Chapter 31: Settling In
Summary:
The boys take a day to settle in and connect with old friends. Kato joins the boys plus Kaminari to discuss suit upgrades and Soulmates.
Izuku rouses in the morning, judging by the light coming in from the window he thinks it is about 8am. He remembers he needs to ask Kato to meet up today and see if he is Kaminari's match. He looks around and remembers they live in the dorms now. He lifts his head a bit, still nestled on Katsuki's chest and observes the peacefully sleeping teen.
Katsuki looks beautiful when he sleeps, his face loses the always present scowl on his face. Even though Katsuki always looks a bit soft around him. He looks softer in sleep; the furrow of his brow goes away. The barely noticeable frown line disappear, and the always glaring eyes don't look so hard. His mouth is slightly open releasing quiet snores. Izuku smiles down at him and leans in to place a soft kiss on Katsuki's lips.
"Wake up Kacchan" Izuku whispers softly against his lips. If Izuku wasn't always fully paying attention to Katsuki he would have missed the barely their twitch of Katsuki's lips. Izuku chuckles "Come on Kacchan, we have some things to do today."
"Don' wanna" Katsuki mumbles sleepily.
"Come on Kacchan, the faster we get it done the faster we can come back here and cuddle. Maybe we can watch a movie or use the training room Luffy was tell us about yesterday. Doesn't that sound good Kacchan?" Izuku coaxes.
Katsuki grumbles, "fine, you need to get off first Nerd."
Izuku giggles and rolls off Katsuki. He reaches for his phone and sends a quick message to Kato.
"Hey Kato, are you busy today?" Izuku asks.
Izuku doesn't have to wait long for his phone to ding with a new message "No, I'm free. Just gonna finish setting up my room today. Why what's up?"
Izuku thinks about what he wants to send Kato, he remembers his blueprints for his and Katsuki's hero suits. "I have some blueprints I wanted to give to you. Plus we have been so busy lately I miss hanging out with you. Kacchan and the others want to hangout with you as well"
"I would love to hang out with you. I would love to nerd over your blueprints and notes. I miss you guys too."
"Good I'll let you know when we are ready should be about an hour or so, we can meet up in front of the buildings then we can come up here and go over the blueprints in mine and Kacchan's room" Izuku replies.
"Sounds good"
Izuku puts his phone down on the nightstand and goes to his closet and picks out some shorts and tee shirt. Katsuki is already dressed and sitting on the bed again.
"I'm gonna go start breakfast for us. The others are gonna have to suck it up." Katsuki starts "They are on their own today"
"Ok Kacchan, I will wake them up and let them know Kato agreed to hangout with us." Izuku plans out "I also need to make sure Kaminari is awake."
Katsuki nods and heads out. Izuku finishes getting ready and wakes up the others. Luffy is excited that he will get to hangout with Kato. Kirishima and Shoto look confused at the excited whirlwind that is Luffy bouncing all over getting ready. Ace looks amused "We haven't been able to hang out with him in a while. We were really close in middle school." Ace offers as an explanation.
"I'm gonna go make sure Kaminari is awake. Then head down to breakfast" Izuku informs. "Kacchan said you guys are own your own today for food."
Izuku smiles fondly at the pouts he receives. He grabs everything he will need, room key, wallet, and phone and heads out of the door. He uses the staircase to go to the third floor. He reaches Kaminari and Shinso's suite and knocks.
Shinso opens the door looking like he has never slept before "Midoriya" he greets blandly.
"Hey Shinso, I need to make sure Kaminari is awake" Izuku states getting to the point.
Shinso opens the door wider for Izuku to come and points at Kaminari's door. Izuku makes his way to the door and knocks. It is silent for a couple of seconds; the door opens and reveals Kaminari brimming with nervous energy.
"Hey Midoriya" Kaminari Greets.
"Hey Kaminari, Kato is free today we are gonna meet up with him in about an hour if you still wanted to join us." Izuku invites.
Izuku watches as panic takes over Kaminari and his sensitive hearing picks up the panicked rush of words "Shit, that soon. Oh no, what am I gonna wear. Wait does that matter? Oh god I'm not prepared for this."
"Calm down Kaminari, we are just gonna hangout in my suite today, so just be yourself and be comfortable. Don't worry too much, if things get awkward, I'll be there" Izuku reassures with a small smile.
Kaminari releases a relieved breath "Ok, ok thank you Izuku. I think I got this."
Izuku nods and lets him know he is gonna go get breakfast. He leaves the now relaxed teen to his devices and says farewell to Shinso. He makes his way to the kitchen area and is immediately treated to a feast of different foods from Katsuki. "Oh Kacchan, this all looks amazing"
Katsuki smirks "Of course it does Nerd. I made it." He states smugly. He ponders for a second "how was Pikachu when saw him?" with a small hint of worry.
Izuku looks at Katsuki amused "He was a little frazzled and nervous, but I think he will be ok."
"Good, he better not fuck this up" Katsuki warns, he is protective over Kato. He knows how much Kato has been hurt before, he will not hesitate to kick Pikachu's ass if it came to it.
Izuku nods he understands, he would do the same thing. He watches as Katsuki plates their breakfast and notices there is enough for one more serving. He raises a questioning eyebrow wondering who that is for.
