Months passed and it were some of the best months of my life. Deku and I only got closer and closer and our relationship was in full swing. Sex and all. He never brought up Pink Cheeks as a dating possibility again, or anyone else for that matter. He was wholly focused on me and our relationship and it felt good. I enjoyed having all of his attention and I kicked myself for not allowing myself to enjoy it in the past, too busy trying to keep a thick wall between us.
The pack of idiots finally dropped the girlfriend talk after literally blowing up in their faces. Although Pinky did shoot me a skeptical look whenever a girl dared to talk to me, which wasn't often. I took pride in my scowl keeping most people away from me.
Pink Cheeks continued to be polite to me and eventually I just grew more numb to it and would only grunt back in response. She never made a move to be friendlier than that which I was grateful for. If she did I had no doubt everyone would be on my ass again over it and I'd rather not deal with it.
Deku became the best partner I could ever wish for during our hero course classes. He watched my back, analyzed anyone I was up against while I focused on fighting until he had figured enough out to point out their weaknesses or a plan to take them down. He made listening and studying in class easier and retained any information that may have slipped past me. He observed and gave me pointers on One For All and how it effected my own quirk. He even thought of a new way to use it, creating a grenade that could release my sweat as a gas that would cause dizziness and other side affects that left my opponents unsteady on their feet and easier to deal with.
Deku was more blessing than curse by far these days, I cursed at myself for ever seeing him as a curse in the past, as he put all of his time into helping me become the strongest version of myself I could be. I had been on the top of the class before, now I was untouchable. We had become the perfect team.
"You've come a long way" smiled All Might as we left Ground Beta after a grueling Friday training session after class. I grunted a response back which he was used to at this point. Deku inside me beamed with admiration at how far we had come with One For All. I was now in full control of the output of my quirk and was just that tiny bit stronger and faster than I had been before. Having Deku around watching my back only increased my reaction time and evasiveness so it was a rare day anyone could land a hit on me, even with one on one sparring without quirks, they couldn't touch me.
"Do you have much planned for the holidays?" he asked just to make conversation no doubt. I knew I wasn't the easiest student to have around.
"Heading home for a few days" I replied, my breath coming out as steam in the cold early evening air. It wasn't snowing yet, but it was close. If the temperature hadn't been enough to tell me that, Shitty Hair bouncing over the weather forecast did.
"I'm sure you're parents will be happy to see you" he replied and I felt a small wave of sadness seep over from Deku. Of course. He had not seen his mum since, well, since whenever he saw her last before he was killed.
"Have you spoken to Midoriya in your dreams lately?" he asked and I paused. The retired hero usually avoided talking about Deku if he could. I had just assumed it was a bit of a sore spot for him still. All Might stopped beside me, waiting patiently for me to speak because he knew I had something to say. Deku picked up my intention and turned to me with wide green eyes.
Are you sure Kacchan?, he asked and I nodded my head to myself before taking a deep breath.
"I don't just see him in dreams anymore" I replied and dared to face All Might. The man looked taken aback and blinked at me.
"I see him all the time," I went on and All Might's eyes began to widen and his mouth part, "he's here right now" I told him and then waited.
"Here?" he gaped, "how? But that shouldn't be possible"
"Well it is" I shot back, trying to hold back the bite to my words, "He's been with me for months now" Deku waited with bated breath to see what our mentor had to say. All Might opened and closed his mouth several times while he tried to formulate his words.
"You can hear him?" he asked finally in almost a whisper.
"See him, hear him, feel him" I told him, "all the time" his back straightened. When he didn't say anything and just stared down at me I elaborated. I couldn't stop the words spilling out of my mouth. I wondered if that was how Deku felt when he muttered excessively to himself or if it was just the relief of sharing it with someone.
"We share dreams and he can taste what I eat, can feel what I feel. He helps me with training and studying and it was his idea to turn my quirk into a gas. He watches my back and points out any weaknesses of the enemy" I stopped rambling only because All Might's hand was placed on my shoulder and I looked up to him again. He looked mortified.
"Young Bakugo," he began, "this isn't right" Deku flinched like he had been burned and I felt his hurt as my own. We had thought that if anyone could understand it was All Might. I hadn't realized how much we wanted his acceptance until now.
"This can't be healthy for you. For either of you. Midoriya is meant to be a part of One For All. You both shouldn't be spending so much time together" I narrowed my eyes at him, my growing anger being fueled by Deku's hurt. How dare he say words to hurt my boyfriend!
