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Katsuki Bakugo and Izuku Midoriya were currently the golden eggs of Best Jeanist's agency. When Katsuki graduated, he insisted his former mentor to take him back as a sidekick as he kept on building up experience. At the time, he also wanted one other thing: to have Izuku - his childhood friend and rival - at his side. That's why, when Jeanist accepted to take him back, Katsuki only pulled out one condition in particular. If he were to work for him, then it wouldn't be without Izuku.
Of course, Best Jeanist, knowing the young man, was more than happy to agree to this one condition because that meant Katsuki finally admitted he cared about someone more than his pride to win and gain ranks all alone. It's like he finally began to open up about his feelings towards his closed ones, so surely Jeanist appreciated it all the more. He finally admitted that he wanted someone by his side for the rest of his life. To his mentor, he was like a flower waiting for a wave of spring to blossom out of his shell. And this breeze of spring took the shape of Izuku Midoriya, another promising young hero. He was like a ray of sunshine to Katsuki, able to melt all his barriers and meet his expectations, where everyone else seemed to fail and give up.
Besides, Best Jeanist and Deku have already worked together in the past, so it wasn't like he was completely new to the family. And the older pro had already witnessed by far the young talent that was Bakugo's friend. It couldn’t be otherwise if Katsuki himself vouched for him. Moreover, it wasn't a problem to have two young heroes with so many qualities - that also boosted their relatives' performances - in his agency, quite the contrary, in fact.
Therefore, as soon as both graduated and left the high-school benches for good, they began to work for Best Jeanist, the forever number three hero in people's hearts. Even though it was bound the change with the new generations coming up and climbing the ranks at such incredible pace.
But among these things, however, there was one other question that hung in this air. A big question mark above their heads.
People didn't know, was what kind of relationship the two young men entertained. Were they dating? More than friends? Or did they simply keep a regular friendship, free from any romance? Maybe they weren't even that close anymore, and remained as nothing more than acquaintances, colleagues at most that kept a healthy relationship? All those questions went unanswered since forever and the two concerned men never insinuated anything more than that.
Tabloids and social media always went crazy at the smallest public interactions, never missing a bit of the heroes' usual banter, to the extent of saying they were flirting on national TV, even though everyone knew they have behaved like that since forever. It was just healthier and more light-hearted than before.
Midoriya and Bakugo have taken part in countless interviews as the new strongest heroes of Japan, rising stars, competing to the first place so fiercely. They weren't there just yet, but it was obvious it was only a matter of time before both escalated to the highest places in the rankings. At least that's what the polls said. And they had the public behind their backs, supporting them. The world has rarely seen such insane progression in terms of abilities, but that's what stood out the most about Midoriya and Bakugo. They weren't just any heroes freshly graduated from UA. They were aces. Always pushing the other further, higher, to be stronger and give their best every day to make the difference. That’s what people admired about them.
That's why, despite their very different attitudes, both were really appreciated by the public, maybe just not exactly the same way. Midoriya was liked by pretty much everyone, as much by kids than the elders, because of his natural kindness and positive vibe. He was always optimistic, giving soft smiles to his fans as a reassurance when he was there to help. A side he had clearly picked up from All Might, that is. And people liked the fact that he was still able to back up his words with actions, as he was a very strong opponent for any villain that would face him. He was also respected by them, sometimes, when they recognized his true heroism, and because of his history with Stain.
On the other hand, everyone recognized and admired Bakugo's strength, his way to always challenge the most dangerous villains and winning, a smirk on his lips. He was still rude at times, yes, but he also had this fierce aura, often used to dissuade criminals' bad deeds without putting much of a fight. And he also had this way of containing his starkest emotions when needed to bring reassurance to people, nonetheless. When he was interacting with kids, it was very obvious as he had this gentler tone and expression to address them. He always gave them good advice to be better and improve themselves in life. People just tended to admire him more for his power and determination, that's all.
Now, let’s get back to the Wonderduo itself, shall we?
When reporters asked what they were to each other, they always exchanged a look before Midoriya dismissed them with a laugh and a smile to his lips, moving to another subject. He had learned how to swiftly move on from one topic to another regarding their interaction with the press, that was part of the job, after all. So really, when something came out, it was always nothing more than vague rumors that neither heroes approved nor disapproved.
In fact, only their closest friends and family knew what was going on between them, but everyone kept silent about it, respecting their privacy. It was neither their place nor time to say anything because it didn't concern them to begin with.
Today was no different from any other day. Well maybe except for the fact that hero Deku was the last to come back to the agency, because of the press, for their daily patrol.
