Chapter Text
Katsuki Bakugou was untouchable. He felt his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he raced across the field. Cleats tore at the turf sending grass and dirt flying behind him. It was a feeling he knew well. The sound of cheering and screaming, his blood pumping, and the heavy weight of the stick in his hands was so familiar.
The wind cut across his cheeks and the air stung sharp and cold on his skin. Nothing felt better than this. Nothing made him feel more alive than these moments.
“Bakugou!”
Katsuki turned to see his teammate, Eijirou Kirishima, signaling to him. Turning on his heel, he shot the ball in the red haired boy's direction. Eijirou caught it without even blinking. Years of training together made the two almost in sync. Almost becoming Katsuki’s other half but not quite filling the role. That was another can of worms. A can Katsuki refused to break the seal on.
Eijirou pelted down the field and turned his stick at just the correct angle to send the ball flying into the goal. It made it just past the opposing team's goalie who muttered curses at the loss.
The stands roared in cheers as the game came to an end and Katsuki relished the sound. Closed his eyes to drink it all in. This was what made it all worth it. All the training and hours spent towards his sport. So he could proudly say he brought his team to victory.
Lacrosse was a bloodthirsty sport. When Katsuki first learned about it he instantly knew he wanted to play. The look on his dad’s face when he told his parents was one of heavy concern and worry. His mother, however, held a grin on her face and she told him he could do anything he set his mind to. ‘I know you can do it, brat. I raised you to push yourself and do your best’.
When Katsuki first discovered his high school had a team he was overjoyed. It almost made up for the fact that he had to leave all his friends behind. There was only one middle school in the small town he was from, but two high schools. It wasn’t as if Katsuki even enjoyed talking to any of the people he went to school with. Always telling him he needed to be nicer or act a different way. Looking back, the blonde knew he was kind of a shit head. Who tells a kid that though? It gets stuck in their head and then they don't know how to think of themselves in any other way. It was frustrating. Katsuki was frustrated with it. He was frustrated with himself most of all.
Opening his eyes, Katsuki saw his fellow teammates crowding together and cheering. Eijirou clapped him on the back with a smile.
“Nice shot, bro! As always you prove why you’re our team captain.”
“Well someone has to show you dumbasses how it’s done.” Katsuki gave a shit eating grin. “You still made the final shot so I can’t take all the credit this time.”
“Woah! Bakugou isn’t taking all the fame and glory for himself? Who is this guy?” A voice called out behind them.
Katsuki turned to see Denki Kaminari. His blonde hair stuck out in all directions from his helmet. The black zig zag streak a mess like he’d been electrocuted.
“Who are you and what have you done with our captain?” The blonde went on.
Katsuki turned to him with a scowl on his face. A slight vein was popping out on his forehead. “Don’t worry Dunce Face, I’ll never steal your glory. You’d have to make a goal for that to happen.”
“Hey!” Denki exclaimed with a pouting look on his face. His hair seemed to sag in response. “I just try to open the way for you, man.”
Everyone laughed and Hanta Sero came up behind Denki to rub the top of his head. The strands stuck straight up from the friction. “Dude, don’t sweat it! We all know Bakugou has a big ego.”
Katsuki flipped him off with a half hearted eye roll. As his teammates bustled around him in conversation, he looked towards the bleachers where people were still talking excitedly with each other. Handmade signs were still waving and fists were pumping the air. Katsuki smirked and went to turn away when he swore the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. It was as if someone had touched one of his nerves and his entire body responded at once. Like a magnetic pull drawing him in one certain direction.
He turned quickly back around to see a pool of green cloud his vision. A deep emerald green. A green that was warm and inviting like a vision of summer grass and leaves in the wind. Memories of a gentle time filled with laughter and skipping rocks in rivers. Of playing tag in front yards and falling in the mud. A wave of emotions that sent him into a shell shock.
“Wha-“ Katsuki started but he felt a bump to his shoulder, causing him to look toward the cause. When he turned back to the crowd the sight was gone. Lost in the masses.
Katsuki cursed himself. He was obviously starting to have hallucinations. Maybe he got another concussion on the field without realizing it. He had a habit of getting injured and brushing it off. He turned back towards his team. Eijirou was making some speech about how he was proud of everyone.
“It brings a tear to my eye.” He sniffed over dramatically and wiped his eye. “You all were so manly.”
“Alright alright we get it.” Katsuki jokingly smacked the boy on the back of the head as he walked past. He stopped when a loud screech sounded behind him. He whipped his head around to see a mass of pink fly towards Eijirou.
