Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Midoriya was no fool to being scared of things, he'd been scared of almost everything he'd ever done, but he did them... by some blessed miracle. So when Bakugou came up to his door on Valentine's Day over a year ago and said he liked him, he nearly fainted. If anything he'd always thought he'd be a pining idiot over Bakugou, how could he, Izuku Midoriya, ever be in a relationship with someone like him?

Midoriya wasn't insecure about his looks, not insanely so anyway, sure, he didn't like his smile at times or wondered if a different diet would give him better looks, but never had he hated himself, not since middle school and that had been manageable if he avoided mirrors. How was this Bakugou the same one who told him to swan dive off the roof? HOW??? It didn't make sense.

Yet for all of that, it made perfect sense, Bakugou hadn’t left him alone all of middle school, if he’d really hated Midoriya, why wouldn’t he? But no, he stayed. So why?

Now here he was, complaining to poor Todoroki, who’d probably rather use his left side than talk about romance.

“And I want to be the one to say it first.”

Todoroki looked up from his mug of tea. Eyes still calm and emotionless as usual.

“What is ‘it’?”

“It’s... saying ‘I love you’! I wanna be first! I want to be the one in the most romantic setting and say ‘I love you, Kacchan’! I want him to smile and say it back and then we can be together forever!”

“Uh-huh, and the problem is?”

“We’ve only been dating for so long!!!”

“You’ve been dating for over a year, I’m sure Bakugou wouldn’t mind.”

“Shouto, you have to understand! This is a huge step and what if he doesn’t say it back or doesn’t feel the same way or even thinks it’s too early!! Shouto! I can’t screw this up!! It’ll be so awkward if I do!”

Todoroki sighed, “I don’t know much if anything about love, Izuku, but I do know that what you and Bakugou have is genuine.”

“How can you tell??? What if he’s just staying in the relationship so he doesn’t hurt my feelings???”

“Have you ever walked in on you two making out early in the morning?”

“No.”

“Well I have, and long story short, you two are clearly made for each other.”

Midoriya shook his head, “But he deserves the best!!! How can I even do that to him??”

“Izuku, have you seen the eyes he makes at you? Like you’re his whole world. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what he thinks too.”

“But... what if it’s too early?”

“I don’t know, just think about it this way, if I was in your shoes, I’d have already said it.”

“Great. Even you’re more confident than me!” Midoriya turned to walk away, “Anyways, I’m gonna go and try to confess!”

“Also Iida told me to ask that you and Bakugou keep it in your rooms, something about PDA being disturbing and violating school policies.”

“Tell him to talk to Kacchan about it!”

———

Deku was a lovesick fool, Cupid hit his heart years ago and hadn’t pulled the arrow out since. Bakugou wasn’t any better himself, he’d been hit by the arrow and had ignored it, only focusing on the pain of the arrow, blaming Deku for the fact that it happened to hit him.

Bakugou was still confused as to how, over a year ago, he’d wound up at Deku’s dorm room, flowers in hand, heart thumping, and the insane need to run away. But when Deku had accepted it took all his will not to run away and hide.

Romance was never his forte, he was better at fighting, yelling, screaming, anything not involving emotions besides anger.

So when the stupid “will you be my valentine” nonsense finally spilled out of his mouth he’d not expected Deku to break into tears.

To this day he remains unsure what he expected to happen.

So now he had the dumb nerd, great. He had no idea how relationships worked, what came before this, what came before that, he had no idea. He was almost certain he’d messed up way more times than he could count. Somehow the dumb nerd always stayed. Maybe he had a death wish?

Might sound stupid but with the dumb nerd’s actions it wasn’t hard to believe he had one.

So now he was sitting on his bed, waiting for Deku to finally arrive for the weekly movie night that was supposedly “romantic” or some stupid shit like that. Even if all Deku wanted to watch was old All Might documentaries or some dumb American movie that he didn’t understand since Deku hated changing the audio (something about syncing the lips to the noises).

Tonight had been his pick and he had chosen a recent movie he’d heard good things about, something about teenagers and murder, your classic run of the mill horror movie.

Where was Deku?

He was gonna be late, which was unlike Deku.

“I’m here! I’m not late!!”

