A/N: Hello new readers and welcome! I am super excited to share this story with you and I really hope you like it!
On to more important matters... The first few chapters will start with a little world building before the actual story begins. Also, my updating schedule is unpredictable but I will do my best to update biweekly. I'd also like to thank my beta VAspera for editing. You're work is much appreciated!
Lastly, I love comments so if you like my work or you have something to say about it, lay it on me!
Summary: A quirkless MHA AU packed with romance, angst, drama, and most definitely violence.
Japan has been taken over by AFO who rules over his domain with an iron fist. He's created a set of strict commandments which his people must follow.
Katsuki was born within the upper echelon of society and due to his uncanny, natural talents has already earned his place as squadron leader at the young age of 22. His family has served the new empire since its inception 40 years ago and he is no different. Izuku on the other hand was birthed by a poor, single mother and lived the first 21 years of his life just barely scrapping by. After a traumatic event unfolds, Izuku's left alone and with only one thing on his mind, revenge against the corrupt empire. He's going to take AFO down- no matter what. What happens when these two opposites collide? Enemies to friends to lovers, but not necessarily in that order.
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From the very beginning of the Masuku era, brought about by a madman's war and written into history with his bloodied quill, the residents of a new Japan were commanded to wear masks whenever in the presence of anyone outside of their respective households. This impeded an essential human trait, individuality and as a result the surviving denizens of Japan began decorating their masks and clothes with ornate colors, flashy patterns and extravagant embellishments.
Everyone except for children under 18 should have at least two masks, one which must be worn while at work and the second which should be worn during any other time. Work masks were generally fashioned in the volto style, disguising the entire face with only two openings carved out for the eyes. The central design often reflected its wearer's profession, which would be chosen for him by the government. Most commonly, sons and daughters fell into the same line of work as their parents, thereby creating an impenetrable divide between upper- and lower-class citizens.
On the other hand, the second mask was considered personal, and often reflected the interests of its wearer. With the personal mask shining as the central root of any ensemble, the rest of one's outfit would usually be designed to accentuate the colors and theme of the mask.
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The shimmering lake has always been somewhat of an oasis to Katsuki. A place where he can go to be alone. A place unknown to any other soul, unmarked by their filthy hands, unblemished by redundant conversation and societal pressure. Here he can remove his bothersome uniform- the hooded black cloak, his boots, the matching combat trousers, and leather utility belt, and finally the orange high-necked button-down shirt and overlaying black waist coat. His Pale skin was made luminous by the moonlight as he gingerly removed his most tedious article of clothing- the venetian mask.
Honestly, he doesn't exactly hate the thing, truth be told it's actually kind of badass. He'd never admit it of course, but his parents outdid themselves on this one. Upon removing it from his face and lowering the tear shaped mask to chest height, his thumb absently trailed over the swirling onyx relief pattern along the edges, as he took in the metallic orange/gold ombre of the porcelain face, the sparkling crystals lining the brow area just above the almond shaped eyes, the glittery design on the forehead and the lips which were painted a shimmering black with a golden dusting.
It's a capital offense to expose your face to the public. Only those residing within the same family are permitted to bareface together. The punishment for breaking this law is severe- imprisonment or death depending on what kind of day your district judge is having and that's assuming you make it that far. Katsuki isn't concerned though. Seeing as how he only ever visits his favorite spot after curfew, he's literally never seen anyone else at his lake. Even if he did, he's a squadron leader for the imperial guard and no one will question him once he displays his badge.
Unbothered by any possible consequences of his rule bending, Katsuki dashes forward, running full speed into the crystalline water of the lake. It's cold compared to the warmer air temperature, sending shivers racing down his spine, branching out to his fingers and toes. He doesn't mind though. The feeling of cool water splashing mercilessly against his warm skin is an invigorating reminder that he's alive, that he isn't as dead inside as he sometimes feels while patrolling the streets.
Once deep enough to swim he pushes off with his feet and paddles his muscular legs hard while quickly pulling water with his hands and toned arms as he propels himself toward the center. After a minute or so, Katsuki rolls over onto his back, spreading his arms and legs out so he can peacefully float atop the surface.
