Work Text:
Today
The clock reads five a.m. when Katsuki finishes the croissants. He rubs the sweat off his forehead and heaves the large tray into the oven.
He places the finished pastries into the display and starts cleaning his station. A long day awaits him but Katsuki is nothing if not prepared to open in an hour.
The first rush usually comes in around seven. School kids and adults on their way to work. Some heroes pass by at the beginning of their patrol as well.
A soft ding echoes through the café at six fifteen. Katsuki wipes his hands on his apron and greets his first customer of the day.
By six forty he's had seven customers. It's the usual early ones, either coming from night shifts or getting into work early. An elderly man wakes at six and frequents Katsuki's café at six thirty every day.
Around seven he gets really busy.
"Eight hundred and fifty yen."
"Here you go Bakugou dear." Mrs. Kodama, one of Katsuki's regulars, presses an extra hundred yen into his hand and waves him off. Katsuki puts it in his tip jar he didn't ever want but implemented thanks to Denki.
Mrs. Kodama is the last in the long line and Katsuki takes a deep breath. It's eight thirty now and Katsuki has lost count as to how many customers he has had already.
"Kaaaaats!"
He knows that voice without having to see the person.
"God, Racoon Eyes, I may be deaf but I can hear you without aids," he grumbles back as he prepares Mina's coffee and her pastry. She always gets the same thing, a cinnamon roll and a cappuccino; Katsuki knows it from memory, just like he does all of his friends' orders.
"Well it's good to know I contribute to your hearing practice." Mina stays unperturbed by Katsuki's comments, too used to them by now.
"Anyway, wanna hear the newest gossip from work?"
Katsuki would be lying if he said no. He looks forward to Mina's weekly gossip sessions, she usually spends an hour before her patrol starts chatting with Katsuki.
Katsuki takes his lunch break at one p.m. for an hour. Despite the fact he works by himself, he never spends a break alone. Today Denki joins him for lunch.
"And I shot that villain down as if I were fifteen again!"
Katsuki struggles to believe Denki at the ripe age of forty-five is still capable of moving like his fifteen year old self.
"Right," is all Katsuki says to that and he shakes his head fondly at his friend's retelling of his latest arrest.
Denki invites him to one of their squad hangouts and Katsuki pretends to check his schedule despite knowing they already agreed on coming. Squad hangouts are rare and once they find a time where everyone can make it, usually no one dares decline. You'd have to be very sickly to be excused. Katsuki hasn't missed a single one.
The following day Hanta pops in to say his hello, grabbing a quick snack and tipping Katsuki a gross amount of money which he wants to decline but Hanta shoots out his door in seconds and Katsuki curses after him and places the money into his tip jar by the register.
Shoto picks him up for lunch that day. He apologises for Hanta's tip and Katsuki tells him to have a better grip on their money, who knows how generous Hanta is with tipping services. Shoto promises Hanta is only doing it with Katsuki because he wants to support and Katsuki appreciates the gesture but grumbles about it anyway.
It's rare to see Eijirou and Izuku enter his café at the same time but apparently they're on break from a joint case and Izuku claims he needs the magical energy brew.
Katsuki obliges but shares a sceptical look with Eijirou who only shrugs his shoulders.
"How's the café going?" Izuku asks and Katsuki hums.
"It's good. Lots of customers. You guys missed the morning rush."
It truly is going well for him. Sure, Katsuki has all the workload but he's alright with that. After all, this way he doesn't get bored, there's always something to do.
They chat for another ten minutes when Katsuki is needed at the register again, a group of teenagers entering and keeping him busy.
Friday six p.m. and the door rings one last time for the day. Katsuki is in the middle of cleaning up his station and he turns around coming face to face with Hitoshi. A smile pulls on his lips and without further thought he opens his arms and Hitoshi practically glides into the embrace.
He nestles his head in the crook of Katsuki's neck and Katsuki tightens his embrace which elicits a satisfied sigh from the man in his arms.