Deku practically ran into the bed, slightly red like he’d been running for a little.

“Fucking finally, I thought you were skipping!” He shouted.

“Sorry, sorry! I got distracted talking to Shouto.”

Maybe he could punch icy-hot later, though icy-hot probably wouldn’t even react. Probably would just stare back and go, “Was that all?”

Deku would also get annoyed because apparently icy-hot’s friendship was so important to him. Something about friends before romance. It didn't matter, Deku was his (somehow) and now they were sitting down, cuddling.

If Bakugou were to be told this was where he’d be when he was younger, he would’ve laughed his head off and probably punch whoever told him for good measure.

But here he was.

Cuddling Izuku fucking Midoriya, in a committed relationship, promised a future of heroics and good things, the entire world ahead of them with the promise of love.

“Hey, Kacchan?”

“Yeah?”

“I... I...”

“What?? Spit it out!”

“I was wondering if you wanted popcorn!”

“Well, you could’ve fucking asked that before we got comfortable!”

“Sorry, but is that a no?”

“What do you think? It’s a yes!”

Midoriya smiled before getting up to make some.

He seemed so hesitant, like he’d not said what he wanted.

Bakugou decided he must be imagining it.

Chapter Text

Midoriya adjusted the picnic blanket he’d prepared. Today was the day. Sure, it had only really been a week since he admitted to Todoroki what he desired to say to Bakugou, but time is valuable, and let’s just say Midoriya didn’t have the most money.

He had to say it now while he had the confidence to say it.

He had to say it first so that he would know whether this whole thing was real or some sick prank (it probably wasn’t but if one can fear the impossible, why shouldn’t they?).

Picnics were romantic, right? He was almost entirely sure, the books and movies he’d indulged in (you have no proof!) had told him picnics were basically the third most romantic thing right after Hallmark movies and slow dancing at a school sanctioned event.

A ringing sound pulled Midoriya out of his thoughts, his hands flew for his phone, recognizing the caller from the custom ringtone he’d picked for them.

“Kacchan?” He asked into the phone, despite already knowing it was him.

“Who else?” Snappy as usual, that’s good.

“There you are, anyways, why are you calling?” He chewed on his bottom lip, please don’t be cancelling.

“I’m stuck in traffic.” Came Bakugou’s reply.

“Oh... so how late do you expect to be?” He chewed on his bottom lip, nervous for the reply.

“At least 30 minutes, maybe 45 if it doesn’t clear up soon.” Annoyance was clear in Bakugou’s voice, but so was self-control.

“That’s not great.” The faint taste of blood spilled from his lips, not much, just a small bite that would be healed in a few minutes.

Bakugou’s response was sharp and clear, “No shit, Sherlock.”

“It’s okay, Kacchan. I’ll wait for you.” He sat back down on the picnic blanket, the realization dawning on him that he’d abruptly stood up in shock when Bakugou had informed him he’d be late.

“Sorry, Izuku, I’ll try and not be late next time.” If Midoriya doesn’t ruin his chances of a next time with his love confession, yeah, hopefully he won’t be late. “I’ll call you back when I’m close.”

“Okay!” Midoriya inhaled through his teeth.

The phone was hung up and he sat still as a statue.

“Oh fuck!” He covered his mouth at the slip-up.

All the confidence from before slipped right out of him. Now he had time to overthink.

What if Kacchan is lying and he’s actually late on purpose because he doesn’t actually want to go on a date with me or even date me at all?

What if he thinks it’s too early once I tell him because it’s barely been a year and we’ve still got another year at UA before we graduate so in that time something could happen and we’ll have worthless sentimentality??

What if he doesn’t like the food I made? I don’t know how to cook properly! Why didn’t I just order something? He’s the better cook!

What if this goes wrong? I’ll ruin everything through those stupid words! I will! I know I will! I always do!

What if—

Focus, Izuku, focus. What are the chances of any of that happening? Few, so calm down and just remember, he’s the one who asked you out first! That has to mean something!

He steadied his breathing and adjusted from where he sat, Izuku Midoriya, holder of the mysterious and powerful quirk, One for All, future pro hero. He was going to be the best! The best! The greatest!

