Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Mina! Truth or dare?" Ochako was grinning wildly, liquid sloshing over the cup in her hand as she pointed a finger at her next victim. Unsurprisingly, Mina didn't look too upset at the question, tapping a finger to her chin comically as she pondered her answer.

It was a rare night off for class 3A, the last Friday of the month where all the students were relieved of their duties.

How else would they spend it if not getting hammered in the common room once Aizawa had signed off for the evening?

Izuku was beginning to wonder just how he found himself sat in a circle of his friends, knocking back beers in cans and bottles as well as some lethal concoction Yaoyorozu managed to conjure up (look, they were poor third years with no ID's - how else were they supposed to have their fun?).

He couldn't remember who proposed the game truth or dare, or what in his right mind made him agree to it. But alas, here he was, cheeks flushed and can in hand as he watched everyone take their turns.

"Hurry the fuck up Raccoon Eyes, we haven't got all fucking day!"

Ah.

There was Izuku's motivation to play.

He just wanted to join in the game because how would it look if Kacchan, the biggest grump in the class, was joining in and he wasn't?

It's not that he had a crush, absolutely not. More of a grotesquely huge amount of awe for his incredible talent, and an admiration for how courageous he was and an intrigue in how his lips taste-

That was the beer talking, Izuku's sure of it.

There's nothing about the cut of his jaw, the softness of his lips or the fluffiness of his hair that attracted Izuku at all. No way had he imagined how it would feel to run his hand through blonde spikes, sit on thick thighs or lick the skin on his neck-

"Truth!" Mina finally squealed, snapping Izuku out of his daze. He blinked himself back in the room, downing the rest of his beer can before deciding that was definitely enough alcohol for one night.

"Fuck, marry kill - Kirishima, Bakugou and Kaminari!" Ochako seemed to have anticipated Mina choosing truth, not hesitating to dish out the prompt.

"That's too hard, they're like annoying brothers god dammit," Mina groaned, hands coming up to cover her cheeks, ignoring the offended 'oi's and 'hey's she got in response.

Izuku huffed a laugh at how pained Mina looked, he's not even seen her take homework this seriously before.

"Okay, okay. Kill Denki, sorry babe but we might as well be blood relatives and I refuse to see you as anything else. Marry...Eij because he's a sweetheart, and fuck Kats because his abs are insane and I'm a masochist," she listed out her answers and reasonings, standing and bowing dramatically once she was finished.

Everyone whooped and cheered, except Kaminari who was mock crying on Sero's shoulder who was patting him on the head in a 'there there' motion.

"Can't argue with that, heavy on the last one," Ochako clinked her cup against Mina's beer bottle, both of them dissolving in fits of giggles at Kacchan's gaping mouth. Izuku also almost lifted his own, now empty, can to agree.

"Zuku! Your go, truth or dare?" Mina called over once the laughter and chatter had died down from her turn.

Izuku didn't know how he should play this; either he risks a truth and thus risk exposing himself and his crush (which isn't a crush! but it was definitely the closest thing he had in the class so any romantic questions would have him screwed) or risk a dare where, again he might make a fool of himself. Shit, everyone's looking at him he just needs to choose one and surely it can't be too bad, they're his classmates after all. Shit, they can be evil if they want to be, a dare would be too risky but then how is it any better than a truth? God, Izuku just choose-

"Dare."

Fuck it, it's only a game, and with the alcohol swimming in his veins Izuku is willing to do anything!

"I dare you to lick the ear of the person you find most attractive," Kaminari slurred.

Anything except that.

Like hell is he licking Kacchan's ear and not being blown up.

"Uhhh-"

"Come on, Deku! I know you want to," Ochako was eyeing him evily. Izuku looked at her pleadingly, which only made her expression more villainous.

There may or may not have been an evening where he, Todoroki and Ochako were sharing a zoot and Izuku may or may not have exposed his not-crush on Kacchan to the pair by pouring over how delicious his arms looked in his winter costume and how much Izuku wanted to bite his cheeks.

They haven't let him live it down since.

"Fine! Fine," he moved to his knees, preparing to move to the explosive blonde sat opposite him.

Unfortunately, he made the stupid move of looking up and making direct eye contact with him. Izuku flushed immediately, almost choking on absolutely nothing.

No way.

There's no way he could do this.

He whipped his head down immediately, turning to the side and licking a chaste stripe on whoever's ear was next to him- who turned out to be Aoyama.

Shit, as if the blonde wasn't on him enough as it was.

The class were in stitches, Izuku just scrunched up his face and waited for the chaos to die down. He knew his cheeks were an unnatural shade of red and that it was far too late to try and conceal it.

Aoyama was gushing, complimenting himself in French.

Izuku chanced a look up to see Ochako and Todoroki folded over laughing, thankfully only the three of them would understand what was so funny.

His eyes slid over, catching Kacchan's once again who looked mildly amused but otherwise confused.

God dammit, Izuku.

"Okay next! Isn't it Kaminari's go?" he desperately tried to shift the attention from him, which was successful when Kaminari sat up from where he was still lounging on Sero and demanded he have his go.

Jirou wiped a stray tear from her eye before collecting herself, "Okay, Denki, truth or dare?"

"Dare!" the (very drunk) blonde cheered, clapping his hands together in preparation.

"I dare you...to makeout with the guy you think is the sexiest in this room," Jirou challenged, receiving a cacophony of "ooh's".

Denki sat up, stroking his chin in thought. "I accept this dare, however I would like compensation if I get an explosion to the face."

Gasps and jeers filled the room as realisation dawned on everyone.

Izuku froze.

As if.

As-fucking-if.

His blood quite literally ran cold when he looked up to see Kacchan not even protesting.

"I ain't a fucking coward and I know I'm hot," he shrugged when Ochako asked why he hadn't murdered anyone yet.

Kaminari was practically beaming and suddenly Izuku was feeling very sick. He noticed Todoroki and Ochako looking his way but he didn't meet either of their gazes.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from where they were trained on Kaminari who was crawling his way over to Kacchan, the muscles in his jaw clenching more at every inch he got closer.

"God, I don't think I wanna see this- at least do it so your back's to me," Sero grimaced, unknowingly exposing Izuku to a whole world of pain as the new angle meant he had front row view of the inevitable kiss.

Izuku felt his breath quicken as he watched the electric blonde use Kacchan's shoulders as support to plonk himself in his lap, wrapping his legs around his waist.

Bile was quite literally trying to escape Izuku's throat, he knew he should look away, for his own sanity.

"Go on boys, give us a show!" Mina cheered brightly, eyes gleaming as she watched the scene unfold before her. Though, unlike Izuku, she looked ecstatic.

"Don't worry, I fucking will," was the last thing Kacchan said before his hand reached to the nape of Kaminari's neck and he was pulling him against him.

The colour drained from Izuku's face.

Kacchan was devouring him, and shit if he didn't look good at it.

Kaminari didn't even look playful anymore, he was fully absorbed in the kiss, fisting his hand in Kacchan's hair (god, how Izuku wanted so badly to know how that felt) and licking into his mouth, giving as good as he got.

The class were still heckling, a lot of them looking almost fascinated at the spectacle before them.

He was going to throw up, for sure.

Why didn't he just lick the boy's stupid (beautiful) ear?

That butterfly effect might have changed how this whole thing went. Izuku probably wouldn't be sitting there, as tense as if he'd been touched by Rock Lock, and having possibly the worst day of his life - near-death war experiences be damned.

Shit, how does Kacchan know exactly what he's doing. His hands were caressing Kaminari's back, pulling him closer which the boy responded to eagerly, arching into him.

Izuku needed to look away, damn it, he needed to look away-

Kacchan was pulling Kaminari's lip between his teeth.

CRUNCH.

A brief flash of green lightning left the empty can in Izuku's hand as a sad metal lump, surprising not only himself but everyone around them.

Kacchan and Kaminari broke apart (finally), but stayed looking at each other, both looking as surprised at what just happened as everyone watching.

"Oh would you look at that, my drink's empty," Izuku gestured at the crushed can, justifying his action for those who were looking at him puzzledly.

He didn't know if he was slick with his excuse but he didn't care, he needed to get out of there and ASAP.

He stood and turned, glad that everyones attention was back on the pair.

The universe wasn't done with him yet, though. As if to rub salt in the wound Kaminari spoke; "How was that- Kacchan?"

Oh, hell no.

Izuku made to whirl round, fully prepared to tackle Kaminari to the ground and wring his neck before he felt a strong grip on either arm, whipping his head to the sides to see Todorki and Ochaco with an arm each, giving him a look that seemed to be a mixture of pity and sympathy.

He deflated in their hold and let them drag him to the lifts.

He waited until he had shooed away his friends with assurance that he was fine and flopped face down on his bed before he allowed the tears to fall.

✧

Unsurprisingly, Izuku slept like shit. He woke up with a wicked headache, whether from crying himself to sleep, or drinking too much or a cruel combination of both he didn't know.

He couldn't pin point what drew him from his disturbed slumber, blinking bleary eyes open to adjust to the light filtering through the curtains he forgot to draw last night.

Bringing a hand up to cradle his head, Izuku winced at the harshness of the sunlight on his poor migraine.

Three loud knocks suddenly startled him into awareness, suddenly discerning what it was that woke him up.

He groaned, flopping back against his pillow and willing whoever was behind the door to go away.

They didn't though, the knocking continued until Izuku was unwillingly dragging himself towards the offending wood and ripping it open, eyes widening at who he was met with.

A very unamused Kacchan was stood with his arm braced on the wall next to the door, fist raised to continue banging, adorned in basket ball shorts and a black tight tank top.

Izuku's anger immediately dissipated as he momentarily drooled at the sight before a heavy feeling of dread set in his stomach.

Last night.

Kacchan, and Kaminari.

Making out.

Right in front of his fucking salad.

"Oi." Kacchan spoke once he realised Izuku wasn't going to say anything, the boy currently too busy staring daggers at the floor at the influx of memories.

God, the sound of kissing will haunt him forever.

"Deku! The fuck is wrong with you?"

"Huh?-" Izuku trailed off, remembering he was in fact stood directly in front of him and he didn't look happy, "What is it, Kacchan?"

His voice was croaky, hoarse from disuse (and sobbing his drunk heart out).

"Its 9:45." He stated, as if that made his presence obvious.

"...Okay?"

"On a Saturday."

"Kacchan I don't know what- Oh! Our run," he finally remembered.

Izuku and Katsuki go on hour long runs every Saturday and Sunday, regardless of whether they're at the dorms or at home, as an extra weekend training exercise. Honestly, Izuku wasn't much of a morning person and would much rather have a few extra hours in bed.

But when Kacchan proposed the idea there was no way in hell that Izuku was passing up the opportunity to spend more (alone!) time with him, especially at his suggestion. If he declined, he wasn't sure the boy would ever offer something as sacred again.

Izuku was being dramatic, really. Kacchan was one of his closest friends at UA, and he knows full well he's one of Kacchan's too, even if he might want to deny it.

Since first year, they'd been building their relationship to a point Izuku never thought he'd see. They did homework together, trained together, went on these runs, Kacchan even cooked for him sometimes (or; conveniently always had extra food that he almost always offered to Izuku).

He rarely even yelled at him anymore, and anyone with eyes could see that their teamwork was unmatched. Izuku hoped by the time they graduate that he'd have finally worked up the courage to ask Kacchan if he wants to work at the same agency together.

Regardless, he treasured these morning runs with Kacchan because, not only were they alone without the prying eyes of their classmates, but also it was early enough in the morning that Kacchan didn't have the energy to be difficult so they could have real conversations.

Which is why he was cursing himself now for forgetting to set his alarm last night.

"Yeah. Our run. You look like shit, by the way,"

Izuku pouted, though didn't protest. He was still in last nights clothes and he doesn't even want to know what state his face and hair was in.

"How come you never have a hangover, Kacchan? It's not fair,"

"Lucky genes. Are you coming or what?" he gave him a once over, which made Izuku feel even more self conscious than he was already feeling.

"Just- give me 10 minutes, okay? I'll meet you in the common room."

Kacchan rolled his eyes but nodded, pushing off the wall and leaving Izuku in his pitiful state to sort himself out.

Shit. Izuku felt the urge to cry again.

He was being absolutely ridiculous. Even if he did have a crush on Kacchan - which he didn't - he had no right to be upset over what he did in his private life, or who he did.

Izuku grimaced at that train of thought.

He needed to get a grip.

As awful as he was feeling, he needed to run off this hangover and distract his mind from spiralling. So, heaving a sigh, Izuku grabbed his wash bag and paced to the showers. Looks like a shower before and after his run would be necessary.

He was in the common room with 20 seconds to spare, in sweats, a t-shirt and a heavy feeling in his stomach.

Kacchan was lounging on the sofa, feet propped up on the table as he scrolled through his phone. The position meant that his shorts had ridden up, exposing the skin of his thighs and crushing Izuku's soul.

He turned once he noticed Izuku in his peripheral vision, "About time, Nerd. Let's fuckin' go we're already half an hour behind."

Izuku suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, trust Kacchan to be counting the minutes of disruption to his precious routine.

They took their usual route, Izuku having a much harder time keeping up with Kacchan than usual thanks to his lack of sleep.

"Oi, what's up with you?" Kacchan huffed, slowing slightly so he was at the same pace as Izuku who was trying to hide the fact he was fighting for his life.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Usually you'd be chatting my ear off. What's got you all quiet?" Izuku didn't need to turn his head to know that Kacchan had an eyebrow raised.

"It's nothing, I'm just tired and drank too much last night," he replied, hoping he was out of breath enough to hide the lie. Everyone knows Izuku is awful at lying, Kacchan most of all.

Kacchan didn't answer, seemingly satisfied with the answer, thankfully.

They continued to run in silence, finally reaching the halfway point where they usually turn to run back to the dorms after stretching out once again.

"Aoyama, huh?" Kacchan was smirking as he pulled his arm across his chest to stretch out his bicep.

Izuku took a minute to process the question, too busy oggling the glorious view of cleavage and arm muscle that the stretch gave him.

"H-huh!? No- nonono," he frantically waved his arms in front of him once he finally realised what Kacchan had asked.

"No judgement, Nerd. Just didn't see that coming s'all," he looked far too smug, though Izuku could've sworn he saw something akin to anger flash in his eyes.

He was imagining it, he's sure.

"Didn't see you and Kaminari coming either," Izuku attempted to hide the venom laced in the words with a smirk to match Kacchans, though it probably looked very strained.

He was hoping Kacchan would get defensive, embarrassed that it happened and accusing anyone and everything for it, as he usually would be expected to. He'd grab Izuku by his shirt and shake him until he promises to never bring it up again, filled with regret. Izuku would laugh and, gladly, promise to never utter a word in relation to it and they'd run back to the dorms happily.

