Archive of Our Own ^beta

Katsuki can barely hear anything over the deafening sound of his own heartbeat, straining his neck on the clear glass window, carefully so as not to move the curtains one bit to the side.

The streets are empty, and silent, as one would expect it to be at midnight but Katsuki is excited nonetheless, waiting for what's to come with bated breath and a small silly little smile that he wants to be embarrassed about but just can't.

Izuku is coming. Handsome, charming, risky Izuku is coming to pick him up for a ride. He doesn't know where and honestly couldn't give a damn.

They have been messaging nonstop ever since the very first night they met and man, oh man, what a night that was. Katsuki still has goosebumps just thinking about those hypnotizing green eyes on him.

It's been a while though and Katsuki is getting antsy, wondering if Izuku has been just stringing him along and that one time was all that they ever going to be, but he can’t make himself believe it. As complicated as Izuku seems to be, with his life story and all the details Katsuki is yet to know, he never once came out as deceiving.

He promised Katsuki they would see each other again, and Katsuki — against all better judgment — believed him. Now, here he is.

The thunderous sound of Izuku's motorcycle engine fills his whole room and even before waiting for him to park and send him the go text they rehearsed, Katsuki is opening the window, ready to throw himself out.

He doesn't make it very far before his door is slammed open and his mother, in her nightgown and wide crazy eyes, stops in the entryway. She opens her mouth, ready to curse him through eternity, he is sure, but she is also cut midway.

"You better get out of my property before I call the cops on you, boy."

Katsuki all but forgets his mother, head snapping to their front lawn where Masaru is currently standing, trying and failing to look as menacing as possible in his robe and flip-flops.

Truthfully he knows some part of him should be afraid or at least ashamed of being caught sneaking out through his window to see a boy he barely knows. Especially one that has no reason to look so devilishly good leaning on his motorcycle, helmet still on and seemingly holding onto another one for Katsuki.

Especially one that makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up so easily, that defies every thread of sanity he once had. Especially one that screams of danger and adventure like Izuku does.

He knows his parents taught him better than this. But all he can do is laugh at his father's silly stance and his mother's failed attempt to hold him back.

There's little in this world that would make him not jump out of the window into Izuku's arms. Right now he cannot think of anything at all.

"Well, I am not on your property, sir. As you can see, I'm correctly parked on the other side of the street - which I'm quite sure is a public space."

Izuku's cheeky voice reaches him and it takes just about everything not to run down to him right then and there. Katsuki steals a glance at him, and even in the dark of the night and the shadows the lampposts cast on him, Katsuki can see clear as daylight that one dimple that made him swoon like a damn damsel in distress all those nights ago.

Oh, Katsuki is a weak, weak man.

"Don't you dare climb out of that window Katsuki! Or help me God, I don't even know what I am capable of doing."

As his father fails to stand his ground and huffs back into the house, surely to join his mother in jailing him inside, Katsuki steals one last glance back into his room. His mother is close to bursting a vein and, if he still has any doubts – he doesn’t – that does it for him.

"Well hag, I sure hope you figure it out soon, then."

Without a second thought, he jumps, right into the arms of the man everyone swore was just a good-for-nothing and would never treat him right. Sucks to be them.

Giggling like two schoolgirls, they climb into Izuku's bike before his parents can properly react and take off into the night together. Just like a stupid teenage romance, one would watch during summer break.

Katsuki is quite sure this is his lucky strike.

—

It started at a dumb, boring, just-to-fill-the-high-society agenda type of party. Katsuki had been considering murder or suicide for the last half an hour and before that, he had been trying to get drunk enough not to remember anything.

As he was unsuccessful in his attempts due to the overbearing watchful eye of his dearest mother, sulking and glaring until he was left alone seemed like the only option left – plotting every little snotty brat dismiss also seemed reasonable.

"You know, if you keep frowning like that, you will have wrinkles before you're even allowed to drink."

Alarms blasted through his head as the silky voice whispered too close to comfort. Still, there was a chill down his spine that should not be as thrilling as it was.

"If I may add, that would be a shame, really."

"Oh, you…"

Katsuki turned around, expecting one of the snob-rich kids his mother always insisted he became friends with during these business get-togethers. Instead, he was face to face with the picture-perfect of what could only be described as "trouble".

This ridiculously handsome waiter, hair all gelled to the side with an undercut, shining viperish green eyes and a crooked smile that made Katsuki's knees go weak held onto a glass, offering it to him.

"I thought you might need a pick-me-up."

Katsuki took the drink from his hands, warily. Was this man a godsend or another one of his mother's schemes?

"Does this have alcohol?"

"Oh my, you want me to get in trouble with the matriarch?"

They exchanged a bout of silence while Katsuki still held the drink in his hands, considering what would be the best course to take. Was he being laughed at? What did this man want?

"Of course it does" the man admitted with a grin, "I made it myself, it is our house special - coke and vodka."

Katsuki stifled a laugh.

"Of all the shit you have at the bar and this is what you call house special?"