It was soon time for the night shift to take over, so they were all prompted to come back to complete the last reports of the day. Midoriya and Bakugo weren't together on this day, both going separate missions all day long, so they missed each other each time they got back from their patrols to give feedback or to have their break.
When he finally set foot in the agency, he was tired, to say the least. After an operation, he was always the last to leave because of the police, who needed to make sure everything was in order with him before he could leave, the press, forcing their way to the battlefield, fighting for the most unique pictures and the fans and victims, who wanted to thank him or shake his hand, or even make him sign an autograph. But today was even worse. Some reporters forced their way before the police even arrived, so that doubled Deku's job. He needed to keep the villains occupied until he could restrain them fully, and he needed to keep the reporters safe from any dangerous situation, since it wasn't over. They didn't realize that this way, they became easy targets that could become potential hostages when coming in the middle of his unresolved battle, to throw thousands of questions on his personal life, what's more.
Today, it was by far more terrible than usual, and he didn't understand how people could be so reckless. And that said a lot considering his former habit of throwing himself ahead of the danger all the time. Thankfully he was past that when he arrived in the professional field.
That's why, when he rushed in by the front door, Bakugo knew there was something wrong.
Decades of living next to each other did that to one another. Of course, to anyone, Midoriya was his usual, a beautiful yet tired smile plastered on his face to avoid worrying his colleagues when he was just wishing to finish this day quickly.
But to Bakugo, well, it was clear as day he was upset. The blond hadn't followed the news from up close, so he couldn't really guess what was the matter, but he just knew it.
He began walking towards him to question him, but as soon as Midoriya met his eyes, he hurried even more to his office to complete the paperwork, almost slamming the door in his face. Bakugo was a bit confused about the cold treatment, not even having the time to place a word, but he wasn't that worried about it. After all, when it was the end of his shift, he also wanted to end it as fast as possible and God knows he can't be bothered at all either, when that's the case. Let’s just say it wasn’t as usual with Midoriya as it was with him.
Almost everyone had already left, at this point, and the nightly heroes had already taken their place to continue the work, so it was really just Bakugo and Midoriya left, in the agency. The others were already either on their computers, waiting for news on certain investigations, or out for their patrols outside.
When Midoriya finally got out of the room, his well-dressed up walls had already been put down and he didn't bother arranging his face again because he didn't suspect anyone would be waiting for him behind the door until now.
That is why, the second he opened it, he was met with someone taller who forced him to back down a little against the wall next to the doorframe.
He didn't have time to put on his fake smile again when the other one asked:
"What's wrong?"
Izuku looked up and his eyes met crimson red ones, before straying and looking back at the ground. He didn't trust himself maintaining eye contact yet.
"O-Oh that's just you, Kacchan..." he said with a tired voice. He already knew it was pointless to pretend, but he didn't bother explaining why he felt like that either.
"Hey... What's with the long face? Care to tell me what's on your mind?"
"It's sweet of you to ask but really it's nothing, Kacchan, no need to worry. I appreciate your concern, though" he answered with a little voice, still looking down.
"Come on, 'Zuku, talk to me, what's bothering you so much?"
"It's nothing" the other sniffled.
His hands were unrelenting, constantly fidgeting with his fingers or the hems of his sleeves.
When Katsuki had enough, he grabbed his wrists with both hands to stop them from moving so much, and Izuku froze, like he just noticed what he was doing.
He let out a long sigh.
"Look. I know there's something upsetting you, Izuku. I've known you long enough to see that with a simple glance. You can't avoid it any longer because it's showing on your face... So better spit it out to free your mind a little, yeah?"
Izuku huffed, looking to the side: "Kacchan... I know you want to help but really, there's no need to bother... I've already told you, it's nothing important. It'll pass eventually... I'm just tired, it's all"
"Heh! For me to believe you, it'll need a little more convincing, don't you think? Why don't you start with looking at me when you're blurting out your lies? Since the beginning you haven't looked me in the eye even once, Izuku."
Then more gently: "Hey, look at me?"
While asking, Katsuki placed two fingers under his chin to turn his face toward him. He was very careful to be as soft as possible.
When their eyes finally met, Katsuki could see the puffiness in Izuku's like he's just cried.
Katsuki's expression softened even more at the sight, now clearly worried.
"What's wrong, sweet? Something went wrong on your last mission?"
"I don't wanna talk about it... Not now at least..."
"Fine. I won't push for now, but I would still like you to tell me what all of this is about after. I don't want it to keep pulling you down. That works with you?"
