Archive of Our Own

His body moved on its own.

The brightness hit Katsuki first. A blinding white light that stabbed straight through his skull. His hands flew to his eyes on reflex and agony ripped down his shoulders, back, chest…everywhere.

“Grr, FUCK!”

The sound tore out of him his throat. Everything hurt. Everything felt wrong.

He forced his eyes open again. Slower this time. Letting the blur settle into shapes. A ceiling. A monitor. Beeping. Sterile air.

He’s in a hospital.

This wasn’t the battlefield he should’ve died in. Meant to die in.

His body didn’t believe it yet. Katsuki’s guard stayed up and his muscles trembled under layers of bandages that made him feel like he’d been wrapped like a damn mummy.

The room was empty. ‘Of course it is. Why would anyone-‘

He tried to piece things together. The League. Icy‑hot. Endeavor. Dek-

“DEKU!”

The name screeched out of his throat before he could stop it. His heart lurched. Ice flooding his veins.

‘Please tell me he’s ok. Please tell me I didn’t get stabbed for nothing. Please-‘

He shoved down the pain and swung his legs over the bed. Then the world tilted. His stomach churned. And he pushed anyway.

Then the door opened.

Not a nurse or doctor. But Sero, Mineta and Sato.

‘Why the hell-‘

Mineta burst into tears the second their eyes met and launched himself toward the bed like a sobbing projectile. Katsuki’s eye twitched. ‘Don’t lose it. You need answers.’

He shoved the grape off him and glared at the group. “What. Happened?”

Their smiles vanished instantly. All three of them. Like someone had sucked the life and air out of the room.

Sero stepped forward. “I’ll tell you, but you have to promise not to freak out, ok?”

Katsuki stared at him, throat tightening. A lump formed, only growing larger as he stared at his classmate. He didn’t trust his voice, so he just nodded.

And then they told him.

Every word felt like a punch. Shame crawled up his spine. Fear twisted in his gut.

‘How did this happen? How did we lose? Why wasn’t I strong enough? Why didn’t I save them? Deku… not waking up? Will he wake up? I pushed him out of the way…was that not enough? Could I’ve done something else? Deku was a powerhouse now. They had Endeavor. Aizawa. Icy‑hot. How-‘

“Where is he, where’s Deku? What room?”

Sero’s sad eyes met his. “Down the hall. He’s with All Might right now. They won’t let anyone else in the room.”

Adrenaline slammed through The blonde so hard he nearly blacked out. He had to see Deku. He had to get to that room.

He pushed off the bed and almost collapsed. Catching himself on the railing.

‘God, this hurts.’ He felt like he was going to throw up. His wounds screamed with every breath.

The extras swarmed him in seconds. Trying to push him back into bed like they suddenly cared about him.

“I need to know he’s ok! I want to see him for myself!” His voice cracked with desperation that he refused to acknowledge. ‘Stupid nerd, if he dies, I’ll kill him.’

He then shoved past them. Stumbling into the hallway as pain shot through him with every step. His vision blurring at the edges.

“Deku… dammit… DEKUUU!”

He was three doors away when something snapped around his arms and legs. Yanking them together so fast he choked.

‘What the-?’

He looked down.

A tongue.

‘Of fucking course…Where the hell did she even come from?’

“I HAVE TO SEE HIM!” He thrashed. But the movement only sent more pain ripping through him. His body screamed. His vision spotted.

The extras grabbed him, lifting him, dragging him back toward his room.

How could he let them take him down like this? How could he be this weak?

Black dots swarmed his sight. His head spun. His body shook. But he kept fighting anyway. The only thing on his mind being ‘Deku. Deku. Deku.’

Darkness engulfed his vision. And as his movements slowed, like a man thrown into quicksand. His body gave in to the pain.

‘Stupid extras. He better fuckin’ wake up.’

~ * ~

The next day, they discharged him.

Not because he was healed. He wasn’t even close. Katsuki could barely breathe without something in his ribs screaming. But the doctors were clearly done with him trying to escape his bed every hour to go to Deku’s room. Security had probably even drawn straws to decide who had to deal with him next.

He couldn’t help it.

Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the battlefield. Every time he opened them, he felt the same crushing regret. He did this. He wasn’t strong enough. He wasn’t fast enough. He couldn’t save them. Any of them. And if he was being honest. Painfully, humiliatingly honest, he’d be dead without IcyHot and Deku.

His father drove him home. Only twenty minutes, but felt longer.

When they pulled into the driveway, Katsuki stared at the house. His parents’ place. Familiar. Safe.

Supposedly.

But he didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to be anywhere except back at the hospital. Sitting next to Deku’s bed. Waiting for him to wake up.

But Deku wasn’t awake. So what was the point.

Once inside, he heard movement in the living room. “Katsuki? Is that you?”

He turned just in time to see his mom rushing toward him. Eyes red and puffy. She wrapped her arms around him, and he let out a grunt.

Because fuck, that hurt. But he didn’t pull away. Not this time. Not after everything he’d just gone through.

“Yea you old hag. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He muttered. A weak chuckle slipping out.

She laughed. Actually laughed, and kissed his cheek. “Go pack, we’re leaving soon.”

And after she gave his cheek a final pat, he nodded and headed upstairs.

The hallway felt longer than usual and his room felt… wrong. He stopped in front of the door, hand hovering over the knob. And for some reason, he had to force himself to open it. Like something awful was waiting on the other side.

He shook his head, turned the knob, and stepped inside.

It was surreal. Like he wasn’t really here. Like he was still lying on the ground out there. Bleeding. The world spinning. Deku falling-

He shut the door as the memories slammed into him. His heart rate spiked and he had to force air into his lungs.The battlefield replayed behind his eyes in flashes.

Too fast, too loud, too much.

‘Snap the fuck out of it. Pack. Move.’

He rubbed his face, exhaling shakily. “Better get to it I guess.”

Everyone involved in the battle, their families, anyone wanting to evacuate…they were all supposed to head to UA.

The League may have escaped, but they’d be back. Most of his stuff was already at UA, but he needed to grab anything he might miss.

He pulled an old suitcase from under the bed and scanned the room. Every movement hurt, but he pushed through it.

Clothes. Posters. Maybe his old photo box.

He folded his clothes carefully. Hands trembling and breath uneven. Then he took down his All Might posters. Removing each pin slowly. Folding the paper with more care than even he expected from himself.

Once the suitcase was full, he grabbed the small box from under his bed and sat at his desk.

He opened it gently. Old photos. Random junk. Childhood scraps. His life reduced to a small box.

“Meh… meh… meh…” He muttered under his breath as he flipped through them. “Oh wow, Auntie and Deku look so different… even the Hag looks happy here.” A second‑grade class picture. ‘…Whatever.’

Then- “…Paper? …Damn this thing looks crumpled.”

He frowned. When would he have written something like this? He unfolded it and froze.

He hadn’t written it.

“What the hell?”

His confusion twisted into something colder as he read.
_____________________________________________
Kacchan,

I needed to write you this letter. You'd never listen to me otherwise. We don't talk anymore, and sometimes I miss you. I miss the friend I had. I miss when we used to watch All Might movies and talked about becoming heroes together. I wish I was good enough. I wish I was strong like you. But I know I'm not worth your time anymore.

Today you almost attacked me and then told me to take a swan dive off the roof, just because I wanted to apply to UA. I’ve never considered how much you truly hated me until now. I know I'm worthless. I know I don't have a quirk. I know that you're better than me. You’ve always been right. I don't know what I want to do now, but I wanted to say that I'm sorry for being in your way and not leaving you alone. I hope you become the hero you wanted to be. I’ll always be rooting for you. Even when you don't want me to.

Goodbye,
Izuku AKA Deku
_____________________________________________

Katsuki’s heart stopped. “What the hell?? How, wh‑what?!!? When did I even-?”

And then he remembered.

He came home after the sludge villain and saw something stuffed in the door. Seeing “Kacchan” on the front, he crumpled it without reading. Tossing it aside.

He never opened it.

Katsuki’s stomach dropped and his chest tightened painfully. This…this read like a suicide note.

He read it again. And again. Each time worse.

-I don’t know what I want to do now. Goodbye.-

‘Goodbye?’

The word echoed in his skull as he stumbled backward and hit the wall. His legs gave out. His heart felt like it was being crushed. His eyes burned. Vision blurring as he slid down to the floor.

He knew he was horrible. He knew he’d hurt him. But-

‘What if Deku had done it? What if this was the last thing he ever wrote? What if I never saw him again? What if-‘

His breathing spiraled as his eyes filled with tears and wouldn’t stop. He curled into himself. Knees to his chest. His whole body shaking.

Deku still wasn’t awake… now this? This was torture. But he deserved it. Every second. Every tear. Every sharp pang in his chest.

“I never deserved you, Izuku.” He whispered, voice breaking.

There was a knock at the door. “Katsuki, are you finished? We have to go.”

He swallowed hard. “Ye‑yea, you old hag. I’ll be right out.”

Wiping his face, Katsuki forced his breathing to steady. Stood up. Grabbed his bags. And pretended nothing happened. As if his world didn’t just shatter around him.

By the time he got back to the car, he’d shoved every crack in his armor back into place. Or at least hidden it.

He buckled his seatbelt, took one last look at the house, then they pulled away. And all he could think was, ‘I have to see Deku. I need him to be okay.’

~ * ~

Katsuki’s parents were taken to a holding area the moment they arrived at UA. He, on the other hand, was sent straight to his dorm with strict instructions.

He wasn’t allowed to leave unless Aizawa approved it.

Walking the grounds toward the dorms, Katsuki caught the sunset out of the corner of his eye. Warm. Soft. Completely at odds with the storm inside him.

He took a breath as he reached the steps. ‘Okay. Here we go.’

Expecting the extras’ usual staring, whispering, and annoying questions, he braced himself before opening the door. And yeah…everyone was there. Everyone except Deku.

“There he is!” He turned left to a big group.

‘Of course.’

“Hey shitty hair. What do you want?” The words slipped out before he could stop them and he winced internally. After reading Deku’s note, he really didn’t want to be that guy anymore.“Sorry, I mean, hey what’s up?”

“Sorry?!” The whole group echoed. Staring at him like he’d grown a second head.

Kirishima stepped forward. Concern written all over his face. “Bakubro, dude, what’s wrong? Are you still not ok? We were worried about you before… But now I’m really worried about you.”