That didn't happen though.

Instead, Katsuki went uncharacteristically quiet. Izuku felt the pool of dread in his stomach deepening the longer the silence dragged out.

"Yeah, surprised me too," he gruffed out, leaning down to touch his toes.

Izuku couldn't even enjoy the view of his ass in the air because his heart was beating way too fast and his mind was spiralling.

"A good surprise?" he croaked, swallowing around the lump forming in his throat.

Please say no. Please say no.

"I-I guess..." he cleared his throat, standing upright.

Kacchan stuttered. Kacchan never stutters, that's Izuku's thing!

"Right! That's good then. At least something good came out of that game. That's good. Very very good. It's great even!" Izuku was rambling, wincing at his own insistence. Any fool could tell that it was not, in fact, 'good'.

Izuku made to start running again but Kacchan's voice stopped him.

"What do you think?"

The question threw Izuku off-course entirely, almost tripping over his own two feet.

"What?" he choked out, attempting to style out his near-face plant.

"Do you think I should go for it?' he pressed, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms over his chest as he stared Izuku down.

Was he being serious?

What the hell was Izuku supposed to say to that?: 'Oh no Kacchan don't do something that might make you happy because I am in the process of uncovering some very deep rooted feelings that are confusing me greatly and should be your problem too!'

"Why are you asking me?" he settles on.

Kacchan uncrossed his arms, beginning to slowly jog back towards the dorms. Izuku followed him, awaiting his reply.

"You're my best friend."

He said it so simply, so matter-of-factly, like he hasn't just tilted Izuku's entire world on axis.

He knew that he and Kacchan were close now, he knew Kacchan cared about him and it was never a question whether he himself cared about him in return.

Best friend?

Izuku doesn't know if he should be elated and using his quirk to run to China and back to subdue the adrenaline coursing through him at the revelation or start crying about the fact he was just friend zoned by the most beautiful man alive.

He tries to remain impassive instead, furrowing his brows as he attempts to conjure up a response.

"You're not usually uncertain about anything, Kacchan,"

"You're avoiding the question."

"Well, has Kaminari said anything?" Izuku was out of breath and he hopes it's not just from the run because they were barely jogging and he'll need to hit the gym twice as hard if this slow pace was actually getting to his lungs.

"He put the ball in my court, in true Denki fashion. Said to let him know if I want that to happen again."

Izuku tried not to wince at the lack of offensive nickname used.

Kacchan rarely calls anyone by their first name.

"And do you? Want it to happen again?"

Please say no. Please say no.

"I just didn't think he saw me like that. Sure, he'd make shitty comments all the time but that's not out of character."

Okay not a no, but not an explicit yes either. Izuku's heart should calm down.

"Now who's avoiding the question?"

Kacchan grimaced, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.

"I'm not good at this shit, Deku," he looked pained, and Izuku knew he probably was pained from speaking about his feelings.

Izuku snorted, "And you think I am?"

"You had that thing with Round Face last year, didn't you? And now Aoyama-"

"Okay, no. The Aoyama thing was just me panicking and turning to the person next to me, please do not get it twisted," Izuku groaned, cheeks flushing before his face scrunched in confusion, "And me and Ochako were never a thing, where did you get that from?"

"It's all the loser squad would talk about, how cute you were or whatever," Kacchan's face was grimaced, Izuku assumed in disgust. It couldn't possibly be any other emotion.

"Oh. W-well they were wrong. We've always just been friends. I've never- yesterday was probably the most intimate I've been with someone," he chuckled bitterly. He's sure Kacchan couldn't relate with how expertly he seemed to carry himself yesterday.

He watched his eyes widen at the revelation, slowing slightly.

This was the most laid-back Saturday with Kacchan he's ever had, he just wishes he could be happy about it.

"...And you chose Aoyama?"

Izuku shoved him aggressively, though when Kacchan started laughing he couldn't help but join him.

They raced the last bit of distance back to the dorms (Kacchan only won because Izuku was distracted) before Izuku finally answered him.

"I think you should do whatever feels right,"

"Wow, thanks Deku for the most textbook advice known to man," he rolled his eyes.

"Hey! Look, you never do anything you don't want to do. All I'm saying is that the fact you're even considering it should tell you something," Izuku was talking through clenched teeth.

He had to force himself to not be selfish. He was Kacchan's (best!) friend, he should want whats best for him. It's not Kacchan's fault that Izuku's been in denial for so long.

Kacchan nodded at his words, suddenly looking sincere. He opened his mouth to reply but the elevator finally came, Tokoyami and Kirishima stepping out and thus halting their conversation.

Izuku beelined to the showers and hoped the stream of water could scald him enough to distract him from his inner turmoil.

✧

Days passed and it didn't seem anything had changed between the pair. They bickered and made fun of each other, but it wasn't in a way that was different to the way Kacchan and his friends were normally like with each other.

Izuku was only just starting to relax in the blonde's presence again when he saw it, exactly a week after the fateful game of truth or dare.

He and Kacchan were sparring in one of the training rooms, getting in some extra training before the class movie night.

Kacchan was wearing a t-shirt, which wouldn't be strange if he were anyone else.

But he's Kacchan, and Kacchan almost exclusively wears tank tops when he spars because 'they're the least restrictive on his arms'. Ridiculous by Izuku's logic but, hey, what does he know?

So, naturally, Izuku was confused that today he was wearing a t-shirt.

Unfortunately, the revelation meant that Izuku was temporarily distracted from the fight, leaving Kacchan the perfect opening to sweep his legs and slam him to the ground, pinning his arms next to his head.

Izuku would love the position if it didn't give him the perfect view of Kacchan's collarbones under his shirt.

There, concealed by the material, were dark purple marks littering his skin.

Izuku almost choked on his own spit.

"Kacchan, what the hell are they?" He spluttered, worried that the boy had injured himself somehow. Maybe he dropped a weight on his chest, or maybe-

Kacchan shot off him, pulling the neck of his t-shirt up defensively, avoiding all eye contact. Izuku was baffled for a moment, opening his mouth to ask what just happened when he noticed a pretty pink blush on the boys cheeks.

He seemed to be embarrassed, but Izuku couldn't figure out why-

Oh.

"Oh."

Kacchan scowled, pushing himself off the floor to grab his water bottle.

"I told the idiot not to leave any marks," he mumbled, taking a swig of his water.

Izuku felt his stomach twist.

He didn't drop a weight. They were hickies. Izuku could take a wild guess at where they came from.

"Things have...developed then?" Izuku's voice was rough, that familiar lump forming which he pleaded would go away.

Kacchan was shifting the weight between his feet, looking anywhere but at Izuku.

"...Yeah. Last night."

Izuku tried so hard to stop the next question from coming out of his mouth, knowing it was going to do nothing but bring him more torture to hear the answer, but when has Izuku ever been rational?

"What happened?"

Kacchan made a face, and Izuku would never admit it out loud but his unease somehow made him feel a lot better.

"He came to my room. Needed help with the homework."

"I didn't think Aizawa Sensei set biology homework this week,"

Kacchan scowled at Izuku's lousy joke and Izuku didn't blame him.

"I don't know how it happened, he just climbed on top of me and then- yeah,"

"...That's good right?" Izuku forced a smile, Kacchan was finally talking to him about something personal without them having to punch it out of each other, he wasn't going to let petty feelings of jealousy ruin that.

Kacchan was looking at him now, seemingly studying his expression. Izuku almost got nervous, knowing that the boy knew him more than anyone else was dangerous. For all he knows Kacchan could have cottoned on to his mild (gargantuan) crush already.

"Yeah. Yeah it's good," he said after a while, holding his hand out to help Izuku off the floor.

Izuku took it, if only to feel the warmth of his calloused skin against his own.

The movie night was pure torture.

Izuku was sandwiched between Todoroki and Ochako on the sofa while they waited for the rest of the class to settle and start the first film, Ochako whining about her fighting lessons doing her back in.

Izuku found it difficult to listen though, when his attention kept being brought to the beanbag opposite where two blondes were squished together.

Kacchan usually liked to sprawl on the floor for these things, not caring enough to take up a sofa and not wanting to be that close to anyone.

Seems that's changed.

Kaminari just had to beckon him over and he was settling on the beanbag next to him instantly.

"-riya. Midoriya." A finger was snapping in front of Izuku's face.

"Hm? What is it?" he dragged his eyes away to find both of his friends staring at him intently.

"I asked if you were alright, your face is all scrunched up," Todoroki mimicked the face he claimed Izuku was making to show him.

"Oh! I'm fine, just tired that's all," he knew he wasn't fooling either of them.

Ochako looked over her shoulder at the place Izuku was staring at moments ago.

"Ah. That makes sense."

"What?" he feigned ignorance, eyes wide and innocent.

"You're upset." Todoroki stated, simply, catching on to what Ochako was getting at.

"No I'm not. Why would I be?"

"Because the love of your life is canoodling with someone else-" Ochako started but Izuku slammed a hand over her mouth before she could say any more.

"First of all, that's very dramatic-"

"As are you-" she escaped his hand prison to quip,

"Shut up. Second of all, I'm happy for them." He freed her mouth, satisfied that no one around them had heard.

"Wow. I didn't think you were a liar, Midoriya." Todorki tilted his head, fully serious.

"I'm not lying! It's great. Kacchan's happy so I'm happy."

A loud laugh disrupted the conversation, Kaminari covering his mouth to conceal it when he realised everyone had heard him. Izuku was suppressing the urge to roll his eyes when he noticed, with horror, that Kacchan was smiling. Like, actually, genuinely smiling.

The same small smile he does when he's watching an All Might film; when Eri is here and he's pretending he doesn't care but he just spent an hour colouring with her; the same smile he had on his face when Sero taped Mineta to the ceiling that time because he was taunting Mina.

And now, he was smiling because of Kaminari.

"You don't seem very happy," Ochako snapped him out of his train of thought. He looked at her, prepared to retort but realised it was hopeless.

They knew how he felt, even if Izuku was yet to speak his feelings out loud sober.

Thankfully, Iida was starting the film which successfully distracted them both and got him out of the uncomfortable conversation.

Izuku's luck was borderline non-existent.

He thought the film would be enough of a distraction for everyone in the room - naming no names - and that he could at least have a couple of hours of peace.

He couldn't help but look over and every time he did he felt a piece of himself fracture.

Kaminari seemed to be whispering in his ear constantly, touching him everywhere and the worst part was, Kacchan didn't even seem to mind. He even watched him take an eyelash off his cheek and rather than explode his face, Kacchan just let him, gruffing out a 'thanks' after.

It was mostly bearable until the film was nearly over. Izuku watched Kaminari whisper something in Kacchan's ear, watched Kacchan's eyes widen before he nodded.

Then the pair was standing up, weaving through their classmates and heading for the elevator. Izuku bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

This was totally fine.

Izuku was absolutely okay with this.

It doesn't matter what they're going upstairs to do. It doesn't matter that Kirishima and Mina sent them both winks on their way out. And it definitely doesn't matter that it isn't Izuku following him to his room.

Why would any of it matter?

Ochako grabbed his hand, caressing his skin with her thumb soothingly. Izuku allowed himself to untense his muscles, sinking back into the sofa. Todoroki pat him on the knee, his own form of comfort.

Izuku loved his friends.

✧

The weekend seemed to fly by, Izuku didn't find he had much time to do anything other than eat, sleep and do homework.

Not the most riveting lifestyle for an 18 year old but at least Aizawa won't be on his ass about deadlines.

He was falling asleep on his desk, face smushed in his math textbook when a knock on his door startled him.

Yet again, he was surprised to find Kacchan on the other side.

"You weren't answering your phone," he said to justify his presence, pushing past Izuku and into his room.

Izuku was still stood at the open door, not convinced he wasn't dreaming.

"Oi. I need your help with the English."

The voice reminded him that he was not, in fact, dreaming, jumping before he closed the door and turned to find the blonde sitting against his pillows with his textbook open.

"You need my help? With homework?"

Kacchan rolled his eyes, leaning back on his palms.

"Is that really so unheard of?"

"Yes. Yes actually it is," Izuku approached, sitting next to him on the bed to peer over his shoulder and saw that Kacchan wasn't lying. He hadn't even started the homework, which wasn't like him considering it was due the next day.

"I didn't have time," he offered as explanation.

"What were you do-" Izuku stopped, choosing inner peace for once, before getting up to get his own homework.

Kacchan didn't press him for the rest of his sentence.

"I did it at 3am last night so don't expect much,"

"Thanks, Zuku," Kacchan mumbled, too busy reading to notice Izuku's small gasp.

He is going to be the death of him.

How could he so casually rock up at his door late at night, call him by his first name, and not take any responsibility for the fact that Izuku was on the brink of either a heart attack or breaking out into dance?

Kacchan has called him Izuku before, usually only when he's being deadly serious about something, but still, it wasn't completely foreign to hear.

But if Izuku craved anything, it was Kacchan's attention, and he'd been severely lacking it recently.

So he'd take the win.

Kacchan stayed until he finally finished copying up the notes, the comfortable silence and soft sound of breathing working as encouragement for Izuku to finish up his own math homework.

"Fucking finally, does the old man want to bore us to death or what?" he got up and stretched, Izuku using all of his willpower to not ogle at the skin of his abdomen he exposed by lifting his arms.

He thought he'd leave, having got what he wanted but to Izuku's surprise he sat back down again.

"Wanna watch that anime that came out last week? I know you still pay for that subscription, you nerd,"

Izuku couldn't even hide his surprise, eyes widening at the proposition.

"You wanna watch it with me?" he squeaked, willing his heart to slow down.

This was Kacchan for god's sake. Someone he's known for his whole life. Why was he suddenly nervous around him?

"No shit, moron. D'you see anyone else here?" Kacchan picked up Izuku's laptop himself, signing in - because of course he knows his password - and opening up a webpage.

Izuku carefully made his way over, sitting next to Kacchan on the bed, a safe distance away for his heart to cope. He was worried any sudden movements might scare him away.

Unsurprisingly, Izuku didn't make it through a single episode, blinking awake to the sound of the end credits of the third episode. Normally, Kacchan would be berating him for falling asleep, but when Izuku turned his head to the side he found the boy with his head nestled in the pillow, eyes closed and softly snoring.

Izuku fought with himself to stop the cheshire-cat like grin from overtaking his face.

Kacchan was asleep in his bed. Take that, Kaminari.

That second thought was sobering, its hostility surprising Izuku himself.

Izuku wishes the electric blonde never crossed his mind because now he couldn't even enjoy the fact that Kacchan was making his pillow smell like him.

It didn't feel right to.

"Kacchan," he coaxed, shaking him softly. He scowled at the intrusion in his sleep before slowly coming to and realising just where he was.

"Shit, I fell asleep?" his voice was hoarse and it made Izuku's skin prickle delightfully.

