M
onday was Aizawa-sensei's birthday. Katsuki doubted that the teacher knew his husband had "accidentally" let the date slip. The students put together a card and Satou, Hitoshi and Katsuki had baked some cupcakes. Everyone signed the card, they even coated Hoshi, Soba and Kouda's bunny's paw with ink and left paw prints on the paper, making sure to clean them off properly.
They went into the classroom that morning, leaving the card and cakes on their teacher's desk before going to their seats. When Aizawa came in he could help but smile. He looked well rested and relaxed, evidently his birthday had been a good one so far.
"Happy Birthday Aizawa-sensei." The class chorused.
"Thank you." The man said, going towards his desk, picking up the card. He opened it, reading each note, his smile never wavering. "We can all have a cake after lunch." Aizawa said. Denki whooped and Aizawa laughed
"Just a few housekeeping things." Aizawa started, putting the card and the cakes to the side. "Bakugou, Shinsou, Todoroki, you all have an exam on Saturday. I spoke to Gang Orca to get you to phase out of the Remedial Classes, you clearly don't need it. If you pass the exam you'll get your license."
Katsuki's heart leapt, he was so much closer.
"What kind of exam?" Hitoshi said.
"Orca said written." Aizawa said. "You are the only group in the class that have passed every physical test, there's not much more they can test you on."
"Brilliant." Shouto said. Katsuki smiled, Aizawa nodded.
"Bakugou, Jeanist called me last night, you have permission to go out with him tomorrow." Aizawa said.
"Thank you, Sensei." Katsuki's smile only grew.
"Shinsou, you and I have a training session today after school."
"Are you sure? It's your birthday." Hitoshi asked.
"Yes." Aizawa said simply, leaving no room to argue. "Jirou you have a meeting with Mic, and Kaminari, Ectoplasm wants to see you."
"Guess who's still failing maths." Kaminari laughed uncomfortably.
"Gods, dumbass, I thought our study sessions were helping." Katsuki said.
"I can do the homework fine, it's the in-class equations I struggle with. I need to talk out loud to help work through it, but it's not like I can do that in a class or exam."
"Tell Ectoplasm that, Kaminari, he may be able to make special allowances for you to take exams in private." Aizawa said.
"Can he do that?"
"Yes." Aizawa said. "It's a somewhat common practice with student who need additional support or may be a distraction to others."
"Oh, okay." Kaminari nodded.
Classes that morning were normal, Katsuki worked diligently through his literature assignments, finishing early. Cementoss gave him permission to continue with the reading. Momo and Iida ended up doing the same. Later on, Present Mic's English class was as over exaggerated as usual and Katsuki felt himself having to pay close attention, in case he missed something.
At lunch, he was glad for the break. He stood up from his desk, stretching slightly, his shirt riding up. Eijirou approached him, watching the action.
"So you know I always think you're hot?"
"Yes?" Katsuki said with a snort, knowing full well what his boyfriend thought of him.
"This new uniform makes you so much hotter." Katsuki could help but laugh.
"Thanks, Red." Eijirou smiled at him.
Katsuki had to admit, he liked the way this new uniform made him feel. It accentuated his body, showing off his muscular form. The blazer was little tight around the shoulders, but not exactly restrictive. He found that he didn't need to wear his belt anymore, his trousers actually fitting for once. Tsunagu was right, his ass looked great, and Eijirou definitely appreciated them.
Unbeknownst to everyone else, Katsuki was wearing the knives Tsunagu and Needles had given him. Two throwing knives were in little sewn in pockets in his sleeves and one of the daggers was strapped to his thigh, accessible through a hole in his pocket.
In his opinion it was a little overkill. He didn't feel like he needed so many blades on his person, he used his Quirk regularly and he'd never felt that he need to use knives, especially at school. He thought it was a bit much and believed he wouldn't wear them again.
Well. Maybe one. For Tsunagu's sake than his.
"Come on, idiot, let's get lunch." Katsuki said, taking Eijirou's hand. The redhead squeezed his hand, pulling him out of the classroom down towards the canteen. The two of them joined the queue. Katsuki leant against Eijirou as they waited.
"My god, did someone finally punch you?" Katsuki looked up to see Monoma.
"You should see the other guy." Katsuki said, he was more than aware of the fact he had a black eye. The bruise had blossomed before he had even had chance to go home yesterday. The class had confronted him on it and they couldn't believe he'd broken Hawks' nose.
"Nice one." Monoma laughed.
"Thanks." Katsuki said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey Neito?" Shinsou suddenly appeared behind Katsuki, and Eijirou jumped.
