Chapter Text
Izuku stood there slightly behind Kacchan as the flash of red was seen getting out of the backseat of a car. He was beyond nervous, and even a little frightened. So he took another smaller step closer to Kacchan's back, looking over his right shoulder as he began picking at his nail. The red haired boy leant down and helped out a girl, she had pink hair and pink skin with black eyes. Izuku smiled because that was sweet. He watched as the couple wave to someone in the car and head over. When they get close Izuku steps right up to Kacchans back his head between the elders shoulder blades.
"Yo, Bakubro!" The voice called and Izuku tensed
"Fuck man stop with that" Kacchan said harshly his arm moving and the sound of hands clapping reached Izuku's ears. There was an amused chuckle
"So? Where is the lil' dude? Thought for sure you'd come together"
Izuku tensed against the casual, somewhat kind tone. He looked up to see Kacchan look over his shoulder with a smile. His hand reached back to grasp Izuku's before gently pulling him out. The taller red head grinned showing rows of spikey teeth and Izuku couldn't help but feel the need to cower.
"Hey! You must be Deku. Its great to finally meet ya! I'm Kirishima, this is Mina my girlfriend"
"Hi" the girl smiled stepping close and leaning into his face. He leant back a bit feeling somewhat uncomfortable "gee Bakugo you never said he was so cute" she smiled "you really are no good for information" she smacked his arm before weaving her arm through Izuku's and he went completely ridged his muscles freezing in place at the foreign touch.
"So he really hasn't said much just that he was and absolute asshole to you. You're Quirkless and a bit obsessed with Quirks. Tell me everything?" She gushed and Izuku looked over her face with wide eyes but he saw no hostility. She didn't even hesitate to touch him which everyone who ever knew him always did. They didn't want to be infected.
"Fuck sake Mina, give him a second to adjust" Kacchan snapped hand wrapping round her upper arm.
"I-i-its okay!" Izuku stammered out and looked up to the annoyed red orbs and swallowed loudly before looking to the cheerful pinkette. "I um... if you could warn me about the uh contact" he chuckled nervously and her eyes widened as her free hand came to smack her head
"Right. Sorry! Of course I'm just so excited to finally meet you and I get a little aggressive with my..."
"Insessessant need to know every fucking thing?" Kacchan supplied and she only pulled her tongue at him. But she hadn't loosened her hold either, Izuku noticed.
"Anyway. I won't hurt you! I plan to be your new best friend. And just watch us take over U.A!" She said lifting her fist up, her brows furrowing in determination. "I'll let go if it's too much though" she offered
"Um it's okay... just warning next time... please?" He requested and she nodded
"Of course. So tell me everything" she demanded leading the way to the mall.
"I um there isn't anything else..." he whispered feeling kind of pathetic. He had no hobbies beside his Quirk journals... he had no friends or funny stories
"Nonsense. Do you have any sibling?" She asked and he shook his head "What's your favourite colour?"
"R-red"
"Hey! Me too man!" Kirishima cheered behind them
"Your parents?" She asked and Izuku saw Kacchan glare at her before he could yell Izuku answered
"Well... it's just my mum and me. She's the best and I wish I could do more. My dad left us... a long time ago" he said not wanting to dampen her mood. When her face twisted in anger he had wondered what he had said
"I see. Well, he sounds like a dick" she spat out. "Katsuki said you write journals of Quirks, how come?"
"Well they're interesting. Always had been and I feel like if I study them I can know someone better and improve how they use it... plus I always thought it would help in battle" he shrugged feeling self conscious saying that when they all knew he couldn't.
"That's so clever! Oh do you think they will make us learn that in school?" She asked waving her hand between them excitedly
"So do you have a favourite quirk that you have observed?" She asked and he couldn't help the way his face heated up and hoped he wasn't as red as he felt.
"Uh... yeah I mean sort of. I had an entire journal for one specific Quirk" he admitted and she grinned and looked at his bag hanging at his hip.
"Do you have it with you?" She asked and he looked down at the bag shaking his head. Truth was he hadn't written in any of his journals in over four months. There was one in his bag, it was just habit to bring one. But he hadn't touched it.