Todoroki was right, he could confess to Kacchan, he could! He’d done much scarier things, like fighting Stain, the attack on the USJ, he’d done all of it and lived to tell the tale!

“Kacchan, I...”

The words slipped from his mouth as he tried again and again to practice, how could he ever say he loved Kacchan when he wasn’t good enough!? Kacchan deserved the Izuku he’d fallen for! The one with confidence and a smile and the ability to say I love you! Not the cowardly Deku who couldn’t even say it when Kacchan wasn’t there! He was an idiot! An idiot!

He lay down on the blanket and let his thoughts float towards the sky, freeing him.

He was Izuku Midoriya! The future greatest hero! He’d make sure everyone knew him and so help him if a love confession had him coughing up his heart!

Love...

Midoriya reflected for a moment, he loved Kacchan, he knew he did, so why wouldn’t Kacchan love him? They were made for each other, he knew it! Kacchan was the best! A hero in every right!

If the future greatest hero had to give his heart to someone it would be the future second greatest hero, that was the only person to ever walk this earth and world and heavens who would be worthy of his love!

“Hey, nerd!” A loud voice called.

Midoriya sat up abruptly.

“Kacchan, you said you were going to call!” Shit, had so much time really passed?

“You didn’t answer my calls!!!” Bakugou walked over and sat down, he looked exhausted.

The phone lay discarded a few feet away from him, he grabbed it, oh... twelve missed phone calls.

“Sorry, I didn’t see those.” Opening the basket, he could do the same, open his mouth and open his heart!

“Whatever. Who made this anyway?” Bakugou had already stuffed his face, guess training must have been tiring.

“Me, do you like it?” Nope, no way, Midoriya absolutely sucked in the kitchen!

“Of course I do! What do you think???” He’d already eaten almost all of what was made for him.

A laugh escape Midoriya’s lips, he wanted to say it, he truly did, but now wasn’t the time, “Maybe you should slow down, I haven’t had any and I certainly don’t know if it’s any good.”

Bakugou grabbed his face (lovingly) and kissed him, the food fresh in his mouth, taste not so bad.

“So, is it good, nerd?” Bakugou grinned smugly.

“Yeah, it is.”

Now isn’t the time, he told himself.

Maybe next time.

Chapter Text

“What’s your favorite kind of sea creature?” Bakugou asked, watching the tank of sharks as they swam around aimlessly.

The shark tank was more of a window, there was no way to see it from above so you had to stand in a room and stare at the sharks, watching. A hammerhead shark swam past the window.

The room was dark with a blue lighting filter through it thanks to the tank. Izuku was observing each shark and guessing their species. He looked so cute with his eyes so wide and his smile so big and his face so in awe.

Midoriya looked over at Bakugou then thought to himself about the question. The blue lighting illuminating his face and freckles.

“I think I like octopus best, they’re so fascinating! Did you know each of their tentacles has its own mind?” Midoriya exclaimed like a little kid explaining their favorite show, “And some of them can camouflage and they squirt ink and so much more!”

“Really?” He responded, knowing how happy Midoriya would be to rant about this interest.

“Yeah! What’s your favorite sea creature, Kacchan?” He awaited a response as patiently as he could.

“I’d say I like sharks best, especially tiger sharks.” He smirked, knowing there likely weren’t any in this tank.

“Why?” Was the only response from Deku.

“I suppose I like their name, it’s a cool name ‘tiger shark,’ sounds like some sort of scary monster.” Midoriya nodded at that. “Least favorite?”

“Probably dolphins.” The green haired boy looked down, avoiding eye contact.

“Really?” Bakugou was a bit surprised at that answer. “I thought you’d like them.”

“Not really, they scare me.” He shook his green, curly hair in a sign of disagreement.

“Why?” Questioned Bakugou.

“Let’s just say Todoroki spent way too much time researching dolphins. Ugh.” Midoriya faked a shudder.

The fiery blond stared for a moment, “…I’m not even going to ask.”

“Good idea.” Silence filled the air between the two boyfriends for a moment, “What about you? What sea creature do you like the least?”

“I think seahorses.” A simple and short answer.

Midoriya looked surprised at that. “Why?”