"Well, not like we have many options that do not resemble a proper drink and that would look inconspicuous in a soda glass to serve the Bakugou heir. I apologize for the shortcoming."

Hiding his smile behind his new drink, Katsuki gave an experimental gulp welcoming the burning sensation in his throat. This one was made to be strong, just like he was hoping for the whole night.

A distraction, anything to numb him from the fakeness of the event. Until the next one, of course.

"Is it to your liking, Mr. Bakugou?"

"Don't call me that, I'm not my father."

The waiter stood by his side, watching the party run smoothly all around the venue his mother meticulously chose and decorated. He didn’t seem very preoccupied with going back to his work and, for once, Katsuki was glad to have someone bothering him.

"Hm, no, you're not. But I also do not know your name. What I do know is that your mother issued a warning to all servers to be on the lookout for her heir trying to get wasted. And I so graciously offered to be the one chaperoning you tonight."

He looked back at Katsuki with a smirk, showcasing the one dimple on his left cheek that gave him a boyish look. He now looked not much older than him, just a silly boy tired from work, wanting to have some fun.

A silly and incredibly good-looking boy.

Damned be his mother and her controlling issues, except this time it seemed she might have been her worst enemy - throwing Katsuki right into where he wanted to be.

"Lucky you, hm?"

"Lucky me indeed. Does that mean I get you glued to my side all night? Serving me these disgusting drinks until someone realizes they're not so alcohol-free?"

"Unfortunately, I think that was the only one I will be able to make, as no one will let me near any bottles now that they have seen us both talking. But, yes, I will be glued to your side until further notice."

Before Katsuki could answer, Izuku suddenly straightened up by his side, bowing slightly.

"Hopefully my boy isn't giving you much trouble?"

The sickening sweet voice of his mother rang in his ears as Izuku flashed her a beautiful professional smile.

"Not at all, Ma'am. We were just admiring all your work for tonight."

Mitsuki smiled back at him and walked past until she was just a step ahead of Katsuki. Subtly glaring at him under all the get-up she put on for the night.

"And I pray it continues like that."

Katsuki didn’t miss the hidden meaning. As she walked away, he finished his glass off at once. If he were to be honest, now that he had some excellent company, going through the night sober didn’t sound like such a bad idea. Still, there were better things he could occupy his time with.

"Katsuki."

The waiter cocked his head to the side, looking like a lost puppy. This man and all his duality, Katsuki was going to be thoroughly enraptured if the night continued like that.

"My name."

"Oh. Katsuki-kun then, I'm Izuku. Your knight in shining… tray, I guess?"

It took everything in him not to face-palm at the dorkiest man in existence by his side.

"So, walk me through it. What's today's event?"

"Mom is releasing a new line for fall and incorporated a charity donation every few hundred sales — today is the launch and the welcoming of such charities to the Bakugou legacy as she likes to call it. I think it is nice, at least it is not just a fucking showcase, but still is a lot of bullshitting and snobby people trying to one-up one another."

Katsuki stayed quiet for a moment and it almost looked like Izuku knew he needed to gather his thoughts.

He looked around the venue once again. He knew all the people in there, he grew up having to memorize their names and positions. He loved his mother's job, loved their creations, and could barely wait to start working himself, but this part… This part he dreaded.

This part of the job, so tied with being on top and having the means to do good and make changes in the world, made him want to bolt sometimes. He didn’t think he would ever be able to just smile and nod and shake people's hands vouching for their money while simultaneously knowing they were just awful humans that would eat you alive if it meant coming first.

This part… was what changed his mother. This part was why they had a barely-there relationship and what made him hate these events even more.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"I only accept cards, I'm afraid."

When Izuku laughed, his eyes almost closed and his smile was wide and blinding. For a moment, it did help Katsuki out of his thoughts.

For a moment, it felt like they were the only ones in the whole place and it didn’t matter he knew close to nothing about this man. He just wanted him to continue making his thoughts go away.

"Say, when do you take your break?"

"Whenever you feel like going for some fresh air, Katsuki."

"Right now would be a great time, there's still half an hour to speeches and I don't want to stay here a second longer than needed."

Izuku looked around for a moment before offering his hand and although he was the one to insinuate it, the one to ask for it even, Katsuki hesitated.

What in the seven hells was he even doing? He did take good pride in being annoying and uncooperative to his mother during these events, but he never once ditched it. Was this time the nail in the coffin?

Or maybe, Izuku was just the perfect excuse and push he needed to breathe a little and be himself, even if for just thirty minutes until he went back to being the perfect first son his mom painted him to be in front of the audience.

Maybe… Izuku was even more than whatever excuse he was looking for. He was offering him more than just some fresh air if the twinkle in his eyes was something to go for.

And Katsuki, just for tonight, wanted that so much.

"Take me away, knight."

And if he ended up being late to his mother's speech because he lost track of time, if he came back with his shirt buttoned up to his neck and blush to his ears, if his hair was damp from trying to put it in place haphazardly, if he was found in a locked car with fogged windows… well, that was a secret for him and Izuku to know, only.