"Pikachu" Katsuki states with a blush. Izuku is a little bit shocked but thinks this is probably Katsuki's way of saying thank you for keeping their secret to Kaminari.
The rest of the pack mates make their way to the Kitchen Ace spies the extra food and verbally questions it "Who's that for Blasty?"
"None of you business Matchstick!" Katsuki snarls.
Kaminari makes his way down the kitchen, Katsuki plates the food as the teen enters the kitchen. Blushing slightly Katsuki hands the plate to the other blonde. "Here Pikachu."
Kaminari looks shocked, he was not expecting this "You made this for me Kats? Why?"
Blushing a little harder Katsuki grumbles "It's thanks for keeping our secret" at Kaminari's smile Katsuki growls "Don't get used to it Pikachu. This is a one-time deal."
Kaminari nods and smiles "Thank you Kats, this looks delicious"
Katsuki smirks "Kats is better than you calling me Kacchan."
Kaminari looks down in thought then makes eye contact with Katsuki "If I knew the reason why you didn't want to be called that I would have never called you that name. I'm sorry Kats. Now that I know I will try my hardest not to say it."
Katsuki nods "If it comes out, I have no problem reminding you." He smirks dangerously.
"Noted" Kaminari gulps. He focuses on the food in front of him and takes a bite he practically moans it is so good. "Kats this is amazing"
"Of course it is, I made it" Katsuki accepts the praise smugly on the outside. Inside he feels warm, he likes cooking for others and seeing them happy every once in a while. He won't do it all the time, but he usually uses cooking to communicate what he doesn't like to say out loud, usually as an apology or thanks. The only exception is his Nerd; since the time he was old enough to cook, he made all of Izuku's meals if Inko doesn't cook.
After breakfast, Izuku and Katsuki clean the mess quickly. Izuku sends a message to Kato letting him know they are ready and will meet him outside the dorms. He tells Kato to start making his way to Heights Alliance building.
Outside the building Izuku and group start walking down the row of buildings, soon enough Izuku can see Kato. He smiles as he runs to envelop the other teen in a hug. "Kato! Its been so long"
Katsuki is at his side with a fond smile behind him is the rest of the group. "Nerd, you better let him go or are you trying to suffocate him?" He grins at Izuku's panicked face.
"OH NO KATO! I'm sorry" Izuku fusses over the support student.
"Hey 'Zuku. It has been a long time" Kato smiles softly. "I got some news to share but I'll let you know in you room"
"Ok shall we head up there then" Izuku asks, then remembers he didn't introduce the other "Oh yea I almost forgot. I don't know if remember Kirishima, you briefly met before the USJ incident, when those reporters broke in." Kato nods Izuku moves on. "The red- and white-haired teen is Shoto" Kato waves at the introduced teen, already piecing together information about the teen. Judging by the almost non-existent space between him and Ace he can assume they are matched. Izuku moves on "The yellow haired teen is Kaminari" Kato looks at the other teen and nods giving a small wave. He feels a strange sort of pull toward the other teen. He pushes it aside and bows slightly toward the introduced teens.
"Nice to meet you all" he says politely. He looks at Izuku "So 'Zuku you ready to show me these blueprints?"
"Yea let's go"
The boys make their way back to Heights Alliance dorms, in the common room most of the class 1-A students are milling about. Izuku picks up all the conversations on the room king competition the others partook in last night, apparently it came down the Sato who made a cake and Koda because he had a bunny pet. Izuku and the others made their ways to the elevator so they could go up to Izuku's suite. Izuku opens the door to his suite telling Kaminari and Kato to take a seat.
Once everyone was settled Izuku looks at Kaminari and Kato. "So Kato you said you had some news?"
Kato looks down "Yea, I would have told you sooner, but I didn't know until about two weeks ago." He pauses seeming to catch his breath. "Turns out I am not quirkless." Izuku looks intrigued.
"I didn't know quirks could develop this late" Izuku comments. "Then again mine came late too"
Kato looks almost ashamed "Well usually quirks appear between ages 4 and 5 sometimes a bit earlier. However there are times when certain conditions need to be met in order to unlock said quirk."
"So what quirk did you get and what were the conditions?" Katsuki asks
"I'm not too sure what the conditions were but when I saw All Might's fight on the news against that villain, suddenly I was able to see things that should not have been there."
"What do you mean, Kato" Izuku asks intrigued.
"Like a see-through computer screen filled with Stats, Quirk information, known weaknesses. I guess my ability to see weaknesses in equipment and machinery was part of it all along. That's not all though, in my worry for All Might and after hearing Kats and Ace were kidnapped, I would think for updates and they would just appear through my television or the news would come through on my phone. I can sort of manipulate technology. I don't know the full extent of it yet, but I can control the output of some of the components I was working on. I was tinkering with my laptop and I altered it to a better version; better graphics and processing power."
"That's interesting, sounds like technokinesis. I wonder what the drawback of such a quirk would be. Oh Kato are you gonna let me study it." Izuku starts to ramble with stars in his eyes.
Katsuki shakes his head knowingly. Kato blinks shocked Izuku would even ask him that. "Of course 'Zuku, you didn't need to ask"
Izuku nods "Since you got your quirk, did you get a mark?"