“They’re so lame, all you ever hear is ‘they mate for life’ ‘they mate for life.’ It’s pathetic, no one cares if a sea creature mates for life. Hell, people don’t even care in real life. If they do it’s because they’re looking for excuses to dress fancy!” He crossed his arms. “Where do you wanna head next?”

Midoriya’s look of shock turned into one of abrupt breaking from the mental void.

“Oh! Yeah! I was thinking perhaps the deep sea exhibit on deep sea creatures? It’s supposedly pretty scary.” He said, not meeting Bakugou’s eyes.

“Pfft, fish? Scary? Yeah right!” The cocky blond (lovingly) grabbed Midoriya’s hand and dragged them to the deep sea exhibit.

“So you really don’t think anything down at the bottom of the world is scary?” Inquired Midoriya.

“How can it be? A fish is a fish, and they live under water.”

Midoriya felt his entire heart sink at Bakugou’s words.

“No one cares if a sea creature mates for life.”

Really? That hurt.

The confession felt right on the tip of his tongue. The whole reason why he’d brought Bakugou here was so that he could finally (in the words of Uraraka) “Grow a pair and confess.” Yeah, that was some weird advice coming from her.

“Come on, Deku! You love him so confess!”

“It’s not as easy as you think, Uraraka! I’m scared he might not feel the same way or think it’s too early!”

“Oh, Deku, he loves you, and I know that the real reason you’re so hesitant is because you don’t think you’re worthy. You are.”

Uraraka was right, Bakugou loved him and the only step left was the confession!

He finally mustered up all the courage he had and said, “Hey, Kacchan—”

“Not now, there’s a presentation.” Responded Bakugou, cutting him short of the words.

“…sorry.” He apologized.

“As you can see, only 5% of the ocean has been explored. New mysteries are awaiting us, but the biggest mystery that awaits us is the Mariana trench. The deepest known trench in the world, filled with mysterious life…”

Midoriya sat down next to Bakugou, watching in awe as pictures filled the screen. Some monstrous, some not so, all horrifying in their own way.

The presentation ended with some of the more known creatures being shown.

“That’s a goblin shark?” Bakugou raised an eyebrow at the horrendous creature on screen, Midoriya felt sick just looking at it.

“It’s horrifying.” His face contorted to one of disgust.

“I could take it in a fight.” Said the blond, all-knowingly.

Midoriya thought about it for a moment, “…no, you couldn’t.”

“Are you doubting me?” Bakugou exaggerated an offended face.

“No, I’m saying you’d be unable to move in one of those suits.” He gestured towards a display of the underwater suits you’d have to wear.

The two laughed for a moment.

Courage finally grew in his heart, “Hey, Kacchan, if I said ‘I—”

“Hey! Bakubro!” A loud voice called out.

Kirishima, that’s… that’s fine. It wasn’t the right time anyway!

“Oi, Kirishima?” Bakugou sounded shocked. “What are you doing here?”

“Same as you I suppose, I’m here with Mina!” So they’re also here on a date.

The pink-haired ball of energy and sarcasm waved at Midoriya and Bakugou.

“What’s up!!?” She shouted.

“Oh, hi, Kirishima and Ashido. How’s your date going?” He said, politely.

“Amazing! Say, Midoriya, come with me! You boys stay here.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him off before he could protest.

Midoriya quickly followed after her.

“So, rumor’s got it you wanna tell Bakugou you love him!” No fanfare, just straight up asking.

Midoriya stammered, “What? How did—”

“Girls like to gossip.” Amber eyes winked.

“Uraraka… noted.” Don’t do that again.

“How’s the attempt going?”

“Well, I was gonna say it before Kirishima interrupted us.”

“I see, he’s like that, don’t worry. I’ve seen worse dates. Trust me, you’re gonna do great.” She elbowed him sharply in the ribs.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Perhaps not this date but the next one.

Chapter Text

Izuku jumped from one of the trees to a rock structure designed to mimic a mission in a forest. Internally, he was trying to figure out what to do; his case with his stupid confession was simply hopeless! Nothing he’d done had even come close! He wasn’t any bit closer to saying “I love you” to Kacchan, and it showed.

In a mild blind rage, he kicked a random stone off where he was now, sending it flying across the room. Mina had to be wrong when she said she believed he could do it. There wasn’t any way she could be right. He was cowardly, scared, and definitely had every single problem with romance in a game of bingo.