Izuku surrendered: "'kay... Fine. I'll tell you eventually."
Satisfied for now, Katsuki's lips curled upwards, so he took Midoriya's hand again to drag him to the locker room, where he could shower and change before going home.
His hand is so warm.
Even if he didn't manage to make him talk right away, there was no way in hell he was going to let him go home all alone by himself. Therefore, he insisted on keeping him company until Izuku was fully done, even though Bakugo himself had been ready for a while.
Izuku was reluctant at first - he didn't want to make Bakugo wait for him - but he conceded when he saw it was no use arguing. So even though he tried to remain strong and upset on the outside, he already felt a bit better inside, his chest warming up at the concern. He was secretly very happy Bakugo stayed with him and cheered him up, when he didn't ask for anything. It was kind of pleasant, after all, to have this kind of attention from his significant other.
When they arrived in the changing room, Izuku didn't waste any second and headed straight to his locker, getting all the stuff he would need out. First, he pulled out his things for the shower, and then he turned to get out his spare, everyday clothes. While he did that, he didn't look at Katsuki until he noticed his shampoo was missing.
Weird. He was sure he's just taken it with the rest. He turned around again to his locker, still shuffling to get something else when he noticed his towel missing.
What the-. I've just seen it, he thought to himself. Now it was beginning to be strange. By now Izuku’s face was scrunched in disbelief, eyebrows furrowed.
"Kacchan, have you seen where my-..." but he cut himself, pensive.
After a few seconds of thinking, Izuku finally, finally turned his head to the side, taking a look at Katsuki.
"Kacchan. What in the world are you-" but he stopped again, his question left unfinished at the sight that unraveled before him.
There, a few meters from him, Katsuki held his shampoo in one hand - right in his face, while the other held imaginary glasses on the tip of his nose. He had a straight face, like he was reading an important report in detail, while Izuku’s towel hung loosely around his shoulders.
"Kacchan?" Izuku asked again, slight anger bubbling up in his tone.
But he only hummed in response: "Hmmm?", still uninterested.
"What's this all about?"
He asked, annoyed. He didn't even know what to think of this whole situation. He just wanted to be quick get home, go to bed and reset this day entirely, not playing whatever game that was.
He sighed.
"Kacchan, what are you doing with my stuff? Give it back."
But Katsuki didn't budge, still pretending to read thoroughly.
He only grumbled after a while: "How the hell do you think using that is healthy for your hair, dumbass?"
"Wh-What?! What are you talking about?! Gimme that back! I'd like to shower, Kacchan!" Izuku answered, now visibly pissed but also a bit confused.
"Mmm.. Yeah yeah, there you go" he said, handing the bottle to Izuku. But right as the latter stretched his hand to grab it, Katsuki lifted his hand up to prevent him from actually getting it.
"Come on, take it. I'm handing it to you right now" he added, face still straight.
Izuku tried again, but Katsuki moved slightly again, holding it out of reach of the smaller one.
"Kacchan! Stop messing around! Give me my shampoo back!!"
"Well take it, then."
When Izuku reached out a third time, Katsuki held it above his head, tickling him in the rib with his other hand. He wasn't even looking at him in the eye, simply avoiding his grasps with a bored expression, like he wasn't doing anything.
Izuku grumbled.
"Stop. That. Katsuki. Give it."
Finally he stared down, meeting impatient, viridian eyes. He raised an eyebrow at the name, and ultimately gave him his shampoo, not without a pinch in the shoulder and a ruffle on the hair as he approached.
"And my towel. Now."
"Well, get it for yourself, I guess. You're old enough." Katsuki added, nonchalant, but not quite giving it back either.
He was playing on Izuku’s nerves, and it worked.
The latter rolled his eyes and went for his towel on the blond's shoulders.
But right before he got a grasp on it, Katsuki shifted, and Izuku let out another long sigh out his mouth.
He stopped for a second.
"Why are you doing this, Kacchan? You know I'm tired."
The other answered, looking at him straight in the eyes: "Doing what? I'm the one waiting for you, here. I ain't doing shit. So hurry the fuck up, by the way."
When Izuku went for his towel again, Katsuki jumped to the side, his eyes glistening playfully, but his expression otherwise blank. He poked at Izuku’s sides once more, moving around him gracefully as he avoided his hands. He kept on pushing and pulling him, tickling him from time to time.
It wasn't enough to bring a smile to his lover's face, but his features relaxed the slightest. As much as it annoyed him, he needed this light-hearted banter to get the pressure off his shoulders. It was like they were back at being just kids, playing tag.
