Chapter Text
The familiar thrum of music reverberated through his chest, racing along in harmony with the steady beat of his heart. It’d been far too long since he’d stood backstage, the roar of the crowd only increasing as his set was announced.
“You ready, Izu?” The greenette turned towards the familiar figure of Mizuki, clad in a lacy, baby pink teddy that left very little to the imagination.
Izuku shot her a confident smile, the beginnings of the song for his new set echoing throughout the club. “Hell yeah.”
He stood from the cool metal bench in the locker room, heels clacking on the tile floor as he walked out the door and down the hall towards the stage, Mizuki a comforting presence at his side. His nerves were alight with anticipation, and suddenly he felt like a teenager again, prepping for his very first gig where the crowd was bigger than just Mizuki. Despite the mild anxiety, Izuku was more than ready to get back to doing something he loved. It’d been a tough few months where his body protested every movement, tremors shaking his hands throughout every exercise prescribed by his physical therapist. And don’t even get him started on the war that’d been raging in his mind like a ragged minefield threatening to go off with a single misstep. He was still learning how to navigate, taking small hesitant steps one at a time, but he’d be damned if he never figured it out.
It's not like he was alone anymore, anyway.
____
Katsuki found himself in a sea of sweaty bodies once again, chest pressed against the edge of the stage. An ember of excitement was smoldering fiercely beneath his ribcage, threatening to burst into an all-out forest fire as Izuku’s words – whispered like honey in his ear as the blonde sucked a hickey to life on his collarbone – echoed throughout his skull.
“Keep your eyes on me, Katsuki.”
He knew the greenette had been excited about this set, but beyond that was a mystery shrouded in lace and glitter. The man had kept him in the dark, giving him nothing but sly smirks and teasing remarks that left him craving more.
And now, after months of waiting, he was finally getting to see what Izuku had worked so hard on, finally getting to quench the thirst that had left him parched.
His eyes zeroed in on the stage as the deep sultry notes of the music started, reverberating through his soul with every beat. The crowd roared as the lights dimmed, dousing the crowd in hazy lilac and rose tones, revealing the tantalizing silhouette he’d grown to love.
No matter how many times he’d seen it, Katsuki could never grow tired of the moment Izuku stepped forward, long sculpted legs walking perfectly to the beat of the song. Hungry eyes raked up his form, taking in the all black ensemble from soft, velvety stilettoes to lacy black thigh highs and matching thong. Garter belts kept everything from slipping as he moved, long sleeved mesh crop top clinging to every dip and curve of his defined chest. Plump lips were painted a delicious crimson with a smoky eye to match and eyeliner sharp enough to kill a man. And at this point, Katsuki would happily be slain by Izuku’s hand.
The hero watched, enraptured as his boyfriend spun around the pole, holding himself up with nothing but the strength of his core and thighs, before effortlessly switching to his arms. He twisted and contorted in ways that left the audience breathless, hoping to catch the dancer’s attention with wads of cash and compliments shouted over the lyrics of the song. But emerald eyes burned for the attention of only one man, contrasting gazes meeting in sporadic bursts that had fireworks exploding in his chest.
Izuku was beautiful and strong with a determined streak to be reckoned with. He was intelligent and funny and kind, and far too forgiving in Katsuki’s opinion. Izuku was all these amazing things, and somehow, he chose to stick by the blonde’s side – a decision he’d never stop appreciating.
Katsuki’s attention was drawn back to the performance as another roar tore itself through the audience as Izuku began his signature crawl across the stage, hungry look in his eyes as he licked cherry red lips. Hands reached out to tuck bills into any fabric they could reach, tracing over freckled skin with reverence, as if the man before them was a deity who’d disappear in an instant.
The blonde smirked as Izuku slowed to a stop before him, lying on his back while slowly thrusting his lace-clad hips in the air, hands running down his chest to tease at his pierced nipples before drifting down the planes of his exposed stomach, stopping mere centimeters above his crotch before making their way back up. Katsuki stood there, captivated by the man before him as he rolled to his hands and knees, back deliciously arched and legs spread, ass in the air like one of the world’s finest feasts.
Izuku moved up from his knees to a squat, straightening his legs with his back still curved before standing fully, snapping his garter belt while flashing the crowd a flirtatious smirk. As the last verse of the song blasted through the club, the greenette lifted a leg corded in thick muscle, pressing the toe of his black stiletto directly into Katsuki’s sternum. Not one to pass up a chance quite literally given to him, Katsuki gently grabbed his ankle and gave a quick, playful bite to his fabric covered calf. Izuku’s eyes darkened with a lustful expression the blonde had grown to crave as he walked back to the pole, finishing off his set with a complex array of moves and a kiss blown to the crowd.
It was safe to say this was Katsuki’s favorite performance yet.
____
“Hey there, cutie.” Izuku said, arms coming to wrap around the slim waist of his boyfriend. A quick flick was delivered to his temple, along with an angry pout.
“Bitch what did I say about calling me that? ‘Sides, I ain’t cute.” Katsuki huffed, shifting in place so he could wrap his own arm around the greenette.