"Yeah, but I did too. Aizawa bored us to sleep instead of death with that homework." Izuku yawned, trying not to feel disappointed that Kacchan was scooting off the bed to leave.

"Fuck, school tomorrow is going to be a bitch," he groaned, checking the time on his phone. He got distracted by something, stilling for a moment.

"Everything okay?" Izuku queried, shutting his laptop and putting it on the floor.

"Yeah. Missed call from Denki," he muttered the last part, seemingly typing out a message.

Izuku was never allowed to be happy for too long, was he.

"Right." He didn't offer anymore than that though it didn't seem to matter, Kacchan was too distracted by his phone.

"See you tomorrow, Deku," he finally spoke, saluting Izuku before pocketing his phone and making his way to the door.

"Bright and early!" Izuku faked a smile until the door was firmly closed behind him.

The instant it clicked, the grin was dropping from his face.

He crawled under his pillow, blinking away the tears pricking at his eyes.

He was just overly tired, that's why he was emotional.

And if he had to choke back a sob when he turned his face into the pillow and got hit with the aroma of caramel and sandalwood that was between him and the walls in his room.

✧

It was weird, Kacchan has never willingly spent so much time around Izuku before. All of a sudden it felt like he was with him constantly.

Izuku wouldn't complain if it didn't feel like a punishment.

It's like the universe would gift him with quality Kacchan time and then stomp all over it by making the boy bring up his...situation with Kaminari, or he'd get a text from him or something similar to that to ruin his whole mood.

It's been three weeks since Izuku saw the hickies, four since the party. Izuku really thought the irritating itch he got when he thought of Kacchan and Kaminari together would be gone by now.

He hoped his stomach would stop twisting in knots, tear ducts threatening to erupt at any minor inconvenience.

No such luck.

Even with the hollow feeling in his chest, Izuku couldn't help but feel elated at the fact that he and Kacchan felt closer than ever.

He has no idea why the boy suddenly wants to spend time with him but like hell is he questioning it.

They had just been on their Saturday morning run and were stretching in the common room before they headed to the showers.

"I'll make us breakfast after," Kacchan said simply, stretching his legs out in an almost-split.

Izuku nearly choked and it wasn't even because of the sight of thick thighs.

"Okay!" he decided not to cause a fuss, his stomach was on the verge of growling like a wild beast anyway, he'd be stupid to risk losing out on Kacchan's cooking.

He met him back in the kitchen once they were both washed and dressed, Izuku ruffling a towel through his unruly hair.

It seems Izuku took his time getting ready, Kacchan was already pouring pancake batter into a pan.

"Wow, Kacchan! I haven't had pancakes in so long," he grinned, taking a seat at the island. He knew better than to try to help, he'd either get a spoon to the face or an explosion.

"They're protein pancakes. None of that sugary crap you buy," he mumbled, focusing on flipping the pancake in the pan.

"I'm sure it'll be delicious either way."

They were bickering over the last strawberry when Kirishima, Kaminari and Ochako walked in.

"Wah, It smells amazing in here," Kaminari whined, sniffing the air comically.

Izuku's mood instantly soured.

Kacchan's attention was immediately drawn to him, that stupidly beautiful smile back on his face.

Kaminari walked over to him, checking that Ochako and Kirishima were still in deep conversation about how Crimson Riot is more 'manly' than Gunhead before he ducked down to lick Kacchan's cheek, which should've been gross but was actually so cute and so Denki of him to do that even Kacchan just laughed.

Izuku's grip on his fork got so tight his knuckles went white.

Kacchan at least had the sense to look embarrassed, but he allowed it to happen, barely even flinching.

Well. This was Izuku's life now. Watching his best friend be happy brought him such deep resentment that he was questioning how good of a person he truly is.

"Deku! Tell Kirishima that Gunhead is cooler," he heard Ochako whine but he was too busy staring daggers into the back of Kaminari's head to reply instantly.

"Bakubro, back me up here. Crimson Riot all the way, right?"

"All Might over both of them," Izuku and Kacchan spoke at the both time, startling themselves as their eyes widened to stare at each other.

"Damn, you two are creepy as hell," Ochako mumbled, stealing a strawberry off Izuku's plate before scurrying away.

When he'd recovered from their weird telepathic moment, he was surprised to see Kaminari staring at him intently. He looked more curious than anything else but it still made Izuku uneasy.

Once they made eye contact though, Kaminari's expression loosened instantly.

Izuku had never been more intrigued about what the boy was thinking about.

✧

"I'm just saying, if Hawks was taller he could model," Ochako sipped her milkshake, scrolling through the newly released photos from Hawks' recent advertisement.

"He could model at the height he's at, he just doesn't want to," Izuku corrected, stealing her phone to have a look himself.

"The number 2 hero probably has better things to do," Todoroki piped up, not usually one to encourage their conversations.

"Yeah, like provide some eye-candy for me," she was zooming in now, practically drooling on the table.

Izuku grabbed a handful of her fries while she was occupied, smiling sheepishly around full cheeks when she scowled at him.

"You were letting them go cold!" he justified when she kept pouting.

"I was appreciating beauty!"

"Stop being a perv," he teased, smacking her hand away when she tried to retaliate by stealing one of his mozzarella sticks.

She gasped, hand clutching her chest in mock scandal.

"Me the perv? Coming from Mr I-wish-Kacchan-would-wrap-his-thighs-around-my-neck-and-choke-me," Ochako mimicked, only revelling in the deep blush settling on Izuku's cheeks.

"I'm not a perv!"

Both Todoroki and Ochako levelled him with a look that had Izuku shrinking in his seat.

"He's got very nice legs!" He tried to justify but his friends weren't having any of it.

"How are you feeling about him and Kaminari now?" Ochako asked and Izuku knew the question would come. She'd been asking him every week since the party, though somehow so far he has successfully brushed her off or changed the subject every time.

"I don't feel anything about it," he sipped his own milkshake, avoiding eye contact.

It didn't work, both of them were glaring at him so hard he couldn't even attempt to change the subject if he wanted to.

"Deku don't bullshit us. We're your friends. Plus we've had to hear you unknowingly pine after him for three years now, don't tell me all those feelings just disappeared,"

Izuku sighed, leaning back in his seat, albeit tensely.

"I have no right to feel anything about it. Just because I think Kacchan is hot doesn't mean I like him."

Ochako was still glaring at him, not satisfied with his answer.

"You can feel disheartened about it. Though it seems he is spending more time with you nowadays," Todoroki chimed in, his words surprising Izuku.

He would, obviously, notice the shift in Kacchan's attention on him, but the fact his class could see it too?

At least he wasn't imagining things.

That knowledge seemed to finally make him crack, the tension in his muscles relaxing as he leant forward once more and finally said out loud all that's been stewing in his brain since that stupid game, almost two months ago now.

"Right!? Since when is Kacchan demanding my attention? That's literally my thing! And he keeps being so...nice? He barely yells at me at all anymore, and we've hung out more in two months than we have our whole lives, I just don't understand why he's punishing me! Is he mad at me? Have I done something to piss him off?"

Ochako opened her mouth to reply but Izuku wasn't done.

"You don't want bullshit? Fine, him and Kaminari together makes me angry. I hate when he takes his hoodie off and there are stupid marks all over his skin, I hate that they sneak off together all the time and that everyone encourages it because of course they do, and I hate that as soon as his phone pings, he basically forgets I'm there because I'm not his priority and I never will be.

Most of all, I hate that I don't even know why I feel so strongly about this or why I'm letting it torture me so much! I hate how ugly this stupid emotion feels and that, even after all this time I can't get rid of it! So there, that's how I feel about it," Izuku finally let out a breath, feeling surprisingly lighter now that he's finally got all of that off his chest.

Maybe his first year therapist had a point when she said talking helps.

"Deku," Ochako said sadly, and Izuku didn't like how pitiful she looked.

"I'm fine, okay? I just needed to get that out," he attempted to backpedal but he knew it was too late. His friends weren't going to let any of this slide.

"Deku, you're in love with him."

Izuku choked on his milkshake, bashing his chest to recover from the absolute bombshell Ochako just dropped.

"What?" he spluttered, staring at her with wide eyes.

"Did he not know that?" Todoroki muttered, looking surprised himself.

"I'm not 'in love' with him, Jesus-"

"I was waiting for you to figure it out yourself but damn, you are the most clueless boy I've ever dealt with. Zuku, you can't see yourself when you're around him. Your eyes literally glimmer when you look at him, you prioritise him in all aspects of your life, you talk about him non stop- how can you not see it!"

"Also he almost died for you. Twice. And you almost killed for him. Also twice. And you unleashed a whole new quirk because someone was disrespecting him," Todoroki added, entirely unhelpfully. Izuku was just snapping his head between the two of them, dumfounded.

"After everything you've just said, don't you think that explains why seeing him with someone else gets to you so much?" Ochako was urging him to understand, and Izuku honestly had to respect her patience.

"But all those things- that's just what I've always been like with Kacchan! I've never not prioritised him, and my eyes don't glimmer-"

"Deku."

"And okay maybe I talk about him all the time but that's because he's Kacchan! He's gorgeous, and smart, and good at everything he tries. He's so driven and devoted to being a hero it's truly admirable. Not to mention how caring and attentive he is, even if he tries to pretend he doesn't care and-"

Izuku cut himself off.

Oh god.

God dammit Izuku.

"Shit," he slumped back in his chair. Ochako and Todoroki looked at him sympathetically before they both stood, rounding the table to sit at either side of him.

"I'm in love with Kacchan," he finally whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

"And that's okay! It's not too late to tell him how you feel-"

"Yes it is, Chako. He literally has a boyfriend! Oh god he has a boyfriend," Izuku almost wailed, his head falling into his hands.

"Woah hold your horses. Him and Kaminari are just fooling around right now. According to Mina there aren't any emotions involved yet," Ochako assured, squeezing his shoulder.

"Key word - yet. God why didn't I just lick his ear," he was mumbling to himself though he didn't miss the puzzled look the others sent each other.

"Why are you giving up already, Midoriya? That's not like you,"

"Come on, guys. Even you can both admit this is seeming pretty hopeless for me."

Izuku wanted to cry. Why couldn't he have had this stupid revelation months ago?

Though now he thinks about it, there's no way he would've told Kacchan regardless.

Maybe he'll always be the one that got away, for Izuku.

"It's not hopeless, Deku," Ochako hesitated before speaking again, "Don't you think it's a bit weird that he's been seeking you out so much recently? Cooking for you, training with you, sharing his homework, asking where you are-"

"He asks where I am?"

"Point is, I wouldn't rule out that you have a chance with him," she finished, eyeing Todoroki who also nodded in agreement.

"I appreciate you both trying to make me feel better but honestly I need to find a way to get over him. Sure, him and Kaminari aren't serious right now but he sure as hell has a better shot at getting there than I do. I can't keep tormenting myself with brief hope that he might accept my feelings one day," Izuku's voice cracked, swallowing thickly.

His friends didn't try to counter him, probably knowing he's likely right. Instead, they both put protective arms around Izuku, squeezing him so hard he was heaving for breath.

"We love you, Deku. And he loves you too, even if it's not in the same way, he still loves you. Hold onto that."

Lord knows he will.

The three of them made their way back to the dorms, all of them with homework calling their names.

Though they're immediately distracted the moment they step foot in the common room.

Mina, Kirishima and Sero were all huddled, which usually wouldn't be concerning but the serious looks on all their faces intrigued Izuku.

"You guys okay?" Ochako asked, ever the nosier one.

The trio jumped at the intrusion, eyes widening on noticing the new arrivals. Mina shushed her theatrically, dragging her by the arm into their huddle. Kirishima did the same to Todoroki and Izuku.

What on earth was going on?

"Kats and Denki had a fight," Mina whispered dramatically, face twisting.

A very sadistic part of Izuku wanted to start cheering but he composed himself, feigning concern.

"Oh no! What about?" It seems Ochako was as much of an actor as Izuku was.

"We don't know! They've been in Kats' room for ages," Kirishima huffed, petulantly.

"...So, why are we whispering?" Todoroki, ever the rational one questioned, the trio regarding him with confused looks before straightening themselves out.

"Good point," Sero pointed finger guns at them, speaking at a normal volume now.

"How do you know they're fighting?" Izuku couldn't help but ask.

"Bakugou was extra agitated earlier and Denks was all quiet. They were acting weird with each other until Kats just snapped and dragged him upstairs and now we're here."

"We tried to listen through the door but then thought it was a bit deep," Mina admitted sheepishly.

"So now we're just waiting until they come dow-"

The sound of the elevator dinging interrupted Sero, all of them going deathly silent. All of them were equally surprised that only Kacchan stepped out.

He looked mildly murderous.

"The fuck are you idiots looking at?" he glowered, and even Izuku could feel the heavy lull of intimidation in the air.

No one replied, knowing one wrong look could send him into a rampage. When no one answered, he turned and walked out, heading for the door.

Izuku frowned. It was almost curfew, Aizawa would be doing head checks soon.

He felt his pocket buzz with a message, momentarily distracting him from his concern.

Kacchan ( ๑>ᴗ<๑ ): Can you come outside?

Izuku froze. It's not unlike Kacchan to want to see him, especially recently. But this was a little different to usual.

"Uh- I'll be back in a sec guys," he mumbled, still frowning at his phone as he followed the same direction Kacchan just went.

He found him, slouching on the bench in the garden in front of the dorms, staring into space with his arms folded over his chest.

"Kacchan?"

The boy barely even flinched at his presence, only grunting in response.

"Are you okay?" It was brave to ask but Izuku didn't know what else to say. He took a seat next him, waiting for his response.

"Course I am, stupid Nerd, why wouldn't I be," he grumbled, still not looking at Izuku.

"I don't know, you seem upset,"

Kacchan scowled, turning his head the opposite way of Izuku.

"Me and Denki had a fight," he finally said through gritted teeth.

"What about?" Izuku was treading carefully, not wanting to rile the boy up and make him angry at him.

"I fucked up."

The admission shocked Izuku. While Kacchan has been in the wrong many times, it's rarely that easily that he'd admit it.

"What did you do?" he coaxed, quickly realising that, although Kacchan is the one who wants to talk, he needs prompting to get it out.

"I don't even think it's a big deal! But he was upset and I didn't handle it well, I've never seen him that serious before it was fucking weird," Kacchan was speaking so quietly that Izuku wasn't even sure he was addressing him.

"Kacchan?"

"He wanted to make our 'meet-ups' more frequent. I said we're too busy to see each other any more than we already do, and then he got upset," he huffed.

Izuku was confused, Kaminari didn't seem like the type to be so irrationally upset over something that was simply a fact: they were third years, of course their schedules weren't very flexible.