Kato blushes "I felt the burn of it appearing but I didn't look at it yet"
"Huh why not?" Luffy asks
Kato looks down again fiddling with his hands in a way Izuku hasn't seen since the first week of middle school. He sighs "my entire life I have accepted I'll never have a soulmate. So when I felt the burn, I panicked and can't bring myself to look at it and get my hopes up. I know I'm stronger now than I was in middle school but there is a part of me that will always be afraid my soulmate will reject me if they find out I was quirkless."
"Oh Kato, I get it. But if it makes you feel better, I don't think your soulmate will mind that you were quirkless." Izuku coos.
"How can you be so sure 'Zuku?" Kato asks hesitantly.
Katsuki scoffs "Idiot, when has the nerd been wrong about anything?"
Kato sighs and smiles fondly "Never." He releases in a breath "Thanks Kats"
Katsuki grunts. Izuku smiles "If you want to see it, we can go into my room and look at it. I'll be with you or you can go in there by yourself."
Kato contemplates the offer, but he looks around he knows and trusts Katsuki, Ace, Luffy and Izuku. He knows Kirishima is Luffy's match and Shoto is Ace's match. The only one he doesn't know too much on is Kaminari, he has seen the other boy interact with the other students during lunch. The teen is always smiling and happy, teasing his friends all in good fun. In a way the yellowed haired teen reminds him of Luffy, if just a bit more mischievous. Kato is not stupid his intelligence is about equal with Izuku's; he knows what the pull he feels to the electric blond means. He is just too apprehensive to do anything about it. He decides he will give the blond the choice to pursue anything if his mark matches. "'Zuku do you trust everyone here?" He whispers softly, only Izuku and Katsuki can hear him. Izuku nods but doesn't say anything else. Kato stands and turns his back to Izuku, he is shaking slightly, and nerves are pouring off him in waves.
Izuku senses his nerves and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to do this; we can go somewhere private."
Kato huffs frustrated "You guys are my best friends; I should be able to show you. I should be able to do this; you all let me see your marks."
Katsuki huffs "remember when we met?"
Kato looks confused "Yea. How could I forget?"
Katsuki smirks "remember what we told you then?"
Kato smirks "where you're an Asshole, Izuku is a nerd, Luffy is an Idiot, and Ace is a dick?" he asks innocently.
Katsuki growls "Even though that is still true, that is not what I meant, Idiot!" Ignoring the disagreeing glares from Icy hot and Shitty hair
Kato smiles losing the tension in his frame "I know Kats. I remember you won't make me do anything I don't want to. It's not that I don't want to; I just can't help but being nervous."
Izuku smiles "Take your time."
Kato takes a few moments to breathe and settle his thoughts. He nods to himself and grips the hem of his shirt. Like ripping off a band-aid he tears the shirt off. He squeezes his eyes closed and waits for Izuku to say something. When he waits in awkward silence for a few minutes he turns around to study Izuku's face. Izuku has a weird look on his face something fond, something fiercely protective, and recognition in his gaze. Kato ignores the gasp coming from behind him as he tries to break Izuku out of his daze.
"Zuku?" Kato calls
Izuku's eyes clear, "sorry Kato." He clears his throat "I know this mark." He pulls out his phone to show him the picture he took last night as his eye flit over to Kaminari. "Do you want me to tell you who it is?"
Kato looks at the phone, he considers it. After a moment he shakes his head "You know?" somehow, he is not nearly as surprised as he should be.
Izuku's face turns serious "I wasn't lying before when I said he is not going to mind you were quirkless."
Katsuki glares at Kaminari and scoffs "If he has a problem with it. I'll blast him to hell!" Kaminari can't tell if the explosive teen is being serious or not, he decides for his safety he will consider this threat to be a promise. He gulps and smiles disarmingly.
"He?" Kato gulps, that is another issue all on it's own. He resigned himself that he would be alone, maybe someday come across another markless person and settle for companionship rather than love. He has had only two weeks to get used to the idea that someone was out there for him. The fact that Izuku knows who he is; scares him.
Izuku seems to understand what Kato doesn't say "Not all soulmate bonds are romantic, that is something you will need to talk to him about."
Kato nods "You have known Katsuki practically your entire life. You have never had to take things slow. What if he wants something from me that I'm not ready to give. Or what if I want more eventually but he doesn't because I'm also a male." Kato starts to tear up. "'Zuku I don't know what to do. This all seems too real."
Ace steps up "When Shoto found out I was his match during the USJ he was convinced it would be better if I never found out. I found out during the Sports Festival when Shoto used his fire and his shirt burnt off during his match with Izuku. If Izuku didn't push him so far to make him realize his fire is his I probably would have never found out."
Shoto stands up next to Ace "I didn't want to tell him because, I was afraid he would be like my father. After thinking about it I decided it wasn't just my choice anymore. I thought he at least deserved to know and make the decision. But we talked and he assured me he would only do what I was comfortable with."
Kirishima speaks up "Luffy and I knew since the second day of classes. During All Might's battle training, Luffy protected me from Ashido's acid and took the hit himself. The acid burnt his back and his shirt, and I saw the mark. I was shocked since I don't really cover mine, to keep me from being distracted he said we would talk later."
"I was scared. You know our past, I thought he would reject me." Luffy states
Kirishima looks fondly at Kato "Even though we talked, it took us a while to get to where we are now. I was ashamed that compared to them I was weak. I was afraid that I would hold not only Luffy back, but the others as well. I thought Luffy would eventually leave me behind because I was too weak to protect him."