“Oh, is that so?” Izuku couldn’t fight the laughter bubbling up from his chest, fond smile pulling at his face. “Well then, handsome. Why don’t you take me home?”
A smirk took over the blonde’s face, along with the faintest dusting of a blush along his cheeks. “Fuck yeah I’m handsome,” crimson eyes glanced down at him, brimming with affection. “And don’t you forget it, shorty.”
Izuku gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “I could never forget, Kacchan!” A small bundle of satisfaction bloomed in his chest as the blush on Katsuki’s cheeks darkened, along with unintelligible embarrassed grumbling as they made their way to the sleek black motorcycle parked a few feet away. He slid in place behind the blonde, happily wrapping his arms around his torso and resting his head between toned shoulder blades. His eyes drifted shut, taking a moment to let his body relax on the drive home.
Home.
It was still such a foreign word laced with layer upon layer of complexity to Izuku, sitting heavy in the air whenever it was spoken. When he was younger it was a word that left him feeling warm, the smell of Katsudon filling their small yet comfortable apartment. After they’d moved it’d started getting burned and torn around the edges, with his mother always absent and a school hell that left him bloody and bruised. Then his mother got hurt, and in an instant his home and every good thing with it burned to a pile of smoldering ash, leaving him covered in burns that never seemed to heal. Izuku was even convinced that he’d never have that warmth again, never have a place where he felt comfortable and loved.
But then, in a twist of fate that could make a romance movie jealous, Katsuki had fallen in his lap – or, well, Izuku into Katsuki’s. And now that warmth was back ten-fold, leaving him sweet and gooey like chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. It was first class, emotional whiplash that left him a reeling mess on the floor, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The duo pulled up into the parking garage of their familiar complex, exhaustion slowly seeping into their bones on the elevator ride up. The heavy metal door slid open with a soft ding, interrupting the comfortable silence between them. Izuku stepped forward, turning to the man right behind him.
“I know it’s late but…I was thinking of taking a bath.” He stepped forward into the others space, looking up to meet crimson eyes. “You’re always welcome to join…”
Warm, calloused hands found their way to his hips, slipping beneath the loose material of his shirt to rub soothing shapes onto his skin. They slipped down to grab his thighs, lifting the greenette in the air with nothing but pure, attractive strength until he could wrap muscled legs around Katsuki’s waist. A giggle bubbled up from Izuku’s chest, affection burning bright throughout his being as he draped his arms over the blonde’s shoulders.
“I mean, who am I to turn down such a tempting invitation?” Katsuki murmured, voice deep and gravelly in a way that sent shivers racing down the dancer’s spine. Big hands inched up until they cupped his ass, giving it a generous squeeze as he walked down the hallway, footsteps echoing on the hardwood floors. Katsuki shifted all of Izuku’s weight to one arm, muscles flexing at the strain as he opened the bathroom door and flicked on the lights.
Could he have asked Izuku to do it for him? Yes. Did he like to show off from time to time? Abso-fucking-lutely.
The blonde placed him gently on the counter, slotted between his open legs. His lips were captured in a searing kiss, chests pressed flush together as rough hands found their way up Izuku’s shirt once again, counting his ribs before dipping back down. Every graze of his fingertips left a trail of electricity in their wake that sent shivers down his spine.
Never one to be outdone, the greenette curled his pointer fingers into the belt loops of Katsuki’s tight jeans and yanked, earning a surprised gasp from the hero – the only opening Izuku needed to slip his tongue past the blonde’s lips and deepen the kiss. His blunt fingernails dug crescents into the soft flesh of Izuku’s hips, leaving a delicious sting that had blood roaring through his veins.
All too soon Katsuki pulled away, lips bruised and slick with spit from their impromptu make out session. “Fuck…” His hands fumbled as he stepped to the side, blindly turning on the shower before slipping back into his rightful place between Izuku’s thighs. The blonde bent down to nip at his collarbone, leaving a trail of soft kisses and hickeys up the column of his throat before stealing his lips once again.
Izuku pulled at the soft material of Katsuki’s shirt, suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to feel the press of skin against his own; the fast beat of a heart beneath his palm. A deep rumble reverberated through the chest before him as Katsuki seemingly took all the time in the world to pull off his shirt, revealing inch by tantalizing inch of tanned muscle, thoroughly enjoying the way emerald eyes hungrily raked over every bit. Izuku reached forward to feel – to run his hands down anything and everything he could touch – but his boyfriend stepped out of range with a sly smirk, eyebrow raised as he wagged his pointer finger in front of his face.
“Nuh huh shorty, this isn’t a one-sided show.” He gestured to Izuku’s clothes, intent so obvious he could reach out and grab it from the air. “Off.”
With the patience of a rampaging lion Izuku tore of his shirt, throwing it to the side to land somewhere unknown on the floor, pants quickly following. He slid off the counter and flashed a sultry look over his shoulder, fingers toying with the elastic of his underwear.
You gonna join me handsome?”