"What about that upset him?" Izuku asked, not surprised in the slightest when Kacchan made a face. He was trying more this year but he still struggled when it came to, not only his own vulnerability, but handling someone else's too.

"He thinks I prioritise...other people. I thought he was being dramatic because, shit, I see him more now than I ever have. He does not like being called dramatic," Kacchan seemed to wince, presumably at the memory.

"I mean, it probably wasn't the best idea calling him any names when he's trying to communicate with you," Izuku started with, unflinching when Kacchan bristled, "Saying that though, you're both training to be heroes and you both have other friends. And it's not like you're actually in a relationship...are you?"

Izuku held his breath, awaiting his response. He wanted to confirm what Ochako heard from Mina was true.

"No. No, we're not." Izuku released the breath, "I don't know how the fuck I'm supposed to handle this though. I feel like I see him plenty as it is!"

Honestly Izuku wasn't surprised that Kaminari was the type to get attached to someone he's intimate with. Hell, Izuku's sure he'd be the same given the opportunity. He was, however, surprised that it was bothering him so much if they weren't actually together.

"What would you do?" Kacchan asked him suddenly. Izuku should be starting to get used to him asking for his advice but no, it still surprises him as much as the first time.

"I don't know, Kacchan. I've never been in this sit-"

"Deku," he silenced his inevitable waffle.

Izuku sighed, thinking for a moment before responding "I would talk to him when we've both stopped being...emotional. I'd ask what he wants from me and try to work out a good balance that suits both of us."

Kacchan nodded along to what Izuku was saying, and he couldn't help feel a swell of pride at how intently he seemed to be listening. How much he must value Izuku's advice to be putting away his own pride to ask for help.

"Though, if I'm honest Kacchan, I don't really see the problem. There's only so much time you both have to spare, and you already spend a lot of it with him," Izuku put heavy emphasis on the 'lot'. He can be a good friend and a petty bitch if he wants to be.

"Yeah that's what I said. He seems to think I spend too much time with other people, and I tried to calmly explain that I wasn't going to spend all my time with him. But he kept pushing and I lost my temper and- yeah. We all know what happens when that happens," he sneered, all anger directed at himself.

Izuku was suddenly feeling brave. If Kacchan didn't look so upset with himself he wouldn't be dreaming of scooting next to him, would not dare place a tentative hand on his thigh (he definitely wasn't fangirling about it either).

Kacchan widened his eyes, looking down at the intrusion. Izuku wasn't deterred though, determined to show him comfort in one way or another. And he knew a hug would get him exploded, so.

"It's okay, Kacchan. This is fixable. You just need to swallow your pride and talk to him without letting yourself get angry."

"I know, I know. Easier said than done."

Izuku was about to remove his hand, figuring he's tested his luck enough, when Kacchan's own hand was suddenly covering his.

He gasped, though immediately cleared his throat to mask his shock, eyes darting across Kacchan's features. He had his head cast down, blonde spikes concealing most of his face, gleaming under the lucent moonlight.

"Thanks, Deku. You're a dumbass, but you're the only dumbass who knows how to deal with me," he pat his hand before standing, Izuku allowing his own to fall to the bench.

Izuku sat there, dumfounded. It wasn't much, but from Kacchan it might as well have been a proposal.

He almost started panicking at the tears suddenly springing to his eyes, threatening to fall at any moment.

God he's so in love with him. He doesn't know how it took him 18 years to figure it out.

"You coming?" Kacchan asked, tilting his head towards the building. Izuku plastered on a smile, fake as ever, before following him in.

He's happy to see Kacchan's familiar resting-bitch face was back, and he's happier to be the reason for that.

He'll take whatever small victories he can get.

✧

They ended up making up the same evening, which is why Izuku currently had the unfortunate view of Kaminari, sprawled across the sofa with his legs flung over Kacchan's while they watched TV.

He shouldn't be bitter. Kaminari would've done that even before the dare. Izuku is just choosing to be bitter, because he's annoyed and he can.

It had just been him and Kacchan initially, but they were in a communal area so Izuku couldn't exactly be too murderous about the fact that they now had company.

It had only been a week since their argument, but they seemed to have sprung back to normal instantly.

Izuku figured that was the case when he was brushing his teeth in the bathrooms a couple days later and the pair of them came in together, Kaminari being as annoying as ever and Kacchan barking threats that lacked any bite.

He couldn't even be mad. He was the one encouraging him to make up with him.

He could however be irritated that he was here now, watching the show that Kacchan and Izuku watch together. He knew he should've suggested they go to his room but his laptop was already downstairs as they'd been doing homework for most of the evening.

"Wait, what was his name again?" Kaminari asked, face screwed up in concentration as he attempted to catch up to where they were in the show.

Izuku wanted to throw something at him.

He's not sure he'd even stop himself from doing so if the blonde asked one more question.

"Hey, Midoriya?" Izuku was glad that there weren't any object immediately in reach because if there was, they'd already be flying in Kaminari's direction.

"Yeah?" he replied, smiling as sweetly as he could manage.

"How's your love life?"

Huh?

Kaminari is renowned to be nosey but it's the first time he's so randomly brought something like that up to Izuku.

"Um- nonexistent?" he looked at him, puzzled.

"Damn, it's been a while since there's been some gossip around here," he pouted, swinging his legs off of Kacchan to instead sidle up close to his side. Izuku would have been okay with that if not for the fact that he also rested his head on his shoulder.

If he didn't know Kaminari any better, he'd think it was a possessive move.

Where are all the throwable things in this damn common room?

"Seems you two have that covered," he answered, unable to completely hide the spite in his tone. Kaminari didn't seem to notice, but Kacchan sent him a look, eyebrow raised.

They watched for a while longer before Kaminari just kept getting touchier, and Izuku didn't know how much longer he could withstand looking at it before he combusted.

"I think I'm gunna head up to bed," he faked a yawn, "It's been a long day."

Kacchan said "At least finish the episode," at the same time Kaminari quite cheerfully replied "Okay!"

"I'll fall asleep, Kacchan. Good night," he forced himself to grin, pacing his way towards the elevators.

Yet again, he slept awfully. It's one thing being aware that something was happening between them and a whole other to actually see it.

Izuku couldn't rid his mind of vivid imagery about just what the pair get up to behind closed doors and it drove him crazy.

By the time he was clicking his alarm off, it felt like he hadn't had a wink of real sleep.

Not ideal when they have a day of quirk combat training with pro heroes ahead of them. Izuku just had to hope he wasn't pressed too hard today.
Unlikely.

"You look like shit," was how Kacchan greeted him when they lined up outside, waiting for the coach to collect them.

"Thanks, I feel like it too," he yawned, eyes going bleary.

"Nightmares?" he asked, lowly. Although nightmares weren't uncommon among the members of class 3A, neither Izuku nor Kacchan liked speaking about them in front of others.

"Something like that."

The coach finally came, and Izuku was too tired to even think twice about the fact that he had followed Kacchan on and plonked himself next to him without asking if he could sit with him, using the heels of his palm to rub his eyes.

He missed the look of disappointment on Kaminari's face as he walked past them, taking a seat next to Kirishima instead.

"Try get some shitty sleep, idiot. The journey's at least an hour long and you're going to be fighting like an amateur in this condition."

Izuku had his eyes closed before the boy could even finish talking.

He was being shaken awake, not even remembering drifting off in the first place. His neck felt strained, cheek resting on something sharp but warm. He nuzzled into it, face scrunching at the intrusion.

"Oi." A deep familiar voice sounded, seemingly very close. Izuku just groaned in response.

All of a sudden, his pillow was disappearing, neck muscle pulling as his head fell sideways at the lack of support.

"What the- Kacchan?" he blinked, fuzzy blonde spikes coming into view. He didn't look impressed.

Izuku could take a guess at what his pillow was.

"Dumbass, I've been trying to wake you up for fuckin' ages," he tsked, leaning back against the chair.

Izuku cheeks burnt red, horror at the fact that he'd been lying on Kacchan.

"S-sorry! I didn't even- I don't know-"

"Shut up, idiot. It's good you slept," he turned so he was facing the window, done with the conversation. Kacchan was never talkative in the mornings.

Izuku checked his phone, seeing that they'd been driving for almost an hour so must be close to the training grounds UA hired out for them to use.

He just wished he was more excited for the day ahead.

It's not everyday that the class got to train with pro heroes, in an educational setting and not when they were quite literally fighting for their lives.

"Heard Mirko might be there," Kacchan said, without turning to face him.

"Really? I didn't think they'd invite any top 10 heroes for this. God, I'm definitely not in the right headspace to fight with any of them,"

"Well you better get it together, shit nerd, because Aizawa read out the groups for the day and you're with me. Don't slow me down,"

"Of course not, Kacchan! I'll do my best- no, more than my best," Izuku held up his fist determinedly, Kacchan rolling his eyes at it before (very) reluctantly knocking his own closed fist against his.

Izuku practically beamed.

"Who else is in our team?" He asked, processing that part of what Kacchan said belatedly.

"Icy Hot and Ponytail. Based on that I assume we're grouped on our ability, and then given a pro hero based on that," Kacchan relayed, eyebrows scrunched in thought. He looked adorable.

Izuku opened his mouth to tell him so but the coach was slowing to a stop and he could see Aizawa standing to address them so he closed his mouth, which was likely for the best.

He might not have made it off the coach at all if he did that.

They were all stretching, stood in the groups allocated to them and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the pros.

"I hope it's not Endeavor," Todoroki grumbled, face twisting in a grimace.

"Surely you'd know if your own fucking dad was about to rock up," Kacchan raised a brow at him.

"I don't know. I blocked his number," he replied simply, mouth curling up at the corners. Kacchan snorted, shaking his head in disbelief.

He seemed to have established some sort of respect for Todoroki over the years, which was made clear when he stopped denying that they were friends. They were even quite content in each other's presence now, occasionally doing homework or cooking together in comfortable silence.

It made Izuku smile, thinking of how much Kacchan has grown up.

"Team B, where are you troublemakers?" A deep female voice sounded, seeming to come from above them.

The class looked up, finding a very powerful looking Mirko about to land.

Pro heroes were always very dramatic with their entrances.

"You all gunna ignore me, huh?" she snarled, though it lacked real ferocity, landing heavily next to Aizawa who simply rolled his eyes at the display.

Mirko had always had a very intimidating aura surrounding her, and how she delivered her words and expressions did nothing to ease that intimidation.

Not everyone fell for it though.

"Oi, Old Lady. Over here," Kacchan lacked tact, as usual with adults.

He and Mirko seemed to form somewhat of a bond after the war, though. Which, he assumes, is why he could talk to her like that and why she only smirked and bounded her way over to them without much objection.

She's pretty much put dibs on Kacchan to work for her as a sidekick after graduation too, which was an amazing achievement for an 18 year old aspiring hero. It seems his performance in first year impressed a lot of people.

"Brat," she greeted, ruffling Kacchan's hair. Despite his gritted teeth, Kacchan let it happen, eyes rolling fondly.

"A pleasure to see you all," she turned to the rest of them now, still smiling wildly.

"Now, this is training but I expect you all to treat me like a real villain. I have no reason to believe any of you will go easy on me but just in case any of you try it, I will not show mercy. Any questions?" They all shook their head to which she grinned again.

"Great! Let's go watch the first group."

The aim was to take the bandana that your assigned pro hero will be wearing around his head and then capture them and either render them unable to move or deliver them to a prison which was really just a cage on the training ground, all within 20 minutes.

It sounded simple on paper but Izuku knew that against a top 10 pro hero, it was going to be anything but easy.

Luckily, their performance today only contributed to 5% of their overall grade for third year, with another 10% being drawn from the report they'd have to write over winter break about it.

Team A consisted of Tsu, Ochako, Iida and Shoji up against pro hero Rock Lock. Izuku's sure they'd pass with Rock Lock and Ochako's quirks being almost counteractive, but he knew it wouldn't be a simple affair.

He was correct. By the time they were making their way back to the rest of the class, they were dragging their feet, heads hanging low in exhaustion despite the fact that they had succeeded.

The sight had Izuku dreading their go, with fatigue already running so deep through his bones.

He didn't have time to think about it too much, Aizawa was already signalling them over for their turn.

They were allowed 3 minutes to strategise before they had to begin the chase.

"This should be a piece of piss. Ponytail, use most of your energy making a capture device strong enough to hold a pro hero. Mirko's biggest setback is her lack of mobility through the air, so Icy Hot you should use your ice and melt it slightly with your fire to make everything she tries to land on slippery enough that she can't take massive leaps. Everyone good with that so far?" The group nodded, unsurprised at Kacchan's eagerness to take the reigns with strategising and willing to let him lead with the lack of time they had to plan.

"Good. Deku, you need to be the one to actually grab the bandana because you can move the quietest and the fastest. I'll distract her with a fight, and once Ponytail is ready we can work on all coming together to capture her."

It was a solid plan. Izuku was usually good at strategising, and often he and Kacchan would bounce off each other to conjure up a plan but today he was quite happy to let Kacchan take charge and it seems Kacchan sensed that.

"Just thought I'd note - stay away from the scaffolding near the right corner. I noticed Tsu having some trouble balancing on it earlier so I don't think it's very stable." Yaoyorozu explained, Kacchan nodding in agreement having caught sight of it himself.

"Good observation, I hadn't noticed," Todoroki frowned to himself. Izuku would have said something to make him feel better about missing that detail had he not entirely missed it himself.

It was all going absolutely fine. Yaoyorozu was out of sight, forming something big and strong enough to restrain Mirko. Todoroki was following Kacchan's instructions, being enough of a nuisance to the pro hero that Izuku could see cracks in her usually stoic expression, suggesting her growing irritation at being unable to find her footing.

Kacchan was using his explosions to keep himself in the air as well as making advance at her, altogether his team were playing their part well.

Now it was down to Izuku to grab the bandana which was tied securely around her head.

It should have been simple, and if Izuku was on top form it would have been. Todoroki and Kacchan were keeping her too distracted for her to even be considering where Izuku had gone.

They were moving far quicker than he anticipated they would though, and it was getting difficult for him to keep following them stealthily.

There was no way he could sneak up behind her at this speed, Todoroki's ice was only slowing her down so much.

If he could just approach from above and grab it while she was ascending, she might not even notice he'd done so.

Izuku frowned, determined to attempt that plan.

He was still tired from his night of disturbed sleep, the sooner they got the damn bandana the sooner he could stop running after her and they can get their damn A grade and relax.

Using One For All, Izuku jumped as high as he could at the same time that Mirko landed, hoping to cross her the next time she jumped so that he could reach out and grab the material.

Fuck.

He jumped too early, Mirko wasn't bounding upwards but instead sliding along the ground over Todoroki's ice path which he would have noticed had he been watching her footing.

Izuku panicked, distressed at his mistake. At this rate, Mirko will notice him too soon.

