Now, Aizawa Shouta was a reasonable man. A logical, rational, well rounded individual, who was respected in the hero community. He surrounded himself by a close group of family, friends and cats, whom he loved fiercely, and they loved him in return. He wasn't necessarily quick to anger, although he was sometimes snappy.
He considered himself rather calm, apathetic even. Which is why he surprised even himself when he threw a clip board at the people of the Hero Public Safety Commission. The people in the room all flinched as it flew over their head and Hizashi grabbed his hand and pulled him away from them.
"Aizawa, we can't change the results of the test. Not just because you believe someone should be worthy of passing." One of the Commissioners said.
"Why not? You make up the rules. You decide who passes and fails. Bakugou is a smart, bright kid, who has exceptional Quirk control."
"Not according to his results." Another Commissioner said.
"His results? I've got his results here. In fact, I have a copy of all of my student's results. He was marked a lot more harshly than the rest."
"I assure you, that is not correct."
"Oh yeah? Why was he docked 20 points for a disagreement with another student? Shinsou, the student the disagreement with was marked down 5 points for that particular argument. Uraraka and Yaoyorozu were marked down 5 points for a similar disagreement. Even Todoroki was only marked down 5 points for his initial disagreement with Inasa." Aizawa snapped, placing the aforementioned student's results on the table in front of him.
"Of course, Todoroki's disagreement got physical and thus he was marked down further, and Shinsou was marked down for repeated displays of reluctance to act. Resulting in both failing."
"I fail to see your point." A further Commissioner shrugged.
"My point is, If Bakugou was docked 5 points for the argument, which appears to be the norm, instead of the 20 he was, he would have still passed, even with the 40 taken for his explosion." Aizawa said. "So tell me why, he was initially marked down 20 points?"
"He was not just marked down for the disagreement, but for his dismissive attitude towards the people he was rescuing."
"I thought you'd say that. Which is why I spoke to the three volunteers he helped rescue. Not one of them took points from him. Which means it was you and your observers who took them away."
"Aizawa, if an independent observer believed his attitude to be unacceptable, we cannot dismiss that evaluation."
"Why not? Bakugou is in the top of his class, he has amazing skill and a brilliant work ethic. He deserves to get his licence."
"I believe you are letting bias blind you to his faults. He failed because the examiners felt he didn't perform well enough."
"If I was letting bias blind me, don't you think I'd be pleading for all three of my students to pass? I was having one on one training with Shinsou, don't you think I'd be fighting for him instead?" Aizawa hissed as Mic pulled on his sleeve, preventing him from taking a step closer to the Commission. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe Bakugou should have passed."
"This conversation is pointless. We can't go back and change his results now. Other schools would not like it." The Head of the Commission said. "However, I can see where you are coming from."
"What good does that do Bakugou?"
"As far as I'm aware, he might be forced to withdraw from the Heroics Course at U.A. correct? Due to potential hearing loss?"
"How do you know that?"
"The ways in which we obtain information is not relevant." The head said. "Considering Bakugou's future as a hero is up in the air, we most definitely cannot grant him a provisional licence. However, I can change his results to a certain extent."
"What do you mean?" Aizawa asked.
"I can change them from "Failed" to "Did Not Finish". I can put his reasoning down as injury, as technically he was unconscious before the klaxon went off."
"And what difference would that make?" Mic asked.
"Well in the future, if he did become a professional hero, there would be no failure on his record. It's a small thing, but its often the little details that prevent a pro from becoming Number One. After all, when it comes down to choosing a hero to support, who are you more likely to choose? The person with a clean record, or the one who failed his exams?"
"I see." Mic nodded.
"Will you still allow him to participate in the remedial classes?"
"If he provides medical proof he is fit for active hero work, then yes. I do not see a problem with it." The Head Commissioner said simply.
"Fine." Aizawa growled. He wasn't exactly happy with the results, but he knew he wasn't going to get what he wanted. It was better than nothing, and he knew Bakugou would appreciate not having a failure on his permanent record.
"If that's all, Eraserhead. We've got other matters to see to." The Head Commissioner said with a smile. Aizawa nodded and he and Mic turned to leave. "Wish Bakugou the best from all of us." He called after them.
"We will. Thank you." Mic said, guiding his husband out of the conference room. As soon as the door closed behind the heroes the smile fell from the Head Commissioners face.
"Somebody get me Hawks. I need to have words with him."
The surgery went as planned. Katsuki had woken up with the word "five" on his lips and an aching in his head. His parents were smiling down at him and he felt like he was floating on cotton wool clouds.
He'd been kept in the hospital for an hour after the surgery. Dr Anzai and the specialist were both happy with how the procedure had gone. Apparently, his left ear had been much more damaged than his right, although both were in terrible condition. By looking at the damage, the specialist predicted that Katsuki would have moderate to severe hearing loss, supporting the doctors assessment that hearing aids were now necessary for Katsuki to function in society, claiming that without them Katsuki would not be able to hear much.
That being said, they advised Katsuki not to wear any whilst he was waiting for his ears to heal, which wouldn't be a problem, seeing as his only pair had been destroyed. His parents promised that they would get him some more, trying to find some that would be more appropriate for combat situations.
Dr Anzai had then given Katsuki a prescription for some painkillers if he felt like he needed them, as well as additional cotton pads. He was informed to change the cotton wool in his ears daily, but to leave the dressing that was further in his ear alone. They would be removed by a doctor when it was required.
Then he was allowed to go home.
Aizawa had come around, the day after he got home, he'd brought with him Hoshi and all of her things, as well as a packet of Momo's notes from each of their classes as well as worksheets and print outs covering what the class would go over the next week.