The redhead patted Katsuki’s back and he winced hard. Unable to stop it before anyone noticed. “Tch. Yeah extras. I’m good, just tired. Has anyone heard about Deku yet?”

“YES!”

Katsuki jumped at the initial outburst before his patience snapped. “Well? Are you gonna fuckin tell me or just look at me like a bunch of morons!?”

They flinched, but this time he didn’t care. He needed information. Not their dramatics. And after a few seconds, one by one, they told him what little they knew.

Deku was awake. And he was supposed to be released tonight or tomorrow.

Katsuki’s chest tightened. Relief…fear…something in between. He needed to talk to Izuku. He needed to see that stupid nerd face. Needed to tell him everything. His real feelings. Not the garbage persona he’d been hiding behind for years. He needed to apologize. Needed to beg-

‘No. I don’t deserve forgiveness.’

“So I think we should throw Izuku a welcome back party! Nothing big, but just let him know that we missed him and love him.” Raccoon Eyes’ voice cut through his thoughts.

Everyone nodded along, excited.

If it was for Deku… he’d help too. “I’ll cook, you extras can’t make anything decent anyway,” he muttered, heading for the stairs.

They stared at him again and he could feel irritation creeping up his spine. “What the hell are you extras looking at?!”

“Nothing!” They all squeaked.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned around. “Tch, whatever. I’m going to my room.”

Making his way past the couches, he climbed the stairs. But his feet stopped on the second floor. Deku’s floor.

His body moved on its own. Carrying him down the hall until he stood in front of the nerd’s door.

He stared at it for a long moment. Too long. Then he forced himself to turn away and go to his own room.

The moment he opened his door, one thought hit him. ‘The bed looks so damn comfy.’

He collapsed onto it. Lying on his back as he stared at the ceiling. He wanted to sleep, but his brain wouldn’t shut up. It kept running through every possible way to apologize to Izuku. Speech after speech. None of them felt like enough.

He knew why.

He was holding something back. Something he’d buried for years. Something he never thought he’d admit.

‘Damn… is it really necessary to even bring up?’

But the truth pressed against his ribs, refusing to stay hidden. Deku was the only person he’d ever liked romantically. And he didn’t foresee that ever changing.

As far back as he could remember, the feeling had been there. Quiet. Confusing. Terrifying. He didn’t know if “crush” was the right word. “Love” felt closer, but people didn’t hurt the ones they loved, right?

He’d realized he was gay when he was nine. When he couldn’t take his eyes off pros like All Might and Edgeshot. And after the kidnapping incident, he realized what the strange feelings he had towards Deku meant.

After Izuku helped save him, Kirishima too. Kirishima was the only one he’d ever trusted with his secret.

All those years… all that bullying… all that cruelty…Because he was scared.

Because he was a coward.

Katsuki rolled onto his side and hugged his pillow. Tears spilled heavily down his cheeks before he could stop them. Hot and relentless.

Normally he’d force himself to ‘suck it up.’ But not tonight. Not after everything.

He let himself break.

He closed his eyes and saw those bright green eyes. That blinding smile. The sprinkle of freckles on a button nose and full cheeks. Heard the soft little giggle that seemed to float around the dorms when Izuku was content.

‘I don’t deserve him. I never did.’

He had to make sure Deku knew the truth. That Katsuki was always the problem. Never him. Deku was perfect. And Katsuki was the one who needed to catch up.

He cried until his body couldn’t take it anymore. And after almost an hour, exhaustion dragged him under. Letting him fall asleep with Deku’s name lingering in the back of his mind.

~ * ~

Katsuki woke to pounding on his door. His eyes snapped to the clock. 5 a.m.

‘Do they want to die today?’

It better be because Deku was here. It better be-

“Bakugo, look!”

Todoroki stood in the doorway. Breath uneven. His mismatched eyes wide like he was barely holding himself together. Then he shoved a note into Katsuki’s face. “I just woke up. I ran to your room once I read this but, they’re on every door!”

Katsuki blinked, still half‑asleep, then looked down the hall.

White envelopes. One on every door.

His stomach dropped.

He tore open the letter. Deku’s handwriting. Deku’s words. Deku’s fear. Deku’s stupid self‑sacrificing logic. Staying with All Might, Best Jeanist, Hawks, Endeavor. Keeping his distance because the League was after him. Because he didn’t want anyone hurt. Because he thought he had to do it alone.

‘He’s… he’s…’

“Dammit Deku.” It came out barely above a whisper.

He swallowed hard. “Half n half, we need to have a house meeting. Call your old man. I’ll see if I can get ahold of Denim Face or All Might.”

They both pulled out their phones immediately. Calling. Texting. Trying every number they had.

Nothing.

“Shit, I’m just being left on read.” Katsuki’s pulse spiked. Panic clawing up his throat. Deku wasn’t thinking clearly. He couldn’t be. The nerd had just woken up from a coma. And if Katsuki was this injured, Deku had to be so much worse.

“Hey, start knocking on doors. Wake these morons up. Deku’s gonna be reckless and those pro idiots are gonna let him.”

For the next thirty minutes, they banged on every door in the dorms until the entire class stumbled into the common room. Each of them clutching their letters. Half‑awake and terrified.

The meeting started in a storm of voices. OFA, the League, what they knew, what they feared. But one thing was clear…

Deku had to be found. He wasn’t thinking straight. And no one could bring him back unless he wanted to come.

Then—

Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz, bzzz…

Everyone’s phones lit up at once. Dozens of notifications. Katsuki’s heart lurched.

‘Another attack already? Was the League already here? No-‘

It was news headlines. Dozens of them. All about a hero or vigilante with multiple quirks stopping crime after crime after crime.

Gasps echoed around the room as everyone read.

Katsuki didn’t need to read more than a headline. It was him. It had to be. And it caused his stomach to lurch in a way that made him want to vomit.

“Damn them for even letting Deku do this shit.” He growled. His hands trembling as he scrolled.

Everyone looked at each other. Fear, frustration, helplessness.

“What do we do?” Uraraka asked.

“I don’t know, but we have to do something,” Katsuki answered as he chucked his phone at the couch.

Ideas flew around the room for what felt like hours. Arguments erupted and tears fell. Finally, they settled on one…

Use the news. Track the pattern. Find Deku. Then drag him home by force if they had to.

No one went back to their rooms after that. Not even Katsuki. They spread out across the common space. Phones out, laptops open. Each of them calling every pro they could think of. Refreshing news feeds. Searching for any clue.

Katsuki didn’t stop. He couldn’t. He needed Deku to be okay. He needed him back. He needed him safe. He needed him… with him.

Hours passed and the stories kept piling up. Locations scattered across central Japan. No real pattern or logic to any of them. Just chaos.

By 11 p.m., half the class had gone to bed. The rest stayed up. Exhausted but refusing to quit.

Katsuki stared at the clock.

He hadn’t eaten. Not that he even thought he could. Not while Deku was out there alone. Fighting with who knows what kind of injuries.

‘What if the League finds him? What if he’s taken like I was? What if he’s… killed?’

Katsuki’s eyes burned. Tears welled and well, but he blinked hard. Refusing to let them fall.

‘Not now. Just find him. I gotta find him.’

He’d found over twenty stories. Twenty sightings. Twenty rescues. All over the map. Victim accounts saying Izuku stayed until the danger passed before springing off again.

‘What the hell are you doing, nerd?’

He checked the time again. 4:30 a.m. His body felt like lead.

‘I should take a nap. Just three hours. Then back to finding him.’

But he didn’t move from his spot. Didn’t look away from his phone. He just kept searching. Because stopping meant thinking. And thinking meant feeling. And feeling meant breaking. And he couldn’t break.

Not until Deku was home.

~ * ~

Four days passed and the common space didn’t look like a high school dorm anymore. It looked like a detective’s office.

Maps taped to walls. Dots marking every sighting, every prevented crime, every rumor. Laptops and tablets scattered across tables. Papers everywhere. A constant hum of typing, whispering, strategizing.

They worked in shifts. Five people awake at all times to track Izuku while the rest ate and slept.

Except Katsuki.

He didn’t sleep. Not really. Two to five hours a day if he was lucky. His appetite was completely gone. His body hurt. And his mind hurt worse. But he couldn’t stop. Not while Deku was out there alone.

“…Bak.”

He didn’t look up.

“…..Baku.”

Still nothing.

“….BAKUGO!!”

“Wh‑wha??” He jerked upright. Heart pounding. Dragged violently out of whatever fog he’d been drowning in.

Sero stood in front of him with Koda, Kirishima, and Yaoyorozu behind him. Four worried faces staring at Katsuki like he was about to collapse. “Bakugo, you’re scaring us. Please…go eat something and try to sleep.”

“Tch. I’m fine. I’m just… trying to fix this.”

“What do you mean, fix this?” Yaoyorozu asked gently.

He swallowed and stared back down at his laptop. “Nothing. Just worry about yourselves and Deku. I’m fine.”

Kirishima stepped closer. His voice soft but firm. “We’ll bring him home, man. But you can’t waste away in the meantime. You’re my friend and I need to know that you’re ok too. Not just Midoriya.”

Katsuki’s eyes burned. Not here. Not now. ‘Suck it up. Deku needs you.’

“Leave.” He muttered. It was all he could manage.

Sero shook his head. “No, dude. Put that away. You need-”

“I can’t worry about myself now!” Katsuki snapped. His voice cracking under the strain. “I’m not the one who’s in danger every minute of every day! I’m here! Safe! Sitting on my ass and getting nowhere! It’s so god damn frustrating! You weren’t there! You didn’t see the state he was in! I’m still feeling my injuries! And what?! I’m supposed to believe Deku’s ok out there right now!”

His hands dragged through his hair, trying to ground himself. Trying not to break. “I know you mean well… but… just leave me the fuck alone.” The words came out defeated, small.

Kirishima hesitated, but nodded. “Ok man. Just… if you need anything, please ask.”

He then guided the others away, giving Katsuki one last worried look before disappearing down the hall.

Katsuki exhaled shakily. He had to calm down. In thirty minutes, they had another house meeting. They held one every morning. Updates, strategy, anything to keep everyone aligned.

But today was different.

Today they had to face the truth. UA was full of refugees who hated heroes. Who glared at them if they dared to roam the grounds. Who left graffiti on their front steps.

