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They met when he was seven years old. It was a perfect sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. Katsuki decided to take his mini All Might magnifying glass to fry some bugs. He tried to show Izuku how cool it was but the nerd was too scared.
“I don’t want to look Kacchan!” he wailed, “They’re dying!”
Katsuki rolled his eyes, “You’re such a baby!” The boy ended up playing by himself but it’s better than dealing with a crying nerd. He started to zone out when someone broke his concentration.
“What are you doing?” A boy with shaggy black hair squatted in front of him.
“Cooking,” Katsuki pouted.
The boy’s eyes lit up in wonder, “Woah, how are you doing that?!”
“The sun,” Katsuki shrugged.
“You’re really smart. What’s your name?” The boy smiled.
“Katsuki. But people call me Kacchan sometimes.”
“I’m Kariage.”
“Kari-what-aye?” The blonde teased.
“Kariage!” the boy laughed, “You can call me Kari.”
“Whatever, do you want to try?” he handed over his magnifying glass and saw the boy’s eyes light up. He was a lot cooler than Deku, that’s for sure. For the rest of recess they were attached at the hip all the way until it was time to go home. They both rode the bus home and it was the first time Kariage walked him home.
“Are you sure you can go home by yourself? I think my daddy can give you a ride home,” The blonde fiddled his fingers.
“I’m sure!” the other boy smiled confidently, “I know these streets like the back of my hand!”
Katsuki giggled, “Okay, see you tomorrow.”
“Bye Katsuki!” Kariage yelled as he ran down the street. Katsuki waved him off until the boy disappeared over the hill. As he made his way inside, he walked past his dad in the living room.
“Hey buddy. You made a new friend today?” his dad asked.
Katsuki smiled, “Yeah! We’re gonna be friends forever!”
~~~~
“Come on Kacchan, hurry up!!!” A voice bellowed from the window.
“Shut the hell up I’m coming!” the foul-mouth ten year old responded. Even though he’s getting older, since it’s winter his mother won’t let him leave the house without at least three layers on.
“Katsuki!!” speak of the devil, “Don’t forget your hat!”
He groaned, “I’m already wearing it mother, jeez!”
“Don’t take that tone with me young man! You want to stay home instead?!”
He tied his last knot in his boots and ran out the door. “We need to run or else my mom’s gonna chase after me.”
Kariage jogs to catch up, “I seriously doubt she would care that much.”
“Oh, you’d be surprised!” Both boys started to laugh and rag on their parents. Since it was winter break, they planned to go to the ice rink in the city. On the train Kariage brought his beat up Uno cards and they played the whole way there. Some older lady did yell at them for being too loud. Luckily the raven haired boy responded before Katsuki made a scene.
When they finally got to the rink, the blonde started to get nervous. Kariage noticed and cleared his throat, “So you’ve seriously never skated before?”
“No!” he flushed in embarrassment, “I don’t have time, I’ve been focusing on my quirk and school which some people should consider doing!”
Kariage laughed, “And you call Izuku a nerd.”
“Shut up!” Katsuki punched his shoulder.
“Okay, fine!” he rubbed his arm, “Man you have a wicked punch.”
“Duh, I’m the best.” Katsuki grinned.
Kariage blew his bangs out his eyes, “Just get your skates on, bigshot.”
The blonde’s confidence quickly diminished as he tried to walk with skates. “I hate this!” he wobbled.
Kariage, piece of shit, tried to hide his growing laughter, “Come on! You’re doing great!”
“Oh fuck off you son of bitch!” Katsuki leans on the wall.
“Just use the wall and walk to me,” Kariage steps backward on the ice, “Don’t bend your knees and stop thinking so much!”
Katsuki whined, “If I fall in there, I’m gonna kill you!”
“I won’t let go, trust me! Just step on the ice and grab my hand,” he smiled warmly.
The blonde took a deep breath and took a step on the ice. His foot kept giving out so he clung to the wall. “You know what, this is actually so dumb. This is for stupid girls and fags anyway, why can’t we go sledding or something.”
Kariage groaned, “We’ve been sledding everyday!! Plus you’re so close!”
“B-But—” Katsuki’s lip quivered, “I heard if you fall you could shatter your skull! You really want me to die here?!”
“You’re not gonna die!” Kariage chortled but gave him a genuine smile, “I would never let anything bad happen to you, idiot. Just give me your hand.”