"You're so warm," Hitoshi mumbles and Katsuki can't help but smile at the comment.
"Mhm, and you're as soft as ever."
Hitoshi grumbles nothings in Katsuki's ear and he can't help the laugh that escapes him. A bite to his ear is Hitoshi's response and Katsuki loosens his grip to lean back and look into Hitoshi's eyes.
They're full of warmth and Hitoshi has that crinkle in the corner of his eyes which he gets when he smiles.
"I love you," Katsuki says because he knows Hitoshi can't bear hearing it out of his mouth. Because Katsuki keeps his love tight lipped, using the words only a few times and whenever he does Hitoshi turns into a tomato and tries to hide away.
"Stooooop," Hitoshi complains, surging forward to bury himself back in Katsuki's neck, but he keeps his hands firmly on Hitoshi's waist and therefore him in place.
"It's unfair how strong you are, you should be getting weaker with age," Hitoshi mutters as he struggles against Katsuki.
"Hah, all this work in the bakery is making me stronger than hero work ever could." Katsuki wears a big shit-eating grin and Hitoshi frowns until Katsuki finally gives way and Hitoshi hugs him again.
Hitoshi then takes a step back and Katsuki raises a brow at him but Hitoshi only lifts his hands and signs.
I love you too
Katsuki can't help the smile.
He's in a good place, better than ever, even though life hit him hard twenty years ago.
Twenty years ago
"—ing to be okay?"
"He suff—"
"My boy, he—"
The words mix with an unbearable ringing sound and Katsuki struggles to open his eyes. He doesn't remember what happened. All he knows is he was chasing after a villain and then everything went black.
Finally, Katsuki manages to open his eyes and is immediately blinded by white lights. He scrunches his eyes shut and groans as the ringing gets louder. He still can't make out what everyone is saying, who is even with him.
He blinks slowly, his vision still a bit blurry and as he tries to sit up, he is pushed back down gently. He has no strength left in him to fight back and as the ringing gets louder, Katsuki can't make out what everyone is saying.
He wants to say something and yet when he opens his mouth to complain, he can't hear his words.
He can't hear anything anymore. The ringing subsides into what Katsuki can only describe as white noise. It's unbearable, making him feel like clawing his ears out.
A doctor is addressing him but Katsuki can't make out the words and shock freezes his body as he realises he's lost his hearing.
Izuku waves his hands around before pointing to his phone. Katsuki rolls his eyes, shuts them and waits.
Rehabilitation has been rough. Katsuki has lost most of his hearing in an explosion caused by the villain he'd chased. On top of it all he also lost his right leg from the knee down. The only good news he's gotten in rehabilitation is the fact he might be able to wear hearing aids once his injuries have healed fully, although he's supposed to be aware that his hearing won't be restored fully.
Losing a limb is tougher on Katsuki than he wants to admit. And his friends have been walking on eggshells around him, so Katsuki ignores them.
Just like he's ignoring Izuku now and when he opens his eyes again, Izuku is by the door and waves one last time before he leaves.
Katsuki isn't spared for long. Shinsou enters with two boxes of fried rice and some iced tea Katsuki likes. He wants to complain about the visit but before he gets a chance to open his mouth, Hitoshi drops the food onto the side table, toes off his shoes and sits crosslegged at Katsuki's feet, raising his hands. Katsuki is close to refusing to look at Shinsou but he unwillingly catches the movement anyway and his head provides him with the given information.
Stop treating everyone like shit
They're worried about you and all you think to do is ignore them
Katsuki hates the fact Shinsou knows sign language. He's been bothering him all throughout his rehabilitation program.
He bites his tongue before responding to Shinsou.
Fuck off
Everyone sucks, they're always so whiny about my recovery it's annoying
It's true, everyone is being whiny and Katsuki has had enough of it. Shinsou sends him an unimpressed look as if that's going to change Katsuki's opinion on the matter.