Soon he tried to pull off his serious tone again, but it didn't hold quite the same grudge as before already:
"Kacchan! Stop fooling around! I'm not in the mood for this. You're making fun of me"
"Am I, now? I'm not laughing as you can see, Izuku."
He retorted, the hint of a smirk pulling at the sides of his lips just to contradict himself.
"Alright that's it, you won, I'm leaving. I'm gonna shower at home. I've got a spare costume anyway at the agency, so I won't need this one tomorrow."
But just as he finished speaking and turned his back to Katsuki, the other took off the towel from his shoulders, holding both sides with both hands and spun around to pass it above Izuku’s head, effectively trapping him between his arms from behind.
He closed in by moving his hands closer to the middle of the towel until they rested on Izuku’s stomach. The other struggled, trying to get out of his hold but he didn't budge, steadying himself by moving closer towards Izuku’s back, until his chest almost touched against it. His arms were blocked, and Katsuki remained firm as to not let him escape, his chin settled on Izuku’s shoulder.
Izuku groaned and tilted his head to the side, to try and look at the blond from behind his shoulder.
"What are you playing at, Kacchan? Let go of me!"
He moved a little as he spoke to emphasize his words with actions, but Katsuki didn't let go. Instead, his hold tightened around his middle.
The blond's voice came out raspier in his ear this time, almost sickly sweet:
"Now, why would I do that? I'm good where I am, Izuku."
At that, the smaller young man suppressed a shiver - he hadn't notice how close they were right now until he could almost feel the vibrations from the body behind him, when he talked in this gruff voice.
"Come on Kacchan... Stop it. It's not even funny. You're just messing with me. Let go."
He tried to remove Katsuki’s hands with his own even though the other resisted but eventually, he managed to make him drop one hand when pulling at his fingers.
However, Katsuki wasn't finished. When he saw his grip falter, he dropped the towel on a bench nearby and gathered all his focus on the green head, effectively spinning him around to face him. All the while, he grabbed Izuku’s hips to keep him in place.
Izuku wanted to struggle more but every shred of resolve he had wobbled once he was met with intense ruby eyes on him. This time, they were sharp and focused, not leaving room for any escape. He couldn’t avoid Katsuki anymore.
"Hey, hey, calm down. Stop fighting. I just want you to stop overthinking so much. You know you can talk to me, right? So don't you dare push me off, we're past that. I thought we said no more keeping stuff to ourselves."
Katsuki brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, clearing his face a little more.
"There's no need to run away, I'm right here with you. Together, remember dumbass?"
Katsuki said, laying a small kiss on his forehead.
Izuku's hands instinctively put themselves on top of Katsuki's, against his sides.
Then, slowly, the blond kissed his temple, keeping his lips light to the touch. After that he went for Izuku's cheeks and nose, which finally put him a little more at ease. Izuku stopped resisting entirely and even surprised himself when he felt his body relax and long for more.
Soon after, soft lips crashed against his own, warm and welcoming just like home. The exchange was very slow, comforting in a way Katsuki knew he really needed. It always helped him calm his nerves, slow down his running mind, ban every negative thought he might have. It didn't take long for the green head to respond eagerly, kissing back as gently as Katsuki did to him, wanting nothing more than keep it that way, keep that savoring pace. No need to rush things.
As the kiss went on, Izuku closed the distance between their bodies, pressing against Katsuki’s chest as the other wrapped his arms fully around his waist. Izuku placed a hand against his shoulder, the other cupping his face before running behind his ear, resting firmly at the nape of his neck. At this moment, his mind gave up entirely, blocking all his surroundings as he concentrated only on what was in front of him. His guard went down once more as he let himself be wrapped in that warm blanket around them.
"-'m sorry for blocking you out."
He mumbled when they pulled away to catch their breaths. He looked down, still panting a little. He took a breath.
"I never wanted you to feel that way. I didn't want you to take this for yourself and blame yourself for some dumb reason when it isn't even on you to begin with."
Izuku's cheeks were now tinted a light pink, back to a shy expression so Izuku-like.
"I'm worked up over nothing, really. Just the dumb reporters who couldn't keep their dumb, invasive questions to themselves. I was frustrated because they kept on endangering themselves to ask that when the police hadn't even arrived. Put themselves in danger for nothing and all... "
The young man was still looking at his shoes, not daring to meet judging, crimson eyes.
When Katsuki answered nothing, he wondered what kind of look his boyfriend would have hearing such stupid explanation. Then he felt fingers under his chin, lifting his head the slightest.
