Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

If Izuku had to guess, it was probably the third coldest day he’d ever experienced, one that made his teeth chatter as he fumbled with the keys to the shop door. Of course, he’d bundle up as much he could for the brisk walk from his apartment, but even so, cold seemed to seep into his bones that morning. Despite that, he still felt a sense of gratefulness that his apartment was only a block away, because if it had been any farther, he might’ve frozen to death. There was still snow falling, mounds of it piled alongside the streets from plows, but luck was on his side- a path had already been carved through along the sidewalk. He was glad the forecast said it’d stop by noon. 

He was finally able to get the key into the lock with frozen digits, pushing through the door and locking it behind him. They weren’t ready for customers, after all- and so he started his morning duties as he waited for Aizawa. Before Izuku had come around, the shop was in a serious shortage of  finesse.  The walls had the bare minimum aside from samples, and there wasn’t really any hospitality to be seen. 

Aizawa was the type to rely on skill and talent alone to make a name for himself. It worked, yes, but Izuku had vision.  It wasn’t surprising to anyone who knew Izuku that he’d thrown himself in deep at the very moment he’d been taken on as an apprentice, but Aizawa had no idea what he’d gotten himself into. That being said, the two had grown to have some kind of relationship in the years that followed. It’d led to him being a permanent piercer now, and when Aizawa had handed him the shop keys that day he was  elated.  Aizawa had grown to trust him after the highs and lows the shop had been through, because even when things were slow, Izuku would hold things down better than any of the other artists who’d come and go. 

He’d taken a lot of responsibility on- on his own free will, at that. 

The shop had undergone a serious transformation, and Izuku could still picture the praiseful looks of long-term clients who’d come in and commended him for his outstanding job on ‘making it look like someone actually inhabited the place’. It certainly took some convincing for Aizawa to agree, but his clients loved Izuku, and the younger man had brought in clientele of his own, so he’d given him maybe too much free reign. It had paid off, at the expense of his own wallet.

Izuku made social media pages to reach new clients, updated them regularly- something Aizawa would’ve never even considered. He’d painted the lobby, decorated it, and even set up a little coffee and snack bar. Both of their workrooms had their own theme, Izuku using what he knew about Aizawa to decorate accordingly. His own was decorated with plenty of plants, vines lining the ceiling and draping across the window. The third room he’d left alone, because it was better to decorate after the spot was filled- to be personal and all.  

Izuku’s thoughts were interrupted by a  tap-tap  on the door, and he looked up to the familiar sight of Aizawa waiting to be let inside. He tugged the door open swiftly, returning to finish stocking the coffee bar and filling the water compartment. He placed a mug underneath, starting Aizawa’s coffee for him- a habit he’d gotten into.  

“Sleep well?” Izuku asked, making his way over to the front desk and opening the display case. They’d gotten a new order of jewelry in, and he was more than excited to display some of the pretty new pieces they were offering. There was one in particular he really liked- a skull tongue barbell- and he hoped someone else would like it too.  

“Very funny.” Aizawa normally didn’t speak very much before he’d had his coffee, so when Izuku started applauding his response, he’d glared over at him.  

“Yeah, yeah. Has anyone else submitted a portfolio?” Izuku flipped through the applications they’d already received. The two of them had looked them over repeatedly, and the applicants weren’t bad- they were talented, even. But they were looking for something...  special.  Someone with their own sense of finesse. Not just anyone could take the third room, they needed to fit the annoyingly high bar set by Aizawa.

“Nope. Not one.” The older male grunted. 

“Your first appointment is in twenty minutes, but it’s relatively small. You have a gap in-between that and the next, though, which is good ‘cos it’s a back piece, I think. It’s hard to read your notes.” Izuku was squinting at the appointment notepad- it was one thing Izuku hadn’t been able to modernize, but not for a lack of trying. He had become somewhat of an assistant, but Aizawa learned quickly that it was better to just let Izuku do his thing.  

Aizawa just nodded in response, sweeping his coffee from under the machine and disappearing into his workroom. Izuku took the opportunity to look through his own appointments, then finished the rest of his tasks before flipping the switch on the open sign. 

- 

By noon when it had stopped snowing, Izuku had already gotten through several of his own appointments. He’d done a few noses, a few ears, and even a navel piercing- which was fun, but all of them relatively quick. Not too many of his clients were chatty today, which really was one of his favorite parts. He’d just finished sanitizing his station, but caught a glimpse of himself in the long wall mirror they used to show clients their new jewelry or tattoo- and cringed. The thing was dirty- handprints covered the bottom and it took him a second to remember why. Yesterday he’d had a client bring a little girl in with her, and he couldn’t find it in himself to be disgusted after that.  

She’d been just the cutest thing he’d ever seen, and she was so excited to learn all about his equipment. The mother had apologized profusely for the girl's curiosity, but he’d assured her plenty of times he didn’t mind, as long as she didn’t touch or distract him during the actual process. 

Despite his fondness of the memory, he grabbed the Windex anyway, giving the surface a proper clean. He stood back up in satisfaction, eyeing his reflection. Every piercing the greenette had he’d given himself, cultivating his craft and mapping his progress all across his body. Every tattoo he’d collected had a story, a memory... He was sentimental, after all. The paper towel hit the rim of the trashcan and wavered for a moment before falling in.  

Out of habit, he found himself reaching for his bullet journal to skim over his remaining appointments. The last one was written out in his elegant penmanship, someone who went by the name of 'Dynamight'. The name certainly didn't sound familiar to him, so he chalked it up to someone who was looking to get a simple piece done or the like.  

Wrong. 

Izuku took a couple walk-ins up until he had no more time to spare, finishing up his cleaning just in time to make it out to the lobby and wait to book in his last appointment. He noticed in his notes it was booked online, which made sense as to why he didn’t remember the name. Usually, he just mindlessly copied down the info into his bullet journal, for the sake of it being complete. Surely if someone had told him on the phone or in person to put their appointment under ‘Dynamight’ he would’ve remembered that. 

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the bell jingling as the door opened, and his head snapped up to greet the potential client.  

“Hey, hey. Did you have an appointment?” He gave a timid smile, adjusting his glasses from where they’d slid down his nose. The greenette stood from his spot on the couch, rounding his way over to the counter and grabbing the binder that held all the booking forms and info. He’d shuffle them around, putting together a stack of papers. 

“Yeah.” 

Izuku’s head snapped up, eyes immediately falling on the figure that was moving toward him. He’d been able to tell just who he was by his voice alone, but seeing him lean so nonchalantly over the glass countertop had proved it just as well. He scolded himself in silence for not putting it together sooner. 

Dynamight.  That’s what everyone called Katsuki Bakugo, something that had slipped his mind up until that second. He’d seen plenty of his interviews, read the ones he’d done in magazines- he might’ve even been on the cover of one, if Izuku was remembering right. His reputation definitely preceded him. The blonde was exactly the type Izuku tried to stay away from- yet there he stood. 

As Izuku weighed the pros and cons of his options, Katsuki could see the turmoil in the greenette’s expression, and he’d tap the glass to hopefully snap him out of whatever daydream he’d been having. It worked- he'd startled and adjusted his glasses nervously, seeming to sputter back to life.  

“I-I see. Why did you come here?” Izuku realized it could have been phrased better the moment he’d said it, and he waved his hands dismissively in front of him. “I mean- that's not-” 

If Katsuki was being honest with himself, the other was as aggravating as he’d expected, but as he opened his mouth to speak, his lips simply fell apart for a moment. The sun had broken through the clouds, and rays of it danced through the windows and across Izuku’s freckled skin. His lips were parted, eyebrows pinching together in confusion as he stared at the blonde. He knew there was nothing to be done about the burn in his cheeks under a gaze like that.  