Katsuki felt his face get warm, it’s probably just the cold. He sighed and took the other boy’s hand. Kariage suddenly pulled him on the ice; they started to drift towards the middle.
“What the fuck is wrong with you we’re gonna fall!!” he started thrashing.
Kariage sighed, “We’re only gonna fall if you keep freaking out. Don’t look at your feet, look at me.” he takes his other hand to keep him steady.
Katsuki huffed but looked into his dark eyes. The other boy thinks they’re just black but Katsuki can see when the light hits them, they’re actually dark brown. Either way they look nice with his black bangs frame his face. He pouts, “You really need a haircut.”
“Oh no way, I haven’t noticed.” Kariage quips.
The blonde shot him a glare, “Okay smart ass, you’re the one who told me to look at you.”
Kariage snickered, “Touche, but look! You’re skating!”
Katsuki looked down and realized he subconsciously started following his lead. He looked back back up and beamed, “Holy shit!” He got too excited and almost lost their balance.
The other boy cackled and linked their fingers together, “Don’t make me fall now, moron!”
Katsuki giggled again as they did a lap around the rink. Despite his initial fears, he figures this isn’t so bad.
~~~~~
Katsuki tilted his head and stared. “What’s wrong with you?” Kariage raised an eyebrow.
“You cut your hair.”
“O-Oh yeah,” he nervously rubbed his new undercut, “I felt like I needed a change for when we start middle school, you know?”
The twelve–(and three quarters!)–year old didn't say anything, he continued to stare.
Kariage shifted his eyes, “Does it look bad or something? Be honest! This is the first time my mom let me go to the barber.”
Katsuki blinked, “It doesn’t look bad. It’s just short.”
“Well that’s as nice as you’re gonna get so I’ll take it,” He flashed his crooked smile and went back to his game. They ended up hanging out at Kariage’s apartment. It’s a little messy but his mom works all the time so they’re left alone. His older brother got this new game system that Kari has been obsessed with. “You sure you don’t want to play?” he asked the blonde.
Katsuki scoffed, “You keep making me play that stupid racing game so much that getting into a car is starting to annoy me. Trust me, I’m good.” he goes back to his manga and ignores the boy’s protests.
He suddenly turned off the counsel, “Okay, I’m bored.”
“Tch, how is that my problem?” Katsuki gruffed. HIs voice was starting to get deeper.
“ How is that my problem?!” Kariage mocked his voice. Katsuki glared which made the taller boy flinch, “I’m just fuckin’ around, don’t flip your shit.”
“No one talks like that, shithead,” he rolls over the bed to face the wall.
“So sensitive,” Kariage plopped right next to him. He stared at the ceiling, “You’ll never guess what I heard at the gym yesterday.” Katsuki gave a noncommittal hum. “Okay so I heard that Yamato—”
“Who?” Katsuki interrupted.
“Yamato was the girl in your art class with the orange hair. You had to share paint with her,” Kariage explained.
“Oh. Right,” Katsuki couldn’t remember, “Continue.”
“Anyway,” he chuckled, “I heard from her friend, who heard from her sister, that she has a huge crush on you!”
“Hah?!” Katsuki flipped so he could look at him, “What the hell are you talking about?!”
Kariage cackled, “It’s true! Looks like someone is gonna get a lady friend.”
He started making kissy faces so Katsuki pushed him off the bed, “As if.”
“Aw why not? She’s cute!” Kariage giggled and climbed back up.
“I don’t have time for that useless crap,” Katsuki gruffed.
Kariage sat up and hovered over the blonde, “Wow, we haven’t even started school and you're already breaking hearts.”
“Fuck off,” The blonde smushed his hand in his cocky face.
Kariage chuckled and went to grab his hand off his face. But instead of moving it, he just held the blonde’s hand and let it linger. Something started to shift as the taller boy kept gazing in his eyes. Katsuki could feel it but he didn’t know why his friend had that look on his face.
“W-What’s up with you?” he stuttered.
Kariage sighed, “I don’t know.” They continued to look at each other in silence. And before he knew it, Kariage was moving closer and closer to him. Katsuki didn’t know what to do, he’s a guy! This is stuff you’re only supposed to do with girls, at least that’s what everyone says. He knows this but for some reason, a part of him wants to see what’ll happen. Right as their lips barely touch—
“Kari!!! Where’s my baseball jersey!!” his brother bellowed, making a surprise visit.
The two boys screamed and Kariage jumped off the blonde and Katsuki hit his head on the wall.