"Will you look at me, Izuku? I'm not mad at you. And I don't think that's a stupid reason at all, actually. Not the slightest."
His eyebrows shot up.
He heard that?
"You didn't mumble shit, sweet, but I've grown quite used to what you could think right now. And I know you'd think you don't deserve to feel the way you do, but that's not true. You have every right to be upset at them, really. They were the ones playing who's a bigger fucker. And I also know you don't want to blame them, even though we both know they were the ones in the wrong. It's illegal for citizens to get in the way when pros are working, and the police hasn't put a security perimeter, you know that, right?"
Izuku nodded.
"Good. Especially for something unrelated. I mean, who'd be stupid enough to rush in the middle of a fight unequipped, like that? Well except for you, that is."
His expression morphed into one of offense.
"Hey! That was one time, Kacchan! And it's because I wanted to save you, you know that!"
"But was it okay for the professionals working there?" he raised an eyebrow. "N-No! But your life was on the line, Kacchan! I couldn't just stand there and do nothing! The pros didn't even seem to have a plan... I had to act!"
He waved him off: "Yeah, yeah. I know that. And you did wonderful, even if I was an ungrateful, shitty brat, back then, uncapable of admitting I needed help. But it was dangerous, nonetheless. Now you were trying to help, at least. But them? Did they come to help you?"
"No..."
"There you go. That's enough of a reason. They only got in your way, slowing down your operation."
"Kacchan... I haven't told you all of it..."
Katsuki huffed, rubbing Izuku's back a little with one hand to encourage him.
"What is it?"
"The villains we were fighting... It was a well-established gang. They had been running away from the police for a while. We've worked on them a lot and planned their arrest for a long time, now. We knew their workforce, and their hideouts, and everything. We were supposed to end it all today, after weeks of tracking and gathering information... They all counted on me to take them down rapidly and efficiently."
He paused, searching for his words as he gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down.
"... But I messed up. I got distracted and didn't catch the leader right away. So, he had time to warn his allies, and they fought back harder than expected, not wanting to get caught. It was the only time they were all gathered, like that. I lost a bit track of time, trying to focus on everything at the same time so I got a bit dispersed when it grew bigger. The fights extended out of their base, so we needed to clean space on the streets, but reporters were already there."
Pause again. He was looking somewhere far away behind them.
"I don't know how they got there so fast, but someone must have seen the gathering of heroes. Information travels quickly and they must have been informed. Or maybe someone from of our team let out a word on it, I don't know, I wasn't used to working with these people in particular."
Now that he was launched, Izuku didn't stop, only breathing occasionally when his flow was too fast to keep up.
Katsuki didn't interrupt but kept a hand on his low back to ground him, the other settled for his shoulder.
"Anyways. We managed to keep the fights to a close range, so I had my eyes on everything and everyone. I thought we were doing good and even finished quickly on my side, so I went on my way to help the others. That's when I noticed one person in regular clothes with their camera. And behind them, there were already five or six other people following along. All with cameras and mics. I tried to tell them off but when they saw they caught up my attention they rushed even further on the field, and they began shouting things to me. I didn't understand a thing because they were all talking louder one over another, but they kept coming anyway and didn't seem to notice it wasn't over."
Izuku let out a shaky sigh, visibly upset to relive these unfortunate events.
"Something exploded nearby when I told them to get out of here and when I turned to look at its origin, there was a vehicle on fire with rubble around it. The villains were using destroyed pieces of concrete to throw them randomly around and disturb the other pros. I was the only one who noticed the reporters, so I had to deal with them. They kept on getting closer even with the debris falling around. They finally stopped when one of them was almost crushed to death had I not intervene. I wanted to scold them, but I was asked to assist the others with the remaining villains at the last minute, so I changed my plans."
Izuku's eyes were shining with guilt now.
"But when I tried to leave, I was held back by the reporters again who kept nagging at me for juicy information, like always... I left with a little delay and when I arrived on the scene, it was too late. The villains had already left, leaving a bunch of badly injured heroes. One of them was on the brink of death with a spear in his side as I arrived. I couldn’t assist them faster and this was the result. And because I was not quick enough, if it wasn’t so bad, I also let the villains slip out. The ones I dealt with were down, so we have still taken in those ones but some escaped. And I know what you're going to say.
I know I shouldn't feel so bad about it, I KNOW – it’s part of the job and everyone is ready for what might happen but it still doesn’t sit right. No one died and their lives aren’t at stake anymore, so it's fine, but I still feel like I should've been able to deal with everything. It's what I've trained for all my life, after all... It should have been easy with my powers, even, but I failed. And now all our preparation has gone to ash because we don't have a trace on the remaining villains and it'll take weeks, maybe even months, to find a lead on them again. I messed up and it was detrimental to all of us. All the effort everyone put in this..."