"No. I just have a regular one with me"
"What's a regular one?" She asked tilting her head
"Oh um it's just to write down quick notes about one's I come across so I don't forget. I put them in better journals if I get really interested, with more details"
"That's so cool. Oh you're gonna have so much fun at U.A. there's gonna be so many cool ones"
"Pfft, bunch of weaklings it's gonna be" Kacchan scoffed
"Okay boom boom!" Mina sighed "You're a big bad grenade we get it" she didn't sound all too impressed and Izuku felt the corner of his mouth turn up slightly and realised he had relaxed a little
"Have you had any crushes?" She asked softly and he pressed his lips together
"One. But as you can imagine I've not had anyone willing to be near me nevermind that close"
"Well then they're idiots" she said firmly, almost factually "so you've never been kissed? Or... anything?" She asked and looked devastated "that's just unacceptable. We have to find you a girlfriend as soon as possible!" She declared and Kacchan had scowled at her for that.
"He is barely able to be near you!" He snapped
"And um..." he shimmied his shoulder nervously. But he was still unsure if they were even wanting to be his friend. They could be doing this for Kacchan. Might as well let them know everything "I don't um I am sort of gay" he admitted and didn't miss the way Kacchan halted his steps. So he stopped too causing Mina to stop with him
"Sort of?" She scoffed with a smile and his stomach dropped. "sweetie there is no sort of. Either you are or you aren't. Unless you are Bisexual but then you would have said that" she pulled him along and he laughed nervously in his relief she didn't care.
"Right" he agreed
"So, we need to get you a boyfriend as soon as possible" she said and looked at him raising her brow in question
"Oh uh no. No I don't think that's a good idea. Besides nobody is going to want me" he said
They entered the cinema and Mina lead them to chairs while sending Kacchan and Kirishima to get the tickets and popcorn.
"That's nonsense. You're cute, and you sound super smart, not to mention kind and forgiving"
"But Quirkless" he stated and she sighed
"People are ignorant. And you'll meet someone, one day who won't care about that. And he'll know your worth it"
"I hope so" he lied because she was being so nice, and kind and she kept the mood light when he brought up something negative. He wasn't sure how she'd handle it if he pointed out the reality for the quirkless. She may not even know. Kacchan probably didn't because he was the only Quirkless around. Sure there had been others... but he didn't think anyone really went and looked up what happened to them. So he would keep it to himself. The idea that one day things would get worse... in ways he hadn't even considered until last week. And now if he thought about it he was lucky it hadn't happened already. It made him feel sick and grateful his teachers only ignored him.
The movie was good, and the food was great. Izuku couldn't deny that he liked Kacchan's friends but he was honestly exhausted. He hadn't been so social in months and he hadn't ever had people want to talk to him and ask questions. The mental work of making sure he didn't say something stupid, or depressing was so much. He hadn't really thought he was bad at talking to people he talked all the time before that fateful day, trying to get Kacchan's attention, to get the teachers attention. But he'd never actually talked to anyone and only now did he realise... he didn't know how to talk to people. It was tiring and he walked back in silence with Kacchan.
"Did you not like it?" He asked and Izuku smiled softly shaking his head
"No I did. And they were nice I just... I never realised it'd be so tiring"
"Tiring?"
"Well... I don't actually have much to say unless it's to do with Quirks. And trying think of somthing to say..." he let the sentence hang and he nodded
"Yeah... that's why Kirishima thought it'd be a good idea to bring Mina" Kacchan admitted with a scowl "She's persistent but she is very good at making people feel welcome"
"I see that" Izuku smiled she was great and didn't even let the little bad he had let out weigh down the vibe. "She was nice... a little more touchy than I'm used to" he admitted and Kacchan's scowl deepened
"Yeah. I should have told her I'm sorry"
"It's okay. I mean it was weird but it was nice someone didn't think I'd infect them if they weren't..." he sighed and pulled out his phone as it dinged in his pocket
Deku! We want to go the beach tomorrow and you and Katsuki should definitely come!
He stopped in his tracks looking at the text in surprise. He had given Mina his number and she had given him hers. But he had never expected her to actually reach out. Kacchan had been offended that he hadn't given him it yet but Izuku didn't think it right to ask. He had only given it to Mina because she asked. So he insisted he get it first. Now he had three contacts and it was a little strange.
"Hey, you okay?" He looked up to see Kacchan ahead looking concerned and Izuku nodded realising he was crying. He wiped them away quickly
"Mina invited us to the beach" he announced and Kacchan grinned
"Told you they liked you" he sneered playfully "we can go if you want" he offered. The idea sounded nice, he had never been but he couldn't really enjoy the beach like others.