Katsuki flashed him a predatory smirk and eyes dark with lust, a look that promised he wouldn’t be able to walk in the morning.
Not that Izuku was complaining.
____
Izuku adjusted the tie of his suit, wide eyes taking in the array of pro heroes around him in the massive building. There was Fat Gum and Midnight and – oh! Was that Hawks?!
“You look like a kid in a candy shop.” Murmured Katsuki, breath ghosting against his ear and arm a protective weight around his waist.
“I’m surrounded by pro heroes! Who wouldn’t be at least a little excited?” He was practically bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, face bright with childlike joy.
“Fuckin’ nerd.” Katsuki said, voice heavy with affection.
“Don’t act like you’re any less of a nerd than me, Kacchan,” Izuku said, finger gently poking into his sternum. “I’ve seen your collection of All Might comics…and merch…oh and that one plushie-”
A warm hand covered his mouth, cutting off his bright laughter, but unable to hide the pleased crinkle of his eyes. “And you’ll keep that a secret unless you want me to explode your ass, Deku.” Katsuki whispered, amusement taking the edge from his threat.
Izuku grinned, standing on his tippy toes until his lips brushed the shell of his boyfriend’s ear. “Oh? That sounds kinky, I can’t wait Katsuki.” A surge of pride raced like fire through his veins at the stuttered breath of the powerful man beside him, adams apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly, grip tightening ever so slightly around his waist. He’d never get over the fact that such a simple phrase or expression could have the man on his knees, and vice versa. It was a power high that sent shivers down his spine, arousal heavy in the air.
“You little shit-” Katsuki rasped, voice husky and pupils blown wide as his tongue darted out to wet petal pink lips. He was cut off by the dimming of the lights, the familiar voice of Present Mic pouring throughout the large building.
“Could all the guests please make their way to their seats, and the designated heroes to the back rooms! The official hero ranking event will begin shortly!”
Katsuki sighed, reluctantly pulling away from the greenette. Izuku could feel the nervous energy radiating from the blonde, despite the confident face he always wore like a mask, protecting himself and keeping everyone at a safe distance. Taking a small moment before he stepped away, Izuku grabbed his hand, lifting the appendage do deliver a feather soft kiss to his scarred knuckles.
“You’ll do great, I know it.”
Katsuki gave him a small smile, the tension in his shoulders easing minutely. “Thanks.”
“Now go kick ass.”
“Of fucking course I will, who do you think I am?” Katsuki scoffed, that familiar smirk playing on his face as he turned away and walked towards a door tucked away in the corner, guarded by a man who looked to be made of nothing but corded muscle. They exchanged a few words before the shiny black door was opened and Katsuki walked inside, disappearing behind the reinforced steel. A small sigh escaped Izuku’s lungs as he drifted with the crowd, everyone filing in to the massive, two-tiered auditorium that curved around a wide stage draped in crimson satin curtains. He made his way towards a woman manning a small hallway that forked off the left of the main seating area, flashing her a bright smile along with the special pass tucked safely in his breast pocket. She gave him a silent nod, skin shimmering ever so slightly under the dim lights as she led him away, carpeted floor slowly inclining before they stopped at a door marked with nothing but a number one right in the middle.
“These are your seats, if you need anything else just let me or any of the other staff know.”
“Oh-um alright. Thank you.” Izuku stammered, an embarrassed flush creeping its way up the back of his neck.
“I hope you enjoy the show…” She went to turn around, but paused as indecision tore at her frame. “It may seem unprofessional of me, however…In all the years I’ve worked here, Ground Zero has never brought a special guest. Not even his parents or a friend. I think…I think that makes you quite special.” With that she turned away, lilac curls bouncing with every step. Izuku stood there dumfounded, mouth gaping like a fish out of water as his cheeks slowly dyed themselves a rosy pink. His heart fluttered at the outright confirmation of their relationship, making him feel like a love-struck teenager all over again.
With a shake of his head he pushed open the door, eyes taking in the small balcony suite that was nestled a few feet below the second tier, giving him a perfect view of the stage while curtains to either side hid him from any prying eyes. A mini bar backlit with warm lights was tucked in the corner, and Izuku took a moment to pour himself a small glass of scotch as his eyes took in the rest of the room. The floor was a rich hardwood, softened by an ornate rug with a small, two cushion couch right in the middle, midnight blue velvet soft beneath his touch as he sat down.
The unintelligible murmurs of the crowd floated up to his perch, the volume only growing as more and more people made their way inside, everyone dressed to the nines. Just as the voices were growing to an all time high, the lights shut off completely, causing an anticipatory hush to fall over the building, Izuku included. A spotlight suddenly flipped on, focusing on the form of present mic, usual hero attire replaced with a fashionable suit.
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND EVERYONE INBETWEEN, ARE YOU REAAAAAADY?”
The audience roared back, a mix of hollering and clapping that only quieted as the hero raised his hand.
