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If there was one thing Katsuki absolutely loved, it was mornings. The world was quiet and peaceful in the early hours. Not even a villain was willing to disturb those finite hours of calm. It was a time for Katsuki to be in his own little world. He got to do his morning run through the park without being hounded by reporters or fans. He always picked up a bit of fresh fruit afterwards from the little stand on the corner. This morning was incredibly special though. Today was the day.
Katsuki swallowed his nerves, entering the flower shop. The florist, Tsubaki, greeted him with a soft smile. Her eyes were sparkling as she gingerly grabbed his custom-made bouquet and placed it on the counter. His eyes roamed each flower to verify their perfection and type. It wouldn’t do to have any incorrect or dying buds in this bouquet. Not today. Today was too important. Tsubaki watched him inspect it silently as she always did. It was a beautiful, tender combination of white flowers. Roses, myrtles, daisies, chamomiles, calla lilies, and baby’s breath. When Katsuki finally gave his huff of approval, she reached over and took his hand. Katsuki tensed at the sudden grasp but found himself too stunned by the emotion in her eyes.
“Dynamight,” He nearly flinched at the usage of his hero name in this setting. “It’s going to be today. I feel it in my bones,” The young woman gave him such a tender smile Katsuki wasn’t able to bring himself to bristle or anything of the sorts. Just having this practical stranger (Friend, really, with how often he came in) reassure him had that warmth blooming in his chest again. He swallowed the lump in his throat, nodding to her.
“Thank you, Tsubaki,” She had insisted he use her name. Tsubaki nodded in return and wrapped the flowers. When Katsuki went to pay she shoved the money back. She didn’t even give him a chance to open his mouth.
“No. Today is a special day, this bouquet is on the house,” More emotions swirled inside Katsuki. He nodded, accepting the bouquet without a fight. A cool breeze washed over his face, filled with the scent of fall. It brought the slightest smile to his face. Yes, today was the day. Today would be good. Hell, today would be great. Katsuki knew it.
The walk home was filled with the comforting scents of fall. Trees were red, orange, and yellow. The cafes were filled with the scent of chai and cinnamon. All in all, Japan was ready for fall. The sun was climbing higher, the city bustling with more life. Katsuki slipped into his apartment building silently. He snuck passed the doorman (He could only handle so much emotion at once) and into the elevator. He struck the button for the fifth floor, shaking his head to rid himself of the sudden rush of anxiety. It always came like this when he got home. Times were changing though, soon he wouldn’t be dreading coming home. Katsuki began to fiddle with his electronic watch. He only wore it while working out and on errands. Otherwise, he wore his nicer, analog watches. The ones gifted to him by his parents for graduation, for his first time in the top ten, then the top five. The last watch was gifted to him when he reached number one. A bittersweet moment filled with happiness, heartbreak, tears and smiles.
The ding of the elevator snapped him out of his reminiscing. A glance at the time put some pep in his steps. He was just barely on time for everything he needed to do before he left. Katsuki was never late and like hell would today of all days be the one time he is. He swung his apartment door open, calling out his arrival to his fluffy cat, Cheese. The plump ginger bastard yowled in return, trotting from his place in the bedroom. Katsuki chuckled and crouched to scratch the fat cat under his chin.
“Good Morning, fatass,” He cooed. Cheese meowed in return, rubbing his cheeks against the tip of Katsuki’s fingers. Katsuki gave the cat a few more strokes before he stepped fully into the apartment. Unsurprisingly, he found himself needing to take a few steadying breaths to get over the hurt in his chest. It always hurts coming home to such a dark, empty apartment. Not for long , his brain reminded him. Once again, in a burst of energy, Katsuki set the flowers on the counter alongside the fruit he picked up. He needed to shower and get ready before he could leave.
The shower was a great way to relieve the excess tension in his body. The constant anxiety was still bubbling in his stomach, but it wasn’t writhing just below his skin like before. Katsuki took a deep breath, inhaling the soothing scent of eucalyptus and mint that wafted up from the shower steamer on the floor. It combined with the earthy scents of his body wash into a tantalizing mixture he missed so much. In a flurry of movement, he had gotten out, dried off, toweled his hair, and brushed his teeth. He checked the time and cursed. He was cutting it close . Closer than he’d like.