"I um... I mean its okay" he stammered but he felt bad refusing "I don't want to upset her by saying no though"
"Hey, we will be there. Nobody is going to touch you" he reassured him and the way his breath left him at the words was just sad.
"I know" he nodded
"So what's the hesitation?" He asked and he smiled softly
"Beaches means shorts and... no tops" he admitted and Kacchan nodded next to him
"You've put on weight now, and I'd imagine you look much better. Are all the bruises gone?" He asked
"Oh, yeah mostly" he admitted
"Nobody will ask questions. The scar on your shoulder will be obvious to Kirishima and Mina but... guess they should know now than at school if you go" he shrugged but Izuku could see the guilt.
"That wasn't what bothered me" he said stepping as close to the blonde without touching him.
"Then what is?" He asked and Izuku wanted to slap himself. If he decoded to go he would have to show Kacchan his arms. And he wasn't ready for that.
"It's just a lot of people and it feels..."
"Like you're exposed?" He supplied and Izuku nodded. "We don't have to go, they will understand" he reassured him and Izuku shrugged
"I'll think about it" he shrugged and they began walking they were a street away from home and it was making Izuku nervous. It was dark out and music could be heard, which meant Karaku and friends were partying. He stopped looking to the right that would take them an extra ten minutes to get back, but also avoided Karaku completely.
"The fuck you looking about like a meerkat for?" Kacchan asked looking him over
"Um... can we go this way?" He asked
"Fuck no. Home is right there" he snapped and then frowned taking in the clear panic then looked to the house with music blaring and the shadows of people out in the garden only the dim light from the open door showing they were outside. He sighed and relaxed pulling Izuku to his right and putting his bare arm over his shoulders."stay close to my side and just walk. They won't notice you" he said and Izuku nodded feeling his face heat up "hold onto me" he instructed walking ahead. Izuku was shaking and whether from the fear or the prospect of holding onto Kacchan the way he saw couples do he couldn't tell. Probably both. So with shaking hands he wrapped his arms around Kacchan and let him lead the way. The closer they got the more his heart increased. He buried his head into Kacchan's chest trying to control his breathing. If he started having a panic attack now it'd attract their attention.
"Hey doesn't that Quirkless kid live round here?" A guy yelled as they were passing on the other side of the street, and it caused both boys to tense
"Yeah! But he doesn't come out much" Karaku chortled "he says he isn't interested but his body was begging for it"
"You fucked him! Aren't you worried he'll infect you?" A woman laughed
"Quirkless isn't a disease idiot" he snapped Izuku felt sick and had to swallow the bile. While he felt Kacchan go ridged and slow his steps.
"Don't" he whispered desperately putting his hand on his chest.
"If he-"
"He didn't" Izuku whispered shouted
"So he's good?" Came another voice
"Yeah. He's all submissive and willing to do anything and begs for it"
Kacchan was growling next to him and he was starting to panic he'd start something
"Let's just keep going... there's too many people" he begged tightening his grip on Kacchan's vest.
"We should go get him!" Another yelled
"Nah. His mum has a Quirk. Can't just go breaking into her house" he explained as they had finally passed the house. Away from the music Izuku could hear the faint popping and his heart tried to climb up his throat.
"It didn't happen" he whispered moving his hand up to the bare skin at his collarbone. The sheer ferocity of his anger on behalf of him was overwhelming
"I'll fucking kill him" he snarled stopping at the end of the street "blow hi-"
"Kacchan!" He whispered loudly and the burning red eyes looked down to him "the only one who has touched me close to that way is you" he said moving to step in front of him, still perfectly shielded by the other boys large frame. Which, okay that was a bit exaggerated but his point still stood. The popping faded out and only when they stopped did the larger hands come to his shoulders.
"Promise me" he said through gritted teeth
"I promise. I've never... that's never happened" he put his head on his chest and turned his head to their street "come on" he lead them away and Kacchan put his arm back over him as they reached the corner.
Entering the house Izuku felt himself deflate and fall against the blonde.
"Izuku" he said arms coming around him. He looked up to him and the look on his face, the mix of sadness, fury and frustration was hard to see
"I swear nobody has ever... you were my first kiss"
"They don't have to kiss you to-" he cut off colour draining from his face.
"If they had do you think I would have been able to kiss you like that?" He asked and the way the taller one relaxed underneath him had him letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Okay" he whispered and then Izuku relaxed. "I know you get freaked out when being touched and I worried..." he sighed
"Not because of that" he assured him sitting down on the couch and Kacchan followed. There was a silence and it was thick and uncomfortable.