Kacchan also had a role in this! He had to have noticed how on their most recent dates Izuku had been hesitant to say anything! Wasn’t it obvious?

Clearly, Kacchan ought to take some of the blame and not just Izuku’s cowardliness.

He sighed, taking another jump to a different structure. Where was Kacchan anyway? He was supposed to be here half an hour ago, so where was he?

Where is he?? He said he’d "Be here!" Why does he keep being late to our dates? Are they just not that interesting? I really thought he’d like this one. Maybe it’s not the dates… maybe it’s me. That makes sense; I’m not any good at this!

That was when the sound of the door being opened broke him out of his trance; he looked towards said door and saw Kacchan entering.

“Hey! There you are!” He waved, pretending to be happy despite not really feeling that way.

Quickly, he hurried down to meet Kacchan, grinning at him. “You’re late.”

“Sorry,” Kacchan ruffled Izuku’s hair. “I was busy because Kaminari needed help studying.”

“Oh, so you did as I asked and helped your friends study?” Izuku smirked. “I didn’t know you actually cared about them.”

“Shut up,” He shoved Izuku back. “I only did it because you told me to. No other reason. Those extras needed help anyways.”

“Don’t call your friends extras.” Izuku elbowed Kacchan. “It’s rude.”

“Haha, when did I ever come off as respectful?” Kacchan headed off to change into his hero costume before Izuku could argue back.

Was he really late because he was helping Kaminari? Does that mean he didn’t value this date over trying to make me happy? Or was he avoiding coming here because of how weird I’ve been acting lately?

Izuku waited as patiently as he could, shoving any thoughts of confessing to the back of his mind. He could be patient; these things took time, lots of time, and that was fine, totally fine, completely fine!

Kacchan doesn’t owe me his love, and I don't owe him mine; in fact, I don’t even think I should say it today since he was late! Yep, that’s the most logical conclusion here! Just don’t worry about it! At all!

“Are you ready yet, Kacchan?” He shouts into the changing rooms.

“It’s not even been half a minute!”

———

Katsuki didn’t say another word, resisting the urge to bang his head on the table; there was no way Kaminari could be this stupid.

“How did you even fuck up this badly on a math test??” He stared at the horrifyingly low test score.

“I don’t know!!” Kaminari looked at him with eyes that showed pure shame and embarrassment. “I thought I understood, but I didn’t!!”

Katsuki stared at the table, wondering how much easier it would be to hit himself unconscious than save these grades. Kaminari was an idiot; everyone knew that, but Katsuki wasn’t aware that he was this stupid!

“You should consider yourself lucky.” He pulled out a red pen to try and locate where everything had gone wrong for each question. “Izuku forced me to help my friends, so don’t take this for granted.”

Kaminari nodded gratefully, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Shut up!” Katsuki read over the first question. “Goddamn, you messed up at the very start.”

“I didn’t know!!”

“WE LEARNED THIS LAST YEAR!!”

“I FORGOT!!”

Katsuki sighed and continued trying to stay as calm as possible, helping Kaminari through his math test as best he could, not paying attention to the time in any way.

“Thanks for the help, Bakugou.” Kaminari was staring at the now corrected paper, which had been almost completely redone.

“Yeah, yeah, shut up.” He was packing up the rest of his stuff. “What’s the time?”

“Oh, it’s about 12:45.”

Shit.

“…I’m late… I’M LATE!!” He didn’t even try to stay orderly as he rushed out of the studying room, running to where he said he’d meet Izuku for training!

Goddammit! This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!!

“I’m late! I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!” He turned the corner as fast as he could, trying to avoid running into anyone.

The training hall wasn’t far, but it certainly wasn’t close, at least not close enough to make Katsuki slow down any bit. Nope, he just continued running, not using his Quirk since there were so many people on campus.

He slammed open the door to find Izuku jumping to a different rock structure. He stared in mild awe and amazement.

Katsuki finally joined Izuku for training; Izuku grinned.

“You’re only half an hour late!” Katsuki elbowed Izuku for that.

“I was helping Kaminari; the dumbass failed his math test.” With that he jumped to a rock structure, where Izuku scowled before going to join him.