Luffy tackles Kirishima in a hug "I don't think your weak, you are my unbreakable shield" Pulling a fond laugh out of the red head.
In a rare show of softness not many people see from Katsuki; he turns to Kato, "even me and the nerd have had our problems. Did you see our match during the Sports Festival?"
Kato nods "Yea. I thought there was something different there."
Izuku sighs "He was pissed at me from the USJ incident and then my previous matches in the festival. I don't regret any of my matches." Pulling a frown from Shoto and a growl from Katsuki. "but I understood Kacchan's feelings, just because I can heal; it doesn't mean I need to intentionally take damage."
"Danm right Nerd!" Katsuki growls.
"I always thought soulmate bonds would be easy." Kaminari states "truth is I up until yesterday I didn't personally know a bonded pair. Besides my parents but I was too young when my dad passed away, so I don't really remember their relationship."
Katsuki smirks "Hate to break it to you Pikachu, but even if you have known your match your entire life; being Mates is something that takes a lot of work on both sides. You need to communicate your thoughts and feelings. You need to support each other and be ok with accepting the support from your match. If you can do that, everything else will work itself out."
"Kacchan is right. Being bonded doesn't mean everything will turn out ok. The biggest piece of advice I can tell both of you is too communicate." Izuku states knowingly. He sends an almost unnoticeable nod to Kato. "So what do you want to do?"
Kato takes in all the information that the others have dished him with. "You know him, right?" At the boys nods he takes a deep breath "Can you tell me about him?" He asks embarrassed.
Katsuki smirks at Kaminari's bright red face. "He's a Idiot" smirking wildly at Kaminari's sputtering.
Izuku uses a tail to hit Katsuki on the head "Kacchan be nice" he sighs out. Katsuki pouts out "It's true though". Izuku shakes his head fondly. He turns his gaze on Kaminari and starts telling Kato what he knows about the electric boy. "He is in our class. He is not as smart as you and me but let's face it not many people are. He is friendly and sociable, he even approached Kacchan to try and be friends. His quirk is powerful, but he has difficulty controlling it. He may come off as blunt and reckless at times, but he is always well-meaning. He is honest and does not tolerate people looking down on him or others and will defend them if necessary."
Kaminari looks at him wide eyed and shocked, he has said like a handful of words to them and most of them were last night. He will ask about how Izuku knows this stuff later. He watches Kato for his reaction still gazing at the other teens back and tracing the mark with his eyes. He wants to brush his fingers against it. He feels a piercing gaze on him and looks up at Katsuki. There is a protective gleam in Katsuki's eyes, Kaminari realizes this is a different look than usually directed at people outside their small group of friends. He has seen this look directed at Shoto and Kirishima before when they first started to get close to Ace and Luffy. Usually Katsuki is always glaring angrily and aggressively toward everyone outside the group.
Kaminari won't deny Katsuki is intelligent in both academics and reading people. He knows when people are being dishonest in their intentions. At first, he thought Katsuki was an aggressive bully, but as he watched and observed he noticed Katsuki was only like that to people who disrespected his friends. He singled out Iida on the first day because Iida singled out his nerd during the entrance exam. Kaminari thinks back to his matches in the sports festival; even if Kaminari thought Katsuki was being rough with Ochaco, he recognized the respect in Katsuki's gaze.
Kaminari knows Katsuki isn't really good at expressing himself, he thinks about Katsuki making him breakfast as thanks. He remembers the surprised look Ace gave the explosive teen for making him dinner yesterday. Almost as if Ace was not expecting Katsuki to make him food even though he was making the rest of them food. He heard Ace's confusion when he asked Katsuki why he cooked for him if he didn't help in the rescue mission. Katsuki replied with a quick comment about thanking the other hot head for saving Luffy.
Kato looks deep in thought "He sounds like someone I wouldn't mind being around." He looks over to Izuku "I think I already know who it is. I could be wrong thought since this is all so new to me."
"What do you mean?" Katsuki asks curious.
"I feel a sort of pull that wasn't there even yesterday. Ace, Lu did you feel the pull?"
"For me it was like a buzzing sensation when I was close, so I knew it was someone in our class" Ace confirms.
"I only had a day before I found out who it was, I can't tell you if it was a pull or just excitement for our first day. But I felt a fluttery feeling though It could have been from excitement." Luffy pointed out.
Kato nods "what about you Todoroki? Kirishima?"
"I felt a buzzing as well. Then after I saw the mark, I started getting headaches since I didn't do anything about it." Shoto warns "They went away when I talked to Ace"
"Why didn't you say anything?" Ace asks panicked.
"Umm… I wasn't thinking straight. I didn't know that would happen. I know what happens when you reject to bond, but I didn't reject it; I just tried to ignore it. Maybe that is why you didn't feel any pain." Shoto tries to explain. He looks miserable "I'm sorry Ace."
Ace understands and he forgives Shoto "you don't need to apologize; I just hate the fact you would put yourself through that." He moves and rubs his fingers over Shoto's mark. Shoto melts against him and hums.
"I felt similar to Lu. Couldn't tell you if it was excitement or something related to the bond."
Kato soaks in all the information, he hums "I did my research on soulmates and bonds, I don't intend to reject my other half."