“AS YOU ALL KNOW, TONIGHT IS THE HEAVILY ANTICIPATED HERO BILLBOARD AWARDS!” The crowd rose to a crescendo once again, somehow growing louder every time. “I HOPE Y’ALL ARE READY BECAUSE TONIGHT IS GOING TO BE ONE FOR THE BOOKS!”
The curtains dramatically rose, revealing bright silvery lights shining from the back of the stage, silhouetting the powerful figures of the upcoming top ten. Izuku couldn’t stop the snort escaping his nose, finding the scene oddly familiar to his routines at Paper Moon.
“BEFORE WE CAN GET TO THE MAIN EVENT YOU’RE ALL ITCHING FOR, LET’S HEAR A WORD FROM A RETIRED PRO WE ALL LOVE AND ADMIRE, ALL MIIIIIIIIIGHT!”
The tall, lanky form of the former number one hero walked on stage with a wave, iconic smile on his face as the crowd went absolutely bat shit crazy. Izuku felt the familiar flame of admiration for the hero burning deep in his chest, fanning the embers of a dream long abandoned. Present Mic pulled the emaciated hero into a jovial hug, slapping his back a few times before stepping away, handing him a microphone with an encouraging smile and two thumbs up.
All Might’s gentle laughter reverberated through the room as he lifted the microphone to his face, turning fully to face the crowd. “It makes me beyond happy to see all the faces that came out tonight, supporting the heroes who sacrifice so much to make the world a better place…” He paused, electric blue eyes taking in the audience before he cleared his throat and continued. “I know that, since my sudden retirement, it’s been anything but easy, however the new generation of heroes took that weight upon their shoulders with raw determination and smiles on their faces, despite the toll it may take – the blood and tears they would shed. And I can say without a doubt that I’ve never been prouder to see them rise above it all and do better than I ever did. That’s why I have been given the absolute honor of announcing this year’s top ten!”
Izuku sipped at his drink, feeling warm and fuzzy at the acknowledgement (from fucking All Might) that all the hard work he’d witnessed Katsuki and his friends go through every single day was worth it. Every bruise and drop of crimson were worth it when the end goal left people feeling safe in their homes. That didn’t mean being a hero was easy by any means, the greenette had held his boyfriend as he cried for those he couldn’t save often enough to know that it was a profession that wore away at your soul.
“So, without further ado, let us begin!” Orchestral music drifted around the massive room, fading to a quiet hum as the former symbol of peace began to speak again. “In tenth place, we have the wonderful hero known throughout the country for her daring marine rescues: Froppy!”
A bright light lit up one of the silhouettes, revealing the small hero who waved happily while the rest remained shrouded in darkness. Izuku clapped as more and more heroes were revealed, whooping when Kirishima was announced in eighth and Ochako in seventh. Finally, only three figures remained, and the greenette was practically bouncing in his seat with his drink empty and long forgotten in favor of finding out the top three. The crowd seemed to be following a similar mindset, the entire building thrumming with anticipation as All Might paused dramatically.
“The hero in third, is one known for his smile and desire to save one million lives: Lemillion!”
Izuku felt his heart skip a beat, hands trembling ever so slightly with excitement. No matter how the next two places turned out, Katsuki would have placed higher than he ever had before – all it would take was a single moment, a simple sentence, to determine whether or not his dream was finally in his hands.
“And now, for the final two – the top heroes of our society risking hand and foot every day to defeat the evil lurking in our streets. Now, for the current number one hero, the man known for his explosive personality-” Izuku launched himself across the minimal space towards the balcony, practically dangling off the railing as tears gathered in his eyes, “-and absolute voracity on the field: GROUND ZERO!”
The light highlighted the final two figures, illuminating the cocky smirk gracing his boyfriend’s face, an expression that was barely holding back the tidal wave of shock and joy and pure, utter happiness. The audience practically lost it at the announcement, the cacophony of clapping and screams turning to an outright standing ovation almost drowning out All Might congratulating Todoroki for getting second place.
Izuku barely registered the stray tears dripping down his chin as he sprinted from the private booth and down the hall, idly flashing his pass to the intimidating guard from earlier. The second the heavy door was opened wide enough for him to slip through he was off again, dress shoes clacking loudly on the wood floors as he whipped around another corner, a familiar shock of ashy blonde hair catching his eye.
“Kacchan!” He launched himself like a bullet into the man’s chest, wrapping his arms round his neck and legs around his waist as the hero spun him around, both unable to contain the bright laughter escaping their lips. “You did it! I knew you could, and you’re the youngest ever to be number one!” His feet touched the ground a few seconds later, but the duo remained in their embrace. “I always knew you were amazing, ever since we were kids.”
“God you’re a fuckin’ sap, you know that?” Katsuki murmured, voice thick with emotion. He’d vehemently deny the fact that tears were gathered in the corners of his eyes, blinking rapidly to clear his vision. It felt as if everything had finally aligned, somehow giving him not only his life long dream but the person he loved and could wake up to every morning. It was a blessing he’d never take for granted, since he knew all to well how easily it could shatter.
