Archive of Our Own

Izuku Midoriya had always been a curious soul from an early age.

His childhood memories would vary depending on the situation, but his questioning would always come out with more interest in the world surrounding him. Back in the day, he was high as 3 apples, imagining another universe hidden behind the clouds, and his mother always admired him for that. Celebrating his birthday could be included in this line of nostalgia, but a specific memory would melt his heart every year when the calendar reached the day he waited the most: July 15th.

It all started during his 5th anniversary. That day, Inko decided to continue the tradition by celebrating this event by themselves, decorating the house and waiting until the small curls show up in the living room.  It was unfair how time passed too quickly when the newborn you hold in your arms began to run all over the house and explain how he’ll be the stronger hero, even if he didn’t have any quirks. The woman would fondly smile at the hope and innocence in the emerald eyes, before hearing the sudden ringbell echoing in the house, stopping the freckled boy in his imagination.

“Stay here Mommy !” His tiny voice resonated in the room, rushing toward the door accompanied by his disguise, he tiptoed to wait for the height of the handle. 

In this momentum, he dropped his figurine on the ground, while leaving his tongue with this expression focused on the door, as if it were a new mission. Inko couldn’t help but smile at the scene, observing how her son wanted to grow up too fast but a second ring forced her to leave this temporary world where time stopped. The woman wondered who it could be at this hour, knowing how the entire neighborhood was silent and it was summer holidays…

The entrance door opened, letting the sun’s rays appear in the corridor, while several shadows met the walls. At that moment, silence filled the house and awoke worries in the woman’s chest, thinking about the worst. She started to rush toward the place where the small figure of Izuku was standing with wide-open eyes full of awe.

“I wanted to go earlier but the old hag insisted to buy you a gift..” The blond said with an annoyed gaze. “But I hope I didn't miss the party, deku.” 

“Kacchan !” The freckled boy whispered, almost like he was afraid to break this fever dream. He would usually celebrate his birthdays with his mom alone because no one wanted to be his friend but this year, it was the first time someone was showing up to his birthday party. Katsuki was a friend he made last year, despite his stubborn and strong personality, he had caught the freckles man’s attention since the beginning…but Izuku was too shy to make the first move. 

“Brat, how many times did I tell you to not-” A familiar voice echoed in the garden, taking her breath back. The emerald eyes recognized the stunning shade of blonde similar to the one his friend had before a man with glasses entered his vision field. He had seen them many times when his mother would bring him to play with Katsuki in the park, so Izuku naturally concluded that it was Kacchan’s parents. “You must be the lucky boy that drove our son crazy, happy birthday, Izuku !”

The emerald eyes widened, feeling how Inko’s hands reached his shoulders. The previous mysteries about the form of the cloud in the sky would be nothing compared to the sensation in his chest, making him feel what real happiness looks like. With a glance, his eyes met the crimson ones and noticed how a shade of red colored the blond’s cheeks, almost like Katsuki was embarrassed by what his mother said. There was nothing wrong with admitting how amazing someone was naturally because Izuku was always saying it to his best friend…the stubborn blond was just shy. 

“Don’t listen to them, they’re useless,” objected Katsuki, trying to erase the blush on his cheeks. 

His mother betrayed him but she better keep the conversation they had in the car secret! His crimson eyes glanced around the area, knowing it was the first time he was visiting his best friend’s house. The other children would consider the nerd a weird kid, but Katsuki liked having his presence by his side and being the center of his world. Having Izuku’s entire attention was something he cherished like the biggest victory, but a part of him was surprised to finally see a glimpse of this house his friend was praising all the time. 

Katsuki remembers when he heard about the story behind these walls and how the nerd’s father decided to leave without giving any explanation. After a talk with his parents the same night, the small boy realized how his best friend didn’t need to have an idiot like his useless father, who made him cry…Because he could be his new favorite hero! Soft fingers ruffled his golden spikes, catching his attention before meeting a woman who almost resembled his miniature version which stood a few centimeters from him. 

“Let me guess…Your name is Kacchan ?” Inko asked with a soft tone, observing how the shining iris of her son never left the blond’s figure. “I’ve heard a lot about you and your visit was unexpected but you came right in time, we were about to blow the cake.”

“My name is Katsuki Bakugo,” corrected the smaller boy with a frown. 

The green-haired woman laughed, observing how his parents reached him. It wasn’t the first time she had met them, but it was a surprise for her to face their neighbor at a time like this. This surprise was heartwarming. Inko had a difficult time with her son’s loneliness, but she loved hearing how he had a great time with his best friend and Kacchan was the best thing that ever happened to him. The genuine smile on his freckled cheeks would erase all the worries a mother could have for her child’s happiness, knowing how someone else was making her baby loved. Before realizing it, Izuku’s excitement echoed in the room, leading the blond figure to the stairs as their small voices started to talk about their card collections.

The silence appeared in these walls again, making the woman sigh before turning in front of the two adults standing in the garden. Mitsuki and Masaru were nice and welcoming people, and they still seem to remember when Inko mentioned how it’ll be her son’s birthday soon. The brown-haired man was holding a bag, surrounded by a knot, or stood the gift they had bought for the occasion.

“We’re sorry for this sudden entrance but Katsuki was too excited for this surprise,” confessed Mitsuki with a soft tone, letting her neighbor close the door behind them. “This brat wanted to rush without a gift but I had to teach him manners, you know how children are…They want to grow up too fast.”

“You’ve chosen the perfect day to remind me how time isn’t in our favor as parents, but your visit couldn’t been a better gift for my son. The last days he kept talking about how he wished he could have his best friend by his side for his birthday…and the house had been quiet since…you know.”

Mitsuki’s hands reached the other’s shoulders as a sign of support. Indeed, the couple has been living in this neighborhood for years and would have a hard time making new friends, mostly because their son was chaotic. Masaru would be the reasonable soul in this family, making Katsuki understand how acting like that would only bring him conflicts, but the blond ignored his advice. The couple noticed how their son became more chatty in conversations when he mentioned his new friend, a nerd who followed him everywhere, sharing the sad background behind his presence in the neighborhood. 

“We don’t need to chase after ghosts of our past because we would waste precious seconds of our lives for people who don’t deserve it,” the brown-haired man explained, trying to erase the sad expression on Inko’s face. The three of them weren’t friends, just casual neighbors who often talk with each other but maybe they could bring this warmth of comfort Inko needed. “Enough talk, we hoped the gift we took was fine because we were guided by Katsuki himself with his specific orders. He was claiming the entire time how he was the only one who truly knew what his best friend needed…”

This comment made the woman smile. Inko’s biggest pride was to have the strongest son but she would be happier to know that Izuku wasn’t alone in this journey and that a stubborn blond would stay by him despite the darkest moments. That day, Izuku celebrated for the first time with the most important people by his side, realizing how he would cherish each birthday.

—

The sunny days were as distant as the dreams that Izuku had chased in his childhood. 

The colors of the sky he had admired so much had lost their value, leaving these dark shadows entering his life. Growing up was never an easy thing, but every day was more and more complicated for a broken soul like his. The best friend he had cherished so much until now had turned his coat against him, replacing laughter with tears. Promises had become threats, while the world was losing its sense, leaving Izuku Midoriya clinging to his last hope...his dream of helping people, no matter the price he had to pay to reach this goal. 

Middle school was the main reason for the sudden rise of anxiety in his chest every time he reached this familiar building. He would stand in the corner, being mocked by others while putting into words his unspoken truths. The colors of the walls would remind him of the loneliness of his bedroom, where all his old dreams were crushed by the tyrannic words leaving his childhood friend’s lips. 

/ “Take a swan dive off the roof of the building,”/ 

When did their strong bond fall apart? The best friends they used to be would hang out in the park for endless hours with the hope of never leaving each other. Their sleepovers became something recurrent as the sound of their voices filled the empty house of the Midoriya, bringing a hint of hope to this new page writing itself. 