Mitsuki and Masaru had decided to keep Katsuki off of school for the whole week. They felt that the school environment would be too loud for his recovering ears and that he could get his work done at home. Aizawa had agreed.
Katsuki was on the sofa in the living room when his parents let Aizawa in. His hearing hadn't improved drastically, but he could hear the dull thud of his mother slamming the door. Katsuki had been lifting some 5 lbs dumbbells when Aizawa approached.
"What are you doing?" Aizawa asked when Katsuki looked up at him. His voice sounded far away to Katsuki, like Aizawa was in another room and Katsuki was underwater. But he could tell he was talking.
"Lifting weights." Katsuki said. "Mom took away all of my other weights, she locked my gym. These are the only ones I'm allowed. Apparently, I'm not to over work myself." Aizawa knelt down on the floor and Katsuki frowned, confused. That was until a grey and white blur burst out from around the sofa.
"Hoshi." Katsuki said, bursting into a smile. Immediately he put the weights down and scooped her up. He kissed her all over, running his fingers through her fur. "I've missed you."
"She's missed you too by the looks of it." Aizawa signed, coming to sit next to Katsuki. Hoshi settled, sitting on Katsuki's lap, eye's closed as he ran his hands over her body.
"I bet Shouto's sad you're gone." Katsuki mused.
"He was a bit sad, but he's got Jeanist's cat."
"Ahh, you're mine." Katsuki said, kissing his cat again.
"I've brought you some work. If you need some help, feel free to message me." Aizawa placed the pile of papers on the coffee table.
"Thank you." Katsuki said.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. My wrists and forearms ache a bit, the skin is still a bit red. My hearing… it's a little bit better. I can hear muffled things. I can kind of hear when people talk, not what they're saying but… I guess it's like a vibration?" Katsuki stopped and breathed a laugh. "The microwave beeping. I can hear that. That one kind of hurts."
"That's good."
"Will I still be able to be a hero like this?"
"I'm not sure." Aizawa sighed. "Mic can't hear very well without his hearing aids, I would say his hearing loss is pretty severe, but his aids… They really improve his hearing by a lot. I think we have to wait and see what hearing aids do for you."
"I understand." Katsuki nodded.
"I'd say the fact that you've started hearing a little, even though you've only just had surgery a couple of days ago. It's a good sign."
"I want to come back to class as soon as possible." Katsuki said. "Flashback won't have me back at work until Jeanist is back, and I'm going crazy here."
Aizawa smiled, holding back a laugh. "You can come back after your check up, providing your doctor clears you. But for classroom work only. I am not allowing you into training."
"Aww, come on."
"I will consider, one on one Quirkless training or time in the gym."
"Deal." Katsuki smirked.
"Once you're ready, there's some remedial classes you can take. They'll probably be tough, but hopefully you'll have your hero licence by Christmas."
"Really?
"Yes. Every Saturday afternoon. They'll start up in a couple of weeks. I know it takes away all of your free time, but it'll be worth it."
That had been several days ago, and by the Thursday, Katsuki had already worked through the week's worth of work. He was bored out of his mind. He'd read three books and he'd played games. He'd watched movies with subtitles and played with Hoshi.
Late one afternoon, he and his father had gone hiking together, which had been fun, but Masaru had worried about overworking Katsuki's body and cut their adventure short. Katsuki had argued that it was his ears, not his legs that were hurt but his father had ignored him.
For once, Katsuki hated the fact that the majority of his hobbies were music related. His drum kit, violin and guitar had been locked away like his workout equipment and it wasn't like he could listen to music.
He had spent a lot of time on his phone. His parents hadn't allowed any of his friends to visit, fearing that they'd be too loud or disruptive. So Katsuki had to make do with texting his friends. They couldn't reply very often during the day due to class. But that didn't stop them from trying. Mina, Denki and Izuku all had their phones confiscated by Aizawa for texting Katsuki in class.
"Just Eijirou."
"No, Katsuki." Mitsuki signed. She was sat on the sofa, flipping through a fashion magazine. Katsuki was stood in front of her.
"What about Izuku? He'll be quiet."
"No he won't." Mitsuki laughed. "Look Katsuki, your father and I agreed that until you go back for your check up you won't have any visitors. Your teacher was a necessity, and he knew to be quiet. I don't want to risk anything else."
"Please." Katsuki whined. "Just Eijirou. He'll be quiet."
"No."
"What about Kouda, he's mute."
"No Katsuki."
Katsuki scowled at his mother. He turned around and headed up to his room. He was bored out of his mind. His father was out at work, so his only conversation partner was his mother, who wasn't exactly in the mood to talk. He threw himself onto his bed and buried his nose in his pillow.
Katsuki was distantly aware of Hoshi wandering about his room, so when a set of four paws landed on his back, he wasn't that surprised. She was larger than an ordinary cat, and she was heavy on his back, despite the fact she was still a kitten. Her fur was thick and soft, ruffed around her neck.
She jumped off of his body, onto his bed and she padded around him to lie down by his side. She had brought a grey squeaky cloth mouse toy that Shouto had brought, with her. She played with it whilst she leant against Katsuki.
The blond could hear the muffled squeaking of the toy as Hoshi bit down on it particularly hard. He watched her for some time before he stroked down her back. She began to purr, rolling against him until she was on her back, all four paws in the air.
Katsuki smiled, not falling for her trap, knowing if he reached for her belly she'd sink her claws into him. Instead he snatched the mouse away from her, throwing it across the room. Hoshi meowed, leaping to her paws and chasing after the toy. Katsuki rolled to watch her follow the mouse.
The second Hoshi snatched it up, she spun around and ran back at Katsuki, leaping up onto his stomach. Katsuki gasped as the air was pushed up out of his lungs. He groaned, taking her face in his hands, making her drop the toy.