"I know I am a part of it. And obviously you've never been touched without some sort of abuse... except Auntie" he nodded
"I - I mean it-"
"Don't fucking pretend to spare my feelings" he said and Izuku sighed
"Yeah. You're right, like always. But it's not just you. And it's definitely nothing to do with sexual abuse. I mean it never even occurred to me until the other week. And I'm sort of surprised it hasn't happened already. So I guess I'm lucky in that aspect because-"
"You're mumbling!" Kacchan said frowning "and you can't really think you're lucky!"
"Kacchan" he said with a heavy sigh "have you ever heard of what happened to people who are Quirkless?" He asked and he saw the confusion washing over him.
"You're the only one" he said
"At the moment, in this city. There have been others, and are others over the world. They don't live great lives Kacchan. And a lot of them have had it worse than me and... died younger" he whispered the end
"What?" He hissed and it felt like he had struck him in his chest
"You thought I was the only one to ever have been Quirkless?" He asked
"I didn't..." he trailed off and then he looked more frustrated.
"It's okay. I just... I'm just saying some severe bullying and isolation... I've been luckier than others" he shrugged clasping his hands together "but thank you. For getting so defensive"
"When are you gonna fucking get it. You're supposed to be smart!" He gripped Izuku's arm and he could feel the restraint to not squeeze.
"I do-" he cut off as the lips crashed against his. As the arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him close. Izuku couldn't breathe and his mind shut off. He felt himself returning the kiss despite himself. He'd told himself before was a fluke, that he would accept that small miracle for what it was. He was pulled down from the kiss when Kacchan abruptly pulled back breathing harshly eyes dark with frustration
"Fuck" he hissed sitting back letting one arm release Izuku to run through his hair.
"What?" Izuku asked confused.
"Shit, sorry" he breathed leaning back putting his hand over his eyes.
"It okay" he said noting how his arm was still around his waist "really its-"
"No!" He exploded and smacked his hand on the cushion near his leg "it is far from fucking okay, Izuku" he growled it caused Izuku to jump.
"Kacchan... I don't mind. I mean I'm-"
"That's not the point, Idiot!" He snapped "I just- I wanted to-" he growled out and Izuku smiled as he put the peices together and was rewarded with a glare "the fuck you smiling about?" He asked and even if he tried or wanted he couldn't have stopped himself leaning down and into his sides. Kacchan liked him, Kacchan cared and had feelings for him. That's what he had meant earlier. But he felt too guilty and unworthy. Obviously his doubt was laughing at him. Because why would he? But he knew the proof was there.
"I get what you're trying to say" he nodded "I understand now"
"How?" He asked
"Because you're not a talker" he smirked up at him "not about emotional stuff anyway" and the blond only snorted
"Then how do you think you know what I was going to say?"
Izuku sat up turning his body to face Kacchan before leaning in close
"Because you showed me" he whispered leaning down to press his lips to the blondes. It was the first time he had ever done it. And he had to dig down for the courage, because he still had his doubts. But the blonde moved his hand lower to Izuku's hip, his other coming round to grip his other before pulling him over onto his lap. It caused his heart to beat faster but the flutter in his stomach turned into a tingle of heat. When Kacchan sat up moving his hands up his back Izuku gasped as he felt himself getting hard. Kacchan's tongue invaded his mouth causing a moan to leave him. It was good, he didn't know it could feel this nice... or that he'd ever get to feel something so good. When Kacchan pulled him flush against him and groaned at the way their erections were pressed tightly together. It caused a shot of pleasure to run through Izuku. Kacchan pulled away leaning his forhead against Izuku's
"Fuck" he moaned
"I'm sorry" Izuku gasped out trying to catch his breath.
"Don't be" Kacchan grit out through clenched teeth. "It's not you" he breathed out laughing dryly "it is but it's not a bad thing" he corrected "I just... have to remember to behave" he smirked and his insides clenched at the insinuation. He wasn't sure he was ready for that "don't worry" he smiled running his hands down his spine "I'm in no rush"
"I just..." he trailed off biting his lip
"It's okay" he assured him "I can and want to wait" he said and Izuku smiled feeling happy. He was happy. He was getting better and he had a friend... maybe more. And not just with anyone but Kacchan.