"Hitoshi." Monoma smiled.
"Can we meet a little later after school? Aizawa-sensei wanted to train." Shinsou asked.
"Of course, just text me when you're done, I'll just study on my own for a bit." Monoma said. "You want to have lunch together?"
"Yeah, sure."
Katsuki and Eijirou grabbed some food and went to join Mina, Hanta, Denki and Kyouka at their usual table. The two of them sat together, Katsuki next to Mina, opposite the other members of their group.
"How many of these grapes do you think I can fit in my mouth?" Denki asked.
"You'll choke." Kyouka said.
"Do it, pussy." Katsuki said.
"Do not play chubby bunnies with grapes." Hanta said, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah Denks, I don't know if any of us know the Heimlich Manoeuvre." Eijirou said.
"You're no fun." Denki pouted.
"Do it, pussy." Mina repeated.
"Excuse me, Bakusquad." The group turned to face Tenya, who was one table away. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Kaminari, please don't attempt to shove that many grapes in your mouth."
Katsuki snorted as he saw Denki and Shouto make eye contact and the half-and-half user mouthed Do it, pussy.
"Fine Iida, I won't. Spoil sport." He scowled, popping a grape in his mouth, chewing it aggressively.
Katsuki's phone buzzed in his pocket. He frowned, pulling it out.
Patchwork added You and 1 other to the conversation.
Patchwork:
The two of you need to meet me at the usual spot.
4 PM.
Peppermint:
I'll see if Aizawa-sensei will allow it. Security is crazy here.
Dynamite:
Why me?
Patchwork:
I have a name for you. But I don't want to send it over message.
Dynamite:
Where's the usual spot?
Patchwork:
Peppermint knows
Peppermint:
I'll lead you there.
Dynamite:
Okay, I'm in.
Katsuki looked up from his phone, glancing over to Shouto, who nodded.
"Everything okay?" Eijirou asked.
"Yeah, just Icyhot." Katsuki said, putting his phone away.
"Is he okay?"
"He wants to study together for this exam on Saturday."
"Oh, good." Eijirou smiled, leaning against Katsuki slightly. "Are you gonna get that bruise looked at by Recovery Girl?"
"Nah." Katsuki shrugged. "It's just a bruise." Eijirou smiled, shaking his head.
"You're so badass and manly." He pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.
After lunch, they all made their way back to class. Mic was sat on top of Aizawa's desk, their heads close together. When the class came through the door they jumped apart, blush covering both of their cheeks. The class didn't seem to notice, too busy bickering amongst themselves.
They all went to their seats without any fuss. Mic remained sitting on the desk, Aizawa stepped around it. Everyone slowly settled into their seats.
"What did you get Aizawa-sensei for his birthday, Mic-Sensei?" Hagakure asked. Mic's blush darkened.
"Erm, a blanket, a new sleeping bag. His favourite chocolates, a book on cats, some more novels. Some toys for the cats."
"You got toys for your shared pets for his birthday?" Hagakure asked.
"It's what he asked for." Mic shrugged.
"They were expensive, and we didn't need them, I wanted them." Aizawa shrugged. "And I play with the cats more than you do."
"I play with them." Mic said, his voice sounding somewhat hurt.
"I know, Sunflower, I didn't mean anything by it." Aizawa said, placing his hand on his husband's thigh.
"Oh my gods, sunflower, so cute." Mina gushed and Aizawa blushed again.
"'Zashi, can you hand everyone a cupcake please."
"Sure, Energy Saver." Mic picked up the cupcake, handing them out. Everyone took a cupcake and bit into it happily. The cooks of the class did not disappoint, they never did.
"Sensei?" Shouto put his hand up.
"Todoroki?"
"I was wondering if it would be possible for Katsuki and I to visit the cat café after school? So we can study for our exam, seeing as you're training with Hitoshi." Aizawa sighed.
"Be back by 6 and wear your trackers."
"Thank you, Sensei." Shouto said. Katsuki echoed the sentiment.
Katsuki and Shouto walked down the road towards the cat café. They were both quiet as they walked, neither of them needed to fill the silence with pointless chatter. Katsuki was nervous. Dabi had a name. Pulse's name.
At least he thought he did. Katsuki didn't know what to think of that. He'd had his hopes built up again and again, he didn't want to be disappointed once more, but he tried to remain optimistic. Shouto looked at him as they walked.
"You okay?"
"How often do you meet with Dabi if you have a regular spot?"
"Every week if I can." Shouto shrugged. "After I see my Mom. I'm trying to convince him to see her, or at least tell Fuyumi and Natsuo he's alive. Natsu especially."