You know
Shinsou begins to sign, expression hard.
sometimes talking about how you're feeling can help them understand you, maybe have them worry less
Katsuki rolls his eyes. He doesn't want to write down all of his feelings in some chat to Izuku or his parents. It's too much of a hassle.
I can interpret for you, if that's easier
As if Shinsou has read his mind. Katsuki looks at him in surprise, which turns into scepsis.
You sure?
Shinsou nods, signing yes.
The first time Shinsou interprets for Katsuki is with his parents. It's telling how they're not fluent in sign language, despite the fact they had Katsuki take classes early on because of his quirk related hearing loss. He doesn't remember if the therapist explained to his parents that having a partner to speak to in signs is important. He only knows both his parents were too busy to join him.
Katsuki keeps his words simple, not for Shinsou's sake but to avoid having his parents become overbearing and demanding. It's a lot to handle his parents' opposite reactions sometimes.
Shinsou only says what Katsuki signs and once Katsuki's parents leave, he turns to him.
Will you be more open with your friends?
Katsuki shrugs his shoulders at the signs. He doesn't know and he probably won't until they're sitting in front of him. So far the only person he's been open and honest with to its full extent, is Shinsou.
Speaking of, Shinsou heaves a deep long sigh.
Guess this is better than nothing
Katsuki rolls his eyes but allows Shinsou to drop down over the hospital bed. He stares long and hard at the other, glad he can't see Katsuki with his face buried in the covers.
Their friendship is one of the many oddities in Katsuki's life. If anyone had told him in first year he'd be hanging out with Shinsou from Gen Ed, he'd ask "Who?"
Life is testing Katsuki when he starts physical therapy with an over excited newly graduated guy. He doesn't remember his name, nor does he care enough to learn it again.
Worst part of it all is the fact his ears still have to heal, so no hearing aids yet. Months, they said it would take and Katsuki wants to claw his hair out at the wait.
So instead, Katsuki is given an interpreter by the hospital.
Learning to walk on one leg, aided by crutches, is already hard. Now he's also expected to pay attention to his interpreter while he's trying not to fall. No one's considered how hard this is.
See, thing is, if Katsuki were close to the interpreter, he'd be able to recognise some signs before they're finished, hand movement recognition and all that. Same way hearing people recognise the words by a few letters before they're fully spoken.
But Katsuki doesn't know his interpreter well, he has to pay close attention, they bring their hands into position way differently than Shinsou or Katsuki's sign language teacher would. The signs themselves stay the same, but Katsuki has to look at the movement for three seconds longer and it's those three seconds that make physical therapy a nightmare.
By the fourth appointment, Katsuki throws the crutches into the corner, wobbling in place before he angrily signs for his interpreter to leave.
Happy over excited guy is stunned, the question marks in his head playing in his eyes.
Katsuki can see the lips of his therapist move and, like a temper tantrum throwing toddler, he closes his eyes.
He gets chewed out by his parents, lucky for him he can ignore them, and of course by the doctor responsible for him. Katsuki doesn't give a fuck about what they have to say. No one is asking him what he needs. They're simply ticking boxes on a sheet of paper, so Katsuki won't sue, but this isn't working for him.
A bowl of fried rice is placed in his lap around dinner time, the bed dipping with Shinsou's weight.
Katsuki is still pissed off from the hassle this morning, he forgot Shinsou was coming over. Movie night, he'd decided last time, promising to sneak in Katsuki's laptop and his favourite action movies. Not that Katsuki isn't allowed entertainment, his parents simply want him to recover and not get distracted. Shinsou had taken their side with a wink Katsuki's way.
Are you going to sulk all night?
Katsuki wants to complain, tell Shinsou he isn't sulking but angry at everyone's incompetence. He doesn't get a word in though, his hands suddenly full with a bowl and spoon.
Eat, I got it from your favourite place like last time
Katsuki stares at the fried rice topped with a thin line of wasabi and lots of chili sauce, just the way he likes it.