“Eijiro!”
Eijiro stumbled back from the force of the girl who flung herself on him. He gave a huge grin that nearly split his face open and hugged her tight.
“Mina!” He responded while swinging her back and forth. “Did you see my goal?”
The pink haired girl turned to face him. “Oh of course I did, baby. You killed it out there!”
“Oh? And what’s my reward, pretty lady.”
Mina smiled mischievously and leaned down to whisper in the boy’s ear. Eijirou’s cheeks turned a deep red as the girl spoke. Her voice was too low to hear but Katsuki could read between the lines.
Hanta made a gagging sound beside him and Denki laughed. Eijirou turned to them with his tongue out. “Don’t be jealous!”
“If anything we feel sorry for poor Mina.” Katsuki said.
The other boy clutched his heart in mock hurt. “Right in the heart, bro.”
Eijirou spoke to Mina for a moment before waving goodbye saying that he would see her later. He followed after Katsuki and the rest of the team. They walked towards a mid-sized brick building with the school name on the side, ‘Cinderfell University’.
The boys had all met through Lacrosse when they all tried out their first year as freshmen. In the beginning Katsuki was defensive of the jokes that were thrown around and the smiles he received. It wasn't something people gave him. Wasn’t what was supposed to happen. Katsuki only ever received looks of hurt and anger and he found comfort in the normalcy. He grew used to it. He accepted that was how it was.
Eijirou was the first to put cracks in the walls. His never ending sturdy foundation started to convince Katsuki to open up. The boy never flinched at his harsh words or acted like he was the best thing since sliced bread. He respected him but definitely kept him in line and didn't excuse his shitty actions. It was … different and still took a while for Katsuki to get used to. When the blonde was snappy and short or closed off and not approachable, Eijirou was there without batting an eye.
Having already opened up ever so slowly to the red head made it easier to fall into a steady routine with the others. Katsuki grew to accept that he had friends and people who actually tolerated having him around. Even if he sometimes doubted it was real. That it was all some joke they were playing on him. Not that he wouldn't deserve something like that after all the hell he caused other people while growing up.
The four boys crowded into the locker room along with their other teammates. Katsuki opened his locker door before pulling his sweaty gear off. He sat it on the bench behind him before removing the rest of his clothes. He was covered in sweat and it was gross and disgusting. He needed to just coat himself in Dawn dish soap and feel like one of those little ducks in the commercials.
Grabbing some clean clothes from his locker, he made his way over to the showers with a towel slung over his shoulder. He saw steam already coming from behind the curtain of one.
“Dunce Face, you better not be using all the hot water again.” Katsuki stated while pulling back the curtain to an open stall.
Denki’s muffled voice responded, “Oh c’mon Bakugou why would I ever do that?”
“Because for some reason you think you have to cook yourself alive every time you get into one of these damn things.”
“You say it like you don't come out the colour of a ripe tomato when you're finished.” Denki called out and Katsuki could see that stupid grin of his. “If anyone is cooking alive it's you.”
The blonde took his shampoo bottle and squirted some of the contents over the wall. Hearing a shocked expression from the other side gave Katsuki the confirmation that he had hit his target.
“Dude! I just washed all that out! This just means I have to use up even more hot water, you know that right?”
All Katsuki responded with was a snort and he turned back to his own business of turning the shower on. Thankfully for Denki there was still some hot water. He stood under it with his eyes closed. Letting the heat soothe his aching muscles. After a few moments he grabbed the shampoo bottle again and squirted it into his hands before lathering it through his hair.
The water started to grow cold as Katsuki was rinsing the body wash off him. “Dunce Face!” He cursed before finishing as quickly as he could. Stepping out, he gave a glare to the blonde boy who poked his head out from behind a curtain.
“I warned you, Bakugou. If anything this is your fault I had to take longer.” Denki gave a lopsided grin and the water turned off.
Katsuki rolled his eyes before making his way back to the locker and quickly changed into his clothes. Shouldering his duffle bag, he left the building with the plans of going back to his dorm for a well deserved nap.
“Bakubro!” Eijirou called, “Wanna go down to Sandy’s for a quick bite? I’m staaaarving.”
Katsuki made his way to them, “Sure.” So much for that nap.
After Denki came out to join them, the four of them all piled into the blonde’s Ford Explorer. Katsuki sat in the passenger seat and slumped down as his exhaustion started to catch up to him.