Inko had watched from afar her son growing up with a bigger smile on his face when Kacchan was mentioned, but the last months awoke some doubts in her chest. She was a mother and knew how something was wrong, especially when she recognized a fake smile on Izuku’s face. This boy had never been good at hiding secrets, but it would break her heart to watch these unshed tears on a smile that used to shine brighter than the stars in a midnight sky. 

Today was supposed to be something exciting because it was Izuku’s birthday.

 From all the places he wanted to avoid, the teenager had to go to the reason for his anxiety. Hopefully, none would consider him as a classmate, acting like he never existed and there was no reason to think it'll be different. With a deep breath, the freckled man reached his classroom, ignoring the whispers about his name in the corridor. He couldn’t wait to leave this place and change his life, because freedom would be way better than staying in this hell. 

“Look who’s finally showing up,” a voice echoed in the room, catching everyone’s attention. Izuku rolled his eyes, ignoring his bullies. He gasped when someone took his headphones away, forcing him to look into their cold eyes. If this group was standing proudly with this hate on their face, they would only follow the lead of the taller man, who showed up with crossed arms against his chest.

“Look like mommy forgot to put on your snack today. Maybe we should take something else from you today, right?” The other guy added, searching the young man’s backpack to pull out a notebook. Izuku’s eyes widened at the sight, his hands reaching the 13th notebook he had kept for himself the entire time, despite the burn mark on the pages.

“I will never understand why you cared so much about this thing. It’s used and good for the scrap, it’s not by rereading your old dreams that they will return. You have to admit it’s too late to find them, like this man who couldn’t even look you in the eye. Admit it, if you scared your father, who will want you in this world?" 

“Enough,” Katsuki’s voice rose from the dead. It was clear he was tired from this one-sided fight, realizing how the nerd would never answer to their attacks, even if he could read into these emerald eye's sadness. 

If his childhood friend was silent the entire time, it would be a question of time before tearing up when no one was looking. Curious glances started at him with a stunned expressions on their faces, watching how the blond was slowly reaching his desk. 

“Come on, the game just begun... Why are you so much on the defensive lately?” One of the bullies sighed, giving the backpack to their leader. Izuku was watching the scene, realizing how this would probably be the worst day of his life…

“Shut the fuck up, It’s none of your business,” threatened the blond, giving a death glance to the extras on his path. 

Everyone knew how none should contradict Katsuki Bakugo, at the risk of losing their reputation and ending up in the infirmary. The familiar sound of the bell began to ring, indicating that the class was about to start soon, leading the freckled man to hold back his tears. Crimson eyes met the shaking shadow standing on his chair, ignoring everyone’s gaze and feeling ashamed for not being able to stand up. With a sigh, the blond put the burned notebook into the bags before throwing it beside his childhood friend. The gesture was surprising, coming from someone like Katsuki who hated him, but the other teenager was already gone when Izuku turned his head. 

At the end of the day, the freckled man had one wish: to return home and cry on his bed. 

It was the worst birthday he could ever have, but he needed to keep his dignity until the end and break his shoulder when no one was looking. Accepting tears would be easier than denying how painful they were. The background sound of his classmate chatting loudly echoed in his ears as their shadows started to leave the classroom slowly but surely, leaving him alone in his misery.

Salty tears fell down his cheeks, unable to ignore the pain in his chest. His hands held the yellow backpack, used by the time, closer, before throwing it away and falling to his knees. If someone cared enough about his case, maybe a teacher would check on him, but for the moment he was alone. He let his sobs fill the room, putting his knees closer to his chest and hiding his head behind them. 

After a few minutes of sobs, Izuku wiped his tears, realizing how he wasted enough water for assholes like them. His life wouldn’t change overnight, but he was wondering if the tragic fate recommended by his childhood friend was more favorable than living. With a sigh and a deep breath, he stood up and grabbed his backpack, still open due to the previous shock against the wall before his breakdown. 

His hands reached the notebook, putting it inside before his eyes caught something unusual. To his knowledge, he didn’t remember putting that in his bags at the beginning of the day and wondered how it appeared here….especially when he was the only one in the room. Izuku’s fingers grabbed the small box with hesitation. It seemed obvious that the author of this surprise did not know how to make a good embalming, but this wasn’t what worried Izuku, because the young man wondered what it could be. After all, no one knew that today was his birthday, and he was not crazy enough to give himself a surprise gift, otherwise he would have known.

His eyes widened when he found the card standing beside the gift. 

“Tch, I might be an asshole but I can still wish you a happy birthday.

PS: If you let anyone know about this, I'll kick your ass.”-K.B

At this moment many thoughts crossed his mind, making his heart beat faster. The freckled man didn’t remember the last time he had been this close to his childhood friend, but there was no doubt this writing belonged to the blond. Maybe the other put it discreetly in the bag before class started, trying to not break this reputation around his name. 

For the first time in years, the freckled man felt a slight hope in his chest, making him smile.

—-

It took a long time for Izuku to enjoy birthdays again, but he knew how to embrace the joys surrounding an important event in his life. 

Inko couldn’t be prouder of her son, who graduated from the high school of his dreams and reached his goals with supportive people by his side. In his quest for truths about how he wanted to be defined, the freckled man met many people who became a pillar to the person he was now, but the most important one was his childhood friend with whom he had reconnected. Things had naturally been done over time, leaving the two young men to welcome this second chance and make up for lost time. 

Many things have changed in their lives, whether it was in the professional or private aspect, including the starters of their careers. In the reconstruction of this bond still broken by previous years, Izuku and Katsuki decided to take a step forward by opening their agency after graduation, wishing to make a name for themselves in this environment. Unsurprisingly, the whole country had cheered these two new heroes who brought a touch of freshness to this youth and this ranking. 

Soon Izuku was going to celebrate his 21st anniversary and for the occasion, his loved one planned something unforgettable. Lost in this sudden mystery surrounding his final destination, the freckled man couldn’t help but ask many questions, feeling like a child again. His heart was sweating faster as he was following his friends’s orders, walking into the unknown, before finding the answers to his question a few seconds later, when the blindfold was taken away.

Under his eyes were standing all the supportive figures he had met in his life, including his mother, his old teachers, his mentor, and his classmates. Izuku’s eyes widened at the realization, before catching Katsuki’s shadow in the corner of the room, looking at him with a smirk on his face. A large banner stood under his eyes, with the letters revealing a huge "happy birthday" accompanied by a giant screen. The place was decorated like a spot with themes, blending the colors of his favorite hero as a genuine smile appeared on his face. 

The freckled man started to thank everyone for making this the best birthday he could ever imagine and lost himself in the euphoria, mixed with the comfort in his chest. The hours went and the room was getting noisy due to the loud chat from the numerous people who agreed to participate. From time to time, Ochako would remind her friend how there was a last surprise she kept for the end, leading Izuku to wait for something that was consuming his last brain cells.

“If you continue to look for invisible clues, you will not get out, especially when I can see  the smoke coming out of your ears.” Katsuki’s voice explained, making the freckled man jump. He didn’t realize how lost he was in his thoughts until his childhood friend’s hands reached his shoulders, while the others were holding a glass. “You should learn how to relax instead of precipitating things. Why do you think you failed the last training ?”

“This happened once and you know why, kacchan,” objected the freckled man with an annoyed expression on his face. Today he was glad to be the one following his best friend in these new adventures, making his childhood dreams into reality. “I was…distracted.”

“And you still refuse to tell me the reason behind this free victory you gave me? I guess I have to find the answers by myself, nerd.” The stubbornness in the blond’s tone revealed how he was bothered by this secret his best friend was holding back from him. With the years, Katsuki made sure to be a better person and someone the nerd could count on, but there was something different with these shining eyes looking at him with awe…almost like he was facing the same boy who opened his door for his 5th anniversary. 