"Why him?"
"He took Touya's death really hard, according to Fuyumi. He's never really forgiven my Father. Not that he should, but you know. It's one of those things that stops him from having a conversation with him."
"But Dabi won't?"
"He says he's got it covered." Shouto shrugged. "I don't know what that really means but… He has bigger things to worry about right now."
"Oh." Katsuki said.
They got to the café, Shouto pushed the door to the café open. The woman behind the counter waved at Shouto.
"The usual, Sweetheart?"
"Please. And a hot chocolate for him." Shouto gestured to Katsuki.
"I'll bring them over." The lady said.
"Why?" Katsuki looked at Shouto.
"You don't seem to be that fond of teas and coffee, and you always order hot chocolate."
"I guess." Katsuki said. "Thanks."
Shouto led them to the corner of the café, and Katsuki's eyes finally fell upon Dabi. He had a hoodie up, covering his black hair. In his lap was an equally black cat, asleep and purring as Dabi's scarred hands scratched behind its ears.
Shouto and Katsuki came to sit next to him. Dabi nodded. Almost immediately, a white cat jumped up onto Shouto's lap, curling up.
"How are you Touya?"
"Shit." Dabi shrugged.
"Shigaraki still unconscious?" Shouto asked. Dabi nodded.
"Fucking Doctor won't let me sit with him anymore. He says I'm a fucking distraction, that I keep getting in the way."
"What's going on?" Katsuki asked.
"Tenko, erm, Shigaraki, he's in some kind of medically induced coma." Dabi said. "He wasn't doing well, he kept having flashbacks to when he was a kid, and well, his Quirk went kind of weird. He was having difficult time controlling it. The doctor said he could help him, but… he's been in this coma months."
"Oh." Katsuki said.
"I'm sure he'd be back soon." Shouto said. It was strange to see the other teen act concerned over the villain, the man who scared them all so much at the start of the year was now nothing more than another fucked up guy.
"The Doctor said so." Dabi shrugged, petting the cat in his lap again. "I just miss him. I'm running the League in his absence and… well it's been difficult."
"What happened?" Shouto asked.
"Pulse." Dabi growled.
"He's on your dick too?" Katsuki asked.
"Bastard's been dogging our steps for a while. But he can't get into the League headquarters, it's too secure. But… well Giran didn't stay at the base, he didn't only work for us."
"Who?" Katsuki asked.
"He was our broker. Introduce Toga and I to the League, as well as some of the others. He supplied us with weapons and shit. But well, Pulse got to him. We didn't even know he was missing. You know?" Dabi said. "We didn't talk to him that often but we still cared."
Katsuki felt something pawing at his leg, he looked down to see a small cat. It was a tabby and white cat, missing her front leg, around her neck was a collar, with a tag reading Pickles. Katsuki remembered her from the last time he was there, but evidently her injured leg had been amputated. He scooped her up, cuddling her.
"What happened to him?"
"He's been kidnapped." Dabi said. "Like I said, we had no idea. Not until Pulse one of us went to see if he could get us some shit. A little box on the desk addressed to the League. It hadn't been long. It was still fresh." Katsuki wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"Fuck." Shouto said.
"It's how we got his fucking name." Dabi said. "Giran, he was always anal about hygiene and shit. He was always clean. But the finger, there was dirt under his nails. At first we didn't believe it was Giran. But the Dr checked and confirmed it. So he tested under his nails for DNA."
"You sure it was him?" Katsuki asked, tickling Pickles under the chin.
"The note was signed by Pulse, and the Quirk fits." Dabi said, reaching down to pull something out of a bag on the floor. It was an envelope, Dabi put it on the table. "I didn't want to test it. I don't know if he's watching electrical devices and shit."
"He shouldn't be in my shit. I got my phone security increased after the first time, and Genius and U.A. have made sure he can't get in." Katsuki said.
"Mine should be too. But it seemed stupid to risk it." Dabi shrugged. He pushed the envelope towards Katsuki, who took it, but he didn't open it straight away.
"Are you still working with Best Jeanist?"
"Yes."
"Give that to him." Dabi said. "We'll continue to try and find him at the League. But you heroes might be able to find him sooner."
"I will." Katsuki said.
Katsuki opened the envelope and he was surprised to see the entire document was handwritten. The surprise must have shown on his face because Dabi spoke up.
"There was a paper jam in the printer." Dabi said. "And then I set it on fire."
"Touya." Shouto laughed.