He noticed some poles sticking out up above, using Black Whip to reach out and grab them, hoping to hide himself on the roof above them until they'd moved further away.

"Deku- No!" He heard Kacchan call. He was about to shoot him a baffled look, confused at why he just gave away his position when Mirko was still distracted before his eyes widened as he realised his situation.

They weren't poles, they were scaffolding.

The same scaffolding Yaoyorozu had warned them about. She'd been right to be concerned. Tsu was significantly lighter than him and so was unharmed when she landed on it, though Izuku assumed her weight didn't help its instability.

Izuku's sleep-deprived brain was too slow to react in time, belatedly realising that his own damn quirk was pulling the heavy piping down.

And straight on top of him.

All he could do was let out a strangled yelp before everything went black.

✧

A continuous beeping noise invaded Izuku's brain, not allowing him to switch his mind off for any longer.

His eyes fluttered under the harsh glare of lights shining down on him.

He almost panicked at the unfamiliar surroundings before the faint smell of disinfectant filled his nose.

Ah. He must be at a hospital.

He supposes there was no Recovery Girl at the training grounds there in case of any injuries, Aizawa probably didn't think it necessary with them being third years now.

The realisation of his rookie mistake dawned on him, dread filling his bones almost instantly.

"Deku?" a voice came from his right, frightening him. He hadn't been aware that he had company.

Kacchan was sat in the chair next to his hospital bed, watching him wearily.

"Hi," he croaked weakly, at a loss of what to say.

Kacchan let out a sigh that almost sounded relieved before immediately bristling, expression hardening.

"You little shit, you fucking scared m- everyone," he growled, hands gripping the arms of the chair, probably to stop himself from throwing hands while Izuku was in a hospital bed.

Izuku bit his lip, anxiously.

"I'm sorry," he whispered finally, and he must've looked so forlorn that Kacchan's face softened ever so slightly.

"What happened? Ponytail warned us about the scaffolding, why the fuck did you grab it?" he asked, less anger in his tone.

"I don't know Kacchan, I wasn't thinking properly. It didn't even register that it was scaffolding until it was falling on top of me," he explained, blinking back tears of embarrassment.

Kacchan didn't reply, just staring at him. Izuku turned his head so it was facing away from him, allowing a few droplets to fall from his eyes.

"How are you feeling?" the question startled him, eyes widening slightly before immediately refilling with water at the concern.

"I-" Izuku choked back a sob, shutting his mouth instantly. He'd embarrassed himself enough today, he didn't need Kacchan seeing him cry over something like this.

"'Zuku," he muttered, frustratedly but there was an undertone of worry.

He unknowingly set Izuku off again, the use of the nickname only adding more pain to his heart.

Izuku was too busy trying to hold back his tears to notice the blonde stand, coming to perch on the hospital bed next to him.

It wasn't until he was pinching his cheek that Izuku was even aware of his presence.

"Kacchan!-"

"Shut up, Nerd. Stop crying. It wasn't that embarrassing," Kacchan spoke, without any malice.

Trust Kacchan to know exactly what was eating him up.

"You know full well it was," Izuku mumbled, voice muffled against the hand still aggressively pinching his skin.

"Yeah maybe it was,"

Izuku whined, but Kacchan spoke again.

"I could see what your plan was, though. It would have been a good one, had it gone the way it was supposed to."

Izuku smiled, elated as he always was when Kacchan offered him praise.

"Thanks, Kacchan."

The blonde rolled his eyes, releasing Izuku's now-very-red cheek and moving to sit back on the chair, much to Izuku's dismay.

"Uh, Kacchan?" he spoke again after a moment of silence. Kacchan raised his eyebrows, a sign of acknowledgement.

"What actually happened? Why am I in hospital?" he asked, having finally remembered where he woke up.

"You hit your dumb head with the edge of a pole when they fell on you, twisted your knee and broke a couple ribs too 'cuz you fell too quickly for me to catch you or blast the shitty scaffolding away-"

Kacchan wanted to save me! his mind squealed unhelpfully.

"Wouldn't usually be a big deal but Recovery Girl is back at UA and we're basically in the middle of nowhere so there aren't any doctors with immediate healing quirks here."

"Right," Izuku murmured, lip back between his teeth as he processed the information, realising that he did, in fact, feel sore, "W-where's Aizawa Sensei? The rest of the class?"

"They must've carried on with the assessment. I dunno, me and Mirko brought you here. She's outside on the phone to the old man to figure out how the fuck we're gunna get you back to Musutafu."

Izuku squeezed his eyes shut, heaving a deep sigh. There he goes, being a nuisance as usual.

It was supposed to be a simple assessment, how could he mess up this bad.

And of course he chooses to do so when they're not even at UA.

He's such an idiot.

"Don't panic, shitnerd. It's not a big deal. The doctor who treated you said his quirk is slow but effective and you slept for a while which helps the process."

Izuku nodded, not trusting his voice not to crack if he tried to speak.

Kacchan opened his mouth to talk again but the door to the room was opening before he had a chance.

"Is the little gremlin awake? About time," Mirko's voice expressed no animosity, her signature smirk plastered on her face.

Her and Kacchan were eerily similar sometimes.

"I'm so sorry for being such an inconvenience, I know it was a stupid mistake and I should've been more careful- I'll never do anything so dumb ever again-"

"Woah, kid, relax!" She moved next to him, ruffling his hair affectionately, mindful of his injury, "Save all that for your poor old teacher. Who I just got off the phone with actually. He's on the way back to UA with the rest of the class now, All Might is on his way in his car to pick you both up and drive you back to school more comfortably. Doctor's given you the all clear to go home, his quirk will heal you but it takes at least 24 hours, maybe more. Said to go to Recovery Girl tomorrow if you're still in a lot of pain. Got it?"

"All Might is coming?," Izuku wheezed, completely mortified.

"Don't worry about it, Kid. Gives the big guy something to do in retirement, makes him feel useful," she winked at him, Izuku smiling weakly.

Izuku was just grateful none of the injuries were lasting.

"I have to go, you rats. Duty calls. Stay here until All Might gets here. And keep yourselves out of damn trouble in future, ya hear me? Can't have our future top 10 heroes defeated by some metal" She saluted them, ignoring Kacchan's protests that 'he did nothing wrong'.

After what seemed like forever, All Might was finally knocking on his door, doctor in tow to sign him off and send him home.

Izuku kept his head low in shame, apologising profusely to the man, who just waved him off, assuring him it was no bother.

Izuku knew that was far from the truth.

Mirko had to call in and say she was going to be late, having had to wait for Izuku to wake up before she could go on patrol. All Might had to drive an hour from home just to pick his sorry ass up because he was too incompetent to keep himself safe. Kacchan. Kacchan has been by his side all day, with barely a complaint. Even though Izuku definitely made them fail the exam.

God dammit, the exam.

"Did we fail then?" he asked in a small voice.

Kacchan chose to sit next to him in the back rather than take the front passenger seat, claiming that Izuku was a 'liability' and 'shouldn't be left unwatched for more than a minute clearly'. Izuku didn't allow the words to make him feel worse because he knew he was lying anyway.

Realistically, Kacchan noticed he was in pain when they were moving Izuku from his hospital bed to the car, placing himself at his side immediately with a strong arm around his waist (Izuku nearly had an aneurysm) and wordlessly holding an arm out for Izuku to grab and support himself.

He had to suppress the smile desperately fighting its way across his lips, grabbing a hold of him without a sound so as to not make a big deal of it.

He was only sitting with him now to make sure he was okay, Izuku knew it deep down.

"We didn't fail. Aizawa said he hasn't decided how we're gunna make up for it but he said he's not gunna fail us over an accident," Kacchan muttered, staring out the window as the streets passed by in a blur.

Izuku sighed in relief, nodding to himself before turning to his own window.

"I thought you'd fuckin' impaled yourself," he was almost speaking under his breath, the sound of the radio and All Might's humming would've drowned out his voice had Izuku not been so inherently attuned to it at all times.

Izuku's mouth opened and closed, unsure how to reply.

"All I could see were these stupid, sharp things coming right at you. And I was too fuckin' slow to do anything about it."

He wasn't looking at him, Izuku wished he would look at him so he could read the emotion in his eyes, the hardness of his voice giving nothing away.

"Kacchan, I don't know how to apologise-"

"I don't want an apology. I just- it felt like a repeat of year 1, when you pushed yourself too hard and it put you in danger. I didn't like the reminder of how it felt to watch you like that."

Izuku quickly realised that Kacchan wasn't angry at him. He was worried.

He hates making anyone worry, let alone making Kacchan worry.

"This is a one off, Kacchan, I promise. I'm taking better care of myself now, you've seen that,"

"I know. Don't let yourself slip up again, dipshit. Won't be any fun becoming number one if Icy fucking Hot is my only competition," Kacchan's face twisted in disgust.

Izuku smiled nudging him with his elbow. His head snapped to him in surprise, going to shove him back harder before remembering his pain and rolling his eyes instead, flicking him on his arm.

He didn't catch the knowing smile his mentor had on his face as he watched them through the rear-view mirror.

Kacchan's arms were around him the instant he'd helped him out of the car. Izuku had to physically churn the butterflies flapping in his stomach.

All Might was hovering on his other side, though mostly left Kacchan to support his weight. He was holding him in a way that didn't jostle his broken ribs or disrupt his bad leg. Izuku wanted to coo at his consideration.

"Deku!" Ochako called out from the sofa, the members of class 3A who were lounging around turning towards the door they just entered.

They all quickly approached, though Kacchan held up a hand to stop them getting too close.

"Careful, dipshits. His injuries haven't healed yet." Kacchan warned, grip on his waist tightening ever so slightly.

Izuku knew his cheeks were getting pinker by the second.

"How are you, Midoriya? You gave us all a fright earlier," Iida asked, keeping a safe distance away so Kacchan didn't send fireworks in his direction.

"I'm okay! Really, I am. The doctor's quirk takes 24 hours to heal which is why I still look rough," Izuku chuckled sheepishly, overwhelmed at the attention.

He answered everyones questions, smiling and apologising to his friends as they continued to gather around them.

"Alright! That's enough, the nerd needs to rest," Kacchan spoke up finally, his patience wearing thin. He must've noticed Izuku's hold on his arm getting tighter as the act of holding himself upright was starting to ache.

No one protested, wishing him well before heading back to throw themselves on the sofas.

He caught Kaminari staring at his torso, cocking his head at him curiously before remembering why he might have such sudden interest in his waist.

He wished he was a good enough person to feel shame instead of brief satisfaction.

"My boy, I must wish you farewell," All Might spoke, Izuku jumped guiltily, having forgotten he was still lingering.

"All Might! Thank you so much, I'm sorry you went out your way for me,"

"Don't be silly, what else would an old man like me be doing on a Friday evening?" he pat his shoulder comfortingly, making Izuku's feeling of embarrassment and remorse worse somehow.

"I'll shoot you a text tomorrow to check on you, boy," he grinned, before wishing the rest of the class goodbye and turning toward the door to leave.

Kacchan nodded towards the lift silently, Izuku smiling at him gratefully as he followed his lead.

Lowering himself on his bed strained his ribs more than it should have, even with Kacchan's gentle hands helping him.

Izuku wasn't used to not healing within the hour, he suddenly felt like he owed Recovery Girl a serious 'thank you' for her service.

"You okay? Hungry?" Kacchan asked once Izuku was finally settled, propped up against his pillows.

He bit his lip, knowing his stomach was empty but not wanting to inconvenience Kacchan anymore than he already has today. It was already getting late though, Izuku didn't know if he could hold out his hunger for the night.

"I'm gunna cook for myself anyway, I'll bring you up a plate," he said, passing Izuku his water and phone before making his way out of the room again. Yet again, Kacchan always knowing what he's thinking.

"Kacchan?" Izuku called out before he could close the door behind him, halting him in his place.

"What?"

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet stupid, I might make it too spicy for your baby tastebuds,"

"No - hey! - I meant for today. For everything," he revelled in the blush he caught on the blonde's cheek before he was grumbling incoherently and slamming the door behind him.

God, Izuku was whipped.

No more than an hour later had Kacchan back in his room, tray in hand. Izuku knew that smell anywhere.

"Kacchan! Did you make me katsudon?" Izuku beamed, wincing as his eagerness to sit up shot pain through his ribs.

"Careful! I made myself katsudon, and you got lucky that I was feeling generous today," he rolled his eyes, placing the tray on Izuku's lap.

He took his first bite, eyes shutting and a deep sigh escaping him at the absolute delight filling his mouth.

"Oh God, this is so good," he groaned, shovelling more into his mouth instantly, "Ith thith my momth rethipe?" he asked around the large mouthful.

Kacchan grimaced, not appreciating the sight of Izuku's mouth open and full of food. "Yeah, it is. It's uh- the way I like it, or whatever."

Izuku knew Kacchan was lying, he always adds 'or whatever' onto a lie. Izuku also knew that Kacchan never ever makes katsudon for himself, it was never his dish of choice.

Which means Kacchan got the recipe from his mom especially for him. Or at least that's what Izuku's mind was screaming at him.

Kacchan took his tray down to the kitchen. Izuku didn't think he'd be coming back up, having done plenty for him already.

He needed to pee really bad, and also brush his teeth while he was up and at it.

Swinging his legs carefully to the edge of his bed, he grit his teeth through the pain, using his bedside table to hoist himself up. Lord, he can't believe he's ever taken fast healing for granted. He forgot how much of a bitch even small injuries can be.

"Oi- why are you up?!" Kacchan opened his door, his face mostly concealed by the blanket and pillow he had bundled in his arms. He dropped them on Izuku's floor before stepping towards him to help him stand upright properly.

"I needed to pee," Izuku wheezed, clutching his side.

"Stupid, you should have waited for me,"

"I didn't think you were coming back," he blew out a breath, bracing himself to walk.

"Think I'm going to leave a dumbass like you alone like this? Stupid," Kacchan huffed, almost offended at the idea.

Izuku smiled weakly at him, ignoring the way his heart started hammering against his already-achy ribs.

It wasn't until Izuku was back in his room, teeth freshly washed and bladder thankfully empty, that he remembered Kacchan had come into his room with blankets.

"What's all that for?" he asked him curiously, tilting his head towards the duvet on the floor.

Kacchan's eyes widened slightly before he scowled, tucking Izuku's blanket up to his chin with far more aggression than usual.

He grabbed the duvet and pillow, arranging them into a makeshift bed on the floor next to Izuku's own bed.

"I'm sleeping here tonight. Can't have you breaking a hip in your sleep," he snorted at Izuku's pout.

"You really don't have to do that-"

"Shut up, It's not up for debate. Now go the fuck to sleep, the more you're unconscious the better the doctor's quirk works," he switched off Izuku's lamp before lying on the floor, pulling his own blanket up.