“No matter how much you search, the only thing you find will be the reflection because I'll never, ever, tell these words by myself. It’s a mystery you need to figure out by yourself if you’re willing to fight for it…”

 If Izuku was playing this dangerous game with someone like Dynamight, the most coveted man in the country, it was for a good reason. He would never admit on his own how his heart was beating for his childhood friend and how was the only one he could think about for the last few years. If his past self used to be afraid of this thought, he could now look himself in the mirror and admit how he was in love with Katsuki Bakugo. 

“You know, I never had the chance to thank you for the gift you made me in middle school…You didn’t have to but you still put this box in my bags,” whispered the smaller shadow, letting his scarred hands hold the glass gently.

 A soft smile appeared on his cheeks at the memory, realizing how they didn’t need to talk to know what the other was talking about. Indeed, Katsuki had never been clear about the reasons behind his actions that day, no matter how hard Izuku tried to question him. However, the nerd would still find it comforting, despite how this birthday had been messy from the beginning until the final discovery of the box, the same one he kept in his room years later as a precious memory.

“Don’t remind me how shitty I was, I should've stood up against these assholes instead of letting them bring you down to praise their selfish ego.” The tone in his voice revealed a hint of regret, something Izuku had already heard and seen in the past. They’ve been into many fights as a team, something disagreeing with the other’s actions, but it would always break Izuku’s heart to read sadness into these mesmerizing crimson eyes. “There’s nothing good about acting the way I did.”

“But you still show how you care about me in your way….” The scarred hands put the glass on the closest table and ruffled his spiky hair. If this gesture surprised both men, none complained about the sudden warmth in their bodies. The flame in their chest would burn their skin, melting for the freckled man’s touch and stunning expression on the blond’s face. Unfortunately, this fever dream only lasted a few seconds which seemed like hours before Ochako’s voice interrupted them, standing closer to the micro.

“Whatever,” mumbled the blond, ignoring the blush on his cheeks. “You should probably get back to your seat, the party isn’t over, freckles.”

—---

Indeed, Izuku didn’t know what he was expecting…but not that. 

He finally got the answers he needed when the light turned off, letting the brightness of the screen highlight the entire room as a first question appeared on the write screen. From here, Izuku could read: 

“Who are you and what is your link with Izuku ?”

When the video started to play, the pictures and memories he forged himself with the times, his heart beat faster. He realized how loved he was by the people surrounding him for the most important moment of his life. Izuku welcomed the tears at the testimonies, without knowing how Katsuki was watching from afar with a smirk on his face. Sometimes he could still face this small boy who was ready for new adventures with their crazy imagination. The small freckled boy became someone stronger, being the blonde’s pride without realizing it. A part of him wished he could watch the light growing up in these mesmerizing emerald eyes. 

Katsuki Bakugo had never been able to express his feelings with words, but his heart and soul belonged to Izuku the moment their eyes met, solidifying his admiration for his childhood friend. The blond welcomed these feelings almost like they always belonged here, realizing how he wished time stopped to picture this moment in his last breath…knowing he would be his home. 

Izuku Midoriya was the only one able to make him feel alive and listen, no matter if the circumstances weren’t in their favor. The nature of his feelings was leading the blond to be jealous of anyone approaching his childhood friend, but he never had the chance to express how the freckled man should only smile at him. 

No matter how hard he tried, Katsuki couldn’t chase these thoughts away from his mind, being mesmerized by the shining eyes across the room. The background sound of the voices playing slowly returned to his ears, watching the final result of a project he participated in months ago. The goal was simple: answer honestly in front of a camera, almost like it was a meeting with a therapist. If some had more difficulties playing the game, others felt free and started to be themselves on another side the freckled man had never seen before.

After the introductions, the familiar faces started to appear more frequently. 

It would be heartwarming to see his mentor, old teacher, and friends (if it wasn’t his mom), participating in this project. They all took precious minutes, if not hours, of their time to make someone else happy…And it was the best part. The emerald eyes glanced at the crowded room as the videos kept playing, voices filling the background. 

Ochako’s face was hiding something behind this smile, an expression he knew too well because she already had detention for all the ideas related to this expression on her face. It caught the freckled man’s attention, wondering what could be so important to stay until the end. 

Some questions were pretty simple such as:  “What are his qualities and his defaults?”, making him laugh because everyone agreed about the fact that he was never thinking about himself first. Another question was appearing on the white screen, this time more personal.  The words: “What do you admire in him” were now residing on the big screen as the testimonies started to play, catching his attention. It was the same people who previously were a part of the project, with the surprise of facing some of his friends, who’ve never had the opportunity to reveal their more vulnerable sides. 

“Everything,” Inko’s voice echoed in the room, sharing this proud smile at the camera. “I couldn’t help but admire how the tiny boy I held in my arm that day became such a strong and loving person. I’ve seen him in all aspects of his life, but giving birth to him was my biggest pride.”

Izuku had always been a sentimental person. He was aware of how much his mother sacrificed to give him this life and this happiness, something putting herself aside. He couldn’t help but be grateful for everything she did to him, despite the fights they had. He wasn’t the best son but he could never doubt his mother’s sincere love.

“He always had this desire to save everyone without taking himself into account and this detail used to play with my nerves back in the day. Looking at it now, I can explain how this is one of the things I admire because if there’s one extra able to give hope in this shitty country, it could be the nerd.” This time it was Katsuki’s turn to speak and confess his truths, making Izuku’s heart beat faster. 

He used to read into these crimson eyes like an open book and know all the lines, thinking they could write the last commas together. This statement was still something he cherished, especially with how their relationship improved into something healthier. Something was comforting in this confession coming from his childhood friend, someone who had known him since the beginning. He shared a glance toward the taller man sitting a few meters away from him, noticing the blond was looking at him all along before turning his head with an invisible “tch”.

“Deku-kun has been the friend we all needed in our lives, and I’m glad our paths met! He had always been supportive all along, using the right strategy in every situation possible, no matter if it was a simple training or a real-life mission. I admire how he could always figure out how to make things right without hurting anyone !“ the brown-haired woman explained with a nod. 

For a long time, Izuku used to suffer from loneliness. 

He remembered how the old school days were having the same shade of gray, missing the brightest colors he used to draw. If his life was a painting, it would be represented by a few demarcations, starting with a shade of gray reminding him of the walls of the clinic he saw when the doctor said he was quirkless. It would slowly turn into the brightest color, a shade of gold that reminded him of the spiky hair of his best friend that changed his entire life. Izuku wasn’t an artist, but he knew he could continue this painting representing his life today through the multiple bright colors appearing in his mind when he was thinking about the people he met in his life, including his friends.

“Young Midoriya had always had this potential. I was looking for someone. It was rare to find this devotion and love for the risk at such a young age, reminding me how the greatest stories started.  He has a lot of things to admire, but his bravery is the one able to catch my attention and make his dream come true.” All Might, his mentor and only father figure, was the one ending this part of the video. 

His words were sincere, bringing an unexpected motivation into the freckled man’s heart, realizing how he was still admiring this hero from his childhood…even if he had another hero now. Without All Might, none of this would’ve been possible and Izuku didn’t know how he would be able to thank the others properly.

——

The next question appeared on the screen, revealing the following words : 

 “What’s the biggest life lesson he taught you ?”

This question could be seen as tricky for someone who didn’t know the person behind this smile and freckled cheeks who used to hide more pain than a normal teenager should have. However, Izuku was still human with vulnerabilities he could turn into his strength, but a part of him wasn’t ready to hear these answers, knowing it would make him more emotional than he already was.

“To enjoy my life as if today was the last,” Inko explained with a gentle tone, the same one she used to give after a nightmare when her son was a child. “When Izuku was born, I realized how my entire world was now surrounding this tiny human who looked at me with awe. I wasn’t a hero nor an inspiration, just a simple woman who started a new chapter of her life but he made me feel alive again…he saved my life.”