What mattered most to him was that he had a new number on his phone and a favorite new color.

—

With Izuku's jacket draped over his shoulders and the cold waves hitting his feet, Katsuki could barely remember he just went against every rule in his parent's book.

He has never been the rebellious type. Annoying and very clear of his opinions, yes, but he had never gone against an order before. Right now, it feels so freeing.

"Come sit before you freeze your feet off, Kacchan!"

And there it is the voice that has been living rent-free on his mind for weeks now. Izuku, his Deku, with all the dorkiness and boyish looks that can still make him weak with just a look, sitting in a makeshift picnic at all hours in the morning in the middle of an empty beach waiting for him.

Just the last few moments by his side have made up for all the previous weeks of his so-called friends mocking him and talking shit about his "low life" boyfriend. Fuck them all.

"I brought some small things for you to snack at, nothing fancy like you're probably used to…"

"Shut up nerd, this is fine."

More than fine, actually, but all the longing and getting used to flirting with Izuku through text made his brain go fuzzy.

"How have you been, Kacchan?"

"Fine, I've done nothing useful since school ended. The hag has been up my neck all last week so that I go on all these stupid events and get-togethers during summer."

Izuku smiles at his antics, giving him another piece of bread to munch on. He pushes it back to him, knowing the nerd won't eat if he doesn't say so.

"Can't wait for uni to start finally so I can have a little peace to myself. Still wish I had gone somewhere further away so I could leave home."

"You got into the best uni in the country Kacchan, I know you will be just fine for a few more years. And then, you will be so busy working and being famous you won't have time to be bored at home."

Katsuki smirks proudly. Hell yeah, he will. He already has so many ideas and projects he wants to work on - as soon as he has his degree, or even earlier if his parents get on his nerves, he will put everything in motion.

"And you? There were days I barely heard from you."

Izuku looks away from him, sheepishly scratching at the back of his neck. Katsuki knows he doesn't like talking about himself but he is curious. He knows close to nothing about this man besides the fact he is very much enamored already.

And that is as scary as it is exciting.

"I've been working here and there, haven't managed to find a full-time job yet - but fortunately found some events and people that needed a hand. Mom has finally stopped working nights and I'm glad I could provide that."

Katsuki nods, Izuku had mentioned his mother once during their conversations. He said he wished she would work less and it shows on his face the relief to be able to do that for her. He doesn't have to say the specifics, Katsuki knows he is privileged and few people can live as his family does. He wishes he could do something for them though.

Sometimes he feels like a hopeless kid near Izuku… even if the other is just barely two years older than him. He feels so put together, so sure in his skin that it makes Katsuki feel like he is lacking somehow.

It's funny, any other person would make Katsuki lash out. Izuku though has never made him feel bad for the things he cannot control and all Katsuki feels is appreciated, and admired. This man really is something else.

Before long, the sun starts rising at the horizon and Katsuki finally notices how long they've been gone. Being with Izuku is just so easy; if only they could have more of this.

"What are your plans for after summer break?"

"Well, the same as they are now Kacchan, find a job and help mom. Hopefully, get some sort of consistency in my working hours. Pray and hope Father's motorcycle doesn't give up on me. Why?"

Katsuki takes a deep breath. Expressing his feelings had never come easy to him and as weird and mushy as Izuku makes him the words still get stuck on his throat.

"I was wondering… when or if I would be able to see you again. I know the next few months will be fucking crazy but after I'm in uni…"

That doesn't seem the right thing to say. Izuku's expression suddenly becomes unreadable, even if he tightens the arms around Katsuki's waist.

They are both facing the sunrise, still bundled up on the towel in the sand. This is the most romantic and scary thing Katsuki has ever done, the most he has ever opened up to anyone and now he can barely see the colors around them in fear it will all go to nothing.

"I… I don't know if we should see each other anymore Kacchan. This, this was so much fun and you're so incredible. Incredibly out of my league, actually…"

"Stop. What the fuck are you trying to say? This was just some funny entertainment to you?"

"No!"

Izuku twists him in his arms until Katsuki cannot avoid looking into his eyes. Damn his eyes and how open and trusting he is.

"Katsuki, I… When I saw you in that ballroom all those weeks ago I thought trying to flirt with you was the craziest idea I had ever had. Never in a million years, I thought you would reciprocate. Those kisses? On a borrowed car I will forever be grateful for? Those will be my most cherished memories."

Izuku holds Katsuki's cheeks between his calloused hands, caressing him as if he were the most precious thing in his entire universe.

"But I have absolutely nothing to offer you. I don't have a job, money, or future I can share with you. I can't take care of you or take you on dates like you deserve. I can barely provide for me and Mom, I could never consider putting you through this no matter how much I cherish or care for you - which, is a lot, you must know."

By then, Katsuki is holding back the tears Izuku is letting freely down his cheeks. He can't remember the last time he got emotional like this, especially in front of someone. This man makes him a sap and he wishes he could hate him for it.