Kaminari gulps "I feel like there is a magnet in my chest" he informs softly.
Kato looks at him and blushes slightly "You feel it too?"
Kaminari smiles softly "Yea. Been feeling it all day". Kaminari takes the time to study Kato, his eyes are a blue in the center including the pupil and turning to purple towards the edge of the iris. His hair is black tinted purple. Chin length hair styled in fashionable messy look, as some of his hair covers one of his eyes. He has a sharp chin, thin glasses pushed up on a narrow nose. Kaminari can't deny that the teen looks attractive. Welp Kaminari sighs it's now or never, he turns around and presents his back to the teen. He peals his shirt over his shoulders and hears a gasp.
Kato gasps "I'm not really surprised since I felt the pull as soon as I saw you." He fiddles with his fingers "What do you want from this?"
"Call me Denki." He starts "I'm not sure, all I know is I want to get to know you. I showed my mark to Izuku yesterday. I had some questions about bonds and guessed Izu and Kats were bonded. I told them I was confused because I read the soul marks are supposed to give you clues to make finding your match easier. The lightening was obvious, but I could find out what the rest meant. So I showed them Izuku broke down what he thought the rest meant. He was mostly correct. He told me he was 90% sure he knew who it was." Denki pauses.
Kato flashes a smirk "Figures, he would know"
"Well I started panicking last night after I left, I couldn't stop thinking of all the possibilities of how this would go. I forgot Izu has enhanced senses and was shocked when he texted me not to over think things. I'm nervous because I'm not smart I'm pretty average and Izuku made it seem like you're a genius. He told me a bit about your past, that you had it rough because you were quirkless. I just want you know I don't care about that. Quirk or no quirk doesn't matter to me. Male or Female doesn't matter to me either. I am willing to give whatever I can and accept everything you are willing to give."
Katsuki laughs "Don't let him fool you Pikachu, he doesn't need a quirk to kick your ass"
Kato laughs "If it wasn't for you four bullying your way in my life, I wouldn't be so strong."
Izuku looks guiltily affronted "Wha- but Kato, we didn't… I mean" he pouts, bottom lip quivering eyes are watering. He is about 3 seconds away from crying.
Kato and Katsuki share glances and double over laughing. "Oh man Kats, that will always get to him huh?"
Kaminari's curiosity gets the better of him "I don't want to come off as rude, but I'm lost" Katsuki looks at him uninterested and Kato gives him a fond smile.
"What is bothering you?" he asks
"First what did you mean about them bullying their way into your life." Kaminari asks, protective determination flaring in his eyes. Kirishima and Shoto both look at the 5 boys confused.
"I suppose we should start at the beginning huh?" Ace states
"Yea before Kaminari fries us all" Luffy laughs.
Kato chuckles "So when I was in elementary school, I didn't get my quirk, my small group of friends turned on me. It started with harmless nicknames, like quirkless failure, loser, deadweight, etc. Then it escalated they started making me do their homework and class work. A year before middle school it started to become violent. I didn't know we were going to the same middle school so on the first day in my excitement I accidently bumped into my ex-best friend. He dragged me to the roof and started to beat me down all because I wouldn't kiss his shoes in the middle of the hallway. He had me braced to the railing of the roof, when Izuku came up on the roof the bully let go and I fell off the roof."
The room is stunned silent, even the boys that were present at the time stay quiet. Kato looks down with a fond smile on his face "Izuku, jumped off the roof and caught me he brought me back on top of the roof and set me down. This short kid stood large and protectively in front of me, when my bully used his quirk to attack Izuku didn't even move, my bully was down. I was in shock; two other teens came up to the roof and restrained the bully while Izuku healed me. He told me he will check up on me and my injuries the next day. I told him he didn't have to, he already saved me. Izuku smiled and told me "It's what friends do". For a while I forgot why I didn't have friends, I forgot why I was up on the roof. I told them I didn't have friends and that I was quirkless after they introduced themselves and their quirks. I told Izuku I liked to analyze hero and look for weaknesses. That was the first time I heard Izuku break into a muttering fit about how cool it would be to nerd with someone and show someone his blueprints. The three boys bickered in front of me; about another kid they left on their own and blaming each other for doing so."
Izuku smiles "Kacchan and Ace left Lu by himself."
Katsuki growls "It was your fault Nerd!"
Kato smiles at the memory "after we found Luffy, we found out we were all in the same class and sat together waiting for the teacher to come in. The happiness I felt at the possibility of having friends disappeared when a group from my old school entered the class; they immediately crowded us and sneered that I was pretending to have friends. When Izuku stood up for me the other kids laughed and said I tricked them into thinking I was someone worth being friends with. Katsuki was trying to calm Izuku down. Izuku called Katsuki 'Kacchan' and told him he was fine. Katsuki denied the claim saying "no, you're not Nerd." This made the group laugh harder they called Izuku and Katsuki fags."
Izuku winces this is the part that almost ruined their friendship.
"Izuku unleased so much pressure and fury while growling protectively he snapped "Kato is my friend, if you have a problem with that; I'll tear you apart". The group ran scared whispering about a monster, Katsuki had to calm Izuku down. I didn't understand at the time why a group of kids I met like 20 minuets ago would be so protective over me."