Katsuki couldn’t help but stare, not with such a sight directly in front of him, and he cursed himself mentally to break his gaze. He did, but it couldn’t have been too soon. He’d never been so captivated by  anyone  before- he'd had plenty of flings, but he considered them far from meaningful relationships. Maybe they were a good lay, but Katsuki had never been the romantic type. Even so, the butterflies in his stomach disagreed- he felt his heart lurch in his chest and his own cheeks heat, turning his head away sharply. He almost scoffed at himself, biting his tongue. He had never believed in love at first sight, but the fact that it was even a passing thought made him grit his teeth in denial. Katsuki Bakugo did not get butterflies. 

“I’m here for a piercing, I figured that’d be pretty fuckin’ obvious.” He stated coolly, clearing his throat and regaining his composure. The fact that he’d been so easily enraptured by the other made him all the more unbearable, and he had a passing thought to just leave and forget the whole thing. Katsuki wasn’t just there to get a piercing- he certainly wasn’t going to waste his time applying somewhere he wasn’t familiar with.  

In truth, Katsuki had grown restless in the city and he desperately needed a break. It needed to be perfect, though- a good location was important. Izuku’s shop almost seemed too perfect. They weren’t too far out from the city, and they’d built up quite a name for themselves- but Katsuki found himself gritting his teeth as Izuku spoke again. 

“I see.” He almost sounded disappointed, and Katsuki would be correct to think so- Izuku had so desperately been hoping that the blonde wasn’t what he’d been made out to be.  

“Well, even if you are a world-renowned artist, you still have to sign the paperwork.” Izuku did his best to give a cheery smile, sliding a pen across the countertop. He watched the blonde pick it up, noted that he didn’t even bother to read it as expected, and then he’d signed it and slid it back over. Izuku moved to take care of the papers, then leaned across the counter, resting his chin in his palms. 

“My name is Izuku Midoriya, by the way. I just realized I didn’t tell you that.” He scratched the back of his neck and gave a wry laugh, “Whaddya thinkin’ of getting today?” 

Katsuki seemed to mull it over for a moment, which made Izuku cover his mouth to stifle a snicker.  

“You came all this way with no idea what you’re getting? Why did you come here?” He was laughing under his breath, then stood to walk along the display case. “We just got some new jewelry in- maybe that’ll inspire you.” He suggested, pulling out a couple of the trays. 

Izuku was adorable -  everything he did, every tiny thing was so  cute  it was nauseating to the blonde. It drove him crazy, and he figured he’d ought to take control of the situation. Katsuki didn’t pine after anyone- much less someone like this. Izuku was earthy and soft and not Katsuki’s type.  Even so, he couldn’t ignore the strange tug and flip in his stomach as he watched Izuku. 

He tore his gaze away to look over the jewelry, and he crossed his arms and nodded to himself. 

“Fuck it, let’s do my tongue.”  

“Yeah?” Izuku’s eyes seemed to light up, and he clasped his hands together excitedly.  

“That’s what I said, isn’t it?” The blonde snapped. 

-

After Izuku had mulled the situation over, he’d seemed to have relaxed, reverting back to his  super-fucking-annoying  professionalism and making attempts at small talk as he led the blonde back to his workroom. Katsuki thought he might just fucking puke at the sight of all the plants and intoxicating green. The room looked like the other personified, like he fit so perfectly within the space as if it was made for him, and Katsuki guessed it had been. He  hated it. He hated the way his mind was making these observations no matter  how  hard he tried to stop, because this didn’t happen to him. It just didn’t . 

Why should he have cared enough to think about it? Why did the way the greenette chewed the end of his pen as he scanned his notebook, or the way his face twitched with disapproval when Katsuki would swear make his stomach flip? Why was he noticing these little, insignificant things? None of it mattered, it wasn’t why he was here, and he was frustrated.  

Love at first sight.  It was a stupid concept, but his passing thought from earlier returned to him, gnawing at the back of his brain. No, that couldn’t be this. Love at first sight meant butterflies, fireworks, maybe joy, even, but that was pretty unrealistic even if it  was - no, he was getting ahead of himself. There was simply no way. He’d literally  just  met him, and it was ridiculous of him to even humor the idea.  

“Alright, go ahead and have a seat.” Izuku instructed, but his tone was soft and made Katsuki grit his teeth. 

“No shit.” He huffed, and then Izuku’s face had twitched again, lips curling downward just a hair. Katuski’s nails dug into his palms as he sat anyway, leaning off to one side in the chair as he watched Izuku whiz around the space in preparation.  

If he was being honest with himself, truly- the greenette’s clearly performative polite attitude was driving him fucking crazy. He hated it, he hated how Izuku had seemed so stunned when he’d first come in. Now he was being treated like any other client who’d come in, and he couldn’t tell if that was better or worse. 

Wait, what ? Why the fuck would he want to be treated differently? It wasn’t like he gave half a shit about the idiot’s opinion, he wasn’t there to care about it- so why did he? Why did the thought even cross his mind? He recognized his feelings for what they were- at this point, he was more frustrated and dumbfounded with himself than angry. But then again, that thought made the anger bubble in his throat again, threatening to spill out- then the greenette was speaking again. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Okay.” Izuku’s voice was transparent, and he clicked his tongue, moving to grab his stool and drag it over.  

It was as if he could tell Katsuki was lying through his teeth, but ignored it.  Fuck, why did it have to bother him? Izuku was some  rando  he’d just met- no, even worse, he already knew who Katsuki was, had preconceived notions about him- and with the way he seemed to read right through the blonde’s attempt at covering his internal turmoil, they seemed correct. He hated that too.  

Hate. Hate. Hate. That’s not what it was, though, was it? 

Katsuki didn’t believe in love at first sight. He didn’t. He didn’t. So why did he want to reach out and tuck a stray curl behind the greenette’s ear? Why did he wonder if the curls were soft, if they smelled like spring like he assumed? Yet again, he found himself wondering why he was humoring such foreign thoughts, ones that seemed far from his own, but he knew they were his because it was in his head. 

No, that’s enough.  He wasn’t just going to sit here and freak the fuck out over nothing.  Izuku was nothing. He bit the inside of his cheek, readjusting himself in the chair with a grunt.  

Izuku caught a glance of his expression as it relaxed, and he could see the resolution wash over his face, as if whatever was eating away at him had subsided. He used his ankle to steady the stool as he sat, pulling the tight black latex gloves over his hands, each with a snap .  

Katsuki swallowed hard, and Izuku thought he saw the blonde’s eyebrow twitch. More than anything, Izuku was confused, and his face twisted with it awkwardly, gnawing at his bottom lip. At first, Izuku had thought he was the arrogant, snarky Katsuki he’d been painted out as. That belief wavered now in the uncomfortable silence between them. 

“Are you ready?” Izuku asked, his voice almost breathy, head cocking to one side as he observed the blonde. 

Fuck.  

“To begin, I mean.”  

Izuku was not helping Katsuki’s resolution, not with the sight of the latex so perfectly stretching across his hands, not with the sickeningly cute puppy dog confusion he seemed to radiate, and most importantly, not with the way spoke. Even if Katsuki sat with a comfortable gap between him, it’d felt as if he’d breathed the words directly down his throat and into his lungs, burning them with a feeling that left his chest feeling light. It was disgusting. And one sided mostly likely, at that- but even Katsuki was  curious.  

“Mm.”  He grunted. The amused expression on his face sent a shiver down Izuku’s spine, and Katsuki swore he saw a flash of something in the greenette’s eyes. It fueled a fire within him, one he was happy to redirect his frustrations to.  