Deku wouldn’t be welcome here. Not like this. So, the class made a decision.

Unanimous.

Deku wouldn’t fight alone. They’d find him. They’d stand with him. And they’d do what they had to to keep each other safe.

Even Iida agreed. And that alone showed how desperate every one of them was to find Izuku.

The rest of the day dragged on. Updating maps. Taking notes. Refreshing news feeds. Then around 5 p.m., Katsuki heard the idiots in the kitchen cooking something.

It smelled good.

‘Nope. No time. Keep looking.’

Another article popped up. Another sighting.

Five more hours passed.

“GUYS!! WE HAVE ANOTHER SIGHTING! AND THIS ONE’S CLOSE!” Kirishima shouted.

Katsuki bolted for the stairs. Yelling for everyone to get their asses downstairs. Because if he was going to get Deku back, he had to swallow his pride. He needed their help.

He ran back to Kirishima seconds later and stared at the laptop. The location was close. Fifteen minutes on foot. Maybe five if they ran. “I’m going to call Aizawa.”

Ring. Ring. Ring-

“Yes? Bakugo?”

“Do I have permission to go out about 5 blocks?”

“Why do you need to-”

“Please! It’s Deku! He’s close! I need to speak with him.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Katsuki froze. That wasn’t a yes. Or a no. Dammit. They didn’t have time for this.

He sprinted outside with the others and Aizawa was there seconds later. “Alright Bakugo, show me where and I’ll escort you all. You must stay close to each other and do what I say. Otherwise it’s house arrest for all of you.”

Katsuki nodded sharply and climbed into Aizawa’s car. His teacher still learning to function while recovering from losing his leg.

The others followed on foot. And when they reached the area, they ran like their lives depended on it.

No…like Deku’s did.

The scene was a mess. Buildings collapsing. Smoke in every direction. Dust. Blood.

A lot of blood.

Katsuki’s stomach twisted. A hundred yards away, two criminals were tied together. The likely culprits. The likely victims. The likely witnesses.

He stormed toward them. Rage and fear boiling together. “OI! WAKE UP YOU BASTARD!” He smacked the taller one, who jolted awake with a whimper.

“Asshole! What did you do to the guy who caught you! I saw a pool of blood over there!” He pointed at the red stain. “You better tell me before I blast your damn head o-”

Half the class grabbed him at once. Dragging him back as Aizawa stepped between them. And Katsuki fought back with everything he had without hurting them. Teeth gritted, vision blurring.

The criminal stammered, “I didn’t do anything to him! I swear! This guy came outta nowhere! Crazy tentacle things whipping everywhere, smoke… I’ve never seen anything like it! One second I see him, covered in dirt and blood. Hunched over telling me that he was gonna to stop us. Next thing I know you’re here hitting me awake! But I never touched the guy! I swear!”

‘Covered in blood?’

Katsuki’s chest caved in and tears burned behind his eyes. He stopped struggling. His body felt hollow.

“Let me go, you damn extras.” He muttered. He couldn’t even yell.

Aizawa questioned the criminals, but they knew nothing. Barely saw Deku. Didn’t even know where he went.

A dead end.

They searched three more blocks and found absolutely nothing. Then Katsuki drifted back to the puddle of drying blood. He stared at it. Unable to move. It felt like hours.

‘Where are you, you idiot?’

“We’ll find him, Bakugo.”

Katsuki turned his head and Uraraka stood beside him. Staring at the blood with the same fear on her face that he felt.

He didn’t answer. He couldn’t. He just turned around and walked back to Aizawa’s car. They were already ordered to return before dark. And with no lead on Deku, they had no choice.

~ * ~

Two weeks had passed since Aizawa took them out to search the city.

Two weeks of no sleep.
Two weeks of barely eating.
Two weeks of watching news alerts pop up at all hours.

Deku fighting. Deku bleeding. Deku pushing himself past every limit he had left.

Katsuki couldn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop.

If Deku wasn’t resting, how could he?
If Deku was hurt, how could he sit still?
If Deku was out there alone, how could he breathe?

‘Aren’t All Might and Endeavor supposed to be taking care of him? Making sure he sleeps? Making sure he heals? What the hell are they doing?’

Tomorrow was the meeting with Nezu. The one where they’d finally corner Endeavor and demand answers. Nezu had finally agreed. Said they had a right to help their classmate ‘as the adults caring for him have not been able to get him to take care of himself.’

Katsuki’s jaw clenched.

‘Dammit, Deku… I need to take care of you. I need to help you. I need to know you’re not going to die.’

He spent the day like he always did. Hunched over his laptop, updating maps, tracking sightings, ignoring the extras when they tried to talk to him. Half the time he didn’t even hear them. The world blurring away into background noise.

Eventually the room emptied out, leaving only the current shift behind. It was 11:30 p.m.

He should sleep. But he needed the energy to argue with the number one dickwad tomorrow.

With a groan, he dragged himself to the elevator. And when he reached his floor, something caught his eye. Something small sitting in front of his door.

A plate of toast with a note.

He froze.
_____________________________________________
Bakugo,

Please eat. We’re all so worried about you. I know you want to find Deku. I know you care, but please don't hurt yourself in the process. We can see the toll it's taking on you. You’re working so hard but, I beg you. Eat. Sleep. And just know that he needs you just as much as you need him.
_____________________________________________

Katsuki stared at the note, wide eyed. His chest tightened and breath caught. And a tear leaked from his eyes before he could stop them.

‘How? …Who?’

He brought the plate inside and sat on his bed. Staring at it like it was something dangerous.

‘I thought they hated me.’

Eventually, he picked up a piece of toast and took a bite.

Bad idea. His stomach twisted instantly. Rebelling after days of eating nothing. He groaned and curled onto his side, clutching his stomach.

‘God. Kill me now.’

He didn’t even bother changing. He just lay there. Exhausted, hurting, and finally… finally…slipping into unconsciousness.

~ * ~

“Kaachan, why do you have to be so mean to me?”

Five‑year‑old Izuku stood in front of Katsuki. Tiny. Trembling. A red mark on his cheek…Katsuki’s doing.

The sight made his stomach drop.

They were outside their old middle school. And behind Izuku was the koi pond. The fish swirling under the water as Deku’s burned notebook floated in it.

“Kaachan, do you still want me to take that swan dive?”

Katsuki’s eyes widened in horror.

“Kaachan, do you? Do you Kaachan? Tell me! You want me dead, right? You wanted to be the one who kills me, don’t you Kaachan?”

Izuku vanished.

Katsuki tried to scream for him, but nothing came out. Panic clawed at his throat. He ran across the grounds. Eerily empty. Silent. Wrong.

He sprinted into the school. His heart pounding, and found Izuku curled under his old classroom desk as a pool of blood spread around him.

Katsuki tried to yell his name, but nothing came.

“Kaachan, you like this don’t you?” Middle school Izuku giggled. “Your favorite punching bag. You like seeing me bleed and cry, don’t you?”

His clothes were torn. Soaked in crimson. Blood dripping from his head, arms, and hands. “Kaachan, don’t worry. I just want to give you what you’ve always wanted. I just want Kacchan to be happy.”

He vanished again.

Katsuki’s knees buckled as he tore through every classroom, finding nothing. No Izuku. No sound. No hope.

He ran to the roof.

And when the access door slammed open, Ice shot through Katsuki.

Izuku stood at the edge, smiling. “Kaachan, you’re here! You made it!”

That smile was…wrong. Broken, crazed, and terrifying.

Katsuki sprinted toward him. His arm outstretched as his shoes turned into lead weights.

Then Izuku leaned back.

Falling.

Katsuki watched his body hit the pavement with a crun-

~ * ~

“DEKU!!”

Katsuki jolted awake. Drenched in sweat as tears streamed down his face. His chest heaved and his hands crackled with his quirk as they shook.

Damn nightmares. The same one every night since he read that letter.

“I can’t keep watching you kill yourself.” He whimpered as he buried his face in his hands.

His eyes burned constantly now. His chest was always on fire with his heart cracking open every hour of every day. He was exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally.

He glanced at the clock through blurry vision… 7 a.m.

Two more hours until the meeting. Two more hours until he got answers. Two more hours until he could finally do something.

Two more hours until he could fight to get Deku back.

Katsuki dragged himself out of bed and into his school uniform. Iida’s idea. No classes, but ‘it will show Endeavor that we are unified and serious.’

Whatever. If it helped them get Deku back, he’d wear a damn clown suit.

IcyHot had said that he wanted to be the first to tear into his old man. Katsuki wasn’t going to lie, he kind of wanted to see that.

He left his room and headed down the stairs. The common space looked the same as it had for days. Maps, laptops, blankets, notes, empty cups. A war room disguised as a dorm.

But there was one new thing.

All of their hero suit cases were lined up by the door.

Ready. Waiting.

A silent promise. Either Endeavor helps them, or he doesn’t. But no matter what, they were going after Deku. And no matter what, they were fighting beside him.

As Katsuki approached the kitchen, the smell of eggs and toast wafted into his nose.

“Hey Bakugo, ready for today?” Mina asked. “I made the class breakfast if you want some.”

He nodded. “Food’s a good idea. Don’t know what the rest of today looks like.”

Katsuki grabbed a plate and sat down. His stomach twisted, but he forced himself to take a bite. He needed the strength. He couldn’t collapse before he even saw Endeavor.

“1 hour left until the meeting! Everyone do what you must and eat in a timely manner!”
Iida’s voice echoed through the dorm. Arms flailing like malfunctioning machinery.

Katsuki let out a small chuckle. “Hey, class rep, come eat some food. We need our strength if we’re getting Deku back.”

Iida blinked at him, surprised. Then smiled and grabbed a plate. “Yes, thank you… Bakugo.”

Katsuki nodded. Pretending that the robot’s smile directed at him didn’t feel good. He then ate slowly. One egg and half a piece of toast. Enough to keep him upright.

“We have more, Bakubabe.” Mina chirped.

He frowned. “No, I can’t. I probably shouldn’t have even eaten this much.”

Her expression shifted to what looked like pity. Maybe concern. Something he didn’t want to see. “Oh, ok. If you’re sure.”

God, he hated that look.

He put his plate in the dishwasher and grabbed his hero case. Heading outside to wait on the steps. The sky was dark and heavy with clouds. It looked like it was going to rain.