"I don't want any of that, you idiot. I… I'm content with having you by my side. Izuku this… this is so new and I'm so fucking scared by everything you make me feel, but I want this. No matter what."

"Katsuki, I can't… you're still in your parents' care and they hate me - you know that; you saw them earlier. I could never put you in a place it would cause you to lose them."

"Fuck them. I don't need their approval. College is paid for and I have a fund in my name. If anything the one good thing they did was making sure I was as independent from them as possible. I could… I can take care of myself. And when I start working I will be able to take care of both of us!"

Izuku laughs at his words, not in disbelief – that is clear, but in fondness.

"Are you already planning to stay with me that long?"

"Are you already planning on getting rid of me?"

The way green eyes stare at him is grounding, maddening, and encompassing. Katsuki thinks he could get lost in Izuku's stare for hours if they had them.

Izuku doesn't seem to have words to answer him and as unconvinced as he looks, he doesn't seem keen on arguing. Instead, he kisses Katsuki like his life depends on it. With the last rays of the morning still rising on the horizon, they lay down on the beach grasping for each other, unable to let go.

- -

It's past the time Katsuki would be waking up when they get near his house. He feels on cloud nine holding tight to Izuku's waist while he speeds up on the empty roads. His mind is at peace, and it is exhilarating to finally find his place in the world.

As soon as they turn the corner of his street that all changes. A police car is parked in the middle of his parent's driveway, an officer near it while another speaks to his mother on the front porch.

Katsuki can feel all the muscles in Izuku's body tense up. Fuck, this shouldn't be happening.

His mother fakes a gasp, holding her hand to her mouth when they approach the house. She looks frazzled, her hair a mess and tears in her eyes. It would be damn convincing if he didn't know her better.

His father at least doesn't pretend, he stands to her side quietly, allowing her spectacle.

"Oh, my boy!"

Izuku parks on the other side of the road, just as he did before, and helps Katsuki get off the motorcycle, carefully unclasping his helmet and holding it under his arm.

"You should go, Kacchan. Please."

Izuku can barely hold his gaze and his insides churn in fear.

"Katsuki! Please come inside…"

He wants to say something, anything to promise Izuku he will solve this but nothing he can say at that moment seems like enough.

Izuku is an amazing man - he cannot get in trouble because of his narcissistic mother. He cannot get in trouble because of him!

He finally turns, marching down the front of his house with hatred in his eyes. His mother wanted a show, so he will give it to her.

"What the fuck are you doing, hag? Hm? Am I late to another showcase where you parade me around? Because that's the only reason you would ever be worried about me in the first place!"

"What did that boy do to you? My son would never…"

"LEAVE IZUKU OUT OF THIS! Your son is fucking tired of your shit! I'm home now, close the fucking curtains!"

He doesn't risk another look back as he pushes past his parents inside their home. His hands are shaking in fear, in anger, in anxiety.

He misses his father nodding to the officer closer to their door before running up to his room. He locks his door, tuning out his mother knocking insistently at it, and runs to his window right in time to see Izuku climbing back into his motorcycle.

There's a bit of silence and he can see how Izuku's hands shake while he fastens his helmet. The police officer approaches him slowly.

"I suggest you go home now, boy, and stay far away from here if you'd like to keep me out of your back."

Izuku doesn't look back while he speeds away, taking a piece of Katsuki's sanity with him.

- -

It's been a week.

A week of no contact, no calls answered, no messages received. A week without Izuku in Katsuki's life and he is just about to go insane.

He is lucky to still have his phone as his parents all but locked him inside the house, they keep monitoring his every move, every interaction.

Now he knows how they figure it out about Izuku - tracking him at every second. He feels like a mouse trapped inside a laboratory.

He is still not talking to them, which gives him some solace in knowing he is hitting all his mother's nerves but doesn't help his case in the slightest.

Friday afternoon, a week and a few hours after last seeing Izuku, Katsuki is lounging in their living room trying and failing once again to get in contact with him when his parents arrive home way too early for his liking.

Before he has time to turn around and lock himself in his bedroom for the weekend, his mother's voice reaches him.

"Still trying to contact that rascal?"

It takes a lot for him to hold in a sneer. He is not helping his case if he wants to get any kind of freedom soon.

"Yes, mother. I am still in fact trying to contact Izuku – as you know, seeing you keep tabs on everything I do."

His father, always the non-confrontational one, sighs.

"Son, I believe it would be best if you gave it some time. You will see your lives have nothing in common and that this… childish infatuation of yours will pass."

"Childish infatuation you say? Is it what Grampa called when mom was only your secretary and you fell for her? Did he also call her just a low life?"

"Katsuki! You must know this has nothing to do with your mom and me… this man will never be able to provide for you, he will never treat you right!"

Katsuki for the second time in just one week is holding back his tears, of all the people, he hoped his father would somehow change his mind and understand him.

He gives a sad chuckle at his answer.