Katsuki wove around Cheese to get to the bedroom. He didn’t want to risk toothpaste or water on his clothes and had left them in the bedroom. Working quickly, he yanked on his slightly distressed jeans and tugged his undershirt over his head. He snagged a pair of converse from his shoe rack, hopping on one foot to pull those on. The final piece was the beige cashmere sweater. He gently slipped it over his head and hair, adjusting it the way he liked.
Accessories were simple. A pair of studs for his earrings, a couple of black rings he’d taken a liking too, and a silver watch. The watch was a special piece in his collection. The face was a stunning emerald green, the numbers lit up a similar color when he pressed a button. The engraving around the bezel was what made it so special. As he clasped it on, Katsuki couldn’t help running his finger along it.
君がそばにいれば、時間は無意味だ
He swallowed the emotions it brought up. He had a time limit, damnit. Now was not the time to fucking break down crying again. Katsuki gave himself a once over in the mirror and nodded to his reflection. Yes, he looked good. Perfect even, all things considered. Cheese was on the door, just watching as Katsuki fumbled to get himself together. He stuffed his wallet and other things in his pockets before double checking he really had everything.
Next, breakfast. Katsuki had prepared the batter the night before, so it was only a matter of actually making the items. Muscle memory kicked in as he buried himself in his mind. The pans were warmed, fruit sliced, batter poured. Everything was done with precision and perfection in mind. It all needed to be perfect. Katsuki wouldn’t tolerate anything less. Not today. Cheese even seemed to get the idea. For once the orange demon wasn’t weaving between Katsuki’s legs or getting underfoot in their tiny kitchen. He was actually staying out of his way and watching from afar.
Another glance at his watch has Katsuki smirking with victory. He was exactly on time. Perfect. Perfectly perfect. He packed up the food into two bento boxes, wrapping them in green fabric and tucking them into the eco bag. He grabbed two bottles of homemade raspberry tea to slip inside beside the bentos. His heart was beating erratically as excitement thundered through his being. His anxiety had returned full force, leaving his fingers trembling and palms sweaty. He wiped them on his jeans, double checked his pockets, then grabbed the bag and flowers.
“Alright dipshit,” Katsuki gave Cheese one more pat on the head. “I’ll be back,” Katsuki grinned. Cheese let out a quiet trill as Katsuki stood and left the apartment. The blonde locked the door with an anxious shuffle, taking one more deep breath. The journey was rather boring yet comfortable. Being later in the morning, the city was bustling with life. People whisked by, bikes ringing their bells to get past, cars honking in traffic. Normally, the noise would be overwhelming, but Katuski was too deep in his own head. He was mentally ticking everything off his list as he hurried to the train station.
Getting on the train was easy. People were recognizing him left and right as he had chosen to not wear a face mask and hat today. The adults left him alone, most knowing his routine by now. He did pause for any child who called out, taking a photo and giving them a little card he always carried on him with his autograph and website on it. The website allowed people to reach out and while he received lots of messages a day, he always took the time to read the ones from children. The few that stopped him complimented the flowers and wished him luck when he whispered what they were for. Watching the way their eyes would light up as he shared such a secret with them always made Katsuki’s heart feel warm and fuzzy.
Noticing his leg begging to tap out of control, Katsuki scrambled for his phone to turn on some music. His hearing aids let out a soft beep to signal connection and he quickly tapped on a playlist Mina curated for him. The soothing tones of an acoustic guitar washed over him like gentle waves over the shoreline. It eased the ache of anxiety deep within his chest. Opening his eyes again, Katsuki watched the scenery breeze by as he rode deeper into Tokyo. His hands were still trembling, but otherwise he felt calmer. The nervousness was slowly waning as excitement took over.
The ding of the train startled him. He’d been absorbed in thought, mulling over how he wanted the day to go. Flushing pink, Katsuki gathered himself and dashed out. He was still exactly on time, but being early wouldn’t hurt. Not for today. The street was as busy as ever. Morning rush had taken hold by now, everyone rushing to get to their destinations. Yet, everyone parted to allow the number one hero through. That warm feeling flooded his chest again.
“Ah, Mr. Bakugou!” Receptionist greeted him as he entered. Katsuki nodded to her with an anxious smile. “Don’t worry, you are just in time,” She stood, grabbing a keycard as she rounded the desk.