"And then I tried to write it, but my handwriting is horrendous, so Mr Compress wrote it." Dabi shrugged.
"He can't read." Shouto mock-whispered to Katsuki.
"I can fucking read." Dabi scowled, glaring down at the sleeping cat. "I just… I didn't finish school, it's difficult for me."
"Poor Baby." Shouto teased.
"Fuck off, Shou'." Dabi scowled. "It's not like I had access to books and shit on the streets. I had to focus on surviving."
"I'm only kidding." Shouto said.
"I know."
Shouto and Dabi continued to tease one another whilst Katsuki tried to dissect the information in front of him.
Kaneko Fudo
28 years old
Quirk: Electromagnetic Pulse- he can send out a wave of energy that interferes with all electronic devices. The affect is not permanent, it lasts for approximately seven minutes. The maximum range of this energy is believed to be ½ mile, but that has not been confirmed.
His last known address is in the Kamino district. This is his parents address, however they are both listed as deceased. Before it was destroyed in the Kamino Incident, the address was still being paid for, but the name on the lease never changed. It is assumed he lived here.
He has a degree in computer programming, and he had a job at a call centre in Hosu for 6 years before being made redundant when the building was destroyed in the Hosu Incident.
The last know official appearance of Kaneko was a Kamino General Hospital, after the Kamino Incident where he received treatment for a head injury. However, he left before he could be officially discharged. His current whereabouts and mental state are unknown.
"How did you find all of this out?" Katsuki asked, his mouth going dry. He'd been in that hospital. Probably at the same time as Kaneko. Dabi looked up at him.
"I might not have gone school but Compress and Twice did. As unstable as he is, Twice is good with computers." Dabi said. Katsuki nodded. "Give that to Best Jeanist in person, you don't want to risk someone else getting a hold of it."
Katsuki nodded
From Katsuki:
Can I see you? I have information.
From Tsunagu:
Information?
From Katsuki:
About the child kidnapper
I don't want to say over text.
From Tsunagu:
I'll come to the school after work.
I'll drop off your suit.
Aizawa said you can come.
From Katsuki:
I thought the suit was my decision?
From Tsunagu:
I have to wear my hero costume but everyone else is wearing formal wear.
I didn't want you to be the odd one out.
Plus, your parents and I already made the suit.
From Katsuki:
Okay. See you later.
Katsuki put his phone away and looked up at the two other men present. They both seemed relaxed, petting cats and drinking their drinks, that had apparently been brought over whilst Katsuki had been reading. They stared back, Katsuki felt uncomfortable.
"So, are you and Shigaraki fucking or not?" Katsuki asked. Dabi choked on his drink. He coughed, startling the cat in his lap awake.
"We're dating." Dabi said when he recovered. Katsuki nodded. "I like to think about how much it would piss my Father off to know I was gay." Shouto, who was pulling apart a muffin, snorted.
"Oh he'd be pissed. You should have seen his reaction when I told him I was Bi. He was furious. Admittedly, I was looking for a reaction and said it in front of all the shareholders."
"Fuckin' hell Shou' really?" Dabi laughed.
"Brilliant." Katsuki said, stroking Pickles again.
"Yeah." Shouto said, continuing to pick apart the muffin. "I don't know why I said it. But he was going on and on about how I was the perfect creation, in his image and how I was going to take over the Agency one day. He went He's just like me. So I said unless you like guys as well as women, I don't think we're alike as you believe."
Dabi laughed, pressing his hand to his face in an attempt to muffle the sounds, but he couldn't quite do it. Katsuki couldn't help but smile, Shouto simply popped a piece of muffin into his mouth.
"His entire body practically caught fire. This was a while ago though. He hasn't brought it up since, not that he has any reason to. I suppose in his mind I'll still find a nice girl with a powerful Quirk and have a million babies for him to abuse."
"Momo's a nice girl with a powerful Quirk." Katsuki said.
"Shut up." Shouto snapped.
"Oh has someone got a crush?" Dabi asked, his smile growing wider.
"Maybe you can talk him into asking her out." Katsuki said.
"Shut up, the both of you." Shouto said. "I don't want to."
"Why Shou'?" Dabi asked, cocking his head to the side.
"The second I start to date someone, Father will be on my back. He'd want to meet her and pass judgement and I don't want to put her, or myself through that." Shouto said.
"You wouldn't have to tell him." Katsuki said.
"He'd find out. He always finds out what I don't want him to do."
"You could always fake your death? Worked for me."
"Not helpful Touya." Shouto scowled, Dabi put his hands up in surrender.
"So Bakugou, what about you, are you dating anyone?"
