

Shouto turns to Izuku. "I'll give you a kiss if you want one too, Izuku."

Izuku's cheeks feel like they've caught on fire, and he immediately covers his face with his hands, laying back on the blanket. The two of them are teasing him, and it's both sweet and also horrible at the same time. Sweet that they're trying to normalize it all, but also horrible because neither of them are realizing just what they're doing to Izuku's poor heart. But Izuku just rolls onto his back, laughing into his hands.

"I hate you both," Izuku says, sure that he's not only grinning from ear to ear, but that he must be bright red too.

He loves his best friends so much.

Izuku feels something nudge his foot, and he peeks through his fingers to see Kacchan's sock clad foot nudging his own for attention. When Izuku's gaze travels up, red eyes meet his. Izuku feels like his breath is taken away by the expression that Kacchan's making. It's soft and warm, so different from his usual anger and annoyance. 

It takes Izuku a moment to realize—it's happiness. Kacchan is silently thanking Izuku. Izuku has known Kacchan for his whole life and has become fluent in Kacchan's language. Kacchan never says things vocally, but he's so expressive in his body language. And while this is a pretty new expression that's aimed at Izuku, Izuku can hear it loud and clear. Thanks for helping me getting my head out of my ass.

Izuku lowers his hands from his face, his heart beating so fast. He’s still feeling too warm but this time it’s for a different reason. The way Kacchan is looking at him is everything he’s ever wanted. Even if it’s not exactly the way Izuku’s hoped, Kacchan really does care for Izuku. Kacchan is beautiful when he shows his emotions so openly, and Izuku falls a little more in love every time.

Green and red eyes lock for a lingering moment and Izuku wants to reach out, to take Kacchan’s hand—

A slurping sound comes from the other corner of the blanket, and Izuku and Kacchan both turn to the third boy. There is Shouto, with a huge mouthful of noodles, some of them dangling out of his mouth. He should look totally unattractive, but Izuku doesn’t think it’s possible for Shouto to look unattractive no matter the situation.

“You’re disgusting,” Kacchan deadpans, flicking Shouto on the forehead. “If you choke, I’m not carrying your ass to Recovery Girl.”

Shouto chews, swallows. “If I die eating your soba, at least I’ll die happy. Besides, Izuku would carry me, because he’s nicer.”

“This is true,” Izuku says wisely as he begins to dig into the katsudon. It’s heavenly. “If I let Sho die, I wouldn’t have any good competition anyway.”

“Yeah, cause I’m fucking better than you, asshole!”

A strawberry smacks Izuku in the face, bouncing onto the blanket and landing in the grass. Izuku picks it up and eats it with a grin. Kacchan looks absolutely mortified.

"I'm surrounded by disgusting idiots," Kacchan laments dramatically.

"Oh!" Shouto lights up in a way that Izuku has come to adore. Given that it's something that has pulled Shouto's attention from Kacchan's homemade cold soba, it must be something worthwhile. "That reminds me. I know it might be too early, but..."

Shouto grabs his backpack from the outskirts of the picnic blanket. There seems to be only one thing in there, and Shouto pulls it out. It's huge and bright and it makes Izuku and Kacchan's eyes widen in tandem.

"...happy anniversary."

Everything falls completely silent. Izuku's mouth falls open, and he looks between Kacchan and Shouto with wide questioning eyes. 

"But...you and Kacchan have only been dating since yesterday?"

"He means you two, dumbass."

"No..." Shouto frowns. "I meant the three of us. It'll be our six month anniversary, coming up."

"WHAT?!"

"That's—Sho—I don't—wait...what are you talking about?”

"The three of us have been dating for months?" Shouto blinks. It sounds more like a question, unsure now, given the way the other two are reacting.

"If we were dating I'd have fucking known!" Kacchan nearly screams. "You've been dating Izuku for months and just planted one on me yesterday!"

"Um…Kacchan, Shouto and I aren't dating."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU SAYING?"

"I—" Shouto looks at Kacchan with so much confusion, hurt. "I thought...I'm sorry. I—"

The Squishmallow cat is staring Izuku right in the face. A perfect combination of the three of them. A cat, like Shouto's favorite animal. Heterochromatic features, with one side Shouto's red and one side Izuku's green. Weight lifting in the way that reminds Izuku of himself and Kacchan. A sweatband around its forehead that reads 'I don't sweat, I sparkle' in a way that immediately reminded them of Kacchan.

