Finally, an update! It only took me forever!

I hope you've enjoyed the story so far, and thank you for taking time to read my garbage.

I hope I've kept Deku and Kacchan in character. Some BakuDeku fluff towards the end.

Enjoy~!

( . o .)


Part Four


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Izuku's emerald eyes shot open, wide and fearful, blood running cold. His scarred fingers went slack against Kacchan as the loud snap echoed loudly amidst the darkness. It reverberated ominously in his ears until it was all he could hear over and over again, drowning out all other noise and thought. His heart clenched, knot forming in his stomach, twisting his insides until he thought he'd puke. This was bad.

'We've been caught...' his mind numbly informed him, heart picking up pace as the words swirled in his head, nauseating and oppressive. His body quivered anxiously, lump forming in his airway. The thought of exposure set his body into a spiral of fear, dread clawing away inside him, causing his vision to tunnel and blur. This would ultimately cause complications for Kacchan. Kirishima finding out was one thing, but this...

This would not settle well with Bakugo. Deku knew that without a doubt, and it'd put a heavy strain on their relationship, leaving Izuku to try and mend the damage it would inevitably cause.

Kacchan put up a strong front, seemingly unbreakable and indifferent to others opinions and thoughts. A hero who showed no weakness, and the green-haired teen knew that was true most of the time. Bakugo was as fiery and unwavering as his Quirk, passionate and all consuming, unafraid, reckless and proud! It's what he loved most about him, what pulled him towards him! But Midoriya also knew Kacchan wasn't always such a thick wall of confidence and bravado. That wall would crumble sometimes, insecurities visible to Izuku alone; the mossy-haired teen had always been the exception to the blonde's breakdowns. Kacchan never hid his feeling from Deku, and even when he did try, it wouldn't be long before he opened up to the smaller hero, one way or another. Kacchan was human and subject to human emotions, even though he acted otherwise, and the freckled teen knew something of this magnitude spilling out before the explosive hero adjusted would leave Kacchan vulnerable and open. The shorter boy knew that would devastate Bakugo. He'd see it as a weakness, and he was too proud to allow himself to be seen in that light. It would probably cause him to withdraw from Izuku, seeing him as the cause of that weakness!

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan!'

The younger boy knew that'd be like starting all over again, making him swallow hard against the lump that threatened to choke him. The mere notion made Deku's stomach twist painfully, heart pounding with bruising force against his rib cage.

The freckled teen feared losing the progress they'd just achieved!

Another snap echoed in the dark, causing Katsuki's crimson eyes to dart around the dark foliage. Trying to find the source of the sound, the older teen gripped harder onto Deku, knowing the green-haired hero still didn't have full control of his legs. Bakugo's heart beat erratically, blood rushing in his ears. Adrenaline pumped throughout him at the fear of being caught. He didn't know what he'd do if someone was out there lurking like a fucking creep, watching them and then speaking even a word about them.

The thought of their relationship being broadcast to the world before its time made the explosive hero's stomach churn nervously, and he fucking hated it. It was one thing to be anxious when it involved doing things with Izuku, cuz that damn nerd had a way of making him feel all these jittery feelings all the time, but to feel them out of apprehension was infuriating. He didn't like these stupid feelings running through him. The blonde knew he had to find a way out of this damned dilemma if he wanted it to stop. The aggressive teen couldn't deal with this right now. It was too stressful of a time already with graduation right around the corner, and he didn't need to add this on top of his already preoccupied mind!

'Fuck whatever asshole is out here!'

Another snap resounded, and Bakugo's glare zeroed onto a rustling bush. His palm flickered with the beginnings of an explosion, ready to blast whatever shithead crawled out. The heat of his Quirk slowly burned away the sticky substance that still coated his hand.

On top of everything, things were finally starting to become comfortable between him and Deku. They were making so much fucking progress, it almost blew his mind. But still, the explosive hero wasn't quite ready yet! Katsuki needed just a little more fucking time. Then it'd be time to announce it AFTER they graduated! A small part of why he wanted to stay private about their relationship was to avoid everyone meddling in their affairs, causing them both undue stress. Bakugo didn't want to risk distractions. They couldn't afford it with their goals coming so close to fruition, and he wanted to make sure he and Deku graduated together!