Blinking a few stray droplets from his eyes, he casts his gaze up to the star-studded sky, and with a long-drawn-out exhale, he allows himself to just be present in the moment. The calm serenity that only a nighttime escapade to the lake could bring him. It's nice and he just floats for a while, with everything else turned off for the time.
Wind rustles quietly through the hanging branches of the willow tree towering over the lake, the sound almost eerie, as if the tree itself were sighing into the night. These elegant trees have always been connected to superstition, with many believing they grow over the graves of the dead. Some believe the sound they emit as wind blows through their leaves is actually the collective sounds of the ghosts' final gasp for breath before death finally took them. Katsuki isn't particularly superstitious, but even he can't deny the shudder that courses through him whenever he hears it.
Suddenly, Katsuki hears a sound that doesn't belong, a sound which couldn't be made by the howling wind or the sighing tree. No, it sounded more like the snapping of twigs which is impossible unless he isn't really alone.
Startled, the blond quickly flips over and allows himself to sink low into the water, trying his best to be as quiet as possible as his eyes sweep over the surrounding area. Within seconds he targets the culprit, someone on the other side of the lake who seems to be fairly distracted by something hidden within the tall grass growing along the edge of the water.
Without a second thought he fully submerges himself, swimming silently beneath the surface so he can get a closer look without scaring the idiot. As he draws nearer, he can't help but wonder if this is really the right approach. After all, HE shouldn't be out past curfew and definitely not without his mask. He knows any punishment he might receive will be slim but still… Then again, fuck it. That asshole is invading his space during his time. He's not going to allow whoever it is to get away with it, even if he has to confront the extra barefaced.
Once he reaches water too shallow to swim through, he keeps low and digs his fingers into the thick, clay-like mud, pulling himself quietly forward as the intruder continues to sift around in the grass with his back to him.
When Katsuki feels he's close enough he takes a moment to steady his heart and his breathing, the adrenaline is over exciting his nerves and will make his attack sloppy if he doesn't gain back control. After just a moment, he leans his weight back before springing forward out of the water, his feet slipping just a little along the small patch of slick grass between him and his prey but not enough to knock him off course.
Just as the extra hears his approach and whips around to face him, Katsuki slams his whole body into the guy, knocking him off his feet. The extra's back hits the ground hard, with the blond straddling his waist and pinning his arms down by his wrists. It didn't stop the extra from kicking his legs and wiggling his body violently in a futile attempt to escape, forcing Katsuki to shift his weight so he'd have more leverage.
"Who the-" Katsuki's vision is blurred, damned water still in his eyes. He shakes his head, not letting up on his hold for a moment. He tries again, "Who the f-fuck… are…?" Whatever he was about to say was caught in his throat, for he wasn't even marginally prepared for what he saw when he finally got a good look at his prey.
The extra beneath him looked absolutely wild. Wide, emerald eyes which were too big for his rounded head were slightly narrowed, freckles dusting over pinkened cheeks, chin defiantly jutting out and lips curved into what he probably thought was a fierce scowl but on that cherubic face it was more akin to a kitten trying to be intimidating. He was short too. His head would probably barely reach Katsuki's shoulders had they both been standing instead of doing whatever horizontal dance in which they were currently entangled.
Katsuki was at a loss for words. He can count on one hand how many times he's caught someone barefacing in public during his short career. It was always a little jarring to see someone's actual face, but never has it ever affected him quite like this. He could have stared at him for a lot longer, but the little shit wouldn't stop squirming beneath him.
"STOP FUCKING MOVING YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Katsuki's about had it, seriously considering just knocking him out and tying him to a tree or something. Fuck him up now, ask questions later.
"No way!" the little spitfire seethed back but quieted his struggle just the same. The smaller male sighed heavily, exasperated but somehow still determined to overwhelm Katsuki despite his current position.
Katsuki had to give him credit, he had a lot of fight in him and he kind of liked that. But since he seemed to have finally ceased his struggle somewhat, he decided to shift gears and interrogate him. "Are you stupid or something? It's past curfew. And where the hell is your mask?"
Still glaring fiercely, the boy with emerald eyes looked at him like he was crazy. "I could ask you the same question you know. Why are YOU out past curfew? And where is YOUR mask?"