"You're a little shit." He said and she meowed again. "I love you though. Even if you do cause me grief."
Shouta made his way into the 1.A. dorm room, trying to hide his growing smile under his scarf. Despite the horrendous few days that had followed the Licencing Exam, Shouta had finally received some good news.
Well, there had been several good things that had happened. Bakugou was seemingly on the mend, he seemed hopeful and according to his parents, he was definitely becoming more and more aware of auditory stimulus by the day.
Hakamata was also getting better. He was still in the hospital, just so the doctors could monitor his condition, as to not make the same mistakes as before. He was awake and the doctors were considering releasing him soon.
On top of that, Hizashi and himself had passed the background check organised by the adoption agency, meaning they were one step closer to making their marriage a family. They were still a long way off, there was a house check and even more assessments before they could even start to look at children.
But that wasn't the good news he was referring to.
Todoroki, Kirishima and Tokoyami were in the common room, along with Shinsou and Cashmere. The hairless cat was asleep on the purple haired boys lap. Dark Shadow was petting Cashmere softly, under Tokoyami's watchful gaze.
Kirishima was texting, considering the large smile on his face, Aizawa could only assume he was talking to Bakugou. Todoroki noticed Aizawa first, calling out in greeting. Kirishima, Tokoyami and Shinsou all looked up at him. Dark Shadow shrank back at the sight of him, disappearing into Tokoyami's chest.
"Kirishima, can you go and gather the rest of the class together, please. I need to speak with you all." Shouta said.
"Shall I leave?" Shinsou asked.
"No, stay."
Kirishima went quickly, without complaint and it didn't take long for the entire class to gather.
"So, first things first. Yes, I saw Bakugou today. He's doing okay. He's healing and he says he's okay." Shouta said, the "Bakusquad" all broke out into happy chatter and smiles. "But that's not what I'm here for. As you are all aware, the Provisional Exam was a test for Shinsou, to see if he could be a member of this class."
"Sensei, you don't need to do this. I know I failed. I know I have to stay in General Studies. You don't have to announce it in front of everyone."
"You don't." Shouta said simply.
"What?"
"You don't have to stay in General Studies." Shouta smiled. "I never said you had to pass the exam to get into the class. I said you would be evaluated based on your performance."
"You deliberately misled me." Shinsou narrowed his eyes.
"It was a logical deception." Shouta teased. "I was waiting for Nezu to decide, but today he told me. There's a place in 1.A. if you want it."
"Yes, yes I want it." Shinsou said and the class broke out in cheers.
Midoriya embraced Shinsou and Kaminari patted him on his shoulder. Everyone called words of congratulations and they took turns in welcoming Shinsou Hitoshi into the class.
On Saturday morning, Katsuki got up early, well, early for a normal person. Technically for him, 6 was late. It had been around a week since his surgery, and the doctor wanted to check on his healing progress. Katsuki was optimistic.
His hearing was gradually returning. It was nowhere near where it had been. He doubted he would be able to hear anyone speaking, even if they were right next to him. But considering the fact it had been lost completely, he was thankful for the muffled noises and dulled sounds.
Everything was obscured, distant and distorted. It frustrated him greatly and caused his head to ache. His ears still throbbed and over the span of the week he'd resorted in taking the prescribed painkillers for some relief more times than he'd care to admit.
He couldn't wait for this whole thing to be over. He hoped that Recovery Girl would be able to use her Quirk on him and fix his ears. He knew he was getting his hopes up, praying for a miracle. But he didn't know what else to do.
Katsuki and his parents made their way to the hospital for his appointment. He didn't know what he'd do if this didn't work. He'd only ever wanted to be a hero. Ever since he was little, it was all he wanted to do. His life would be over if he couldn't be one.
He'd have to become someone else. Bakugou Katsuki was a hero. What else could he do? If he couldn't be a hero because of his ears, he doubted he could pursue music. Sure, Beethoven went deaf and carried on, but Katsuki wasn't Beethoven. He could cook. But was he good enough to make a career out of that? He just didn't know.
Mitsuki and Masaru had done their best to reassure him, claiming he could carry on the family business. But he truly doubted he'd be happy working in fashion. He loved clothes, loved looking good. But it wasn't what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
Dr Anzai smiled warmly at the Bakugou family when they entered the appointment room. Katsuki shifted uncomfortably as his ears were checked. Dr Anzai examined the surgery site and tested Katsuki's current hearing range.
The doctor was satisfied with Katsuki's healing enough to allow Recovery Girl to attempt to heal him further. As it turned out, his appointment had been scheduled at the same time as Recovery Girl was assisting in the accident and emergency department, so Dr Anzai went to fetch her.
He didn't have to wait long for the old lady to arrive, she smiled at him when she did. Katsuki shifted uncomfortably as she carried out her own evaluation. He could hear a steady murmur coming from her, but he had no idea if she was attempting to talk to him or just muttering to herself. He glanced to his mother, seeing if she could provide him any answers, but she just shrugged at him.
Katsuki jumped as a pair of wet lips pressed against his forehead. A now familiar tingling spread across his body. He felt like he had pins and needles in his ear and instinctively he brought a hand up to rub them but Recovery Girl took his hands, stopping him.
His ears felt like they were full of water or cotton wall. The pressure was uncomfortable, making Katsuki shake his head. Recovery Girl reached out again and stopped the movement. His ears felt itchy and Katsuki growled lightly to himself.
He stopped abruptly when he realised, he could hear the sound. The bubble of what felt like water suddenly popped and he flinched. Recovery Girl said something to the doctor, and Katsuki instinctively turned to the sound of her voice and she smiled at him.