“Uh huh, yep. You know, when I say you should help your friends more, I mean when it doesn’t get in the way of our relationship.”

“I know, I thought it wouldn’t take long, but we practically had to start the test from scratch!” He jumped to a higher structure; Izuku jumped to a different one not too far away.

“Well, next time keep a better track of time, please.” Izuku used Blackwhip to pull himself over to Bakugou. “I’d prefer it if my boyfriend wasn’t late.”

“Of course.” Katsuki grinned, but then he noticed Izuku’s mildly displeased behavior was off.

It wasn’t normal.

Whatever, he was probably just annoyed that Katsuki was late.

Chapter Text

Izuku blew a curl of hair out of his face, staring blankly at his phone. It wasn’t a date or anything today, just hanging out. He endlessly scrolled through his phone, not really thinking or paying attention to what he was looking at, some random artist who’d popped up on his feed for their All Might art.

He had to admit, from what he’d taken in beforehand, they were pretty good, definitely newer to art than most, but they were talented nonetheless. Izuku’s own art skills aligned with the comical style an adult would have in a TV show for the laughs. If he’d been more into art at a younger age, he could imagine he could’ve had a pretty decent career.

“Oi, what are you looking at?” Asked Kacchan, peeking up from his own phone to look at Izuku.

“Nothing much, just some new artists.” He showed a drawing to Kacchan to prove it. “Why?”

“Tch, bored.” Kacchan pulled himself down next to Izuku. “And it’s not like we have any plans for today.”

Izuku sighed, “Yeah, you’re right… ugh, I’m so bored! There’s nothing to do!”

“Shut up, days like this are great. No stress, no work, just us and our thoughts.” Kacchan lay down on the bed. “No need to worry about anything but each other.”

If only you knew what my thoughts were. It’d make this whole situation so much easier.

“Yeah, you’re… you’re right, Kacchan.” Izuku was suddenly pulled down next to him before being met with a quick kiss.

“You’re cute when you’re surprised.” Izuku felt his face turn bright red. “Makes you look like a strawberry. I love strawberries, maybe even as much as I love Izuku.”

Izuku covered his face with his phone, trying not to look at Kacchan. That had no right to be as hot as it sounded. Kacchan only responded by pulling his hands down to look at his face.

“You still blush every time we kiss. Cute.” Kacchan pulled Izuku into a deeper kiss that had Izuku shocked for a moment before leaning into the kiss.

“Maybe you’re just really good at kissing?” Offered Izuku before diving right back into the kiss. “Or maybe I’m just so infatuated with you.”

“Shut up, don’t use big words! Ruins the mood!” Kacchan pinned Izuku down and continued his kissing, neither of them dared to say anything else, just continued to kiss deeper and deeper, only stopping for breaths that the two would prefer to not need.

Izuku gripped Kacchan’s hair as hard as he could, using it to help keep Kacchan from getting away even though he knew that it wouldn’t happen. Kacchan would never purposefully leave a kiss (something that the two of them knew would become much more common once they became heroes).

“You look so fucking cute like this. I love it!” Kacchan laughed before kissing Izuku even more. “I love it!”

And I love you…

“I… I love it, too.” Izuku grinned, trying not to scream at himself.

Katsuki grinned at Izuku’s flustered face; the damn nerd had no idea how cute he looked whenever he was flustered or flushed.

“Whaaat?” He drawled, “You gonna stutter like a baby?”

Izuku’s face went so red he looked like a tomato, though Katsuki figured strawberries would fit more due to the freckles. He laughed loudly at the deepening red.

Talking during kissing was one of his more negative habits that he knew he should probably get rid of, but he’d quit trying after realizing how much Izuku blushed at each word. Seeing Izuku’s face all red and embarrassed was so fucking cute in ways that it shouldn’t have been.

Katsuki smirked before diving into another kiss; Izuku’s stutters were cut off by Katsuki’s tongue in his mouth.

So cute and pathetic when he gets cut off, I like that. I like when he can’t get his words out because he’s too goddamn stuck in his own little world with too much to get out.

Suddenly he was pushed off Izuku and nearly fell off the bed.

