A/n: Sorry for the long break. Things have been hard, but I'm still here and I'm still writing! Hope you enjoy the chapter! :)
…
Plans and More Plans
Katsuki quietly opened the door to Izuku's room the next morning and stepped inside. Izuku was sitting on the bed, his back to the headboard. Tamaki was lying with his head in Izu's lap, sound asleep. His face was tear-streaked and his eyes, even closed, looked puffy. Izuku didn't look much better.
"Comin' to class?" he asked quietly.
Izuku nodded. He carefully slipped from beneath Tamaki and quietly got dressed in his school uniform. Before leaving, Izuku wrote Tamaki a quick note.
Went to class. You'll have the dorm all to yourself until four. Rest. I'll see you soon. ~ Izuku
Katsuki squeezed Izuku's hand as they slipped into the hallway. His boyfriend looked exhausted, his eyes dull, but as soon as they stepped into the kitchen, he pasted on a fake, bright smile for the extras. This went on all day, but there wasn't anything Katsuki could do to help. Frustrated beyond belief, Katsuki nearly blew up the gym they were using for Basic that afternoon, but by the end, he was calmer and he was ready to confront Deku. This shit had gone on long enough.
Katsuki grabbed Izuku's arm as his boyfriend finished changing out of his costume after class and pulled him aside. Braindead, IcyHot, and Red created a buffer between them and the other extras as their male classmates trickled out of the locker room, heading back to the dorm to keep practicing for the concert.
"You haven't seen Ivy or Hound Dog since we've gotten back," Katsuki said lowly, staring at his boyfriend intently. "I think you should."
Izuku shrugged, unable to meet Katsuki's eyes. "I will. I just didn't have time yet. It's been a really busy week." At Katsuki's glare, Izuku hurried to add. "But I talked to Ivy on the phone. I told her I needed to think about things a bit before we had our next session. She agreed that was normal and reminded me of my coping strategies. I've been using them, Kacchan. Honest."
"You can't avoid this shit forever, Deku." Katsuki took hold of his boyfriend's chin, turning his face up and refusing to let Izuku look away. "And this shit with Tamaki isn't helping, either. You're going to break if you keep this shit up. You know that."
Izuku pushed Katsuki back a step. His breathing had gotten rougher. "I know," he admitted. "I will. I just — I'm busy. I need to be there for Tamaki and the class and…"
Katsuki cast a quick look behind him and found they were alone. Stepping aggressively forward, he pushed Izuku up against the wall. "You make time for this," he said lowly, voice rough. "You're falling apart. When's the last time you got more than a few hours sleep, huh?"
Izuku teared up. He was panting as he dropped his head forward to rest against Katsuki's collarbone. "Don't… Don't, Kacchan… Please… I'm fine, I promise…"
"Damnit, Deku. You're not fucking fine," Katsuki snarled. "You've been through fucking hell. You need help figuring this shit out."
Izuku slumped in defeat. "I just — I'm afraid if I start talking about it — I really will fall apart."
"Then you fall apart," Katsuki snapped, glaring. "And then you fucking get back up stronger than ever." Softening his tone, he slotted his hip between Izuku's legs. Lowering his voice, he said seductively, "Deku means never give up, right, Izu?"
Izuku shivered against him, but a spark of light returned to his eyes. "Kacchan…"
Katsuki smiled and stole a deep, wet kiss. Izuku whimpered, winding his arms around Katsuki's shoulders. By the time Katsuki pulled back, Izuku was flushed and breathless, pupils dilated. Braced on one forearm against the wall, the other hand still fisting Izuku's wild, thick hair, Katsuki rested their forehead's together.
"We're going to figure all this shit out," he promised with unshakable confidence. "Nothing's gonna beat us. We'll destroy anything that gets in our way. Even this."
Izuku smiled, expression soft with affection as he carded his hands through Katsuki's hair. "I love you," he whispered, tears making his eyes shimmer.
Katsuki nipped at Izuku's bottom lip. "Love you, nerd. Now go call Ivy."
…
As they walked back to the dorms, Izuku made the phone call. Ivy agreed to meet him at his mother's apartment for dinner. She was really proud of him for making the appointment. Izuku still didn't want to talk about things. It was all so tangled up in his head, but he knew Kacchan was right. He always was.
"Deku!" Ochaco called, smiling brightly as he and Kacchan stepped off the elevator. "Come over here. Mina's thinking of adding a new move to the middle piece."
"I'll be right there!" he answered with a big smile. "I just want to change first!"
Kacchan followed him to his room. Tamaki was sitting on the edge of the bed staring forlornly at the floor. He looked up when they entered, his long black hair falling limply to his shoulders and around his face.
"Hey," Izuku said softly, coming over to sit beside him. Kacchan stayed by the door, leaning against it with his arms crossed. "How're you doing? Did you eat anything?"
Tamaki shook his head. Kacchan made a growl-like noise and stomped out of the room. At Tamaki's wide-eyed look, Izuku gave him a smile.
"He's just going to get you something to eat and drink." Then wryly, putting humor in his voice, he added, "He takes food almost as seriously as fighting."
It worked. Tamaki's lips quirked up into a barely there smile. "M-Mirio, too."
Izuku turned sideways to face the older teen, bending one leg between them. Earnest, he said gently, "Tamaki. I know you don't want to, but I think you need to talk to someone about your father. Maybe you're right and he didn't… do that…with anyone else, but you have to make sure, don't you? You're a hero. What if there are kids who need your help?"
Tamaki began to tremble. He wrapped his arms tightly around himself as he curled forward. Izuku didn't say anything more. Just sat with him, offering support. Kacchan returned a few minutes later with a steaming hot bowl of soup and a cold glass of water. Tamaki didn't take them when the blond handed them over.