"Eijirou." Katsuki said. "The redhead in our class."
"I feel as though I knew that already." Dabi said with a shrug. "Weird, like déjà vu." Katsuki just shrugged.
They stayed at the café for a little while longer. Conversation flowed easily between the three of them, far easier than it should between two wannabe heroes and a villain. But for some reason, it worked.
They left at half five, making their way back to the dorms in time for Katsuki to make dinner before Jeanist arrived. It was dark by the time they got back, despite the early hour, the approaching winter clearly having an effect.
Shouto went straight to his room, clearly wanting sometime alone, and a quick text to Eijirou told him all of his friends were studying together in Denki's room. Katsuki made himself something to eat, waiting for Tsunagu to arrive.
The pro hero text him when he was there, luckily after Katsuki had finished his food, the teen went to let him in. He was stood at the door in his hero costume, a clothes bag in his hand. He had a small cut on his nose and he looked exhausted.
"Are you okay?" Katsuki asked.
"I'm fine, Katsuki." Tsunagu said. "Just tired."
"Do you want a drink or something?"
"Do you have any coffee?" Tsunagu replied, following Katsuki inside, stifling a yawn.
"Yeah, Eiji won't mind you using his." Katsuki said, heading over to the kettle to point some water. "It's instant, is that okay?"
"Honestly as long as it's got caffeine in, I'll drink anything." Tsunagu said.
"Bleach."
"Dark." Tsunagu snorted. Katsuki boiled the kettle.
"Do you have sugar?"
"I'm sweet enough."
"That's cheesy as fuck." Katsuki laughed.
"I'm tired, leave me alone." Tsunagu whined.
"Why you so tired?"
"I went to my Doctors this morning. I've been cleared for hero work, so I spent all of this afternoon doing active duty. I forgot how tiring it was." Tsunagu said.
"Damn." Katsuki said. "Congrats though, on being back."
"Thank you. I'm going to announce it tomorrow at the Billboard Charts, it timed up pretty well." Tsunagu said. Katsuki nodded.
"Milk?"
"No, thank you." Tsunagu said.
"Just black coffee?"
"Yep." Tsunagu said.
"Do you wanna go up to my room? No one will hear us then."
"If that's okay with you?"
"Yeah, the paper is in there anyway." Katsuki said.
Katsuki lead Tsunagu up to his room. He opened his door, Hoshi was sprawled out on her back across his bed playing with her squeaky mouse. She froze when Katsuki came in, paws wrapped around the toy.
"She's huge." Tsunagu said with a laugh.
"Do you think she's full grown?" Katsuki asked, placing Tsunagu's coffee on his desk before going to pet Hoshi. He ran his hands through her fur. She tried to bite his fingers, dropping the mouse.
"She could be." Tsunagu said, coming to sit next to them on the bed after hanging the clothes bag on the back of the door. "I don't know but she's the biggest cat I've ever seen." He reached out and grabbed her fluffy tail.
Hoshi rolled, on to her front, whirling around to bat at his hand. Katsuki put his hands under her forelegs, pulling her back to cuddle her. She meowed, leaning back into his touch. Katsuki reached back underneath his pillow, pulling out the envelope he'd stuffed there. He handed it to Jeanist.
"Pulse kidnapped a League member. He sent them a finger. This man's DNA was under the finger's nail. Dabi believes he's Pulse. His Quirk fits with what we've seen." Katsuki said,
"I'll look into it." Tsunagu said. "You shouldn't have met up with Dabi alone, Katsuki."
"I wasn't alone, I was with Shouto." Katsuki said. "Please don't tell Aizawa-sensei. He'll never let us leave again." Tsunagu sighed.
"Katsuki…"
"I don't make a habit of it. It's just… He had information and we need it." Katsuki said. "He's not going to hurt me, he wouldn't." Katsuki said.
"You can't possibly know that Katsuki, he's a villain, there's nothing stopping him from killing you. He could have hurt both you and Shouto. He could have killed you without hesitation.
"He wouldn't have hurt us, he's Shouto's brother." As soon as the words left his mouth he knew he'd fucked up. His hands instinctually went to his mouth, as if he was trying to cram the words back in. Tsunagu looked at him in shook, his eyes wide. He'd undone his collar so he could drink his coffee, but now his mouth hung open.
"I didn't mean that." Katsuki let Hoshi go and rose to his feet, standing in front.
"Katsuki, is Dabi Endeavour's son?"
"No, no, no, no. Please, forget everything I said. It's not true. I'm just making shit up."