They were sat on the couch, Kacchan's arm over him as they watched the TV. Izuku wasn't really paying attention, he was still riding on the high that was Kacchan liked him. But he wanted to go the beach, he wanted to try more. If they were going to be intimate like that he also knew he would have to tell him about his arms.
"Hey, Kats-"
"Stop calling me that" he interrupted
"You don't want me to call you by your name?" He asked smirking at him
"No. Not you" he deadpanned and Izuku dropped the smirk because the look he was burning him with was not what he expected, it was intense and almost pleading "I told you, I miss-" he cut off and looked frustrated and even slightly red. It surprised him, but the way he had been when he finally said it earlier... maybe he really wanted to be close again.
"Ka-Kacchan" he whispered slowly taking his hand "if you want... I mean I understand you have some less than platonic feelings" he said then frowned "for me, obviously" he added feeling a more and more scared to open up here and now. He buried his head on the broad shoulder and sighed trying to collect himself "I just... if I stay here and you go to U.A what are the... expectations?" He finally choked out passed his heart trying to climb up his throat.
"The fuck are you asking?" Kacchan asked and it was the most hostile he had been in a long time it actually caught Izuku off guard, causing him to bury his head deeper "I have no intention of just being- I plan to do this properly" he seethed the tension building against Izuku. Who only nodded in defeat.
"Okay" he took a few breaths
"What the fuck kinda stupid question was that?"
"You know for someone who thinks I'm a nerd you call me stupid a lot" Izuku quipped lightly trying
"Cause you are" he sighed moving his arm through Izuku's to take his hand "so out with it" he prodded. This wasn't the way he anticipated things to go, he thought Kacchan would go ahead, and he'd be left behind to fade away.
"Well... I just think I should tell you something before... before anything else" he was starting to feel sick. "I don't want to blindside you"
"Okay" he sounded as if his mind was far away, trying to avoid the apparent fear that he was feeling, if his face was anything to go by. He sat up pulling his legs up to his to cross his legs on the sofa, trying to pretend not to see the almost panicked look on the blonde. He couldn't hide it forever, right? Not if they were really going to- his hands were stuffed between his legs.
"Hey, Moron!" He nudged lightly making Izuku jump and look up to him "Spit it out" the words were normal, but the tone wasn't. It was soft and shakey and it made Izuku feel bad.
"Well... you saw the worst... caught me and fed me, pulled me out of the pit I'd fallen into." He spoke and Kacchan nodded unblinking and watching him. He slowly turned his body to face Kacchan and without looking up lifted up one sleeve. They were almost healed, given it had been five weeks and not once had he tried. Honestly he was just more busy trying to be present around Kacchan and it took up a lot of his mental load... then he just... didn't want to. But it was clear what they were. And the strangled noise that came from the elder boy was enough to break Izuku's heart as he pulled up the second sleeve. Some were scars, some were healed but still red, the latest were clearly only just healed. The large hands hovered before going under his arms softly to lift up his wrists. He was so soft and gentle as if he thought he'd break him.
A calloused thumb ever so slightly brushed over an older scar. The silence after was deafening and he wanted to curl into a ball. He didn't know what to say, he didn't know what he'd see if he looked up. The wetness on his wrist didn't give him the chance to avoid the look, his eye shot up to see the red eyes swimming in tears looking from one wrist to the other, horror on his face. He slowly pulled his left hand free to take Kacchan's face
"It's okay" he whispered "I'm okay" his smile was shakey and not entirely convincing. But it was true, he was doing much better and he knew he it was because of Kacchan. It didn't matter that he valued him more than himself but he could work on that, he knew he'd have to now he had some sort of future with him.
"This is-" he snapped his mouth shut to glare into Izuku's eyes
"I know it's bad" he nodded "Of course it is but... I'm okay. I'm sure I have a long way to go, and I will work on it and... myself. I expected this to be the summer we'd get closure you know? Afterwards you'd go onto..." he trailed off to bite his lip. Because he couldn't believe this was where it headed. Where it ended.
"Cause you don't fucking listen" Kacchan snapped with barely any bite.
"I'll go the beach tomorrow" I decided "if you still want to and..."
"They'll find out one day" he nodded "if you're sure you don't have to" his hand on his right wrist squeezed lightly
"I want to, they were nice...and if it ends the same way as normal then... Well I will have you there, right?" He didn't mean to sound doubtful, but he was still scared it'd all turn sour soon.