Kacchan stood tense, his rejected offerings still in his hands. "So what's your plan?" he asked, expression serious. "To shrivel up and die? Stop eating. Stop drinking. Hide away from everyone forever. You're just going to let this shit define you? You're Suneater, aren't you? Let that define you instead!"
Izuku teared up, knowing how raw and hurt Tamaki felt. Kacchan's words were harsh, but coddling him wouldn't help him move forward. It would only let him stay frozen in this place of pain. Izuku took the soup and water and set it on his bedside table.
"Think about what you want to do," he encouraged. "But remember you're not alone. And if more kids are involved in this, you have the power to do something about it, okay? You're not powerless, Tamaki." He grabbed a change of clothes and took Kacchan's hand, pulling him to the door. "If you need anything or just want someone to sit with you, we'll be right outside."
Tamaki didn't answer.
Izuku shut the door quietly behind them and they went to Kacchan's room to change. He was pulled from his worried thoughts as Kacchan practically threw his uniform shirt and jacket onto his bed and tore a t-shirt from his drawer. Kacchan was a very neat person. To be this rough with his clothes meant he was more than a little upset. Izuku frowned, noticing the tension in the blond's shoulders, the circles under his eyes.
"You coming?" Kacchan growled, waiting at the door. He'd also changed into sweat pants.
Izuku shook off his thoughts and gave his boyfriend a reassuring smile. "Yeah. Sorry." He practically flew out of his uniform and into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
Mina practically threw herself on him when he entered the living room. "Izukuuuu!" she moaned.
He smiled, his shoulders relaxing. "How can I help?"
"Tenya and Hitoshi!" she cried in exaggerated despair, falling to her knees while still gripping Izuku's arms.
And really that was all she needed to say. Those two were the stiffest of their group and had absolutely no experience dancing before this. Ochaco and Toru laughed while Tenya blushed and Hitoshi simply gave them a bored look.
Izuku took the two boys by the hand. "Come on," he said, pulling them off to the side. "Show me what you've got."
For the next four hours, he helped Tenya and Hitoshi learn the routine. He related it to fighting and showed them how to make each move a little smoother. He even got Hitoshi to do a few flares with his hands and hips that would drive the audience wild.
Sweating, body feeling nice and warm, Izuku wiped his face with a towel. "You guys are looking much better," he enthused. "I can't believe we've only been practicing a week! You're fast learners!"
"Hardly," Tenya protested, face hot.
Mina nodded from where she sat on the ground, grabbing her toes. "Class Prez is right! Maybe I can add in a few advanced moves at the climax!"
Hitoshi groaned at that and slumped against the living room window in exhaustion.
Izuku stuck his tongue out at him playfully before turning to the others. "Get some dinner and finish your homework. You don't want to fall behind," he advised them. "I'm going to have dinner with my mom."
"I'm so jealous your mom's here," Ochaco sighed, sprawled on the ground, panting.
Tsu was sitting beside her fanning Ochaco's face with her hand. "Home cooking," she said longingly.
Izuku hid the flash of guilt he felt. "Winter break is right around the corner," he said as reassuringly as he could. "You'll get to see them soon."
He looked across the room to where the band was wrapping up their practice as well. Kacchan had long since taken off his shirt. His well defined chest and muscled abs glistened with sweat from playing non-stop. Izuku felt his face heat, and tore his eyes away from the sexy sight. Kacchan had caught him looking and gave him a smirk, red eyes at half-mast. He did a fast drum roll, showing off. Izuku's blush darkened and he quickly hurried to the elevator, shooting Kacchan a half-hearted glare.
As soon as he was on the elevator alone, he took out his phone to text Aizawa. Everyone's really missing home. Do you think the school could arrange a week for parents to visit? Maybe stagger it so each class gets to see their parents a different day if everyone's parents at the same time would be too many people on campus at once? Classes are canceled the week before the festival. Maybe we could do it then?
Aizawa responded right away. That's the plan. It's a surprise, so don't let your classmates know.
Izuku smiled, tears filling the corners of his eyes. It still surprised him when Aizawa anticipated what they needed before Izuku could even bring it up. He'd never had an adult so reliable in his life before, and Izuku was so grateful that he was the one who had taken Kacchan in.
Thank you, he typed, meaning it with all his heart.
Putting his phone away, Izuku crossed the lobby and knocked on his mother's door, feeling like maybe he was ready to face Ivy after all.
…
After Izuku left, Katsuki went to take a shower and checked in on Tamaki. He was huddled under the blankets on Izuku's bed, but the soup had been half eaten and the glass of water was empty. Katsuki took the dirty dishes. Frowning, he stared down at the cowering Third-year.
"Shit's bad right now," he said quietly. "But that ain't gonna change unless you get up and do something to change it. And maybe you're afraid it'll get worse, but what the hell is worse than this?"
Tamaki didn't move or react. Growling, feeling helpless and fucking inadequate, he marched out of the room. He scrubbed the dishes with a scowl and put them aside to dry before moving around the extras in the kitchen. Angrily, he grabbed a frying pan, a can of black beans, and a whole fucking lot of seasoning. He wasn't cooking for Izuku, so he could make it as hot as he wanted.
"How is he?" Red asked quietly.
Katsuki could only shrug.
Gripping Katsuki's shoulder supportively, Kirishima gave him a confident smile. "I'm gonna go check on him."
Katsuki watched him walk down the hallway and disappear into Izuku's room, silently wishing him luck.
"How're you so good at cooking?" Pinky asked, getting his attention. She leaned over the beans simmering in the pan and took a deep breath. "That smells amazing."
Katsuki snorted. "You aren't gonna like this. This one's just for me."