"The Nerd is terrifying when he gets protective" Katsuki supplies. "The Nerds wolfish instincts won't let anyone talk down to people he's claimed. Kato didn't know it at the time but as soon as the Nerd saved him Fuji already claimed him."
"I won't let anyone decide who I can be friends with!" Izuku states almost in a growl.
Ace looks at Kaminari "We are a very protective group, Izuku more so then the rest of us. If you are truly serious about gaining our trust you need to know that. Izuku doesn't care if you're Kato's match, if you intentionally put him or any of us in danger, you will see a side of Izuku not many people walk away from."
Kato reminisces "At lunch the boys still asked if I was going to come over that night. I was still shaken up from witnessing such fury from a boy my age, I didn't know what would happen if I denied going over so I said yes. Izuku must have sensed my nervousness and he felt bad, so he explained more about himself and his quirk to me. He told me because he shares his soul with a Wolf spirit, he has very strong wolf instincts. He didn't mean to scare me; he lost his cool because his wolf couldn't take someone talking bad about me. I still didn't understand, or I didn't trust them. My first friends betrayed me when I was no longer useful. I got mad at them because I thought their care and kindness was fake. I was confused because no one has ever cared about me since my quirk didn't come in; even my own parents didn't really care. So I thought there was no way 4 kids I just met would care, I didn't know why Izuku saved me, or offered to be my friend. I asked him why did he save me? Why did he care?" Kato looks down "He told me he didn't need a reason to catch me; he did it because it was never a choice not to. I still didn't get it I yelled at him that he should have just let me fall. I got slapped for that as he cried that he would have done it over and over again even if I hated him at the end. Luffy figured out I was scared to accept their friendship, so he asked, I told them about the bullies how they used to be my friends; how it all changed." He pauses to gather his bearings "That's when they bullied me into giving them a trial run for a week. Izuku promised me nerding out, training, actually doing homework together; everything if I wanted it and nothing if I didn't."
Ace and Luffy look fondly at Kato. Katsuki glares playfully and Izuku panickily muttering apologies. Kaminari, Kirishima, and Shoto still look confused. Kirishima clears his throat "Did the trial week turn out bad?"
Kato laughs "No, it was the best week of my life." He begins. "Old habits die hard; I still couldn't believe they weren't pretending. That the moment I caved I thought they would change, I thought if I gave them my trust it would be no different than when my first friends became my bullies. I met Shanks he gave me hope that I could be strong, that he would help me be strong. He told me that true strength comes from your will. I told him people judge your strength and character by your quirk. So he told me there is more to a persons strength than a quirk. He said he would prove it to me and show me what it means to be strong without quirks. I started thinking if I didn't become friends with them, I would lose that, I also thought if I became friends with them, they would think I was using them. I didn't want anything to change, but I couldn't help the thoughts in my head. Izuku told me nothing had to change, that even if I didn't want to hang out with them, I could still go and train with Shanks. It was actually Kats that got through to me, I'll never forget what he said "Oh, just give in already, I'm an asshole that's never going to change, the Nerd will always be a Nerd, Luffy will always be the rubber brained idiot of the group. And Ace is a dick. We aren't pretending and we won't be something we are not." I laughed so hard I couldn't believe I thought they were pretending. I caved and ever since they have been there for me. They even told me I could go into the hero course without a quirk. I tried but I didn't get enough points, but Izuku and Katsuki helped me with my backup plan. I made Katsuki's gauntlets, using Izuku's plans to optimize and add healing capabilities to them. I presented them to the board and got accepted."
Kaminari gasps "You made Kats' gauntlets? Seriously those are so cool."
Kato blushes "I made them but Izuku designed them, and I added some things to help with his weaknesses. I added a small heat pack that activates if the temperature outside is below 10 degrees Celsius. Izuku came up with the ideas for heal packs and sweat storage. I also made Izuku's shoulders and face mask."
"That is impressive Kato" Kirishima cheers.
Izuku clears his throat "Kato, I have some designs I've been working on for upgrades on my face mask and Kacchan's gloves. Also I have a few ideas to help Denki control the discharge of his quirk. I have also noticed when he discharges his electricity, he has no natural way to direct where it goes. Kirishima's costume is basically perfect but I have some ideas there as well. Shoto can use a thermal regulator to prevent frostbite when fire usage is not advisable…" Izuku's eyes glaze over as he go through all his ideas for possible upgrade. Kato listens intently even when the others can't catch the words being fired off.
Katsuki bops him on the head again "Nerd somewhere else!"
"Sorry Kacchan" Izuku states sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head. He turns to Kato "shall we head to my room then or do you just want me to bring the prints out."
Kato looks fondly at Izuku, "Out here is fine, we can spread them out and talk about the different idea we have." Then he remembers there are other people in the room. "I mean if that is ok with everyone here."
Kaminari and Kirishima both state that they are interested in the blueprints as well, even though they will probably be lost. Shoto just nods still thinking about the additions Izuku mentioned to his hero suit. Luffy doesn't care about the blueprints but wants to be around the rest of his friends. Ace just want to be next to Shoto.
Katsuki verbally tsks muttering "fucking Nerds" fondly under his breath as he heads to his and Izuku's room to grab some of the blueprints. He comes back with a hand full and plops them in the middle of the group.
Izuku searches for the one on Katsuki's upgrades and opens it. Kato peers closer at the drawings and written mutterings on the side.