Fuck…he hated the rain.

~ * ~

They arrived at Nezu’s office at 9:10. Early on purpose. They wanted to make sure Endeav-whore couldn’t slip away before they boxed him in.

IcyHot confronted his father first. Cold, sharp, and merciless. Katsuki followed, delivering his own verbal lashing for the pro dumpster fire.

Endeavor looked shocked… but also not. Like he already knew Deku was spiraling. Like he’d been watching it happen and couldn’t stop it.

Katsuki’s chest tightened.

Endeavor pulled out his phone, staring at it with unfocused eyes. But before he could do anything, several of Katsuki’s classmates lunged forward and knocked it out of his hand. And he didn’t even fight them.

Even the flaming dickwad wanted them to reach Deku.

Nezu’s voice cut through the tension. “He left because he wanted to keep us safe, but he can come back.”

Silence fell over the room.

Nezu continued, calm but firm. He gave them permission to leave UA, find Deku, and bring him home.

Every time Endeavor protested…“they’re just students,” “what about the refugees”…Nezu countered with new security measures. New protocols. New protections. “And you, Endeavor, can escort the students to bring back their lost classmate.”

Endeavor’s eyes widened, but he accepted.

Katsuki’s heart hammered in his chest. ‘Deku, we’re coming.’

~ * ~

They had one hour.

Everyone sprinted to the locker rooms. Changing into their hero suits at a speed none of them ever moved before.

Katsuki strapped on his gauntlets. Tightened every buckle, every strap. His hands shook, but he ignored it.

Then they met at the UA gate to finalize the plan.

Deku wouldn’t come home willingly. They knew that. They’d have to convince him. They’d have to corner him. They’d have to be smarter than him. And that was no easy task.

Endeavor explained how hard Deku had been to track. Even with a GPS signal, he moved too fast. Too unpredictably. The nerd never stayed in one place more than five minutes. Rested rarely. Never more than an hour or two at a time.

‘Dammit, Deku… how are you even still standing?’

Yaoyorozu handed out comms and their plan was simple. A basic pincer maneuver. Two teams surrounding Deku’s location while a three-person strike team approached directly.

Katsuki volunteered immediately. He had the most firepower. If Deku was fighting, he needed to be there.

Then the gate opened. And they ran.

Deku’s current location was seven miles away and could change at any second. Katsuki blasted forward. Heart hammering, lungs burning.

Something felt wrong. A sinking feeling in his gut. A tightness in his chest. His head snapped to the two next to him. “Class Rep! IcyHot! Pick up the pace, we don’t want to lose him!”

He couldn’t lose him. Not again. Not ever.

The comms crackled.
Best Jeanist: “Midoriya hasn’t moved in about 12 minutes. He may be in fighting or run into another assassin. Just know that he may try to run after the threat is gone.”
All Might: “Also know that he has unlocked more quirks. He now has a smoke screen ability and is able to move at even faster speeds. He can also use float to fly if he feels that he needs to.”

‘Assassin? Twelve minutes? No movement? No phone call?’ Katsuki’s blood ran cold. He blasted harder. Faster. Pushing his body past its limits. His vision blurred with tears.‘One more mile. Please be ok, Deku. Please.’

He couldn’t lose him. He couldn’t. Not now. Not after everything. Not when he was finally ready to tell him the truth.

As they closed in on Deku’s location, Katsuki saw a crowd, Dozens of civilians with bats, pipes, makeshift weapons. All of them surrounding something. Surrounding someone.

His stomach dropped. ‘No. No, no, no. There’s no way Deku’s in the middle of that. He could blast out. He could float away. Unless-‘

Unless he couldn’t. Unless he was too hurt. Unless-

Katsuki didn’t let the thought finish. He blasted himself into the air, heart slamming against his ribs. From above, he saw strings. Dozens of them. All connecting the civilians to a villain.

“What the hell?”

He didn’t hesitate. He swung around and fired a concentrated blast straight at the string‑using creep. The hit landed, snapping the quirks pull on the civilians.

And then he saw him.

Deku.

Barely standing. Barely breathing. Barely alive.

Katsuki’s chest caved in. Every instinct screamed to cry. To run to him. To tear the world apart for letting the nerd get this bad.

He forced his voice steady and turned on his comm. “Hey, I found him.”

The area erupted. Class 1‑A rushed in from every direction as civilians scattered. Some screaming, some crying, all terrified.

The class herded them toward Endeavor, who was already calling in buses to evacuate anyone willing to return to UA.

Chaos swirled around him, but Katsuki didn’t see any of it. He only saw Deku.

He took in every detail. Every breath. Every twitch. Every flicker of a changing expression. And his heart shattered.

Deku looked like a corpse still trying to walk. No spark. No smile. No light. Just a hollow, broken shell.

His suit was shredded beyond recognition. There was blood…too much. It covered the entire costume. His eyes were glazed and unfocused. Staring through people instead of at them.

This wasn’t Deku. This wasn’t the boy he knew. This was someone who had been pushed past every limit a human being could endure.

“I don’t understand. Why are you here?”

Katsuki’s breath caught. Deku’s voice was soft. Empty and emotionless. It didn’t sound like him at all.

“Because we’re worried about you.” Uraraka said gently.

Deku looked down. His shoulders sagging even further. “That’s nice, but I promise I’m fine. Really. No need for concern. So, leave.”

Katsuki’s blood boiled. ‘Fine? Torn clothes. Bruises everywhere. Barely standing. Eyes dead? And you’re fine?’

He couldn’t take it. He started clapping, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh yea, great speech! Just what we wanted to hear from the famous One For All successor! Real talk… are you even able to smile right now? C’mon! Go ahead and show us!”

His voice almost cracked. He needed to see something. Anything. Anything that proved that Deku wasn’t completely gone. But Izuku’s answer gutted him.

“In order to smile… for everyone to live in peace, I have to go. I’m sorry.”

The words of someone who had nothing left.

Deku stood, stumbling slightly. His mask, once goofy, once cute, now looked monstrous.

He powered up. He was going to run.

“Now get out of my way!”

Katsuki widened his stance. Ready to run after Izuku. “You’re gonna have to make us, you busted‑ass All Might wannabe!”

Suddenly smoke exploded around them. ‘Damn. This must be Deku’s smokescreen.’ Katsuki blasted it away. Coughing and eyes burning. But Deku was already moving.

Luckily for them, Class 1‑A moved faster.

One by one, they grabbed him. Restrained him. Talked to him. Begged him to come back to U.A. And he broke free every time.

But they’d grab him again. No one gave up. Ice walls, tape, acid, engines, gravity…every quirk working together to keep Deku grounded.

Katsuki coordinated with Mina, Uraraka, Iida, and Todoroki over comms. Deku was going to fly, high and fast. He could feel it in his bones. And they only had one shot once that happened.

Uraraka would try to grab him. If she missed, she’d make Iida weightless. The rest of them would launch him upward using every quirk they had.

Katsuki wanted to be the one to reach Deku. But he knew, deep down, it had to be Iida.

Deku trusted him. Listened to him. And right now, he needed him.

Deku blasted past Uraraka. Then they launched.

Mina’s acid cut the wind. Todoroki’s ice gave them the angle they needed. Katsuki fired blast after blast. Pushing them higher, faster.

“Go get him, class rep!!!” Katsuki fell back toward the ground as Iida shot forward.

He slowed his descent with small explosions. And as he looked up…they did it. Deku was in Iida’s arms. Then Katsuki realized that they were falling.

“Hey, down here!” Kirishima yelled, sprinting toward the landing zone.

The class rushed to catch them. The impact shook the ground, but when the dust settled, Deku was standing. Barely. But standing.

Deku was surrounded by their classmates, but wasn’t looking at anyone as Iida spoke softly. Coaxing him. Pleading with him to come home.

“I wish I could, but… I’m scared. I don’t want to cause trouble for those who sought refuge at UA. Don’t you guys understand? Things can’t go back to the way they did before.” Izuku’s voice cracked.

Katsuki couldn’t take it anymore. He hadn’t planned to talk. Not here. Not in front of everyone. His feelings were supposed to be private. Meant only for him and Deku. But Izuku needed him. Needed to hear him. Needed to know that he wasn’t alone. And will never be again.

Rain began to fall.

Then, as Iida stepped away, Katsuki stepped forward.

He couldn’t look at Deku. If he did, he’d break. So he stared at the ground as he spoke. Every word ripped out of his soul. Raw and trembling. Only hoping that his words come out clear. That his apology isn’t the frantic and desperate screams that’s filled his head for weeks.

When he finally looked up, Deku stumbled. And Katsuki ran to catch him.

‘Damn… he’s light. Too light. He hasn’t been eating.’

“I’m s‑sorry that I said you couldn’t keep up.”

Katsuki’s heart cracked. “Yea, I know.” He whispered.

Deku then exhaled and collapsed completely. Panic surged through Katsuki, but then he felt the soft rise and fall of Izuku’s chest. That was enough to keep him standing.

Todoroki called his father and within minutes, trucks arrived to take them back to UA.

Katsuki didn’t let go of Deku the entire time. He needed to feel him breathing. Needed to know he was safe. Needed to know he was still here. Otherwise he might shatter.

The extras kept asking if he needed help. If he was okay. But he didn’t answer. He just held Deku tighter and thanked the universe that the rain hid his tears.

~ * ~

The drive back from the city was brutal.

The class was split into different vehicles. Uraraka was with him because she refused to leave Deku’s side, and Katsuki didn’t blame her. Izuku was still completely unconscious. Limp. Barely breathing.

Katsuki sat in the back with Deku cradled in his lap. Uraraka sat to his left, holding Deku’s hands and crying quietly. Kirishima sat on his right, trying to comfort both of them.

Two minutes into the ride, Katsuki stopped caring what anyone thought. He wrapped his arms around Deku and buried his face in his curls.

He’d always imagined it would be soft. But weeks of nonstop fighting, no rest, no care… it was matted. Dirty and brittle. It hurt to touch. It hurt to feel how far gone Izuku really was.

Tears welled in Katsuki’s eyes. He’d been shoving down every fear. Every ounce of guilt. Every nightmare. Every memory. All of it, just to keep going. Just to find this poor, broken idiot.

‘If I were strong enough… if I were fast enough… if I hadn’t failed him… we’d all be at UA right now. No League. No chaos. Deku smiling. Deku safe.’