"Katsuki." His mother's voice called, he could tell she was almost shouting by her tone, but he could hear her. She wasn't loud, she sounded far away. But he could tell she was saying his name.
"Yeah Hag, I hear you" he said quietly, not able to hold back the smile and the tears burning in his eyes. Mitsuki and Masaru both smiled too, Masaru most definitely bursting out in tears.
"Less of that tone, Brat." Mitsuki laughed. "I'm still your mother."
"Yeah, whatever." Katsuki said.
"Hello Katsuki." Dr Anzai, like his mother, spoke louder than normal, but Katsuki could just about hear.
"Hello."
"Okay, I'm going to remove the dressing in your inner ear. It might be uncomfortable, but I need you to remain completely still." Dr Anzai said and Katsuki agreed.
Katsuki found it tickled more than it hurt, but he had to supress a shiver as the doctor removed the little pieces of cotton wool in his ears. Recovery Girl left the room, claiming she would return shortly whilst Dr Anzai put an antiseptic spray into his ears.
Katsuki then carried out a standard hearing evaluation test. He'd done many of them in his life, they just determined what he could and couldn't hear. It didn't take much time for Katsuki to complete and before long Dr Anzai's suspicions were confirmed. Katsuki was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss, the doctor claimed that he would not be able to hear sounds lower than 40-69 decibels.
Katsuki didn't know what to do with that information. He'd always thought his hearing loss had been considered moderate. But according to the graph the doctor had given him, what he had before would have been considered as mild. Of course, it had been getting progressively worse, hence the hearing aids, but it wasn't as bad as it was now.
It was bad, but at the same time. The doctor was optimistic that hearing aids would once more help him experience a somewhat "normal" level of hearing.
Masaru embraced Katsuki at the news, he squeezed his son tight and kissed his forehead. He could be a hero again.
At that moment, Recovery Girl entered the room again, followed by a pink hair girl Katsuki distantly remembered from the Sports Festival. She hurried up to Katsuki, grabbing his face and pushing something into both of his ears. Katsuki tried to pull away quickly, but the girl was deceptively strong.
"What the hell are you doing?" Katsuki snapped.
"Hatsume, I didn't want you to jump on him." Recovery Girl's voice was clear, making Katsuki stop struggling and freeze.
"What?"
"Hi, Hatsume Mei, 1st Year Support Course Student at U.A." the pink haired girl said.
"I know who you are." Katsuki said.
"Well, I present to you Baby number 7764. State of the art hearing aids moulded to perfectly fit your ears. Specially designed for combat training and to regularly handle your Quirk. They have a special cut off point, automatically blocking out sounds that can further damage your ears. They're waterproof, shockproof, flameproof and can withstand the application of 375lbs of force. They can go up to a depth of 750 metres and have a 285-hour battery life." Hatsume announced in a quick, hurried, yet optimistic voice.
"And the best part is." She pulled a box out of her shoulder bag and opened it. "They come in four different colours, especially for you." Three sets of hearing aids were in the box; a black set, an orange set and a dark green set. "The one's in your ears are clear."
"I… thank you." Katsuki said hesitantly. "but how… how are they moulded to my ears? You've never examined me or anything."
"Recovery Girl gave me a copy of you MRI." Hatsume shrugged.
"I gave Powerloader a copy of your MRI." Recovery Girl corrected. "I was seeing if he could make you some aids more appropriate for your hero work. Hatsume overheard."
"And I built you some awesome ones. You can wear them all the time if you wanted." The pink haired girl said. "I mean, probably not in bed. I imagine they might be uncomfortable."
"Thank you." Katsuki said again.
"How much do we owe you?" Masaru asked.
"Pff, nothing." Hatsume dismissed.
"As they're technically upgrades for his hero costume, they fall under U.A.'s budget. Don't worry about it." Recovery Girl said.
"I can't thank you enough." Katsuki said, taking the offered box. "I… this means I can get back to work. I can be a hero."
"Just remember, when you're all big and famous as Number One, who made your support gear." Hatsume said with a large smile.
"Oh believe me, I will."
Katsuki and his parents made their way through the hospital. Mitsuki and Masaru went up the reception desk, sorting out all of paperwork and discharging him from the hospital. There was nothing Dr Anzai could do anymore. His ears had healed as much as they would and now with the new hearing aids, he could leave the hospital a free man.
Recovery Girl had put him on light duty to return to school next week. He was allowed to participate in Quirkless combat but nothing too strenuous yet. Katsuki was good with that for now, however, give him a few days he was sure he'd be chewing at the bit, ready for some action.
"Mom, can I go visit Jeanist?" he asked as his parents waited at the reception.
"Go on then." His mother said with a nod.
"Thank you." Katsuki said, turning in the direction of the pro hero's room.
"Hanabi,"
"Yeah?"
"Invite Eijirou over. He can stay the night if you want."
"Really?" Katsuki asked, his eyes lighting up.
"Yes." Mitsuki said.
Katsuki almost skipped to Jeanist's room.
From Katsuki 3:
Come over to mine after morning class.
Bring overnight stuff.
From Eijirou x:
Really?
I'll be there with bells on.
Katsuki smiled at his phone. He couldn't even describe how much he missed his boyfriend.
Making his way through winding corridors, Katsuki eventually found Jeanist's room. He hadn't spoken to the man since he'd been high out of his mind. Of course, he'd visited him briefly, but Hakamata had been unconscious.
This time, however, Hakamata was wide awake, reading. Katsuki knocked on the door and Jeanist jumped in surprise. He looked up to see Katsuki and he smiled.
"Katsuki." He said, he moved and Katsuki assumed he was going to sign something.
"I can hear." Katsuki said softly.