"So let me get this straight you want the gauntlets to be made of a stronger metal because Kats' explosions are getting more powerful." Kato summarizes for the non-engineering savvy teens.
"Yes, also the heal pack that is in his current gauntlets needs an upgrade. With his bigger explosions he is damaging his muscle fibers. We have also been able to share part of my quirk, but his arms can't handle the additional strain. I would like to add a way to heal the broken fingers and arms if he needs it. Without sacrificing the heal pack that gets released when he pulls the pin." Izuku explains.
"What if we made the gauntlet with the same material, we used for your face mask." Kato suggests.
"That metal is optimal for me because of my fire. I don't know if it will hold up to Kacchan's explosions." Izuku explains. "Theoretically if I can find a way to permanently add my fire to the gauntlets it would work. Also that might solve the issue of healing his arms that my strength gives him."
Kato looks at Izuku wide eyed he knows about OFA. "Really? He can use that?" he looks at Katsuki then back to Izuku. "Can you use his explosions? Can he use the healing part of you quirk? Will he start transforming into a wolf like you? Or will it all be instinctual?"
The boys laugh at Kato's excitement "One question at a time Kato." Ace reminds.
Kato looks bashfully "Sorry, this is all so interesting."
Izuku chuckles "It really is." He sighs "At least someone gets it"
"What is that supposed to mean Nerd!" Katsuki growls.
Kato chuckles "I always thought sharing Soulmate powers was a myth. Maybe Kats has always been part wolf. He growls more than you do 'Zuku." Receiving non-verbal growls from Katsuki.
"Kacchan would look so adorable with wolf ears and a tail" Izuku states dreamily.
Katsuki's face burns red "What the hell Nerd?"
"Do you think if Kacchan got my transformations that his ears and tail would be the same color as his hair, or do you think they would be the same color as my fire?" Izuku's eye glaze over as he pictures Katsuki with his tails. "I think Kacchan would look so cool with my fire tails."
The rest of the boys laugh and double over, even Shoto looks amused. "Izuku I agree, I think Bakugo would look pretty with your wolf features" Shoto snickers.
"You wanna go Elsa!" Katsuki rages, it's ineffective due to the bright red blush on the explosive teens face. He grumbles "If anything, if I did get tails, they would probably be the color of my explosions."
"Kacchan that would look so cool. Imagine if they could explode" Izuku's face brightens "Or what if you get my wings and the feathers could explode. That would be so cool. Kacchan is the coolest."
"Danm right Nerd." Katsuki smirks. He actually wouldn't mind getting wolf features or turning into a badass wolf with exploding feathers. Not that he thinks it will ever happen but what ever let the Nerd fantasize. "Anyways let's get back on topic here. What if we tried to forge your fire into a stronger metal."
Izuku snaps out of his daydreams "Maybe, that could work. Kacchan's gauntlet are made with steel. We could use magnesium instead it is 75 % lighter and 10X stronger impact wise. I could try to forge my flames into it and then form it into a sheet. We will test heat resistance, using Ace's fire. Shoto can test its durability to the cold, does it get brittle in freezing temperatures. Denki can check how reactive to electricity it is. Kacchan will test its durability to see how many explosions it can handle. Kato let me know when you have enough to smelt down."
"Got it" rings out from the group.
Shoto clears his throat "What ideas did you have for my suit?"
Izuku smiles "your hero suit could use a full body thermal temperature regulator. Using a series of nano sensors places in strategic spots to prevent frostbite and overheating. Your jacket is make of a flame-resistant material. But I was thinking full body flame resistance and blast proof, not that I think you would get caught up in Kacchan's explosions, but Kacchan isn't the only source of explosions and shrapnel. I could add heal packs to the inside of your suit to aid in battle if I can't get to you. I also think a lightweight pressure resist gauntlet would help compress your fire and ice powers." He looks down remembering the invasion and how many of the students were poisoned. "I think we should all have some form of respirator, or something that can filter the air we breathe. I can't stop thinking that what if you guys were closer to the gas villain. I don't think I could have handled losing all of you."
"I agree. If Icy hot and I had a mask on we would have been able to escape the forest with the rest of the students. Everyone else got masks from Momo, we were not close enough to her." Katsuki agrees.
Shoto, Ace, and Luffy nod. "It's a great idea, we never know when there will be a toxic gas villain in the future, or like you implied with the explosions its not always a villains quirk that can cause poisonous gasses. We could be doing volcanic evacuations and need to handle the toxic sulfuric acid that comes with it." Shoto agrees.
"I could make something that would sense the air quality around you and deploy a respirator when the air is poor." Kato suggests.
"that is perfect Kato" Izuku cheers. "Denki, I have a few ideas to control your quirk we need to figure out a way to stop you from frying your brain when you discharge."
"Do you know how to use a weapon like a bo staff?" Kato asks.
"Not really" Kaminari state sheepishly.
Ace looks contemplative "What if you could shoot something that your lightening is attracted to, then control a small amount of electricity to discharge at a specific area. That way when you are fighting with other heroes you don't electrocute them or potential civilians."
Kaminari thinks about it, that does sound cool. "Yea that would probably work."
