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“So… It’s been a bit,” Katsuki stared up at the heavens, taking in the cloud formations and the faint tinge of sunlight streaking across the slowly darkening sky. “I’ve been out of town, workin’ overseas. Stupid shit like that,” He huffed, holding up an arm to display the bruising and few bandages marring the pale flesh. “Real stupid shit. It was fuckin’ cold as shit, the mission was a waste of god damn time, and the Americans dunno how to do absolutely anything,” Despite being back in Japan for a few days, the exasperation still burned within.
Katsuki fished his phone out, unlocking the device to pull up a photo. “Apparently, when I was gone, Ei’s brat finally spat out his first word,” He grinned cheekily at the image. Eijirou was cowering from an angry Mina as she stomped over with their baby boy in her arms. It had been just what he needed at the end of his rough day undercover. “Heh, you’d never guess what it was… Eh. Yeah, you would. It was ‘fuck’,” Katsuki swiped to the next image. “Mina was pissed as all hell. Accordin’ to her, they don’t use such, and I quote, “foul fucking language” in their house,” He snorted. “Yeah, I know. Brat totally got it from their Uncle Kats, not their bitch of a mother,”
He cringed at his own wording. “Okay, I take that back. Mina ain’t a bitch, but she sure can act like it sometimes,” The next image came up. “Round Face finally popped her brat out. Hanta was over the fucking moon,” Katsuki took a moment to admire the picture. Ochako was laid out in the hospital bed, infamous pink cheeks somehow even pinker. She had a huge smile on her face as she cradled her baby close. Hanta was standing to the side in awe, one hand resting on the baby’s head as his other wrapped around his wife’s shoulders. A picture perfect couple, really. Despite how unexpected it was, they worked well together and Katsuki was happy for them.
“Mind Fuck finally got his head outta his ass, working up the nerve to pop the question,” Red eyes traced over the figures in the photo. The picture was on Nabu Island, on that stunning beach that faced the sunset. Katsuki loved visiting it every time he popped over to see Katsuma and Mahoro. However, that wasn’t the important part of the image. The eyecatcher was Hitoshi and Denki. Hitoshi was kneeling in the sand with Denki’s hand in his, offering up that ring he spent months picking out. Katsuki could still remember picking it up for the insomniac when it arrived because Hitoshi was too scared to do it himself.
“I’m gunna be the best man for Hitoshi. Yet another suit to be purchased really. Make it the… fourth time. Ei’s wedding, Hanta’s, Icy-Hot’s, now Hitoshi’s,” Another swipe to the left. The new image was another tear jerker. Eri was standing proudly with her acceptance hologram, smiling up at the camera. “Heh… Brat finally got into UA. Well, I say finally but we all knew she was makin’ it. Never seen Hobo-Sensei so excited. She’s ecstatic. Non-stop bugging me for more combat training and protocol tutoring. She’s determined, that’s for sure. As expected of her though,” Katsuki blinked up at the sky. He refused to acknowledge the tear that slid down his face. “Fuck… Feels like it was just yesterday that I was introduced to the brat. Still a bit crazy to think she’s really growing up,”
His phone buzzed, drawing the blonde’s attention from the conversation for a moment. He flipped through the texts offhandedly. He wasn’t too concerned about responding right now. It took a moment to switch back to the gallery though. Katsuki took a deep breath to compose himself before he continued to the next photo. Momo and Shouto filled the screen, Shouto’s everpresent deadpan juxtapositioned to Momo’s happy smile.
“So, Momo hit top ten,” He leaned back a bit further to ease the pain in his spine. “She’s number six right now, almost caught up to Icy-Hot and I,” Katsuki squeezed his empty hand. “I’m still number one. No change on that front, not that there necessarily needed to be either…” Pink and orange started to spread across the sky. Katsuki was losing daylight, but he couldn’t say he minded. “Sometimes… I consider giving up. Well, giving it up,” He shrugged. “All Might… eh, Yagi, as he asked me to call him, has been getting up there. Pretty soon he’s going to be on permanent bed rest or some shit like that… I’m considering taking a sabbatical then. Get to spend some time with the hag and Dad. Maybe get some tea with Auntie. Also gives me a chance to see all the rascals I haven’t had time for lately,”
Katsuki paused. His throat was closing up, his chest suddenly too tight to breathe. The tears he’d been fighting back were overwhelming him, slipping down his cheeks. He scrubbed at his face for a moment as a choked sob broke past his lips. He couldn’t help cursing himself in his head. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go, damnit. He’d worked so hard to ensure this wouldn’t happen.
“Fuck,” Katsuki croaked. “I… Damnit!” He snarled, grabbing a nearby pebble and launching it across the grounds. The anger coursing through his veins vanished as the pebble disappeared into the distance. His fire thoroughly snuffed, the blonde bowed his head and closed his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” He whispered. “I know I promised… Before…” Katsuki sniffled, finally lifting his head as he wiped his nose on his sleeve. Disgusting, honestly, but necessary. “It was really hard, not being able to visit you over the past few months. I feel like a shit person for missing our dates,” He gingerly adjusted the bouquet of flowers he’d abandoned a few feet away. “I… I miss you, so fucking much… Getting to see all those damn extras having their weddings and their families… Celebrating milestones… It’s so fucking stupid that I’m jealous of them but FUCK!” His own yell startled him, a reminder to take a few deep breaths before starting again.
“I just wish we got to have those moments. That you got to have those moments. Fuckin’ hell… You deserved them so much more than me. You… You should…” He paused, chewing his lip. “Sorry, sorry… I’ve been talking to Dr. Kenko about that. I know it’s not my fault. I know it’s out of my control. Sometimes… Things just eat at me. Would you have wanted to go to Paris with Raccoon Eyes and Cheeks or would you have wanted to go skiing with the guys and I? Where would you wanna have our first vacation or first apartment? Shit like that…” Katsuki pressed a palm to his face, desperately willing the tears to stop. He glanced up at the sky, noting how much darker it had gotten. Definitely time to wrap it up.
“It’s pretty late, I’m sure you want me to get the hell outta your hair for a bit. Probably already trying to convince me to get take-out. Prolly will, that little hole-in-the-wall is still fucking open somehow…” He chuckled into the wind.
Katsuki adjusted to be kneeling, grabbing the flowers to position them properly. He admired them for a moment. Just taking a moment to breathe in the cool air and take in the flowers he’d chosen. All their favorites bundled up together in a beautiful custom bouquet.
“Anyways…” Katsuki leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of the cold stone before him. “I just wanted to tell you I love you, nerd. Miss you like all fucking hell too. I know you're waiting for me up there, I’m sorry to keep you waiting for so long, but I know you wouldn’t have it any other way… Just… Keep waitin’ for me, ya? I’ll see you soon,” Katsuki pressed one more kiss to the stone before standing to his full height.
His eyes traced over the name one more time, as he always did before he walked away. Every detail of the stone was engraved into his memory from countless hours he spent sitting up on this hill. Either way, he never forgot to give it one more look. He wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, giving a choked smile to the stone.
“I love you, Izuku. See you tomorrow,”