“So Denki, when are you going to ask Jirou out?” Hanta spoke first.
Katsuki gripped the door handle as he felt Denki swerve a little at the sudden question. “W-what are you talking about?”
“Eyes on the road, dumbass!” He cursed.
Eijirou leaned forward from the backseat. “Don’t play dumb. She was totally checking you out during the game!” He paused with a finger on his chin, “Hmm. She probably came just to see you actually.”
Denki’s face was about as red as Eijirou’s hair at this point. “Don’t get my hopes up.” He muttered and his hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. God, Katsuki was going to die in this piece of shit vehicle.
“I mean this in the most honest way. I don’t think she’ll say no, bro. I mean c’mon. There’s only so much of your talking that even we can put up with and she listens to you all the time” Eijirou said with a smile and a thumbs up.
“Thanks for the support.” Denki said with a straight face and blatant sarcasm.
Eijirou’s stupid smile got bigger. “No problem!”
Hanta appeared to be thinking hard before speaking, “Is there a reason why you haven’t?”
“She’s way out of my league.” Denki said as if he believed it more than anything else in the world.
Kyoka Jirou, was a second year music major with an insane talent for playing the electric guitar. With her deep purple hair she had quickly gotten the cool and mysterious reputation when she first enrolled at the school. For the most part she kept to herself in the music room practicing when she wasn’t in class. Katsuki had heard a melody here and there when he would walk past sometimes. She wasn’t half bad. He might have asked her to teach him. Maybe, but he would rather chew his foot off instead of mentioning it.
Denki had first saw the girl when he was dragged along as a third wheel for Mina and Eijirou. Mina happened to be friends with the girl. Katsuki vividly remembered the blonde not shutting up about the musician for at least a week. Maybe more. All he would talk about was her cool and calm voice or how she would sometimes give such a small smile you almost missed it. To sum it all up, he was head over heels.
“She is definitely not out of your league.” Katsuki offered as he stared out the window tiredly. He was starting to get hungry. Could they drive any faster?
An irritating oooo sounded from beside him and he turned to see Eijirou cooing to him, “Aww does Bakugou have a little crush on Kaminari?” He squeezed Katsuki’s shoulder with a puppy dog look in his teasing eyes. The blonde shoved him off.
“Don’t you fucking wish, you damn idiot.”
Hanta gave a snort, “As if. I don’t think Bakugou’s ever had a crush or any feelings in general.”
Eijirou cut in, “Bakubro has feelings! He's just too cool to show them.”
Katsuki rolled his eyes and ignored them as they joked some more. Tried to ignore the sting in their playful words. Eventually he saw the small diner come into view.
It was a little building off to the side of some back road with trees surrounding it. If you didn’t know about it already you would easily miss it while driving by. The blue neon sign illuminated the front of the building as the sun slowly set in the sky. A shabby gravel parking lot with short weeds growing up everywhere greeted them. The crunching sound of the rocks underneath tires was satisfying to his ears. Shadows speckled with golden sun spread across the parking lot as it slowly became night.
He remembered the first time he visited this diner. He was younger, maybe 8 or 9. His mom had dragged him here with her friend and her son. They had been taking a day trip to the nearby mountains. A scenic route that was popular with many tourists to the area. His mom had read it in some magazine and immediately called her friend to schedule an outing. It was a fun trip from what Katsuki remembered. Laughter and digging in mud to find worms, bringing them back to his mom in which she would tell him off for doing so. He remembered the other little boy falling and scraping his knees before crying. Katsuki recalled getting smacked on the back of the head from his mom after he laughed.
The day had ended with the two boys begging their moms to take them to get hot dogs. Katsuki’s mom had seen the diner in her magazine because of course she did. So the four of them stopped to eat. Ketchup had landed on his mom’s shirt as the blonde had tried to open a packet for himself. It was in vain as the little red splotches soaked into her shirt. Thankfully his mom didn't seem too upset. It had been too nice of a day to focus on such a small thing. Katsuki had remembered breathing a sigh of relief. His mom could be quite the hot head when she wanted to be. It must be where he got it from.
“Um, hello? Earth to Bakugou?”
Katsuki looked up to see that everyone else was out of the car. He hopped out of the car after them and shut the door. Shuffling after them and kicking gravel, he made his way into the small building.
The diner was a seat yourself so they took a booth towards the back and sat down. Hardly any time passed before an older lady with curly black hair came to their table.
“What can I get started for you dears?”