So, fuck that bullshit where he sits hesitantly by the sidelines waiting for something to happen. Katsuki was going to embrace the moment and every little thing it could give him, like granules of sugar dissolving on his tongue.
“I love you a lot, even if you are a fucking dork.” He said, resting his chin upon Izuku’s head, green curls tickling his cheeks.
A rosy blush spread across the dancer’s cheeks, highlighting every freckle in gentle tandem. “I love you too, cutie.”
“Oh, you son of a bitch-”
____
The couple walked up the wooden steps, warm autumn breeze caressing their smiling faces as anticipation built up like a tidal wave in their bellies. Multicolored flowers bloomed vibrantly in front of the porch, the front yard dappled in golden light and shifting shadow from the tall maple tree in the front yard.
Katsuki looked down at him with a small, nervous smile, ruby eyes glittering with excitement. “You ready, shorty?”
Izuku interlocked their fingers, turning to the door before them that embodied a new chapter of their lives – a house for just the two of them. “Let’s do this.”
The keys jangled softly as Katsuki unlocked the door, swinging it open to reveal the place they had been in only a week prior to sign the final papers. The house was modern but homely and inviting with big windows that let the light filter throughout the living room and kitchen. Izuku pulled the blonde passed the piles of boxes and furniture they’d already moved in, excitedly talking away at everything they could do, all the possibilities that were open to them.
“-and we can put plants in the kitchen and you can finally grow that herb garden you always wanted! And we can paint this wall with something cool toned – a light blue maybe? And the throw pillows on the couch could have some blue in them too to tie everything together. Oh! Is it alright if we turn that one room next to the bathroom down here into a small library…? I’ve always wanted something like that, but, well, it’s not like I had the space or money to do it.”
Izuku paused in his tracks halfway up the stairs, suddenly realizing the possible implications of his words. “uH not that I’m with you just for the money – I mean at this point I hoped that’d be obvious that I’m with you cause you’re an amazing person and-”
Katsuki cut him off with a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose, smirk pulling at his lips and ears tinged the softest shade of pink. “I know you’re not just here for my paycheck dumbass, I would’ve kicked your ass to the curb a million years ago if you were so you can chill. Now help me unpack some shit and you can go back to telling me all the places we can put plants, alright?”
The greenette nodded enthusiastically, making his way up the rest of the stairs to the second floor. The master bedroom was large, with their new canopy bed already set up and boxes stacked in the corner. Big windows let the afternoon light fill up the room, making everything feel fresh and cozy. A walk-in closet was set into the far-right wall, a large bathroom with beautiful white tile right next to it.
It wasn’t the couple’s first or even second time seeing the room, but every time without fail it took their breath away. Sure, Katsuki’s old place had been wonderful in its own way but this…this was something that was completely and utterly theirs. The blonde wrapped his arms around the dancer’s trim waist from behind, delivering a tender kiss right where the junction of his jaw met his ear.
“Let’s get down to business, nerd.”
Izuku hummed in agreement, reluctantly pulling away from their embrace to approach the pile of boxes. There weren’t many, but just enough that it only took an hour or two to put their clothes away, pictures on the walls, sheets and pillows on their bed and anything else in their new place. The duo took on the kitchen and part of the living room next, working well into the night as stars glittered in the sky. They practically collapsed in their room, deciding to use the rest of the week to finish unpacking and to take a visit to their local hardware store to build the shelves for Izuku’s little library…and who knows, maybe the greenette could convince him to buy some plants.
____
“Kaaaachan, come back! I need your help!” Izuku said, tugging on the blonde’s arm as he tried desperately to escape.
“I’m not fuckin’ helping you pick between two identical shades of red, dipshit. Just grab one, it’s just a house warming party they’re not gonna care about the tablecloths.” Katsuki groaned, looking over the two packages. They had this exact conversation at the store, and in a fit of frustration he’d just bought both cause they’re both. fucking. red.
“It might just be a house warming party, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look good.” He said, the smallest of frowns pulling at his plush lips. It made Katsuki’s heart crumble into a billion pieces and his already flimsy will bend like a straw. Stupid feelings.
“Fucking fine…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he stared intently at the identical packages. “I like the one on the right, I guess.”
Izuku took a few seconds to contemplate the decision, before reaching forward to grab the tablecloth with a nod of approval. “Good choice, a darker color will provide a good contrast.” He spun on his heels towards the two tables set up in the backyard, shaded by the tall trees around them. Katsuki decided to push away the mind fuck of the past few minutes to the depths of his subconscious as he walked inside, grabbing the bowls and plates of food he’d spent the past two days making.
The sound of the doorbell had the greenette jogging from the backyard through the house, opening the door with a flourish and a bright smile as he greeted the first arrival.
“Kiri! It’s so nice to see you!” He said, immediately being enveloped in a one-armed hug.
“It’s good to see you too! Your house is amazing!” Kirishima gushed as he stepped into the entryway. “Oh! And I got you guys a housewarming gift!” He added, hand coming up to scratch the back of his head.