"I wanna try it!" she insisted, jumping up and down a little.
Katsuki shrugged again and grabbed a spoon, scooping a bite up. He blew a few times to cool it off before handing it over. "Your funeral," he drawled with a smirk.
She put the spoon in her mouth and pulled it out with a grin. "Yummy!" she cried, but then her eyes went wide and she practically flung herself at the refrigerator. To the horror of everyone else, she drank directly from the milk carton in large, desperate gulps. Katsuki laughed.
"How can you eat that?" Pinky gasped, eyes streaming tears.
"Now I'm curious," IcyHot said, coming over to look into the frying pan.
Katsuki lifted an eyebrow. He dipped a spoon in and handed it over. He watched in interest as the teen put it in his mouth. The two-colored eyes watered a bit, but he didn't run screaming for the milk.
"Spicer than I like it, but not too bad," Todoroki said calmly.
Katsuki flashed him a grin, impressed. "It's damn good and you know it."
His smile fell however when he saw Tamaki and Kirishima walk down the hallway toward the kitchen. Holy shit. That fucking idiot did it! He got Tamaki back on his feet!
Everyone fell silent as they caught sight of the Third-year.
"I-Is Izuku…?" Tamaki asked anxiously.
"He's having dinner with his mom," Cheeks answered before Katsuki could, round brown eyes warm and compassionate as they rested on the Third-year. "Did you want me to go get him?"
Tamaki quickly shook his head. "No. Th-Thank you. I'll talk to him later," he said, looking at none of them. "I'm going to go now. Thank you for letting me stay."
Katsuki got up and followed the two to the elevator. "You going back to your dorm?" he asked quietly so the extra's couldn't overhear.
Tamaki shook his head. "Izuku's right… I'm going to Hound Dog… I have to…" He swallowed hard. "I have to make sure…" He couldn't finish the sentence.
"I'm going to walk with him," Kirishima said with a supportive arm wrapped around Tamaki's shoulders.
Katsuki caught Tamaki's arm gently before he got on the elevator. He leant down to catch the teen's bloodshot eyes and said with pride clear in his voice, "You're a fucking hero, you know that?"
Tamaki flushed and ducked his head, but his lips twitched into an almost smile. Kirishima grinned a his shark-toothed smile at Katsuki from the teen's side.
As soon as the elevator doors shut, Katsuki had his phone out. Tamaki's going to Hound Dog's office. Make sure he's there.
On it. Good job, Aizawa texted back.
Katsuki just hoped he'd done enough.
…
Izuku's mind was numb. It was almost four in the morning, and he'd been talking to Ivy for hours. After he'd haltingly told her about his experiences undercover, she'd asked what Tsuki wanted to do next, what Tsuki needed. It had been like seeing double. Kacchan was right. It was him, but it wasn't. For one, Tsuki was more trusting, and for another, he hadn't felt like the burden of responsibility was his alone.
And maybe Tsuki had the right idea. As Deku, he was still trying to shield and protect everyone. His classmates, his mother, even his teachers. Ivy helped him see how that wasn't necessarily fair. To his classmates and teachers. They weren't just people Izuku cared about. They were heroes. It was their profession to take risks and face villains. Izuku had no place trying to shield them from that. In other words, he needed to accept more help.
They also talked about the Institute and Grim — both of whom killed people. Izuku struggled with that. The Institute was a part of the government! How could that be? And he liked Grim. How could he like a murderer? But neither case was simple.
It helped to talk it out with Ivy because she was more objective than him on both topics, but he sill didn't leave with answers. He did, however, leave with a resolution. The next full moon was only six days away. And he had a lot to get ready before then. But he wasn't going to do it alone this time.
The dorm was dark and quiet. Izuku moved on silent feet down the hallway to the boys' bedrooms. He opened Hitoshi's door and peeked inside. The teen was sitting up with headphones on, watching something. Again Cali lifted her head, looking over, which let Hitoshi know he was there. The teen pulled his headphones off without hesitation.
"Nightmare?" Hitoshi asked sympathetically.
Izuku closed the door behind him and padded over, sitting on the end of the bed so he was facing his friend.
In the dark, Hitoshi's white pupils were more noticeable, catching the light almost like a cat's would. He still had almost black circles under his eyes, but they were somehow thinner even though Izuku still rarely ever caught the teen asleep. His lavender hair still defied gravity, only it was messier from where the headphones had pressed it flat. Frowning, Hitoshi sat straighter, his expression coming more alert.
"Izuku? You okay?"
Izuku held his friend's eyes. "Full moon's in six days. Last month the Institute killed people to study me. I can't let that happen again, so I'm going to turn myself in."
Hitoshi's hand snapped out to painfully grip Izuku's wrist. "No."
"But I want to do it on my terms," Izuku continued, calm. "They only get me the day of the full moon to monitor me while I'm having visions. That's it. And I want to know what I can do to make that happen and what I should be careful of."
Hitoshi grimaced. "This is a bad idea."
"They know about me now," Izuku said evenly. "I can't go back. I can only move forward, and I want to do it on my terms."
Hitoshi searched his face and sighed at what he saw. He let go of Izuku's wrist and slumped back. "You absolutely should never let them take you to the Institute. They can monitor you in a location of your choice. And I should go with you."
"No!" Izuku protested, alarm shooting through him.
Hitoshi glared. "Yes, Izuku. I can put you under my quirk just enough that it will at least alert me if someone else tries to use their quirk on you. I won't be able to shield you fully, but it will at least give us warning that they're playing dirty."
Izuku bit back the reflexive rejection and took a deep breath. "What kind of quirks are you afraid they'll use?"