Shinsou grabs a spoonful and places it right in front of Katsuki's lips. He looks up and meets calm purple eyes. An offer hangs in the air and Katsuki, as if put in trance by those beautiful purple eyes, opens his mouth. Hospital food doesn't hold a candle to Katsuki's favourite restaurant.
He closes his eyes in satisfaction, enjoying the burn that fills his mouth and travels down his throat. Just perfect.
Laptop clutched in hand, Shinsou pushes Katsuki gently so he can settle next to him.
Katsuki keeps eating while Shinsou prepares their movie.
The evening passes comfortably, Katsuki filled with his favourite food and enjoying his favourite movie, he forgets today's mishaps, if just for a moment.
Life starts looking up when Shinsou replaces Katsuki's interpreter during physical therapy. Much to the therapist's dismay, because Shinsou and Katsuki keep sharing looks or smirks that clearly communicate more than words could.
At first, Katsuki admits it's been awkward having Shinsou with him in physical therapy. Katsuki struggles with his form, keeps looking at Shinsou from the corner of his eye to try and see if there's judgement or pity in his eyes. He finds nothing of the sort. Surprisingly, all Katsuki sees is adoration, he's sure of it, and maybe that embarrasses him more than pity would have.
Physical therapy goes well after they get used to the situation. Katsuki, though he'd never admit it, looks forward to spending this time with Shinsou, who studies healthcare related signs before the sessions.
Six months after his accident, Katsuki gets hearing aids. Despite their incessant pestering, Katsuki refuses to take his parents with him. There's someone else far more important in being there when Katsuki, hopefully, gets to hear again.
Shinsou walks beside Katsuki in his wheelchair. Never has Shinsou put his hands on Katsuki's wheelchair and forcefully taken over. One more reason Katsuki wants him here, instead of anyone else.
Shinsou steps behind Katsuki, keeping a good distance when Katsuki checks in for his appointment. It's second nature for Shinsou to give space, Katsuki would lie if he said he wasn't grateful for someone to just know how to act around him.
When it's finally his turn, Katsuki is nervous. So much so he sends Shinsou one uncertain look over his shoulder and Shinsou quirks a brow. He nods and then Shinsou rests his hands gently on the handles of Katsuki's wheelchair. While Shinsou pushes, Katsuki dries his sweaty hands on his hoodie.
Ten minutes of explanation later, Katsuki's hearing aids get fitted into his ear. It feels weird to have something in his ear, though they fit perfectly.
"Bakugou-san, can you hear me?"
His doctor's voice rings in Katsuki's ear. It's fairly one-sided, his left ear having taken significant damage, he knew he'd only recover some hearing. He signs his response out of habit.
"Well damn, look at you being shy, or have you forgotten how to speak," Shinsou teases.
Head whipping around, Katsuki feels a strain in his neck but glares at Shinsou.
"Shut up," he croaks, eyes wide in surprise over the sound of his own voice.
Speaking comes back easier to him than Katsuki thought. Only with Shinsou does Katsuki try his words. When he's more confident again, he allows himself to speak with his parents and friends.
Some words still get swallowed by the aids and Katsuki has to ask people to repeat themselves often, enough for it to annoy him.
Shinsou is always there, in his corner, even when he isn't physically present. Apparently Katsuki's friends text Shinsou when they're unsure of how to act around him, or what to say and Shinsou calls them out, telling them to get over themselves and talk to Katsuki like they always have.
He's released from the hospital shortly after getting his hearing aids. Lucky for him, his apartment complex has an elevator or else Katsuki would have had to go back to his parents' house.
Of course he doesn't return by himself, that would have been a hassle.
A bag whistles past Katsuki's head and onto the couch, Shinsou following it past Katsuki. He expects nothing less of the other.
"We can go grocery shopping tomorrow if you like. Well I'm going anyway," Shinsou announces, pushing into the kitchen and rummaging through the cabinets.
"First cupboard on the left of the fridge," Katsuki announces and a soft, almost too quiet ah follows from the kitchen.
Instant ramen may not be Katsuki's favourite food, but it's perfect for now.