“I‑Izuku, I’m so sorry. You never deserved any of this.” He whispered into Deku’s hair.

A small, hesitant touch landed on his left shoulder.

He glared in the direction of the touch. A reflex. Only to see Uraraka looking at him with something he never expected.

Softness. Understanding. No judgment. No fear.

He let his face relax, just a little. “Not a word of this to anyone outside of this car, Pink Cheeks.”

She smiled through her tears and squeezed his arm. “Not a one.”

He couldn’t help but smile back. Then her eyebrows rose. “You know Bakugo, you’re not a bad person. You’re just too prideful for your own good sometimes.”

His eyes widened. She’d never spoken to him like that. They’d barely spoken at all outside of missions.

“I heard you when you talked to Deku out there.” She said softly. “Stop beating yourself up over the past. None of this was your fault. I’ve watched you these past few weeks and I’ve been so worried about you. I know you blame yourself and it’s just so stupid. You did the best you could, and yea it wasn’t enough then. But you know what? You’re here now. You’ve given up everything to find him. You’ve put him first at the expense of your own mental and physical wellbeing. You were the most determined, and don’t think that didn’t go unnoticed. I can see that he means a lot to you, even if you want to continue with the hot‑head act and try to push him away. Just know that he needs you just as much as you need him.”

Katsuki’s breath caught. “Th‑the note?” He whispered. But she didn’t answer. She smiled and closed her eyes.

‘You know, this girl is really starting to grow on me, Deku…’

Kirishima chimed in softly. “Yea bro, Midoriya looks up to you. He may have One For All. All Might may be his mentor. But anyone can see how much he respects you. Sometimes it looks like he idolizes you.”

Katsuki swallowed hard. He was barely holding himself together. “Th‑thank you. Now shut up.” He didn’t let the tears fall. Not here.

~ * ~

As they pulled up to the UA gate, Deku was shivering and panting. He was drenched, freezing, and in no condition to regulate his own body temperature.

Katsuki murmured his worry to Uraraka, and she suggested Shoji hold him since his arms could cover most of Deku’s body. Warming him with body heat.

Katsuki didn’t want to let go. But Deku needed warmth more than he needed to be in Katsuki’s arms. “Ok, call him over. I’ll start sliding us out.”

Sliding out was harder than it should’ve been. Deku was light. Too light. But Katsuki’s own weakness didn’t help.

‘God, you’re such a jackass, Katsuki. If you’d eaten like a normal person, you’d be fine right now.’

He quickly handed Deku over to Shoji before he dropped him. Then they met with the class as they gathered at the gate. Thirteen approached. Examining Deku carefully and trying not to wake or startle him.

“Thirteen, look, he’s awake.”

Katsuki’s heart leapt. ‘Thank god.’

But seconds later, shouting erupted.

Refugees.

Some of them screaming things like “keep him away” and “send him somewhere else.”

Katsuki’s blood boiled. ‘How can they say that? Do they not see him? Do they not understand he’s a kid? A student? A broken one?’

“We should head inside,” Thirteen said calmly.

The moment they walked in, a mob was waiting.

“They look so deranged,” Katsuki muttered to Kirishima.

“No kidding,” Kiri whispered back.

Teachers and Best Jeanist tried to calm the crowd, but it only made them louder.

Katsuki moved toward Deku. He’d protect him. He’d blast every one of these assholes if he had to. But Uraraka grabbed Deku’s hand when he turned to leave.

Katsuki stepped behind him. ‘You’re not leaving again. Not happening.’

Then Uraraka activated her quirk, grabbed a megaphone, and floated to the roof.

‘Impressive.’

Katsuki watched the crowd as she spoke. Good. They were listening.

He stayed near Deku.

Izuku needed this. He needed to hear her. He needed to hear the civilians. He needed to know he was wanted. Needed. Worth saving. He needed to know the world still had hope.

And eventually, the mob calmed.

It only took a few minutes for Auntie Inko to burst through the crowd and wrap Deku in the most heart‑shattering hug Katsuki had ever seen.

‘Oh god, Auntie… I did this to you too. I couldn’t save him for you. I’m so sorry.’

He stepped forward, but suddenly he was grabbed from both sides.

His parents.

“What the hell? Get off me you old hag.” He said, smiling despite himself.

“Don’t talk to me like that, you damn brat,” His mom shot back, also smiling.

His dad added softly, “Inko was so scared and upset. I know you didn’t do this alone, but thank you for bringing Izuku back to her, Katsuki. I couldn’t stand watching her heart keep breaking like that.”

“I know,” he whispered. He felt the same way.

The crowd slowly began to mingle. Refugees and students interacting peacefully together for the first time. Katsuki wanted to find Uraraka. To thank her for what she’d said in the truck and what she’d done for Deku. But after half an hour of forced mingling, he admitted defeat.

He’d lost her in the crowd.

Then there was a soft tug on his pant leg. He looked down.

Eri.

He sighed and crouched to her level. He didn’t like kids, but this one… this one was different.

“What’s up?” He asked as he reached out and fixed the thin scarf around her neck.

She stared at the ground, hugging her teddy bear, making nervous little sounds.

His eyes softened. “You’re ok. Take your time. I’m just standing around anyway,” He said before ruffling her hair gently.

She finally looked up, smiling shyly. “I was thanking everyone for bringing Deku back. But they told me to find you. They said that you were the reason he’s back.” Then she threw her arms around his neck.

Katsuki froze.

‘What?’

He hesitantly hugged her back.

‘What does she mean everyone told her it was me? I didn’t do enough. She’s confused. She has to be.’

“Thank you… Eri.” He said softly, setting her down.

When her feet landed back on the ground, she gave him a bright smile and ran off. Leaving him stunned and blushing.

He stepped out of the crowd and looked toward his parents, Auntie Inko, and Deku.

Deku didn’t look good, but he was smiling.

Katsuki’s heart fluttered.

“Well… this meet and greet is fun and all, but Deku looks like he’s going to pass out again.” He said as he passed the half n half prince.

Mismatched eye glanced over, worry etched on his face. “Yes, I’ll go talk to Mrs. Midoriya about getting him back to the dorms now.”

Katsuki nodded. “I’ll get the rest of these extras to start heading back too.”

~ * ~

Two hours after returning to UA, they finally began the long walk back to the dorms.

Deku walked in front of Katsuki…if you could call it walking. He was stumbling, dragging his feet, and swaying with every step. He kept insisting he didn’t want them ‘fussing’ over him, but the nerd could barely stay upright.

“Midoriya, if you can’t move, we can carry you. It’s ok, we don’t mind.” Dunce face said gently.

Deku glanced toward him, barely meeting his eyes. Then shook his head.

He took three more steps before collapsing. Having to be caught by Kirishima.

Katsuki’s jaw clenched. ‘He’s never gonna make it at this rate. He has to let us take care of him.’

“Dammit, Deku.” He muttered under his breath. Then louder..“Hey, extras! Grab him and take him to the baths!”

The boys of 1‑A immediately gathered around Izuku. Lifting him carefully and carrying him inside.

Katsuki didn’t follow them. Not yet.

He headed to Deku’s room instead. He grabbed soft, clean clothes. Something that’s be warm and gentle on his skin, and made sure the bed was ready. He then grabbed slippers and a towel before making his way back downstairs.

He headed to Deku’s room instead. He grabbed soft, clean clothes. Something that’d be warm and gentle on his skin, and made sure the bed was ready. He then grabbed slippers and a towel before making his way back downstairs.

“Already on it, Bakubabe,” Mina said with a smile.

He nodded and scanned the room. His eyes, narrowed. One person was missing. “Hey, has anyone seen Pink Cheeks? I haven’t seen her since her speech.”

Momo nodded. “Oh, she was tired and came back earlier. She’s been in bed for the past hour.”

“Oh. Ok.” He sighed. Then headed to find Deku in the baths.

As he entered, steam filled the room. Way too much steam.

‘How hot did these idiots make the water? We want to clean him, not boil him.’

Walking farther in and passing a few stalls, he noticed that the shower area was bone dry. “You idiots! He’s gonna dirty the bath water! Scrub him with a Brillo pad! Pour bleach on him!”

They laughed, but Katsuki wasn’t entirely joking. Deku was fucking disgusting. And he really didn’t know how often the large tub got cleaned.

Eventually they got Izuku cleaned and the guys filtered out, leaving only Katsuki and Deku in the bath.

Katsuki had been avoiding looking at him. He could feel the heat rising in his face. But when Deku tried to get out of the bath, Katsuki finally looked up.

And froze.

Deku’s body was… ruined.

Thin. Too thin. Bruises everywhere. Cuts in every stage of healing. Two deep slashes on his shoulder. His left thigh completely purple. His face pale. Eyes sunken with dark circles carved beneath them.

Three weeks did this. And Katsuki couldn’t look away. “De—Izuku…”

Deku looked at him. Or rather, through him. His expression didn’t change. He barely seemed aware of where he was.

“If you need anything, please ask.” Katsuki said softly.

Deku tilted his head, confused. “I know Kaachan, I will.”

Butterflies. Actual butterflies filled his core. Katsuki had been terrified he’d never hear Deku say his name like that again. “C’mon, let’s get you dressed. The extras want to feed you.”

Deku gave him a sleepy half‑smile as an answer and moved toward the clothes.

‘There’s that pretty smile.’

As they walked out, Katsuki walked behind Izuku. Ready to catch him if he fell.

Deku paused, staring at the back corner of the room where all their detective work had been pushed aside. “What’s that?” He asked.

Katsuki shuffled his feet. “We wanted to find you. We saw how many news stories there were of you out there. So, we tried to find your location. That’s kinda all we’ve been doing for the past few weeks.”

Deku’s eyes widened as he traced his fingers over the maps, the notes, the scribbles. “I‑I’m not worth all of this… But th‑thank you.”

‘Not worth it?’

Katsuki stepped forward and pulled him into his arms. Not caring if Izuku even wanted it or if someone walked by.

Deku tensed for a moment, then melted into the hug. Gripping Katsuki’s shirt as his body shook with sobs.

“Don’t you ever say stupid shit like that again, Izuku. You are more than worth it.” He murmured into now soft, damp, and clean curls.