Tears fell down his cheeks, hearing how his mother's words echoed in his mind. He didn’t know how or even when she was holding everything to herself, but her words sounded genuine, almost like it was written in her bones. At this moment, he promised himself to make her prouder even if this meant facing darker fights. 

“This boy is a mess by himself if you ask me,” Katsuki said with a sigh, rolling his eyes and avoiding the camera. “He doesn’t know how to take care of himself, but he could be determined in his shit. The world isn’t ready to welcome someone like him, and no one deserves his love too big for his soul…even me. I couldn’t say one single life lesson crossed my mind because there were too many and the list would be too long, even if  he would probably deny this fact.”

Katsuki Bakugo had been someone who had issues with forming relationships with people, but it had always felt right with the nerd. This shadow crossed his path, entering his life and driving him insane in many ways, but Izuku stayed no matter what. The freckled man forgave when the boundaries were reached, unable to erase the venom leaving the other’s lips, but he accepted his apologies under the rain. He stayed when his childhood friend was waking up from an accident after an endless fight, at the hospital and cried because Izuku was afraid of losing Katsuki. 

“I’ve been teaching too many students since the beginning of my career, but the only student I could think about when you ask me who was the most pleasant when teaching…I could say  Midoriya Izuku. Somedays I still realize how this boy who asked me for advice after each training ended up being the symbol of peace, surrounded by the people who supported him all along. The only lesson he taught me was how being a teacher was the best thing that could happen to me if this meant watching the light returning in my student’s eyes and admiring them and watching the person they became.” .” Aizawa pointed out, reliving the old days when he used to face his students preparing themselves for another training session.

He sincerely cared about the fate of his students, but he had a special bond with this class he raised until graduation, almost like they were his children. Today, these students full of hope become the next inspiration for the new generation, repeating history and being the heroes of their own story. 

The freckled man had always been aware of how his teacher sounded more protective than the others, but his heart warmed his heart. After all, he wasn’t perfect and had made mistakes, but this surprise anniversary made him realize how he wasn’t and would never be alone. All these testimonies coming from the most important people in his life reminded him how loved he was…forcing him to wipe the tears falling down his cheeks.

—--

It took him by surprise when the last question appeared on the familiar screen, feeling how his heart stopped at the meaning behind the chosen words : 

“Do you have something to say, something you never told him ?”

As expected, the answer led him to tear up multiple times. It wasn’t a secret if the freckled man was vulnerable around the explicit affection of love, no matter if it was words or actions. His soul was healing with the comforting words from his loved ones, hearing his closest friends reminding him how he was the perfect friend they needed. This rush of emotions would be followed by his mentor and Aizawa’s testimonies, telling him how they were proud to see this strong soul reaching his goal with the same bravery he had in his youth. The last one who decided to share her confessions was Inko Midoriya, telling how she was proud of her son with teary eyes.

However, something felt odd about this situation. 

Everyone took their time to answer the last question, exposing their vulnerabilities, but someone was missing from the list…If Katsuki had been confident about his previous answers, his presence was as nonexistent as the hope of seeing his father reappear on the threshold of his door. With a quick peek, his emerald eyes noticed how the blond’s figure was standing here, watching the entire thing from afar.

It hit him like a slap in the face, but the thought of Katsuki being distant was painful. If his childhood friend took his time to answer the others' questions with so much honesty…Why does he refuse to be a part of this? They have nothing to hide from each other because they are the hero’s partner and could confess every little secret about the other, something the world and media shouldn’t be aware of. 

Why Izuku was hurt by the thought of Kacchan avoiding him? Their relationship became stronger after graduation and the freckled man thought they were alright. Indeed, he was wrong about the previous statement reaching his mind because if his childhood friend was acting that way,  it was for a particular reason. Much to his surprise, Izuku’s questions were solved in the next seconds when the video was cut by another text appearing on the screen, recognizing the blond’s voice in the background. With this proof, it was a clear representation of how he indeed participated against his will…

“We asked Katsuki to participate in this project for the last question. He kept saying how he had nothing to do with this shit and was done but we had a way to have his answer. I think you’ll like it.”

Many questions reached his mind, wondering what it meant, knowing how the blond already gave his answers by not participating earlier. If they would force him, none of his words would be sincere. Indeed, Izuku knew this statement because he assisted in a similar scene years ago, when their PR team forced the number one hero to fake his answers to calm the latest drama around his name. Media had never been easy on him, using his stubborn personality to praise their ego and gain more power by putting Dynamight into stupid lies. 

His eyes caught the video on the screen, forgetting about his previous thoughts. The only thing he could focus on was the other’s tone, being unable to recognize it when he knew how to read into his eyes like an open book. This time, Izuku was lost at his own game, catching a hint of worries, appearing in his crimson eyes, almost like he feared something.

“Huh? Do you want me to participate in this shit? I thought we already talked about it and I’ve already done enough.” His voice answered with a grating tone, revealing how annoyed he was by the same question he already heard a million times in the last few days. 

Being a part of this project was already enough to show how he was a better person than the extras and show a hint of vulnerability to the nerd but this last request was his limit. Katsuki Bakugo wasn’t naive and already expected where this would end, knowing how the freckled man’s birthday was in a few days…But he couldn’t confess something so important under these conditions. 

The rays of the sun from the outside came to rest on the shoulders of the blond, highlighting the distant expression on his face. The conversations of the strangers in this place, which seemed welcoming at the first approaches, came to fill the moments of silence. On a few occasions, the sound of the spoon rubbing against the cups added a touch of novelty to a place already occupied by this feeling of life. However, the only thing that caught Izuku’s attention was the expression on his friend’s face, as if his eyes were hiding a bigger truth, something important that remained on his shoulders. His attempt at camouflaging doesn’t seem to work if we rely on the looks and whispers of the stranger to the two heroes. 

“You just need to answer this question, it’s the last one,” Shoto’s voice protested from afar, holding secretly the camera.

 It was a risky mission if the others found out about this betrayal, but Ochako’s mission was strong enough to lead to the most unforgettable gift their friend could ever have. After all, if the wonder duo were constantly flirting around each other, maybe the two men needed a little push from their guardian angels…

“How many times should I repeat this,” he sighed, thanking the waitress when the woman gave them their coffee on the table. “I agreed with the others because they were shitty, but I draw the line at this one and you won’t change my mind.”

It was obvious how the golden-haired man seemed offended by the actual request to film this last scene, but it would simply raise more curiosity in the freckled man’s chest. 

“But why? It’s just a question, Bakugo,” corrected the number three hero, taking a part of the cake that stood at the angle of the camera. After all, if in his misfortune, this plan should fall apart, at least it will have its share of comfort. “You should’ve known where were you going when you were offered the idea, and you can’t go back. This movie needs to end with you saying your truths…”

“Don't you dare look straight in my eyes and say bullshit? We both know the whole group could find someone else to finish this sequence. I am not replaceable whether you like it or not, Icy Hot.”

“But their words would never be the same as yours,” Shoto sincerely tried to reassure his friend, reading the worries in his eyes. “This project could be the perfect gift because you’re the only one able to share the full story, knowing you’ve known Midoriya since your childhood. He would love to hear your part of the story, so if you don’t do it for us…do it for him.”

The blond’s face softened to these words, almost like the other reached a sensitive point. It was obvious how Izuku and Katsuki cared about each other, more than anything. Their mutual devotion, if it wasn’t admiration, was publicly seen in each picture the media would share about the wonder duo and their patrols. The soft sound of his heartbeat echoing in his ears filled the moment of blank happening in the video, making him wonder why a specific request like this one was bothering Katsuki, who wouldn’t hesitate to say his truths. Until now, the others were easy and he didn’t seem to have any fear, this one should be the same,…it wasn’t like he had something to hide, It was just a question, right? 