Suddenly he was reaching forward, leaning in  far  too close for Izuku’s comfort, and he gripped the sides of the stool and tugged him closer, face daringly close. His head was tilted back to an angle that seemed to invite Izuku’s eyes to trail down his jaw, to his throat, to where the collar of his shirt rested against skin that looked so soft and- 

Izuku was flushed, cheeks furious with embarrassment, and his vision snapped back to meet Katsuki’s intimidating crimson gaze. 

“How are you going to shove a needle through my tongue from all the way over there?” Izuku heard the blonde speak, watched his lips move, and he sucked in a quick breath, nodding once. 

“Right.” It was his turn to grit his teeth, but not out of anger, or any semblance of it- just confusion, and a hint of something else he couldn’t place his finger on.  

Izuku had a problem after that- one he’d never experienced before, or even thought about. The way the blonde had begun to get under his skin made it difficult to keep his professionalism, made the air between them feel thick and tense. He’d done plenty of lips and tongues- countless- but the idea of the blonde sitting there, lips parted and tongue between Izuku’s fingers made his stomach flutter. 

Now, it was his turn to ask  why?  It really wasn’t too difficult to figure out, not with the burn in the pit of his stomach when he felt the crimson gaze follow his movement.  

“O-Open.” 

“Hah?” 

“Open your mouth.” 

Silence.

“I need to mark your tongue- for the placement-” 

“I know that.” 

“So open your mouth.” 

Izuku pinched the marker in his digits, huffing softly under his breath. He watched as the blonde’s tongue slid from parted, glistening lips, and the look on his face had Izuku’s head snapping to the side, avoiding his gaze. 

Katsuki knew he had the upper hand, then, as he watched the greenette’s cheeks flood with red. 

“I- why do you have to look at me like that?” Izuku tried to feign annoyance, but the way his voice dripped with embarrassment betrayed him.  

Katsuki relaxed back in the chair again, throwing his arms behind his head. This was  perfect.  His previous emotions had all been overruled, even if momentarily, due to the effect he seemed to be having on the other, and he wouldn’t choke while swallowing the hope that blossomed in his throat from it. 

“Look at you like what? I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about.” The blonde dragged out his words as if to emphasize them, leaning forward slowly until his face was in close to the greenette’s again, 

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing? You’re not acting very professionally right now.” He spat, but he was smirking wide, and then his tongue was gliding past his lips as they parted. His crimson gaze bore into Izuku’s with an overwhelming furiosity. 

Izuku could do nothing about the way his breath quickened in his throat and his shoulders rose and fell fast, or about the blood that fled to his cheeks- yet he couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away for a moment. His grip on the marker was white knuckled, but the gloves prevented him from knowing. 

“You-” He choked, and then he was standing up, flinging the stool out behind him and stepping back. 

"You’re doing it on purpose!”   

The whine of Izuku’s accusation rang in Katsuki’s ears and he went back to gritting his teeth, which certainly contrasted the disgusting squirm of fondness in his gut. 

“I’m not going to do anything if you don’t cut it out.” Izuku huffed, and then he sat down, pulling the stool back in, and fucking smiled.  

This time when Katsuki opened his mouth, his expression was a bit softer and less antagonizing. He watched Izuku adjust his glasses- with his forearm, not with his clean gloves- and Katsuki found that a little annoying.

Izuku examined Katsuki's tongue to make sure there'd be no issues with the piercing. His cheeks were heated the entire time, but his eyebrows dipped together and his lips parted in concentration, eyes serious and focused. 

“First, I need you to swish this around in your mouth and then- ah- spit it back into the cup.” He instructed quietly, and then he let go of Katsuki’s tongue to hand him the paper cup of antibacterial mouthwash. 

The blonde eyed the cup but took it, doing as Izuku directed.  

Izuku watched him far too closely, and when he was finished, he took the cup and sat it aside. 

“Okay, again, o-open.” He mumbled, taking the cap off the marker.  

Once he’d properly placed the mark, he turned to unpackage the steel clamps from the side table. 

“I’m sorry if they’re uncomfortable.” 

Katsuki shook his head to signal they’d be fine. 

“Okay.” 

Izuku tried his best to ignore Katsuki’s harsh gaze as he opened the sterile packaging of the needle, and then he  applied the clamps, holding them in one hand to steady the blonde’s tongue, needle in the other. 

“I know you’ve been through this, but I need you to breathe in as I count to three, and then exhale. Okay?” 

Katsuki scowled. 

“Okay, okay! One... Two...  Three.” 

Exhale. 

As Izuku pushed the needle through, his breath hitched in his throat, tight and constricting. Katsuki’s eyebrows had tugged together in a small flinch, but he hadn’t closed his eyes at all, and Izuku tried to swallow the panic that rose in his throat as he quickly but carefully pulled the needle through with the barbell. 

He finally let the breath he was holding go, wordlessly passing Katsuki the handheld mirror. 

That... face he’d made- no, it was a normal face for someone getting their tongue pierced, so why did it make his stomach twist and mind fog up? He wasn’t supposed to feel this way when piercing anyone, and he felt like a pervert- but the brief moment of pain that registered in Katsuki’s expression was sinfully gorgeous.  

“Yeah, that’s a tongue piercing.” Katsuki grunted, sticking his tongue out again slightly for a better view. 

Oh, god-  and then Izuku was sitting down again quick, because his knees felt weak. 

Love at first sight.   

Katsuki had paid with minimal conversation, and Izuku printed off the aftercare sheet (even though the blonde had said he didn’t fucking need it). 

Silence. 

“You’re looking for another artist.” 

Izuku’s head snapped over to where the blonde stood. 

“Yeah, we are.” 

“Where is the old man?” 

“Probably napping.” 

“But you’re looking. Haven’t found anyone?” 

“No.” 

And then Izuku felt his face twist with confusion  and disappointment  as Katsuki spun and walked out the door. He sighed, standing still for a moment before he walked back toward his booth. 

When the bell jingled again, he turned to see Katsuki standing there again- folder in hand- and his eyes widened. 

“You n’that old man better look over my fucking portfolio asap, then.” The blonde huffed, and he dropped the folder down on the counter with a  thwap!, then disappeared through the door again. 

When Aizawa woke from his nap, Izuku had filled him in- minus the weird personal details he didn’t care to think about at the moment. They’d looked over his portfolio again and again, and Izuku couldn’t help the flip flop of his stomach. If they gave him the spot, Izuku would have to really face his weird feelings, he’d have to deal with them constantly- but even so, he wasn’t in any place to deny the fact that having Katsuki there was a tremendous opportunity for the shop. 

“I’m just nervous- He seems weird.”  

“So did you.” Aizawa corrected dryly.  

“Yes, but-” 

“Izuku. Just call him.” 

Sigh.  

“Okay.” 

“And you have to do the interview.” 

“What!?” 

-

It’d taken a solid hour of procrastinating before Izuku had called him, an hour of pacing and distracting and internal panic. He’d finished closing the shop out for the day, and when there was nothing left to encourage his avoidance, he sat on the lobby couch with the portfolio in hand.  

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Aizawa had inquired from somewhere behind him, and he’d nearly jumped out of his skin. 

“No, it’s not that.” He settled back down, “I just- he makes me nervous or something.” 

“Izuku. Everything makes you nervous. Just call him and ask him to come in tomorrow. If you really don’t think it’s a good idea after...” Aizawa paused, moving around to the front of the couch, “then I’ll trust you on it.” 

Ring.   

                             Ring.   

                                                             Ring.  

                    “Hello?”  

For a moment, Izuku was afraid he wouldn’t be able to get the words out, not with the way his heartbeat  thumped in his ears and muddied his hearing. He wasn’t supposed to be the nervous one- it wasn’t like he was the one being interviewed, so he forced himself to  get it together.  