Everything Izuku's ever wanted is staring him right in the face.

"Fuck, wait, Icy— Shouto, don't go," Kacchan's voice snaps Izuku out of his thoughts, and he looks up. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm not pissed, I'm just...surprised."

Shouto is on one knee, halfway to standing and bolting. But Kacchan has his hand wrapped around Shouto's wrist, eyes serious and soft and worried. Shouto glances at Kacchan, the two meeting eyes, before Shouto turns to look at Izuku with a conflicted expression.

"Midoryia?" Shouto asks carefully. 

Izuku hates the wall Shouto is trying to put up, and Izuku puts down his katsudon and crawls over to the other two. Shouto looks like a scared animal, but Izuku can feel his own heart racing, and he's sure Kacchan isn't faring any better. Izuku is afraid, sure, but he's also bold and has never been one to back down from getting what he wants. So he cups Shouto's cheeks between his hands, holding Shouto's gaze.

"Is that what you want, Shouto?" Izuku asks. "To...have us both? If you thought the three of us were dating, and you kissed Kacchan...does that mean you like me too?"

Shouto closes his eyes, and Izuku hates that, hates that he can't see what Shouto is thinking. "Of course I do, Izuku. I thought I'd been clear about my feelings for so long. I'm sorry--"

"Don't apologize," Izuku says, gently squeezing Shouto's cheeks in a way that makes the boy's eyes soften into something more fond, more amused. "I could only see the way you felt about Kacchan. I should be the one apologizing that I didn't see how you felt about me this whole time. I mean...even Kacchan thought we were dating and he's not exactly, um, great with other people's emotions."

"Fuck off!"

There’s more of that softness in Shouto’s eyes, that amusement and fondness over their bickering. It’s what warms Izuku’s heart, that the three of them are no different with each other no matter the situation.

“Kacchan,” Izuku says softly, not letting go of Shouto’s cheeks. “If you thought that me and Sho were already dating….would it…be okay if I kissed him? Can I share him with you?”

“Fuck—”

“Not share,” Shouto says. He looks between the two. He takes the hand that Katsuki had wrapped around Shouto’s wrist, and brings it up to lay over Izuku’s. “Perhaps it’s selfish of me, and perhaps this was all an oversight. But you two love each other too.”

Izuku swallows. He nods. “I do love Kacchan. The three of us have always been stronger together. I’ll be Kacchan’s too…if he’ll have me.”

He meets Kacchan’s eyes, worried what he’ll see there. Except—oh. Red eyes are hungry on Izuku, and there’s something in his expression that makes Izuku shiver.

“Idiot,” Kacchan breathes, cuffing Izuku over the head. “Go kiss your boyfriend.”

“Can I?” Izuku asks, looking at Shouto. “Is that okay, Sho?”

There is a genuine smile there, soft and rare. Shouto nods, and brings their lips together. It’s sweet and it’s slow, tentative. Shouto gently cradles the back of Izuku’s head like he’s precious, and it sends a shiver down Izuku’s spine. Shouto’s mouth is cool and warm, and so inviting.

Izuku remembers when he first started falling for Shouto, their first year. When Shouto had told Izuku about Endeavor, about his childhood. When Shouto had first used his fire.

This feels like falling for him all over again.

When they part, Izuku takes a moment before opening his eyes, licking his lips. His lips tingle, and he can’t help but smile widely. This all feels like a dream, and there’s so much hope blossoming within him.

“Kaccha– aaah!”

Danger Sense goes off for all of half a second before Izuku is tackled to the ground by Kacchan, who kisses Izuku like a challenge, a fight. Izuku flails for a moment, the Squishmallow flying up in the air along with a container of something, before his brain catches up to him.

Kacchan is kissing him.

It’s been years of pining, of wanting, of never thinking he could have this. Where Shouto is sweet and reverent, Kacchan kisses Izuku like he’s staking a claim, all teeth and tongue with his fingers grabbing Izuku’s hair. Izuku clumsily tries to match Kacchan’s energy, one hand threading through blonde hair.

Once Kacchan pulls back, Izuku is greeted with dark red eyes and swollen lips formed into a smirk. “You’ve always been mine, fucking idiot. You just never noticed.”