Despite having his own apartment, Shinsou practically moves in with Katsuki. And technically Katsuki gets a caretaker for three hours a week but they last a day before Shinsou scares them away.
Katsuki can't even argue against Shinsou settling in with him, because in all honesty, he's gotten used to having him around.
At first Shinsou takes the couch, he lasts about two weeks before Katsuki's argument of having a big enough bed finally wins.
Arms and legs suffocate Katsuki during the night, and yet when he wakes up and sees those dark spots under Shinsou's beautiful eyes, he can't help but think it's worth it.
By month nine Katsuki's phantom pains have lessened and his stump is fully healed for him to try prosthetic legs.
It's another act of patience on Katsuki's part and he probably would have exploded the people responsible for educating him on the different prosthetics if it wasn't for Hitoshi rubbing circles over his left hand.
They get through the tough part of listening to a bunch of nonsense. Prosthetics can be very different and Katsuki's stump is observed closely and measured to determine what type of prosthetic would work best.
Lucky is the word they call him as his amputation is below the knee. Katsuki wouldn't call losing part of his leg lucky, but refrains from saying the words out loud because Hitoshi sends him a warning look.
He ends up with an exoskeletal prosthesis, durable they said.
It takes a few weeks until they're finished and once Katsuki gets fitted, he's back to physical therapy for another ten sessions.
Hero news stations frequently report on Katsuki's accident and in turn his short term leave from hero work. Everywhere he goes there's paparazzi taking his photo, be it physical therapy, a doctor's appointment or a simple grocery run. Katsuki has told them off more than once. They're lucky Hitoshi is with him for most of the time, calming Katsuki with his presence or else Katsuki might have exploded them already.
Of course, the fact Hitoshi is almost always with him doesn't go unnoticed. The gossip magazines tear them apart and much to Katsuki's dismay, they are mostly right. Not that it isn't still awkward. Fans and haters - and Katsuki has many of those - eat up any and all news, looking into the mysterious man always spotted with him.
One fan tweet about Hitoshi's identity being related to their high school days, is Katsuki's last straw.
"You need to leave."
Hitoshi turns his head just enough to give Katsuki a side eye.
"I'm serious," Katsuki emphasizes.
This time Hitoshi pauses the movie and turns fully to face Katsuki, who doesn't want to meet those mesmerising purple eyes. He knows if he looks, he'll lose this battle.
"Did I miss a chapter?"
Katsuki's ear rings and he clenches his jaw before finally facing Hitoshi.
"If you stay with me, people will figure out your identity and you won't be able to work undercover anymore!"
Some of his words are slurring as he can't hear them properly but Hitoshi seems to register them all no problem.
The silence stretches long enough for Katsuki to question whether or not he may have missed Hitoshi's response, but he's been looking at the other the entire time: his mouth hasn't moved.
"So?"
Katsuki's voice stutters, the word coming out like a question. Muscles twitch with Hitoshi's stretch. He leans back against the couch, arm leisurely hanging behind Katsuki's back.
"Don't you think it's too late for that?"
A curse escapes Katsuki as his ears ring again. The hearing aids land on the cluttered coffee table and Katsuki massages his temple. Stupid headaches. He squints his eyes, trying to subdue the pain with will alone.
Soft hands find their way in Katsuki's hair, stroking the back of his head carefully. He opens his eyes to meet Hitoshi's warm gaze, the freckle in Hitoshi's right eye twinkling with the dim lights.
Something in Katsuki breaks and he can't help but lean into the other's embrace.
They hug, basking in each other's warmth and Hitoshi presses soft kisses to Katsuki's temple. They only separate when Hitoshi moves his hands between them to sign.
Trust me, I won't leave you!
Especially not for such a stupid reason
Katsuki wants to complain but Hitoshi's hands are faster.
Look at me,
You are more important than work or some gossip sites
Tears well in Katsuki's eyes and he rubs them away fast.