"Your back is going to kill you tomorrow sleeping on the floor, I'll be fine Kacchan," he tried to assure him.

Kacchan was having none of it though, dismissing him by turning to his other side. Izuku couldn't wipe the grin from his face.

Izuku wanted to feel bad for taking up so much of Kacchan's time, he wanted to feel guilt that the blonde was bending over backwards for him. Instead, all he felt in that moment was pure, unadulterated joy.

✧

Izuku's healing process was, thankfully, sped up first thing in the morning when he was sent straight to Recovery Girl's office by Aizawa.

His teacher had looked tired when he watched him hobble into the common room under Kacchan's arm, only sighing at the sight. He ordered him to see her immediately, waving off his apologies with a lazy hand, claiming that he will 'deal with him on Monday' and that he 'doesn't get payed enough for this'.

Breathing a sigh of relief at the instant easing of his pain, he stood up to stretch his back happily.

He can't say he was too surprised to see Kacchan still outside waiting for him, leaning with his hip cocked against the wall.

He seemed upset, frowning at his phone as he tapped in a way that was too aggressive, even for him.

"Hey!" he alerted him of his presence, the blonde lifting his eyes to look at him, expression relaxing instantly.

"You all better now, you clumsy shit?" he jeered, Izuku shoving him in lieu of answering.

He knew better than to say 'sorry' or 'thank you' any more than he already has. While Kacchan's patience was better these days, it was still pretty thin.

Ochako and Todoroki cornered him the second he got back, demanding his attention.

"I'm glad you're better now, Deku!"

"Thanks, those broken ribs were a bitch," he scrunched up his face, shuddering.

"So I know you were all banged up, like, an hour ago but do you think you'd still be up for seeing that movie with us today?" Ochako was smiling at him, so sickly sweet that Izuku knew it was just a ploy to get him to do what she wanted.

Obviously, he relented.

He turned to Kacchan who was still at his side, though he was back to being engrossed with his phone, glaring at it.

"Kacchan? We're going to the movies, did you wanna come?" he offered, knowing his friends wouldn't mind his presence.

"Huh? Oh, no it's cool. I've got some shit to sort out anyway," he mumbled, Izuku just nodding in response as he watched him walk away.

"He was very worried about you yesterday," Todoroki spoke, expression looking thoughtful.

"You should've seen the way he was clawing at those pipes to get you out from under them, he looked feral!" Ochako giggled, throwing an arm around the boys to drag them out.

"I'm sure you're exaggerating," Izuku rolled his eyes, knowing his friends just liked stirring shit sometimes.

"Did I or did I not witness him help you back to your room last night and then not leave?" her eyebrow was raised as she turned her head to glower at him.

Izuku froze, ignore her cackles as he felt heat rising to his cheeks.

"It wasn't like that! He slept on the floor, he just didn't want me to make myself worse or something..." he trailed off.

Why was Kacchan so insistent on helping him?

He supposes though that's what best friends do.

"Midoriya, your denseness is concerning sometimes."

The sudden insult from Todoroki startled him, his mouth gaping at his shock. Ochako was practically doubled over with laughter.

The movie wasn't as good as Izuku was hoping it'd be but he didn't care, just happy to have a distraction from thinking for a while.

In that moment as they walked back, talking and laughing with his two best friends, Izuku felt a bit lighter. As much as yesterday was embarrassing for him, it showed him something about himself he needed to work on. Izuku hadn't felt like he'd learned anything in a while.

It also showed him how much...certain people, care about him.

Todoroki and Ochako were in deep discussion about the main character of the movie they'd just watched when they walked through the common room, noticing Kaminari and Mina were already in there lounging on the sofa's.

"I'm really okay, Mina, I'm cool with it being over. Me and him would never have worked, not with how he clearly feels about-"

"Hey guys!" Ochako interrupted, looking just as curious as Izuku was feeling. He just wishes she let him finish his sentence first.

Was Kaminari talking about Kacchan? Were they really over?

That must be what had Kacchan glaring at his phone earlier. Izuku's heart started beating faster, he almost scowled at his childish glee.

Kaminari and Mina jumped, having not heard them come in.

"Hey guys!" Kaminari beamed, chucking popcorn pieces into his mouth. Mina waved at them, smiling through the look of concern on her face.

"Everything okay?" Ochako asked carefully, pulling Todoroki and Izuku to sit down on the sofa adjacent.

"Yeah, all good. Me and Kats aren't seeing each other anymore s'all," he said it nonchalantly, as if that fact didn't bother him at all but anyone who knew Kaminari knew he was upset, even if only slightly.

"Oh no! What happened?" Izuku was glad Ochako was there to carry the conversation. He didn't like seeing the usually-bubbly blonde upset, of course he didn't. Izuku wasn't evil. He just couldn't help being silently relieved, for his own peace of mind more than anything.

He knew he had no chance with Kacchan anyway, it wasn't about that.

"Nothing dramatic, sorry to disappoint," he looked sheepish, "We just talked about it and realised it might get distracting and what-not. It's no biggie, it's just made us closer friends if anything. And it was fun while it lasted."

Izuku took note of Mina's arm resting on the back of the sofa, her hand playing with Kaminari's hair. He knew the boy liked it when someone played with his hair when he was feeling down.

Izuku's stomach twisted with guilt at the fact he'd felt any sort of joy from this.

"Sorry to hear that, Kaminari," Todoroki said from beside him, prompting Izuku to speak himself.

"Yeah, I hope you guys are okay," he added, and he actually meant it.

As much as Izuku didn't like seeing them together in recent months, Kaminari was a good friend to Kacchan and vice versa. It would be a genuine loss if they don't manage to bounce back from this.

"Honestly, guys it's fine. He'll be exploding my face off by Monday," and although he still looked slightly upset, Izuku was sure he was right.

Ochako got up, throwing her arms around him, Mina joining them instantly.

"It's about time you made moves on Shinsou anyway, don't you think?" the brunette's voice was muffled against the hug, though everyone heard her loud and clear.

Kaminari spluttered, babbling incoherently as the girls laughed. When they finally let go of him, he was bright red.

"We all know about the massive crush you've had on him since the sports festival in first year," Mina teased, poking him in the side. She was right, everyone did in fact know. It had just been sidelined after the truth or dare game.

"Jesus guys, can't a guy pine in secret?" he sighed, exasperatedly though there was a shift in his eyes, gazing almost dreamily into the distance as if the mere thought of Shinsou was enough to distract him from his not-breakup-breakup.

"Don't worry Kaminari, leave it to me," Ochako winked at him, the blonde blinking at her, confused, "Now, when's the next party?"

Mina playfully shoved her, the pair giggling to themselves as they schemed.

Among all the chatter, Izuku missed Kaminari watching him.

"Hey, Deku?" Izuku hummed in response, "He's kinda sulking in his room right now. Maybe you could check on him or something?"

There was something in Kaminari's eyes, though Izuku sensed no spite. He almost looked mischievous.

"Yeah, okay. I will."

He doesn't know what compelled him to listen to him, without even messaging Kacchan first. It was too late to reconsider, he had already knocked on the door.

"I told you idiots to leave me alone- oh. Deku."

Izuku smiled at him weakly, holding up a hand in an awkward wave. Kacchan was just staring at him, as if he was merely imagining him being stood in front of him.

"Can I...come in?" he scratched the nape of his neck, feeling like maybe he should've given Kacchan more time to cool off before coming up.

He didn't actually look angry though. He didn't look particularly sad either. Izuku couldn't actually discern the expression on his face as he wordlessly stepped to the side, letting him come in.

Sitting on his bed, he twiddled his fingers, waiting for Kacchan to sit himself.

He didn't, perching on the edge of his desk instead.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" he asked, lowly. The silence in the room was weirdly unsettling, even for Kacchan.

"How do you even know? Weren't you at the movies?" Kacchan frowned, staring at his feet instead of looking at Izuku.

"When we came back Kaminari and Mina were in the common room talking about it. Ochako being Ochako pressed for more information,"

Kacchan's head snapped up at him, eyes open almost wildly.

"And what did he tell you?" his question sounded urgent, almost panicked. Izuku waved his hands in front of him, hoping to rid that.

"Not a lot! Just that you aren't going to be seeing each other anymore, he didn't go into detail," Izuku felt a bit tense, unsure if it was his place to have come up here at all.

At that Kacchan slumped though, heaving a sigh.

"Yeah. Wasn't working out," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair.

"Why not?" Izuku felt braver all of a sudden. It was risky but he wanted to know.

Kacchan looked at him, eyes pinning him in his place in a way that had Izuku swallowing thickly.

"He said we'd have to end things because he was starting to...feel things. I couldn't- he knew I didn't feel the same" Kacchan finally looked away from him, Izuku released a breath he didn't know he was holding, "said he was okay with that but we have to stop before he's not okay with it anymore. Didn't want it to get to the point that we couldn't get our friendship back."

Izuku considered his words, nodding in understanding.

"Why did you give up before you gave yourself the chance to feel the same?"

It was a stupid question. One that betrayed his own selfish need for the blonde to be his, but conflictingly, more than anything, he needed Kacchan to be happy, even if it wasn't with him. So he had to know.

Kacchan seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, biting his lip so hard Izuku was sure he would draw blood.

"I-" he swore under his breath, pushing himself off the desk he was leaning on, facing the opposite wall with both hands braced on top of his head in his own frustration.

"If you say something ridiculous like you 'don't think you're capable of love' then I need you to know that Aizawa's threat of a lifelong detention will not stop me destroying this room," Izuku spoke when Kacchan didn't, beyond relieved when he got a huff of a laugh out of him.

"I fucking wish it was that."

Izuku wished he knew what he meant.

"It's the fuckin' opposite actually."

Oh.

Izuku felt his heart literally shatter.

"...there's someone else." he didn't phrase it as a question, he didn't need to. It wasn't that Kacchan thought he wasn't capable of love, it was that he was literally in love with someone. And that someone must not be Kaminari.

Kacchan's lack of response was enough of an answer.

"Well! I'm glad it's that and not something I'd have to punch you over. I'm gunna- I just remembered- uh, Todoroki needs me! Yes, Todoroki needs me right now. I'm just gunna-" he dashed across the room, making a hasty escape before he was betrayed by his tear ducts once again.

"Deku-"

"I'll see you tomorrow, Kacchan!" Izuku called over his shoulder, shutting his door behind him and nearly running back to his room.

He sobbed for hours.

✧

Izuku was avoiding Kacchan.

Anyone with eyes could tell.

Every time the blonde walked in, Izuku walked out. He'd grab Ochako or Todoroki for partner work in class instead of Kacchan, which was almost unheard of.

Even for the makeup exam which Aizawa graciously let them do with him taking Mirko's place as pro hero, Izuku made sure there was minimal communication between them.

He wasn't rude, of course he wasn't. But he was acting different, and from the frustrated glowering he could feel coming from him at all times, it seems Kacchan has caught on.

He just...didn't know how to be around him. Finding out Kacchan was in love with someone was somehow miles more excruciatingly painful than knowing he was intimate with someone.

Izuku couldn't quell his emotions, the mere sight of him being enough to bring him to tears.

He just needed to wait a while, until his feelings had died down. Until his heart stopped fracturing a little more at every reminder that he wasn't his, that he'd never be his.

At least Kacchan and Kaminari seemed to be back to the way they were before everything, that was something.

Kacchan must have confided in him about it when they ended things. Izuku was definitely not bitter that he himself had to pry to get it out of Kacchan.

He groaned at the sound of his alarm, wondering when he set it to such a loud thumping noise. Though when he went to switch off his phone, he found it wasn't his alarm at all.

Someone was thumping on his door.

"Who is it?" he called out, yawning loudly before shoving his face in his pillow.

Instead of answering, whoever it was opened the door. Izuku squeaked, pulling his blanket up to cover himself, having only slept in his boxers.

"W-wait!"

"Deku, get the fuck up and get dressed. We're fucking sparring," the voice growled.

Of course it was Kacchan. Izuku finally looked up at him, meeting his stare. He looked pissed.

"Kacchan I-"

"No fucking excuses. Meet me at the training rooms when you're ready," he shoved his finger in Izuku's direction, levelling him with a look so deadly Izuku felt himself cower slightly, before leaving and slamming the door behind him.

To say Izuku was scared was an understatement. He didn't want to have to explain why he was acting so off with him. He wasn't even sure how he'd go about explaining that.

As he made his way to the sparring room, the dread nestling in his bones felt heavier with every step.

Kacchan was stretching when he got there, mumbling to himself angrily. Izuku gulped, walking to his own side of the room to stretch himself.

Once Izuku was done, he moved to the centre of the room, bracing himself in a fighting stance position.

"Ready Kac- AGH," he wasn't prepared for his legs to be immediately swept from underneath him, landing with a harsh thud on his back.

He coughed as the wind wooshed from his lungs, groaning at the ache.

"I wasn't ready!" he croaked, though something told him Kacchan didn't care.

Once he'd recovered and could breathe normally again, Izuku stood, ready to give back as good as he got. Clearly Kacchan wasn't in the mood to take it easy today.

He blocked the hit coming towards his right, flicking his left fist out to catch Kacchan in the jaw. He saw it coming though, head snapping out of the way as he grabbed Izuku's wrist, using it to twist him.

Izuku spun himself the other way to avoid the tackle, shaking his arm out of his grip and attempting to swing his right fist at him this time.

Kacchan shot his leg out, kicking him in the ribs, Izuku wheezing but not wasting time in grabbing it, sliding to the floor and twisting his leg with him so it was Kacchan's back hitting the floor this time.

"Deku," he growled, not bothering to lift himself from where he was lying on the ground.

"Yes?" he released his hold on his leg, breathing heavily.

"Why the fuck have you been avoiding me?" he spat through gritted teeth.

Izuku can't say he was surprised at the question. He couldn't think of another reason why Kacchan would want to beat him up first thing in the morning.

Izuku stood up, holding out a hand to help Kacchan up too.

He ignored the hand, kicking his foot into Izuku's chest instead to shove him backwards. Resuming from where they were immediately, Kacchan dashed forward, his right hand meeting Izuku's cheek.

He winced, going to hit him back but Kacchan dodged, pulling his arm forward before kicking a foot out to his leg so Izuku fell to one knee, arm twisted behind him in Kacchan's hold.

He chopped him in the back, his final blow, rendering Izuku powerless.

"Answer the fucking question," he snarled, tightening his hold on Izuku's arm.

"I-I'm not!-"

"Don't treat me like a fucking idiot, Deku," he spat his name, still relentless in his hold. Izuku's arm was starting to hurt.

"Kacchan, I thought we moved past having to punch out our feelings," he sighed, not even bothering to try to escape his hold.

"I thought we'd moved past you being a little bitch and running away from me," he finally let go, pushing off of Izuku and stalking over to grab his water bottle.