"If you were making shit up, you wouldn't be this distressed." Tsunagu said.
"Please, please, don't tell anyone. Dad please. You can't. You can't." Katsuki begged, "Endeavour can't know. He can't know." He was crying. He didn't know when he started but he was. His heart beat furiously in his chest, Endeavour would kill Dabi if he found out.
"Katsuki—"
"Endeavour will kill him."
"I'm sure he wouldn't."
"He's already tried once." Katsuki said. Tsunagu frowned. "Please don't tell."
"You're sure?" Tsunagu asked after a moment.
"Yes." Katsuki replied without pause. "Tsunagu please."
"Sit, Katsuki." Tsunagu said. Katsuki complied. "How do you know?"
"He mentioned some stuff and I put two and two together. When I confronted him, he got mad." Katsuki said. "We've moved on since then, I helped him reconnect with Shouto. They're happy, Tsunagu. Please don't take that away from them, they've been through so much."
"I won't tell." Tsunagu said. "It's not my place. And after all, I have no proof."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Katsuki put his hands together and bowed. Tsunagu sighed again.
"Just… If Endeavour asks me I won't lie." Tsunagu said. "I don't see why he'd ask, so I wouldn't worry. But I'm not going to compromise myself and my morals for someone else's secret."
"Okay." Katsuki nodded.
"Enough work and villain talk. We don't need the stress." Tsunagu said. "Why don't you try on the suit, I want to see how it looks on you."
"Okay." Katsuki nodded. He got back off the bed, picking up the garment bag, laying it out on his bed. He unzipped it, revealing a black suit jacket with orange lapels. "You made this with my parents?"
"Mhm, I asked them if I could take you to the Billboards ages ago." Tsunagu said. "They agreed and we wanted to make you a suit for it, one based on your hero costume."
Katsuki pulled out the suit jacket, holding it up before putting is down on the bed. There was a crisp white long sleeved shirt inside, his hero name embroidered on the breast pocket. The trousers were simply black pants, and the tie was orange, matching the lapels of the suit.
Looking closer, Katsuki saw that about a centimetre around edge of the pockets were orange too. Taking everything out of the bag, he couldn't help but laugh.
"A thong? Seriously?"
"I didn't know if you had one and boxers would create lines." Tsunagu frowned.
"You know my parents, of course I fucking have thongs." Katsuki laughed harder.
"You don't have to wear it, I just thought I'm providing everything else, except shoes. But your mother says you better have some shoes that'll go with it."
"I do." Katsuki said. "Wait, are you saying there's socks in here?"
"Yes." Tsunagu said, blushing lightly. Katsuki laughed again.
Katsuki grabbed up the clothes.
"I'm going to change in the bathroom." Katsuki said. Tsunagu nodded.
Katsuki hadn't noticed the bright orange "X" on the back of his suit jacket. He could help but smile at it when he did. He didn't think he took that long to change but by the time he emerged from his bathroom, Tsunagu was sat cross-legged on his bed, Hoshi's head resting on his thigh as he was sewing into his denim overcoat. It looked as though his pocket had been torn off in one place,, so he was reattaching it.
"Tadah." Katsuki said, Tsunagu looked up.
"Sometimes I love myself." Tsunagu said.
"Arogant much?"
"Look in the mirror and tell me I'm not a genius."
"I'll admit, it's a great suit." Katsuki said, straightening out the jacket. "I need cufflinks though."
"Oh." Tsunagu said, reaching into his jeans pocket, pulling out a little box. "I had these made for you."
"You spend so much on me." Katsuki said.
"I have no children and my only financial responsibility is my cat. Don't worry about it." Tsunagu said. "Plus the suit was half your parents."
"Oh well, okay." Katsuki shrugged, he took the box off of Tsunagu, opening it to reveal two grenade shaped cufflinks. "Wow, these are great."
"Thanks." Tsunagu said. "I couldn't really get the green in very much, but there it is."
"I love this whole thing, like, don't tell my parents, but I think this is the best suit I've ever worn in my life."
"Good. It too me forever to make."
"It did?"
"So much of it is hand sewed." Tsunagu said. "Admittedly I could have used a machine, but I needed something to do in my many hours doing fuck all, and I needed to keep using my Quirk so I wouldn't be all rusty when I got back into it."
"So this is both hand sewn and your Quirk?"
"Mhm." Tsunagu said, finishing off his pocket before petting Hoshi's head. "So everything fits okay?"
"Yep."
There was a knock at Katsuki's door, he frowned slightly, turning to face it.
"Yeah?"
"Katsuki, can I come in?" It was Eijirou's voice. Katsuki immediately smiled.