"Why should I care what you think about it?" I hissed back and Deku didn't step in to scold me or make an attempt to calm me like he usually would. He was quiet and getting sucked into his own worrying thoughts.
"Bakugo" All Might tried and I swatted away his hand.
"What right do you have to tell us that what we are doing is wrong" I felt tears welling up in the corner of my eyes from Deku and blinked them away before they became an issue.
"What the fuck would you know" I snarled.
"I am only saying this out of concern," replied All Might calmly, "I miss young Midoriya also, but to hold onto him like this is not healthy"
"I'm not holding onto him like some wounded animal," I raised my voice, "he's with me because he wants to be!" All Might blanched. Deku was wounded inside and rather than lashing out at All Might worse, I turned and stormed away without another word.
I walked in through the front door and was welcomed by the cheerful voice of my dad from the kitchen. Mum was in there also, laying out the table. She lifted her head to greet me with a smile but it faded in a frown.
"What did you do to your hair?" she asked with some scorn.
"Huh?" I shot back.
"Don't you huh me" she hissed, "your hair, what did you do?"
"Nothing" I replied and turned for the hallway to drop my bag in my room.
"You've done something" she continued and her voice was suddenly right by me. I felt a hand touch my hair.
"It's fluffier" she commented, "did you change shampoo?" she asked with more curiosity and I just shrugged back to her. I hadn't but I wasn't about to get into a heated argument with her over hair of all things, because our discussions always ended up that way. Confusion and curiosity radiated from Deku.
I shrugged off my bag on my bed. My parents had been aware that I was coming home for a few days over the holidays and mum had already cleaned the space and opened the window so I had a chance to head straight for the shower before dinner. In the bathroom I paused before the mirror to look more closely at my hair and it took both of us staring at the reflection before either of us could notice anything different.
The change had been so subtle that I couldn't see a difference until I pulled out an old photo of myself Kirishima had snapped of me and sent to my phone for comparison. It was only then we could see it. My hair was less bristle and more fluff. It had a softer look to it and felt softer to the touch too. It had also changed colour, ever so slightly. As before it was a sandy blonde, it now almost had the faintest tinge of lime to it. Deku's hair. My hair had started to take on similar traits to Deku's and I could only gape at my reflection when it clicked. Of course mum would have notice. It had been months since I last visited and the change would have been too subtle over time for anyone at the dorms to notice. Or at least that was our conclusion.
I'm so sorry, began Deku with wide concerned eyes.
What for?, I shot back, my attention still on my hair as I ran my fingers through it and tried to single out an individual discolored hair to investigate further.
Your hair has changed because of me!, he panicked and began to pace back and forth with a hand to his mouth and muttered. I let him be while I plucked a hair to look at. It wasn't a deep green like Deku's but a blend between our two colours.
This is my fault, Deku went on and I finally turned to him, my eyes tracking his pacing, Nana warned me.
Of what? I asked with a huff
I've tainted you, he turned to me, pulling at his hair, she warned me remember. She said if I stayed on this side that I might taint you or become lost!
Calm down, I huffed, it's not the end of the world. Deku lowered his hands from his hair, his wide green eyes glued to me.
You're not mad?, he asked tentatively.
Why would I be mad? I shot back, I went into this knowing that warning just as much as you did.
B-but your hair.
It's just hair you idiot. It's fine, I rolled my eyes trying to exude my calmness. It was surprising yes, but that initial shock had lifted and it really wasn't that bad. It was subtle enough that I still couldn't see the change unless I was looking for it and it was really only hair.
When do you think it started? asked up Deku while I fingered through my hair in the mirror again, leaning in to see better.
I don't know, I replied, probably from the beginning. I leaned in closer to my reflection, something else catching my eye since I was looking for changes now. Deku's interest picked up again and he pooled in his focus too. My eyes. There was a hint of green to them. This time a deeper green more like Deku's actual eye colour. The shade of green sat along the bottom ring of my iris and quickly faded to red. It was even less noticeable than my hair. I wouldn't be surprised if I got freckles next. I did check. Nothing.
Oh my god!, cried Deku and turned away to return to his pacing and hair pulling, I'm ruining your body. He dropped to a squat and covered his face. I would feel the panic rising in him. I stomped over and swatted him across the back of his head, halting his flood of emotions. He squeaked and then lifted is head to blink up at me.