"There's hundreds of psychic quirks," Hitoshi said grimly. "There's quirks that will wipe your memory, or make you feel like you've known them forever and trust them as if they were your best friend. Quirks that create memories that are indistinguishable from the real thing, or give you a personality adjustment to change who you are. It's endless, really," he said in a tone that was almost defeated. "One girl's quirk compels you to want to be with her all the time, and if someone stops you or keeps you apart, you'll get horribly sick and eventually die. Or a quirk that can manifest your greatest fear. Or trap you in a nightmare loop. Quirks that allow for astral projection or pull your mind into their subconscious where they can do anything to you and it will feel real."
"Okay…" Izuku scooted forward to wrap Hitoshi into a hug. "Okay, I understand. I'm sorry."
Hitoshi hesitated, but then he sort of folded into Izuku's embrace.
"I just don't want you exposed to them any more," Izuku said sadly. "You've been hurt by them enough."
Quietly, Hitoshi admitted, "I won't lie and say I'm not terrified that they'll get in my head, but…" Pulling back, he met Izuku's eyes. "I want to be a hero, Izuku. I want to do something good for once. Help people. Help you." Eyes hard with determination, he said strongly, "I'm going with you."
"Oh, Hitoshi." Izuku flung his arms around him, tears falling from his eyes. "You already are a hero."
Hitoshi held him tightly, burying his face in Izuku's hair. "Not yet, but I will be," he promised.
…
Izuku dozed for maybe an hour before the sky began to lighten with dawn. Slipping from Hitoshi's loose embrace, Izuku tip-toed out of his friend's room, hoping the purple-haired teen would sleep a little more.
Opening the door to his room next door, Izuku froze mid-yawn. A smile broke out across his face. Kacchan was sprawled on top of his bed. He'd clearly waited up for him and had fallen asleep. Izuku walked forward, heart thrumming and tears in his eyes. Kneeling beside the bed, he put his head close to Kacchan's and gently stroked his fingers through his boyfriend's hair. Long blond lashes fluttered, revealing bright ruby red. Izuku smiled helplessly into those eyes.
"Morning, Kacchan," he said sweetly, still running his fingers rhythmically through the blond's hair. "Sorry. Didn't mean to take so long."
Kacchan caught the hand running through his hair and brought it to his mouth, placing sleepy kisses to Izuku's fingertips and making Izuku giggle. "You've been talking to Ivy all this time?" he asked, voice sleep-rough.
"No," Izuku admitted. "Went to Hitoshi's room first for about two hours."
There must have been something in his voice or face that clued Kacchan in. The blond sat up abruptly, perfectly wide awake and alert. His eyes were narrowed on Izuku, and with a sigh, Izuku got up from his knees and sat on the edge of the bed next to him.
"What the hell are you planning?" he asked quietly.
Izuku sighed again.
"Izuku."
"You're not going to like it," Izuku admitted. He took a deep breath, lifted his chin, and met Kacchan's eyes squarely. "The Institute already knows about me now. They may have even killed a few people to study me. I have to stop them."
Kacchan glared suspiciously and asked lowly, "What the fuck are you planning to do about it?"
"I'm going to arrange for them to send one or two people to monitor me on the night of the full moon so they can run their tests without killing anyone."
Kacchan's began to shout and Izuku snapped up his hand to cover the blond's furious mouth with his fingertips.
"I'm not going to be stupid about it. I'm going to have them meet me in a location Nezu picks. Hitohsi's going to be with me, so that he can sense if they try to use their psychic quirks on me. I'm going to do everything I can to protect myself from them." Fiercely, he promised, "This isn't me trying to go undercover, Kacchan. I want to save Grim's daughter, but I'm not ready for that. Not yet."
Kacchan studied his face for a long minute before nodding and taking Izuku's hand. "I'm coming with you. And we're bringing Aizawa with us."
Izuku opened his mouth, but this time it was Kacchan who covered it. Not with a finger but his entire palm. He was smirking.
"I would go out of my mind with worry if I wasn't with you. And you need me to ground you. Remember how bad it was when I wasn't there that full moon after the Entrance Exam? We need to be together. I can be a hired bodyguard or some shit if you want to try and keep our relationship secret. And Aizawa can erase their quirk if Braindead gives the signal. Otherwise, what fucking use would forewarning be? 'Oh, hey, I can sense you fucking with my friend's mind. Can you please stop?' Don't be stupid, Izu."
Izuku narrowed his eyes and pulled Kacchan's hand off his mouth. "I already asked Aizawa to meet me after school to go see Nezu," he huffed. "I told you, I'm being smart about this."
Kacchan kissed him softly. "Good," he said, leaning back. His expression went hard and unyielding. "And I'm going with you."
Izuku had tears in his eyes, but he was resolute. He shook his head. "No."
Kacchan ran his fingers down Izuku's cheek and along his jaw, rage burning in his eyes. "I'm not an easy fucking target, Deku. I'll be fine. I'm going with you."
"They can mess with your mind, Kacchan!" Izuku bit back.
"That's what Aizawa and Braindead are for," Kacchan countered cockily.
Izuku shook his head again, begging Kacchan with his eyes to understand. "I know how strong you are, Kacchan. I'm not trying to protect you. I'm trying to protect me!"
Kacchan sat back, his eyes wide.
Taking a deep breath, Izuku lowered his voice. "If you go, it will be very clear how much I need you. It will show them exactly where I'm vulnerable. If they threatened you, Kacchan…" Angry, helpless tears burned his eyes. "I would do anything they said."
"FUCK!" Kacchan exploded from the bed and stormed from the room, slamming the door hard behind him.
Izuku wrapped his arms around his chest and curled over his knees. Yes, he needed to stop trying to do everything alone and accept help from those around him, but that didn't mean he should be reckless and he would minimize the risk to Kacchan as much as possible. He just hoped Kacchan would understand.