"It's open."
Eijirou pushed the door open, stepping inside, he made a little noise when he saw Jeanist.
"Hello, sorry I didn't know you were busy."
"It's okay, Kirishima. Katsuki was just trying on the suit I made him." Tsunagu smiled, Eijirou returned it.
"It's a nice suit." Eijirou said, looking Katsuki up and down. "You look hot."
"Eiji…" Katsuki smiled at him.
"Give us a spin."
"A spin? This isn't some dress that'll float around all pretty." Katsuki said, but he did it anyway. "You just want to check out my ass."
"Maybe." Eijirou smirked, Katsuki rolled his eyes.
"What's up anyway? If there a reason you came?"
"Do I need one?" Eijirou replied. "We finished studying and I just wanted to see if you were doing anything or if you were free to watch TV together, but I can see that you're busy."
"It's alright, I should be going anyway." Tsunagu said. "I've left Hawks alone with Cashmere long enough. They wind each other up."
"Let me just change out of this and I'll walk with you to your car." Katsuki said.
"You don't have to." Tsunagu said.
"I wanna go on a walk." Katsuki shrugged, stepping back into the bathroom.
"How is he really?" Tsunagu asked Eijirou in a quiet voice.
"Stressed." Eijirou said simply. "He feels like he's falling behind, he misses his parents, he's scared of Pulse. He just wants to rest, but his mind won't turn off. He just worries all of the time."
"Poor kid." Tsunagu said with a sigh. "Part of me wishes I'd never offered him the job. He wouldn't have been involved in all of this."
"I thought Pulse went after Katsuki on his own? Because of the Sports Festival and Kamino? You couldn't have stopped that. He's probably safer with you." Eijirou said, coming to sit next to Tsunagu on the bed. He stroked down Hoshi's body.
"I hope so. The last thing I'd want to do is put him anymore danger."
"Just find this bastard and let his parents come home." Eijirou said softly. "Then everyone will be able to get on with their lives."
"Does he talk to them much?"
"Texting mainly, he tries to call but between the time difference and times that they're all available, it's difficult. Conversations are brief and I think they make him feel more lonely than before."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Not really." Eijirou shrugged. "You already check up on him and stuff."
Katsuki emerged from the bathroom, he careful hung up the suit before turning to face the others.
"What you talking about?"
"Hoshi." Eijirou said, taking one of her paws. The cat allowed the action. "And Cashmere. How different they are."
"Well of course they're different, ones a cat and the other is a mutated rat."
"You can't speak about Hoshi that way Katsuki, you'll hurt her feelings." Tsunagu replied.
"You know that she wasn't that cat I was talking about."
"So you admit you were talking about two cats?"
"Fuck you. Just leave already so I can go to bed."
"It's half seven." Tsunagu laughed, standing up.
"You coming too, Ei?"
"Yep." Eijirou jumped to his feet, popping the "p". They walked into the hallway. "A moonlit stroll with the love of my life, what more could I want?"
"You two are disgustingly cute." Tsunagu said as they came down the stairs.
"Ug, tell me about it." Izuku said as he passed them, stinking his tongue out at Katsuki as he went. Katsuki tried to trip him and stuck his middle finger up when he failed, Tsunagu laughed.
Katsuki and Eijirou walked Tsunagu to his car, the night was cold and Katsuki wished he'd brought a coat. Tsunagu and Eijirou chatted as they went but it wasn't like it was a long journey.
"Katsuki, I'll pick you up at six thirty tomorrow, okay?"
"Yeah okay." Katsuki said.
"Make sure you're ready."
"I'm not a baby, I can be dressed on time." Katsuki scowled.
"I know." Tsunagu said, pulling Katsuki into a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Text me when you get back safe."
"Will do." Tsunagu said. "It's was nice seeing you Kirishima."
"And you Hakamata." Eijirou bowed.
Tsunagu got into the car and offered the couple a wave before driving off. Katsuki and Eijirou watched him go. Katsuki shivered, wrapping his arms around himself. Eijirou flung his arm around Katsuki's waist as they watched Tsunagu drive away, wresting his head on Katsuki's shoulder.
They stayed there, cuddling for a moment before Eijirou moved back. He took Katsuki's hand, entwining their fingers.
"Let's go back." He said. "We can watch some shitty tv and eat some chocolate and cuddle."
"Sounds like a plan." Katsuki said, allowing Eijirou to lead him back. "How was studying?"
"Good, I got a lot done." Eijirou said. "How was your studying?"