His lower lips trembled a little, so he bit it before speaking again.
"I-I just feel like I could've done better, it’s all... And now I'm disappointed in myself. A true hero wouldn’t make mistakes like that. I should have been able to handle that."
When it was clear he was done, Katsuki opened his mouth to say:
"Y'know, you really are too much sometimes. Always gettin' all worked up like that. Look. I'm not here to downgrade your feelings or shit, but you really are an idiot, sometimes."
"Not helping."
"I know. Nice words and shit aren’t exactly my thing. What I'm trying to say is that, you're strong, Izuku. You are so fucking incredible and selfless and good for the world. Always working so hard. I can see that from up close, I'm literally right next to you. And many, many people would agree with me, don't forget that. And fuck the assholes who would say otherwise, I'll kill them. Look. Your main priority is to keep everyone safe, right? Isn't that exactly what you did? No one is hurt, you captured the bad guys you were tasked with, you secured the area in the meantime, dealt with the police and even dealt with the fucking press. Isn't all that already amazing? You didn't even need to care about the last ones, but you did anyway, even when they were getting in your way. You didn't even get to yell at them, that's bullshit! I would've snapped at them so flipping hard, in your shoes. I would've insulted them so bad they would've been forced to shut down their fucking devices because it would've become too crude. They'd just come back home tail between their legs, crying in their filthy mother's skirts."
Katsuki cupped Izuku’s face between his hands, resting his fingers on both sides of his cheeks while slowly rubbing his thumbs in circles. His fingers lingered a bit longer on the scar crossing half his face around his right eye, ever so gentle.
"See how good you are? You're such a little sweetheart, Izuku. You are always so kind, so freaking forgiving for anyone mistakes, even when you shouldn't. Sometimes you're just too nice for your own good. Fuck them if the cowards ran away, anyway. Who's at fault? At most your dumb colleagues who can't take care of themselves and their ass even with the most powerful hero by their side. Like really? You did all their jobs so easy, and they couldn't even return the favor. They're becoming lazy because of people like us, always relying on us like we are freaking saints or something, can't fend for themselves for the life of them. It wasn't even your villains to deal with to begin with. They can complain all they want, you were the only one who did his job properly back there, like the fucking, shining gem you are."
Izuku chuckled a little through wet eyes but soon mustered a serious face again.
"That's not true, Kacchan. They did their best, I'm sure. You can't say that to people you don't even know! It's not their fault the mission wasn't as much a success as we thought it would be!”
"See? That's what I'm saying! You're so good. Still defending them when it isn't even your place to do so. Plus, I'm sure they don't even hold it against you in the first place. Now Izuku, I need you to calm down, breathe deeply and tell me it wasn't your fault. Go on."
"itwasn'tmyfaultbutIcould'vebeenfasterandnoneofthiswouldhavehappened."
"Huh. I'll act like I didn't understand crap about what you just said. Now again, slower and without forgetting how to fucking breathe, repeat after me: it wasn't my fault."
And he repeated in a small voice: "It wasn't my fault."
Hands still holding his cheeks, Katsuki gave him a smack on the lips.
"Again"
"It wasn't my fault."
Another smack on the lips.
"Once more?"
"It wasn't my fault."
This time it sounded a bit more convincing, and, in anticipation, Izuku leaned forward to meet Katsuki’s lips, eagerly.
He felt Katsuki’s mouth curl up in a smirk against his, which therefore made him happy as well.
When they parted, Izuku was met with beautiful, intense ruby eyes again, so calming, grounding, loving and everything that made his stomach churns.
"One last time?" he asked to be sure, brushing some wild hair out the way.
"It wasn't my fault."
Pleased, Katsuki finally let go of his face to catch his waist between strong arms and squeeze. The smaller one let out a relieved sigh, before reaching again for his lover's mouth, a little more needy and pressing, this time. They kissed deeply, breathless, until Katsuki pulled out to speak once more.
"Now. Why don't ya go and take a shower, yeah? Get rid of all this dust that's covering you for god knows what reason."
Izuku just nodded before moving a little to escape Katsuki’s arms and remove his costume, but the other had other plans. Instead, he stayed close and unbuckled his utility belt himself, then reaching for the support gear on his legs, unclipping every security expertly to let it drop on the floor. He crouched to get it all the way out, his hands sliding all the way down his sides on the process to an increasingly flustered Izuku. Then he detached the iron soles on his shoes grabbing his left ankle to unwind the shoe itself. Izuku complied, lifting his foot enough for him to get it off, not without a small whimper of embarrassment. After that Katsuki went for the right and repeated the same process.