I love you, stupid
Not exactly news to Katsuki and yet right here right now the words feel heavier than ever. No second attempt is made in trying to save Hitoshi's work because Katsuki is more important than some cover.
Nineteen years ago
A year after his accident, Katsuki takes part in his first baking class. He knows how to bake, obviously, but he's required to take some lessons and earn practical experience points in order to be accredited for the master exam.
People may have looked at him twice, probably wondering why an upcoming hero is taking baking classes but Katsuki's decision is set in stone. It's not been an easy decision, he's thought this over many times. Hitoshi, ever the great listener, has supported Katsuki with walking this new path.
Technically, Katsuki could have returned to hero work - technically - yet when his head screams in pain and his stump throbs as if his leg is still there, Katsuki decides he can't go back.
Hours over hours Katsuki has spent rambling his thoughts to Hitoshi, dusk til dawn they have sat on their bed, feet touching, hands flying.
Hitoshi suggests Katsuki talk to Izuku; so he does, over coffee. It's only awkward for the first few minutes and when Katsuki finally gets a grip and asks how Izuku has managed, the other lights up to talk about his students, how much enjoyment seeing them improve brings him.
After their talk, Katsuki finally sends his application to that baker certificate program.
Despite his brash demeanor, Katsuki gets along with most of his classmates. Some recognise him and of course that leads to many questions regarding his former work. He leaves most unanswered except for a few, one of which is about the why.
"I need to do something for me," he tells them and leaves behind more questions than he's answered.
Telling his friends the why is harder on Katsuki because they do not take that vague answer without prying for more. Hitoshi doesn't step in to help either and Katsuki curses him quietly.
Everyone is surprised by the elaborate answer and they show him so much understanding, Katsuki wants to bite his tongue. Almost painful to be shown so much support for Katsuki simply deciding to find himself, starting with his love for baking.
Top of his class, Katsuki graduates after two years of baking class. He serves a delicate and intricately decorated three story wedding cake as his master project.
He's grateful for the time he spent learning every little trick in the book, so many recipes at first his brain felt like it would explode.
His friends have had to eat lots of baked goods over the past two years and when Katsuki graduates they throw him a small dinner party.
Migraines and phantom pains are still on Katsuki's weekly agenda. He gets strong painkillers, has physical therapy every six months for a few sessions and learns about the wildest migraine hacks, finding a few for his own pain.
Hitoshi supports him through all of it without batting an eye, but during especially rough weeks, Katsuki sees the strain it puts on his boyfriend. They've had a few fights about it, or rather arguments that ended in seeking comfort in each other. Hitoshi makes sure to remind Katsuki how much he loves him and how important he is to him.
Three months after Katsuki's graduation he's admitted into a pain rehabilitation clinic. Every second feels like torture but Katsuki pushes through it for his own pain and for Hitoshi, who's given so much, Katsuki feels like he's far behind – he knows that's not how it works but still.
Katsuki gets his pain under control with time and the right medication. His damaged hearing gives him headaches more frequently so he starts taking out his hearing aids at home. It relieves some of the strain on his head and Hitoshi is happy to sign instead of talk, he prefers it even.
Katsuki takes a job at his favourite bakery and feels free for the first time in a long time.
Unanswered messages and the morning headline - Pro Hero NightHide injured - have Katsuki pacing the emergency room at seven a.m. He'd been at work but once the news came on, his coworker had pushed him out the door, promising to be alright.
Finally a nurse makes her way to Katsuki, he's almost picked his skin open with how much anxiety is coursing through him.
An emergency surgery and no way to save Hitoshi's right eye. Katsuki takes a few deep breaths before he enters the hospital room.
Eye closed, Hitoshi lays upright against two large pillows, a bandage wrapping over his right side. His chest rises evenly, almost as if he's asleep but when Katsuki takes another step, Hitoshi's head turns.
Slowly and carefully Hitoshi opens his left eye. The purple is darker than usual and Katsuki supposes it hasn't seen much light.