“U-Um– I got it! Just um,” he glanced at Katsuki then back to the door, “I’ll bring it!”
He rushed out the door leaving Katsuki to stew in his thoughts. He…doesn’t feel good. He doesn’t know if he’s upset Kariage’s brother just burst in out of nowhere or because he knows he shouldn’t be acting like this. He began to pack his things, he should head home.
“Next time, text me if you’re coming home asshole!” Kariage slammed his door. “Sorry about that.” He gave Katsuki a nervous smile.
“Hm,” Katsuki didn’t know what to say.
Kariage looked at everything but the blonde, “Oh, are you uh—leaving?” Katsuki nodded. “Okay! Let me get your jacket I–Um– I’ll walk you.”
The two boys walked in silence, but even with the weird tension in the air Kariage would always walk Katsuki home. The blonde cleared his throat, “You don’t need to walk me every single time.”
Kariage flinched, “Oh…do you not want me to?”
“I’m just saying you don’t have to.” Katsuki deflected.
Kariage finally faced the blonde and smiled, “Well, I like hanging out with you. A-And I want to make sure you get home safe so,” he took a breath, “I know I don’t have to, I want to Katsuki.”
Katsuki felt himself start to blush so he looked away, “That’s so gay Kari.”
The taller boy’s smile faltered a bit but he tried not to show it, “Whatever man.”
When Katsuki got home he booked it to his room to try to avoid—
“Stop right there mister.”
—the hag.
“What do you want.” he sneered.
“Stand down, I was just gonna ask how was your day.”
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” the blonde rolled his eyes.
She groaned and pinched her forehead, “I don’t want to fight with you today, brat. It gets us nowhere.”
“Wow, someone’s finally reading their parenting books,” he scoffed.
She shot her iciest glare and it took everything in him not to flinch. “Look,” she sighs, “I know we haven’t been getting along but I’m trying. But you do not get to speak that way to me in my house!”
Katsuki flared his nostrils, “You’re not trying at all! You don’t know anything about me!! You don’t even like my friends!”
“Because they’re bad influences!” She shouted.
“How?! We don’t even do anything!” Katsuki stomped his foot.
“I don’t care! I see them, especially that Kari—whatever, always roaming the streets like a bunch of delinquents! Do you want that life?! You're just gonna throw away all the hard work we’ve been doing for your future?!”
“You mean all I’ve been doing!” He felt his palms start to heat up, “I’ve been busting my ass to be a hero ever since I was five, what the hell have you been doing?!”
She scoffed, “I’ve been breaking my back trying to get you in the best schools in the area and pulling extra shifts to make enough so you can get the best opportunities!”
“Oh please, you work for a fashion company how fucking hard is that?!”
“Watch your damn mouth!” she seethed, “It’s hard when me and your father have to build ourselves from the ground up! Then, after all the work we do for you I find you running around with a bunch of hoodlums!!”
Katsuki groaned, “You’re so annoying! You’re just mad I won’t hang around that faggy nerd!!”
“You know what, I’d rather you hang out with all the sissy kids in the world over you being in the slums with that slob you call a friend!”
Katsuki saw red, “Don’t talk about him like that!! He’s been working just as hard as me!” his voice cracked.
“I’m the mom, you don’t ever get to tell me what to do!”
“Ugh! I fucking hate you!!”
The slap that followed echoed in the room. He felt his face start to sting but refused to show her that it hurt.
She stepped back in shock. “Go to your room.” she mumbled.
He stomped all the way up to his room and slammed the door. He threw his jacket off and proceeded to trash everything in his sights. He ripped posters off the wall, knocked over his organized desk, everything just managed to piss him off. When he was done, he heard a rock tap his window. He looked down and his eyes started to water, “K-Kari?”
The taller boy smiled. “Come down!” he whispered-yelled.
Katsuki laughed in relief and started to climb down his tree. For the last jump, Kariage grabbed his hand to help. “You’re so lucky my mom didn’t see you.”
“Well, we delinquents are very sneaky.” he winked.
Katsuki chuckled but looked away in shame. “S-Sorry you heard that.”
“Hey, it’s cool. Nothing I haven’t heard before,” he shrugged.
Katsuki fiddled his fingers, “But—”
“Don’t worry about it,” Kariage grabbed his hand, “I just heard some yelling and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Katsuki bit his lip and nodded, “I’m fine.” As the sun went down it started to get cooler which caused the blonde to shiver.