"I really hope no one ever said that to you, father. This isn't fair. I love him - just like you loved mom. And well, in your ways, you did well, didn't you? How can you be so sure Izuku is not the one for me?"

"THE ONE FOR YOU? Are you insane Katsuki? That good for nothing doesn't even have the decency to call you after all the ruckus he caused and you have the guts to tell us you love him? Oh, give me a break…"

"He…"

Katsuki stops midway into his outburst. His mother seems livid by his confession - more so than he thought she would be.

"You have something to do with this, don't you?"

All he receives back is silence and an upturned nose. His father lowers his head, ashamed.

"What did you do, mother?"

When they refuse to answer him, he knows. Of course.

Of course Izuku wouldn't leave him stranded.

It's a half-second decision but Katsuki runs. Runs through their front door before they can even react. He grabs his bike, thrown onto the front porch for who knows how many days now.

He doesn't know exactly where he is going, but he cannot stop pedaling as if his life depended on it. His house slippers were long lost somewhere in the way. All he knows is the name of a neighborhood and a house he saw in the background of a blurry picture.

He needs to find it, he knows he will not live this up if he doesn't.

It takes forever and what could not have been more than half an hour, but Katsuki manages to pedal enough to get into a neighborhood he has never been to before. He is panting, sweating, crazy shivering from his lack of shoes but he cannot even think of stopping.

After circling aimlessly for a while, he stops at a convenience store - Izuku mentioned he works at one sometimes, helping with stock. It can only be one of all the ones he saw on his way, right?

"Midoriya? Of course, he is a darling, please tell him we will need his help soon, again! Oh, and yes, he lives right across the train station."

The old lady at the register points the direction and Katsuki can do nothing else if not follow. It doesn't take long to find the place he is looking for.

It's just a small, almost rundown building with a dozen or so apartments. Katsuki looks at all of them until he finds the Midoriya small tag in front of a white door. He hasn't come all the way here to give up right? He gathers all the courage he doesn't have inside and knocks.

"Oh, hello."

A small woman opens the door and for a moment, Katsuki is stunned. This woman is Izuku's copy, slightly older and a lot shorter, but still.

"You're… oh honey, come on in."

He excuses himself and follows her inside, suddenly ashamed of having no shoes on, his feet must be so filthy. He tries his best to scrub what he can with his sleeves before joining her at the small counter that divides the kitchen.

"So, Katsuki-kun, is it? You came a long way, haven't you? A tea, perhaps?"

He nods.

"How… how do you know who I am, Ma'am?"

"My Izuku, he could not stop talking about you. About your beautiful red eyes and golden hair… I could recognize you in a crowd, honey."

Katsuki finally takes a good look at her and it dawns on him how tired she looks, even smiling she still looks incredibly sad.

"Where is he, Auntie?"

With tears in her eyes, she hands him a cup of tea and signals him to sit in one of the mismatched chairs.

"He didn't fight back, you know? He could never, he is just too good to do it. They didn't even give him a chance. Please, finish your tea honey - I will get you some shoes to put on and maybe a jacket. I will take you to him."

- -

It's been a week.

For a week Katsuki has only shown up at the Midoriya's house to get more clothes and help Inko keep things in place.

A week Katsuki's only messages to his parents were a location and a picture of Izuku's name on the hospital door. A week since they sent flowers and a card saying how sorry they were and that they never meant for anything like this to happen.

Ridiculously, he believes them. They might love acting like they are all high and mighty but are not mean, they would never do anything deliberately to hurt anyone.

Which should mean, they are just stupid and trustful of all the wrong people. At least, it's a week they have been paying all expenses.

For a week Katsuki lived by Izuku's bed in a cold hospital room, waiting for him to wake up after taking a beating from corrupted people just for being Katsuki's knight.

It's been a week and Katsuki doesn't think he will ever forgive himself… But all is forgotten when Izuku opens his eyes. His beautiful, alive, green eyes.

It takes a few more days until he is discharged and for Katsuki, it is even more difficult to spend these days by his side while Izuku doesn't seem to be able to talk to him. He looks ashamed, and regretful, as if any of this is his fault.

He looks at Katsuki as if he shouldn't be there, as if that place is too small for Katsuki to fit.

Katsuki manages to hold his tongue until they are both finally at his mother's house once again - Izuku in clutches and bandages, but in one piece and drenched in Midoryia's tears.

"Now that you're home, can we please talk?"

Inko had given them a few moments alone, suddenly needing to go buy some bread.

"Katsuki… please, I think you need to go home."

"I will, you're right. But not before you get into that thick skull of yours this was not, in any world, your fault. And I will not let anyone get away with this if I can."

Izuku smiles weakly at him, patting the side of the couch for Katsuki to join him.

"I know, deep down, it wasn't my fault. But Katsuki, if this didn't make things clear we're not on the same level… How can I ever protect you if I can't even protect myself?"

"Shut up, oh my god!"

Katsuki takes a moment to put his thoughts in order before holding Izuku's good hand with utmost care.