"Yes. Fucking hell Izuku yes. And I'll keep proving it until you trust me" he growled out
"I trust you, I do. But I think there's always going to be that little voice..."
"I can't wait to kill it" he snarled and it made Izuku laugh. Pulling down his sleeves he curled up against Kacchan.
When Inko returned home in the middle of the night to find her son and her best friends son cuddled up on the couch she took a picture, sent it to her best friend with a big smile across her face.
A month!
That is what Mitsuki had sent, her bet. They had known for years... but the distance between them had been concerning. She didn't know what had happened, but she was happy to see them together again.
Less
Inko replied and put a blanket over the boys.
The day before school had been tense and Izuku was just waiting for Kacchan to finally snap. He had been trying to convince Izuku to come to U.A, but he couldn't justify it. He had sighed as he walked through town heading to the library. Hoping that they had his course information. The fact he had to have such things sent to the library was stupid. But the post man could never be trusted. As he walked through the city he could hear the commotion and it was clearly another fight.
What he hadn't expected was a giant slime to try to take over his body, or for All Might to save him. And in that moment he couldn't help but question him, if he thought Izuku could be a hero. His words only solidified his belief he was doing the right thing. Things were more complicated now, obviously. He and Kacchan had become close, closer than he had ever planned. And he was sure they would be officially dating if Kacchan could accept his choice, he'd understand if he couldn't but... he hoped. Despite himself he hoped. His spirits were crushed but he was okay with that.
Kacchan had given him the best summer he could have asked for. And while they hadn't actually done much it was the happiest time of his life... well, since he was a child.
There was smoke in the sky, and people were screaming. His stomach dropped as a bad feeling set in there. A pit opening up and he suddenly felt sick. He ran, his feet loud against the concrete as he used all the speed he had. He was a corner away and the sound of the explosion had a lump rising in his throat. No. No he was just being paranoid.
"Help! Help! He has a kid!" A woman screamed and it only increased the fear in Izuku. He saw the crowd,he could hear All Might, and other heroes. He pushed through, weaving between the people not even seeing their faces. He stopped at the end and the flash of blonde hair had him crying out, the pissed off, red eyes glaring up at the very same monster who almost had him not Twenty minutes prior. Nobody was moving, nobody was helping
"KACCHAN!" He screamed and saw a brighter flash of blonde. All Might, leaning on a pole for support... his power gone. No! He understood. He'd used up his power on Izuku, the other heroes couldn't match the villain. Red eyes landed on his, and he saw utter fear as they widened. The slight shake of his head pleading Izuku not to do it. But he had to know, he had to! Izuku would give his life for him in a second. And this thing tried to take him first, he wasn't about to watch it take Kacchan. He wouldn't survive it. Tears streamed down his face, while his breathing came in short strangled gasps. Kacchan pulled his mouth free
"Don-" he started but Izuku was already moving. Weaving under the heroes hands, ignoring their calls. He had to save him. He couldn't die. So he pulled his bag off his shoulder and threw it, the contents spilling everywhere.
"Deku don't!" Kacchan yelled and his voice was shaking with panic but he was already there, clawing at the slime. It was warm, and got under his nails but he didn't care "the fuck are you doing!" He roared, pissed off now
"I can't watch you die!" He screamed
"I got more of a chance than you!"
"I don't care" he snapped and then sobbed out as the slime covered him leaving only his eye and some hair visible. He was going to die, this was it and he would have been okay with it... if Kacchan wasn't about to die too.
It was suddenly hot, and a giant hand covered his wrist as he was pulled back. All Might. The detroit smash was powerful. It was almost explosive and when Kacchan fell to the floor choking and pulling in air Izuku felt lightheaded as he fell to his knees.
"Thank God" he whispered crawling over to the blonde before looking to All Might "Thank you" he bowed his head and helped Kacchan up.
"You okay?" Kacchan asked his voice hoarse. Izuku nodded and then felt worried at the glare "good. Cause I'm gonna fucking kill you" he growled
"I know" he sighed as they stood up. Other heroes and media swarmed them and they didn't get a chance to talk to All Might. That'd been fine.
"Still think I should go to U.A?" He asked
"No. That was fucking terrifying" he huffed putting his arm over Izuku's shoulders.
"Yeah... be careful Kacchan" he whispered putting his head on his shoulder. They both almost fell on their asses when All Might showed up after getting away from the crowds.