“What the hell?” He snapped, watching as Izuku stood up, heading to the door to leave. “What was that for? What’d I do this time?”

Izuku only made a humph sound and left before he could say anything else.

That was out of pocket and out of character… Think, what did I screw up this time? Did I talk too much? Was that it? But he’s never complained about that before, so is it something else?

“What’d I do?” He called after Izuku, despite him not being there.

“Shit.” He whispered.

Izuku stood outside the door to his room for a moment before sinking to the floor and internally giving himself a much-needed beating.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit!! Why the hell did I do that??? WHY??? It was going so well; that would’ve been the perfect time to confess!! FUCK!!

Izuku pulled his knees close to his chest as he heard Kacchan continue to shout at him for a good minute before stopping. Not chasing him, which he appreciated; he didn’t know if he could handle that right now. He probably couldn’t if he knew anything about himself.

Why did I do that?? Oh right, because I’m a stupid fucking nerd who can’t do shit even in a relationship because they still treat it like a crush! What am I? A fucking schoolgirl?? Shit, shit, shit!! Why am I like this?

Izuku clutched his arms around his knees and tried to refocus himself, trying to figure out how to calm down.

Just breathe, count to ten?? Do something!! Just calm down!!

Izuku could feel tears sliding down his face.

His breaths quickened.

He could feel himself shaking.

And he couldn’t feel any of it.

And yet all of it.

Izuku felt his nails dig into skin.

Possibly leaving blood.

“No, no, no, no, no, no!”

“Breathe.” He was suddenly broken out of his trance by Uraraka’s voice. “Izuku, I need you to listen to me and breathe.”

She wasn’t touching him, she wasn’t in his face, she was just a few feet in front of him, kneeling down to his level, face concerned. He appreciated that it didn’t feel overwhelming.

Izuku looked at Uraraka; she didn’t smile, just watched.

“Breathe, can you breathe with me?” Izuku attempted to nod. “Okay, 1, 2, 3 seconds in. 1, 2, 3 seconds hold. 1, 2, 3 seconds out.”

She repeated it until Izuku had calmed down.

“…you okay?” He only responded by shaking his head. “Okay, can you stand?”

He nodded. Uraraka stood up and then reached out a hand to help him; he took it. Still unable to talk, not that she minded.

“Let’s go get some tea. Does that sound good?” Izuku nodded again. Uraraka smiled in return.

How did this happen all because of a failed love confession?

Chapter Text

Awkward silence filled the room; neither was making eye contact. Not that either of them wanted to. This was already awkward with the recent development yesterday had brought.

Izuku’s hands fiddled with invisible notes; Kacchan wasn’t any better. Izuku could see little sparks escaping from Kacchan’s tightly closed fists. He didn’t comment on it since he figured that Kacchan wasn’t aware of it and would likely be annoyed.

“I—uh, hmm…” Kacchan glared at Izuku.

“What? Say it!” Izuku jumped slightly at Kacchan’s harsh words; he instantly started focusing on the ground, trying to think of anything else. “Come on! Say it!”

Izuku didn't respond for a moment. Instead, he adjusted in his chair so he was facing away from Kacchan. Kacchan very clearly took notice of this.

"I didn't mean to make you upset yesterday, you know that, Izuku." Kacchan reached across the table to touch Izuku's hand; Izuku pulled it away. "Aren't you going to say something?"

I would say something, but that was all my fault yesterday! I should be apologizing, not you! Not you at all! If I hadn't been such a baby, we wouldn't be here right now! It's all my fault!

"…I don't think I want to keep this up." Mumbled Izuku.

"Keep what up?" Asked Kacchan, a look of fear and confusion crossing his face. "This? Us? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Yes.

"No?"

"It's a simple question, Izuku." Kacchan didn't seem angry with him, just with the world. Somehow Izuku hated that more than if the rage had been directed all at him.

"It's nothing." He didn't look at Kacchan. "It's not important."

Yes, it is! It's very important, but you'll probably laugh if I tell you!

"What are you not telling me? I won't judge. Izuku, please, I'll listen."

Izuku's hands gripped his arms so tight he could feel the blood circulation being cut off. Kacchan stood up and walked over to Izuku, putting his hands on his shoulders. He attempted to make eye contact but couldn't bear to.