“Good,” He murmured, following after her. The receptionist led him to a special elevator, swiping the keycard and punching her code in. Katsuki stepped inside as the doors opened, taking a deep breath to stabilize himself. Once again, he found himself staring into heartfelt eyes filled with excitement and warmth. The receptionist was blushing a little as she gently placed a hand on his arm.
“It’s been a long journey, but take solace in the fact you made it, okay?” She offered the tidbit of advice with a bittersweet smile of her own before stepping back to allow the doors to shut. Katsuki shook his head and blinked back his tears. She was right. It has been such a long-ass journey. The emotions threatened to bubble up again in vengeance, prompting Katsuki to take a few deep breaths. No tears. Not yet. He couldn’t cry yet.
The elevator opened up, revealing the hallway towards another set of desks. He stepped onto the floor with another stabilizing breath, barely able to control the trembling in his hands. After another deep breath, Katsuki finally approached the desks. He recognized everyone there from the countless times he’d been here over the past few years.
“Dynamight,”
“Ah, Miss Ken-,”
“None of the that,” The woman rounded the desk to pull the hero into an awkward hug. “We’ve all told you countless times, you can call us by our names. No Nurse Kenko or Miss Kenko. Just Satomi is fine,” Satomi lectured. Katsuki blushed and nodded. She gave him a genuine smile. “Good, now come on, I know you’ve been waiting long enough,” Satomi gestured for him to follow. Katsuki nodded again, stumbling after the nurse as his heart began to pound. They arrived at a door decorated with tons of cute letters, pictures, and lots of green. Katsuki swallowed his fears, straightening his back and shoulders. Satomi chuckled, knocking once.
“Y-Yes?” A soft voice called back.
“You have a visitor!”
“O-oh! Okay! Come in!” Katsuki’s heart swooped at the little stutter. Satomi opened the door, allowing Katsuki inside. He stepped in with a slight smirk. “Kacchan!”
“Hey, Izuku,” As Katsuki expected, the little nerd was sitting up with a hero analysis notebook in front of him, his tablet tuned into one of the latest villain fights. He stepped fully into the room, barely acknowledging the nurse as she closed the door.
“Hi Kacchan,” Izuku grinned back. Katsuki took a moment to admire him. The way his nose wrinkled slightly, how his eyes were a little bright. The sunken cheeks had a bit more color to them today and his freckles didn’t seem so dull. His undercut was fresh, green curls piled on top of his head. Izuku only had an IV in today, no sign of the breathing assistance he had last week. A warmth washed over him at that stunning smile. It stole his breath away and sent his heart racing. He looked beautiful.
“How are you feeling?” Katsuki asked as he approached. Izuku shrugged and hummed, gathering his stuff to move it aside. Katsuki took the chair close to the head of the bed. “For you,” He held out the bouquet. Izuku beamed, taking the flowers from the blonde and giving them a quick sniff.
“These are beautiful, Kacchan,” Izuku murmured. Katsuki hid his grin and made quick work on preparing the vase for the flowers. Izuku set them in gingerly, fingers running along some petals before he looked back at Katsuki. “You look… fancy,” Izuku hummed. Katsuki raised a brow.
“Today’s an important day nerd,” He ruffled Izuku’s green curls as gently as possible, mindful not to tanlge his fingers. “Not gunna wear some stained t-shirt and sweatpants,”
Izuku snorted. “It’s not a big deal Kacchan,” The greenette frowned up at the hero. “You didn’t take the day off, did you?”
“Like hell I wouldn’t,” Katsuki scowled, one hand coming up to cup Izuku’s cheek. “Today is a very big day and I’m gunna be at your side the whole damn time,” Izuku looked down for a moment, audibly swallowing. Katsuki’s hand wrapped around Izuku’s, squeezing it tightly. Izuku let out a stuttering breath before reaching under the blanket and withdrawing an envelope. Katsuki’s throat tightened.
“Is… is that…?” The word got stuck, refusing to push past Katsuki’s lips.
“My prognosis,” Izuku nodded with a pathetic smile of acceptance. Katsuki pursed his lips. “I got it with my morning meds,” Izuku admitted. The envelope was trembling in Izuku’s fingers. Midoriya Izuku was taunting Katsuki from the front. The blonde swallowed the anxiety threatening to take over and adjusted in his chair.