“As much as I want to accept this request, I can’t do it…”

“What’s stopping you ?” Shoto asked with an absent gaze on his face. He could feel how this truth his friend was trying to hide was something meaningful because Katsuki wouldn’t act that way without reason unless he was according a specific meaning to this question…

“I wish I could explain it but It’s not just a shitty question I could answer and move on like nothing happened. It’s more than that, you’re asking me to say things I don’t even confess to my friends. You have no idea about what I could say, I don’t think he’ll enjoy hearing them”

The impact of his words was as effective as the blows of the last villain Izuku had fought, leaving a bruise on his body for weeks. This time, there was sincerity in each of his words, because the expression on Katsuki’s face was in agreement with the truths that he seemed to protect under an invisible shelter, from which only he had the key. Despite the hints of a positive ending to this conversation, the freckled man could feel how his hands tightened under the table, wondering if it wasn’t the moment to stop this surprise. 

What was he expecting? Of course, Katsuki would never say it out loud, especially if it was bad things. Izuku wasn’t perfect and he knew it. Maybe his thoughts about it being just a simple question led him the wrong way, the freckled man knew he was naive and he wanted to hide from this situation. 

If Katsuki didn’t want to talk, it was his choice.

“I can imagine his reaction when he learns about the truths I’ve been holding for too long on my shoulders, losing myself in those illusions and happy endings I’m projecting. I could already picture his stupid eyes, shining brighter than  any stars residing in a midnight sky when my lips would whisper  how he’s stronger than he thinks.” The number one hero mumbled, letting his lip meet the cup and tasting this coffee that making eyes at him the entire time. “He doesn’t need to know how my heart misses a beat every time he’s around in the room, almost like I was bothering such a stunning presence like his. He seems unassailable from this angle, but no one seems to realize that his moments of vulnerability make him his strength and humanity…Something that made me fall for him years ago.”

Izuku’s face widened, the tight of his hands relaxing at the recorded confession. It was under his eyes like a scene from a romantic movie, when the main love interest would confess to his best friend about the nature of his feelings. Maybe their lives weren’t so different from the cheesy movies the duo was watching on their Saturday night, reliving their childhood memories. 

“He’s used to bullshitting, but stupid enough to underestimate the power in his hands, blinding and stopping him to be the next name on this unforgettable list of legends. When the media would bring him down for missing an attack or letting a villain escape, they would never see the consequences of their words.  Behind these fake smiles are hiding unshared tears he would let escape when no one is looking. He’s ready to lose himself in his numerous hours of work and the pressure he’s putting himself on his shoulders because he wanted to be better but he’ll never understand…” 

Katsuki sighed, resting his back against the chair and looking at the other side of the camera, observing a huge poster of the nerd covering an entire wall on the other side of the street. If the wonder duo made it until now, why does this victory feel bitter to his lips? 

“He doesn't have to be better but smarter to figure out how he’s already the best version of himself. You should see how he’s trying his best until his body forces him to take a rest, even if he’s against this choice. No one could ever notice how his face shows a slight smile every time I’m saying something as if he was going to swallow all the bullshit I come up with. I’m pretty sure he would consider it a blessing when those same words used to put him lower than Earth years ago. Still…All he could do was smile at me and repeat this nickname. Kacchan here, Kacchan there, Kacchan have enough. This shitty nerd couldn’t see how I reach my limits every time he’s  coming back from his stupid date, trying to find comfort in my arms” 

The taller figure explained, letting his callous hands hold the cup tightly. His body was betraying him in this conversation, but his crimson eyes started to be teary, refusing to let the salty water ruin his coffee. The freckled man started to think about the worst but hearing those words was unexpected, especially from Kacchan. The blond was always watching him from afar without saying anything seeing him revealing his feelings was surprising. Since when Katsuki was hiding all this pain in his chest? 

“What do you mean ?”

“Come on, Half and Half. I think you could also see it, everyone around me told me at least once how it was obvious I was pinning for him. The worst thing is how they’re right, they could never know how painful it is to see the tears falling down his cheeks after a date because an extra was shitty enough to say how Izuku fucking Midoriya wasn’t enough. No one could ever see how the nerd is trying his best to make everyone happy. The whole time he’s trying to find the right person when I’m right here.”

It took a few seconds to process what just happened. 

Don’t get him wrong, Izuku knew the words leaving Katsuki’s mouth were sincere but it was another side of this person he was supposed to know by heart. For the first time in years, the blond was offering a new show to these broken jade eyes, wishing he could go through the screen to wipe away the upcoming tears on the crimson eyes. 

“But…why did you never confess? You know you could still have your chance.”

“Because I’m fucking scared.” The taller man objected with a loud voice, catching all eyes on them at the moment. He rolled his eyes, acting like this situation was embarrassing enough for him especially what the media would say about the news lies surrounding his name. 

“You have no idea how I struggle every day to keep my calm when I hear him talking about his previous dates wishing it was my name leaving his lips and being the origin of the sparkles in his eyes. Deku could be the purest form of innocence in this world, he would’ve never seen how he’s more than enough.  I should probably teach these assholes how to wear glasses because they’re fucking blind If they can’t see their luck and the man they have in front of them. They’re too blind to see how his stupid gaze is pretty enough to reflect the stars in his eyes when he’s excited about something. You should see how he’s mumbling during hours and thinking he’s a bother when in reality, I could hear him during an entire life because he’s a stupid nerd. As time went on, I thought he would change but every time I look into his eyes, I’m facing the same boy who changed my entire life.”

After the sudden revelations, the entire room was forced to face the awkward silence. In another situation, their faces would’ve probably laughed at the circumstances, but the broken expression on Katsuki’s face was heartbreaking. It was clear how the blond was trying to not tear up in public, but his voice would shake in a sad tone when the topic of other people entering Izuku’s life was mentioned. 

“I see…is that why you refused to answer the last question ?” Shoto’s voice was unsure, wondering if it was the first time his friend was releasing all this pressure on someone else. 

It wasn’t a surprise if Katsuki Bakugo was someone who was keeping his insecurities to himself, sometimes reaching the no-return point. However, there was something heartbreaking at this sight, almost like his childhood friend was his biggest weakness…Something the League of Villains understood years ago. 

“Of fucking course. Did you see me confessing my love for him and how I’m trying my best to keep this friendship because it’s so important to us? We both went into a lot of shit but in the end, he’s still here and forgiving me the stupidest things. I don’t think I could answer the question because it’ll be too long.”

Izuku’s vision was blurry because of the salty tears falling unconsciously on his lips. His mind was full of questions, making him unable to formulate the slighted sound in the dark room. Being vulnerable had never been something to be ashamed of, and the freckled man had noticed more than once how his childhood friend was keeping pressure on his shoulders for too long. At some point, it would lead to a breakdown but even in the most surprising scenarios, Izuku Midoriya never imagined such confessions.

“I have so many things to confess, hoping these words would finally leave the tip of my tongue and reach the person who owns my soul..the same person who stayed despite my flaws. A lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explain how I’m fucking proud of him for reaching his dream because I knew it since we met. If I could, I’d explain how I’m the shadow in his life, observing from afar his success and failure, no matter if it’s personal or professional, and still love him the same. If I have the guts, I’ll show up to his door, look straight into his eyes, and kiss him as my younger self should’ve done years ago.” His callous hands grabbed the cup, now cold due to their long conversation. 

A quick peek seemed to indicate how people would gossip about his sudden confession, wondering if they should keep it to the world or for themselves. Katsuki ignored their whispers, taking a glance at his phone and realizing how his break was over soon. The faster he was over with all these annoying questions, the faster he could return home and cry over his sad fate.

“I’ll always be his childhood friend and nothing more, the one who never took his chance and just wanted to see him happy. If I need to confess, I want to make things right. Are you happy with that Half and Half ?”

—-

The player stopped, leaving an awkward silence in the room as the light returned, trying to regain this precious atmosphere they had before this surprise. 