“ H-Hi- this is Midoriya, from Duality, I was wondering if you’d-” 

“Yeah. When?” 

“You didn’t let me finish, I-” 

“I’ll be there tomorrow at noon.” 

“You can’t just-” 

“See you then.” 

Dialtone. 

“Ugh!” Izuku slammed the portfolio down on the coffee table, sat his phone next to him on the couch and cradled his face in his hands.  

Maybe he could call back and say ‘Nevermind!’, then hang up and forget it ever happened. Maybe he could kick him out as soon as he got there the next day- but neither of those were realistic. Yeah, he was irritating, but Izuku was in no position to deny that his feelings of frustration were stemming from other reasons- ones that he chose to swallow whole...  for the good of the shop .  

He’d stormed home after locking up the shop, Katsuki’s portfolio clutched tightly to his chest. 

 -

The next morning Izuku was greeted with heavy snow that’d fallen like a blanket overnight, covering everything it’d been able to reach. He took a slow pace down the sidewalk, using the footprints of those who’d passed before him to his advantage. Despite his nerves threatening to take hold, he pushed on toward the shop and did his best to carry on as normal. 

He’d had a few clients reschedule due to the weather, and secretly hoped Katsuki would do the same. It wasn’t like he hated him, but he was handsome and  intimidating  and Izuku couldn’t understand the way his knees felt weak even thinking about him.  Love at first sight.   

Only, Izuku had never even been in a relationship- he had no idea what love was supposed to feel like. Sure, he knew all about platonic love- like for his friends, for his family. Wasn’t love  at first sight  supposed to feel like fireworks or sparks or maybe an explosion? All Izuku felt was a nervous pang in his stomach. He couldn’t seem to think straight when Katsuki had been around, and he could only hope the interview would go better.  

Izuku tried to make himself useful around the shop in an attempt to pass time, but even so, he found himself lost in thought. Maybe he was excited if only just a  little bit  to see the blonde again; every tick of the clock seemed to grate at his anxieties. 

Katsuki had arrived exactly at noon as he’d said, although Izuku hadn’t been around to greet him. Aizawa had, though, and awkwardness ensued.  

“Oh, it’s you.” Aizawa barely glanced up from his place at the counter, scribbling away at a list he’d been working on. “He’ll be out to get you in a second.” 

“That’s all?” Katsuki scoffed, crossing his arms. “You should work on your customer service.” 

“You’re not a customer.” 

“Why aren’t you the one interviewing me? Isn’t this your shop? If-” 

“If what? Izuku isn’t really easy to impress, you know. Even if he seems easily amused.” Aizawa had just barely raised his voice, but it was enough to command silence.  

“Despite not understanding your motives for even coming here, I trust his judgement. You might think we’d be keeling over to have the glorified Katsuki Bakugou take a spot in our little shop- but it’s not like that. You’re good, yeah, but that alone won’t cut it.” 

Katsuki loathed the way he found himself listening clearly. Did he want  to impress them? He was the best, he didn’t need that confirmed by anyone- much less two idiots who were so far from the spotlight it’d burn their eyes if it hit them. Anyone else would be keeling over to have him- so what was different? 

“He needs to see something in you, and I don’t need to understand his reasons. Just to be clear, Bakugo-” Aizawa looked up then, gaze piercing and firm, “don’t underestimate us. You’d be lucky to work alongside him if he lets you.”  

There was a hint of fondness in his voice at that, but just as quickly as the conversation progressed, it ended with Aizawa’s face in his notes again.  

If he lets you?  The way the older male worded it had almost made it seem like he was challenging him- daring him to get Izuku to see something in him. What something could there be? Katsuki told himself he was an open book. If he was, it was a messy one with pages ripped out and entire paragraphs scribbled over. Just because the book was open didn’t make it easy to read, but if you tried hard enough it might’ve been possible. 

Katsuki found himself eyeing the door, because maybe it was all too much trouble for what it was worth. With the swirl of feelings that’d crept in his chest after the last time he’d seen the idiot, and now some weird desire to prove himself to these assholes- he turned towards the door with his mind made up. 

But then Izuku was stepping from the backroom, clutching Katsuki’s portfolio to his chest and calling his name. 

“Oh-! Bakugo, you’re here.” 

The air seized in his lungs. Izuku was standing there with that doe eyed look on his face, and Katsuki’s gaze followed Izuku’s hand as it moved to adjust his glasses. His freckled cheeks were dusted in pink,  

“B-Bakugo? Are you ready?” Izuku called, a slight hint of worry in his voice. Maybe Katsuki was nervous, at least it seemed that way- from the flushed, blank stare across his face. Katsuki’s cheeks burned their own shade of pale red, and it comforted Izuku in a way. He might not have felt so nervous after that. 

“Yeah.” 

“Okay, follow me. Please.” 

Katsuki scoffed and followed Izuku into the third booth. 

Aizawa was an experienced and wise man, and rightfully so- but Aizawa was confused. There was no denying the tension that’d filled the room just moments prior. Even if he looked past that, there was their faces. He knew those faces, knew what they meant.  

Love at first sight.  

But between Izuku and Katsuki? That puzzled him. If Izuku was the sun, then from what Aizawa could tell, Katsuki Bakugo was the moon. Despite his own personal feelings, wise he was, and he thought it important for Izuku to make his own mistakes and successes. 

The third room was bland and unoccupied other than the bare necessities, but Izuku had brought in an extra chair for Katsuki. 

“It’s pretty boring in here, huh?” Izuku chimed, turning to look at the blonde expectantly. When Katsuki’s face scrunched in confusion, Izuku waved his hands dismissively. 

“You don’t have to worry about being all professional, this is the interview. We’re just g’nna talk. Just be your normal self, and I’ll do the same.” 

Katsuki eyed him skeptically, but shrugged, an amused smirk spreading across his lips. 

“I mean, yeah, I guess it’s pretty fuckin’ boring. But I don’t see what that-” 

“How would you decorate it?” Izuku interrupted him with a sudden seriousness in his tone. 

“What? Is this a real interview question, or are you just bullshitting me?” 

“It’s a real interview question, so answer seriously. It’s important.”  

Izuku had always been good at observation in his own way, and he knew you could tell a lot about a person from how they filled and used their spaces. 

“I mean... The white walls would have to go, I guess. I’d do a charcoal grey.” 

“I see.” Izuku murmured, nodding, “Go on.” 

“Jesus, okay. Uh, probably hang up some work on that wall. Orange and green frames,” He gestured to the left, “and maybe I’d paint a mural on that one.” He tried to bite back the excitement in his tone. 

“What would you paint?” 

“I don’t know, a fuckin’ explosion or something.” He huffed, his excitement turning him off to the conversation.  

Izuku couldn’t help but laugh under his breath as he sat, but still- It was time to get serious. 

“So. Why do you do tattoos?” He tapped his chin, pulling his legs up and sitting with them crossed. 

“Your questions suck.” The blonde chided, sitting in the chair opposite of Izuku with his arms behind his head.  

“But you’ll answer them.” Izuku retorted, giving him a tight smile. To Katsuki, it was almost as if he’d been counting on him not to. 

“There’s never really just one reason for anything, is there?” Katsuki started. He leaned to continue, but the greenette had cut him off. 

“Why’d you come here ? You’re a...” He’d wave his hands around as if that might draw the words to his tongue, “a city boy! You’re on TV, you’ve been on magazines.  What could you really want from being here?” 

“That’s exactly it!” The blonde snapped, hands fisting at the hem of his shorts. “I’m beyond ready to settle the fuck down, alright? I want something... slower. And here- everything else is perfect.” Katsuki relaxed in his chair as he finished, sighing. 