…
Katsuki stormed into his bedroom, slamming that door, too. He couldn't catch his breath, his vision tunneling. He paced back and forth, but it wasn't helping. Stomping over to his nightstand, he yanked his phone off the charger.
"Hello?"
"What the hell with this bullshit?!" Katsuki practically snarled into the receiver as he went back to pacing. "I can't…! What the hell…!" He couldn't catch his breath, but he felt like if he sat still he'd really explode. "Is this how it's always gonna be? Always fucking sitting back?! Is that really the only way I can fucking help him?! I can't fucking live like this! You hear me?! I can't! I might as well not fucking be here! I'll just get out of everyone's fucking way then since I'm such a goddamn liability!"
"Katsuki, you're not a liability," Aizawa said lowly, voice so strong there was no room for doubt. "There's just no point in putting all our assets in one basket. If things go wrong, which we're going to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't, we're going to need you to pick up the pieces."
"Fuck that!" Katsuki snarled, but he was calming, his breathing coming easier.
"Listen to me, Katsuki. I'm an underground hero. Do you think that takes less strength then the heroes on the front lines? Hell no. It takes more. To deal with the things kept in the dark. To support all those heroes on tv from the shadows. I know it's not what you would choose, but right now you'll be in the position of an underground hero. And like hell will you be doing nothing. You'll be watching. You'll be ready. To protect Midoriya if it comes to that. Not to mention me and Shinsou. You're our back-up. We'll be counting on you."
Softly, voice a hoarse rasp, Katsuki demanded, "How can I be watching if I'm not fucking there?"
"Think," Aizawa encouraged gently.
Katsuki took a deep breath and sat on the edge of his bed. "Cameras?"
"Cameras," his teacher agreed. "Psychic quirks are vulnerable to technology. Cameras and computers have no mind to alter or corrupt."
"Okay…" Katsuki rubbed his free hand roughly over his sleep pants. "Okay," he said again.
"Directly after school, you will come to the principal's office with Midoriya and Shinsou to discuss this in more detail."
An enormous weight lifted off his chest. "Alright. Thanks."
"Get ready for class. Homeroom starts in an hour."
Katsuki hung up the phone and tossed it on the bed. With new purpose, he strode to his closet to get dressed.
…
"Where are you going?" Ochaco asked after Basic, falling into step with him as Izuku made his way down the hallway. "The dorm's the other way."
Izuku came to a stop and turned to give her a smile for Ochaco. "I have a meeting with All Might. He thinks he can help me with the new facet of my quirk."
His friend relaxed. "I noticed you haven't used it since the fight with…" She lowered her voice. "You know."
Izuku ruffled his hair at the back and told her the truth. "I've tried, actually. I'm having a hard time activating it. I don't know if it's because I have to master Black Whip first or if it's just harder?"
She nodded in sympathy, her mouth quirking in a sly smile. "Everyone's going to be so surprised when you show it off! Are you coming back for practice later?"
"Of course!" Izuku promised. "I shouldn't be more than a few hours."
Kacchan stomped up to them, scowling, his hands shoved deep in his pants pockets. Izuku's eyes went wide. Kacchan ignored the look and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him away from Ochaco.
"We're going to be late, nerd."
"Are you going with him, Katsuki?" she asked, confused.
"None of your business, but yeah. They need my help in the air."
"Good luck!" she called, waving her hand cheerfully before turning and running after the rest of the class.
"Kacchan…" Izuku protested, heart twisting painfully. He really didn't want to have this fight all over again.
The blond came to an abrupt stop and turned to face him, standing only a few inches away. He glared down at Izuku. "Do you trust me or not?"
Izuku's eyes went even wider. "Of course I do!"
Kacchan searched his face, but he must have found what he needed because he relaxed. "I know what I'm doing. I'm not going to fuck it up for you. Now let's go."
Izuku smiled wryly at his boyfriend's back as continued to pull him down the hallway, this time by the hand. As they got closer to the principal's office, the hallways were empty and Izuku dared to ask, "Have you heard from Tamaki?"
Kacchan shook his head. "No."
"I hope he's alright," Izuku said anxiously, biting his lip.
Kacchan squeezed his hand, looking at him over his shoulder. "I'll check up on him later, nerd. Right now we need to focus on you."
Izuku simply nodded. That was true.
They reached the principal's office door, but Kacchan didn't stop to knock. He simply opened the door and walked right in, pulling Izuku behind him. Izuku blushed hotly and immediately apologized for walking in unannounced. Kacchan scowled over at him.
"He's fucking expecting us, Deku. Don't be weird."
"It's still polite to knock," Izuku hissed.
Principal Nezu hopped down from his chair and came around his desk. He stood as tall as Kacchan's hips and Izuku's waist. Izuku had to resist reaching out to pet his furry ears.
"Thank you for coming so promptly!" the creature said cheerfully, bouncing on his toes a bit, his furry paws linked behind his back. He gestured to the couch and chairs against the far wall. "Let me serve us some tea!"
A few minutes later, Izuku sat nervously next to Kacchan in the center of the four person couch, a warm teacup in hand. Nezu sat across from them, his sneakered feet dangling and a wide smile on his face.
"Have you heard anything about Eri, sir?" Izuku asked tentatively, his heart in his throat.
Nezu set his cup down and gave Izuku a compassionate look. "Little Eri woke up yesterday for the first time since her rescue. After her quirk went out of control, it is my understanding that she had a very high fever that has kept her unconscious until now. The report I was given said she's been shy but cooperative in answering their questions. The Commission has a few non-invasive tests lined up that she agreed to. However, from what I can tell, Eri's quirk, once activated, can only be stopped once it has run it's course or through quirk erasure, even if she were to be rendered unconscious. It is my belief that the Commission will see the logic of placing her here with Aizawa, and my hope that we will house her soon."