“Did you open it?” The question hung in the air. Izuku’s bottom lip wobbled.
“N-No… Didn’t want to without you,” He whispered. Katsuki bit his lip and nodded. He squeezed Izuku’s hand again.
“I’m right here, baby,” Katsuki threw the pet name out without thought. Izuku hadn’t allowed him to say it since the diagnosis, insistent Katsuki needed to move on. Katsuki had dug his heels in. He wasn’t leaving Izuku. Not like this.
Izuku’s scarred hand squeezed Katsuki’s one more time before releasing the explosive palm. Trembling fingers scratched at the adhesive, slowly undoing the seal. Katsuki’s stomach was in his throat from the anxiety alone. Izuku was pale, eyes wide as he removed the papers from their confines. Katsuki held his breath. His hands were gripping at the beige blanket Izuku was wrapped in. This was it. The truly defining moment. This was the final card in God’s hand. Katsuki prayed it was a good one.
Green eyes widened even more as they scanned the page. Pale lips dropped to form an O . Katsuki licked at his own lips. His leg was bouncing faster than the laws of physics allowed. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. He refused too. This was about Izuku and Izuku alone. His own feelings would be dealt with later. In private. Maybe with his therapist, should they be available. Katsuki’s heart cracked as Izuku began to cry silently. The green eyes he adored so much were snapping back and forth across the page. Katsuki ached to read the document himself. The suspense might genuinely kill him.
The pages fluttered down into Izuku’s lap. Izuku’s hands fell beside the discarded pages. His eyes were staring straight ahead, dripping with tears. Katsuki reached forward, letting one hand rest on Izuku’s back. Izuku turned to look at him. Katsuki swallowed his emotions as Izuku stared into his eyes, into his soul. He couldn’t tell what the news was. Izuku was too blank. Still processing, most likely. Their eyes met again. Katsuki hadn't even realized they drifted away.
Izuku blinked once. Twice.
All at once, a bright laugh burst from Izuku’s lips as he surged forward to wrap his arms around Katsuki’s neck. Katsuki yelped at the sudden weight, only his hero training managing to keep him and Izuku upright. Just to be sure, his free hand scrambled for the papers. Red eyes scanned over them as fast as possible, looking for the special word. He needed to read it for himself. Just to be positive.
Remission was highlighted in green. Standing out against the white paper and black ink.
Tears pooled in Katsuki’s eyes. He wrapped both arms around Izuku, mindful of the IV, and hugged the man as tightly as he could. Izuku was still laughing and crying. His laughter was music to Katsuki’s ears. His own harsh laughter mingled with Izuku’s. Happy tears were dripping down both of their faces but neither cared. Izuku yanked back to face Katsuki, emerald clashing with ruby as they stared at one another.
“I-I did it,” Izuku breathed. Katsuki nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“You did it,” Katsuki whispered. Izuku’s eyes flicked from Katsuki’s eyes to his lips. The two men took one another in, absorbing the moment. Izuku took charge again, surging forward to smash their lips together with a sudden keen of happiness. Katsuki returned the kiss with equal vigor, arms tightening around Izuku’s waist. The greenette pulled away just as quickly with another happy burst of laughter.
“Kacchan! I did it! I beat cancer!” Katsuki beamed, burying his face in Izuku’s neck. He pressed a flurry of kisses to the freckled skin, drawing more giggles from his beloved. Katsuki trailed them everywhere he could. Every inch of exposed skin was smothered by Katsuki’s kisses. The pure elation soaring through his heart had him practically high.
“Of course you did, baby,” Katsuki murmured against Izuku’s lips as he pressed a couple kisses to them. “I never doubted you. You’re fucking Deku, ain’t no way some fucking cancer was going to take you down,” Izuku hiccuped as more tears dripped down his face. They kissed again, letting their tears mingle as they dripped down each other’s faces. Katsuki withdrew this time, squeezing Izuku’s hips before letting him go to pull back a bit. Izuku’s brow furrowed, lips creating that perfect pout that usually brought Katsuki to his knees.
“Kacchan?” Izuku added a little whine for effect. Katsuki shook his head with a chuckle, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He doubted the nerd remembered the promise he made five years ago, when they started this journey. He dug a hand into his jean’s pocket, trembling fingers latching around the item he had tucked inside just before he got to the hospital. His sweater had disguised the odd shape of his pocket.