"Deku, this is incredible! Don't you fucking see that?" He asked slamming the door to Izuku's house
"I do! And it's an honour but Kacchan!" He sighed
"But nothing! Our literal hero is handing his legacy to you! You can come to U.A. we can work together and be-"
"I know, okay!" Izuku yelled slamming his barely together bag on the floor "but it's the OFA! That's a big burden not to mention the expectation. I'm no-" he sighed taking a deep breath "I don't want to disappoint him. Or you. If he gave it to me and I failed..."
"You won't. Shit Deku if anyone has any chance of understanding it, it's you. You see a Quirk and analyse it in minutes, you figure out ways to make it better. Think of things the user never would"
"It's not-"
"You're stubborn and determined. You're smart and I don't doubt he chose the right person to be his protégé"
"And of I fail?" He asked
"You won't"
"But If I do?" He asked again and Kacchan groaned before storming out the house leaving him stood there stunned. Did he just leave in the middle... this isn't a moment to walk off and take a breather. He growled out in frustration as he picked up his bag and moved to the livingroom. A minute later Kacchan burst back in, breathing heavily, he had ran. And Izuku froze at the book in his hand. He remembered it from the first night at Kacchans, but he was so out of it he thought he'd made it up.
"The things you wrote, thought of and considered. I'd have thought of them, eventually but not then" he went to speak but Kacchan closed the space between them and tossed the book on the coffee table and wrapped his arms around Izuku. "You won't fail, because I know you won't give up. And I know you did... but it was different and its never going to be like that again. If you feel too burdened I'll be there. I won't make the same mistakes" he said and Izuku believed him he really did. But it was still a very big decision.
They stood at the gates, hand in hand as Izuku tried to find the courage to make the first step. Kirishima and Mina had gone in leaving the couple to take their time, it was very clear Izuku was nervous.
"Nobody is gonna do anything to you" he assured him rubbing his thumb on his hand. He wanted to believed that, but he couldn't help but feel like an imposter. After everything here he stood at the gates to his dream school, with someone else's Quirk. How was he supposed to face anyone and tell them the truth?
"I'm sure you're right" he smiled weakly
"I'm here. And so is Kirishima and Mina. Let me prove to you I'm going to do better"
"I know you are" Izuku frowned because this was something they hadn't agreed on yet.
"I'm serious. I'm gonna make sure I am worthy of you. I'll never, ever deserve you but i-"
"Stop. I don't want to hear it" he ordered and suddenly felt tired, putting his head on the elders shoulder "I don't think you understand how happy it makes me that you want me, I want you too. The past doesn't matter"
"It does. It matters" Kacchan argued his fingers taking his chin making him look up to the scorching red. "My only concern is to make you feel happy and safe. I don't want to hear any bullshit about it, you hear?"
Izuku couldn't help the blush that he felt heat his face. So he nodded against the fingers and decided now wasn't the time to get into a disagreement.
"Good" he smirked leaning down to press a sweet kiss to Izuku's lips.
Izuku's heart leapt into his throat at the surprise that he would do that so publicly as people were passing by to enter the school.
"Kacchan!" He gasped
"Fuck em. I want them to know we're a package deal. They have any problems with that I'll put them in their place" he shrugged tugging on his hand and making him cross the threshold. Lending him his confidence and strength for that first step.
Almost a year later
"C'mon Nerd! Let's go!" Kacchan yelled from across the communal dorm.
"Hard to believe you two are together" Urakaka said glaring at the exceptionally attractive Kacchan dressed up for the end of year dance. Not that they were attending straight away.
"He's a big softie really" Izuku smiled
"I don't see it" Urakaka said in clear disbelief.
"Deku!" He growled throwing his arm up.
"I'm coming" he laughed walking over to him. He suited mulberry red button up and the grey vest and pants, more than he had any right to. And Izuku was having a hard time not swooning everytime he looked back to him.
"Have fun you two!" Kirishima yelled
Izuku couldn't help the grin, because he was too happy in this place. He had friends, and Kacchan. He was in a much better place. Even Kacchan had been happy to be more himself in the last four months alone.
It made Izuku beyond happy he didn't feel the need to tip toe around him anymore. And when OFA got too much Izuku didn't try to hide it from Kacchan. And it had its moments, a few broken bones, new scars, some covering up the ones he had made himself.
"So why aren't we going straight to the dance?" He asked weaving his arm through Kacchans as they headed to his car. Izuku wasn't a fan of him driving at first, but like everything else, Kacchan was great at it.