They all rattled off their orders and the lady smiled before walking off. The inside hadn’t changed much from the last time Katsuki had been here. Dated decor was everywhere with pale blues and pink. Little red bar stools were lined up along the counter where an older man
was sitting. An old jukebox was sitting in the corner and shockingly enough it still worked. Though Katsuki had a feeling that it was newer based on the limited amount of wear on it. Even the waitress who had taken their order wore a poodle skirt to tie the entire place together.
While Katsuki had been zoning out, the others were talking up a storm.
“C’mon Kaminari, it's the perfect plan.” Eijirou was saying to the nervous looking blonde. “She’ll be completely star struck.”
Denki shook his head slowly, “I don’t know guys. Poetry isn’t really my strong suit. Plus I don’t know the first thing about singing.”
Katsuki raised his eyebrow at that, “What in the hell are you guys planning?”
“We’re trying to get Kaminari to write a song for Jirou!” Hanta said excitedly. “She’s a music addict, she'll love it for sure.”
Katsuki started laughing. “You want him to sing?!” He covered his mouth with his hand. “You guys have lost your fucking minds.”
Eijirou and Hanta laughed with him while Denki groaned. “You’re right! It’s hopeless! I’m completely doomed.”
The conversation was interrupted as the waitress came back with their food. Katsuki looked down at his hotdog and fries with a look of starvation before digging in.
Between eating, the boys flowed through more light conversation. Including plans for Denki’s serenade to his one true love. Eijirou’s words, not his.
“It has to be from the heart.” Hanta concluded. “Just write whatever you're feeling on paper and try to wrap it up into some cheesy song.”
“So you admit it's cheesy.” Denki groaned.
“Everything about love is cheesy, man.” Eijirou said. “But that's the thing. It's gonna be. Love isn't gonna be easy by no means. You gotta really work for it.” He leans back in his seat. “Thats how you know it really matters.”
“Youre right. I'm gonna go home and write the shit out of those words!” Denki fist pumped the air.
Eijirou went to speak but glanced at his phone upon getting a notification. The red haired boy inhaled air through his teeth. “Shit, I forgot about Mina! I’ve got to go guys.”
“Dude she’s gonna kick your ass.” Hanta said.
“His weird ass will probably like it too.” Katsuki chimed in and put gas on the situation.
Eijirou stood along with the others, “Ha ha very funny.”
“You guys go ahead,” Katsuki said, “I’ll pay.”
“Are you sure man?” Denki asked as he turned back to the other blonde. Katsuki waved him off. The boys didn’t need another word and they were racing off to the suv.
Katsuki grabbed his to-go cup and reached for his wallet as he walked up to the counter to pay. The waitress put in his bill when she saw him approach.
“28.75 dear.”
Katsuki nodded and reached to pull out his card when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. He looked to the side to see green. Green curls that bounced as their owner gave a full laugh to the figure sitting with them. Green like the ferns on that mountain hike so many years ago. Green like the little glass bottles that held different bugs and any other creatures they could get their small hands on, now long forgotten. The colour of a rain stormed forest during the height of its turmoil. A deep deep green. The colour of peace and comfort. Of home.
Also the colour of his anger and memories of a childhood filled with harsh words. Harsh words that stained Katsuki’s tongue like a tattoo. The sound of annoying little feet trailing after him everywhere he went. The ghost of laughter and praises he never deserved filled his ears. It took Katsuki back to a time in which he didn’t want to revisit. A time when everything to do with the colour green pissed him off. It still does.
Heightened emotions ran through Katsuki. Emotions that he had spent years making sure were bottled tightly in those same little green glasses. Never to see the light of day again. No, he thought angrily, you’ve worked hard to get past this. It was true, Katsuki had spent years trying to forget all those years of hatred. Of the times when he was such a little asshole it was forever ingrained into his soul. His very being.
“Sir?”
Katsuki turned back towards the waitress who had confusion in her eyes. “Uh yeah, sorry.” He handed her his card and she swiped it before giving it back to him.
“Thanks.” He muttered and fumbled with his wallet to put his card away. He ended up dropping it and reached to pick it back up, only to slam his head on the underside of the counter after standing back up. “Fuck!” He cursed.
“Are you okay, dear?” The lady asked while Katsuki just cursed and went to turn away. He didn’t fully turn before he locked eyes with someone. Red eyes meeting green for what only lasted a moment but felt like a lifetime. A lifetime of green chasing red. Emotions bubbled up in his throat until they almost threatened to spill out onto the dated tiles. Katsuki quickly spun around and ignored the voice behind him.