Izuku tears his eyes away from a Kacchan for just a moment to look at Shouto. Shouto who is looking so…flushed in his cheeks and yet so, so happy. Shouto looks as if all of his dreams have come true and Izuku can relate because he’s feeling the same way.

Kacchan bites Izuku’s cheek playfully before he rolls off of him. Izuku protests weakly, but Kacchan just snorts as he situates himself to lay back, his head pillowed on Izuku’s thighs. He pulls Shouto toward them, practically manhandling the other boy to lie down as well, red and white hair resting on Izuku’s stomach, still cuddling the giant Squishmallow cat. Almost on instinct, Izuku curls his fingers through Shouto’s silky hair, and the boy lets out a content sigh.

Izuku is in a daze. His mind is reeling over everything that’s happened in just the last ten minutes, and he’s vaguely wondering if this is all a dream. Except, a dream wouldn’t feel this amazing, and he’s sure anything he’s dreamt of has never come close to this reality.

“Stop thinking so much, Zuku,” Kacchan lightly flicks Izuku’s leg.

Izuku can’t help but smile just a little. Kacchan knows Izuku so well. Even when Kacchan was being, well, a complete dick in middle school, Kacchan knew Izuku so well then too. He knew Izuku enough to know what had hurt the most, what pushed his buttons. They’ve come full circle, and Izuku is so lucky that he’s now one of Kacchan’s best friends. That Katsuki Bakugou cares about him.

A thought occurs to Izuku then, and he props himself up on his elbows to look over at Kacchan. “Is that why….you got so upset when Shouto kissed you? Because you thought he was with me?”

Kacchan’s ears and cheeks go bright red for a moment and he turns away, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Thought IcyHot was cheating on you when it happened,” Kacchan mumbles. He glances over at Shouto and then Izuku, before looking away from both. “I put you through enough shit already, Zuku. Ain’t gonna let anyone else hurt you, not even him.”

Izuku swallows hard, blinking back tears. “So what made you change your mind to be with him? If you still thought me and Shouto were together?”

Kacchan blanches, his eyes wide as he scoffs. “You, dumbass! I told you and you just fucking…got all sappy, said I was flirting with your boyfriend in front of you and that it was okay. That you two were… open.”

“We are,” Shouto says with a frown. “Izuku and I tell each other everything.”

Kacchan laughs. He tips his head back against Izuku’s thighs as he laughs openly and it’s such a beautiful sight that both Shouto and Izuku stare at him. It sounds a little hysterical, like Kacchan can’t believe this is happening either. Finally, Kacchan turns to Shouto with that soft look in his eyes again.

“You’re lucky you’re so fucking pretty.”

“Thank you. But what does that have to do with…?”

Izuku snorts as he realizes how absurd this all is. “Shouto…Kacchan thought I had meant we were open as in…an open relationship.”

“Oh,” Shouto says and thinks about that. “I’d prefer us to only date each other.”

“There’s no one else I’d want besides you two,” Izuku says with a nod. He looks over at Kacchan. “Thank you for looking out for me, Kacchan.”

“Whatever, someone’s gotta take care of your reckless ass,” Kacchan rolls his eyes. He pokes Shouto’s side. “What I don’t get is why you thought you fucked up if you thought we were all together.”

“Ah,” Shouto shifts the Squishmallow in his arms, flushing. “I know you’re not one for…affection, Katsuki. I thought you weren’t ready for kissing in our relationship, and I thought—”

“You thought you forced yourself on me. And I freaked out and called you a shitty boyfriend.” Kacchan finishes, blinking at him. And then he reaches over to bring a hand to Shouto’s cheek, turning the boy’s face toward him. It’s surprisingly gentle. The two kiss, and this time—Izuku doesn’t look away. “Goddamn fucking idiot.”

Shouto wriggles to situate himself better. Cool fingers brush against Izuku’s, and Izuku instinctively turns his hand so that their fingers link together. This is true contentment, true happiness. He has his two best friends, only this time he has them in a way that makes his heart sing.

"So Shouto," Izuku starts, thumb brushing over the back of Shouto's hand. "What made you think the three of us have been dating for so long? I can't remember talking about anything like that."

"Yeah, who the fuck gave you that idea?" Kacchan snorts.

"Um," Shouto pauses. "Well.”