The rustling increased, and the taller boy tensed, anticipating someone tumbling out. But to his relief, a small rabbit hopped out instead, staring at him with wide eyes before scurrying back into the brush. The bomber hero could only assume that's what caused the twigs to snap, but even so, Katsuki was still on guard.

If someone really was out there and saw anything, it would ruin both his and Midoriya's hard work keeping it on the down-low. Most of their classmates were shit when it came to keeping things secret, and if even a hint of a rumor hit Ashido's fucking ears, it'd be a matter of minutes before word spread like a disease among everyone in the party, forcing his hand in the situation.

Katsuki cursed aloud at the notion, scowl prominent on his lips, "Fuckers."

Bakugo knew he simply couldn't allow that. To have one of those idiots decide something of this caliber for him, it was un-fucking-acceptable! His teeth ground together, clenching hard at the thought, heart thumping with anger. This relationship was a choice he and Izuku made together, and he'd be damned if he allowed some prick to take that from them, but most importantly, from Izuku! If the crimson-eyed teen was going to go public before his allotted time, he would do so with his nerd at his side and not because some loud-mouthed asshole outed them. The bomber teen owed that privilege to Deku alone, for being so understanding and patient with him!

"-ro- you-," came a distant echo, voice carried by the soft breeze, yet muddled by the swaying trees, making it difficult to distinguish. It confirmed that someone was indeed out there, which wasn't good at all. But if Bakugo focused on the brighter side of this shit scenario, the voice sounded far off, meaning they had some time before whomever ventured close enough to find them.

"We got some time, nerd. But we can't stay here long," he spoke, glaring into the trees. He found a modicum of relief in the fact, but he still didn't like this at all. "If we don't leave soon, whatever dumb fuck is out there will find us."

The aggressive teen felt Deku quiver in response, but he didn't speak. Katsuki didn't think anything of it, mind racing as he ground his teeth harder, wishing he could just use his Quirk to get them out of their situation. His palm twitched with aggressive anticipation, smoke wafting off his free hand, heat burning away the remainder of residue of their intimate affair. He didn't like this at all, standing here on the defensive, just waiting. The blonde hero didn't have much patience, and what little he did have was quickly running out. The taller teen didn't know how long he could stay here, lingering in place, observing for movements, waiting around just to be found. But he had to wait for Deku to recover, nerves and body still over-exerted if his continued shaking and breathlessness was any indication. Then they could get the fuck up out of here and waltz back into the stupid party like nothing ever happened!

"-ooo!"

The crimson-eyed hero heard the soft echo of that voice calling out again, but it was difficult to pinpoint exactly where it came from, the sounds bouncing in the darkness. His sense were on high alert, ruby orbs scanning the blackness but seeing nothing, moonlight casting deep shadows across the earth, shapeless figures swaying with the breeze; ears perked yet hearing far too much, the stirring of leaves, scurrying of small animals, the soft thuds of footsteps, the buzzing of the insects, Izuku's shallow pants and the thumping of the music that still managed to seep outdoors. It was too much!

Lips pulling into a deeper angry scowl, ruby eyes glowered vehemently into nothingness. Katsuki couldn't keep himself from growling out, teeth exposed as he gnashed them down. Body tense with energy, every nerve in his body eagerly demanded he move or attack, to do anything but fucking observe and wait! The explosive hero couldn't see or do shit in the damn dark and it was driving him crazy! He'd always been a man of action, one to be on the offensive rather than defensive, and this was killing him!

The older boy's mind raced angrily, debating on whether he should wait for Izuku to fully compose himself or not…

"Fuck this shit!" he seethed, ire bubbling inside him.

"Can you stand on your own yet, Deku?" he asked, voice low with pent-up frustration. Bakugo's agitation was apparent by the way his lip curled viciously, palm flickering with sparks, smoke becoming thicker. He was trying to keep his mounting anger in check, but it was proving more difficult as the seconds ticked past. The blonde teen wanted nothing more at the moment than to exert all this turbulent energy into a giant explosion. Blowing things up always made him feel better, and the more the scarlet-eyed hero contemplated the thought, the more it appealed to him. But for obvious reasons, he couldn't, it'd be like putting up a giant arrow over their fucking heads. Somehow, that thought made him angrier.

Deku's forehead rested against his shoulder, but he could feel the puffs of his warm breath against him even though he didn't speak. The taller boy turned his crimson eyes down towards the smaller teen, feeling Midoriya's scarred fingers clutch his shirt with more force, knuckles turning white.