Izuku nodded patiently, “Okay, I can see that-” He’d started, but then he was cutting himself off and leaning forward.  

“Everything else?” He pressed, and it was only then that Katsuki noticed the subtle glow in the other’s cheeks. 

“Yeah, you’re frustrating.” He grunted in response, leaning forward to match Izuku’s position. He’d never admit it, but part of him craved the frustration that came from interacting with Izuku. At one point in his  life, he’d craved nothing but unconditional praise, now it was just fucking boring. He could use someone around with a little fight in them. 

“And you expect me to say that you’re not? You come in here and you act- like you have, and you want me to hire you? After you’ve acted so...” Izuku added his best professional tone, “inappropriately toward me, Bakugo?” 

The greenette pushed his glasses up, clearing his throat.  

“Right. Exactly that. So when do I start?” The blonde grinned wide, only to receive a soft thud to the shoulder from Izuku, then a sigh. 

“Tomorrow morning.” 

-

It was another cold walk for Izuku the following morning, and he nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of a horn behind him. He jerked his head toward the sound, and immediately regretted it- because there was Katsuki in his sleek black car, window rolling down as he waved the greenette over. Izuku’s sigh was visible in the cold air, but he shuffled over.  

“Get in.” The blonde demanded, turning his head forward. 

“What?  Bakugo, it’s only a six-minute walk.” He’d protest. 

“That’s so specific- but it doesn’t matter. You can’t work with frostbitten hands. Get in.” 

It was clear there was no argument to be had, so he slid into the passenger seat- eyes widening when the door closed itself.  

“Where do you live?” Bakugo’s voice broke through his thoughts, and he couldn’t help the choke of confusion at his abrupt question. 

“That’s personal, isn’t it?” He fiddled with the hem of his shirt, giving a dry laugh. 

“I’m going to pick you up for work now. You shouldn’t walk in the cold, it’s stupid if I’m already going this way.” 

Izuku’s head shot up, arms moving to wave dismissively. 

“But Bakug-” 

“And don’t complain, be grateful!” The blonde shut him down, glancing over just in time to catch the red in Izuku’s cheeks. 

Eyes on the road, Katsuki.  

“I need you to spend some time today filling out paperwork to be officially hired. We’re going to post a welcome announcement for you on the shop social media pages- oh and we also need to set up a meeting with your manager, if you’re still under a contract-” 

“I’m not.” The blonde cut him off. “I told you I wanted to settle down. That means no photoshoots, no interviews, no manager. I’m tired of being a celebrity artist- I just want to be an artist.” 

Izuku seemed to soak it in for a moment before giving a short nod.  

“To be honest, I’m really glad. I don’t think we want that much spotlight so suddenly.” 

The rest of the car ride was mostly quiet, and when they came to a stop, Bakugo followed Izuku inside. 

“So the first thing we have to do is make sure the lobby is presentable- ugh, see- like this.” He picked up one of Aizawa’s many travel mugs that’d been left on the table alongside a napkin and a random receipt.  

“That man has no value for presentation.” He huffed, flitting around the room. He explained the basics to Katsuki as he went around, and the blonde did his best to pay attention even if he found the whole thing exhausting. He’d put a leash on his temper for the moment, but as the greenette went on, he found himself gritting his teeth again.  

Then there was the matter of paperwork Izuku left him with, “Okay, here you go! Come get me when you’re done!” and then he was out the door. The first thing that came to mind was how bland the room was- and how impatient he was to fix it. The second thing- Izuku's chirpy voice ringing in his ears.  Fucking annoying-  but his heart was racing, filling his cheeks with the lightest tint of pink. The paperwork was quick enough to get through, so he’d step out to look for Izuku. It was easy enough to follow the soft singing coming from the plant filled studio. 

“Are you listening to Slipknot?”  

Once again, Izuku was jumping out of his skin at the sound of Katsuki’s attention demanding tone. 

“Wha- yes, I- What does it matter? You don’t like Slipknot?” He turned on his stool, hands moving to rest on his knees, disappointment clear in his expression.  

Katsuki was immediately breaking into a grin, tossing the paperwork onto Izuku’s desk.  

“So, Boss, what’re you-” 

“We’re going to spend the day getting you set up!” Izuku interrupted, hands clasping together at his chest. “You brought your equipment, right? I saw some of it in your car this morning.”  

Katsuki let out a huff of air, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Yes, I fucking did, but can we please make it a rule to stop interrupting each other’s sentences, because frankly it’s-” 

“C’mon!” Izuku stood, fixing his scarf as he spun toward the door. “I’ll help you bring it in.” 

“Are you fuckin’ listening to me, Deku?”   

Izuku froze in his step, but found himself being twirled to face the blonde by a firm hand on his shoulder and then he was stepping closer and- 

“I said, stop interrupting me. Can you understand what I’m saying?” He was sneering, that same glow in his eye as before, and Izuku could see that face he’d made as the metal pierced through his tongue on the backs of his eyelids. He wasn’t safe either way, forced between facing Katsuki or either his own mind betraying him.  

Katsuki watched the blood run from his face, watched his eyes look anywhere but at him. Izuku’s heart had mostly stopped, he was almost sure of it- but then he was all too aware the moment it began to ring in his ears,  thump after thump. He should’ve been mad, he knew that, but that wasn’t it at all. He cleared his throat, somehow finding the courage to meet the gaze that bore into his skin.  

“Are we giving each other nicknames?” It was just a mumble, the most he could muster right away. “I had no idea we were so close already, Kacchan.” 

This was it, right? Flirting? Except it kind of wasn’t, because Izuku kind of didn’t know the first thing about it, but he’d damn sure try. 

“Ohhh- no. No, no, no.  Don’t you fucking dare-”  

“It’s too late, Kacchan. Let’s go!” 

It was Katsuki’s turn to freeze when Izuku’s scarred hand wrapped around his wrist, tugging him along whether he was ready or not.  

- 

Once they’d gotten everything inside, Izuku insisted they make a run for office supplies. 

“I told you we’re going to spend the day getting you set up! We have to get the space ready, it’s not gonna take that long.” He’d even grabbed Katsuki’s coat, trying his best to shove it into his arms.  

“Tch- and I’m guessing you’re expecting me to drive?” The blonde shook his head, giving in and taking his coat. “Don’t you need to kinda be here? Working, maybe?” 

The greenette waved his hand dismissively, “I made sure I was clear today so we could work on getting your space ready... I know it might seem silly to you, but I think people work best in a comforting environment. Something that’ll let people know what you’re about, y’know?” He rambled, leading the blonde toward the door. 

Katsuki begrudgingly followed him to the car, watching the way Izuku’s face lit up as the doors opened on their own. There was something so sickeningly adorable about it, especially with the little “So cool...” he’d mutter under his breath as he slid into the passenger seat. 

“Okay, so there are a couple stores I think would have the best selection of stuff to choose from- we can stop at them in whatever order you want, plus-” 

Izuku was cut off by a loud groan from the blonde, who’d thrown his head back against the rest behind him.  

“We’re gonna go to my house first.” He stated flatly as he pulled out of the parking lot, snickering when Izuku began to shake his head.  

“Y-Your house? Isn’t that like, still too personal? I just- wait, you moved here before you knew you’d get hired? That’s so cocky, Kacchan-” 

“Relax, Deku - I have a lot of stuff from before. My desk, art, shit like that. You wanna get this shit done, right?” He laughed dryly, sparing a glance every so often.  

“I mean- okay, that makes sense.” Izuku sighed, settling back into the luxurious seat. He eyed the plethora of buttons on the console screen, pressing his lips together tightly. In the end, he gave into curiosity, poking various buttons. One made his seat warm, which he found quite cozy. 