“Kacch-?”
Katsuki was already out the door. His feet moved quicker than they ever did on any Lacrosse field. Or any other scenario for that matter. Go. Leave. The only thoughts in his head. The only thing holding him together or else he would collapse in that rough gravel peppered with weeds. In the light of the moon that illuminated his chaotic mind like a spotlight. Katsuki couldn't open the door to Denki’s suv fast enough. Couldn’t slam the door shut fast enough.
“Drive,” was all he said or else he might scream.
“Hey bro you good?” Eijirou asked.
“Yes you damn idiot! I’m tired and I just want to fucking sleep.” Katsuki hissed before letting his head rest on the seat. He felt Denki pull out and only when he was sure of the distance between him and that stupid fucking diner, did he let himself breathe.
_______________
Katsuki woke up in a shitty mood. He had been kept up with memories of that green haired idiot he saw at the diner. His thoughts occupied by old memories of when he was younger and of the little shit nerd following him around. What was he doing so far away from home? Katsuki had never seen him anywhere near the university in the three years he had been here.
His memories of the boy were filled with mixed emotions. Anger was the biggest one. It stood out from the rest and took up the most space. He remembered clearly how much he had wanted to punch the small idiot in the face. They had a complicated friendship of sorts while they were growing up. Katsuki’s mom and the other boy's mom were best friends so they were forced to hang out. He convinced himself that was the only reason he kept him around.
It hadn’t started off too bad. Besides being the biggest crybaby Katsuki had ever seen, he was willing to go with pretty much anything the blonde suggested. His green eyes lighting up whenever Katsuki suggested they go do something that would definitely get their asses beat later. It was something he could feel satisfied with. He had a few friends that would do stuff with him but Katsuki knew it was only out of fear for the boy's angry outbursts. The green haired boy never seemed to care when he had them however. He just ran after him calling out that stupid ass nickname he had given him years before. A reminder of his childish nature. Then again, they were kids.
“Kacchan, wait up!”
Katsuki looked behind him to see the small figure of a boy with green hair climbing up the hill. His arm clutching tightly around an action figure. Izuku Midoriya. His scraped up knees had a fresh scratch on them from only a few moments before when he fell on a rock. Katsuki went back to help him but not before rolling his eyes at the other boy’s clumsiness.
“You’re such a slowpoke, Deku.”
The boy gave a little pout and looked up at Katsuki. “Kacchan you’re walking too fast.”
“Maybe you’re just pathetic. Learn how to walk faster.” Katsuki responded although he still waited for the boy to catch up to him. Izuku gave a small smile and clutched his figurine tighter when he reached the blonde. He made an attempt to grab Katsuki’s hand while trying to go over some rocks. Katsuki would never say he didn’t hate the feeling of their hands together.
By the time the two boys got to the top of the hill Izuku had stopped crying. Katsuki let go of his hand and sat down in the grass. Izuku sat beside him with a wide toothy grin.
“Kacchan, look how high we are! I can see my house!”
“Your house is in the other direction, stupid.” Katsuki rolled his eyes.
“Oh.” Izuku didn’t even acknowledge his insult. That was something that made them a good duo. The green haired boy accepting Katsuki’s bad temper but not taking it to heart. He knew it was just Katsuki and there was no real sting behind his words. Not yet. “Well it still looks beautiful.”
“Yeah it does.”
Katsuki wasn’t looking at the scenery and it was the first time his heart skipped the way it did that day.
He was 14 when shit hit the fan. Katsuki had just gotten out of school and was walking towards the schoolyard to see Izuku when he saw movement from the corner of his eye. He turned to see three boys his age approaching him with a sour look. Katsuki rolled his eyes and wondered what the hell they wanted with him.
“Is it true, Katsuki?” One of them said.
“What are you shitheads talking about?” Katsuki replied. The boys had stopped walking and were standing in front of him trying to appear intimidating.
“That you and Izuku are gay for each other?” A second one answered.
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Everyone's thinking it. The way you're up his ass." The boy said. "He your boyfriend or something?"
“He's not my boyfriend.” Katsuki shot back. What in the hell were they saying? If anything, Izuku was up his ass!
“Bullshit. You're always going off with each other." The boy shrugged. "Who knows what gay shit you're doing."
“That fucking nerd isn't my boyfriend! Stop saying that shit."
"Whatever you have to tell yourself, man. Is that why you told him to jump off the school roof? Too ashamed at how you corrupted him?"
"Shut the fuck up."