"Dumbass, you fuckin' ready or not?"

Seconds passed, but Midoriya still didn't reply, even though Katsuki could still feel his hot breath. A vein throbbed hard along his temple, and the blonde teen pulled back from the green-haired hero, lips peeling back, baring his teeth as an ugly grimace marred his features. Ruby eyes narrowed furiously upon the freckled teen.

"Deku!" he growled, arm still enclosed around Izuku's waist, thought not as tightly as before. Bakugo felt the smaller hero tense in his arms, body shaking even more as the older teen slowly unwound his arm from around him.

'What the fuck?' the blonde thought, irritation riling him up. This entire fucking situation was stressing him out more than he'd ever admit.

"Dumb fuck!" The bomber hero snapped harshly, trying to pull his boyfriend from his weird stupor. Damn it, why did the damn nerd have to get all weird now of all fucking times! He hissed out, teeth gritting, "Can you put your fucking clothes back on yet, fuckface?"

Izuku's warm breath continued to hit against Katsuki's clothes, inaudible murmuring suddenly hitting the blonde's ears. Bakugo released an aggravated groan, knowing Deku was in one of his mumbling modes now. The blonde hero couldn't help but curse the green-haired teen's timing. Midoriya tended to get caught up in his own head every time the mumbling started. The explosive hero dropped his calloused hands onto the smaller hero's shoulders, hoping to rouse the nerd from his thoughts like he'd done in his bedroom.

"Dipshit!"

But it didn't work, Midoriya kept staring unfocused into his shoulder, still fucking mumbling.

"Useless fucking Deku," Bakugo sneered angrily. The older boy couldn't make out what the viridian hero was murmuring about, and it didn't help that his freckled face was pressed into Katsuki's body, muffling his soft voice even more. His chattering increased, fingers digging further into the cloth of the aggressive boy's shirt as his breath became slightly labored. Katsuki's blonde brows furrowed in confusion, wondering what the fuck could be wrong with the nerdy teen.

"Deku?"

'Things can't go back to the way they were!' Midoriya's mind yelled, panic clouding his mind. The thick haze of his dread drowned out the sound of Kacchan's voice, of Kacchan's touch. The smaller hero's own fears enveloped him. The freckled boy couldn't handle losing all their progress, and he knew that well. Deku was patient for so long, for so many years...

'Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again.'

...Waiting for the right time to tell Kacchan how he felt, waiting for his affection, waiting for his kisses, for his touches, for his gaze, for Kacchan to be his! He was patient for so long, and to have all his hard work backfire and set him back to the beginning...

It would absolutely hurt, in every sense of the word. Izuku knew that well, just as he knew how deeply he loved Kacchan. Deku's spirit could only handle so much.

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan…'

That lump reformed in his throat, clogging his airway, threatening to asphyxiate him. The green-haired boy could feel his panic ripping at him from within, its tendrils spreading throughout his body like a virus, quick, debilitating and destructive. Mind going numb with trepidation, everything started to ebb away, leaving the freckled hero in a suspended state of fear: for Kacchan, for their relationship, and for himself...

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan! I can't lose this progress with Kacchan. I can't lose this. I can't.'

"Deku?" Katsuki spoke again, voice hard and stern. Yet the anger from before was gone, replaced by confounded worry. Deku wouldn't stop mumbling or gripping tightly onto him, and he wasn't responding to anything. Talking to him, or even shaking him did nothing, he just continued to stand there like a zombie, muttering who knew what under his breath. His eyes stayed trained onto the ruby-eyed hero's chest, yet they were hazy and unfocused, staring into vast nothingness. Seeing the smaller boy look so out of sorts made the explosive teen's gut twist. It felt wrong to see the usually smiling nerd like this.

"Talk to me, nerd," he plead, anguish beginning to bleed into his voice. The blonde hero's fingers gripped into Midoriya's shoulders as he shook him slightly, trying to break him from his weird trance. He didn't know what was wrong, and couldn't help but wonder what could put him into a state of mumbling paralysis. It was starting to make him uneasy and fearful, and Katsuki didn't deal with either of those emotions very well. "Deku?"

'Kacchan isn't ready and they're all gonna know!' Midoriya mused restlessly, words permeating his head like venom. Dread clouded his mind, poisonous ideas taking hold of him, forcing all rational thought out.