“Hey-” Katsuki reached out to swat his hands away, but kept his eyes on the road. “Quit touchin’ shit before you break something, got it?” 

“Ah- Okay.” 

Izuku was surprised when the noticed they were going away from the city, not toward it- he'd really expected a condo or some skyrise apartment. 

As the roads became more rural, Katsuki seemed to go further and further over the speed limit. 

“Kacchan, aren’t you worried about-” 

“Speeding? What, you don’t like to go fast?” He challenged. 

“No, I do.” Izuku sat forward, pausing before a quiet, “Just- usually legally. And not… with me in… the vehicle.”

Katsuki couldn’t help but laugh softly as he pressed on the gas pedal, watching Izuku’s eyes light up again as he seemed to very gradually start to enjoy it - if only a bit. Katuski slowed to normal speed a short while later. 

-

It wasn’t a big house by any means, but it was definitely comfortable for what Izuku assumed was a one person household. He was proved right as Katsuki led him inside. 

It was quiet between the two of them for a while, focused on carrying things out to the car. The silence was finally broken by Izuku as Katsuki closed up the last box, 

“Can you give me a tattoo?”  

The blonde paused, hovering over the box before picking it up and moving toward the door. 

“Why?” 

“That’s annoying, Kacchan. Will you do it?” 

“Fuck it, yeah. But… why now?”

Izuku followed the blonde, mulling it over. 

“There’s never really just one reason for anything, is there?” Izuku spat his own words back at him.

“Deku.”

“I’m serious. I just want it. Isn’t that good enough reason? Do you ask all your clients these questions?” Izuku squinted over at him, but he was still smiling.

“Alright, alright. Yeah, we’ll do it.” Katsuki relented.

Izuku clasped his hands together, bouncing on his heels with excitement. Katsuki was so talented, he felt lucky to be tattooed by such a renowned artist- but something told him Katsuki’s ego didn’t need to know that. 

“What do you want?” The blonde questioned, and he couldn’t help the surprise on his face at the answer that followed. 

“Surprise me!” 

- 

The next morning when Izuku made his way out to Katsuki’s car, he already had this look on his face- Katsuki couldn’t stand it. He hadn’t known him all that long, but he was quickly growing to wanna flick him on the nose every time he made one of those stupid adorable faces. He resisted.

“What.” He turned forward with a groggy yawn, pulling out onto the street. 

“Can we please make a coffee stop? I’ll pay for us both!” Izuku pleaded, lacing his fingers together and facing Katsuki. “Please, Kacchan? Pleaaaase?” 

Katsuki gave a long groan, but waved a hand to shut him up. “Okay, okay.” 

- 

When they arrived at the shop, the two of them did morning tasks together, and then took a moment to admire the hard work they’d done on Katsuki’s studio the day prior. Aizawa came in with a jingle of the doorbell, causing the both of them to spin and face him. 

“We got fancy coffees today! Yours is already on your desk. Your first appointment is in twenty minutes.”  

Aizawa nodded routinely. “How are you settling, Bakugo?” He directed his gaze to the blonde, then gave Izuku a look that Katsuki couldn’t decipher. 

“Ah, alright I guess. I have my first client today.” There was a bitterness to his tone that Aizawa easily picked up on, and he raised an eyebrow.  

“Care to elaborate?” 

The blonde huffed. “He wants to me give-” 

“He’s going to give me a surprise tattoo!” Izuku beamed, bouncing on his heels. 

“Oh.” Aizawa shot Katsuki a look. “Well, I have a couple things I’d like to speak with you about in my office, if you have a moment to spare.” 

Izuku excused himself, watching the two of them disappear into Aizawa’s office. 

“What are you gonna do?” Aizawa started the moment the door clicked shut. “It’s important.” 

Katsuki furrowed his brow, avoiding the intense gaze. “I don’t- I don’t know.” 

“Bakugo.”  

The sudden seriousness in Aizawa’s voice caught him off guard, had him frozen.  

“Do not hurt him. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Aizawa was leaning forward, forcing the blonde to meet his gaze then. “I don’t understand what’s going on between you two, but Izuku- He's just... he’s too good for the best of us. So you need to be careful.” 

Katsuki pressed his lips together tight, trying to keep his thoughts to himself. He didn’t have time for this. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, old man.” 

Love at first sight.  

-

Izuku had waited patiently in Katsuki’s studio, leaned against his desk as he inspected one of the prints on the wall, glasses slid down his nose. Admittedly, he couldn’t help but be curious of the  things  Aizawa had called Kacchan in for, maybe even a little jealous. When Katsuki shut the door behind him, Izuku jumped.  

“Oh, hey! Everything okay?” He questioned, pushing his glasses back up, moving to sit on the adjustable chair in the middle of the room. 

“Hah? Oh, yeah. It’s fine.” The blonde shook his head, moving to his desk. “Are you uh, sure about this? You really don’t wanna see it before I just go for it?” He spun to face Izuku, staring down at the papers in his hands. Skeptical was an understatement- he wondered how many of Izuku’s other tattoos were a ‘surprise’. He had to do better. 

Izuku frowned, crossing his arms. “It wouldn’t be a surprise tattoo then, would it?”  

Katsuki grit his teeth. “No, I guess it wouldn’t.” He sighed, then stood to prep the area, quiet as he did so. Izuku wasn’t having it. He didn’t understand the weird mixed signals- Katsuki was obviously doing things to antagonize him on purpose- and it was working. Then the next moment he’d grit his teeth as if he had to do it to bare speaking to him. If nothing else, maybe he could follow the blondes’ lead, considering anything he’d done up until that point was useless.  Think like Kacchan.  

“We should probably figure out placement...” Izuku hummed, “How big of an area do you think you’ll need to cover?” 

The blonde glanced at him over his shoulder when he spoke up again, but kept sanitizing the steel table as he had been. “Somethin' spacey. What’s available?” 

“Well, I have a lot of thigh space.” 

Katsuki choked.  

“Err- Alright, let’s go with that.” The blonde agreed dryly, finishing up the last of the prep on his part. He brought the stencil paper over, clearing his throat.  

Izuku did his best to ignore the heat in his cheeks, lifting his hips slightly to slip the sweatpants he’d preemptively worn down his thighs and off his feet, tossing them over the back of the chair. He’d worn a loose pair of shorts underneath, ones made of comfortable material he could slide up with no issues if needed. Katsuki tried not to hold his breath, instead focusing on making sure the stencil didn’t have any imperfections. When Izuku had settled, he rolled his stool over, using a foot to steady himself.  

“So, then, how do you handle your tattoos?” He broke the silence, sliding a hand up Izuku’s thigh to push up the hem of his shorts. He watched Izuku’s knuckles turn white where they gripped the sides of the chair, and the corner of his lip twitched in response. 

Izuku just gave him a knowing look, shaking his head. “Just fine.”

Katsuki was careful to place the stencil, fingertips pressing into toned thighs as he smoothed down the paper methodically. After a moment, he peeled it away, checking the purple outline left behind from different angles. The design fit perfectly along the curve of Izuku’s thigh where it met with his hip, and when he was sure it was right, he let out the air he’d held in his lungs.  

When Katsuki was sure the stencil had dried, he sat up again to tug the prepped table over and took a moment to glove up.

“Y’ready, then?” 

“Mm! Let’s go!” The greenette piped up, tapping the sides of the chair enthusiastically. 

Katsuki scoffed, shaking his head as he reached up to place a hand on Izuku’s side, nudging him to roll toward the blonde so his hip was better within reach. Izuku could still feel the sting of warmth left by his hand even after he’d pulled away. 