"You're disgusting, Katsuki. Don't taint him anymore."
"Why don't you make me."
As soon as the words left his mouth, something heavy rammed into the side of his jaw. He stumbled backwards to see one of the boys had swung their fist at him. Katsuki was speechless. No one hit him. They knew they’d get their asses beat and his temper had always been enough to keep people away.
Katsuki had no idea where the idea of him and Izuku dating came from but it left an unpleasant feeling in his gut. Was that what it looked like to everyone else? He looked like some faggot? Was Izuku running around telling everyone they were together? If so, then why run his mouth about a joke Katsuki made to jump of the roof? That wasn't very romantic. Not that Katsuki cared. He was not going to be romantic with that idiot.
Another swung at him and Katsuki dodged it and landed one of his own on the ring leader's cheek. As he did so he felt a pain in his stomach as one of the boys kneed him. Katsuki winced at the pain as he fell forward. As he stood up again he rammed his elbow into another’s chest. They were still going back and forth when a teacher started yelling and running towards them.
Katsuki found himself in the principal’s office not long after. His parents had been called and were currently speaking with the staff. Katsuki had refused to tell them the reason the fight had broken out. The other boys hadn’t seemed to have said anything either. His parents would think the worst of him too. Nothing new there.
“Katsuki Bakugou we’re leaving.” His mother said sternly as she walked past him. He got up and followed her and his dad. His cheek was still stinging and he knew he would have a large bruise there in the morning. The entire walk to that car was tense and no one said a word. As his parents got into the car he heard a voice behind him.
“Kacchan! Wait!”
Katsuki turned around to see Izuku racing towards him, his legs trying to catch up. He opened his mouth wide when he saw the swelling on Katsuki’s cheek.
“Kacchan, you’re hurt! Are you okay?” Izuku tried to reach out to him with a timid hand but Katsuki smacked him away.
“Get away from me, shit nerd. This is your fault.”
“W-what? I would nev-.”
“Fuck off! I don’t want to ever talk to you again!” Katsuki spat and spun on his heel before he could see the hurt on the green haired boy’s face.
After that Katsuki had ignored Izuku and any attempt by the boy to talk to him. He knew it was cowardly and immature. He could have just had a conversation and confronted the nerd. What did he have to be afraid of? It was such a stupid thing to fear. The unknown. The limitless possibility of what could be said and how many of those possibilities would be unwanted. He didn't want to be associated with the nerd anymore or be seen with him.
After a while Izuku would only give a small smile when he saw him. ‘Hi, Kacchan’ was the most he said. So it went that way from then on until high school, when Katsuki went to another district then Izuku and they never saw each other again.
Katsuki scrolled on his phone for a while before pulling himself out of bed. He was usually a morning person but after the awful sleep he had gotten last night, he was in no rush to get up. A distraction is what he needed. Something to take his mind off the thoughts racing at top speed through his mind. His first thought was waking Eijirou up with a kick and making him go for a run. No. He needed space.
The only thing that he could think of was to just simply catch up on schoolwork. He had a rough draft deadline coming up for his History paper. Katsuki still hadn't decided on a topic or time period or anything really. He wasn't a slacker by any means but he wasn't a full time nerd either. He took breaks sometimes.
Katsuki thought to just pull out his laptop and browse through some academic websites or papers. Then he thought against it. Eijirou would wake up and then he wouldn’t get any real peace. His roommate would definitely give him space if needed but Katsuki didn't want to go through the hoops. The boy could be a handful.
The library was a short walk away so Katsuki had the chance to stretch his legs. He usually went to the gym most mornings or at least on a jog. Considering his shitty sleep last night, this would have to suffice for today. The breeze was warm and inviting as it blew through his blonde hair. It was a playful breeze that was soothing. Katsuki closed his eyes as he inhaled the scent of growing things and morning dew.
Spring was easily his favourite season with the gentle weather and the blooming flowers. The opportunity to go for a walk that didn't result in either sweating his balls off or freezing to death was nice too.
His mom would always plant flowers in the early months and wait for them to bloom. She tended to her gardens with such gentle care that he forgot his mothers harsh side for a moment. Mitsuki Bakugou could have a temper like a July hurricane. It must be hereditary.
Katsuki’s favourites were the hydrangea bushes along the sides of the driveway. Large green blooms would burst from the leaves and leave petals along the gravel like a trail. He would always pick them for his mom. Running up to the house with a triumphant smile as if he wrangled her a mountain lion. She always scolded him for clipping her blooms but there was never any fire behind the words. Only a half hearted scolding while she put the stems in a vase she already had prepared.