"That's brilliant, Katsuki. Flashback said you had to have surgery. I take it, everything went well?"
"Yeah. I just had another appointment with Recovery Girl. I got some new hearing aids from a girl from the support course. I'm trying them out." Katsuki said.
"I bet you're sleepy then."
"A bit. I'll sleep in the car." Katsuki shrugged. "What about you? How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." Hakamata sighed. "Sore, tired, but alive. Recover Girl helped me out a bit too. I think I'm finally on the mend."
"Why are you handcuffed to the bed?" Katsuki asked, gesturing to the fluffy pink handcuffs attaching Jeanist to the cot.
"Oh, Masayuki did it. So, I can't get out of bed without permission." Hakamata laughed, pulling at the restraints.
"Your brother?"
"Yeah. Ezume's dad."
"And he thought fluffy pink ones would be appropriate?"
"I hope they're new." Hakamata said. "I don't want to know what these could have been used for."
"Ew." Katsuki scrunched up his nose.
"Tell me about it." Hakamata laughed. "I should be able to go home soon. I'm healing a lot better than I was before."
"How much pain were you in? Before this happened? Back when you were pretending you'd be fine."
"It wasn't all that painful. I guess I'm used to pain, as a pro hero. It was uncomfortable and sometimes it hurt. But it wasn't something I was concerned about." Hakamata said. "I didn't mean to worry you."
"Well you did." Katsuki scowled. "But I guess we're even."
"I guess we are." Hakamata said with a nod.
"Oh, you're probably not going to get your cat back." Katsuki said after a moment.
"What? Why?"
"Aizawa gave him to Shouto and Shinsou whilst you're here. I think Shouto's become attached."
"He can come visit." Hakamata said. "But Cashmere is mine."
"You'll have to end up taking Shouto as another sidekick if you let him visit. He'll never leave."
"I don't think Endeavour would be very happy with that." Hakamata snorted.
"Fuck him." Katsuki scowled.
"Hey, come on." Hakamata said. "He's a pro hero."
"Doesn't mean he's a good person."
"I never said he was. But you're never going to go far in the pro world if you talk shit about the current Number One. You might have a reason to dislike him. But plenty of people love him."
"For some reason." Katsuki muttered.
"Because he's saved people for years." Hakamata said simply.
"Knock knock." A cheerful voice called, making Katsuki turn to see Hawks standing at the door.
"Hawks." Best Jeanist nodded in greeting.
"Hakamata, how are you feeling today?" the bird hero asked.
"I'm fine, you?"
"Yeah. I'm good." Hawks said. "Bakugou, it's good to see you."
"And you." Katsuki said, not really meaning it.
"I'm sorry about your exam results." Hawks said, his wings twitch as he shrugged.
"How did you hear about that?"
"Well it was already pretty common knowledge, you know, kid almost dies at the Provisional exam. People talk. People talk louder when Pro Heroes Best Jeanist and Gang Orca almost have a fist fight in the hospital, especially when they've been friends for years." Hawks laughed. Hakamata opened his mouth to say something but Hawks continued.
"Then when the usually reclusive Eraserhead practically attacks the Head Commissioner over the results. Well, kid, you're kind of the focus of the hero gossip world."
"Fuck off." Katsuki scowled.
"It wasn't a fist fight." Hakamata said. "It was a loud disagreement."
"Aizawa went to the Commission for me?" Katsuki asked after a moment.
"Mhm. Pissed them off good and proper it did." Hawks said. "It's a good think Aizawa's not a pro in the limelight. They can't say anything to turn people against him if no one really knows who he is."
"The Commission seems like assholes." Katsuki said.
"Heh, yeah they are." Hawks said with a frown.
"Flashback says I can't come back to work until you do." Katsuki said after a moment, turning back to Hakamata.
"I know, he told me." Hakamata replied. "I'm sorry, but maybe the break will be good for you. You've had the week off school right?"
"Yeah, I go back Monday."
"Then we'll see about next Sunday, okay?"
"Yeah." Katsuki nodded. "Keep me updated on everything."
"I will Katsuki. Look after yourself, okay?"
"And you." Katsuki shrugged. "I'll try and visit again soon."
"Give Cashmere a cuddle for me, you'll see him before me."
"Okay." Katsuki nodded.
"How are you feeling, Hanabi?" Mitsuki asked when they got home.
"Tired." Katsuki yawned, "And I have a headache." He'd slept in the car, but he still felt as though he could take a nap and sleep the rest of the day away. He sat down on the sofa, where Hoshi was asleep on a cushion. Emiko, the greyhound, was lying on the floor in front of sofa, starring at her.
Hoshi blinked sleepily at him as he petted her head. Emiko sat up, demanding attention too. Katsuki gave in and fussed her until the dog got bored. The family had lunch together, quietly talking before Kirishima arrived.
Mitsuki opened the door. Katsuki had been talking to Masaru and didn't hear the knock at the door. But as soon as he heard Kirishima's somewhat nervous voice his heart practically exploded. Eijirou was exchanging pleasantries with his mother, winning her over with his soft smile and sweet words.
Katsuki went into the hallway, immediately Eijirou's crimson eyes were drawn to the blond. Mitsuki stepped backwards. Eijirou waved at Katsuki hesitantly as the blond approached. Katsuki smiled at him.
"Eijirou." Katsuki said softly. "I can hear you." Eijirou's eyes lit up as he broke into a smile. He shortened the distance between them with two strides, cupping Katsuki's face in his hands.
"I love you." Eijirou said.
Katsuki didn't know their smiles could get any bigger, but they did. His heart ached with the affection he felt and tears, that he refused to let fall, built in his eyes. Eijirou pressed his lips lightly against Katsuki's own.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." Eijirou said between kisses. Katsuki laughed.