He heard the whirr of the machine switching on, and a few seconds passed before he felt Katsuki grip his thigh again, pulling the skin with his fingertips. It was so familiar, almost comforting to Izuku, and he braced himself for the first line. It stung- it always did, but Izuku didn’t so much as flinch. He couldn’t help but wonder what was being put on his body- was it color? Black ink only? He didn’t have very many color tattoos, but he certainly didn’t mind them. Katsuki’s style was exceptional in either, so he decided he would be just as happy either way. He let out a long, airy sigh, arms moving to rest above his head while Katsuki did his best to keep his eyes on his work.  

It was quiet between them for a while, soft music playing from Katsuki’s computer filling the space. The silence was only broken when Izuku sucked a sharp breath through his teeth as Katsuki went over a more sensitive spot closer to his hip bone toward the end.  

“Almost done.” The blonde assured him, stopping to glance up at him for a moment. He’d been biting the tip of his thumb, eyebrows pulled together as he looked past Katsuki at the wall. 

“S’okay, keep going.” He mumbled dryly, letting out a shaky sigh as he relaxed against the chair again. The machine whirred again, and though Izuku was gritting his teeth through the last of it, soon Katsuki had come to a finish, giving the area one last wipe down and rolling the stainless-steel table out of the way.  

He slid one hand between Izuku and the bed, sliding him closer to inspect the final work. 

“C’mon, please, I’m ready to see!” He was squirming in the chair, tilting his hip to give Katsuki a better view.  

“It’s- it uh-” 

Katsuki swallowed the lump in his throat, ignoring the flutter in his stomach. The tattoo was a perfect blend of Izuku’s earthiness while keeping true to the style Katsuki was known for. There was no doubt in his mind that his work belonged there on such a perfect canvas- a phoenix adorned with delicate greenery curved perfectly along the soft skin of his thigh. Izuku huffed, sitting up and turning to stand. Katsuki watched carefully as he moved in front of the mirror, green eyes trailing down his reflection until they met his hip.  

“Oh, I-” He choked, one hand flying to cup over his mouth. Katsuki immediately spotted the tears beading in his eyes as he gawked at his hip, satisfaction burning through his chest. 

“It’s perfect, Kacchan. Really.” He breathed, sniffling as he came back over to have the area wrapped. Katsuki had no way of knowing how perfectly it fit at that time, how the concept of the phoenix resonated with Izuku and his past. 

As Katsuki wrapped the area with clear film, he’d let his hand linger just a bit too long on the greenette’s hip, thumb pressing into the soft flesh. There was a light tap on the door before it opened. 

 “How’s it going?” Aizawa questioned, stepping over to where Izuku sat. 

“We actually just finished up!” He grinned cheerily, and Aizawa caught the red around his eyes. 

“And what did he do?” 

“A phoenix.” 

Aizawa smiled. You would’ve missed it if you hadn’t known any better, but a smile nonetheless. 

“So he did, huh?” 

-

Izuku had admitted two things to himself. 

Firstly, he was right to hire Bakugo. Over the weeks that followed, the shop adjusted and settled to another person- clients included. The two were separated more often than not with busy schedules, which Izuku was almost grateful for. It gave him a change to think about things- and admit to himself that secondly, he liked Katsuki.  Really liked him, even if he was a bit too forward, maybe even an ass at times.  

They kept the back and forth going- Katsuki teasing here and there, Izuku following his lead.  

-

“Can you hang back and help me close up? I’m behind.” Izuku had asked, head turning to where Katsuki stood by the door. Aizawa had gone early for the day- something about meeting with an old friend, so Izuku had been stuck doing both shares of paperwork. He didn’t mind, but being alone in the shop after hours always made him nervous.  

Katsuki nodded in agreement, tossing his coat on the couch and sliding behind the counter, then behind Izuku to look over his shoulder. The fluorescent lights glared off the Izuku’s glasses, and the blonde reached around to gently push them up from where they’d slid down his nose. Izuku would turn to face him, stuttering out a ramble of tasks that needed completion.  

Izuku would retaliate later by inspecting his healing hip tattoo in the lobby mirror, knowing full well Katsuki was watching him from behind the counter. That day Katsuki insisted on driving him home, and he’d grab Izuku’s wrist before he got out of the car, tugging him back.  

“See you in the morning.” Was all he’d said, but Izuku couldn’t forget the look on his face for the rest of the night.   

-

It continued that way- soft, opportunistic touches, and a thick tension that Izuku had almost grown to enjoy. It wasn’t awkward, and he was learning how to get a response out of Katsuki quite well. Every time Izuku would respond, it only made Katsuki more frustrated, as if the two of them were fighting for who had the upper hand- and it was  obviously  him.  

Katsuki glanced down at his phone from where he sat outside Izuku’s apartment, rolling his eyes as he opened their messages.  

Izuku  

DEC 1 8:32 AM  

Wear something nice today.                  

                                  Uh. 

DEC 1 9:42 AM  

           I’m here. Hurry up.

Be patient, Kacchan.                            

Katsuki’s eyebrows shot up. 

You have five until I come in there and carry you out.        

:o                                                          

The blonde sighed and shoved his phone back in his pocket, opening the passenger door when he heard Izuku’s little taps on the window. Izuku slid into the seat, then turned to inspect Katsuki’s outfit. He’d actually listened, which was a plus- the blonde had chosen an all-black ensemble, complete with tasteful jewelry. Izuku had gone a completely different route- the one Katsuki expected. Baggy, cuffed denim jeans with vans and some ridiculously baggy green and brown sweater with a polo underneath.  

“You look awful.” The blonde huffed, pulling out onto the road. 

“That’s mean, Kacchan. We’re meeting Toshinori at the shop today.” Izuku corrected, smoothing out his sweater. 

Katsuki shot him a look, “Don’t fuck with me, Deku. You’re lying.” 

Izuku shook his head fast, “No, I mean it. Remember Aizawa’s old friend?” 

“You’re shitting me.” The blonde laughed dryly, “I guess it’s a fancy coffees morning then, huh?” 

Izuku’s eyes grew wide, and he turned to the blonde with a grin that made his stomach twist. 

“You mean it?!” 

- 

Aizawa and Toshinori were on the couch when they came in, coffees in hand, and Izuku was practically vibrating with excitement. In truth, Toshinori was his idol, his biggest inspiration- and he knew the same of Katsuki because he’d seen the way the blonde praised his legacy in the media. Between the two of them, it was impossible to fathom how someone could dislike Toshinori.  

“Ah, right. So this is Izuku,” Aizawa started, gesturing over to where they stood. 

“I’ve heard so much about you, young man.” The retired artist gave a bright laugh, standing up and extending a hand to the greenette. 

“Oh, wow- um, It’s so nice to m-meet you!” He choked, taking his idol’s hand. Toshi’s shake was firm, and then his hand extended to Katsuki. 

“And you, young man... What a talented artist you are.”  

Katsuki’s brain stopped working, but thankfully Izuku nudged his side, “Kacchan! Shake his hand!” he’d hiss under his breath. Katsuki shook his head clear, hand reaching out. 

“Uh- I- Thank you.” The blonde mumbled. Accepting praise from fans or critics is one thing, but Toshinori was Katsuki’s biggest inspiration- it'd pushed him to start tattooing, even. He had no idea how to accept a compliment of this much importance. 

“So, son. You got time in your schedule for an old man like me?” Toshinori grinned. 

Katsuki’s eyes widened, and a grin spread over his face in response when Aizawa seemed just as shocked. 

“Oh, fuckin’ absolutely, man.” He beamed, sparing Izuku a glance to find him gawking. 

“Let’s do it!” Toshi clasped his hands together. 