Izuku stayed kneeling, staring at the floor with unshed tears in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, fingers gripped in the material of his basketball shorts.

"I don't want an apology, I want an answer."

Izuku chanced a look at him, finding the anger drained from his face. He just looked sad. He bit his lip, wracking his brain to come up with an excuse that didn't make him sound as pathetic as he was.

"Fine."

His voice was rough, expression hardening as he turned away from him. Izuku opened his mouth to speak, say anything to stop Kacchan from leaving while they were like this.

He'd forgotten what it felt like for Kacchan to be angry at him, he realised, as he watched the blonde storm out of the room, leaving Izuku sat on the floor with tears rolling down his cheeks.

The rest of the day was miserable.

Kacchan stayed in Kirishima's room all day (possible candidate for who the person he's in love with?), so Izuku had no time to talk to him again.

He spent his time moping, avoiding his friends who were sending him concerned messages, wondering where he was on one of their rare days off.

Even at dinner, he made himself a sandwich early enough that he wouldn't bump into anyone before going back to hide in his room.

He couldn't even bring himself to watch anything, just lying on his bed and staring up at the ceiling.

A glance at his phone told him the time was nearing 9pm. His friends would all be in the common room right now, probably watching a film or playing games.

A message came through from Ochako, just as Izuku was about to lock the device.

Chako*ੈ✩‧₊˚: Why are you and Mr Grumpy Pants hiding in your rooms?

Me: Huh?

Chako*ੈ✩‧₊˚: Bakugou. You're fighting right? What happened?

So Kacchan must be in his room right now too.

Izuku gripped his phone, face scrunching up in frustration. He couldn't keep avoiding him forever. He doesn't want to keep avoiding him forever.

The past week had been torture, far more torturous than witnessing Kacchan and Kaminari together.

No Kacchan at all was the worst possible case scenario.

He cringed at how childish he'd been acting. All Kacchan did was confide in him, something Izuku prompted him to do in the first place.

If the situation was reversed, Izuku would have been devastated that Kacchan stopped talking to him immediately after he told him something important to him.

Jesus, what kind of friend was he?

He swung his legs over the side of his bed, throwing his phone on the bed.

Izuku needed to be the one to approach Kacchan this time. The blonde had tried himself this morning, Izuku had just ignored him again.

No more of that.

He was going to tell him.

He was going to tell Kacchan he was in love with him, and that was why he reacted so badly to news that Kacchan was in love with someone else. He owed Kacchan an apology, for letting his own selfish feelings stop him being a good friend.

It was okay that he didn't feel the same way. Kacchan lacked patience at times but he wouldn't shun Izuku for something like that. Hell, he might even understand his situation and sympathise.

Or he might react badly and it might stir up a whole new argument.

Izuku's steps faltered.

No, he thought to himself. It doesn't matter if Kacchan reacts badly, he needs to explain himself. He needs to at least try and get them back to normal again, even if there's the chance Kacchan will never look at him the same way again.

Izuku was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't even register that he was outside Kacchan's door already.

He lifted a weary arm up, almost chickening out before something in him - quite possibly one of the vestiges who was sick of his shit - forced his fist forward, sounding three knocks on the wood.

He braced himself, holding his breath as he heard movement from the other side.

Kacchan looked surprised when he swung open the door, before his face quickly morphed into a scowl.

"The fuck do you want?"

"To talk." Izuku was surprised his voice didn't crack.

"Oh now you wanna talk, dipshit," he snarled, fingers gripping the door tighter.

"Please, Kacchan. I don't wanna argue," Izuku pleaded, lip pulled between his teeth anxiously.

Kacchan bristled, before rolling his eyes and stepping to the side to allow Izuku to pass through which he did hastily before he could change his mind.

Standing in the middle of Kacchan's room, it suddenly dawned on Izuku that he had no idea how to word everything he wanted to say.

He almost panicked, breathing sped up as he scrambled for a way to start before Kacchan got mad at him.

"I thought you figured it out and that's why you wanted nothing to do with me," Kacchan spoke into the silence of the room, voice low and uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Izuku turned to face him, face warped with confusion, "Figured what out?"

"Are you kidding?" Kacchan scoffed, folding his arms across his chest.

Izuku frowned, trying to think of what Kacchan could be referring to.

"I don't know what..." he trailed off, running a hand through his hair, desperately wracking his brain.

"You really don't- For fucks sake, Izuku, how much more fucking obvious can be?" Kacchan scoffed, indignantly, rubbing a frustrated hand over his face.

"Kacchan, I don't know what you're saying-"

"I love you, you fucking idiot!"

Izuku's brain quite literally screeched to a halt.

What?

What?

His mouth was hanging open, eyes opened comically wide as he stared at the boy across the room.

He loved him?

All this time, these months of Izuku having to watch him with someone else, thinking there was no possible universe where his feelings were reciprocated.

All the years Izuku has been in love with him, even if he only realised how to label those feelings recently.

And he loves him too.

He loves him too!

"Look, I get it, you don't feel the same. That's fine, I'm fuckin' sorry if I made you uncomfortable, I just couldn't keep it in anym-"

Izuku was moving across the room, grabbing Kacchan's face between his hands before he could finish his sentence.

He's sure there were fireworks going off above their heads the second their lips finally touched. It was tentative, a simple peck before Izuku gasped and stepped back, realising what he'd just done.

They stared at one another, overwhelmed by all the emotions overcoming them both collectively over the day.

Kacchan's eyes flickered down to Izuku's lips, whispering a low "Fuck it," before pulling Izuku in by his waist and connecting them once more.

Izuku was rigid for a moment before he melted in his hold, arms coming up to wrap around his neck.

Kissing Kacchan was everything he imagined and more.

He was right, the blonde really did know how to kiss. What started off as a chaste press of lips quickly became desperate, Izuku's hands in Kacchan's hair as he was near-devoured.

The hands on his waist loosed, sliding under Izuku's shirt and smoothing over his stomach.

Izuku gasped, the movement allowing Kacchan to lick into his mouth, their tongues meeting with a mutual groan because fuck if that didn't feel good.

They're making out, tongues lapping over each other as Izuku makes a mess of Kacchan's hair and Kacchan feels every bit of skin he had access to under his shirt.

"Tell me to stop, Izuku," Kacchan breathes against his mouth, kissing against his jaw, lower and lower until he's licking a stripe up his neck.

Izuku moans, lewdly, shivering as the combined feeling of Kacchan's tongue on his neck and his warm hands on his skin creating such a feeling of ecstasy, he couldn't help but be bitter that it had taken them so long to do this.

"Please don't stop," he whined, fingers tightening in Kacchan's hair who made a noise at the action. Noted.

He's about to be smug about the fact Kacchan likes his hair pulled when suddenly Kacchan was biting down on his neck. Hard.

Izuku's toes curled, accidentally bucking his hips forward as Kacchan continues his assault to his skin.

Kacchan finally lifts his head, once he's reduced Izuku to a babbling mess, inspecting his work before smiling, satisfied.

He kisses Izuku again, long and lingering.

"How far do you want to go?" Kacchan's panting, tilting his head down slightly to look at where their hips are pressed together.

Izuku realises, with horror, that he's basically been grinding on him the whole time. Surprisingly, though, in that moment Izuku found he couldn't bring himself to be embarrassed.

"Want you, Kacchan. Please," he leant in kissing him again, though when he went to deepen it Kacchan broke off again, Izuku whining.

"Izuku," he mumbled, pecking his lips, "You said licking Aoyoma's ear is the most intimate you've been with someone. I don't wanna do anything you don't wanna do."

"Katsuki," he nearly growled, desire growing in his stomach, "I know what I want, and it's you. If you want to do this too then will you please just kiss me."

Kacchan wasted no time, pushing forwards to press their lips together, and Izuku feels like he's on fire. He shoves forward, trying to get as close to Kacchan as possible.

It turns out Kacchan never moved far from the door, Izuku pressed him against the wood and kissed him for all he was worth.

Kacchan is quick to flip their positions, kissing him back with just as much fervour.

Izuku startled when suddenly he was being lifted, legs wrapping around Kacchan's waist instinctively as Kacchan held him securely against the door.

"I want you so bad, Izuku," he groaned, lips finding his neck once more, licking and biting furiously. Izuku could only writhe in his grasp, arching away from the door.

"You can have me."

Izuku gasped as the support behind him disappeared, Kacchan walking them back towards his bed.

He knelt, placing Izuku gently so his head was resting on the pillow, capturing his lips again before pulling back.

Izuku almost complained before he noticed he was pulling his shirt off from the neck, discarding it behind them.

He almost drooled, hands immediately finding purchase on his collarbones, grazing his nails ever so slightly down until he got to his waist. God, Kacchan's waist was so small, Izuku's sure he could probably fit both hands around it if he wanted to.

Kacchan let him explore his chest before he got impatient, pulling at Izuku's shirt. Izuku leant up so Kacchan could pull it off, breath hitching when Kacchan pushed him down, leaving wet kisses all over the newly exposed skin.

It takes Izuku a moment too long to figure out where he's going.

"Can I?" He fingers Izuku's waistband, eyes hooded. Izuku nodded enthusiastically, hissing at the sharp bite Kacchan left on his hip bone.

"Words, 'Zuku," he demanded, licking a soothing stripe over the bite.

"Yes, Kacchan," he wheezed, lifting his hips so Kacchan could pull off his shorts.

Izuku was only in his boxers now, suddenly feeling shy under Kacchan's watchful gaze.

"I'll take care of you," he said reassuringly, moving the material down slowly enough that Izuku could stop him if he wanted to.

Izuku was fully naked now, flushed red and breathing heavily.

Kacchan was looking at him, so full of lust it relaxed him instantly.

Without hesitation, Kacchan swallows him down, getting lower and lower until his nose was brushing Izuku's navel.

Izuku let out an incoherent noise, hand instantly clutching Kacchan's hair. He's never felt anything like it, such warm heat enveloping him.

Kacchan lifts until only the head is in his mouth, breathing out his nose as he let his tongue swirl around the tip.

"Shit, Kacchan slow down or I'll ngh-"

Kacchan just takes all of him again, building a steady rhythm until he's bobbing on Izuku's cock.

"Ka-Kacchan, Katsuki-, please," he doesn't quite know what he's asking for, every twitch causing his hand to pull at blonde strands.

Kacchan moans around him, the vibrations shooting straight through Izuku, causing him to whimper weakly.

He looked up at him, through wet eyelashes, Izuku almost came at the mere sight.

He's never seen Kacchan like this, cheeks pink and tears rolling down his cheeks, eyes full of desire; desire directed at him.

Izuku couldn't even bring himself to feel jealous that Kaminari got there first because shit, it felt amazing, and he couldn't be mad that experience made him this good.

Kacchan's hands left his hips, smoothing over his abs and up to his pecs. Izuku felt himself twitch when calloused hands brushed his nipples, eyes widening as he snapped his head down to see if Kacchan felt it too.

He did.

Raising a brow, he carefully brought his hands back, rhythm never faltering. This time, though, he pinched, hard.

"Katsuki," Izuku saw stars, bucking up once more before he was spilling into Kacchan's mouth, losing control of his senses entirely.

Kacchan released him with an obscene noise, using the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.

Izuku closed his eyes, waiting for his breathing to return to normal. He gasped when he felt warm lips on his, easing into the touch instantly.

Kacchan had crawled over him, caging Izuku's head between his elbows as he kissed him.

It was slightly strange, tasting himself on his tongue. Izuku felt his cheeks heat up, realising he liked it.

"How was that, Nerd?" he smirked, nuzzling into his neck before falling on the bed next to him, lying on his side.

Izuku turned as well, so they were facing each other.

"Amazing, Kacchan. Unsurprisingly," Izuku felt foggy, smiling dazedly at him. He hadn't quite processed the fact that it had happened.

He wanted to return the favour.

Shuffling closer, Izuku kissed him again, licking his lower lip. Kacchan got the hint, deepening it. Izuku knows he'll never get over the feeling of his tongue in his mouth.

He placed a tentative hand on the side of his neck, using his thumb to brush back and forth over the skin. Kacchan hummed appreciatively, his own hand carding through Izuku's hair.

Without breaking the kiss, Izuku let his hand fall, brushing over his bare chest, feeling everything he's only imagined being able to touch.

Kacchan seemed to catch on to what he was doing, "Hey, you don't have to do anything y'know. We can just sleep."

"Orrr, you could let me make make you feel good too and then we can sleep," Izuku cupped him over his shorts, kissing his jaw. Kacchan groaned, lowly.

"'Zuku, fuck-" Whatever Kacchan was going to say is swallowed by Izuku's mouth.

Izuku takes him out of his boxers, taking deep pleasure from every sound coming from Kacchan.

He broke apart briefly to lick his palm before taking hold of Kacchan's cock once more, starting to pump up and down.

Kacchan rest his forehead against Izuku's, the grip he had in his hair getting tighter the more Izuku moved his hand.

He was breathing heavily, hot pants against Izuku's mouth. Izuku could quite confidently say he was addicted to kissing Kacchan, tilting his head up to connect their mouths, even if Kacchan was barely kissing him back properly, focused on chasing his own finish.

Izuku didn't really know what he was doing, but it helped they had the same anatomy. He just copied what he would usually do to himself, twisting his wrist a certain way, keeping a steady pace.

It seemed to be working, Kacchan's brows were furrowed, grip almost painful in Izuku's hair.

"I'm gunna- shit, Izuku I'm gunna come,"

Izuku quickened his pace, ever so slightly. He moved his lips down Kacchan's cheek, along his jaw and on his neck, letting his teeth graze the skin before sucking his own red marks.

"You're so beautiful like this. Never sharing you with anyone, my Kacchan, always,"

Kacchan's breathing stuttered, which only spurred Izuku on. His lips closed around Kacchan's earlobe before he whispered hotly "Come for me, Katsuki."

Almost on cue, Izuku's chest was being painted white. Kacchan let out a shout, eyes squeezed shut as Izuku brought him through it.

He let go, completely welcoming the weight as the blonde slumped forward and into his arms.

Izuku's hand felt sticky, he realised grimacing slightly. Though suddenly he was incredibly curious. Checking Kacchan's eyes were still closed, Izuku brought a finger up to his lips, licking the mess that covered it.

It was slightly salty, but otherwise the taste wasn't bad. In fact, Izuku suddenly wished he'd used his mouth instead of his hand to get him off.

"Did you just- I cannot believe you," Kacchan huffed a laugh, expression part-fascinated, part-disbelieving. Izuku hadn't realised he opened his eyes.

"I was just curious! This is all very- new," he blushed, hiding his face in Kacchan's hair before he could tease him more.

Kacchan just chuckled to himself, nuzzling his face into Izuku's chest more. Izuku would never have guessed he'd be so affectionate.