If everyone were looking at each other with worries, Izuku was trying to hold back the last tears, knowing how he wouldn’t even try to defend himself. He didn’t know since when he was crying but one thing was sure how Katsuki’s speech impacted him. Indeed, his love life had never been easy, especially when he was still learning a lot about his sexuality in high school. It was something new and scary for him, but he gave up the idea of having a chance with Katsuki once he found out that he was bisexual. He was scared of rejection and thought Katsuki would hate him for seeing their relationship as something more than just friends.

It was his first mistake.

The freckled man stood up from his chair, ignoring how his eyes were red due to the previous emotions. At this moment, the sound of his heartbeat was covering the background noises, his eyes searching in the room to meet the crimson one…only to find an empty chair. Inko’s hands reached his shoulder, taking him by surprise and she smiled at him, showing him her support. Her gaze was enough to say “Go after him, I’ll make sure to keep everything clean here”.

Izuku didn’t think twice before his shadow left the room, his legs ran faster than he could ever imagine. Indeed, he was unable to ignore the previous confessions constantly replaying in his mind, almost like it was a reminder of what his life could’ve been if he hadn’t made all these mistakes. It would make sense how his dates were always a failure because none of them were able to relive this flame in his chest, the one that was always burning when his childhood friend was around. Many times his scarred fingers tried to reach the callus hands, before being too hesitant and acting like nothing happened…Because someone like Katsuki Bakugo would’ve never wanted to be with a bother like Izuku. 

It would make sense now. 

The entire time the two men had the hints under their eyes, but their fear of rejection was too strong, blinding them to see how they could be happy together. Maybe their lives would have been different today if one of them confessed when the time had come, bringing the other on a date and sharing their most intimate nights in the tenderness. In another lifetime, their ancestor’s paths would’ve probably written history by having this forbidden love, selling their fates into an endless circle of chasing after each other in the next decades. If some stories remain hidden, they would shine brighter than the stars observing Izuku’s shadow running in the street. 

At this hour the town was filled with a dead silence, except for the few restaurants and public bars. The lights passed before his eyes like the landscape he used to admire in his childhood. The wind came to rest on his curls, in a slight movement before encountering the sweat flowing from his forehead. The city becomes desolate in his field of vision like a reminder that his soul was looking for, before finding a shade of hope when a shadow that he knew too well, standing a few meters from him. No one knew how long the moment of flight had separated to the reward point at the end of the road. 

“Katsuki Bakugo, stay where you are,” Izuku’s voice shouted in the middle of the night, ignoring whether he was in a public space or not. The hero didn’t know what happened or even how these words left his mouth, he was now facing the consequences of his actions by standing a few meters away from his childhood friend. Crimson eyes met him with a curious glance, reminding the broken expression Izuku had seen earlier in the videos. 

None dare to speak, too focused to read into each other’s eyes. 

It’ll be another kind of fight, the silent one where the first one to speak was losing…something they weren’t ready to do yet. In a few seconds, their two men mingled in the night color, while the meters that separated them were transformed into centimeters. From this angle, Izuku could feel how the blond’s eyes could illuminate his nights and guide him to the right path, especially if it meant catching the lost time. In their uncertainty, the two men realized how they had so many moments to make the right confession and change their fates. 

Katsuki couldn't help but notice how beautiful the smaller figure standing under his vision’s field was the one he always pictured in his dreams. More than once, Katsuki finds himself in this kind of situation, realizing that it would only be a fantasy. However, the only sound that occupied his mind was the heartbeat of his heart that stirred with Izuku’s breathing. The blond didn’t fight back when he caught the scarred hands coming towards his cheeks in a hesitant movement as if he was going to take the slap he deserved for having fled like a coward.

To his surprise, Izuku decided to break the distance between them with an unexpected hug. The crimson eyes widened at the warmth pressed against his skin, as the green curls were now resting against his chin. From here, he could feel how their size difference was obvious, forcing the freckled man to rest on his tiptoes to fully embrace the other’s warmth. If this scene could be a reflection of one of the cheesy movies they were seeing during their Saturday night…none dare to complain.

 The scarred hands were pressed against the blond’s shirt, holding him tightly like he was afraid of losing the other’s presence. It was rare to be this close with someone he had known since his childhood, especially when the vulnerable moments could be counted on a finger’s hands with their jobs. For a moment time stopped, accepting how Izuku was the one losing these previous games, and smiled, feeling how string arms hugged him back. 

“You have a lot of things to explain,” mumbled the freckled man in his beard, his head resting against the blond’s chest. “Running away won’t change the fact that we both need to talk.”

“You came right in time because I was about to make a small walk …Changing my mind after the event of that night.” The blond teased with a smirk on his face, facing the small shadow under his eyes. He didn’t realize until now how he was already missing this comforting presence in his life. 

“Would you mind having some company or do you want to explain your problems to the moon ?” The freckled man whispered with a smile, letting the obscurity hide the blush on his cheeks. 

All those flirting games could finally make sense with the previous revelation he heard, but if Katsuki wanted to make the perfect confession, Izuku could help him without letting the other know…

—---

This scene was straight out of a movie, the kind that could fill their evening before falling asleep because of tiredness. 

More than once, the blond had found his childhood friend’s face resting against his shoulder with his lips slightly open, dreaming about a world the other couldn’t reach. Sometimes Katsuki was wondering if the nerd was dreaming of him, and if it was the case, would it be in a good or a bad situation? 

He’ll never have the answers but the only thing that matters is how comforting it is to have the man he loved so close to him. Under this angle, the blond had the impression of facing the most vulnerable side of this person who owned his heart and soul. Izuku seemed to be way too innocent to face the darkness of this world, but he wouldn’t be alone…not now Katsuki made the promise to keep his childhood friend alive. 

If the blond was keeping this secret for himself, he couldn’t help but realize how it turned into a reality as their two shadows were walking near the port, where the sound of the waves came to rub against the stones under their feet. It has been a while since the two heroes left the city center to reach a more isolated place, where no one will be able to observe their moment of weakness. There was nothing wrong with being admired by someone who had guided you upwards, giving you support during the darkest periods before giving you a reason to live. 

From time to time, their eyes share hidden glances toward each other, before turning their heads when the other got caught. As strange as it seems, the two men would act like two teenagers sharing their first relationship, living the memories they should’ve had before facing all of those traumatic events. It was comforting to be themselves when the pressure on their shoulders was erased by the other’s presence, someone they’d been needed the entire time. Their feelings would be expressed in slow gestures, letting the tip of the scarred hands ruffle the callous one and sharing a low smile.

Katsuki was still hesitant to make a move, but he couldn’t ignore how this chemistry between them was something mesmerizing. With a slight gesture, almost too shy for a stubborn personality like his, his fingers accepted the freckled man’s confession. Some actions would speak louder than promises, and the wonder duo seemed to understand this reality, the one they’ll build from now without having any regrets. They’ll welcome the mistakes and be each other’s saviors like it was written in their bond since the moment their eyes met. 

“Why did you leave earlier ?” Izuku’s voice asked in a gentle tone, fingers intertwining with the callous one. He used to dream about fever dreams similar to this one, where they would be against the world and happier than ever. The comforting warmth of the blond’s hands meeting his would melt the freckled man’s heart, welcoming the touch he’ll cherish until his last breath. “I was looking for you but you were out of reach.”

Indeed, even the golden-haired man didn’t know what he should answer. 

In his memories, he remembers having this talk with his friend, but he would’ve guessed it was recorded against his will. He didn’t think twice before leaving the room as the familiar conversation reminded him how leaving sounded better than facing the nerd’s disappointment. The blond unconsciously held the scarred hands tighter, revealing how he was still hesitant to explain the real reason for his selfish action.

“It was supposed to be your night and I didn’t want to ruin the party,” he mumbled in his beat, but close enough to let the other hear his answer. The wind would meet their faces, taking the wipers of their conversation away like the many secrets the night was holding. 

“You didn’t ruin anything, kacchan,” explained the freckled man with a smile, stopping in their walk and forcing the taller figure to look into his eyes. It was heartbreaking to read confusion and fear into these breaking irises that used to shine so brightly. “On the contrary, you made me realize how lucky I was to have someone like you in my life, especially with the things I heard in this video.”