"I… I'm so incredibly fucking sorry for everything. And I will make things right, I promise. Please, believe in me when I say I'm not giving up on us - I just… I will find a way."

It doesn't seem like Izuku wants to believe him, but he nods either way.

"Please, let me get on my feet again, ok? I… will need some time."

Katsuki agrees, because what else can he do? Izuku is in such a state because of him. He will forever be in his debt - if he still wants to see him after everything.

As soon as Inko is back, Katsuki thanks her for all the care and support during the past days and leaves. He has a new fight to pick at home now.

- -

"Son."

"No. You're gonna let me talk this time."

"Son, please, you gotta believe us, we had nothing to do with Izuku's accident, we…"

"Accident? Being ambushed like he did, you mean? You call that an accident?"

His father is sitting on their couch, head low and crestfallen. Katsuki almost feels bad for him. He used to admire this man, all his life he looked up to his parents' love story and how they reached so far just because they worked together.

Now he just thinks he is a sad excuse.

"Do you know why they got him so bad? He didn't fight back, father. Because he is such a fucking good person he could never hurt anyone. Because he thought of his mother, he thought of me before himself. He never got in trouble in his life and now… Now he is all fucked up. And still, all he can think about is getting on his feet again."

Katsuki takes his father's silence and sits in front of him, his mind made.

"Do you have anything else to add?"

"I'm sorry Katsuki, I truly am. All your mother and I were thinking was of your future… All we wanted was to scare him away, maybe someone take his phone so you too would lose contact, but we never… We were wrong, Katsuki, and for that, I will apologize to you both for as long as it takes. I can now see how much you care for each other."

"If you both feel so sorry, where is Mother now?"

His father sighs, shaking his head regretfully.

"Mitsuki is at her office. She couldn't, she didn't have the heart to see you yet."

"Great, so you pass my message to her." He gets up from the couch, hands trembling inside his pockets, "I'm going to do the same thing I have always admired you for. I'm fighting for what feels right in my heart. I'm going to finish my studies, get a job far the fuck away from you and I will repay every single penny you ever spent on me. And then, I won't ever have to look at your faces again. Am I clear?"

All Masaru manages is a stunned look.

"I will have a future with Izuku, even if it means… Even if it means not having one with you."

It breaks his heart to utter those words. He is angry, disappointed, and ashamed of his parents but deep down, he loves them unconditionally. They made him what he is and never left him wanting for anything.

Still, there was a line they crossed. And now, they all need to face the consequences.

-//-//-//-//-

Izuku is finally discharged and free of all his bandages. It took longer than he wished for but he is ready to go back into the streets and find work.

Still, some habits are difficult to break, and waking up before the sun to take his meds is one of them - that's why he doesn't think much of it when his phone rings so early in the morning.

"Mr. Midoriya?"

"Yes?"

He knows very well who is at the other end of the line.

"I have a few questions for you, is that alright?"

He only hums in answer. His feelings and thoughts are a mess and he will not be able to decipher them in time for proper answers on a phone call.

"Can you drive a car?"

"Yes, sir."

"You finished high school, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

It takes a few moments before he hears anything again, his heart is speeding as if he just knows what's to come. It makes him excited, suspicious, yes, but excited nonetheless.

"Would you be willing to go back to study? And work?"

"More than anything, sir."

"I… I have an offer to you, Mr. Midoriya, but first, I need to ask you - can you manage to keep this conversation just between us? What I'm about to offer is in no way out of pity or us wanting to buy Katsuki's affection back. Me and my wife… we made some wrong decisions recently and we would like to correct them."
It's a tough request. Izuku understands his reasoning, but he is talking about lying to Katsuki, omitting such a huge change and part of his life that will affect him as well.

"I'm not sure I can do anything behind Katsuki's back, sir."

"I understand and I appreciate your answer. What I want for you is the same I've fought for, for years while I started dating Katsuki's mom - I want to give you the chance no one believed we deserved back then. You're a good kid and we haven't been fair with you. Please allow me to correct it."

"Please sir, say your piece. Then allow me to think about what you're requesting. I cannot give you a definite answer without knowing what it entails."

Not long after that, he drops the call. He doesn't know if this unexpected change of heart is real or even honest, but he won't dwell much on it now. This is a true chance of making a future for himself and his mother.

And perhaps, even being able to stand by Katsuki's side proudly.

So he will take it, grab it with both hands and work his hardest to be worthy of it. Worthy of the amazing man Katsuki is and what he deserves.

-//-//-//-//-

Katsuki is not ready for his first day of classes. Not because he is not excited to finally start the next step in his future or anything like that, but actually because he now knows Izuku is done with him.

He tried messaging him some times, calling him even but all he got in response was that the man needed time. And time he deserved, so time Katsuki gave him. But it became clear by the day that maybe this time was needed for Izuku to realize how Katsuki was too much work and not really worth all the effort.

Sighing, he finishes getting ready. His campus is close enough he doesn't need to leave home but still, he needs to take the train.