No you're not you idiot, I rolled my eyes, now will you calm the fuck down. It's fine.
Are you sure? He practically whimpered.
Yes, I shot back and he rose to his feet with a sniffle.
With Deku growing calm again I showered and we took a moment to look at each other more closely. Deku looked the same and he assured me that I did too. In fact, the version of me inside hadn't changed at all while on the outside essence of Deku were coming through. Showers are always a good place for thinking and we theorized that the change either began when I first accepted Deku living with me or after we had sex for the first time. Deku theorized that coming together physically like that could have been a catalyst for the change because our bodies had actually joined. I got it, but only looking at older photos would determine it and I would ask Kirishima for any pics when I saw him next. Though I had a feeling that Deku was right.
We showered and ate and my mum kept pestering me about my hair. I finally gave in and went with the lie of having changed shampoos and then I snuck off to bed. I enjoyed some intimate time with Deku, rubbing one off myself and letting him squirm from the feeling of it. It never got old making him wriggle and moan like that and I ate it up. Afterwards we slept, falling asleep wrapped around each other in the bed.
I was getting better at this too. If I closed my eyes, I could visualize the exact room I was physically in, as long as it was a room I new well like the dorm, classroom or here. The only difference is that Deku was there with me. It was as though with my eyes closed I could project him into any familiar space I was sharing with him and it was a wholesome feeling, being at home in my own bed with him wrapped in my arms while my parents were none the wiser.
What's wrong? Whispered Deku against my chest as though he didn't want my parents catching him here. He had picked up on my feelings. I didn't have to answer for him to tell.
It's alright Kacchan, he snuggled closer into me, I'm here.
I know, I rumbled back into his hair, I just wish they could see you.
You'd want your parents to know about us? He asked curiously.
I guess I do, I replied, realizing that yes, that was what it was. When I had been thinking of how comforting it was to have Deku in my old bedroom with me like this, I had been struck with sadness that I would never bring him home to eat with my parents as my boyfriend. That I could never go out on a proper date with him, exchange gifts, show him off to everyone else.
That's sweet Kacchan, he mumbled as he nestled in closer to me and I only hummed in response. I still didn't know how to react to compliments from him, but he knew me well enough that I didn't need to respond for him to feel me glow a little inside.
The next morning we went out and Deku had picked up on my intentions and was practically buzzing with both excitement and nerves. I shoved my hands in my pockets and shuffled through the slush left over from melting snow that had fallen overnight. I buried my face into my scarf for extra warmth.
Would you calm the fuck down, I snarled to Deku and he just bounced on his heels, talk about something, anything, if your so damn nervous. Deku paused long enough to think.
If you're cold why don't you use your quirk to warm yourself up? He asked curiously and it worked to calm him. I groaned.
I'm not the half n half bastard, I scoffed back, I can't control my temperature like that. And you should know that! I shot back. He had been watching me almost his whole life.
I know that, he pondered, I just mean you can still warm your hand up.
Yeah sure, I replied with a grumble, that will warm my hands but not much else. If I take them out to press anywhere else, they'll get cold too fast and I don't sweat as much in this cold. Deku thought about that before coming to the conclusion that warm hands were better than nothing. I only grumbled in return. My toes were growing numb by the time we reached Auntie's door and she answered to my knock.
"Katsuki sweety" she smiled and stepped aside for me to enter. I nodded to her in thanks and shucked off my soggy shoes. Deku had been impervious to the cold because he had chosen to block it out, the bastard, but in return he could feed me his warmth and it helped. A little. Despite not feeling the cold he was trembling now as his green eyes locked onto his mum and a wave of love, comfort and affection radiated from him, warming me even faster. Before I knew what I was even doing I felt compelled to turn to auntie and wrap my arms around her in comforting embrace. She made a small noise of surprise before quickly recovering enough to hug me back. I pulled away a moment later, my eyes wider from the shock of the sudden action. Deku was practically glowing inside.
Bastard, I hissed through clenched teeth.
I didn't make you do anything, he smiled back, too overjoyed to see and feel his mum's embrace to care about my annoyance and embarrassment. He was right though; he hadn't made me to do anything. I had just been overwhelmed by the strength of his emotions and acted on them. I scoffed back at him.
"Are you okay?" asked auntie with a concerned smile and I nodded back, relaxing my shocked expression some more.
"Would you like some tea?" she offered and I followed her into the kitchen.