He would always give some to Izuku as well. Nervous hands would hold onto a bundle of blooms with a neat orange bow as red eyes met green. Mitsuki would help him tie the ribbons himself each time. Each exchange had him just as nervous as the first time he gave them to the green haired boy. Only Izuku knew how to waiver his confidence with just a gap toothed grin paired in front of a pink sunset.
Katsuki opened the large door to the library and stepped inside. The library wasn't grand but it wasn't some small town place either. The campus library was somewhere in between at just the right size. He would admit the smell of books were nice and the quietness of the library was soothing. It combated the angry ball of tension he carried around with him. Katsuki found a table alongside a back wall where he got his notebook out and a textbook. He decided he would give it a go the old fashioned way before depending on modern technology. Said technology being his laptop.
After 30 minutes of flipping through and finding nothing but the same recycled shit, he slammed the book shut in frustration. A few people nearby glared at him but didn’t say anything.
Katsuki ignored them and stared at the blank notebook on the table. Nothing. He had nothing. Sure he could write the same thing that everyone else was probably going to write. Eijirou had said he should just do a popular topic. Find something online that everyone was writing about. The last thing Katsuki wanted to do was follow after everyone else. Of course, he could always wait until something came to mind. He did have plenty of time. No, he didn’t like waiting around. He didn’t have the patience to wait for something. He had too much of a short fuse to deal with it. It would piss him off and he’d move on.
Dejectedly he got up and made his way to the front desk to ask where the History section was. The library wasn’t so big that he couldn’t find it eventually, but it was big enough that he didn’t want to bother.
No one was up there and he looked around a little before noticing a little bell. The ones you would hit when you needed service for something. Katsuki hit it and it chimed out in the quiet space. No answer so a few seconds later he hit it again. He’s impatient, remember?
“Sorry about that,” a voice behind him said. Katsuki turned to see a stack of books walking towards him.
“Whatever,” He replied, “where are your History books?”
The person had started muttering behind the books as they were sat down. “What sort of History books? Are you looking for a certain time period? I can take you to the more modern sections if you want current events. No, you're probably looking for something older. Or else you would just look on the internet. Research paper maybe. Oh! I know. Why don’t you try-”
“Damn, nerd, slow down.”
The person stopped muttering and finally Katsuki saw a head peak up over the books. His stomach fell out of his ass as green curls appeared alongside the leather covers. Green eyes locked onto red as the two boys stood speechless. Neither one of them seemed to be breathing and Katsuki knew he could have heard the sound of a pin dropping. It was a library but whatever, it was still that quiet.
“K-kacchan?” Izuku broke the silence timidly.
Katsuki cursed. What did he do to piss God off so bad that he lined this event up to happen? The green haired boy was staring up at him still frozen. The blonde hadn’t seen him in years but Katsuki still had a few inches on him. Izuku still had baby cheeks despite the adult figure to him but that was the only thing that looked babyish. Scars ran along the backs of his hands and he frowned at them but didn’t say anything. Untold stories the blonde wasn't going to ask about.
Katsuki noticed he looked … sturdier. As if he wasn't the same rail thin boy who could be knocked over by the wind. His eyes went back up to Izuku’s face and his freckles were as vibrant as ever, dusting along his cheeks with several on his nose. Though Katsuki was sure he had even more than he used to.
The green haired boy was standing somewhat awkwardly as Katsuki didn’t respond.
“Nevermind, i’ll come back some other time.” Katsuki spun around but was stopped when a firm hand grabbed his. His muscles tensed and he turned back to see Izuku leaning over the counter and gripping his hand.
“Ah! Sorry!” The boy stammered. “I just … well don’t leave because of me.” He looked at the floor. “Your books are down the fourth aisle on the left wall.”
Katsuki didn’t say anything as he walked towards where he pointed. He tried to ignore the slamming of his heart against his ribcage. Ignore the sweat on his palms and the hair on his neck standing on end. He knew he didn’t go to the library often but he must have gone enough times to have run into Izuku at some point. Did he go to school here? Maybe he moved nearby and just started working at the library. He would have no idea that Katsuki went to school here. Unless of course his mom had told Inko, Izuku’s mom. He bet the old hag had.