Katsuki held him carefully. Terrified of hurting him. Deku cried into his chest, soaking his shirt. But Katsuki didn’t care. He’d never been there for Deku like this. He’d caused so much of this kind of pain in the past. And he needed to atone.

“You know, you really are a crybaby sometimes, nerd.” He muttered.

Deku pulled back. Looking up at him with tear‑streaked freckles and a faint brightness returning to his eyes. He smiled and opened his mouth to speak-

“Food’s done, Midoriya!” Mina called, carrying two bowls of soup.

Katsuki kept a hand on Deku’s shoulder as he turned.

“I wanted to make something that hopefully won’t upset your stomach from not eating much.” She chirped. “You too, Bakubabe.”

Deku blinked. “What do you mean, you too?” He then turned to Katsuki. “Kaachan, have you not been eating?”

Katsuki growled at Mina, but she only smiled.

“Kaachan?” Deku asked. His face morphing from concern, to angry. “Answer me…Kacchan!”

“No, ok?!” He shouted. But when Deku winced, his heart broke. He forced a few deep breaths in. Calming down before speaking again.

“I‑I’m sorry. I‑uh, I ate when I could… but I would get too involved in that.” He gestured to the maps. “And time just passed by me. I needed to find you. I needed to know you were ok.”

Deku stared at him in awe.

“Izuku, please don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine. I was just worried about you.”

Deku slammed into him with a hug. “Kaachan, I will always worry about you too. And please, call me Deku.”

Katsuki smiled. “Ok, Deku.”

“Eh‑hem.”

They both froze.

The entire class was now staring at them. Katsuki’s face went red. Deku’s too. He shoved Izuku away and stormed to the tables.

‘Stupid extras. Can’t mind their own business.’

He then sat with his bowl, glancing back at Deku.

‘Damn… he’s cute when he’s embarrassed.’

~ * ~

After eating, they sat on the couch. Some of their classmates went to bed, but Deku insisted he couldn’t yet. He needed to apologize to All Might.

And lucky for them, All Might barged in moments later.

Then the weirdest thing happened.

All Might begged for forgiveness. Deku begged for forgiveness. They then apologized at each other like two malfunctioning robots for what felt like hours.

Katsuki just stared from his perch on the couch, confused.

Eventually Katsuki left to use the bathroom and when he came back, All Might was gone and Deku was passed out on the couch.

‘What the? I wasn’t even gone that long…”

The others talked quietly, then drifted off to their rooms.

“I’ll stay down here,” Katsuki whispered.

Iida frowned. “You need sleep too, Bakugo.”

“Yea, I will… thanks, class rep.”

Iida looked shocked, but smiled. Then left for his room while Katsuki pulled a blanket from the closet and laid on the floor beside Deku. Close, but not too close. He didn’t want to overstep.

Listening to Deku’s breathing, he closed his eyes.

Sleep pulled him under. And in the darkness…

‘Kaachan… Swan Dive… Kaachan… Kaachan… You made it…’

“DEKU!”

Katsuki jolted awake. Heart pounding. Sweat clinging to his skin. Another nightmare. Another one he couldn’t escape.

He whipped his head toward the couch.

Deku was still asleep.

Good. He hadn’t woken him.

Katsuki exhaled shakily and pushed himself up on his elbows, scanning Deku’s face. His breathing. The rise and fall of his chest. Peaceful. Too peaceful. Like he was finally safe enough to let go.

Katsuki brushed a few strands of hair from Deku’s forehead.

‘Man… he’s so beautiful.’

The thought hit him hard. He wished he could hold him. Kiss him. Touch him without fear. But Deku would never like him like that. Not after everything.

He pulled the blanket up to cover Deku completely…and froze.

Deku’s breathing.

Not bad. Just… wrong. Shallow. Quick. Uneven.

Katsuki took Deku’s hand, rubbing his thumb over the knuckles.

Cold.

“Why are your hands so cold?” He muttered.

He shot to the kitchen and used his quirk to warm his palms without waking Izuku. Then hurried back and cupped Deku’s hands between his own.

A sleepy smile tugged at his lips and Katsuki felt the biggest, dumbest grin spread across his own face.

“You love him… don’t you?”

Katsuki tensed, whipping his head around. Uraraka stood behind him. Eyes soft, fixed on Deku.

‘How the hell did I not hear her?’

“How long have you been standing there?” He whispered.

“Not long, but long enough.”

He stood. Turning fully toward her. She looked nervous as he stepped closer. And when he got right in front of her, she squeezed her eyes shut like she expected him to explode.

“You know, it’s rude to spy on people.” He said, then pulled her into a hug.

“Wh‑wh‑what are you doing?!” She whisper‑yelled.

He smirked and hugged tighter. “C’mon, Pink Cheeks… I have to thank you somehow.”

She giggled softly and hugged him back, whispering, “I know you love him. More than a friend. I can see it. You don’t have to admit it to me if you don’t want to. Just know that Deku is one of my best friends, and he would be lucky to have you… if you cut your crap every once in a while.”

Katsuki lifted her slightly, giving her a squeeze. Did he trust her? Could he open up to her? He wasn’t sure.

Deku trusted her.

“…I do.” He whispered.

Her grip tightened.

“I always have.” He continued. “I just wasn’t ready to accept it before. I don’t think he likes me like that though. I honestly always assumed you two would end up together. And after… after yesterday, and the note… I’m at peace with that.”

“Bakugo…” She said softly as he set her down. “He’s my friend. Yea, I kinda like him, but it’s a crush. You LOVE him. That’s a completely different level.”

He felt strangely calm. Lighter. Why was she so nice to him? Why did she care? She knew what he’d done to Deku. She knew the history.

“In the end it’s not up to me anyway.” He muttered, glancing at Deku. “Also, if you say a word of this to anyone… I’ll blow your head off.”

She shook her head with a smile. “Not a one.”

He chuckled and ruffled her hair before heading to the kitchen. She followed, asking about last night. Apologizing for leaving early.

“Aww, you let Eri hug you? Bakug-”

“Shut it, Pink Cheeks!”

“C’mon… that’s so adorable!”

“I said shut it!”

She giggled and helped him start breakfast. Pancakes. Just like when he and Deku were kids.

Izuku always wanted strawberries and powdered sugar. Katsuki always wanted blueberries and syrup. Over the years, it never changed.

He cut strawberries while Uraraka mixed batter. And after a little over an hour, the table was full.

“Well, everyone should be awake soon. It’s already 9” She said.

“Yea… should we wake Deku? Or let the extras’ loud‑ass talking do it?”

He didn’t expect an answer, but suddenly Uraraka was pushing him toward the couch.

“Hey, what’re you doing?! Who the hell said you could touch me?!”

She grunted and pushed harder. “Just shut up, will ya? Go wake him. Let him see your sweet side.”

She didn’t stop until he was right beside Deku.

His eyes widened as he looked down at his sleeping crush. “A‑are you sure? I mean, what if I just scare him?”

“You won’t.”

He stared at her. Half shocked, half terrified. She pointed at him, then at Deku. Mouthing, “Go on.”

He rolled his eyes, but his heart was in his throat. ‘It’s just waking him up. Why am I nervous? This is stupid. Just do it.’

He knelt and gently rubbed Deku’s back.

Deku shifted, but didn’t wake.

Katsuki’s head snapped toward Uraraka.

“You’re ok, you’re fine.” She whispered.

He growled softly at himself. ‘Stop looking for approval and just do it already!’

He kept rubbing Deku’s back, voice soft. “Deku… Deku, wake up. I have a surprise for you. Deku, hey… good morning.”

Sleepy green eyes blinked. Not focusing for a few seconds before a small, goofy smile was sent in his direction. “G’morn Kchn.”

Katsuki nearly died on the spot.

“Deku…you can do better than that. C’mon. You’ll like your surprise.”

Izuku yawned and nodded lazily. “Ok, Kaachan.”

He blinked awake. Sitting up slowly. He looked more than tired. He looked off. But Katsuki couldn’t really tell how bad until he fully woke up.

“Do you remember our sleepovers when we were little? Do you remember what we always ate?”

Deku’s eyes widened. “…pancakes?”

Katsuki huffed a small chuckle. “Yes, idiot. Pancakes.”

Deku’s eyes lit up like he was five again. Big smile, eyes sparkling with pure joy.

Katsuki’s heart melted.

Izuku tried to stand and immediately struggled. His breathing was still wrong. And without the blanket, he started shivering almost instantly.

Katsuki glanced back at Uraraka and she looked just as worried. “Hey, I’ll make your food. Just go back under the blanket. You’re shaking like crazy.” He said softly.

“I’m fine.” He said shaking his head. “I’m just a little tired and cold. Really, I’m good.”

“Sit, nerd. You’re still recovering.” Katsuki shoved Izuku’s shoulder until he was fully back on the couch. He then turned to Uraraka. “Pink Cheeks, keep an eye on him while I make his plate.”

She gave him a playful salute and Katsuki rolled his eyes. He then went to the kitchen and made Izuku’s plate.

Two pancakes, strawberries, powdered sugar, and brought it over to the couch. Then he grabbed the plates he and Uraraka made for themselves before they woke Izuku and sat on either side of him.

Deku looked like he was in heaven. Katsuki caught Uraraka’s eye a few times and she was trying not to giggle.

Over the next hour, the extras piled in, grabbing plates. It felt… normal. Like before. Except Katsuki actually wanted to be here now.

He’d never felt welcome in this space. People always tensed when he walked by. But now… everything was different.

He was different.

He glanced at Deku. He’d only eaten half a pancake and most of the strawberries. But he’d eaten something. And that’s what mattered.

Still… he was quiet. Too quiet. Still sweating. Still shivering.

‘Maybe I’m overthinking. He’s recovering. He’ll be fine.’

Then Deku spoke. “Hey guys, I’m kinda getting sleepy again. I’m going to head to my room.”

Everyone waved him goodbye, but Katsuki’s worry spiked. He then watched Deku climb the stairs, slow and unsteady. Something in his gut telling him that the nerd wasn’t just sleepy.

Shaking the feeling, he headed to the kitchen, passing Kirishima. “Hey, Shitty Hair. I’m gonna clean up a bit and then check in on Deku. Something’s not right with him.”

“He’s probably just tired, man. He’s been gone for weeks.”

Katsuki’s gaze lingered on the staircase. “It’s more than that. He seems… off. Maybe sick?”