"I like when you call me Katsuki," his voice was muffled, tickling Izuku's skin.

"I can do it more often," he replied, clean hand coming up to brush through Kacchan's hair (he can't get over how soft it is to touch!)

"Hmm, no. Only when we're fucking,"

"Kacchan!" Izuku whacked him, not unused to his crude nature but not yet adapted to it in this context.

The boy just smirked, leaning back until he was looking Izuku in the eye. They stared at each other for a moment, Izuku feeling so insanely happy he can't even bring himself to feel gross about the muck drying on his chest.

"I meant it earlier," Kacchan finally mumbled.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Kacchan. You're going to have to say it again and remind me," Izuku couldn't fight the grin from his face with an army.

Kacchan glared at him, rolling his eyes fondly before bringing their foreheads back together gently.

"I love you, dumbass,"

Izuku's heart swelled, a feeling of elation flooding through him. He couldn't help but crash their lips together, throwing his arms around Kacchan's neck to hold him as close to him as possible.

"I love you too, God, Kacchan I don't think a days gone by where I haven't been in love with you," Izuku knew he was going to cry, Kacchan suddenly very blurry in his vision.

He blinked, allowing them to fall and being graced with the sight of Kacchan's beautiful smile, the one he's been so desperate to see directed at him for so long.

"Took our fucking time getting our shit together, didn't it?" he sighed, turning on his back and pulling Izuku so his head was resting below his chin.

"As usual," he murmured, before sighing happily and allowing his eyes to fall shut, exhaustion from the day finally catching up to him.

"G'night, Deku," he kissed the top of his head, and Izuku thinks he could get used to this.

"Night, Kacchan. Sweet dreams."

✧

It was the best night sleep Izuku has had in a very long time.

Waking up the next morning with limbs tangled and his head pillowed on Kacchan's chest, Izuku sighed happily, nuzzling into him more before closing his eyes once more.

"You finally awake, lazy nerd?" Kacchan spoke suddenly, starting Izuku from where he was readily drifting off once more.

"M'tired Kacchan," he pouted, though his pout quickly formed into a smile when Kacchan squeezed him into a hug.

"I can't believe this is real," he muttered, partly to himself but he knew Kacchan would be able to hear with his proximity.

"Believe it, Deku. I'm about to love the absolute fuck out of you,"

Izuku laughed, surprised by the proclamation. He'd never get enough of hearing the L word from Kacchan's mouth - Never.

"Good because I'm going to love you more," he pecked his lips, welcoming the hand that crept to the back of his neck to deepen it.

They kissed lazily for a while, basking in the ambience. It was like there was a golden glow illuminating from the pair of them.

Though a sudden thought made the light dim for a moment.

"Kacchan?" said boy hummed in response, his eyes closed as he traced patterns on Izuku's arm.

"Why did you- I mean, not that it's any of my business, though it kind of is because it low-key put me through hell for a while a-and I'm just curious-"

"Spit it out."

"Why did you start that- thing, with Kaminari? If you really l-love me, that is," his voice got smaller as he spoke, unsure in himself suddenly.

Kacchan's movements barely faltered, his eyes still resting as if he was expecting the question.

"When I let him kiss me during that dumb game I had no intention of it going any further than that," he sighed, head turning away. Izuku stayed quiet, letting him talk.

"I was just pissed that you chose Aoyama over me and slightly drunk so in the moment I thought, 'fuck it, if he doesn't want me then at least someone else does'. That was also kinda why when he came to my room after I didn't turn him away. I was, fuck this is embarrassing, I was lonely I guess."

Izuku blinked, processing. That makes sense he supposes. Training to be a hero left little time for them to get to know anyone, he supposes everyone feels lonely from time to time.

"But why didn't you just tell me? It was so easy for you to- to kiss him in front of everyone. I suppose I'm just trying to understand why you, being the person you are, wouldn't just say it to me straight," Izuku's voice sounded hurt but no matter how much he swallowed he couldn't rid the lump in his throat.

"I couldn't, Izuku. Our relationship has always been...fragile. And that's always been my fault. I didn't wanna add another reason for us to go backwards, and I never even dreamed you'd feel the same," Kacchan sighed, raking a hand through his already dishevelled hair.

Izuku nodded in lieu of answering. He understood what Kacchan was saying but that didn't lessen his frustration.

"Sorry, I know I keep asking questions but I just feel like we should clear all this up now before it eats me alive, but why did it take you fucking around with Kaminari to get closer to me as a friend? You can't deny that it was then that we started spending all that time together, I just- was it intentional?"

Kacchan tensed, going rigid under Izuku. Maybe he was hoping Izuku hadn't noticed his sudden demand for his attention.

"It's so stupid and cruel and inherently me, but the closer I got to Denki the closer it made me want to be to you. You were all I could think about, it's literally so dumb but it felt like I was betraying myself by even being with anyone who wasn't you, which is ridiculous because you weren't even mine-"

Izuku tried not to squee at the use of past tense.

"-So my unhinged brain thought that spending more time with you would lessen the guilt I felt being with Denks."

Izuku heaved a tired sigh, realising his months of torture had been entirely unnecessary.

"I'm sorry, Izuku. I really am. I didn't- I had no idea you felt that way about me. You know I'd never intentionally hurt you like that, right?" his voice sounded pleading and it softened Izuku instantly.

"I know, Kacchan. Does Kaminari know how you feel now?"

"He knew all along."

Izuku's eyes widened, mouth gaping slightly.

"He confessed that he's wanted to kiss me for a while, though said, and I quote, 'I'm not a complete moron and I know you'd rather have your tongue down Deku's throat but I'm down if you're down until you figure that shit out'," Kacchan mimicked him, using two fingers to air quote.

"When he said he was scared he was catching feelings we ended it. I- well, we both knew I wouldn't be able to reciprocate and he's still one of my best friends. I didn't want it to get to the point of no return, you know?"

Izuku did know. It was exactly what stopped him telling Katsuki how he felt all week.

"I was going to pick you, I just chickened out," Izuku mumbled, turning his face towards Kacchan's bare chest to muffle the words.

"Huh?"

"The stupid game. I almost crawled over to you but panicked and turned to Aoyama. He could've been anyone, really, I just needed to style it out," he felt his cheeks get hotter, suddenly feeling very silly. If only he knew that one dumb action would have such a butterfly effect on his life.

"You're so lame," Kacchan groaned, but Izuku could tell he was smirking.

"Hey!" Izuku slapped his chest lightly before grumbling, "You're lame too. Letting a game get to your ego."

Kacchan rolled his eyes, suddenly rolling over Izuku and onto his feet before stretching.

"Well I'm not going to put up with your morning breath regardless of how long I've been wanting you so lets fucking go, nerd."

Izuku pouted while he dressed himself, though every time he caught sight of Kacchan he was fighting a grin.

They were finally dressed and after getting briefly distracted with each other's lips, Izuku was making his way back to his own room to get his wash bag.

Checking the time on his phone, he was glad to see it was still too early hopefully for most of his classmates to be up.

Though his relief didn't last long, when the elevator opened and he noticed his two best friends stood outside his door.

Shit how long have they been there? How does he explain where he's been all night?

He doesn't want to start parading Kacchan around yet, they've not even talked about if they're telling their friends yet.

He didn't have long to think about it, the sound of the elevator opening alerting them to his presence.

Taking note of their bewildered expressions, Izuku walked towards them, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly with one hand as he waved with the other.

"Hey guys! What are you doing here?"

"Deku, you haven't answered a single message all night. We came over last night to see if you were okay but you weren't in your room so we figured you went on a walk to clear your head or something. Said we'd come back in the morning and if you're still not here, we're calling Aizawa," Ochako explained, her eyes widening the closer Izuku got.

"Y-yeah sorry about that! I- uh, left my phone-" Izuku was panicking, brain not conjuring up a valid excuse quick enough.

Shit, shit, shit, what was he going to say? Think Izuku, think.

"I see you've been busy," Todoroki's monotone voice interrupted Izuku's manic thoughts. He tilted his head at him curiously, finally noticing that both of them seemed to be staring at his neck.

"W-what do you mean?" he prompted, weary of the sudden smirks coming on both their faces.

"I guess you haven't looked in a mirror yet?"Ochako giggled, demeanour loosening as her previous worry evaporated.

Izuku's head snapped between them in confusion.

What were they talking about?

"We'll let you sort yourself out," Ochako winked, grabbing Todoroki's arm and starting to pull him away.

Izuku opened his door, beelining for his mirror before he gasped so hard he almost choked.

He could still hear Ochako cackling down the hallway.

Kacchan had eaten him alive, almost. His whole neck was littered with pretty bruises, some darker than others but all very very visible.

"For God's sake, Kacchan," he growled, ignoring the swell in his chest he felt at the sight of the marks. He'd have to wear a hoodie all week, maybe even a turtle neck.

Obviously he didn't love the idea of being claimed by Kacchan, there wasn't a submissive bone in his body that really wanted everyone to see that he was spoken for. Obviously.

✧

Things with Kacchan were so easy.

He thought things would change between them once they started seeing each other (Kacchan is his boyfriend what the fuck), but their relationship with one another barely altered.

Of course there were some changes: Izuku rarely woke up alone, he always had a furnace available to cuddle on demand, he didn't have to survive on instant ramen anymore, he got kisses when he wanted, the sex was amazing.

He felt like he was on cloud 9 at all times.

It had been about a month and a half since they confessed to each other, and barely a minute of that had been spent apart. Even now, Izuku was lazing on Kacchan's bed, watching him get ready for the party Mina and Ochako were organising for Tsu's birthday.

Izuku knew he should be in his own room doing himself up, especially if Kacchan was planning on looking like that, he can't let him upstage him that much.

Izuku watched him attempt to fasten a silver chain around his neck, getting up to take it from him and do it himself.

Kacchan grinned, turning once Izuku was done and pulling him in by his waist to place a deep kiss on his lips. Izuku hummed against him, arms winding around his neck.

"Stop procrastinating," Kacchan huffed, kissing his cheek before releasing him and moving to his desk to spray some cologne.

"I know, I need to get ready but I can't stop looking at you," Izuku winked at him playfully, to which Kacchan rolled his eyes.

"Well stop being a creepy little weirdo and go put some clothes on so we can start drinking, I know the rest of these dumbasses have started already."

"One more kiss first?"

Izuku scurried away before the explosion sent his way could actually reach him.

"Todoroki! Truth or dare?" Mina was grinning mischievously as she eyed her next victim.

Izuku cannot believe he got roped into playing this stupid game again but this time he wasn't worried.

So far only Ochako, Todoroki, Denki and Kirishima knew about their relationship. It's not that the pair had tried to hide it, but neither are advocates for PDA and their dynamic hadn't really changed enough to be noticeable apparently.

They'd talked about telling the class, ultimately deciding they don't really care who knows as long as no one rats them out to Aizawa (Izuku's gotten too used to sharing a bed to give it up over school rules now) and as long as no one has an issue with the fact they're two boys.

So when Mina suggested the game once more, he considered that it might be a good way to show everyone just how he feels about Kacchan. He's sure Ochako wouldn't miss the opportunity to flaunt his relationship on his behalf.

"Truth? I suppose," Todoroki replied, looking entirely too serious for the setting. Izuku could see a light flush on his cheeks though, so he knew the alcohol was hitting him.

"Is there anyone in this room you want to date?" Denki piped up from where he was leaning against Shinsou - another interesting development.

"Yes, I believe there is,"

Izuku wasn't surprised by the answer, knowing exactly who had caught Todoroki's eye, but he knew the class would be shocked so the gasps and cheers were expected.

"Oh my god, who?!" Mina was choking on her beer, knocking her chest.

"Sero. Had I not made it obvious?"

Cue even more exclamations of disbelief.

Said boy was covering his face next to Todoroki, flushed bright red all the way down to his neck.

"How are you so casual about it, Sho?" Izuku heard him mumble though he could see him biting back a smile.

They went round the circle, once everyone had recovered from the news, everyone taking it in turns to fulfil their truth or dare.

Izuku was still doubled over with laughter from watching Aoyama giving Tokoyami a lap dance when he heard his name called for his turn.

"Deku! Truth or dare?" Jirou had asked, knocking back the rest of her drink.

"Hmm...dare," he was swaying slightly, realising that maybe it was time to hold back on the alcohol.

"I dare you to make out with someone for one whole minute!" Mina called out, confirming that she likely didn't know about Kacchan and Izuku's relationship because if she did she wouldn't have given him such an easy dare.

Ochako told her as much, slurring her words far too much "Nooo, Mina tha's too easy! He's obviously goin' t' choose his boyfriend."

As expected, the class were sent into yet another flurry of chaos. Various exclamations about the word 'boyfriend' could be heard as well as some offended quips from people who can't believe they didn't know Izuku had a boyfriend.

Izuku ignored them all, standing from where he was crossed leg on the floor and walking straight over to where Kacchan was sitting next to Kirishima.

He was staring at him determinedly, and the soft look in Kacchan's eyes drowned out all the noise around them.

He wasted no time plonking himself in his lap, grabbing his boyfriend's neck and pressing their lips together.

The whoops and cheers were near-deafening, but Izuku didn't care.

How could he care when Kacchan's tongue was teasing his lip, licking into his mouth as soon as Izuku gave access, his strong hands holding Izuku by his hips, pulling him as close as physically possible. He could taste alcohol and mint, revelling in the flavour because he knew it was from his Kacchan.

Izuku's own hand made its way into Kacchan's hair, tugging in the way he knew Kacchan liked. He knew he'd succeeded when he heard him groan against his mouth, fingers moving under Izuku's t-shirt and up his back. Everything felt so heightened, every touch, every lick-

"Jesus Christ, guys get a room," Ochako gagged, successfully reminding them that they were not, in fact, alone.

They separated, Izuku moving back enough to be able to look him in his eyes which were glazed over and slightly hooded. Izuku didn't know if that was part of the effects of the alcohol or if it was the kiss but either way, he decided being drunk with Kacchan was one of his new favourite things.

"That was way over a minute but also lowkey super hot so I don't mind," Mina was grinning, holding up a new beer bottle in a saluting motion.

Izuku just smiled dopily, turning around in Kacchan's lap so he could lean back against his chest and face their friends, feeling his heart swell at the secure arms wrapping around him from behind.

"That's right, morons. Boyfriend," Kacchan kissed his cheek with a smacking sound, before smirking at the commotion around them.

Trust truth or dare to stir things up in class 3A every time.

Izuku tilted his head up, grabbing the back of Kacchan's head and pulling him down until his lips were grazing his ear and saying drunkenly and slurred but with no less truth "I love you, Kacchan."

Kacchan smiled, much softer than the signature smirk he'd been sending the rest of the class. Izuku's stomach swooped.

"I love you too, idiot."