Izuku frowned down at his cup, frustrated. He knew it wasn't that bad. She could be treated so much worse, but it still galled him that she wasn't free. He understood how dangerous her quirk was, but she was still a little girl! It wasn't right!
He was distracted from his angry thoughts by a knock on the door. Aizawa, Hitoshi, and All Might entered. Aizawa looked exhausted and Hitoshi's expression was bored as always, but All Might gave Izuku a bright smile.
"Young Midoriya, how are you?" he asked brightly, as if he hadn't seen him during Basic several times that week.
"I'm fine," Izuku smiled back, just as relieved to see his mentor. "Thank you for coming, sir."
"Of course, my boy!"
All Might came and sat next to him on the couch, leaving the space next to Kacchan for Hitoshi. Aizawa took the chair next to Nezu. Nezu clapped his furry paws together and gave them a devious smile that sent chills down Izuku's back.
"Now that we've all assembled. Let's discuss the future, shall we?"
Izuku nodded and set his cup down. He looked to Kacchan, and the steadiness of his red gaze gave him strength. He turned back to face the principal, his back straight. "Thank you for having us, Principal Nezu. I came here to talk about the next full moon. I'd like to arrange for the Sapientia Institute to run tests and monitor me somewhere neutral during that day and night. To avoid their more… extreme efforts of examining my quirk."
"That is a very dangerous proposition, young Midoriya," All Might said quietly, a concerned frown on his face.
Izuku took a deep breath and met his mentor's neon blue eyes. "It is my goal to eventually stop the Institute," he said honestly. "To free kids like Hitoshi and Nighteye who grew up institutionalized, and also to free Grim's daughter. But I'm not ready for that yet. I don't think I'd be successful as I am, and I can't afford to fail at this. So I need to protect my mind and protect my freedom so that I can continue to grow stronger while I study here."
All Might sat straighter and pride shone in his expression. "I see."
Nezu nodded, catching Izuku's attention. "Yes, I do see your point." He picked up his teacup and took a sip. "We have quite the conundrum."
"We were thinking a location nearby under our control," Kacchan spoke up. "A place with cameras so we can monitor the situation. Braindead would be on-sight to let us know if he senses them using a psychic quirk to alter Izuku in any way. Aizawa will be there as well to shut that shit down if necessary. And I, and whoever else you think will be useful, will be nearby if they need backup."
Izuku looked at Kacchan at that. It made sense, and his shoulders slumped in relief, tears burning his eyes, knowing Kacchan would be close if he needed him. Kacchan noticed and shot Izuku a fierce grin.
"Told you, Izu. We're in this together."
"Kacchan…" Izuku leaned into his boyfriend's side, discretely wiping his tears. They let him have a minute to gather his composure. Izuku lifted his head, meeting Nezu's eyes once more. "I think I should go as Daisuke Soma. I know I can't protect my identity for long, but…" He cast a guilty look at All Might. "I want to preserve the secrecy of One For All for as long as possible."
"Yes," Nezu said, slurping his tea with relish. "I do believe that will be for the best. The media has been suppressed but there have been a lot of burnt corpses of known criminals showing up in various cities across Japan. The assumption is that they are the ones who said no to Dabi's recruitment efforts. It is my belief the League will make their move soon, and if they succeed, I foresee society as we know it collapsing. We will need every advantage we can muster for this upcoming battle."
Izuku went rigid. The League. So much had been going on, Shigiraki and All For One had slipped into the background. And that was extremely dangerous.
Nezu clapped his paws together again. "However, your undercover identity must be air tight in order for it to work. Here's my question, young Midoriya. Why would Daisuke Soma, a business class student, be so against joining the Institute in the first place? I believe they can be quite convincing."
"It's likely that they'll have a truth quirk of some kind. To verify their data," Hitoshi offered, tone even and factual.
Izuku set his jaw with determination. "Then I tell the truth. I am Daisuke Soma," he said strongly. "He is me. And I grew up with my mother warning me to keep my quirk secret. I worked hard to get into UA, the best school in the country. I'm not going to give that up! Plus, I don't want to leave my family behind."
Aizawa lifted his head, his shaggy black hair parting to reveal his face. "Won't that make it likely they will connect you to Nighteye and your mother? And through them to your true identity?"
Izuku shook his head. "She told me recently that she changed her name when she went on the run from my father, so it won't be easy to connect her to her birth family."
"Besides, Inko's family isn't the first they've fucked up," Kacchan growled supportively. "They've left hundreds of broken families behind."
"I'm impressed how thoroughly you've considered your situation," Nezu muttered, watching Izuku with a curious tilt to his head. "I confess the Institute has been rather insistent as of late regarding your custody." He gave a sharp smile. "Fortunately or unfortunately as the case may be, I am not susceptible to the psychic quirks of humans. I also have Commissioner Raion's support. He is quite invested in seeing One For All trained up and back in the field, what with the threat of the League on the horizon." He chuckled and took a sip of his tea. "Interestingly enough, had the League not existed, I would not have his support and would not have the ability to shield you from the Institute. You would have been remanded into their custody." Nezu gave an ironic bow of his head. "For the safety of the people, of course." He shook his head. "What a strange thing to be grateful to the League about."
Izuku felt chilled to the bone. It almost sounded like Nezu was acknowledging that the League was right about society. And, really, it was true, wasn't it? The League wouldn't exist if society hadn't hurt so many people and drove them to become terrorists in the first place. But just because they were right, that didn't mean their methods were. So many innocent, helpless people had been killed. I mean, they used Nomu! How many of them were results of horrific pain and suffering? It wasn't right! But did that mean the government and society got to just… not change? Just got to… stay the same? Because the people who wanted to change things went about it the wrong way? The government just got to win?