Izuku saw where this was going, so he whined: "Kacchan..."
"What? Can't even undress my boyfriend properly?" he asked, teasingly.
"Kacchaaannn! What if someone comes in? Oh my god please stop it!" he added, one hand already covering his face. A beautiful pink blush dusted in cheeks, extending to his ears and neck, but he didn't move.
"Hah! Couldn't care less. You're mine anyways, so why not show it the fuck off while I'm at it? ‘Sides, you're worried about shit, there's no one here right now, everyone is either home or on patrol. So, I get you all to myself, pretty boy~"
"Oh my god..." complained Izuku a little more, though he didn't say anything else as Katsuki continued his handy work.
After getting rid of the protections, he went for the zipper at the back of his costume, passing his arms above his shoulders in a slow motion. Their faces were so close now that Izuku could feel his hot breath crashing down on him like a gentle tide. His own breath hitched when those damn eyes bore into green, holding eye contact as Katsuki slid his hand down his back, revealing his upper body still oh so slowly. He took his time, enjoying the moment as they breathed in each other space. They could almost feel their hearts beating in sync so loud in their chests with the proximity.
When he couldn't get further from the front, Katsuki grabbed the hips of Izuku to turn him, now facing his back.
The complaints sounded so broken and weak now that Katsuki didn't bother. He kept unzipping the costume up to his lower back with one hand flat on his spine, the other busy freeing Izuku’s firm shoulders out the fabric. When it was halfway down, Izuku helped him release his arms too, now completely shirtless and exposed to Katsuki’s needy, crawling hands. They stayed like that for a while, Katsuki palming every inch of his body, straining on his aching muscles as Izuku let out multiple sighs of relief. He rubbed his shoulders and shoulder blades in circles, then lowered on his biceps, stroking them to release the tension, the knots in his muscles. He was clearly relaxing in Katsuki, even allowing himself to lean on him a little when he felt a warm body colliding with his back.
"Feels good, huh?"
Izuku shuddered. He could only nod as his eyes closed instinctively, relishing on the gruff, gravelly voice just behind his ear. Gosh it felt so good. He groaned in approval when he felt the other wait for an answer, breath still warm in the crook of his neck. Then a kiss was pressed in there before Katsuki moved again a little.
After that, without warning, the longing touches turned out more frantic, hungrier. Katsuki spun him on his heels again, facing him while tracing his frame with his fingers, redrawing Izuku’s sides, then his defined abs and pecs as he let his mouth wander on his collarbone, going up to his neck, jawline and cheeks until he finally reached his mouth again in a deep kiss. Izuku literally melted into it, chasing after the blond's lips to keep the exchange as long as possible even after they parted. His mind was fuzzy.
Izuku shriveled again at such display of affection Katsuki was willing to offer him right now. He had an expression of seriousness, focusing on his job to make Izuku feel as good as possible. And it paid off well. The smaller man felt physically so good he let down his guard, his mind stopping to think properly. His messy, running thoughts soon came to a stop as well, instead opting to focus on the one in front of him. They exchanged a few more kisses mindlessly, Katsuki crowding Izuku against the door of the locker again. The latter only noticed when he felt a cold surface hitting his back, sending waves of freshness down his spine, but he didn’t care as the background faded to nothingness.
The last of Izuku’s troubled thoughts definitely vanished at the sensation, choosing to fully focus on Katsuki’s mouth and hands and presence overall. Just like that, he allowed himself to forget a little about work, and his struggles for the day, to be a little selfish and concentrate on what made his heart thumb rather than his brain.
During another break to catch their breaths, the last bits of Izuku’s costume flew away, leaving him almost bare, minus his underwear. Izuku, though, wasn’t satisfied with that anymore. He wanted to see more as well. He needed to see more. It wasn’t fair if it was just him stripping to the skin while Katsuki sat there giving nothing back. He therefore hastily removed his lover’s shirt by gripping and tugging on it harshly, the blond letting him do whatever the hell he wished. He was the one who started it anyway so he was fine with anything, really.
The t-shirt was tossed aside hastily before Izuku surged forward again to feel this burning skin he cherished so much under his mouth. He pressed his lips on the huge scar splattered on Katsuki’s left shoulder, the tip of his fingers following, featherlight. He always did that when he was preoccupied by something. It was a habit of his to tether himself, his mind going back to something familiar to ground himself, and his limbs following along the thought.