The redhead shrugged. “He’ll be ok. You need to rest too.”

“I’m fine.”

“No.” Kirishima’s voice sharpened. “I’ve been worried about you, man. We all have. We hoped that having Midoriya back would help you finally rest. I know how you feel about him. I know you were worried and couldn’t think straight with all the unknowns, so I let you be. But he’s here now. He’s home. Please. Just…go get some sleep.”

“Tch… fine.”

Kirishima smiled and patted his back.

Katsuki swallowed hard.

Kiri had always been the one person he confided in. The one person in class besides Deku who never judged him. The one who pushed him to be better. And he never said how much he appreciated him. “Thank you… for everything.”

He then headed upstairs. Pretending not to notice the way Kirishima nearly short circuited.

Katsuki rounded the first flight of stairs and stopped on the second‑floor landing. Kirishima’s words echoed in his head, but they didn’t matter. It wouldn’t hurt anyone if he just made sure the nerd was okay. Just a quick check. Just to ease the gnawing feeling in his gut.

He knocked. “Deku?”

…

He banged on the door. “Hey nerd, it’s me. Can I come in?”

…

‘Maybe he’s asleep?’

Katsuki checked the knob…unlocked…and cracked the door open. The room looked empty.

“Deku? Are you in here? Hello?”

Nothing.

He stepped inside, scanning the space. Then he noticed the bathroom door cracked open with the sink running.

“Deku? Are you in the bathroom?”

Still nothing. His jaw tensed.

“You didn’t look so great downstairs. I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

Silence again.

Katsuki’s heart started pounding. His mind raced.

‘Why isn’t he answering? Why isn’t he—'

He pushed on the bathroom door. It barely budged, like something was blocking it. He pressed gently, inch by inch, until the gap widened enough for him to slip through.

“Deku, I’m coming into the bath-… DEKU!!!”

He squeezed inside and froze.

Deku was face‑down on the floor. A small pool of blood spreading beneath his cheek.

Katsuki dropped to his knees, rolling him over with shaking hands. A fresh gash split Deku’s forehead with blood streaming down his face.

‘What the hell happened?’

His eyes darted around the bathroom and found blood smeared on the corner of the sink.

He fumbled for his phone, hands trembling as he tapped on Kirishima’s name.

“Hello?”

“CALL RECOVERY GIRL! WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY IN DEKU’S ROOM!”

“What?! What are you tal-”

“JUST DO IT! I NEED HELP UP HERE!”

The phone slipped from his hand as he pulled Deku into his arms. His left hand pressed against the wound, desperate to stop the bleeding. His eyes darting around the room.

‘First aid kit! Where’s the fucking first aid kit?!’

“Deku, Deku, please wake up.” He shook him gently. No response.
‘Please move. Please breathe.’

Deku’s breathing was worse than before. Tight, shallow and strained.

Katsuki’s vision blurred. ‘No. Not now. Not now.’

He forced himself to lift Izuku. Cradling him carefully and carrying him to the bed as tears spilled freely, blinding him.

The door slammed open. “Bakugo, what’s-” Denki’s voice cut off.

More voices followed. Distant, muffled, like they were underwater.

Katsuki couldn’t look away from Deku. “I… I f‑found h‑him. H‑he… w‑was o‑on th-”

His breath collapsed in on itself. His chest seized and his lungs refused to work as tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

A small hand grabbed his.

He wanted to look. He wanted to pull away. But he couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t feel anything except terror.

The world warped. Sounds fading. Vision tunneling. Thoughts spiraling.

‘You could have prevented this. You knew something was wrong. You let him come up here alone. You keep letting him down. You’re weak. You’re useless. You call yourself a hero? You can’t even save the boy you love.’

Everything tightened. His chest, his throat, his mind…all until the world went dark.

~ * ~

“...I got the water… hand me a new cloth… what do we say to him…”

Katsuki drifted in and out of consciousness.

‘Where am I? What happened? Where’s Deku?’

“Deku?” He croaked. His throat burning and dry.

He opened his eyes to darkness. Movement. Voices.

“Hey man, how are you feeling?” Kirishima’s voice came through, soft and worried.

Katsuki blinked up at him. Kiri sat in a chair beside him.

“My throat… ” He coughed.

Kiri nodded and held out a cup. “Alright, I have water here for you.”

Katsuki sat up slowly, taking the glass with both hands. And as he drank, he realized that he was in Deku’s room. Laying on a small futon beside his bed.

He turned and saw Deku asleep. A pinkening bandage wrapped around his forehead.

His heart sank. “Is he ok?”

“He’ll be fine thanks to you.”

Red eyes snapped to the sound. Against the wall, sitting on Deku’s bed, Uraraka dabbed a damp cloth on his forehead.

“No.” Katsuki whispered. “I knew he wasn’t good and I let him come back here by himself anyway. This never would’ve happened if I had just gone with him.”

“How can you say that?” Kirishima leaned forward. “I was with you, remember? I saw the same things you saw. The difference is, you still came up here to check when the rest of us didn’t.”

Katsuki stared at his hands.“How did I get like this? Why am I waking up here?”

Silence.

He looked up as both of them exchanged a look. Hesitating.

“What? What happened?” His voice cracked with fear.

Kirishima sighed. “Ok, ok. Let’s start with the good. Midoriya will be fine. He has a concussion from the fall and lost a fair bit of blood, but he’ll be fine.”

Katsuki looked at Deku again, guilt twisting his stomach.

“All Might showed up with Recovery Girl about ten minutes after you called me.” Kiri continued. “She healed him the best she could and said that all he needs now is rest.”

“But why did this happen? What was wrong with him?” Katsuki asked, unable to hide the panic.

Uraraka answered softly. “Weeks of dehydration, lack of sleep, and not eating… that’s a lot to recover from. It can’t be fixed overnight. It’ll take time.”

She hesitated. “Now as for you… you kinda… had a panic attack.”

Katsuki froze.

“But…I’ve never had a panic attack.” He whispered. “All I remember is calling you and putting Deku on the bed… then nothing.”

Uraraka audibly swallowed. “Well… after your call, a bunch of us ran up here. Denki came in and saw you above Deku, crying with blood on your hands. Then I came in behind him and you were just standing there mumbling and shaking. We tried to get your attention but you didn’t react or look at anyone.”

Her voice wavered. “Eventually I grabbed your hand and tried to ground you, but you just started breathing harder and mumbling faster. Then… then you started setting off your quirk.”

His brows pinched and eyes glassed over. “What? What do you mean?”

Kirishima placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “While she was trying to calm you, you started going off like a firecracker. You didn’t even know it was happening. But… you burned her. We had to restrain you.”

Katsuki’s head snapped toward Uraraka. Tears filling his eyes instantly.

“Oh god… I… I burned you?” He lunged forward. Grabbing her wrists and turning her hands over.

Her left hand was heavily bandaged.

“No, no, no, no… I’m so sorry.” Tears streamed down his face as he bowed his head, bracing for anger, disgust, rejection. But she just lifted her hand and cupped his cheek.

He froze.

She then wiped his tears gently. “It’s ok.” She whispered. “It wasn’t really you. You were scared. Panicked. I don’t blame you in the slightest. It’ll heal. It’s just a burn.”

He stared at her, stunned.

“You and I are fine, Bakugo.”

He couldn’t look away.

“Why?” he whispered.

She tilted her head. “Why what?”

“Why are you being so nice to me?” He rasped. “I don’t deserve it. I hurt people. I hurt you. I’ve hurt Deku more times than I can count. Why are you forgiving me?”

“Because you’re not a bad person.” She said softly. “Just a lost one.”

Katsuki pulled away, sitting back down. They let him sit in silence, gathering himself.

“Ok…” He said after a few minutes. “So after I was restrained… what happened?”

“Nothing.” Kirishima said. “Not even a minute after Sero wrapped you up, you just… passed out.”

He then handed Katsuki an apple and he took it before turning toward Deku again. He ate it as he watched the steady rise and fall of Izuku chest. And when he finished, he pushed himself to his knees, leaning close to Deku’s face.

He then handed Katsuki an apple and he took it before turning toward Deku again. He ate it as he watched the steady rise and fall of Izuku’s chest. And when he finished, he pushed himself to his knees, leaning close to Deku’s face.

He let his knuckles glide across Deku’s cheek before pulling back.

Feeling their eyes on him, he took a breath. “Well… since you both know my secret… I need your help.”

~ * ~

The three of them talked for nearly two hours. Katsuki hadn’t planned on saying half the things that came out of his mouth. But once he started, it was like something inside him finally cracked open. He ended up sitting on the bed near Deku’s legs while Kirishima and Uraraka sat cross‑legged on the futon, listening without judgment.

He told them about the nightmares. About the guilt. About why he hadn’t been eating or sleeping. About how every second Deku was gone felt like someone was tightening a wire around his ribs.

It was nothing like him. He hated how exposed he felt. But if he wanted to do what he knew he had to do… he needed to get it out. To sort out his thoughts before he talked to Izuku.

"I'm not saying all of this because I suddenly love this weak mushy stuff." He muttered, eyes drifting to Deku’s sleeping face. "I need him to be ok, and once I know he's fine...I want to tell him."

Kirishima and Uraraka exchanged soft smiles. The kind that made Katsuki feel seen in a way he wasn’t used to.

"I told you I want to help him. That I want to protect him...he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. But I can't focus on anything until I talk to him." His gaze softened as it lingered on Deku. "I can't leave anything unsaid. If I lose him again...It may literally kill me."

"Just be honest with him. Don't get stuck in your own head. He's patient, he'll let you take as long as you need," Uraraka said gently.

"Thanks Pink Cheeks." He said, surprising himself with the small smile tugging at his mouth.

When had he gotten so comfortable with her? Kirishima had taken months to earn this kind of trust. But her… she’d slipped past his defenses without him noticing.

He swallowed hard. "I need to say this to you both...thank you. It's not easy for me. I know we've gone over this...but part of me hates myself for showing my emotions. I don't trust easily. But you two, I trust. Please keep everything I say to yourselves."

"Of course man." Kirishima said, patting his back.

A loud buzzing cut through the quiet.

BZZZZ BZZZZ BZZZZ

"Oh, that's my alarm. We have to change the gauze on Midoriya's head." Kirishima said while reaching to silence his phone.