"Hey," Katsuki greets, the bed dipping with his weight. A smile pulls on Hitoshi's lips and he leans against Katsuki's side.
"This sucks," Hitoshi croaks out and Katsuki grunts in understanding. It does.
"It's the universe's way of making sure we're both disabled –" Katsuki smirks down at Hitoshi's frown, "or it is the universe's way of making you a perfect Aizawa copy, who knows."
Fingers dig into Katsuki's side and he twitches before wrapping his arm around Hitoshi and placing a long kiss to his head.
"You're dumb," Hitoshi mutters under his breath. There's a teasing undertone, not easy to notice. Katsuki presses Hitoshi further into his side. He's glad he can be some comfort to his boyfriend. He's glad the other isn't more injured.
With Hitoshi injured, Katsuki is the only one working. He takes on more shifts to make more money, calling Hitoshi in between to make sure the other is doing okay.
Usually, with eye surgeries, one is fully wrapped for at least a few weeks, but since they had to take out Hitoshi's eye entirely, his left one can't damage it further by moving. So he's adjusting to not seeing past his nose. He's bumped into furniture more times than he can count.
It's different with Hitoshi, he plans to return to hero work as soon as possible. Katsuki knows it's what Hitoshi wants and needs, so he supports him the best he can.
As if they plan their health issues, once Hitoshi's right side is healed and he can return to hero work, Katsuki is back at the clinic to adjust his hearing aids.
Apparently something isn't quite right, Katsuki's hearing his worsening somehow, he's noticed as well. So they adjust his aids, which takes a week. That week Katsuki barely leaves the house, their friends know next to nothing about sign language and he doesn't even want to speak of the general public.
Hitoshi cooks Katsuki his favourite dish that evening, trying to lighten the mood and supporting Katsuki in whatever way he can.
Fifteen years ago
First time Katsuki opens the door to his own café, he sheds a single tear. He wouldn't say that having his own café was a dream of his, he would, however, claim that having his own space after the bakery he's worked at for three years has closed shop, feels like a new beginning, a new chance.
It takes him three months to renovate and stock up the place. All of his friends help out and on opening day they're all there, right behind Hitoshi, Katsuki's first customer.
You did it
Hitoshi signs during a moment where Katsuki isn't needed behind the counter. He meets his boyfriend's gaze and smiles.
Yeah, all thanks to you
Hitoshi shakes his head at Katsuki's words.
I didn't do anything
Katsuki stares at him, offended by how Hitoshi downplays the impact he's had on Katsuki.
Shut the fuck up!
You were there when I lost everything, when I didn't know where to go and what to do, you haven't left my side since
Take the damn 'thank you'
Hitoshi snorts at the rant, running his fingers through Katsuki's spiky hair. "Okay," he says and kisses Katsuki's nose, eliciting an indignant oi from him.
Life is looking up for both of them and hopefully Katsuki's new business won't fail.
Today
Where the hell are you right now?
Hitoshi is leaning against the counter of Katsuki's café, having broken their hug about a minute ago. Katsuki blinks, the signs only registering with him now and he shrugs his shoulders.
Just reminiscing how it all started
You mean the café?
Sure, but also us
He points between them, a cheeky grin spreading over his face.
Oh yeah?
Hitoshi matches his expression and Katsuki closes the distance again, planting hot kisses down Hitoshi's neck and the other sighs happily, fingers tugging on Katsuki's apron.
They may be late to Mina's get together but Katsuki honestly wouldn't have traded arriving half an hour earlier for his private time with Hitoshi.
They're greeted with broad smiles, Mina and Denki stumbling over their signs and Katsuki laughing at the excitement underlining it all. It's been a long time since they last came together, all of them and everyone is talking over each other, Katsuki watching in amusement.
A fresh baked batch of pastries sits by the buffet table and Katsuki can see the hungry eyes catching the baked goods every once in a while. He knows there will be nothing left in about thirty minutes.
Life really did change, but Katsuki wouldn't have it any other way.