Katsuki listened with a fond smile as Izuku babbled his thanks and how nice it was, practically sensing that the nerd’s eyes were misting up with happy tears. Their little back and forth conversation of compliments was interrupted by another ring of the doorbell, causing Izuku to continue his impromptu role of host.
Katsuki only had a seconds warning before an arm was slung over his shoulder, the annoyingly vivacious red head he called his best friend grinning at him mischievously.
“Soooooo how are things with Midoriya hmmmMMm?” He half whispered, playfully bumping his hips against Katsuki’s own.
The blonde glanced away, unable to hide the look on his face. “Things are…fine.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold my ass. Fine translates to the ultimate level of fucked up, are things really that bad with you guys?”
“Wait-what the fuck shitty hair? Things are great with us -” He paused, suddenly finding interest in his scuffed-up boots as his brows furrowed in frustration. “I’m the one with a problem…”
“Oh, can you not get it up or something? Don’t worry that’s perfectly natural-”
“Will you shut the hell up before I break your spine and use your corpse as a fucking mop? I can get it up more than fine thank you very much.” He hissed, threat lacking any real venom as the sound of Izuku’s melodious laughter echoed down from the second floor. “This is a different dilemma – or, well, question? I just don’t fucking know how-”
He was cut off by Mina and Ochako bounding into the room, all smiles and giggles in their shorts and tank tops. They rushed towards the two like sharks sensing blood, grins sending a feeling of foreboding weighing heavy in his chest, and all he could think was a simple uh oh before they pounced.
“Heyyy do I sense some gossip? The good shit? The tea? My reason for living?” Pinky practically purred, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet.
“What, no-”
“Don’t try and deny it, Blondie, we could smell it the second we walked in.” Round face said, face mildly threatening as her hand rested on her hip.
“What the fuck? Are you two dogs or some shit?”
“Nuh huh, don’t try to avoid it mister. Fucking spill.” She demanded, her entire aura practically screaming that she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Uh, well, you see-”
“Hey what’s up you beautiful bitches? How have you been, tell me every nasty detail it’s what I thrive off of.” Denki said, literally sliding into the conversation in a pair of bright yellow crocs, cut off jean shorts and a silky, short sleeved cheetah patterned button up with only the bottom three done up.
“Get the fuck out of my house with that abomination.” Katsuki said, gesturing to Denki as a whole because every single thing was a monstrosity on its own, let alone in some nightmare fuel mashup that would haunt his dreams till he died.
“Nope! Not until you tell us whatever’s going on, Bakubro.” Kirishima said in a sing song voice, clearly pledging his allegiance to the other assholes he used to call friends.
“Traitor.” He murmured accusingly, silently accepting his fate of suffering the universe had none too kindly thrown at him like a fisherman casting out his net.
“Okay, like I was telling shitty hair before someone-” he glared pointedly at the two women who held no shame for their actions, “-rudely interrupted me, I have a…dilemma. About Deku.”
Their expressions were various ones of curiosity and concern, but they all stayed silent, patiently waiting for Katsuki to continue. He took a few seconds to calm the sudden racing of his heart, nerves going haywire with anticipation.
“I…I want to ask him to marry me, but…I’m not quite sure how? Like I know he’s not into big public things and thank fuck cause neither am I, but I don’t want it to be some shitty proposal? Ya know? He doesn’t deserve that.”
The group was silent for a beat, eyes wide and jaws slack like fish struggling for air. After a second passed, they exploded in a whirlwind of whispered questions and congratulations, even though he hadn’t even fucking asked the question yet (he wouldn’t deny that it gave him a much-needed boost of confidence and soothed his nerves – their undying faith in the fact that Izuku would say yes).
“So, do you want ideas?” Todoroki asked, scaring the shit out of everyone as he appeared from the shadows like some eldritch being.
“Uh, yeah if you have any.” Katsuki said over the whispers of ‘what the fuck’, actively denying the fact that he had jumped a bit in surprise.
“Well, I agree with you on not doing anything public or with a crowd, Midoriya isn’t that type of person.” Todoroki said, earning nods of agreement from the rest of their group.
“Yeah! I feel like Mido would kick your ass if you did a public thing, so maybe do something like…cooking him his favorite meal?” Ochako said, hopping up to sit on the counter, feet swaying before bouncing against the cupboards.
“Do you know where you can get a hundred doves? Now that’s some romantic shit right there. Oh! What about a panther? That’s romantic and sexy.”
“Denki, no.” Kirishima said, looking like a disapproving parent as he started pulling the electric blonde towards the backyard. “Bakugou, just…do something to show you care, that you listen to things he says and does. Do what you do best: be yourself and I know you’ll figure something out.”
Katsuki felt warmth blooming in his chest at the words, soothing over any anxieties that had been slowly festering like open wounds. He opened his mouth to thank his best friend, but froze as an idea hit him like a sledgehammer through drywall.
“Oh shit, I think our boy has something.”
____
Katsuki waited nervously by the door, watching small snowflakes drift lazily past to land on the grass and disappear. It was late February, and even though the weather was warming up there were still days where clouds covered the skies and temperatures liked to dip into degrees that were less than comfortable, in his opinion.