"I love you too." Katsuki said. He pulled Eijirou into a hug, kissing his cheek.
"Aww, young love." Mitsuki said from behind them.
"Shut up Hag." Katsuki grumbled as Eijirou pulled away blushing.
"Sorry." Eijirou mumbled.
"Don't be." Mitsuki shrugged. "Takes a lot to love my kid."
"Fuck you too." Katsuki said.
"Watch it, Brat. I can send Kirishima home you know." Mitsuki said. Katsuki glared at his mother, as Masaru came into the hallway, behind Katsuki and Eijirou.
"Mitsuki, darling, weren't we heading out?" he asked.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm getting my fucking shoes on." Mitsuki said.
"It's good to see you again Kirishima." Masaru said.
"And you, Bakugou-san."
"Please, call me Masaru." Eijirou nodded.
"Well come on then, are we going or fucking what?" Mitsuki snapped in true Bakugou style. "Katsuki, we're going grocery shopping. We'll be back in a couple of hours. Don't set fire to the house."
"Watch me." Katsuki rolled his eyes and his mother stuck her middle finger up at him.
Mitsuki and Masaru left promptly, leaving Katsuki and Eijirou in the hallway.
"I'm so happy you're okay." Eijirou said, taking Katsuki's hand. "I was so worried."
"I'm alright." Katsuki replied. "I've got new hearing aids, ones that will work better in combat situations. They'll stop something like this happening again."
"That's good." Eijirou nodded. "I've missed you."
"I missed you too." Katsuki laughed. "It's stupid, it's only been a week and we were texting all the time. But still, I felt like I was lost without you." Eijirou kissed him again. "Come on, you wanted to meet the dogs, didn't you?"
"Yeah." Eijirou said. The two of them walked into the living room and Eijirou went straight to Emiko, who was stood watching him, tail wagging. "Hello."
"That's Emiko." Katsuki said. "I have no clue where the chihuahua is. Probably hiding, not very friendly that one."
Eijirou hesitantly pet Emiko on the head.
"I don't think I've ever pet a real dog before." He said.
"Really?"
"I mean, maybe when I was little, but I don't remember it. No one I knew had a dog."
"I wonder if anyone else in the class has a dog." Katsuki said, taking his seat on the sofa next to Hoshi. "Iida's brother has one. Kouda's family probably do."
"Sero does, I think." Eijirou said. "His lock screen is a black lab."
"Oh." Katsuki nodded. "We can walk them later if you want?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. Somebody has to do it." Katsuki shrugged. "How's school?"
"Good. I've got an interview for my work studies placement next week."
"Oh yeah? Who with?"
"Well one of the third years we met the other day, Amajiki, he works with the BMI Hero Fat Gum. Apparently, they're looking for someone who can fight close combat and is good at defence. Amajiki thought I'd be a good fit, so he got me an interview."
"Oh that's good. I kinda thought you'd just go back to Fourth Kind."
"I thought about it." Eijirou said, stroking Emiko with more confidence. "But he doesn't internship students. To be honest, everyone's been finding it a little difficult. Tokoyami is going back to Hawks and Midoriya, Uraraka and Tsu have interviews lined up. But everyone else seems kind of lost."
"Damn." Katsuki sighed, leaning back on the sofa. Eijirou stood up to come join him, snuggling against his body. "Did Mina decide on a hero name?"
"Yeah, she went for Alien Queen. She wanted to tell you, but she didn't know if it was insensitive. I told her you wouldn't mind but I guess she didn't mention it."
"Nah." Katsuki shrugged, resting his head on Eijirou's shoulder. The redhead entwined their hands.
"Had you come up with a name?"
"No." Katsuki sighed. "I think that was a sign that I wasn't ready yet. Maybe these remedial classes will give me an idea or something."
"You could always be Explosion Boy." Kirishima teased.
"And end up old and wrinkly but still be called boy? I don't wanna end up like Recovery Girl."
"Good point." Eijirou said.
He leant down slightly, hovering a centimetre away from Katsuki's face. Their noses brushed against one another before Katsuki closed the distance between them. The kisses started off chaste. Sweet little things that were more about comfort than anything else. Just a way for the two of them to reconnect after so long apart.
But it got heated pretty quickly. Eijirou deepened the kiss, his tongue running along the seam of Katsuki's lips, asking for entrance, which was granted. Eijirou placed his hands either side of Katsuki's face, pulling his closer. Katsuki's hand played with the hem of Eijirou's shirt but instead of slipping it underneath he pulled away.
"You wanna go upstairs?" Katsuki asked, slightly out of breath. "We can lie down a bit."
"Yeah okay." Eijirou said, kissing him once more before getting to his feet. "Lead the way."
Katsuki snorted before standing up. He took Eijirou upstairs to his bedroom. It was mostly bare, the majority of his furnishings in his dorm room. But it was tidy and that's all that mattered. Eijirou didn't really notice.
As soon as they were inside his room, after placing his bag by the door, Eijirou crowded into his space. Katsuki got onto his bed, resting against the pillows. Eijirou lay down next to him, their bodies flush against each other. For a moment, they just stared into each other's eyes, basking in their closeness.
"You really like having a ponytail, huh?" Katsuki asked, brushing a strand of Eijirou's hair out of his face.
"Hm, it's easier than spiking it up all the time." Eijirou said quietly. "When I'm in my costume, I'll style it. But for class and training. I like it like this. Why, don't you?"
"I like it." Katsuki said. "It's just different, that's all."
"Good different?"
"I like it all ways." Katsuki said. "I love everything about you."
"It's nice. Being able to say it." Eijirou said. "I was so scared you wouldn't say it back at first. That's why I held back. But at the hospital. I couldn't anymore. I was so scared, and when you were unconscious. I didn't know if you were going to wake up or not."