“Here,” Kariage shrugged off his oversized jacket and placed it on his shoulders. “It was my dad’s, hope it’s comfy.”
It was fuzzy inside so the blonde nuzzled in it, “It’s nice.”
“Really? I don’t really like it that much. It’s too red.” Kariage rubbed the back of his neck.
Katsuki shrugged, “I like it.”
“Yeah,” the taller boy smirked, “It looks better on you anyway.”
Both boys blushed as awkward silence washed over them. “I-I should get going. Before your mom kicks me out of your yard.”
Katsuki chuckled, “Yeah, I’m probably grounded anyway.”
“Most likely,” Kariage smiled, “Text me when you’re free from prison.”
The blonde nodded and moved to give him the jacket back. He suddenly felt hands on his shoulders. “You keep it.”
Katsuki gasped, “No way! This is a nice jacket! Y-You’re gonna get cold! You—”
Kariage surged forward and kissed his stinging cheek, “I insist.”
The blonde was stunned into silence. Kariage just laughed, “I’ll catch you later, loser.”
With that, the raven haired boy ran into the night. Katsuki stood there for another five minutes before he climbed the tree back inside. His lights were off so he just sat in the dark contemplating everything that happened today. He’s not gay—obviously!—but he couldn’t bring himself to take the jacket off. He doesn’t go down for dinner, his stomach is too twisted up with stupid confusing feelings.
~~~~~
“Now class, we’re going to read the following passage in English,” the teacher droned on, “Do I have any volunteers?”
“I’ll do it!” Izuku stood up and began to read.
Katsuki scoffed, “Kiss ass.”
“What was that Mr. Bakugou?” the teacher frowned.
“Hm?” Katsuki feigned innocence. Which caused the classmates around them to chuckle.
The teacher sighed, “Please continue Midoriya.”
The dumb nerd looked around nervously but picked up where he left off. English was Katsuki’s worst subject. He’s not bad at reading or writing but speaking? He sounds so ridiculous that he doesn’t even practice. Even with his deeper voice he can’t help but jump up an octave because of nerves. His pride is in shambles every time.
The bell finally rang so everyone could finally get home. “Yo, Kacchan.” Kariage tapped his shoulder.
“Ugh, don’t call me that.” The fourteen year old groaned.
“Aw, but you let your best friend call you that,” Kariage teased.
“He is not my friend!” Katsuki kicked the door open. “He’s just a nerd with too much time on his hands.”
“But you have known him for a while,” the lanky teen catches up, “Who’d you meet first, me or him?”
“Deku,” he said without thinking.
Kariage dramatically puts his hand on his heart, “ You wound my soul Katsuki.”
“That’s just because he’s a fucking stalker, get over it.”
Kariage chuckled as they continued their walk. Things have been a little… tense between them since the sludge villain. It was an unspoken thing between them that they just pretended it didn’t happen. Just like the night where Kari gave him that stupid jacket. It’s better this way, he needs to focus and make sure he gets into UA now with so many eyes on him. Kariage doesn’t even want to be a hero so why should he care about their friendship. Nothing lasts forever.
Kariage saw a flier that the town’s spring festival is back so he convinced the blonde to come. His parents were wary to let him out after sundown, but his dad figured he still needed time to enjoy being a kid. Whatever that means.
It was unseasonably cool so he had to dress warmer than usual. His dad took all jackets to the cleaners except for the one he hid. It still smells like Kari’s house since he never wears it. Katsuki rolled his eyes and put on the red jacket. It’s not as big as it used to be but he still could barely poke his finger through the sleeves. He walked out to meet the other boy at his house for once. Right as he pulled up, Kariage rushed out with a vintage Best Jeanist shirt.
Katsuki looked him up and down, “Really?”
“Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful,” the taller boy smirked, “This guy literally just hit top five, put some respect on his name!”
“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes, “Let’s go, I don’t want to be stuck in line too long.”
“Lead the way, your majesty.” Kariage quipped sarcastically.
They walked almost in unison as the sun went down to let blue hour begin. Katsuki was unusually quiet, only giving his thoughts here and there. He can’t help but check over his shoulder every so often; just in case. Luckily Kariage didn’t seem to notice while he filled the air with his idle chatter.