At times, he was still upset these scars were there because of – no – for him, but at least it was proof Katsuki was still there with him, even after everything.
Then, he laid small kisses here and there, his tongue brushing against the neck, Adam’s apple and jawline of Katsuki. After what felt like hours but was surely nothing more than a few minutes, mouths found each other again eagerly. They played a bit with each other’s lips while Izuku’s hands slid in fair strands of hair, reaching out to tug on it. He wasn’t thinking straight anymore. His body moved automatically with what felt good, framing Katsuki’s head in his hands to deepen their exchange.
Katsuki moved closer as well, longing for this proximity, and Izuku could feel his entire body pressing again his. When their lower parts were glued together, Izuku stuck in the narrow space, he lifted a leg against Katsuki’s hip, relishing on the yearning it brought. The friction did wonders to his brain as he barely registered that he was rubbing himself against his lover. Heavy breaths and small moans left their lips involuntarily but it’s not like there was anyone to mention it. Both young men were too caught up in the moment to care, too. Every ounce of sanity had left the room already.
Katsuki quickly got a grip on Izuku’s thigh from under, holding it firmly with his nails digging in thick flesh. He moved his hand closer to his inner thigh – making the smaller one’s breath hitch in the process – climbing against his hip until he reached blindly for what he was looking for: the familiar feeling of a waistband. He pulled the piece down, Izuku twisting swiftly with him to release himself from the tissue raised between them as a barrier. They struggled a bit but didn’t miss a bit to going back to kissing when it was done, clever hands still moving around each other in the meantime.
As soon as it dropped on the floor, Izuku hopped on Katsuki, trusting the other to catch him and pin him against the locker. It didn’t miss and as if reading his mind, Katsuki’s hands grabbed his thighs again before moving to have a grip on his ass instead. At the same time, Izuku’s strong legs wrapped themselves around his waist to lock their position. Katsuki grunted a little from the sudden weight added onto him but was fast to readjust his position to keep his balance and keep on kissing Izuku breathless. The said man dug a little his back with his fingers to hold onto something but neither broke down nor complained as it went on, even if it would let a few scratches afterward.
When they paused, they breathed in each other’s scent, Izuku’s head settled in the crook of his neck while his hands stroked the blond’s back. The other took a fistful of his ass to feel the muscles underneath, smirking on the sounds that escaped his lover’s mouth. He was always so sensitive everywhere, it was delightful to know this was all for him.
They both gasped as they got their breathing back, getting impossibly closer in the meantime. The cheeks of Izuku were tinted a dark pink, hindering the freckles that usually stood out due to his pale skin. His eyes – half-lidded and wearing a heavy gaze full of sense – landed on Katsuki’s ones that harbored a very similar expression. Their pupils were blown wide thanks to the intensity of their making out, always leading the other further to enjoy it the fullest. They stared at each other for a little while, eyes glistering with love.
Then Katsuki began moving his feet, still carefully holding Izuku as he led him to the showers and set him down, there. With one last smack on the lips, he urged him to the closest one with a small push, Izuku finally letting go of him. He stayed in the doorway, though, watching intently his boyfriend shower without a shame in the world, arms crossed. When the other was almost done, he returned to the locker room first to get his t-shirt back on – tidying the mess of their stuff littering the floor in the process – to make it quicker for Izuku to come back so they could leave the agency together. He still had other plans for the night, knowing they would both have a time off tomorrow morning, but this was a story for another time.
There was this restaurant Izuku really liked not far from here, and Katsuki made sure to make the reservations for them a few days ago. Even to him, the restaurant wasn’t half bad and it had a great design, too, very pleasant and comfortable. After that, he only planned a little movie night at home with cuddles and snacks, but he knew it was the kind of nights Izuku favored the most because they could both relax and enjoy each other company in the coziness of their apartment.
Really, Katsuki looked forward to their date night to keep on distracting his boyfriend from any dark thought he might have. It was like that sometimes, part of the job, one may say, but it didn’t mean it was easy all the time. Being a hero is tough, there is no denying that, but there are two of them. Together, they can work through that. And they still love their job so much, it wouldn’t mean anything to quit now.
They have each other, by the way, all the time and for the rest of their lives. It’s not like they aren’t used to hardships, but they have always managed to push right through it, as stubborn as they both have been since forever. They are more than ready to fight for each other.
That’s why, when one of them would be feeling down, it would be up to the other one to make up for it. Katsuki just had the perfect program ahead for that.