"Eiji…"
"Crimson Riot said to live your life with no regrets. Well not telling you how I felt would have been one of them."
"I think I fell in love with you the moment you punched me at the Sports Festival."
"Why?"
"I don't know. No one had ever really managed to get a hit in before."
"Weirdo." Eijirou laughed. "I knew at Kamino, when you took my hand. Which reminds me, please stop getting into life threatening situations."
"But if I didn't how would you ever realise your feelings for me?" Katsuki asked.
"All right, asshole."
"Just kiss me already."
Eijirou surged forwards, with more force than necessary for the short distance between them. It made their noses bump together and their kiss to be bruising. Katsuki gasped into the kiss, which Eijirou took advantage of. He slipped his tongue inside Katsuki's mouth, exploring and battling for dominance. Eijirou forced Katsuki onto his back, rolling on top of him.
He shifted so his body was nestled in between Katsuki's thighs. The blond pulled him closer, sighing. Eijirou broke away, trailing kisses down Katsuki's neck before sucking on the sensitive spot just below his ear.
"Eijirou." Katsuki gasped, placing his hand on the back of his head, holding him close. Eijirou nipped Katsuki's skin, grazing the flesh with his teeth. Katsuki's hips jerked upwards.
"Gods Kats." Eijirou groaned at the action. "You're hard already? You're that frustrated."
"No all the way." Katsuki said. "It's not like I've been able to do anything about it."
"How come?" Eijirou asked, nipping his earlobe.
"I couldn't exactly finger myself when I couldn't hear if my parents were going to walk in."
"That'd be awkward." Eijirou laughed, kissing his cheek.
"Fucking tell me about it."
"You're so tense, in your shoulders." Eijirou said, running his hands down Katsuki's chest. "Do you want me to give you a massage? You like it when I do that."
"Yeah, yeah I do." Katsuki said, resting his hands on Eijirou's biceps.
"Take your shirt off and roll on to your stomach." Eijirou said, leaning back. "I brought my lotion, I thought you might want this."
"Take your shirt off too, Eiji." Katsuki said, sitting up and pulling his shirt over his head. Kirishima stood and went towards his abandoned bag, pulling out his coconut scented massage lotion. He took his own t- shirt off and came back to the bed.
He straddled Katsuki's waist, kissing Katsuki's shoulder blade. Squeezing out some of the lotion onto Katsuki's back, he began to massage his boyfriend. Katsuki moaned as Eijirou worked out the knots in his shoulder muscles.
"You have little scars behind your ears." Eijirou said as he kissed Katsuki's shoulder blade again.
"Mhm. It's where they took the tissue samples." Katsuki said.
"Did it hurt?" Eijirou asked, massaging down Katsuki's spine.
"I was unconscious." Katsuki said before moaning. "That feels good Eiji."
"Yeah Baby? You make the prettiest little noises Katsuki." Eijirou bit down lightly on Katsuki's neck as he dug his nails into his back. "It drives me crazy."
"You make me feel so good." Katsuki moaned, arching his back into Eijirou's touch. "It's not fair."
"What isn't?"
"How good you are at this." Katsuki said. Eijirou laughed, leaning down to mouth at Katsuki's neck. The blond whined at the attention. Eijirou smirked, knowing what to do to drive Katsuki wild.
"You like that, Baby?" Eijirou whispered, making Katsuki shiver. Katsuki suddenly rolled, knocking Eijirou off of his back. "Ow." Eijirou laughed.
"Come here." Katsuki said.
"You just pushed me away." Eijirou said.
"Please, Eiji." Katsuki whined. Eijirou rolled his eyes, once more settling himself in between Katsuki's spread legs.
"So demanding." Eijirou teased. Katsuki leant up to kiss Eijirou, coaxing him closer. He ran his hands through his hair, pulling out the ponytail, allowing the strands of red hair to fall down. "Hey!"
"You're so fucking hot." Katsuki said between kisses. "So beautiful."
"Did they give you any more of those painkillers today?" Eijirou laughed, kissing along Katsuki's jaw. Growling, Katsuki grabbed a fistful of Eijirou's hair, pulling him away, just enough so their eyes could meet.
"I'm telling the fucking truth. I'm gonna be Number One, you think I'd date anyone who wasn't fucking perfect?" Eijirou paused for a second.
"You think I'm perfect?"
"You're the best." Katsuki panted. "You're mine."
Eijirou pulled against Katsuki's grip, licking into his mouth. Katsuki's hand lessened its grip, instead he ran it through the long red tresses. Eijirou rocked against Katsuki, eliciting a moan from the both of them as their clothed erections brushed against each other.
This wasn't exactly new territory for the two of them. They were a lot more comfortable around each other now, and although they'd never truly seen each other completely naked before, they had felt one another.
Katsuki gasped as Eijirou thrusted again, bringing his hips up to meet his boyfriend's. Eijirou smirked into the kiss, loving the fact he could bring out such soft, barely there noises. Usually, at this point, one of them would pull away, wanting to cool off a little. So when Katsuki broke the kiss, that's what Eijirou expected.
"Please." Katsuki whispered.
"Please what, Baby?" Eijirou asked, kissing Katsuki's cheeks.
"I... I don't know."
"I can't help you if you don't know." Eijirou said, moving his hands to massage over Katsuki's pecks. "What do you want?"
"I want to cum." Katsuki whined, his back arching once more to leaning into Eijirou's exploring hands. "Keep going Eiji, please."
Butterflies fluttered in Eijirou's stomach as he clumsily brought their lips together once more. He'd been confident before, when it was kissing, but he was unsure of what to do next.