—

—

About five months prior, Shouto’s shuffling to the common area, half awake. He ignores the angry-sounding clanging of pots and pans as Katsuki’s making something. Shouto opens the fridge, searching for something to eat.

“Good morning, Katsuki,” Shouto greets politely.

“Morning? It’s fucking almost noon, you lazy shit,” Katsuki scowls at him.

“Yes?” Shouto blinks. “‘Almost noon’ means it’s still morning. My greeting still stands.”

“You’re insufferable,” Katsuki scoffs, then glances over to where Shouto’s dug out the carton of orange juice to go with a bag of one of Kaminari’s snacks he gets from family in America. “What the fuck is that?”

“Ah,” Shouto says, glancing at the red box in English. “Cheez-Its. They’re crackers that taste like cheese.”

“I know what the fuck they are, dumbass!” Katsuki scowls again, eyes narrowing to look at him. “I meant why the fuck are you eating them?”

“Oh,” Shouto says. “Breakfast.”

Katsuki’s eyes are practically slits and he marches over to Shouto, grabbing the red box of crackers and carton of orange juice out of Shouto’s hands. “Sit your ass down in the living room, you disgusting gremlin.”

“But I’m hungry.”

“Yeah, well, if you’re going to be eating anything it’s gonna be a real breakfast instead of fucking trash.” Katsuki wrinkles his nose at the box of crackers in his hand. 

“Oh,” Shouto says, and then realizes what Katsuki’s implying. “Are you going to cook me breakfast, Katsuki?”

“Fucking just—go! Out!” Katsuki shoves Shouto out with two little explosions that propel Shouto toward the couches.

That wasn’t a no.

“Yo! What’s up Todobroki?” Kirishima’s excited voice comes from the couch. 

He and Kaminari are sharing one of the couches, watching the TV. They have a bowl of popcorn between them and are wearing pajamas. They must have slept on the couch, considering the popcorn was from movie night last night and it doesn’t look like they’ve really moved since then.

Shouto eyes the popcorn longingly, even though it’s probably stale. Kirishima catches his expression and offers the bowl to Shouto who gladly reaches for it—

“And don’t you dare start eating Thing 1 and Thing 2’s garbage either!”

Shouto’s hand hovers above the bowl, before he frowns and retracts his hand with no popcorn. Kaminari and Kirishima share confused looks. Normally, Shouto wouldn’t listen to Katsuki or care about whatever he has to say, but Katsuki’s food is too good that Shouto isn’t going to risk the blonde changing his mind.

“Katsuki’s cooking food for me,” Shouto explains.

Kaminari elbows Kirishima, and the two exchange a look, communicating something with each other and then grinning.

“Bro,” Kaminari breathes with near awe.

“I know, ” Kirishima nods knowingly. “Babe, it’s so manly when you read my mind like that.”

“Aww, bro,” Kaminari grins as Kirishima presses a kiss to a blonde temple. He shifts so he’s leaning more into Kirishima, who wraps his arm around Denki.

“Did I say something wrong?” Shouto asks, a little off balance. It’s still early, so maybe he is missing something

“Nah, man,” Kirishima says with a smile. “We just think it’s cute Kats is cooking for you.”

Kaminari and Kirishima have been best friends for two years, and dating for…at least a few months now. Shouto doesn’t really know exactly how long, mostly because they act the same way as they always did. The only difference that Shouto really can tell is that they call each other ‘babe’ sometimes, and there’s more kissing.

Shouto feels a longing in his heart when he watches them together. How easy it seems to be between the two, seamlessly going from best friends to boyfriends. Shouto thinks about Izuku, about Katsuki, and how perfect everything always feels when they’re together.

“What is it like, dating your best friend?” Shouto finds the words falling from his lips as he watches Kiri and Kami.

“It’s amazing, bro,” Kirishima says with a smile, turning to look at Kaminari with soft eyes. “It’s like every day is a great day, because I get to spend it with my favorite person.”

Kaminari smiles at that dreamily. “Aww, babe. And yeah, exactly, man. It’s the best!”

They share a chaste kiss, and Shouto finds himself even more curious now, considering he’s already spending every day with his favorite people. “No, I mean…what do you do that makes it different?”

“It’s not much different than we were before,” Kirishima says. “Everything’s basically the same, just…better.”

“Well, there’s the obvious,” Denki wiggles his eyebrows. When Shouto blinks, Denki blinks back. “You know, kissing and all that.”