He'd worked so hard to keep rumors from spreading about them, taking extra caution not to be too personal when they weren't behind closed doors. Todoroki knew, but the heterochromatic hero figured it out on his own and asked Deku directly; Kirishima knew too because of Izuku's mistake and Kacchan's confession, but both Shoto and Eijirou were their equivalent best friends. They wouldn't say a word without either Midoriya or Bakugo's consent. Their secret was safe with them. And Deku only ever kept their relationship hidden because he wanted the blonde hero to be comfortable, to not feel pressured, to make the choice. And it had worked! By being patient and taking things at the aggressive hero's pace, Midoriya finally started to break down the walls the older boy put up around him. They made progress in the form of kisses, names and intimate actions. Kacchan even spoke to him through his eyes, like Shoto and Momo did often! Bakugo showed Izuku how much he cared for him, all without uttering a single word. Kacchan's smoldering gaze and selfless actions conveying all he felt for Midoriya! The most progress in the entire course of their relationship was made in this single night! But they were going to be outed prematurely, because not everyone had that level of loyalty to them like Todoroki and Kirishima. All their hard work would crumble, revealing Kacchan to everyone's prying eyes.

His hysteria rose alongside his pulsing heart.

'I cant lose this progress with Kacchan! I can't! I can't! I can't!'

The curly-haired teen suddenly went silent, viridian gaze dropping to stare absently and wide-eyed into the dirt. Bakugo's brows furrowed deeper in distress, unnerved by the abrupt quietness from the mumbling teen.

"Deku?"

Still, the freckled teen remained mute, causing the taller boy's stomach to knot harder. It was only then that the explosive hero felt how badly the shorter boy shook. Bakugo's lips pulled into a sullen glower, scarlet eyes glued to his boyfriend.

Katsuki spoke again, that undertone of misery lacing his words completely as he watched his nerd, trying to find out what was wrong, "Can you hear me, Deku?"

'It's all my fault! I should've left when he told me to leave!' Midoriya mulled, too far into his own panic-induced thoughts that Bakugo's voice couldn't penetrate the haze. Izuku knew he should've left earlier. He'd even debated on obeying the blonde's words and going back to his friends...

'It's all my fault..'

Until he'd glanced up and seen that hungry gleam in Kacchan's eyes. It was that same predatory look the blonde hero gave him in his bedroom right before their intense kiss, and in the elevator when he noticed him chewing his lips. He knew what that smoldering glimpse meant now, knew where it could potentially lead, and it had sent his hormones into overdrive. Coveting that gaze for so long, he couldn't leave Bakugo alone once he'd recognized it. So Midoriya willfully stayed, fully aware of the possible consequences, praying for Katsuki to lose control again! He so desperately longed for Kacchan's touch and kisses that he'd stubbornly refused to go away. Deku wanted to bask in the explosive teen's company, and also stick around in hopes of sparking another intimate affair.

'I should've left...' Izuku thought in anguish. 'I should've left. I should've left!'

In the end, the green-haired teen got what he wanted. Kacchan lavished his body with his kisses and touch, showing complete devotion with his attentiveness. But the exchange for a moment of passion with Katsuki was a much higher price than the freckled hero wished to pay, but there was no turning back now.

'It's all my fault!'

The deed was done and now he had to face the consequences of his actions.

'I should've left!'

Once more, his drive forward in hopes of carnal pleasures lead to a bigger problem.

'I should've left! This is all my fault.'

Bigger than he could handle...

'I should've left...'

They were about to be discovered.

'It's all my fault!'

Izuku's actions were forcing Bakugo into a situation where he'd have to choose to publicly accept Deku or reject him!

'I should've left...'

Bakugo placed his hands over Izuku's curled fist, gently prying his fingers from their vice-like grip on him. The green-haired teen's chest heaved quicker, breathing shallow and fast, causing the blonde hero to grit his teeth, brows drawing together with renewed concern. His pupils were fully dilated, emerald irises barely there. It didn't take a fucking genius to realize Deku was in the midst of a panic attack, and he cursed himself for not noticing sooner.

Every fiber in his being demanding he console his nerd. But the blonde hero didn't know how. What was he supposed to do to help cull the anxiety running throughout his boyfriend! He wasn't good at comforting anyone, dealing with emotions weren't really his forte!

Fretful and apprehensive, Bakugo internally fumed, 'Fuck.'