"Wanted to do something first" he shrugged and Izuku bit back his smile. Kacchan may have gotten better telling him he cares, but he still got prickly when gestures were given.
"Okay, well I'm sure I'll like it" he chuckled as they got in the car. Frowning when Kacchan halted and frowned "or not?" He asked
"It's... Well it's probably a little morbid" he said tensely
At that Izuku only pouted and giving a nod. Wondering what could possibly be a gesture, but morbid. He sat in silence as the car passed through the city, heading toward their neighbourhood. Kacchan's grip was turning his knuckles white as he took a left and Izuku finally realised, his heart banging against his chest. They hadn't ever been back. At in the dark it looked sinister given the memory of what almost happened.
"Kacchan?" He asked softly, swallowing down the lump in his throat.
"This place... it's a nightmare for me" he spoke cutting the engine and turning to Izuku reaching over the handbrake to take his hand "and I dreaded today all week"
And suddenly Izuku felt stupid. That's right, it was a year ago today, he hadn't even thought about it.
"I know you're... better now. And I realise this may be shitty but I just need to see you here, happy and wanting to live" he explained tightening his hold.
"I hadn't even thought about it" he admitted verbally "I've been so happy, and this school year has been unlike any I've ever had" he looked to the railing, the pillar he held onto and couldn't help but feel relieved that day happened. It changed everything. Kacchan lifted his hand to press against the scar on his shoulder.
"I've apologised, and I've spent all year trying to prove I've changed. And I will forever work at it-"
"I don't need any of that" Izuku spoke softly placing his hand over Kacchan's
"You changed everything, my life, my thinking and its all for the better. I want to be the same for you, not a burden of guilt and shame"
The hurt that flashed in those red orbs was brief but clear
"God, no. That's what I mean..." he shook his head "I almost lost you, even if you hadn't jumped I- I'm pretty sure if I didn't reach out when I did I'd still have lost you if you weren't so bad. I mean- I guess my point was that this place is my nightmare. And I never want to see you here again. But, I'm glad I was here, that..."
"I understand" Izuku smiled "and I feel the same, but... sometimes I worry you're not really happy with me"
"I am. And I am selfish enough to be because I still don't believe I deserve it. That's the point..." he trailed off frowning eyes glazed and his thought far away. "I just needed this closure, you, here and not wanting to die"
Izuku let him go leaning back to undo his belt before climbing over he gear stick and awkwardly straddling his boyfriend. Ignoring the wheel digging into his back.
"You want the truth?" He asked firmly while Kacchan nodded eyes wide and looking terrified "the last time I thought about it. Was the day you broke down asking me to let you feed me. I could NEVER do it to you" he took a deep breath "the last time I ever felt like hurting myself, was the night I was attacked and you looked so... hurt by my injuries. In the beginning it was all for you. To spare you, to make you happy. And I think I needed that. Then there came more reasons. Silly things, little things and before I even got so bad to even think it, those reasons helped me stay stable. You, Mum, Auntie Mitsuki, our friends, OFA. I hadn't finished the book I was reading, All Might's new collection would release soon, you were making Spanish food soon. I want to be by your side, I want to master OFA, I want..."
He smiled softly taking the stunned fece in his hands "over the year it's been more 'I want' than 'But, Kacchan' and I know that sounds bad-"
"It sounds amazing" The blonde choked out sounding strangled as his eyes welled up
"You're still a huge part of what I do. But I know I need to want to hold on for myself too. For those selfish little things" he smirked softly, then smiling fully as Kacchan put his head on his chest, wrapping strong arms around his waist.
"I love you, Kacchan. I love all of you and I'm gonna stick around to take all I can get" he promised feeling the warmth soak into his shirt. Burying his hands into the blonde mane he hugged him.
"I love you too, Izuku" he said voice muffled
"I forgive you for everything Kacchan. And I really want to be there when you forgive yourself" he whispered
"I'll try" he promised lifting his head up to hold Izuku's gaze before lifting his hand to the back of his head to pull him down for a kiss.
"Come on, I want to celebrate this year properly" he smiled pulling away only to be pulled tight against the blonde. "I'm not going anywhere Kacchan. You're stuck with me now"
"Good. Cause I'm never letting go" he warned before petting him go to sit back in his seat. Izuku even spotted him wiping at his eyes. He was lucky to be the only one to see this side of him, and he kinda always hoped it'd stay that way.