He's not wrong but he isn't right either. And how dare this petite yet sturdy as fuck little angel speak to him like that? He doesn't know who the fuck he's dealing with, clearly. "I'm asking the questions here, you shit. You can't be out this late and you definitely can't be barefacing like that."
The male below him rolled his eyes at that, seemingly getting a second wind of sass. "Go ahead, turn me in then. You'll get in trouble too!"
This green bean is a bratty little thing. Despite Katsuki's best attempt, he can't say he's not into it though. No one else except his foul mouthed mother ever dared to speak to him like that. With the power he has, it'd be a fool's errand to run your mouth like that. Especially to someone like him who has the authority to arrest or kill you on the spot. It was refreshing. It was fucking maddening too, but still refreshing. And it is for that reason that Katsuki chose not to pull his rank on him. It had absolutely nothing to do with the unfathomable butterflies floating in Katsuki's gut as he stared transfixed into those endless pools of emerald. Nope, not at all.
Chuckling, Katsuki shook his head while pushing off and away from the smaller body. "Fine. I'll agree to keep this quiet if you also keep your fucking mouth shut." As soon as he was in the clear, the extra sprang to his feet and put a little space between the two. He looked at him skeptically, clearly not trusting him or his motives but that's fine because Katsuki doesn't trust the brat as far as he can throw him. For good measure he adds, "You're lucky I'm feeling generous today. Your fucking welcome."
Katsuki must have said something wrong because the other male appeared severely irritated, more so than just a minute ago. "Are you serious right now? Has anyone ever told you you have a serious God Complex? And why should I trust you?"
It was Katsuki's turn to roll his eyes, retorting "Ain't nothing wrong with a God complex, princess. And the way I see it, we've got each other stuck between a rock and a hard place. You turn me in and I'll turn you in or vice versa."
His angel considered this, biting his lip cutely between his teeth before finally responding. "You make a fair point. Fine, but don't call me princess."
"Is there another name I should address you with, then?" Katsuki smirked, secretly hoping he'd give him his real name but suspecting it was unlikely he'd be that dumb. Then again, he was out barefacing past curfew….
"Like I'd tell you my real name. You've given me no reason to believe you won't find some way to stab me in the back." Ah, just as he figured. Oh well.
"Fine, I'll give you a nickname then. How's Deku sound? Since, you're apparently a useless Deku thinking you can just go out and break all these rules without getting into trouble." The blond's smile was carnal when Deku pouted, crossing his arms and looking all too displeased with his given name.
It didn't last long though. When the greenette gave him a sickly-sweet smile of his own, arms unfolding as he taunted, "then I get to pick your nickname since I'm sure you aren't about to tell me your real name either. I think something cute like 'Kacchan' would be perfect for you, don't 'cha think?" Then he winked at him, the fucker.
Katsuki was pretty sure he could feel a vein popping in his forehead. What the fuck is "Kacchan?" It sounds like some kind of replacement word a four-year-old would utter instead of the real word. Still, it was better than a lot of other shit he could have chosen so Katsuki decided he'd allow it. For now.
"Whatever. You and your stupid nickname can die." He meant it too. Fucking cute, freckly Deku with is smart mouth.
An awkward kind of silence seemed to pass over them then, both trying not to look at the other's face because, holy shit do humans look so much more real and interesting without a mask covering everything. Instead, Katsuki let his eyes wander over every other part of Deku, most of which was well covered by tan cargo pants and a forest green hoodie. Still, after physically being on top of him during their tussle, Katsuki would bet money there was a very tight body beneath all that bulk.
It didn't take long before Deku, who was beginning to look very uncomfortable with the silence, broke down and spoke. "S-so… why exactly are you here? You know, swimming in the middle of the night?"
"Not that it's any of your fucking business but I like to come out here after hours. The extras keep telling me I'm too aggressive or whatever and coming here at night helps. It relaxes me enough to get me through the next day." Katsuki wasn't sure why he answered that question so honestly and was just as surprised as Deku looked after it tumbled from his lips. "What about you? The fuck is in that grass that's so interesting?"