“Sorry, I realized I should probably grab a jacket.” Izuku said, smiling adorably as he rushed down the stairs in one of Katsuki’s sweaters. “So, where are we going?”
The blonde stared at him, unamused as he linked their hands together, quickly opening the front door. “I already told you it was a surprise, shorty. You’re just gonna have to wait and find out.”
Izuku huffed as he pulled their hands apart to slip on a beanie, quickly rejoining them a second later. “I know, but that doesn’t stop me from being curious.”
“Well you’re gonna be curious for awhile cause I got a thing or two planned.”
Izuku paused their journey down the quiet street, looking up at him with wide eyes. “There’s multiple things? What type of adventure are we going on?”
Katsuki tugged him gently until they were moving again, shoulders bumping as their breath puffed like smoke in the cold air. “A fucking good one, that’s what.”
Izuku’s laugh drifted through the air, twisting and turning with the snowflakes as they fell from the sky. They walked down the street in comfortable silence, taking in the neighborhood around them that they were just getting used to, everything drenched in the golden light of late afternoon. They turned one last corner and emerged on a side street near the main road, lined with cute little shops and people drifting up and down the sidewalk peering in.
Another minute passed before Katsuki paused, turning to Izuku with a mischievous grin. “Close your eyes, shorty.”
The greenette shot him a suspicious look, earning him a huff of exasperation before he slowly closed his eyes. Katsuki tugged gently on their linked hands, guiding him some where down and to the left, footsteps pattering quietly on the concrete.
Suddenly they stopped, the blonde separating their hands only to replace it a second later by wrapping an arm around his waist. “You can open your eyes now.”
Izuku was half tempted to keep his eyes closed just for a little taste of revenge, but decided against it as the anticipation roiling in his stomach finally won out. The sight before him was a simple one, yet sent spikes of confusion shooting through his veins. Before them stood a small, two story building with big glass windows in the front letting them glimpse the expanse of hardwood floors and walls lined with mirrors. Above the door “Glass Star Dance Studio” was printed in bold yet elegant writing.
“Why are we at a dance studio…?” Izuku whispered, worried that if he spoke too loudly the delicate feeling blooming in his chest would shatter into a million pieces.
“It’s not just any dance studio,” Katsuki murmured, pulling him infinitely closer, “It’s your dance studio, if you want it that is.”
Izuku stared at him with wide eyes slowly filling with tears, brain somehow running a million miles a minute and short circuiting at the same time. His…?
Apparently, the silence had sent Katsuki spluttering, cheeks dyed red as he looked at their shoes. “I just, remember you saying how you wanted to teach but didn’t know if you ever could so…now you can.”
“Oh, Kacchan,” Izuku cried, voice breaking as he practically threw himself into his boyfriend’s arms. “It’s perfect.”
He could feel a few stray tears painting their way down the curve of his cheeks as Katsuki pulled him closer, the rapid beat of his heart ricocheting like a bullet in his ear.
“Do you wanna go inside?” The blonde murmured into his hair, fingers gently cording through the baby hairs at the back of his neck.
Izuku nodded eagerly, furiously wiping the tears from his face with a smile. “I’d love to.”
Katsuki pulled out a set of keys from his pocket, stepping forward to unlock the glass door before them. The building was even nicer than it appeared with a small waiting area off to the left, lined with plush chairs for parents to sit and watch their children. The duo walked down a small hallway to the right, leading to another, slightly smaller room separated from the rest. He pushed open the door and once again had to stop himself from crying at the sight of rows of poles spaced evenly apart, bolted securely to the hardwood floor and ceiling.
“I was thinking that, if you wanted, you could teach normal and adult classes – expand your audience to include more people.”
Izuku walked forward to wrap his hand around one of the poles, physically unable to put his emotions into words. How was he even supposed to begin to explain how grateful he was to have the fiery hero in his life, the boundless happiness he’d given him over the last two and a half years despite the ups and downs. He was practically bursting with emotions that swirled in his core, the most prominent being the simple fact that he loved this man with every fiber of his being.
“There’s one more thing to show you.”
Izuku whipped around so fast he was sure he’d given himself whiplash, slack jawed as he looked at Katsuki. “There’s more?”
“I told you there were multiple things, dumbass. Let’s go.” He held out his hand for the greenette, leading him back the way they came until they were out on the street once again. He locked the door before turning on his heel, making his way down a side alley big enough for a small car that wrapped around the back of the studio.
A steel staircase made its way up the back of the building, leading to a door on the second story. Katsuki once again led him up, unlocking the unassuming door before stepping aside to let him in.
“No fucking way.” Izuku gasped, taking in the tiny office slash apartment nestled above the studio. It had three rooms, the biggest being a living room with a small table and couch with a kitchen tucked against the far wall. The other two were a small office with a big window that overlooked the street and an adjacent bedroom.
“I know that no matter what I say, you’re going to overwork yourself sooner or later and I’d rather have you sleeping somewhere safe than passing out on the street.”