They got through the entrance pretty quickly, Katsuki reluctantly got a few tickets for the small rides that were set up. The blonde was mainly there for all the food. For this event, their town likes to get a bunch of the best local restaurants to sell their food. It’s the only time of year he’ll buy crepes. They’re pretty overrated normally but there’s one place that makes savory ones with eggs, cheese, and a little bit of ham all in one. His stomach growled at the thought.
Kariage chuckles, “Wanna get something to eat?”
Katsuki’s cheeks flushed but he nodded anyway. They walked to the crepe vendor and the blonde’s eyes practically twinkled.
“What can I get you boys?” the old man smiled.
“Can I get two breakfast crepes with ham, please.” Katsuki mumbled. He always felt weird talking so politely but he’s not trying to get his food spit in.
“Make it three, my friend over here is starving,” Kariage interjected. The blonde scoffed as he fished for his wallet. He tuned out the rest of the conversation, knowing that the taller boy ordered something ridiculous.
Right as he was about to pay, he felt a hand grab his wrist. “Don’t worry about it Kats, I got it.” Kariage smiled while he handed over some cash.
Katsuki scowled, why would he do that? He just wasted part of his allowance on him. They both knew he needed to save up for the summer. “You didn’t need to do that.” Katsuki huffed.
“I know,” he shrugged, “I just wanted to.”
The food came out quick, Kariage finally let go of his wrist to grab their food. Katsuki found himself reaching for his hand but quickly shoved it in his pocket. They found a place to sit near the cherry blossom trees, even at night the beautiful flowers flow down without a care in the world. It’s nice.
They eat in comfortable silence but Katsuki practically devours his first two crepes. “Jeez, slow down man,” Kariage chuckled, “It’s not going anywhere.”
Katsuki wipes his face with a napkin and pouts, “Shut up! I didn’t have lunch today!”
“You’re so cute.” Kariage said so genuinely that it threw Katsuki for a loop.
He blinked, “Huh?”
The taller boy smiled but it was tight, almost sad. He sighed, “I’m just gonna miss you.”
The air filled with tension Katsuki didn’t know how to explain. His chest started to tighten as he slowly ate his last crepe. “What the hell is up with you? You’re acting like I’m going somewhere.”
“You are though,” Kariage looked down at his sugary abomination. Katsuki found it endearing how much the guy loved sprinkles. Only the rainbow ones, never the chocolate. This is the first time he’s ever looked sad with them on his plate.
“You’re going to become this awesome hero and get super famous a-and be a legend.” he paused, “I-I’ll never be a hero or do anything that’ll change the world. I don’t even want to b-but…” he trailed off trying to get his thoughts together.
Katsuki stopped eating to frown, “So what? You telling me to fuck off? Fine.”
“That’s not what I’m saying j-just–!” he groaned and hid his face in his hands. He always stuttered when he was nervous about something. Katsuki doesn’t know why he kept thinking about all this stuff. Kariage obviously doesn’t want him around anymore, he should forget about everything. But the thought hurts his chest in a way he’s never experienced before.
Kariage sighed then looked straight into his eyes, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
The blonde averted his eyes, “What are you—”
“I’m sorry I ran away!” Kariage interrupted. They both jumped back at his volume but he continued anyway, “I know I’m not the smartest or the strongest b-but I should’ve done something. I was just scared! T-Then I saw the news footage and I c-couldn’t believe I left you like that.” his voice cracked.
Katsuki glared at his plate. Determined not to meet the boy’s gaze because he knew he’d break. He’d say things he shouldn’t, do things he shouldn’t. Everything is always so confusing with him. He cleared his throat, “I don’t need protection.”
Kariage took a deep breath, “I know. I know you don’t, it just feels like a part of my job is to make sure you don’t get hurt.”
Katsuki finally glanced up. “Why?” he whispered.
Kariage gazed at him with the saddest eyes Katsuki had ever seen. Yet, the boy smiled anyway. “You know why.” he whispered back.
The blonde felt his hands start to tremble and he bit his lip to stop it from quivering. He needed to leave. He had to go far away to just be alone. How did everything get so messed up? Katsuki abruptly stood up and started to head for the exit, leaving his last crepe barely touched on the stupid paper plate. He knew he should’ve stuck with two.