"Then again," Nezu continued, pulling him from his thoughts. "Without the effect of One For All boosting your abilities, it is likely you would have remained under the Institute's radar, so to speak." Taking another sip of his tea, Nezu smiled. "Of course, the yakuza was well aware of your presence as it was their work most often interrupted by your interference. It would have taken them some time, but they would have found you, and they would have recruited or kidnapped you. Which would not have made your position much different from Eri's in the end." His black eyes sparkled. "The fact that you retain your freedom is really quite fascinating."
Izuku swallowed hard, eyes wide.
Nezu's beady eyes shifted to Kacchan next to him. The blond scowled back at him. "I wonder… How much of your good fortune is due to the influence of your chosen mate?"
Izuku went bright red in embarrassment, but Kacchan gave the principal a challenging grin.
"I'm not fucking planning on going anywhere, so I guess Deku will just remain free, then."
"Nor I!" All Might declared strongly. He put a warm hand on Izuku's shoulder.
The principal laughed and climbed to his feet. He gave first Kacchan a bow then All Might, his tale balancing gracefully behind him. "Count me in on your endeavors." He straightened and gave Izuku a remarkably predatory smile. "Yours reminds me of my own story, Izuku Midoriya, so I find myself with a marked interest in seeing you remain free. You may consider me your ally in this."
Izuku's heart pounded hard in his chest. "Thank you," he said faintly, still blushing. There was nothing else to say to that declaration.
Nezu gave him a gentle, too knowing smile and sat back down. Then he picked up his delicate, little teacup and said, "Let's discuss details, shall we?"
…
After nearly an hour of planning, they headed back toward the dorms. Katsuki's mind was whirling, making connections and trying to come up with ways to protect themselves further. The plan was solid for now, but it was clear the Institute wasn't their only fucking enemy and they were doing a shit job of preparing for it. He was pulled from his thoughts as they came around a soft corner to see Mirio waiting for them. The blond was standing to the left of the path looking up at the trees with a smile on his dumb face. Hearing them, the Third-year turned to face them and Katsuki saw the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Primus! Deku!" he called cheerfully, spreading his arms wide. "It's a beautiful day! Winter will soon be upon us!"
As if to punctuate his words, a cold breeze gusted around them making Katsuki's irritation flare into annoyance. "What do you want?" he snapped.
Izuku touched his arm gently. "How are you, Lemillion?"
The blond idiot's fake smile got wider. "I wanted to show you a beautiful bird I saw! Come on!"
Katsuki growled, but Izuku took him by the hand and led him forward. They didn't go far. As soon as they were screened by the trees from the dorms, Mirio came to a stop. His smile fell, sadness softening his expression.
"Thank you for helping Tamaki," he said quietly. "I thought you should know he's staying with Hound Dog for a while. They're running a surveillance op on his father."
Izuku went over to hug the hero. "He's going to be okay, Mirio."
Mirio looked shocked for a minute before he gratefully hugged Izuku back. "Thank you." When he pulled out of the hug his smile was back, but it was small and genuine this time. His eyes turned to Katsuki. "And thank you, Bakugo. For accepting me. I will forever be your friend."
Katsuki huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It's not a big fucking deal."
"It is to me!" Mirio protested.
"What's going on?" Izuku asked curiously, head tilted to the side.
Katsuki rolled his eyes and snagged Izuku by his shoulders, pulling him in against his chest. Izuku's eyes went wide, but he didn't resist. Katsuki held him from behind and looked over his shoulder at a curious Mirio.
"He's fucking shocked that I didn't care he's gay," Katsuki explained, smirking. "I told you, blondie. It's not a big deal. I am, too."
Mirio burst into delighted laughter while Izuku turned bright red. "Kacchan!"
Katsuki let him go. He was still smirking, but his eyes were serious. "What, nerd? This dumb extra fell in love with Tamaki. He's not going to tell on us."
Mirio's laughter cut off as he quickly assured. "Your secret is safe with me!" But Izuku didn't care about that anymore. He'd latched onto the important detail as Katsuki knew he would.
"You're in love with Tamaki?" he asked, eyes intent.
Mirio sobered. "Yes." He hung his head. "I… I was so frustrated and worried. I let my feelings get the best of me and I kissed him. It's what sent him running."
"You can't take it back!"
The intensity of Izuku's voice shocked them both.
Izuku grabbed Mirio's arm. "You can't take it back," he said more quietly, but just as insistent. "I don't know how much you know about Tamaki's father…"
"Just that he abused him," Mirio said slowly, brows furrowed. "Is there more to know?"
Izuku shook his head. "I can't say. That's Tamaki's story to tell, but you can't take it back, Mirio. Don't push him on the physical stuff, but you can't take it back that you're in love with him now that you've told him. He'll get upset and try to talk you out of it. He might even avoid you for a long time because of it, but you can't take it back. He'll never trust love if you do."
Mirio was upset. "But…"
"I know." Izuku had tears in his eyes. The pain in his voice nearly broke Katsuki's heart. "I know. You love him. You'd do anything to be beside him. To keep your friendship at least. But… But if you really love him, I'm telling you… Please, Mirio. Don't take it back. It will reinforce all the wrong things if you do." Izuku shot Katsuki a meaningful look, begging him to explain in a way that didn't violate Tamaki's privacy.
Katsuki scowled, crossing his arms as he stared Mirio down. "He doesn't believe he's worthy of being loved. Especially like that. If you say you love him, then take it back, it will forever confirm that belief. Even if you later say you lied to spare him or your friendship, he'll never be able to fucking trust it."