Midoriya's chest constricted, lungs spasming, failing miserably to supply his body with oxygen.

'Forcing Kacchan into p-publicly-' Izuku's inner voice stuttered, mind refusing to accept his own statement.

Midoriya felt lightheaded, darkness spinning all around him.

'F-forcing Kacchan into p-publicly accepting me or- or-' the words stuck in his head, heart squeezing painfully between sporadic lungs.

'R-rejecting me...'

White noise assaulted him, making the beating in his ears sound distorted and warped, akin to being underwater.

'I can't lose Kacchan!' Deku internally screamed. The younger teen felt like he was drowning, gasping for breath as his panic became all-consuming.

Bakugo's rejection would do more than just hurt.

'I can't lose Kacchan!'

The smaller hero knew that completely.

'I can't lose Kacchan!"

The timid teen's labored breaths multiplied, heart pounding at a dangerous pace.

'I can't lose him!'

The viridian hero's pupils constricted, shrinking until they were barely visible, eyes becoming large lifeless pools of jade.

'I can't lose him!'

Kacchan's rejection would destroy Izuku.

'Kacchan!'

"Fuck," The bomber hero growled aloud, lips pressing into a thin line. Once more Katsuki found himself cursing his ineptitude. Deku needed him now and Bakugo didn't know the first thing to soothing the hyperventilating hero. His heart pounded, self-loathing filling his chest as he watched Izuku's panic visibly spread. Katsuki wasn't an idiot, he knew with certainty why his nerd was having an anxiety attack, and it made his heart lurch painfully.

'Izuku,' the taller teen mused, heart heavy as his scarlet eyes narrowed on his nerd. Izuku needed him, and Katsuki was a fucking hero! And not just any fucking hero, Bakugo was Deku's personal hero, and he'd be damned if he let his nerd keep hurting!

Releasing a suddenly determined growl, he dropped the smaller teen's hands, reaching up to cup his round freckled face in his palms. Even if he didn't know what the fuck he was doing, he couldn't stand idly by, watching the anxious teen fall further into his panic. Katsuki was a man of action, and he had someone precious to protect!

"Deku, we're fine," he spoke, soft and pleading as he pressed his forehead against the viridian hero. The aggressive hero's crimson orbs peered into cloudy emerald eyes, but those large green eyes remained dull, unfocused, making his heart clench harder. Katsuki knew his pleas fell on mute ears, making his lips pull into a deeper frown, realizing just how deep into his own head his nerd was struggling against. Heart thundering, he closed his ruby eyes, continuing in a strained voice, "I'm right here, Deku..."

Katsuki didn't know what the fuck he was doing. But he'd seen Kirishima do this with Ashido once to calm her down, and he prayed it worked for Izuku too. His heart beat so fast inside him, slamming with bruising force against his ribs. Guilt and concern filled him as he whispered his boyfriend's name, "Izuku."

Darkness swallowed Deku, its arctic fingers running along his flesh, making his skin prickle. The small teen shivered, teeth chattering, each breath visible with every exhale of air. He crossed his arms over his chest, rubbing his hands along his arms for warmth. The mossy-haired teen glanced around him.

It was freezing, empty and dark all around him. The area was devoid of any walls or even a ceiling and the timid hero didn't even know what he was standing on. The ground was flat, but it didn't give beneath his feet like normal, providing no indication whether he stood upon dirt or asphalt. The freckled teen pursed his lips and grit his teeth to keep them from chattering. He strode forward into the glacial void..

Midoriya walked for a while, mind numb as he rubbed his arms. Silence permeated the air, the sound of his shoes and his breathing non-existent. He didn't know how far he walked, the darkness seemed to go on infinitely before he finally stopped. Everything was deathly quiet.

"Hello." He called out, hoping to hear a response, but also wanting to cut through the quietness. But his words were silent as they slipped past his lips, not even a whisper bouncing back at him. He swallowed, wondering if maybe he just thought he spoke aloud, and tried again. "Hello?"

Nothing. This abysmal blackness covered everything, absorbed everything, including all sound.

Izuku glanced around, brows knitting together as a frown touched his lips, hands still running up and down his arm. His breath frosted over. It was so cold in here...

'...Wherever here is...'

He didn't know where he was, much less why he was here. He tried to remember the last thing he did, scouring his brain for a memory. This was all very strange.