He heard his name being called from the background but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. He walked faster and faster until he started to jog. It was kind of hard for him to find his way home in the dark but he’ll figure it out. He turned into the street tunnel that was lined with orange and yellow lights for the festival. It was Katsuki’s second favorite part of the event. When he was little he liked to pretend he was traveling to another dimension. He stopped for a moment to look at the empty tunnel to take his breath. His exhales were shaky so he closed his eyes to try to calm down. Maybe he could go to another world where he was never weak enough to get caught by a stupid villain. Or a realm where he fought back and won so the world didn’t see him as a victim. Maybe a place where Kariage didn’t say all those things. Where he kept his mouth shut and they never had to deal with all this bullshit.
Suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder which caused him to jump. “Don’t touch me!” he screamed.
“It’s me!” Kariage shouted. Katsuki realized he squeezed his eyes shut, when he slowly opened them his heart fluttered. The taller boy looked at him with his brown eyes that looked almost amber lit underneath the lights. His unruly black hair finally fell nicely on his undercut, for a moment Katsuki thought he looked…
Beautiful.
Kariage gently placed his hand on his cheek, almost like he was afraid the blonde was going to run away. “It’s just me.” the boy whispered.
Suddenly Katsuki feels twelve again, in that messy room with his favorite manga and Kariage’s stupid game system. He kept burying the thought of what would’ve happened if the boy kissed him that night. How he should stop him because boys aren’t supposed to do that with each other. But he knows he wouldn’t have.
It’s that thought that caused him to surge forward. He doesn’t really know how to do this, he’s only read about people kissing in books or watching cheesy movies that make it seem like it’s the best thing ever. When he pressed their lips together it was a little rushed. He moved so fast Kariage almost took a step back. But when the taller boy cupped his face with both hands and sighed in his mouth, Katsuki thought he must be doing something right. Kariage slowly kneaded their lips together which made the blonde melt. He had his hands hanging at his sides awkwardly. Where should he even put them? He slowly drew his hands up and gripped that stupid Best Jeanist shirt like it was his lifeline. Then it was like the world stopped. All the anxious voices in his head fell silent. It was just him and Kariage in their own little world, content with existing together.
When they pulled back they both were red in the face breathing in the same air. Kariage rested his face in blonde locks and kissed his temple. “What do we do now?” he whispered as if to try not to break the spell.
Katsuki sighed shakily and buried his face in the crook of his neck. “Stop talking.” he muttered against warm skin.
The blonde felt the taller boy sigh, “Wherever you go, make sure you don’t forget about me. Okay?”
Katsuki felt his eyes start to water so he bitterly shut them, “Shut up.”
“I’ll never forget about you,” he could hear the boy’s smile in his voice as he squeezed tighter.
Katsuki sniffled but tried to hide it with a cough. He took a calming breath, “Can you walk me home?” he asked softly. He’s surprised his voice could sound so small.
Kariage lifted his face to give him one last sweet peck on his lips. “Yeah, of course.”
They walk back in silence with their arms linked together. The action reminded the blonde of when they were kids and it didn’t matter if two boys were this close to each other. His father’s words of how he’ll find the perfect woman one day, the hag’s words joking how he better not go around kissing boys when he’s older keep ringing around in his head. If what he did was so wrong, why did it feel so right when he kissed him? Why did he want to do it again? Why does he wish he’d done this sooner?
It’s not like these questions mattered anyway. Friday was the last day of school before break, then the UA exams started so he had to train almost every day which meant…he and Kari would finally go their separate ways. He wanted to forget about all the time they spent together, forget their entire friendship didn’t happen so he could put distance between them. Because if he forgot just how much Kari meant to him it would be easier to say goodbye. But of course luck has never been on his side.
He notices Kariage took them the long way home but he doesn’t comment on it. He relished in his warmth on this cool night and buried his nose in his jacket. If he leans on the taller boy and stares at the sky, he could pretend this isn’t a goodbye. He could pretend they were kids again with all the time in the world. Free from responsibilities and societal pressure. As Katsuki saw his old tree in his backyard in the distance, he felt a single tear slide down his face he couldn’t hold back anymore.
Kariage tightened his grip but kept walking forward, sealing their fate. They both stare at the front door from across the street, unsure how to end the night. The taller boy sniffled and turned to him. “Hey, Kats,” he said with a slight warble to his voice, “Can you look at me?”
Katsuki shook his head and stared at his shoes. He kept trying and failing to hide what he now knows is a broken heart.
Kariage just chuckled that soft laugh that sounded so pure, “That’s okay then. I hope you make some friends at your new school. You deserve to have some fun, yeah? You better not overwork yourself or I’ll find a way to get over there and kick your ass.”