"Izuku,” Kacchan still made attempts at eye contact, “why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

Inside, Izuku felt his anger and resolve shatter like glass that stabbed his insides.

“Because I LOVE YOU!! OKAY??? I LOVE YOU, AND THAT’S WHY I’VE BEEN SUCH A MESS LATELY!!!”

Izuku caught his breath, horror dawning on him because of what he’d just confessed.

Kacchan wasn’t any better; he was staring in shock at Izuku, mouth slightly agape. Izuku felt himself go so red he was certain he was on fire.

“I…” He stopped himself, scared to say anything else.

My first “I love you,” and I mess it up by screaming at him? Why me? Fuck, why did I mess it up like that? How did I mess it up like that? I thought there was still some sense in me!

“Izuku, say that again.”

Izuku responded by blinking in confusion. Was he serious?

“Say it again.”

“I… I love you?”

“Do you mean that?”

Do I?

“Yes.”

———

Katsuki stared in awe at Izuku. His face was red, tears pooled at the edges of his eyes, his green eyes refused to look at him, and a small pout was stuck on his face. Katsuki lowered his hands from Izuku’s shoulders to his hands.

Izuku suddenly looked up at him, and then the tears started falling. Katsuki watched for a moment before pulling Izuku up into a loose hug so that he could still escape if he wanted to.

“Do you mean it?” He whispered into stiff Izuku’s ear.

“I-I-I do…” He stuttered.

“I love you too.”

Izuku relaxed and returned the hug before pulling apart to give Katsuki a kiss.

“How do you love me?” Katsuki asked, smugly.

“I love you, and I mean it when I say every word of it. I love you, Kacchan. I love you like the sun loves the moon.”

“What does that even mean?” Katsuki chuckled into their kiss. “‘Like the sun loves the moon’?”

“It means how the sun dies every night for the moon to breathe.” Izuku grinned through still crying eyes. “It means I’d die for you because I love you.”

“That’s stupid.” Katsuki scoffed and rolled his eyes (very, very, very lovingly). “If anything, I’d die for you. Take a hit or two to the heart for you.”

“Mine sounds better.” Izuku smirked; Katsuki quickly wiped it off his face by kissing him.

“I’d fucking die for you because I love you more.”

“…we just confessed, and you’re already making it a competition?” Izuku’s tears had slowed down, only spilling when he blinked. “I should’ve known.”

Izuku shoved his head into Katsuki’s shoulder to breathe for a moment. Katsuki could feel the dumb nerd crying into his shoulder.

“If you get snot on the shirt, you’re doing the laundry.” Izuku laughed a bit at that; he lifted his head up a bit to look at Katsuki out of the corner of his eye.

“So… you care to explain how many previous times you’ve NOT said you loved me?” Katsuki could practically feel Izuku’s face heating up against his shirt.

Izuku chuckled softly at that.

“Since that movie night last week. That was when I first considered confessing; in the past week I’ve tried 5 times.”

Katsuki internally gave himself a good bonk on the head. How’d he not notice?? This was his very nerdy, very annoying, very adorable boyfriend, not a stranger.

“…how did I miss this?”

“In your defense, I always brushed off your concern before you could get too suspicious.” Izuku wiped his eyes with Katsuki’s shirt. “And yes, I do understand I now have to deal with the laundry.”

The two laughed for a moment before Katsuki dragged Izuku over to the couch; the two sat down and calmed themselves down.

“I’m such a mess, aren’t I?”

“Fortunately for you, I’m very good at picking up messes.” Izuku blushed slightly at that before leaning on Katsuki like a pillow. “Now stop crying, and let’s see who loves the other more.”

Izuku laughed slightly at that, using his sleeve to wipe away the last of his tears.

“I’ll go first. I love you more than I love Katsudon.”

“Sure. Well, I love you more than you could ever beat.”

“I love you almost as much as All Might.” Izuku crossed his arms, making a smug face.

“Not more?” Asked Katsuki.

“Know your limits.”

The two burst out laughing, finally rid of the weight they’d been carrying on their chests.

“I love you, and I mean every word.” Said Izuku, pulling Katsuki’s forehead to his own. The two sat in silence for the moment, letting the feelings wash over them calmly.