'Was I attacked by a villain? Am I trapped in someone's Quirk?'

His jade eyes narrowed onto the ground thoughtfully. Everything felt off. He couldn't remember anything.

It had to be a Quirk, he didn't know how else to explain where he was, or why.

Deku's head snapped up, a small gasp escaping him as his eyes scanned around him. He heard something! He strained his ears to listen, hoping to catch the noise again.

Izuku's eyes widened in surprise. He heard it again, a soft vibration in the distance, yet so close. It was difficult to tell exactly what was the source of the sound. His hearing felt similar to being underwater with cotton stuffed into his ears.

A warped noise echoed in the recesses of Midoriya's head, temporarily slaking the hold his panic had on him. That voice was like a ray of light, fleetingly piercing the dark fog that surrounded the freckled hero's mind.

"Iz-."

Deku looked around the dark, searching for the distorted sound. It sounded familiar, bringing with it a comforting warmth that left a strange sensation in his chest.

"Izu- ju- my-" Jumbled and incomplete words repeated in the stillness of his mind. "-ay- athe. -ere. In -t. Ple- -ku."

The emerald-eyed teen furrowed his brows. He didn't know why the noise sounded so comforting and familiar. Closing his viridian eyes, he focused on the heat that lingered in his chest.

"Izuku!"

The warmth spread, taking a little of the cold away. With it, came another strange slow sound Deku couldn't place. It was also familiar.

-Ba-bump-

Midoriya brought his hand to his chest, fingers curling over his heart. The sound intensified, its constant rhythm pumping that heat through his body.

"Izuku!"

The cold started to dissipate, the gloominess losing its grip on Deku. He heard a strange thumping, and it resonated inside him.

-Ba-bump-

The weird feeling enveloped him, pulsating through him from head to toe, starting in his chest and working outward. It was warm and inviting, giving the promise of safety. Deku wanted to curl into the sensation forever.

"Izuku, just breathe, okay. Follow my breathing, in and out."

Katsuki breathed in slowly and exhaled. Midoriya weakly emulated his pattern, breathing slowly becoming more regular with each inhale. The crimson-eyed hero kept his eyes trained on Izuku's large empty orbs.

"Just breathe, Izuku." he spoke soothingly, dropping his hands onto the freckled hero's smaller shoulders. Noticing how the green-haired teen's legs wobbled, he lightly pushed the timid teen back into the tree, helping the shorter boy lean against it for support.

"-out here?" Called the voice. It was much closer, meaning whomever it was, was going to find them in a matter of minutes.

Knowing they didn't have much time, Katsuki reached for Deku's discarded clothes. He crouched down, helping the zombie-like teen step into them and get dressed. His frown deepened as he watched his nerd, emerald eyes still so full of trepidation as he peered absently at him. It pulled at Bakugo's heartstrings. His teeth clenched, anger beginning to well up inside him.

'You're the one who fucking caused this, dumbass,' his inner voice chastised. He was livid, and for once that emotion was directed at himself. Once more his intimacy issues were causing problems for Izuku. If he weren't so strung-up on hiding, being so worried about what others would say or do, he could accept Izuku openly without so many restrictions. But he was such a fucking coward were it mattered, and because of him, Midoriya was having a nervous breakdown!

"Izuku," he murmured, voice strained and low. Had he known his craven actions would cause this much distress for Deku, he would've done things differently. "Please, Deku."

Izuku's emerald eyes came back into focus for a moment, making Katsuki's crimson eyes sparkle with hope. But the recognition in the nerd's eyes quickly faded back out.

It was like a sucker punch to the gut, feeling like Deku used a percentage of Full Cowling on him. It'd been a few minutes already, yet nothing he did seemed to be doing any good!

'I fucked up,' He rose back up to his feet, cupping Izuku's face in his palms again. He rested his forehead against the shorter teen's, taking in his features. He sighed with dejection, shutting his weary ruby eyes.

Bakugo's voice was laced with regret as he murmured, "I'm sorry, Izuku."

-Ba-bump

The heat inside Midoriya grew incandescent, matching that weird thrumming the green-haired hero felt inside him. It was soothing, lulling him into a sense of tranquility. His body felt light and warm, and he placed his other hand on top of the one curled to his chest, trying the hold the warmth captive beneath his fingers. His green eyes fluttered closed as he took in a deep breath, the act alone making his muscles relax. Until then, he hadn't even noticed he was tensing his body, but he could feel the release of his aching muscles unwinding.