"What…What do you want me to do?"
"Just keep doing what you were, just harder." Katsuki said, cupping Eijirou's face in his hands. "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"I want to." Eijirou said with a small nod.
Their kisses were once again slow, at first. The movement of Eijirou's hips were hesitant. Katsuki's soft gasps and nails digging into his arms encouraged Eijirou to move with more confidence. Eijirou grunted at the friction between them, his lips trailing down Katsuki's chest, leaving kisses in his wake.
"Eijirou, please." Katsuki whined. His nails dug into Eijirou's shoulders. "Please."
"I've got you, Sweetheart." Eijirou said, pressing a chaste kiss to Katsuki's lips as they rocked against each other. Katsuki matched his movements, meeting him thrust for thrust.
"Yes, Eiji, yes." Katsuki chanted his name like a prayer as his hands ran down Eijirou's ribs. Tiny sparks ignited on Katsuki's fingertips, leaving a trail of little burns behind them. The redhead continued placing kisses everywhere and anywhere he could reach, nipping and licking at Katsuki's skin. The blond's breathy moans grew louder and less controlled. Katsuki seemed to be lost in feelings and kisses. Words tumbled from his lips but he was unaware of anything he was saying. As Eijirou sunk his teeth into Katsuki's shoulder the boy suddenly went still. Choking out a gasp, he shivered.
"Eijirou." Katsuki murmured.
"Shit." Eijirou said, stilling himself. "Did you just cum?" Katsuki let out a breathy laugh.
"Erm, yeah." Both Katsuki and Eijirou laughed together. "This is gross."
"I can't believe I made you do that." Eijirou said. "Me."
"Why not you?" Katsuki asked, he pushed Eijirou backwards, so they were both sat up looking at each other.
"I don't know." Eijirou shrugged, "I just never thought about it." The redhead shifted, tugging at his sweatpants.
"Your still hard." Katsuki said simply.
"Yeah." Eijirou said. "I'm just gonna head to the bathroom and take care of it."
"Stay." Katsuki said. "Let me watch."
"You want to… see me jerk off?"
"Yeah. If you're alright with that?"
"Erm, yeah, yeah. I'm good with that." Eijirou said, clearing his throat. "Just, why?"
"I'm curious, I guess. I've never done it before." Katsuki shrugged
"Okay." Eijirou nodded. "I need to take my sweats off." He said moving backwards. He played with the band of his sweats before using both of his hands to push his hair back. "Can you take yours off too. I don't want to be the only one who's naked."
"Yeah, of course." Katsuki said. "I wanna get out of these any way." He immediately pulled his own sweats and underwear off, throwing them on to the floor. He didn't even blink at the action, like being naked to him was nothing. His tanned, toned body was on display and he didn't seem to care. Eijirou couldn't help but stare for a moment. His torso was littered with small scars from his time with the League. Cropped blond hair led from his navel down to his soft cock between him legs.
Eijirou copied the movement much more slowly, pulling down his sweatpants first before coming up to remove his boxers. He felt hot and sweaty, uncomfortable. But he pushed through, dragging the underwear over his rapidly softening cock as he practically threw them to the ground.
"Katsuki I don't want to." Eijirou said in a small voice, brining his knees up to his chest to hide everything for Katsuki's view.
"Do you want to have a bath instead?" Katsuki asked after barely a moments hesitation. "We could have loads of bubbles and I can wash your hair or something?" Eijirou nodded.
"I'm sorry. I thought I'd be okay with it, I led you on, but…"
"You don't have to be sorry Ei, we don't have to do anything." Katsuki said. "But you know you're beautiful, right? I don't want you to worry about my opinion or anything. And you didn't lead me on. You changed your mind, and that's okay."
"It's just you're so confident with your body, I don't know how to have that." Eijirou sighed, resting his chin on his knees, his hair falling into his eyes.
"I was a model Ei, I got told I was pretty when I was little, and I may be a little bit narcissistic." Katsuki said. "I was praised for confidence. You don't have that yet. But you should. You're fucking ripped Ei, you're hot and cute. Which isn't fair by the way."
"I used to hate myself." Eijirou said quietly. "I hated everything about myself."
"Why?"
"There was nothing special about me. I faded into the background and I was bullied. People couldn't tell my siblings and I apart and nine times out of ten I was called the wrong name, even my parents would get me, Hikaru and Isao mixed up. I know it happens sometimes, but I felt like no one even cared who I was." Eijirou sighed. "I didn't want to go to school anymore, I didn't want to get out of bed on some days."
"How bad did it get Ei?" Katsuki frowned. Eijirou sighed, unfolding his legs to reveal his naked body to his boyfriend. Katsuki's frown deepened when he did.
"I did them up high so no one would see." Eijirou said, wiping away a tear. White and pink scars cut across the top of Eijirou's thighs in varying angles and length. They marked his pelvis and thighs in criss-crossing patterns. "When changing or something I could just act shy. That I didn't want anyone to see my dick. No one really thought there might be another reason.
"Eiji?" Katsuki reached out, running a finger along the lowest one. Eijirou flinched slightly but allowed the action. "Do you still…?"
"No. I haven't in months. Since I got into U.A. I told myself I'd live with no regrets, remember?"
"I didn't know you were hurt so much." Katsuki said. "I knew you were insecure, but I… I didn't know…"
"I didn't want you to know Katsuki, I didn't want anyone to know. It's in the past now. But I… I didn't want you to think I was weak or anything."
"I'd never think that about you." Katsuki said. "I love you, scars and all."
"I love you too." Eijirou said. "You really don't mind?"
"My opinion shouldn't matter Ei. But no, I don't." Katsuki said. Eijirou nodded.
"Can we have that bath now?"