Katsuki could feel a sudden heat on his cheeks at the comment, hoping his blush was covered by the obscurity. Unfortunately for him, the emerald eyes caught it first before he turned his head, holding the callous hands closer and catching the taller man’s attention. There was no way he would let this situation escape again…Not when Izuku needed to share his version of the story. 

“You should probably keep your bullshit to yourself and explain how did you find me? I guess you couldn’t live without me by your side.” If the soft chuckle leaving Katsuki’s lips turned the atmosphere into something more tender, it awoke the fire in Izuku’s chest. He could feel how these eyes could share so many secrets, wondering if they would still shine in 30 years when half of their life was already written in these unforgettable lines. 

“Maybe I can’t…It would explain why I unconsciously kept chasing after your shadow the entire time,” Izuku confessed with a loving tone, catching the surprise of the other’s eyes with his words. “I was blinded by my admiration, thinking this friendship was something too strong to be broken, forced to put my feelings aside. No matter how hard I tried to find someone else, they’ll never be you…they’ll never have the same smile able to melt my heart, even in the middle of a battle when the world is burning. Their lips would never be as tempting as yours, praising me the same way you’ll do about my vulnerabilities, transforming it into a strength. There were so many things I was looking into strangers without realizing how my feelings were valid.”

“You can’t say all of this, knowing the things I’ve been facing the entire time. Do you have any idea how many times I wished I was the one spending his nights with you, comforting you during the storm night because I know you’ve been afraid of them since you were 4? I would’ve loved to be the first thing you’ll see when you wake up and the last person you think about before sleeping.” 

 Katsuki used to think these words would be hard to confess but they left his lips unconsciously, almost like they always belonged here, to this moment. Instead of fearing a potential rejection, he was welcomed by the tender expression in Izuku’s eyes, almost like the nerd had been waiting decades for this moment. 

“I’m sorry for putting you into so much pain but to my defense, I didn’t know,” Izuku laughed, melting the other’s heart, trying to mesmerize this sweet melody in his ears. This time he was the only one who had the entire attention of the nerd, wishing time would stop to frame this moment in their mind. “A part of me wanted to believe in us because you were the only one I could think about at every moment of the day, even when my nights were colder. Do you think I would ignore how comforting your arms were around me after I made a nightmare, checking on me without asking any questions? It would be the kind of moment that would replay when I was sleeping alone in my bed, wishing your warmth would bring me to heaven.” 

Katsuki felt how the scarred hands left his, leaving him a bitter feeling in his heart…before feeling the soft fingers cupping his cheeks tenderly. Izuku was hesitant, afraid to break this moment, but let his feelings talk, knowing how he was tired of pretending.

“It was you and always been you, Kacchan,” confessed the freckled man with a smile, moving his hands to the blond’s shoulders. 

He didn’t even hide the funny expression on his face when their bodies moved closer. From here the two men could hear each other’s heavy breath, the emerald eyes focused on the other’s face, before falling into the kissable lips that seemed to open slightly, ready to confess something else. Katsuki didn’t say anything, too occupied by the heat spreading inside his body as he realized how close they were. The media would lose their mind if they knew about this, but it could be their little secret. 

“Can I kiss you ?” The words left his lips and before realizing it, facing the consequences of his curiosity. Maybe it was too early and no one was ready to break this boundary and he ruined everything…But something in Izuku’s eyes erased all his worries. The emerald eyes were shining brighter than the stars in the sky, captivating all his attention and leaving the other breathless. 

“I waited my entire life for this moment,” whispered the smaller figure, not hiding the blush on his cheeks. “Show me how much you mean every word you said in this video.”

Katsuki wasn’t naive and remembered the conversation he had with Icy Hot that day. He could’ve never thought that he would thank this one day, because, this misfortune, led him to the current moment when his life was finally making sense. No matter how much the media were praising him and his success, especially with the victory on his records, it would never be the same as losing into Izuku Midoriya’s eyes. 

After all, the freckled man had been his biggest pride and the most important fight of his life…

The scarred hands found the blond’s neck, holding him closer when their lips finally met in their first kiss, the most coveted one. The fresh air would meet their shadow standing in the public place in the middle of the night, reminding them how it wasn’t a fever dream but their reality. The blond’s lips would gently reach the soft lips, losing his strong hands around the smaller waist, and felt how the nerd was still standing on his tiptoes. This realization made him smile, but he didn’t give up the idea of making his proof with this kiss. 

The two men had been waiting for too long and this moment was better than all the scenarios they could ever imagine. Izuku’s eyes naturally closed themselves, feeling how this warmth and happiness was filling his chest, as his hands held the taller figure tighter. Despite the needy gestures, the two men would take their time to make this moment unforgettable and mark history. Izuku smiled when he took his breath back, with a blush on his cheeks, observing how this sight was breathtaking. 

“Waiting for you was worth it if this means being yours and tasting the addicting taste of your lips,” he confessed with a tender tone, putting his forehead against the blond’s chest. “Why did you never find the courage to let us have our happiness? You know you could’ve confessed earlier and I would say yes but I think I can give you my answer…”

“By kissing me ?”

 “Yes, dumbass. You have no idea, how I wanted to say these words to you. Katsuki Bakugo… you have no idea about how much I love you.” Izuku rolled his eyes with an amused expression appearing on his face. “You know, it’ll never bother me if you want to count the freckles on my cheeks, hear me mumbling about things during a lifetime, or even know about my love life. I have had enough of trying to find the right person, pretending to wait for the one because you said yourself. You’re here and I was naive to think I didn’t have my chance with you just because you could reject me..”

Katsuki’s face found colors again, relaxing at the other’s presence, realizing how he wouldn’t sleep alone tonight. Maybe they could write their own story if they authorized happiness instead of fear... “You don’t have to apologize, deku. I’m the one at fault because I thought watching from afar would be better.”

“And you were right.” explained the freckled man, facing the surprise on the other’s face. “Sometimes I wonder if the people realize how lucky they are to know your existence because I’m not the one with a heart too big for his small chest. If the world isn’t ready to admit how you’re the most inspiring person, then I would gladly tell them.”

“Stop saying nonsense, use your brain for once instead of telling me bullshit,” the golden-haired man replied, ignoring the blush on his cheeks, something that Izuku immediately recognized. If he couldn’t convince his childhood friend about this fact with his words…Maybe he could speak the same language as him: by action.

 The scarred hands reached the blond’s arms, bringing the taller figure closer and observing the crimson eyes becoming wilder. Izuku smiled, feeling like the main character in the kind of movies the two of them would watch in their free time, but he loved this warmth spreading in his chest. He rested his messy curls against the blond’s shoulder, holding the other closer and whispering unconsciously the things he always wanted to confess. 

“You knew the sacrifice but still, you let me find myself with other people, even if this meant putting your feelings down. For me it’s not a mistake…it’s a true love’s act.”

Katsuki Bakugo wasn’t the type of person to believe in the “true love” bullshit, but hearing it from the nerd himself was more impacting than he expected. Don’t get him wrong, he won’t start to fall for those fairy tale stories, but it was comforting to know he could be the definition of someone’s else happy ending. Maybe his presence on earth was worth it if it meant having a goal to achieve.

“You read too many romance novels, nerd,” he commented with a teasing tone, forcing Izuku to roll his eyes. 

Playing cat and mouse with each other would forcibly lead them into another vision of this relationship they cherished. All those wasted years of tears and “What ifs” would brighten into something more hopeful, leading the two childhood friends to catch the lost time in their ways. The craziest thing about this situation was how the world was aware of this obvious chemistry between them…but the main concerns were blinded by their fears. It was time to put their armor down and be each other’s weakness. 