“Oh.”

That doesn’t really help, because it’s what Shouto already knows and has seen for himself. “So the difference between being best friends and dating is…kissing?”

“Well, not always,” Kirishima says, despite Kaminari enthusiastically nodding his head. “It’s really about you and whoever you’re dating. My last relationship was with a girl who wasn’t ready and wanted to take things slow. So we held hands a lot.”

“While me and Ei were going at it before we even realized we were already dating,” Kaminari grins, winking at him.

That catches Shouto’s attention. “You…didn’t know you were already dating?”

“It kinda snuck up on us,” Kirishima says. His eyes are so soft on Denki, a warm smile there. “I mean, Denks was my best friend, the same way Kats and Mina and Hanta are. But it always felt a little different, you know? I wanted to be around Denki all the time, and sure, I had the physical attraction because Denks is hot and manly as hell, but most of our class is too. But when we held hands, or when we’d hang out, it felt different than being around anyone else. Like, so right. I always would feel the happiest and the most content.”

“And I’d always be doing things for Eiji that I wouldn’t do for anyone else,” Kaminari nods. “I tell him everything, the good and bad stuff, stuff I don’t tell other people. I always wanna take care of him and look after him. It’s what made me realize I loved him, you know? That, and when I was watching him do squats that one time.”

“Denks,” Kirishima chastises, but it doesn’t sound too serious. He turns to Shouto. “Anyway, there wasn’t like, any real confession or big dramatic thing. We just looked at each other and everything just clicked into place. When you know someone so well, you know them, you know?”

“Wow, that’s eloquent as hell,” Katsuki says as he comes out of the kitchen, holding three platefuls of food. “Get your ass over here and eat, Halfie.”

Shouto gets up obediently, heading over to the table. His lips twitch into a smile when he sees the plates of food, one for him. It smells delicious, and Shouto looks up to Katsuki—

Oh.

There’s a softness that’s in Katsuki’s expression, just for a moment, before Katsuki catches Shouto’s eyes and looks away, caught. But just in that moment, it’s like Shouto’s gone breathless. Shouto knows Katsuki so well, knows every look, except this one.

“The fuck were you three talking about anyway?” Katsuki asks, eyes narrow.

Kirishima and Kaminari stand up in tandem, stretching. Kaminari grins. “Todoroki was asking about being in love with your best friend.”

Todoroki is expecting Katsuki to scoff or roll his eyes, say he doesn’t care, or somehow get mad and threaten Denki with explosions. What he doesn’t expect is…

“...what?” Sharp, red accusatory eyes pointed at him.

“Relax, Kats,” Kirishima says, putting an arm around Katsuki’s shoulders. “Todoroki was just asking us about our relationship. Hey, there’s three plates on the table. Did you make us food?”

“Aww, Kacchan, you made food for us? How sweet~”

“Did I say it was for you, dumbass?” Katsuki glares. “Make your own shitty breakfast, you leeches.”

Kaminari and Kirishima exchange a look again, but this time they also look at Shouto meaningfully.

“Kacchan never cooks for anyone else,” Denki says. It comes out with a whiny tone, but Denki is smirking. “Todoroki must be special.”

“If that’s not for us, then who’s the other special person?” Kirishima asks and it sounds like he knows something.

“Stop saying it like—”

“Kacchan?” Izuku enters the common room. He’s wearing All Might themed pajamas, and he looks so cute and adorable. It makes Todoroki’s heart squeeze. “You said there was breakfast?”

Kirishima and Kaminari just snort and retreat back to the rooms, Kirishima clapping Shouto on the shoulder and greeting Izuku warmly.

Izuku is special to Katsuki. Shouto is too. Katsuki does things for them he wouldn’t normally do for others. Takes care of them, looks after them.

And Izuku—

“Morning, Sho,” Izuku greets Shouto sleepily, sitting next to him. Izuku practically clings to Todoroki’s side, putting his head on Shouto’s shoulder.

Shouto’s heart is pounding in his chest. He doesn’t feel any different around Izuku than he does with Katsuki. But, he realizes, he does feel different around either or both of them than anyone else. Izuku is cute, softens Shouto, and he’s the most content around them both. He has the sudden urge to press a kiss to Izuku’s curls.