“Izuku,” Katsuki rumbled as he pulled the small box free. Izuku gasped, both hands covering his mouth as tears welled in his eyes. Katsuki took a deep breath, dropping to one knee. He opened the box while staring into Izuku’s eyes. “Izuku,” He choked on his words for a moment. “We’ve been by one another’s sides our whole lives. You dealt with me at my absolute worst for years. To this day, I am still atoning for everything,” Izuku’s hands fell to argue but Katsuki kept going. “You held my hand, guiding my change step-by-step, despite everyone around us telling you to give me up. To give up on me. Yet, you still held my hand. You never gave up because you never give up. One of the things I love most about you, that fiery determination,” Katsuki let out a breathless laugh. “We’ve fought together countless times. Protecting each other and everyone over and over again. You saved my life god only knows how many times. The day you got sick, you told me to leave. To spread my wings and find someone who could bring me happiness. You even returned the ring,” Emotions choked the blonde again. That day had been so painful. Vicious and scarring, one of Katsuki’s darkest days.
“I promised you on that day that I would stay by your side no matter what. That this disease wasn’t going to prevent the inevitable. Even though you didn’t want me there, you didn’t want me seeing you weak and defeated,” His leg was wobbling slightly, protesting the position and his anxiety. “I promised you that I would put it back on your finger the day you got those papers,” Izuku’s eyes lit with recollection. “Every day, watching you take everything with that beautiful smile of yours. Even when you felt so sick, you still gave everyone that smile. It’s one of the brightest things in my life. I cannot imagine my life without it. I swear to god Izuku, every time I see it I fall a little more for you,” Another stuttered breath. Emotions were swirling in Katsuki’s chest. He needed the nerd to understand that he is in this. Has been in this. Nothing is going to keep him from Izuku’s side ever again.
“I… It was your hands that molded me into the person that I am today. Despite how painstaking it was, you did it. I… I need to see this ring on the hands that molded me into the best version of myself,” Katsuki admitted softly. “I love you, Izuku. You are my entire world. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of you. Whether it's that stunning smile, those gorgeous eyes, the way your nose wrinkles when you giggle, or some silly All Might thing I know you would love. I’d give up everything to be with you. My hero license, my quirk, my dreams… everything if it means having you by my side,” Katsuki couldn’t resist moving closer to Izuku again. Izuku was openly weeping, staring at Katsuki with emerald eyes filled with love and adoration. Their foreheads pressed together as they leaned into one another’s space. “Please, Izuku… Marry me?”
He held his breath as he murmured the question. Izuku’s eyes had fluttered shut, his breathing coming out in weak sobs as his hands slowly came up to grasp at Katsuki’s sweater. His heart was beating painfully, anxiety crawling up his body the longer he waited for an answer. Just as he went to pull away, Izuku let out a sigh. It wasn’t a tight, painful sigh. It was a sigh of contentment. A release of all the pent up emotions. His gorgeous eyes opened again to gaze into Katsuki’s, scarred hands coming up to cup Katsuki’s cheeks.
“Yes, Katsuki,” Izuku whispered. “Yes. I will marry you,”
Just like that, Katsuki had another armful of sobbing nerd as they fell into one another again. Lips locked, tears falling, happy sobs echoing through the room. Izuku pulled back just enough to hold out a hand, letting Katsuki slip the ring in its rightful place again. Katsuki pressed a kiss to it as it settled into place. Izuku hiccuped from his crying, arms locking around Katsuki’s shoulders to hold him tight.
“I love you, Kacchan,” Izuku murmured. “I love you so much,” Katsuki let out a weep chuckle, burying his face in Izuku’s curls.
“Fuck, I love you too nerd,”
They stayed like that for some time, just embracing one another as they came to terms with all the good news they had. Katsuki eventually pulled away to share the strawberry crepes he made for his beloved. Izuku cried some more realizing Katsuki had made them. Satomi fully opened the door, revealing she recorded the whole thing from Izuku opening the envelope to Katsuki’s beautiful proposal. She revealed Izuku had asked her to record the news, good or bad, as something to look back on. Katsuki had scowled at the sound of his own heartfelt words and sobbing, but the other nurses and doctors were squealing and congratulating them. In the end, it was that footage that Izuku released to the media to reveal not only his new prognosis, but his engagement as well.