Deku bit his lip again, uncertainty flashing over his face before finally answering, "I passed through here a few days ago and I guess I must have dropped my satchel at some point without realizing it. It was kind of important to me. I had a few ancient relics in there, like old All Might action figures I found and stuff like that. I hoped if I retraced my steps…" He trailed off, shrugging and seemingly as lost as his little satchel.
That seemed plausible to Katsuki. He is a Deku after all. It also told him something else about this mysterious trespasser. Deku collects All Might action figures, a toy which hasn't been produced since before the beginning of the Masuku era, and don't even think about asking why Katsuki knows that! Therefore, Deku is a fucking nerd. Still, it also left one mystery unsolved… "That doesn't explain why you aren't wearing a mask, Deku." What can he say? It's his job to seek the truth.
Huffing with annoyance, those pretty lips pursed back into a pout. "Not this again. Look, I was already breaking curfew and I just think it's more comfortable without the stupid masks. Is that okay with you, your highness? Am I not permitted to take some kind of break too?"
There was an evil glint to Katsuki's eye just then meanwhile Deku obstinately awaited what he had to say about that. "Trust me, if you were only doing what I permitted, you'd be wearing a lot less than just that mask." Did Katsuki go too far? Maybe. But he was never one to filter his thoughts.
Though his words didn't have the desired but unlikely effect he was going for, they certainly seemed to rattle Deku, who immediately turned the shade of a late harvest tomato.
Stuttering, the poor guy tried to formulate some kind of response as the blond watched with the biggest, shit eating grin spread over his face. "I, uh.. Th-that! I mean, who… H-how can you just- just say embarrassing stuff like that!?"
"I don't mince my words, nerd. I say what I want when I want."
"Wait a second, nerd? Wasn't Deku enough? Why are you calling me a nerd? That's unfair, you don't get two nicknames!"
"You're the one who just admitted to collecting old All Might action figures, nerd."
"Well… fuck you, Kacchan. I hope you know you're an asshole." Deku pointed his index finger right to Katsuki as he spoke, making sure to really drive his point home.
Thoroughly enjoying their exchange, the blond didn't see any reason not to stoke the flames just a little more. "You've got one hell of a mouth on you and I'd absolutely love to see it wrapped-"
"Ohmygodpleasejuststoptalking! I will seriously never talk to you again if you don't stop, right now." Somehow, the nerd managed to flush an even deeper shade of red with the most virginal and scandalized look on his face.
Something about what Deku just said caught Katsuki's attention, enough to temporarily distract him from the fun he was having. "Wait just one fucking second. Are you saying you want to see me again?"
Emerald eyes quickly darted to anywhere but Katsuki before hesitantly focusing back to the blond. "Well… maybe it would be nice to see Kacchan again some time."
So Deku wants to meet with him again? It goes against all logic and is definitely breaking a few extra rules but there's just something inexplicable about Deku. Something that pulls Katsuki in, making it nearly impossible to deny such a request. "If we agree to meet again, It has to be here and at this time when no one will catch us. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what would happen if we're ever caught."
Determined, Deku mused, "I… yeah, I know. The more I think about this the dumber it seems, but… I don't know. I think I'd regret it if I didn't. It would be nice to talk to someone, you know, without the masks between us. Although, you really are an asshole…" He whispered that last part, an afterthought which would have no bearing on the final outcome of this decision.
The blond cast his eyes up to the stars, quickly realizing it was much later than he expected it to be. "It's getting late, we should both be heading back home. I come here just about every night at the same hour. If you want to do this, then I think we need to set some rules. To start, we need to stay maskless. If we see each other with our masks on it'll just complicate shit."
"Right. And we should avoid revealing information like our real names and occupation. Honestly, I don't really trust you so that isn't information I think I'd ever offer anyway."
Katsuki nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, I don't fucking trust you either asshole so I can agree to that." With that, the blond turned around and took the few steps needed to reenter the lake and swim back to his side. The water rose to his knees before he turned one last time. "I'll see you around, Deku."
The greenette smiled then. It was the first genuine smile he offered since their meeting and it was breathtaking. To see the slight curve of soft lips, pushing his cheeks up and softening his eyes just a little. A human smile, not hidden by a mask and it was just for Katsuki. "Okay, Kacchan. I'll see you next time."