- 

Aizawa and Toshinori headed out to have lunch before the session, and Katsuki took the time to have everything ready when they returned. He found himself pacing the hall and lobby as he waited, and eventually found himself wandering into Izuku’s studio.  

The greenette quickly shut the book he’d been sketching in, spinning around in his chair. 

“Are you excited?” He clapped his hands together, “I know you’re probably nervous too, right?” 

The blonde scoffed, leaning against the desk. “I’m not nervous. It’s just crazy. I just didn’t expect it.” 

“You’re not even a little nervous?” Izuku whined, crossing his arms. “I would be. I’m nervous for you.” 

“Gee, thanks for your support, Deku.” The blonde chided, rolling his eyes. “Don’t be. I got it.” 

“I know. You’re so cool, Kacchan.” Izuku sighed, glancing over at the sketchbook he’d shoved aside. 

- 

Izuku didn’t see much of anyone after they’d begun Toshi’s tattoo, but he’d go peek in to check it out every so often. There were a few walk-ins to keep him busy, too, and plenty of paperwork. The tattoo had come out just as awesome as expected, and Toshi was obviously very pleased with Katsuki’s work.  

Katsuki couldn’t help but notice how quiet Izuku was as he drove him home, and he once again found himself grabbing his wrist to keep him from rushing off.  

“What’s your problem?” The blonde interrogated, keeping a tight grip on his wrist, but not painfully so. 

Izuku shook his head, but Katsuki spotted the difference in his smile.  

“I’m okay! Just a bit tired is all.”  

Now that he mentioned it, the blonde could see the darkness under his eyes- he hadn’t noticed how pale he seemed to look until then either. He let go of his wrist, sighing.  

“Go get rest, then, idiot.”  

He waited until he knew Izuku made it inside before pulling away. 

-

It was early when he got a text from Izuku - on one of their off days. He prayed it wasn't about work.

we could go get coffee.                      

please                                                

I don’t know what to do with myself on days off                           

kacchannnnnnn                                  

                Oh my god ok

                   leaving in 10

-

“Hey.” The blonde greeted Izuku when he’d slid into the passenger seat, looking him over. 

 The first word that came to mind was  cozy.  He was sporting another oversized sweater that practically hit his knees, and the sleeves hung off his hands. The curls atop his head were messy and unkempt, a clear sign he’d pretty much rolled out of bed. That was exactly it, too- a ten-minute notice was  not  enough time for Izuku to care that much.  

“Don’t you dare judge me.” He’d hummed, turning on the seat warmer and settling down. “I can’t look amazing all the time, Kacchan.” 

Katsuki scoffed, because Izuku was so wrong and he didn’t even know it- then they were off towards his favorite coffee shop. There was a light snow that’d begun to fall, and immediately Katsuki noticed Izuku switch from cozy to on edge.  His hands fiddled with the hems of his sleeves, eyes stuck on his lap. Katsuki sucked in a quick breath, and without taking his eyes from the road he reached over to rest a hand on Izuku’s thigh, giving a reassuring squeeze- then he was moving it back to the steering wheel. 

“Don’t worry, Deku. I’m being careful.”  

Izuku found some comfort in Katsuki’s words. The anxiety rising in his throat had a mind of it’s own, though. 

“Okay, Kacchan.” Facing the window was easier than risking Katsuki seeing the red in his cheeks. 

- 

Katsuki parked as close to the door as he could, rounding the car as Izuku stepped out to walk close by. Izuku’s teeth finally stopped chattering when they entered the warm coffee shop, flooded with the smell of baked treats and espresso. Katsuki led them to a booth and sat across from Izuku. 

The waitress came over to greet them, and Izuku ordered a caramel macchiato, one of many orders he rotated between. Katsuki got the same thing every time though- a regular coffee with the little creamer packets on the side. Izuku counted them as the blonde tore them open one by one- and then he was watching Katsuki tense up, eyes following a figure that approached them. Izuku tore his eyes away to look, too, and he broke into a grin. 

“Todoroki, it’s so nice to see you!” Izuku was standing fast, throwing his arms around Shoto’s shoulders, who responded by pulling Izuku into a tight hug.  

Shoto released him first, “How are you doing? Are you feeling bette-”

“I’m doing really good!” Izuku spluttered, cutting him off, and Shoto squinted to scan his face. He caught a glance of Katsuki over Izuku’s shoulder, and then he understood. 

There was a moment where the two of them- Shoto and Katsuki- made eye contact. Katsuki’s eyes were narrow, lips curled into a scowl.  

“Who’s he?” Shoto turned his attention back to Izuku. 

Katsuki’s blood was practically boiling- but he held his tongue for the time being. Rich CEO daddy, influencer, handed a job at his father's company-  fake - Katsuki knew all about Shoto Todoroki. Yet Izuku had so happily ran for his arms, and the blonde couldn’t shake that. Something about Shoto touching Izuku lit fire in his chest,  

“Katsuki Bakugo.” The blonde spat venom, standing aside Izuku, who looked up at him with wide eyes. Katsuki was immediately returning his gaze, crimson eyes piercing and serious. “How do you know  him?”  

“Kacchan-” Izuku placed a hand on his bicep, repeating the same reassuring squeeze Katsuki’d given him in the car before. “Todoroki and I met in school. We’ve been friends for a long time.” 

To Shoto, this was all a bit  confusing,  and maybe a little infuriating. He and Izuku had been friends for years, they were  close-  and here was this new guy with a bad attitude and obvious anger problems. Were they  dating?  What if this guy was  hitting him?  The blonde seemed to relax if only a little bit, but the tension was thick and Izuku took the opportunity to clear any confusion before things got out of hand. 

“Todoroki, this is Kacchan- ah, Bakugo. He’s with me at Duality, he’s um- a really great artist.” 

“He’s with you?” Shoto asked bluntly, only a slight inflection of emotion behind is gentle tone. 

If looks could kill, Shoto would’ve dropped dead from the glare Katsuki sported. He opened his mouth to speak, but Izuku beat him to it. 

“N-No! Not- Not like that, I just meant- um-” 

Shoto laughed dryly, scratching the back of his neck. “Sorry.” 

“It’s uh- okay.” 

“I should go- I mean, I actually have a meeting I have to get to, but uh- we should catch up soon. I’ll text you.” Shoto gave an awkward glance to Katsuki one last time, then he was gone. 

- 

“No, I mean seriously, what was that all about? Isn’t that guy like, a total douchebag?” Katsuki was raving, taking a big swig of coffee after and practically slamming down the cup. 

“Kacchan, what do you think people say about you? I still gave you a chance.” Izuku reminded him, pulling his legs up and crossing them. 

“That’s different.” 

“Is it?” 

The blonde huffed, eyes glued on his cup. “Would you hug me like that?”  

Izuku choked on his macchiato, hand flying to cover his mouth as he swallowed.  

“What is that supposed to mean, Kacchan? Are you- are you jealous?” 

“No-” The blonde started, but Izuku had already got it. 

“You were, weren’t you?” Izuku leaned his chin into the palm of his hand, humming softly. “You know, you really have no right.” 

Katsuki pressed his lips together tight, then broke into a grin, laughing dryly.  

“I dunno about that.” 

- 

“Kacchan, you missed the turn- do you hear me? What are you doing?” Izuku waved his hand in front of the blonde’s face, and he grabbed it in response to push it down. He was supposed to be taking Izuku home, but he clearly wasn’t paying attention- 

“I know, Deku, shut up. I’m not taking you home yet.” He sighed, and the Izuku settled back into his seat, cheeks red. 

“Sorry, sorry. Where are we going?” He perked up, looking out the window. Katuski noted how he just… went along with it. 

Izuku watched as the snow hit the window, melting from the heat inside and trailing down the glass. 

“You’ll see.”