Katsuki scanned the shelves until he found a section with rows of historical time periods. He had no idea where to even begin. Picking a thick textbook off the shelf, Katsuki sat down on the floor and leaned his back against the wood framework. He thumbed through the pages on important historical figures and attempted to find one that stuck out to him. The blonde was reading through a section on the French Revolution when he sensed someone watching him. Katsuki glanced up to see the green haired dumbass putting books back a row down.
Izuku had looked over to him but quickly turned away as he met Katsuki’s eyes. He rolled his eyes and tried to concentrate on reading some more. He didn't get very far when someone sat down across from him.
“What are you working on?” Izuku asked him with a curious look.
“None of your damn business, Deku.”
Izuku let out a sigh, “Still the same, I see.”
A silence passed between the two boys until Izuku spoke again. “I didn’t know you went to school up here. What are you studying?”
“How do you know I go here? Been stalking me?” Katsuki sneered and did his best to wish the boy away and out of his sight.
Izuku rolled his eyes. A habit he had picked up from Katsuki, much to Inko’s dismay. “You’re wearing a school sweatshirt.”
Katsuki looked down at the giant ass school logo across his chest. He was such a dumbass. “How do you know this is mine”
Izuku shrugged, “I don’t. Just a lucky guess.” He paused. “So what are you working on?” He repeated and leaned towards Katsuki. It felt as if all the air was sucked out of the entire room.
“Like I said, none of your business.”
Izuku let out a huff as if annoyed. “You’re so irritating.”
Katsuki gave him a long look. Why should this nerd care about talking to him again? God, he was as pathetic as ever. “Well times have changed, Deku. I don’t need a little nerd running after me anymore.”
“I just wanted to have a conversation but fine. Sulk in the corner.” Izuku grumbled as he got up to leave. Katsuki was about to say something then closed his mouth. Let the idiot leave. That was fine by him.
“Wait.” Katsuki said. God, could he just shut the hell up? Izuku turned around with a raised eyebrow. “I’m … working on a research paper for my History class.” Good job Katsuki. What an obvious answer.
Izuku gave a side smile and started back towards Katsuki and sat down across from him. “Do you have a topic in mind?” He said leaning to peer down at the textbook in Katsuki’s lap.
“Obviously not, shit nerd. I’m trying to find one.”
Izuku nodded, brushing off Katsuki’s insult. He hated how easy it felt to fall back into the same routines. “Well I would look for something a little more specific than a book on every time period like … ever. Way too broad. Try looking at research papers. That might give you a better idea of a topic you want to focus on. They might spark an interest in you! Something you hadn’t ev-”
“Slow down, damn.” Katsuki said with a snort that could be mistaken for amusement instead of his obvious irritation, “I can see steam coming out of your ears.”
Izuku’s cheeks turned pink. “Ah sorry. I just go on a ramble when I get excited about something. This reminds me of my own paper I wrote when I first started.”
“I know.”
“You know? How do you-”
“That you like to ramble.” Katsuki stated as if it were obvious, “I still can’t get a single word in around you.”
Izuku looked down at his feet in embarrassment. Almost as if he was unsure of what to say in response. He was silent for a moment but it didn't last long. “What topics interest you?”
“No idea.” Katsuki couldn’t even think of one stupid history subject that might interest him in the slightest. Why would he care about why some idiot declared this war on this country because of some dumbass reason. Or how many wives some old king had. It couldn’t interest Katsuki at all. No.
“That was the whole reason for me coming here. Shitty hair says everyone is just going to write about the first thing to pop up on an internet search or some bullshit like that. I wanted to do something else.”
“Kacchan always has to be different.” Izuku smiled.
“Damn right.”
It was so easy to go back to their old ways. To fall back in that familiar pattern of banter and Katsuki's sarcasm followed by Izuku's tears. However, this was different. Izuku was different. He seemed more mature, more grown, and not so much of a crybaby. Katsuki was sure he could still make him cry if he wanted to. He would store that in his pocket for later.
Later? Would there even be a later? He found himself asking if he even wanted there to be a later. He wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to make stupid Deku cry but he was still pissed at the boy. He had gotten his ass handed to him because of the idiot.
“Kacchan! Let me help you with your paper!” Izuku said and tilted his head. “I am a nerd, remember?”
How could Katsuki not remember? It was the second most common thing he would call the boy. He stared at the green eyed dumbass like he had grown a second head. Had he forgotten that Katsuki couldn't stand him? Had he forgotten the cold shoulder he received for years? There was no way in hell he was going to let Izuku weasel his way back into his life. Not today, not ever. He had too much pent up resentment for that.
“Fine.”
What. The. Fuck.