“Awww, he cares.” Izuku said, closing the distance until there wasn’t even an inch between them. He stood on his tippy toes, capturing the hero’s lips in a tender kiss.
Katsuki pulled away after a few seconds, delivering another small kiss to his forehead. “I always have.”
“Wow, that’s gay.”
“We’ve fucked – I’ve literally been inside you.”
“And that’s super gay.” Izuku giggled, features soft with happiness. He sighed with content as he leaned forward until his head was resting on Katsuki’s sternum, feeling more balanced than he had in years.
“I still can’t wrap my head around all of this if I’m being honest, it doesn’t quite feel real.” He laughed softly, the tears he suppressed so far overwhelming him all at once.
Katsuki squeezed him tighter, rubbing comforting patterns up his spine. “What’s wrong shorty?”
“Nothing’s wrong, I just – you’ve done so much for me and keep doing things for me and sometimes I just wonder why, ya know? I know I shouldn’t but-”
His boyfriend held him closer, heart rate picking up ever so slightly. “The reason why…is cause you mean so much to me and – this is cheesy but fuck everything – I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Deku.”
Rendering the greenette speechless seemed to be the current trend of the night as he stared up at Katsuki, tears having frozen along with his stuttering lungs. It didn’t help when the blonde dropped to one knee, sheepish smile on his face.
“I don’t have a ring or necklace or anything since they’d get in the way of our jobs but…will you marry me, Izuku?”
The tears only fell faster down Izuku’s cheeks as a bright smile that rivaled the sun spread across his face. “Of course I will.”
____
Izuku laughed happily next to his husband, hands intertwined as they watched people dance across the small courtyard. It’d been a chaotic day with a whirlwind of emotions that’d put any rollercoaster to shame, but the greenette wouldn’t change it for the world. He loved the man next to him with every fiber of his being, and knew without a doubt the feeling was reciprocated one hundred percent.
The duo sat comfortably at their table beneath the night sky, drenched in the soft saccharine glow of fairy lights woven throughout the branches stretching above their heads. The wedding had been a small one with just their family and friends, something close and intimate that only a few would know about. They had done all the planning throughout the months together, not one thing decided solely by the other. It was a perfect mesh of the two – representation of who they were and who they’re going to be.
Izuku had known he was going to cry and accepted that fact without shame, but when he’d stepped up next to Katsuki in their matching white suits and said their vows; the greenette cried even harder when he saw twin tears rolling down the blonde’s cheeks, dripping down the sharp plane of his jaw.
And now here they were, Izuku’s head resting on his husband’s shoulder as their guests enjoyed the drinks and music.
“Hey Kacchan,” Izuku murmured, thumb rubbing soothing circles into the other man’s knuckles. The hero hummed softly in confirmation, wrapping his arm around the greenette’s waist. “Do you wanna get out of here?”
Katsuki looked down at him with a smirk, crimson eyes seemingly on fire beneath the golden lights. He stood beside him, holding out his hand for the dancer to take. “Let’s go shorty.”
They practically ran to the sleek motorcycle parked amongst the other cars, laughing the entire way as they slipped on their helmets and reeved the powerful engine. They were still giggling as they pulled up to their home, lips locked the instant the door closed behind them, Katsuki slamming him into the nearest wall.
Izuku keened into the kiss as a powerful hand grasped his thigh, teeth nipping playfully at his bottom lip. His scarred, nimble fingers were quick to undo the buttons keeping him from that delicious chest, revealing inch by tantalizing inch of muscle. The second he was done, Izuku leaned forward and peppered kisses along the blonde’s throat, sucking a dark bruise on his pulse point, earning a deep moan that was rich like chocolate.
“Fuck – baby I want you so bad-” The harsh ring of Izuku’s phone cut off his husband, sending a spike of annoyance like a lance through both their chests. “I swear to God I’m going to murder whoever that is, heroics be damned.” Katsuki grumbled, resting his head on the greenette’s shoulder, hot breath ghosting over his skin.
“I’m sorry,” He said breathlessly, reaching quickly into his pocket to silence the stupid thing, only to pause at the number. “It’s the hospital, I forgot they called every Thursday to give me updates. It should be really quick, okay?”
A small kiss to his shoulder and an incomprehensible grumble was his only answer, pulling a small giggle from his lips as he answered the phone. “Hi, this is Memorial Hospital, am I speaking to Midoriya Izuku?”
He instantly recognized the voice of the doctor who’d been assigned to his mother’s case almost a year ago, coming to him like an angel with hope in the form of a new drug – ironically derived from some of the findings in The Jackal’s home.
“This is he, is everything alright?”
“Yes, in fact everything is more than alright. I’m calling to update you on her condition.”
Katsuki moved his hands from his thighs to the dip of his hips, rubbing soothing patterns into the skin. “How is she? Any changes?”
Izuku could hear the smile in the woman’s voice as she spoke, professional tone replaced with unadulterated joy.
“Well, you see Mr. Midoriya…she’s awake.”