He is almost down the stairs when his heart rate picks up, a rumble echoes down his street. Oh, he knows this sound; he runs out the door before he can think much of it.
"Hey, Kacchan."

Oh, stupid, stupid Izuku.

"I was wondering if you'd like a ride to class?"

Katsuki can only nod. He wants to scream and cuss at him at the same time he wants to hug him and kiss him silly. He grabs the helmet Izuku offers him with unsure hands and accepts the help to climb behind Izuku.

"I… I'm sorry it took me so long but, well, I'm here now if you still want me to. I'm working on some things in my life so I won't be able to be around much during the week. But, I'd like to take you to class every day, if you let me."

Katsuki tightens his arms around Izuku's waist.

"Idiot. I want you around all the time, I thought you knew this already. Why do you keep making me repeat myself."

Before driving away, Izuku holds one of his hands for a second.

"Thank you Kacchan, I will make it right for you."

That's the most he manages to talk to him before arriving at the gates and Izuku excusing himself to go to work. What work he won't say, but Katsuki is ok with it.

Izuku is damned if he thinks he will get rid of him so easily - never mind just half an hour before Katsuki was moping alone thinking Izuku had gotten tired of them. This is a new man fueled by the power of a good ride with his handsome biker so early in the morning.

Izuku is right on time the next day to give him a ride again. This time, before climbing on the motorcycle, he takes Izuku's helmet off and kisses him silly – just so he knows he was missed beyond words and that Katsuki is still crazy over him.

Izuku receives him with open arms and is even more eager than Katsuki anticipated.

It becomes a tradition then. Izuku arrives, Katsuki takes his helmet and greets him in their favorite way. Then he takes Katsuki to class and drives away - busy enough he barely answers any text during the day, getting home at late hours and promptly passing out.

He never misses a morning ride though and they are Katsuki's favorite moment of his entire day, his education be damned.

During weekends, he takes himself to Izuku's house, Inko bakes them a cake and they work on their own things side by side. Izuku doesn't tell him exactly what are his things, what kind of work he has, and why he has to study so hard.

When asked, Izuku only answers he is working on getting better for Katsuki and his mother, and that is all. Katsuki doesn't prob, he knows he will tell him everything when the time is right.

He also has a lot on his plate and that already keeps his mind as busy as he can handle without going insane.

Besides, he believes him. More than anything he feels his love in every touch, every little thing Izuku does for them. He might behave a bit mysterious for now but he did say he was going to make things right, so Katsuki will let him do it, and support him however he can.

The holidays come and go and Katsuki wishes they could spend more time together; still, Izuku makes sure they have a sweet Christmas night date alone - it is more than he could have dreamed of.

Slowly but surely, their routine becomes a habit and Katsuki spends most of his free time at the Midoriya's house - loving every second of Inko's motherly fussing and her cooking. He notices one day she finally - but suddenly - stops working altogether and enjoys even more of her presence.

A year later, Izuku and Inko move into a small house in a nicer neighborhood. Izuku feels so accomplished and they are all so happy Katsuki doesn't have the heart to ask how the hell he managed to do that.

He helps them decorate, of course, and takes Inko shopping as often as he manages to take her out of the house.

The least he can do is pamper them both as much as he can - his parents are out his back with his spending and promised he owes them nothing. They just want him safe, and happy.

Katsuki doesn't know where it all came from but he won't complain. He will be free of them soon. Even if his heart still aches at every sad stare he gets from his father.

He sees Mitsuki watching them through the window every day in the morning and his father still waits for him by the door after classes, it tugs at his heartstrings and makes him emotional at every little interaction.

He holds firmly to his decisions, wondering if one day he will be able to forgive and forget.

The day that marks two years after their fateful first date, Izuku appears in the middle of his afternoon classes to pick him up, he holds a flower bouquet and the most beautiful smile Katsuki has ever seen.

He doesn't think twice about jumping his boyfriend's - motorcycle, of course. He just looks so cute and is even wearing a pressed shirt, something Katsuki had never seen before.

As soon as he is settled, Izuku takes them to a small ceremony being held at an old community theatre. There are some people wearing gowns and caps, lots of pictures being taken and a crying Inko waiting for them.

"What the hell is going on, nerd?"

Izuku helps him down the bike and shyly holds one of his hands.

"Hm? It's my graduation, Kacchan!"

Inko greets him with a quick hug before shooing Izuku to get his own robes so they have time to take pictures together before the ceremony starts. Katsuki is left stunned with a thousand and one questions.

Izuku unfortunately doesn't come back in time so he and Inko sit together in the audience as one by one people are called to receive their degrees. It doesn't take much for Katsuki to understand this is Izuku's higher education degree ceremony.

A quick search later and Katsuki knows it is some sort of half-time course, quicker than his own degree but as efficient for business-related stuff Izuku seems to be interested in. Katsuki feels robbed of information and a bit jealous… Maybe a bit angry even.

Why is he figuring this out only now? And why did Izuku feel like he had to hide this from him?