Katsuki grabbed the first‑aid kit and moved closer. Peeling away the old bandage, he blinked at how much smaller the wound looked.

"Geez, the old lady really went all out on him. The cut’s like…half the size from what I remember." He whispered.

Deku stirred. "Mmmm........Kaachan?"

Katsuki’s chest tightened as he began unwrapping the old gauze. "Yea nerd, it's me. How are you feeling?"

He squeezed his eyes shut after blinking a few times. "Mmmm...I have a bit of a headache."

"I'm sure you do." He chuckled softly. "You got hurt earlier."

Kirishima and Uraraka immediately piled onto Katsuki’s back in greeting, and Deku blinked at them sleepily before smiling. "Hey guys. Why are you all in here? And what do you mean I got hurt?" His voice was soft and raspy.

He tried to sit up, and Katsuki immediately slid an arm behind him. "Whoa, be careful. Here, let me help."

Deku winced as he steadied himself, and Uraraka handed him water. They then waited while he drank, giving him space.

When he finished, he looked straight at Katsuki. "Kaachan....what happened?"

Red eyes met green and he shook his head. "I don't have all of the details. I'll let you know what I saw and these 2 will fill in the rest."

They then explained everything. The fall. The blood. Katsuki finding him. The panic attack. The accidental burn. Deku listened quietly until they reached that part. His expression twisted between concern, fear, anger, and worry.

Uraraka stopped mid‑sentence and leveled her gaze with his. "Don't blame Bakugo. He's already been beating himself up about it. He apologized even though he had nothing to apologize for."

Katsuki stared at the floor. "She can say what she wants, but I can't forgive myself for that. That injury will scar. I know my quirk...you’ll heal, but it’ll always be there."

Uraraka leaned forward and squeezed his hand. "Now you're just being stupid. You're a hot-head, not a monster. This was an accident. Nothing more."

He huffed and tried to smirk. "Who you calling hot-head Pink Cheeks?"

A small giggle broke the tension. Deku’s giggle. Katsuki’s heart fluttered and he turned to see Deku smiling through tears.

"What's with the face nerd?"

Izuku smiles softly. "Nothing...just finally seeing Katsuki Bakugo. The Katsuki I always knew was in there."

Heat rushed to Katsuki’s face. He turned away, standing from the bed and pacing to the opposite wall. Kirishima and Uraraka climbed onto the bed beside Deku, watching him with quiet encouragement.

This was it.

He forced himself to look at Izuku. The nerd looked worried. Like he thought he’d done something wrong. Katsuki swallowed hard.

"Hey umm...Ok. Deku, this might take me a minute, but I wanted to say something."

His hand drifted to the back of his neck. Every instinct screamed at him to run. But Kirishima and Uraraka were here for a reason.

To force his ass back into the room if he ran.

He lifted his gaze. "Deku, we have a complicated past. We haven't always been friends, and...I need you to know that never, at any moment, were you the issue."

Deku’s expression softened instantly.

"When we were in school, then came to UA, I was horrible to you. I said and did things that are unforgivable and I fully plan to burn in hell for every one of them them."

"Kaachan—"

"Deku, please let me finish!" Katsuki snapped, voice cracking. "You are an amazing human being. Quirk or no quirk, you were always meant to be a hero."

Deku broke instantly, tears streaming as Kirishima and Uraraka held him.

"I always saw the sweet and strong person you were. There's a reason that you are my rival and not some other extra or pro. You’re someone that I wish I could l could be. You’re someone that I’ve always felt like I needed to catch up to."

He looked down again. The words too heavy to say, but they needed out.

"The reason I bullied you, pushed you away, said those horrible things...is...is..." He scrubbed at his face. "It's because I'm a damn coward...I couldn't admit how I truly felt about you. How special I found you. How wonderful I thought you were."

He forced himself to look up.

"Since we were kids I thought you were so beautiful inside and out. You deserve the world and all the happiness in it. I just didn't understand why I felt the way I did around you. It took me a long time to understand why I felt softer around you. I mistook it for weakness. Like you were trying to make me feel inferior. But really it was me who was inferior. Izuku...I love you. I've always loved you."

He slid down the wall, pulling his knees to his chest. Embarrassed. Worried. Drowning.

He’d done it. He’d actually said it.

Before he could even breathe…Deku crashed into him. "Kaachan...I love you too!"

Katsuki froze. "Wh-what???"

"You heard me stupid...I love you too." Deku then pulled back just enough to kiss him. Soft, warm and trembling.

Katsuki’s hands flew to Izuku’s cheeks, holding him there. Losing himself in the moment.

A pointed cough broke them apart. "Ehem"

Katsuki growled as Izuku giggled and pulled away. "What do you want Shitty Hair?"

Kirishima and Uraraka both giggled as they launched themselves into a group hug. Nearly knocking both boys over.

"God dammit Pink Cheeks! Shitty Hair! Get off! Your ruining the damn moment!!" Katsuki Shouted.

"You know you love it Bakubro"

And for once… Katsuki didn’t deny it.

~ * ~

An hour passed after Kirishima and Uraraka slipped out of the room, leaving Katsuki and Deku alone in the quiet. Deku stayed curled against him the entire time. Tucked into Katsuki’s chest like he belonged there.

Katsuki’s fingers threaded through his soft curls, brushing gently. Memorizing the texture. Every time Deku giggled, Katsuki felt the tiny shake of it against his ribs, and every so often Deku’s fingers would find his. Lacing them together like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Katsuki could stay like this forever.

When the room finally settled into a peaceful stillness, they decided it was time to sleep. Katsuki helped Deku up from the floor and onto the bed. And as he pulled the blanket over him, Deku’s hand caught his wrist. Light and hesitant.

"Kacchan...can...can you stay here tonight?"

Katsuki froze. Those big green eyes held him in place. Soft and hopeful. He felt something warm bloom in his chest. “Of course, anything you want.”

Deku flushed, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. And Katsuki couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, Deku?”

“Y‑yea?”

Katsuki lifted Izuku’s chin gently. Guiding his gaze upward. Deku’s eyes fluttered closed as Katsuki leaned in. Brushing their lips together in a soft, lingering kiss. It was warm, gentle, grounding. He pulled back only to lean in again, savoring the closeness.

Deku’s arms slid around his neck, pulling him down with surprising strength until Katsuki was half‑lying on top of him. Their kisses deepened. Slow and emotional. Full of everything they hadn’t said until today. Deku let out a small sound, half laugh, half sigh. And Katsuki felt his heart stutter.

After a few minutes, Katsuki pulled back with a smirk. “Is it ok if I do that?”

Deku laughed softly. “Anytime.”

He tugged Katsuki by the collar, guiding him into the space between him and the wall.

“So, I take it, this is my spot?” Katsuki teased.

“Yes, now be a good boy and stay.”

Deku turned toward him, curling into Katsuki’s chest. He pressed a few soft kisses along Katsuki’s jaw and neck. Gentle and affectionate, nothing more. But Katsuki felt his breath hitch anyway.

“Deku… not tonight. You have to recover.” Katsuki whispered, brushing a hand through his hair. He wanted to keep holding him, but Izuku needed rest more than anything.

Deku sighed dramatically against his shoulder. “Fnnnkchn.”

Katsuki snorted. “What are you trying to say, nerd?”

Deku pulled back just enough to pout. “Fiiiine Kaachan.” Then he tucked himself right back into Katsuki’s neck.

He was too damn cute.

Katsuki wrapped his arms around him, rubbing soft circles on his back. After a while, Deku’s breathing evened out. Soft snores brushing against Katsuki’s collarbone.

He smiled and pressed a small kiss to his temple before settling his cheek against Deku’s curls. And for the first time in weeks, sleep came easily.

They woke again around noon.

Well…Deku did. Katsuki had been drifting in and out, checking on him every so often. Still, it was the most peaceful rest he’d had in ages.

Lunch was brought up by the robot, and Mina kept texting to check in. Katsuki ignored most of it. Too focused on making sure Deku rested. They stayed curled up together. Talking quietly, dozing, and just… being.

Deku had earned a day of peace. And Katsuki wasn’t letting anything ruin it.

“Kaachan?”

His nose nudged under Izuku’s chin. “What do you need, nerd?”

Deku hesitated, staring at his hands. Katsuki softened his expression without thinking. He pinched Izuku’s chin lightly and moved his face til their eye’s met. “Don't get shy on me now.”

Izuku’s eyes swirled with fear, doubt, longing…too many emotions for one person to hold.

“Do you think I can do this?” He asked softly. “Do you think I can really beat the bad guys and save the day? Because if I’m being honest...I really don't think I can.”

Katsuki’s heart clenched.

Deku kept going, voice trembling.

“I don't think I can do this Kaachan… I'm so scared that I'll fail all of you… What if I live but you, mom and all our friends die? What if I die before the job is done? What if I just make things worse… Am I strong enough? Am I fast enough? Am… am I good enough?”

Katsuki didn’t think. He moved.

He flipped over Deku on the bed, bracing himself above him. “Listen to me you damn nerd, now's not the time to start doubting yourself! Stop the pity party and pull yourself together! You are not weak Izuku! You’re a badass. The new symbol of peace. The most passionate and dedicated hero there is. If you can't get it through your thick nerd skull that you’re more than enough, then I’ll tell you every minute of every goddamn day if I have to! You won’t die. I won't allow it! And what makes you think it'll just be you out there dumbass?!”

Deku stared up at him, wide‑eyed and tearing.

“We’re all going to be fighting. It's not you alone and it never will be. The extras want to help and even if they didn't, I’ll never let you fight alone! I’ll be by your side through everything that comes next. I don't care how dangerous it is or if you don't want it. I’ll be there. We’ll save all these shitty extras, and we will win.”

Katsuki was panting. Fists clenched in the sheets beside Deku’s shoulders. He wasn’t angry at Izuku. He was angry at the world for putting this weight on him.

Before he could say anything else, Deku surged up and kissed him. Tear‑soaked, desperate, and grateful.

Katsuki cupped his cheek, returning it gently. And when they finally pulled apart, Katsuki rested his forehead against Izuku’s.

“Thank you Kaachan. I'm still scared, but I feel a lot better.”

“Anytime. I can’t let my dumbass boyfriend die.”

“Boyfriend?” Deku giggled. And Katsuki smirked before pulling him into another soft kiss.

“Yea…boyfriend.”