"I'm surprised to see you again," she spoke while she put the kettle on to boil and set up two mugs, "you must be visiting home for the holiday" she added and I heard the tinge of sadness there. Of course, she was alone this Christmas and that hurt. Deku's loving smile sunk a little as his attention turned to the corner of the living room and I followed his line of sight. Auntie hadn't even bothered to set up her tree or decorations. I decided I would ask mum to invite her to our holiday dinner tomorrow. Deku warmed at the thought.
"Did you do something to your hair?" she asked as she turned to hand me a steaming mug, "it looks softer" she commented.
"Changed shampoo" I offered in return and sipped at the hot liquid. Deku savored the taste of his mums favorite tea blend that had a touch of cinnamon to it. Auntie was kind enough to not ask for a reason for my visit. She seemed content to just have me around.
She asked if I wanted lunch and I offered to make something instead which surprised her but she let me. We had a simple lunch and a second tea while she insisted on doing the dishes so I stepped away. I automatically found my way to Deku's room and stepped inside, noticing that nothing inside it had changed since my last visit. Deku hadn't been with my conscious during that and as the memories of cleaning his room came back to me, he picked them up and turned to me with a teary smile. I rolled my eyes with a snarl and turned away. I didn't need him gushing over it and he picked up on that, offering a simple heart felt thank you before dropping the subject. I smiled a little in return.
I stepped to his wardrobe and lifted my jacket and shirt to undo my belt. Deku had seen me put on his old red belt that I had gifted to him this morning and now that he understood why I had chosen to wear it he spoke up.
Keep it, he told me.
Why? I asked, I have no use for it.
You don't need to have a use for it, he told me. I had undone the red belt with it's empty pouches and looked to it draped in my hand. I thought about it, Deku watching me as I did before I laid it down inside the wardrobe and closed the door.
You sure? He asked.
As I said, I have no use for it. Plus I don't need any reminders of you when I have you right here, I replied and I felt a rush of affection from Deku as he leaned on me with a smile. I briefly let my head rest beside his before he shot up again at full attention and scoured the room so fast my eyes struggled to follow his around the space. Finally it settled on the draws of his desk and he pleaded for me to riffle through them. He didn't tell me what I was searching for but urged me to hurry. I already knew his top draw was full of his hero analysis notebooks and some stationary so I opened the second draw, pulling out more notebooks.
A box, he told me, It's a small box, about this big. He showed me with his hands and I narrowed down my search. Nothing. Onto the third draw and underneath all the clutter I found the little black box he had stashed away inside. It was a small black box, very much like the kind that held rings and while it sat in my palm I looked at him skeptically. He was blushing and looking embarrassed.
It's not much but I did want to give it to you, he offered nervously and I narrowed my eyes at him, o-open it, he pressed. I opened the ring box to find something special inside. An All Might enamel pin. I remembered it from early middle school. A magazine had gotten one-hundred of the pins made for a competition so they were rare collectables. I had never known Deku had one. I blinked at him.
I won it back in middle school, he told me while he fidgeted with his fingers, I wanted to give it to you someday, but uh, well, we didn't exactly get along back then, his green eyes looked to me and he smiled. I took a deep breath, pained by the reminder of how much of a dick I had been to him back then.
I can't take it, I told him and closed the box gently.
I want you to have it though, Deku shot back with wide eyes, I wanted to give it to you all this time and now I can.
It's more like me taking it at this point, I scoffed back but the attitude wasn't there.
No Kacchan, it's a gift. It's Christmas tomorrow. This is the perfect time to finally give it to you, he smiled to me warmly and I could feel him urging me to accept it. I let out a long sigh and turned to face him with a smile and he beamed back at me.
Thanks nerd, I smiled and offered him a hug and he took it happily. I slipped the box into my pocket and pushed the drawer back to return to auntie before she started to wander where I had gone off too.
What am I supposed to give you back? I asked with a smirk and Deku grinned.
Oh, I know what you can give me, he replied with a sly look and I nudged him away from me.
Pervert, I scoffed playfully.
I'm your pervert, he shot back and I couldn't help but to smile. Technically, it would be a gift for the both of us.
Mum agreed to have auntie over for Christmas dinner and auntie was delighted at the idea to the point of tears. Deku enjoyed watching both our mothers smiling and chatting away like a pair of birds across the table, my dad moving to sit beside me and I made sure Deku enjoyed every second of his present that night. It was a good Christmas break.