He glances up and sees Katsuki looking at Izuku with the same expression he had when he was looking at Shouto earlier. Shouto knows the look well, that softness, that longing. The love. Katsuki has always looked at Izuku that way, and he’s looking at Shouto like that when he thinks Shouto’s not looking.

And Izuku is so affectionate with Shouto. He treats Shouto the same way that he treats Katsuki, though he’s much more tactile with Shouto. Probably because he knows Katsuki isn’t one for touch.

It’s then that Shouto knows . He’s in love with Izuku and Katsuki, and they are in love with him, and with the other. They spend all their time together, and even though they might not be kissing each other, they are certainly wrapped in their own little bubble the way that Kaminari and Kirishima are with each other. How did he not realize this before?

“What were you guys talking about earlier?” Izuku asks, nosing Shouto’s shoulder. Shouto doesn’t have to turn to him to know that Izuku’s eyes are still half closed. The puff of breath on Shouto’s neck makes him shiver.

“Did you know that Kaminari and Kirishima said they hadn’t realized they were dating until much later into their relationship?” Shouto asks, gauging the reaction.

Katsuki snorts. “Makes sense. Those two are the most socially dense idiots here. Well, after your oblivious ass, Halfie.”

“Mm.” Is the noncommittal hum that comes from Izuku. Shouto feels a hand in his, fingers lacing together.

“Oh,” Shouto breathes, realizing. 

He is very oblivious. He knows he’s oblivious. Which is why he’s missed a lot of signs.

He meets Katsuki’s eyes, who looks at him with confirmation, like Shouto finally got with the program. Red eyes slide to Izuku pointedly before looking back at Shouto. “Yeah, ‘oh’ is right. Now stop talking about stupid shit and eat your damn food before I shove it down your throat.”

Izuku sighs happily, as if that’s the sweetest thing anyone has said to him.

Shouto’s been in a relationship this whole time, and he hadn’t realized it. Either way, he’s happy to be with his two boyfriends.

—

—

“So…” Shouto says, after he’s done telling the story. “Can I give you our anniversary present now?”

Shouto is holding the Squishmallow cat in his arms, and it looks ridiculous how well its heterochromatic style matches Shouto’s appearance so well.

Katsuki throws his head back in laughter, and it’s damn near maniacal and beautiful and Izuku’s hand squeezes Shouto’s as if to say I know.

“We’ve literally been together now for all of ten seconds, Halfie,” Katsuki says. “Little early for an anniversary.”

“We’ve been dating for almost six months,” Shouto says simply. “You two finally just caught up.”

“You’re the clueless asshole who never said anything!”

“To be fair, Kacchan,” Izuku said with a small smile. “You never said you thought me and Shouto were together. Sounds pretty clueless.”

“Fuck off!” Katsuki yells, shoving at Izuku’s legs.

Izuku giggles and all feels right in the world.

“I can’t believe you listened to those fuckers,” Katsuki says, making a face. “And that me making you breakfast and Deku being his clingy self made you think we were in a relationship.”

”It wasn’t just that,” Shouto says, smiling. “I’ve only seen bad relationships before. Unhealthy ones, like my parents. And I realized in that moment…that what we have is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I can recognize a caring and loving romantic relationship because I’ve only ever seen the opposite.”

Katsuki goes quiet, and Izuku’s eyes well up with tears. Maybe Shouto was the most perceptive one after all.

—

—

The Squishmallow cat sits on Izuku’s desk, under the photos and merch that depict the three of them. There’s been a few more photos added to the collection now, like the one of Katsuki squished between Izuku and Shouto, who are kissing Katsuki’s cheeks. Or the one that Shouto had sent when Izuku was off on a mission, of a sleeping Katsuki cuddling what suspiciously looks like a prototype Deku Squishmallow.

Shouto is so happy to have his two boyfriends. Izuku is ecstatic to be dating his two best friends. Katsuki loves Deku, he loves Todoroki, and he loves that they’re all dating each other.

And now, there’s a very special date coming up.

Izuku is excited that their six month anniversary is coming up in just a couple days, since the day they all confessed their feelings and kissed each other.

Katsuki has his calendar marked for two weeks from today, six months after they finally went on their first date where they were all on the same page.

Shouto is happy his boyfriends finally realized they’d been in a relationship this whole time, and is eager to celebrate their upcoming one year anniversary soon.

The three are in a perfect relationship, and are all very proud that they definitely fixed their communication issues.