-Ba-bump Ba-bump-

The pounding increased, waves of heat assaulting his chest. A small smile spread across his lips, a sense of serenity hitting him as he took in another lungful of air. He wanted to bask in this feeling for as long as he could. It was so comforting and inviting... so warm... just like Kacchan.

"Izuku."

'Kacchan?'

He could hear the blonde's voice in his head, faded and far away. He opened his eyes. The same darkness greeted him and he frowned. It sounded like Kacchan...

"Izuku."

Deku walked forward towards his voice, heading into the cold vastness. But the further he walked, the less cold he became and the more the heat surrounded him. Slowly Kacchan's voice became clearer, the drumming in his chest picking up pace the closer he got to the blonde's voice.

-Ba-bump

The darkness slowly seeped away, and Midoriya started to run. The thumping escalated, sounds rushing into his ears again.

-Ba-bump Ba-bump-

He realized that strange pounding noise he'd kept hearing was his heartbeat.

"Izuku."

He ran faster, pushing himself, willing his legs to move as quick as they could go. He wanted to see Kacchan! He was the warmth that beckoned him from that frozen abyss.

"Izuku."

Hearing Kacchan, Midoriya swallowed around the lump in his throat. Feeling his sense returning, he blinked, sight coming into focus.

'What happened?' The grenette thought, mind slightly disoriented, 'Why is my heart beating so fast? And why do my lungs hurt like I just ran a marathon?'

He realized then that the blonde had his forehead pressed to his, palms holding his face tenderly, crimson eyes closed. Bakugo was so close that the freckled teen couldn't help the slight blush that dusted his cheeks. He bit his lip, feeling like his heart would give out at any moment. 'Why is Kacchan so close to me like this? What happened?'

"K-Kacchan?" he mumbled lowly, afraid to break whatever spell had the blonde so close to him.

Katsuki's eyes shot open, scarlet pools darkened with emotions Deku couldn't begin to place. The bomber hero's lips pressed into a thin line as he pulled away from him. His features were unusually stoic, and Izuku knew the taller teen's mind was racing with thoughts he wasn't privy to. It made him feel more disheartened than he cared to admit.

"Kacchan," he whispered softly, heart pounding painfully against his ribs. His insides felt bruised and he didn't know why. Katsuki's eyes focused on the green-haired hero, taking in his appearance. The green-haired hero gulped, unsure about the sudden scrutiny in his partner's eyes. A scowl formed on the explosive boy's lips as he remained utterly quiet. Bakugo's uncharacteristic silence made Deku nervous. Tentatively, the freckled teen spoke again, voice wavering, "Kacchan?"

"Be quiet, nerd," he whispered, voice strained as his gaze dropped down, avoiding the nerdy teen's eyes. His calloused fingers straightened his crumpled shirt. "You should fix your pants a little bit better."

There was something somber and sullen about Kacchan, something happened to him and the small teen couldn't help but wonder what. Was he mad at Izuku? The emerald-eyed teen didn't remember doing anything to make-

It hit him then, and he winced. They'd finally gotten intimate. But they'd were about to be found out, and not even because they were reckless and fooled around in the dark. His heart sank, and he could feel the tears prickling in his eyes. He'd known this would affect them. Kacchan was strong, but not unbreakable. He bit his lip, trying to hold back his tears. He'd messed up, big time, and now Kacchan was withdrawing from him...

Bakugo ran his fingers through his hair as he turned away from Midoriya. He felt responsible for Deku's episode, and he didn't know what to say. He was relieved to see his nerd back to normal, but seeing him like that had rattled him more than he could've anticipated, and he didn't know how to respond to that. He bit the inside of his lip, unsure on how to proceed. He knew he was being weird, could tell by the way the freckled teen reacted to him. But he didn't know what else to do...

He could hear the footsteps getting closer now.

Katsuki sighed deeply, turning back to look at the younger teen. Izuku squirmed in place, clenching and unclenching his fists as he bit his quivering lip. His large jade eyes shimmered with unshed tears and Bakugo felt a stab in his chest. He stepped towards the green-haired hero, fingers coming to cradle his chin and lift his face up, forcing him to peer into ruby orbs . The shorter teen's eyes watered more, lips trembling. The blonde's heart thumped fast and hard as he bore into Midoriya's eyes, searching for answers in those watery depth.