It was more complicated than that, of course. The truth was Tamaki believed people would only desire him because of something bad he does. So if Mirio told him he wanted him and then took it back, Tamaki would always see desire as something he'd caused, something corrupt and evil. He'd likely never be able to be in a relationship for the rest of his life. He could still be happy, but it would be a fucking shame that he'd never be able to experience healthy romantic love.
Mirio didn't understand, of course, but he trusted them. He gave a slow nod. "I won't take it back."
Izuku smiled in relief. "I'm glad."
Mirio's expression softened. "You make a good team," he said, genuinely happy for them. "I'm glad you found each other."
Izuku blushed bright red again, making Katsuki grin smugly.
"I'm going to be number one," Katsuki boasted, draping his arm over Izuku's shoulders again. "Only the best could be my partner."
"Kacchan!" Izuku protested, covering his face in embarrassment, but he was smiling helplessly.
Katsuki and Mirio laughed.
…
After talking to Mirio, they'd hurried up to their dorm to join practice. Izuku gave it his all, encouraging his fellow dancers. Mina had chosen to add a cool partner throw into the mix since there was an equal number of girls and boys. Izuku had been paired with Ochaco, Tenya with Mina, Hitoshi with Tsu, and Ojiro with Toru.
The blond with the thick tail went bright red when he'd been assigned his partner and he'd blushed the entire time they practiced the throw. Izuku shared a knowing look with the girls and had to smother giggles. Now it was almost time for dinner and they were stretching before calling it quits.
"Can I come talk to you later?" he asked Ochaco quietly as he pushed gently on her back, helping her stretch.
She looked at him over her shoulder. "Of course, Deku," she said just as quietly. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," he quickly assured her, smiling. "It's not bad or anything. I just need some advice."
She smiled back. "My door's always open for you."
Relieved, he gave her a quiet, "Thanks."
Izuku also caught Eijiro by the wrist as everyone migrated toward the kitchen. "Hey, can you do me a favor?" he asked in a quick whisper.
"Sure, bro," the redhead agreed, whispering back. "What's up?"
"Can you ask Kacchan to help you with homework or something after dinner? I need him distracted for at least an hour."
Eijiro's brows furrowed. "Is something up?"
Izuku shook his head quickly. "Nothing bad," he assured. "I'm trying to surprise him."
Eijiro nodded, flashing a sharp-toothed smile. "Then you can count me in."
Izuku beamed back at him. "Thanks!"
Izuku hid a smile as Denki and Eijiro had this big whining session during dinner about the amount of homework Mr. Ectoplasm was giving them in math even though all the teachers knew they were preparing for the culture festival.
"I mean, he can turn himself into multiple people! We can't!" Denki moaned.
"Katsuki. Bro." Eijiro turned pleading eyes on an already scowling Kacchan. "I'll do anything, man. Please help us. Just for one hour! I don't want to fall so far behind again like last time."
"Please!" Denki clapped his hands together. "I'll take your shifts at dishes for the rest of the month!"
"Fine, losers," Kacchan gave in. "But you better not waste my fucking time!"
"We won't!" the two boys said in near unison, grinning.
Eijiro didn't wink or give himself away, but he did catch Izuku's eyes for a second. Izuku quickly looked away, smiling.
After dinner Kacchan was pulled down the hallway to Eijiro's room and Izuku did the dishes as fast as possible. He was paired with Fumikage, so with Dark Shadow's help they were done really quickly. He practically ran to the girl's hallway.
"In a hurry, Prez?" Mina laughed when he almost ran into her.
"Sorry!" he practically squeaked, blushing. "I just have to talk to Ochaco about something really quick!"
Mina laughed. "Yeah! Sure!"
Izuku ignored her, slipping into Ocacho's room quickly.
"Finally!" Ochaco exclaimed. She was sitting on her bed in boxer shorts and a tank top. Grinning, she patted the bed beside her. "Come over here and tell me what's up."
Izuku laughed as he sat next to her. "Well, actually…" He blushed. "I need dating advice." Her eyes widened. Looking away in embarrassment, he admitted, "I wanted to do something for Kacchan. He's been really supportive and great and I just want to do something nice for him, you know? This entire year has been one disaster after another, and we haven't had time to, you know…" He blushed, rubbing the back of his head. "Go on dates and stuff. I want to show him how much I love him."
Ochaco squealed, her hands up by her mouth. "O. M. G! YES!" she shouted, excited.
Izuku covered his face with a groan.
"Don't worry, Deku!" she cried with a huge smile, flinging one arm around his shoulders. "When we're done, you'll sweep him off his feet for sure!"
Smiling helplessly at her enthusiasm, he dropped his hands and leaned into her. "I was thinking a dinner with candles?"
Ochaco nodded eagerly. "Oh, that'd be so romantic! It has to be somewhere discrete but with the right mood, too. How about…"
Izuku got excited as he listened to her ideas. "That's perfect! And I can…"
She squealed again, cheeks pink. "That's so cute! You'll definitely have to…"
Izuku grinned, green eyes dancing. "Oooh. I like that!"
After ironing out the details, they made lists of everything they needed to get together and the people they'd need to ask for help. Dividing up the tasks, they planned for Operation: Seduce Kacchan (Ochaco had named it!) to go down two nights from now on Saturday.
"So you can sleep in afterward," Ochaco had said with practicality, but her cheeks were hot.
Izuku's cheeks were just as hot, but he agreed. "Probably a good idea."
Ochaco squealed again, slapping his arm. "Deku!"
Face red, he whacked her with a pillow.
She toppled with a peal of laughter.
Chapter end.
A/n: A little lighthearted fluff, but also some plot development. Can't wait to hear what you think!