“You’re insulting my feelings,” Izuku added with a small laugh. “I was the one at fault too. I searched for strangers’ things that only you could bring me, leading my thoughts to realize how I should’ve confessed back in high school, even if this meant taking a risk with our friendship. I can’t help but wonder….Maybe things would be different and we could avoid all this mess.”

Katsuki didn’t know when his heart stopped beating, but he recognized the freckled man’s shadow taking a few steps back at this realization. Sometimes the blond hated to admit how his childhood friend could read into him like an open book, a piece of paper he could discover a million times without getting bored of the newest details in the pages. 

The worries residing in these emerald eyes were awakening some protective instinct in Katsuki’s soul, a trick he would use when the situation was out of control. Unfortunately for him, there were no villains surrounding the area, especially at a late hour like this one in these streets…leading the blond to face his own thoughts.

“What the hell did you say ?” The words escaped unconsciously from his lips, trying to put a name to this strange feeling residing in his body. “Did you have any idea since when I realized how I was in love with you? Some nights I could still recall the moment you nearly gave me a heart attack by making this stupid smile of yours, showing me how, in a fever dream, I could be loved.”

Even if the blond’s words were heartwarming, something was off with the way Katsuki pronounced the last word. It was too early to jump to a conclusion, but it would be a talk Izuku would later have with the other. Despite the good intentions, the freckled man couldn’t help but face the insecure teenager his childhood friend used to be in their past…a monster ruining lives by his existence.

“This doesn’t need to be a fever dream anymore…Let’s make this real and discover the mysteries of what our youth should’ve been if we weren’t so stupid.”  Izuku confessed, his fingers cupping his lover’s cheeks and comforting him with meaningful gestures. “I was seeing you as this unreachable shadow in my journey and thought we couldn’t have a chance. Your friendship means a lot to me and I didn’t want to take the risk to ruin everything, because what is the point of staying alive if you’re not in this world anymore? You’re the one blaming me but you’re not doing better, idiot.”

Katsuki wouldn’t express his feelings with the first words crossing his mind, even if he wished he could, this would’ve made things easier for their case. Instead, he let his eyes betray the sincerity of his soft gaze, melting at the scarred hands meeting his warm skin. Izuku had always had this ability to capture the magic of the current moment and make it unforgettable for anyone surrounding him, no matter if it was friends, families, or romantic partners. From now on, the blond would create his world where his love would be enough to reverse the role and let the nerd know how unique he is to Katsuki’s heart.

“I can’t believe a few hours of talk ended up solving all our insecurities, we should’ve been smarter and done it when we were drowned by our inner demons, don’t you think ?” This time, the blond was the one making the next move by letting his fingers gently caress the freckles on the smaller figure. This height difference had always been something he admired from afar, but seeing how small Izuku, was would make him realize how Katsuki wanted to keep him in his arms forever. “So….no more chaotic date with extras ?”

There was still hesitation in the hint of his voice, almost like Katsuki was scared to hear the answer. Izuku realized how serious this conversation was getting when the idea of losing each other could be expressed with the expression on their faces. If Izuku made things clear by expressing it multiple times in the past, Katsuki would have been more discreet. In this short moment, when seconds seemed like hours, the two of me were lost in each other’s gazes, realizing how they could be saved and loved.

“No more dates with any of them because my heart belongs to you and has always been since the first days. I have a crazy idea…but let’s forget about the past and think about ourselves the next time because it’ll be you and me against the world. I’ll make sure to keep you by my side because I love you.”

“Say it again,” automatically replied the taller figure, bringing the green-haired man closer. This time there were no doubts about the sincerity of their feelings, especially when their eyes were both mesmerized by the other’s lips. A few centimeters separated the two men, forcing them to fight against the urge to kiss the other.

“I don’t think an entire lifetime would be enough to explain my love for you, but I know that I’ll wait for you in every decade if this means being reunited with the man who owned my heart and my soul,” Izuku whispered with a gentle tone, feeling how the strong hands were holding how wasit closer, feeling the blond’s breath against his skin. It was probably the hardest fight of his life, knowing how he could lose himself in the other’s warmth, succumbing to his ethereal charm. “We might not be perfect, but I like us that way because it’s our story. Katsuki Bakugo, I love you for the devoted and inspiring soul you are, and everything that goes with it. I love your stupid eyes able to put me in a fever dream, your scars owning all your previous battles, and your grumpy personality that made me fall for you for some reason.”

Katsuki didn’t know when he started to lose himself in the shining jade eyes, looking at him like he was his entire world. If the blond hadn’t fallen for his childhood friend years ago, he would’ve probably succumbed to this mesmerizing beauty under his eyes at the moment. Maybe it was fate writing the next chapter of their lives by putting all the weapons down and authorizing themselves to be vulnerable. In another life, maybe the two of them would’ve been rivals forced to go against their heart’s desire to make things right, knowing a part of their soul would always belong to each other. There were so many possibilities thinking about the previous decades, but this time they’ll change the story by being each other’s happiness.

Lost in this breathless expression owning Katsuki’s face, the freckled man could notice how a slight blush appeared on his cheeks until a low “shut up” could be heard in answer. Izuku’s face brightened like he heard the funniest thing in the world, before catching his breath back when their lips were standing way too close to each other.

“Now I’m going to kiss you and let the world know how you’re mine,” Katsuki whispered in a low tone that only the smaller figure heard. His heart beat faster, being aware of the red coloring his cheeks in the middle of the night but Izuku decided to trust his instincts. Happiness had never been this close to his door, and he wouldn’t let go…not now he found a new dream to achieve.

“I waited my entire life to hear these words…Make sure they’re worth it for your love, kacchan,” mumbled the freckled man with a smile, knowing he would gladly lose this battle against the voices in his head telling him to slow things down. They wasted enough time to step back and act like nothing happened, leading them to be each other’s savior in the most desperate times.

This time, none could tell who made the first move, but the tension was too strong to be ignored. This flame in their chest was burning their entire skin, forcing them to search for comfort in the closest thing within their reach: each other’s presence. The scarred hands unconsciously lost themselves in the happiness echoing in his entire soul, letting his fingers ruffle the blond’s nape before holding onto his neck. 

The callous ones insisted on bringing the smaller figure closer with a sudden gesture, making Izuku laugh as they decided to close their eyes. It was the first time in years that their nighttime fantasies became a reality, a comforting place where Izuku and Katsuki could hold on from now. The gentle gesture will be described as affectionate if someone asks them, especially with the way their lips meet in gentle movement, too afraid to wake up from this fever dream. 

The wind welcomed them with fresh air, crossing their path and interrupting a meaningful moment but this wasn’t enough to discourage them. After all, the wonder duo had been through more difficult fights than this one, but it felt great to know they won the most important battle of their life: the choice between the heart and the reason. Izuku and Katsuki would probably mess up a few times in the future, but this meaningful kiss sounded like a comforting promise for their future. 

It took them a few seconds to catch their breath, especially after Izuku deepened it with the brightest smile Katsuki had ever seen. None dare to talk, too occupied to lose themselves in this fairytale they created in the events of one night. People should probably be worried about where the two men were, but Izuku was sure the situation was in control on the other side…after all, this happiness was possible with his friends’s help.

“Our fates might be written in these unreachable pages, but I’ll always find and chase after you, even if I’m a ghost of your past. Is it selfish of me to give you enough love to make you remember me in every lifetime? Because I’m ready to face the greatest mysteries if it means bringing the light in your eyes back.” 

“You’re so stupid, Kacchan…” The freckled man confessed, putting his head against the blond’s chest. Their hands naturally intertwined with each other in tender movement, making promises that the night would never forget. “But I think I can be selfish with this request if this means staying by your side. I hope we’ll have enough time to make our story unforgettable.”

There was so much hope in these words that sounded like a comforting promise, but the two souls knew they would survive anything…Because they were each other’s savior. None could explain what would happen next, but that night, Izuku and Katsuki sealed their fate with words that would become a symbol of hope in this unknown future.

-end-