Even with his feelings in override, Katsuki still tears up proudly when Izuku's name is called on the stage - he and Inko get up to applaud and roller at his handsome awkward boyfriend tripping on the stairs and still smiling so broadly.

After all the speeches are done, Izuku is allowed to join them quickly for a few pictures before giving his robes back. Katsuki takes this extra time to calm his heart and takes as many pictures as Inko demands.

"I know you might have a few questions Kacchan, and I will answer them all if you let me apologise for the surprise by taking you to dinner first?"

"You slick bastard, yeah, sure, let's go."

They say their goodbyes to Inko, taking a ride with a friend and Izuku takes them to a neighbourhood cantina they both enjoy.

"You have until appetizers to change my mind."

"I… oh god Kacchan, don't pressure me, I don't even know where to start."

Katsuki only lifts an eyebrow at him, looking at his clock uninterested. He is, of course, very interested, incredibly proud, mad, jealous of all the people who knew and sad he missed such an important part of his boyfriend's life.

"A little under two years ago, right after I was discharged from my, hm, predicament, your father called me."

Izuku lifts both hands so Katsuki doesn't interrupt him and grumbling, he doesn't.

"He expressed he and your mother had made some mistakes that they wished to amend. And they in no way wanted you to think they were doing it to appease you or win your affection back."
Izuku takes a moment to drink some water and takes Katsuki's hand over the table. Katsuki is once again tearing up and he doesn't know how to react.

"He offered to pay for my education and a job. I chose this course because it was faster and it gave me a valid degree - it was everything I needed to be able to grow in your parent's company or wherever I would end up. At first, your father only asked me to do these meaningless tasks, like taking something from the office to a client, retrieving documents, even making coffee."

Katsuki chuckles and he sees how that brought back some shine in Izuku's eyes.

"Your coffee sucks."

"Yes, they figured that out quite quickly. Then they started asking me to take notes during meetings and your mother began to trust my insights. I'm not sure how that sounds to you Kacchan, but I was feeling so accomplished, so valued."

Katsuki squeezes his hand, still too emotional to be able to formulate an answer but wanting to show his support.

"And, just last week, when my temporary contract would be over, your father offered me a permanent position. I'm officially a Bakugou's Inc. analyst starting next month."

As Izuku finishes his sentence, their waiter arrives with their drinks and appetizers. Katsuki wants to laugh at how ironic that is.

"Why didn't you tell me anything? Did you really think I would be mad?"

"It was the only thing your father requested - and, I wanted to prove myself somehow. I wanted to provide for you and Mom on my own, create a space for me that would be enough to stand by you by my means… Is that such a bad reason? I never wanted to lie to you, I just wanted you to be proud of what I can do now."

"Idiot."

Katsuki doesn't say anything for a few minutes, keeping himself busy eating and putting his thoughts in order. How can he love such a stupid man like Izuku?

"Please say something Kacchan."

"I… I'm proud of you, but again, I always was. I always admired how hard you worked and how even after everything you still had this drive to do good and make everyone's lives easier."

Izuku gives him a little more time to mull over everything while they eat, never once letting his hand go, even if it meant eating with his bad hand and making a mess over his shirt. Such a silly, silly man.

"This doesn't mean I'm ready to forgive my parents. I'm grateful for what they gave you, but… but what they took is still too much."

"That's ok, Kacchan. I forgave them already, but I know how hard it was for you. I would never ask this to change anything you feel. They have a weird way to show it and I believe they are still relearning, but they love you just as much as me and just want what's best for you."

Katsuki hums, in thought.

"This is how you managed to move?"

"Yep! But I was also very determined not to sleep on a couch with you ever again - you cannot deny two bedrooms is a much better situation than before."

Katsuki ducks his head to try and hide the blush taking his face by a storm. He cannot disagree but Izuku didn't have to bring this up on their dinner table.

"I'm also saving up to buy a new bike. Father's have already served her purpose and I can finally put it to recycle where it should have gone years ago now."

"I will buy us new helmets then," Katsuki doesn't leave room for discussion. He cannot wait to change the childish baby blue one he always uses.

Izuku laughs at him and nods.

"And… I know we never discussed this before, but I figured you would want to leave your parents' house someday but by your own means, right? So, I took the liberty of setting up a small fund for that as well… if you would like to, of course."

Izuku is not looking at him while he says that - which is endearing, but Katsuki is grateful because his face is the definition of shocked. Elated, yes, but embarrassed. He was definitely not ready to learn Izuku was thinking so ahead of them already.

And thinking of a future, a real one, a steady, homely future for them both.

"For now, of course, I will stick to kidnap you from time to time - maybe not at midnight anymore - until we can figure this future thing together. You fell in love with that rule-breaking biker guy and I fully intend to keep you in love with me for as long as I can."

Izuku laughs openly at Katsuki's face, red to the tip of his ears, eyes bulging off. Oh, Katsuki is a weak, weak man and his boyfriend is still an idiot and he loves him madly.