"I'm sorry, Kacchan." Deku whimpered, squeezing his eyes shut to hold back his tears. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have anything to be sorry about, nerd." Katsuki reassured, chest compressing tighter, feeling like his heart was being smashed against his lungs. It wasn't Izuku's fault at all, yet here he was apologizing for something he didn't do, something that was ultimately all Bakugo's fault. Deku really was too good for someone as unworthy as himself. "If anyone's sorry, it's me. This is all my fault, and I'm sorry for everything, Deku."

Midoriya's eyes opened, a few droplets leaking from the corners of his brilliant eyes. His brows knit together, and the explosive teen knew his words confused him. Bakugo never said sorry, much less admitted to anything being his fault. He fully understood Deku's confounded look.

The freckled teen murmured, voice shaky and uncertain, "Kacchan?"

A wan smile touched Katsuki's lips as he leaned down to touch his forehead to his boyfriend's once more. Even sniffling and confused, a dark blush broke out across his freckled face, making the aggressive hero's heart hum. He loved the damn nerd, more than he could every convey into actions or words. He pressed his lips to Izuku's, soft and slow, praying Deku understood.

He was pouring everything into this.

He heard the footsteps stop just behind them. But he didn't let it stop him from kissing his nerd deeper. He didn't care who saw them, not any more.

"Bakugo!" Eijirou exclaimed, stepping forward to clap the blonde on the back, unaware he wasn't alone. His friendly action just pushed the bomber hero further into Midoriya. "I was star-"

The redhead stopped, noticing exactly what Bakugo was doing, and with whom, and he stumbled back. His face was red enough to rival his hair. "Oh shit. Sorry!"

The hardening hero glanced away from them, stepping back to give them a modicum of privacy.

Bakugo pulled away from the timid teen, lids half mast as he peered at his boyfriend. Izuku's eyes were glazed over by desire, lips parted as he stared back up at him. The blonde teen couldn't help but smirk at that dazed look on his nerd's face. His jade eyes still shone with tears, but there was an underlying glimmer of adoration burning beneath them.

The green-haired boy spoke softly, voice laden with emotion, "Kacchan."

They both knew exactly what a big deal it was for Bakugo to be kissing Midoriya with an audience being privy to the moment. As though to remind him that someone was witnessing, Kirishima shuffled about behind them. But the explosive hero couldn't bring himself to care at the moment. He leaned down and caught the freckled teen's lips again, feeling the emerald-eyed teen lean into his kiss, laying his scarred fingers flat against the aggressive youth's chest.

Izuku meant so much to him. The bomber teen knew that as he knew he needed oxygen to breathe. All that mattered was making Deku happy, he didn't want to be the cause of such turmoil for his nerd. And the blonde hero knew he had to make a choice.

Bakugo loved Izuku far too much.

Katsuki's heart hammered violently as he pulled away from Izuku, crimson eyes piercing into viridian. He whispered, voice low and gentle, "I love you, Izuku."

A dark blush spreading like wildfire across Midoriya's freckled cheeks, entire body flooding with warmth hearing those beautiful words rumble out of Bakugo's smooth lips. His heart raced a thousand miles a minute, the full implication of that mind-blowing statement processing in his head. The smaller teen couldn't remember how long he'd waited to hear those fateful words. He'd dreamt about it since middle school, and fantasized about it incessantly since they started dating. The green-haired hero could feel the tears running freely down his cheeks, sorrow no longer the reason behind them as a large lopsided smile stretched across his lips. His entire body hummed with happiness as he peered into Kacchan's crimson gaze, seeing those smoldering ruby eyes shimmering with unconditional love as the gentlest smile Izuku ever saw graced the blonde hero's lips.

Kacchan loved him! Kacchan loved him!

Deku's heart fluttered in his ribcage, the corners of his emerald eyes crinkling affectionately as he peered unwavering into scarlet pools. His smile broadened, showing off his perfect teeth, his perfect hero's smile.

Voice laced with full adoration he replied, "I love you, Katsuki. I always have.

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If you stuck around this far, thank you! I hope you've enjoyed the story so far! It may feel like the end, but fear not, for there are about 3 or so chapters left to go!

And special thanks to AnimeFanGirl2223 NarutoYaoiIsAwesome. You guys are awesome!

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