That managed to get the blonde to smile, “I’d like to see you try.” he glanced up through his bangs to see the taller boy look at him with a wobbly smile. Katsuki doesn’t really know why but suddenly he felt himself move forward to circle his arms around Kariage’s neck in a bone crushing hug. The ladder didn’t seem to mind as he hugged just as tight around the shorter boy’s waist. They stood there for too long yet still not long enough.
Before Katsuki lost his nerve he pushed the other boy off him and stomped to his door. He refused to look back knowing he’d do something stupid. His hands were in such a tight fist he felt his nails dig deeper and deeper into his palms. What the hell is this? He has a lump so large in his throat he could barely breathe. The crushing weight of letting go of the only person who could truly put up with him is suffocating. As he opened the door he glanced behind him to see if he could catch the boy’s eyes on him at least one more time.
But he was gone.
Katsuki couldn’t fight it anymore as he let a sob escape him. He went inside and slammed the door on his way in.
“Hey son!” his dad greeted from the couch, “How was your—” he paused when he caught a glimpse of the state the blonde was in. Katsuki refused to lift his gaze from the ground as he shook the house with his stomps and rushed to his room.
He thought he heard his dad say something else but he didn’t bother to care what it was. He slammed his door and slid to the floor. He zipped up his jacket so he could fully hide his face from the world in the cozy fluff inside. Then, and only then, did he let himself cry. He released all the sadness and hurt he’s been hiding for years and just cried. He didn’t know what else to do except let the sobs and whimpers take over his body. Why does this hurt so bad? Why can’t he make it stop? He can’t seem to find the answers so he stopped looking for them.
He heard a faint knock at the door. He knew who it was, only one person in this house ever knocked, but he can’t bring himself to face him right now. “Katsuki,” his dad called softly, “Can I come in?”
Katsuki tried to calm himself down but all that came out was a pathetic whimper. He heard his dad sigh as he pushed the door open. He bonked Katsuki on his back. “Ow,” he whined.
His dad snorted, “Sorry, didn’t know you were right there.”
Katsuki scooted over to let him in but curled into a ball so he could be shielded from that stupid knowing look his father has. His dad closed the door behind him and sat next to the blonde. After a beat of silence, his dad sighed. “It’s tough letting go of someone important to you.”
Katsuki bit his lip as more tears silently fell. He felt a gentle hand card through his hair. “Even though it feels awful right now, at least you’ll always have those good memories.”
Katsuki jerked a nod as he sniffled.
“Saying goodbye is a part of growing up, but one day you’ll look back on these days as a beautiful afterthought. And you’ll be glad someone so great was a part of your life for as long as they were.” His dad gently pried his hands from his face to bring him in for an embrace.
Katsuki weeped onto his dad’s shirt, feeling guilty for getting it wet but the man didn’t seem to care. The blonde couldn’t tell how long he was there crying in his dad’s arms, it could’ve been ten minutes or it could’ve been an hour. But eventually the tears finally stopped. When he wiped his face he felt humiliated that his dad had to see him like that. As if the man could read his thoughts, his dad handed him a travel packet of tissues. He smiled, “Come on, kiddo. Mom made everyone hot chocolate and rented your favorite All Might movie.”
Katsuki blew his nose and nodded. When they got down to the kitchen, he saw the hag pour into his favorite mug. It was a red white and blue vintage UA mug that said “FUTURE #1 HERO!” on it. He got it for Christmas last year when he finally committed to going to that school. He wordlessly plopped on the couch as his mother did the same. She timidly gave him his hot chocolate while they both avoided eye contact. Neither of them were really good with being vulnerable with each other.
“I’m glad you had a friend like Kariage.” his mother blurted. He looked at her in shock and she looked at him with a thin smile, “I know what I said, I was just worried he’d distract you from your goals and affect your grades. Or worse put you in danger.” she paused as she took a sip, “But he was a good boy.”
He felt his lip wobble so he looked towards the TV. A strange weight was lifted from his chest which made him feel a lot lighter. He was still sad, but he knew he’d get through it. And he finally realized that he’d never forget that snarky kid with dark hair that tried to smooth his edges. It didn’t really work, he was as prickly as ever, but for a long time, when he was with Kari it felt like Katsuki could just be. And it was okay that he was going to miss him. For now, he’d just watch the movie with his parents quietly as he planned how he was going to train over the break.
Just like Kari said, he’s going to become a legend. So he better not prove him wrong.
~~~~~