"I didn't study." Katsuki said. "Shouto and I went to see Dabi. He had information on Pulse."
"Katsuki I…"
"Don't lecture me Ei. I know what I'm doing." Katsuki snapped.
"Woah, alright, jeez." Eijirou said, letting go of Katsuki's hand. "I'm sorry for being fucking concerned that you were meeting with a villain. I don't know if you remember, Katsuki, but your other interactions with him haven't ended exactly pleasantly."
"Eiji, I didn't mean—"
"I get that you're your own person .and you're manly as hell, but don't snap at me for worrying about you."
"I'm sorry." Katsuki said. "I didn't mean it." Eijirou sighed at Katsuki's words. "It's just I know he won't hurt me. He had information I needed, Shouto came with me."
"I trust you to be safe, but I can't help but be concerned, Katsu', at the end of the day Dabi is the one who kidnapped you. And I don't want anything like that to happen to you again." Eijirou said.
"Dabi and the League… they're different now." Katsuki said.
"We'll see." Eijirou sighed. "Just be safe."
"I will." Katsuki said, reaching out for Eijirou's hand again. The redhead took it, squeezing it. "I love you."
"I love you too." Eijirou said, bumping their shoulders together.
They walked the rest of the way, mostly in silence. Katsuki didn't know what to say. Did that count as a fight? Were they mad at each other? Katsuki didn't want to be fighting.
"We're okay, right?" Eijirou asked, Katsuki relaxed.
"Yeah, we're okay." He said, stopping and pulling Eijirou closer. He pressed their lips together lightly. Eijirou wrapped his arms around Katsuki's waist, deepening the kiss. "Are you sure you want to watch TV? Because I think we can have some fun?"
"Sounds like a better plan." Eijirou said, kissing him again.
They walked quicker after that, trying to get back to the dorms, however as they neared 1B's Dorms, Eijirou pulled Katsuki to a halt.
"What?" Katsuki asked.
"Is that Shinsou and Monoma?" Eijirou whispered. Pointing towards two figures stood outside of the dorm building.
"Looks like it." Katsuki said, squinting. The two figures were lit up by the lights inside the dorm, however Shinsou's hair was easily recognisable. "Shinsou did say was going to go study after his class with Aiz—" He cut himself off as the figures leant closer towards each other, Shinsou cupping the back of Monoma's neck as they kissed.
"Hey, they study how we study." Eijirou laughed.
"Shut up." Katsuki blushed. "I didn't see that one coming."
"And you call yourself 1.A's matchmaker." Eijirou tutted.
"Come on, let's get out of here before they notice."
"You have to find out all of the details for me." Eijirou said.
"You're such a gossip, Ei."
"Maybe Denki knows."
His hands were sticky with blood. The thick, honey-like substance oozing from the stump where his finger used to be. Pain had been all he could feel, for so long, but now his hand was just numb. His throat was dry, every time he tried to swallow it felt like he was choking on sandpaper.
He was chained by the arms to the ceiling, his shoulders ached with the uncomfortable position. His vision was blurry, his glasses had been broken and long since removed. His chest hurt with each breath. Hunger gnawed at his insides, but it was almost secondary at this point.
He didn't know what had happened at first. He'd just been minding his own business when he was suddenly grabbed. He'd been yanked backwards through some kind of portal, and as soon as his back hit the floor his head had been kicked. He lost consciousness after that.
That had been days ago. He'd been chained ever since. He felt dizzy and disorientated. He just wanted to go home.
"Where are the League based?"
"I don't know." Giran choked. Pulse growled at him, punching him in the stomach. Giran gasped.
"I sent them your finger. I left it in your office. I went back today, I thought maybe I could use it as a trap, but it was already gone. Who would have gone there to get it? Who cares about you enough to go and check?" Pulse growled.
Giran's stomach flipped.
"Jin." He whispered, only half aware of the fact that he'd said his friend's name.
"Who's that? Someone from the League?"
"No." Giran said. "Jin doesn't know."
"You're lying to me."
"No." Giran shook his head. But he was, of course he was. But he wouldn't reveal his employer's location, or any of their secrets. His employers trusted him, and he trusted them. He had to hold his tongue. He wouldn't betray anyone. Not to some small fry villain like Pulse.
He had 9 other fingers after all. Pulse was going to have to try a lot harder than that to get him to talk.
"Tell me where Shigaraki is. He failed to carry out my job. I just want to talk."
"Fuck you." Giran spat. "You're not getting anything from me."
"I guess I'll just have to get creative." Pulse smirked. "I'm going to enjoy taking you apart piece by fucking piece."