"Have you tried to shape your electricity, like into a ball, or bolt?" Kato asks
"No I have only discharged outward. I have never tried to mold it." Kaminari states. Izuku wasn't kidding Kato is fucking smart. He never even considered trying to do anything else with his quirk. He supposes it might be possible, he can generate and cover himself in electricity. "I never even considered that to be a possibility, I wouldn't know where to start."
Izuku looks at the electric teen "We will figure it out together. If there is a way to mold it, we will find it and perfect it." He states determined. Kaminari watches matching looks of determination bloom on the other boy's faces. He nods, it will be hard work but if they can help him control his quirk and help him find other ways to use it, well he will suck it up.
"Thanks guys, I will try my hardest." Kaminari states sincerely.
Izuku starts talking about his own hero suit. Kaminari didn't know his armor is made completely out of his fire. It makes sense because Izuku would be naked if he switched from wolf to human. To Have the best students in the class helping him out; he feels honored. Kaminari watches Kato as he listens to Izuku talk animated about new gear and designs. Kato is completely absorbed in the conversation, eyes bright and calculating. Kaminari thinks his eyes are pretty the way the blue glows and darkens to a purple color. He has never seen eyes like that and wonders if his eyes are a result of his quirk. Kato has a fond small smile on his face as he lets Izuku mutter and ramble on about everything. He doesn't know when, but the conversation switched to pro heroes and quirk analysis. Izuku is a fucking analytical genius in the way he can break down quirks and theory craft how different heroes can pair up to support weaknesses and compliment strengths. Kato interrupts with his own thoughts and suggestions; smiling wider when Izuku excitedly agrees and continues adding on to the thought. This is the kind of relationship he wants with these teens; he wants to be able to sit and chill and talk about everything. He is not smart, but he is creative in his strategies.
Luffy slides up next to him and tosses an arm around his shoulder. Kaminari accidently discharges and shocks the teen. He panics "Oh my god Luffy I'm so sorry I wasn't paying attention I didn't mean to shock you."
Luffy laughs "Relax Denki, I'm made of rubber." He states simply.
Kaminari realizes Luffy being made of rubber, Luffy is immune to electric attacks. He sags in relief "Thank god, but still I should have been more careful."
Luffy shrugs off the apology "so what had you so distracted?"
Kaminari blushes "I was just thinking."
Luffy hums and watches what Kaminari is watching. "Want to talk about it."
Kaminari shakes his head "No, I want to talk to Kato, but he looks so happy chatting with Izuku and Katsuki that I don't want to pull him away. I have wanted to find my match for so long, now that I know who it is, I don't quite know what to do about it. I don't know if I want romance out of this, but I want to try."
Luffy bumps his shoulder with his own, "you're a good person, so I'm not going to tell you not to hurt him. If you do, well I'd be the least of your worries. I know Ace already said this, but we are extremely protective over each other. We have always had to be. It is not just Kato that had problems with bullies and being hated for things we couldn't control. Izuku told the class a bit about his past, with being called a monster. But he would get beat up, his ears and tails cut off. He would be told his soulmate wouldn't want a pet or a monster to be with them. We were all furious, Izuku came home crying one day and wouldn't talk to any of us. Shanks got him to talk though, and Ace and Kats being the overprotective idiots they are flipped out. Kats was ready to show these kids who the real monster was, but Ace told him Izuku needed him. Even though Izuku is stronger than all of us, he has a big heart and it damages easily. Its our jobs to protect his heart, and Katsuki's job is to heal it when we can't.
Everyone knows Katsuki is an aggressive asshole, he speaks vulgarly and harsh. The other kids didn't like him, thought he was mean and bad. Only Izuku, a happy kid always nerding about one hero or another tried to befriend Katsuki. At first Katsuki tried to push him away, don't know if it was to save Izuku from the hurtful words slurred at Katsuki's back or to isolate himself so he wouldn't get hurt when Izuku finally left him alone. Izuku never did, every time Katsuki ran away from him Izuku chased him down to play. Every time he yelled at the other kids, Izuku was there to calm him down. It got worse when Katsuki's quirk came in everyone called him villainous, and evil. His own mother hated him kept the house freezing so he wouldn't be able to sweat, she would constantly call him a villain. She would yell at him when he let small explosions pop off when he got emotional. The other kids would avoid him and when he got frustrated his hands would pop. The teachers would constantly tell him he was evil and bad because he couldn't control it. That would only make him angrier and the explosions worse. Little Izuku would engulf the angry Katsuki in a hug and talk about heroes until Katsuki calmed down. Katsuki would calm down just by hearing Izuku call him 'Kacchan'. Katsuki once told us that Izuku was the only one who saw past the hard exterior, the borderline violent personality and believe Katsuki could be a hero. Izuku was the first person to reach in and grab the good in the boy and never let go. He wouldn't allow Katsuki to get swallowed by darkness. All of this happened before they found out they matched. Izuku's quirk didn't come in when he was four, it came in when they went to the beach so Katsuki could show off his quirk by blowing some stuff up. They were looking for a more secluded area when they found us. We were shipwrecked and washed up on shore. Izuku wanted us to live, to be better so his healing quirk activated. The doctors think it was instinctual and Izuku's wolf woke up when he wanted to make us better."
Kaminari looks shocked, he thought Katsuki was an arrogant overconfident jack ass. He had no idea that he wore that image like a suit of armor. He always wondered why Katsuki looked so down after his match with Ochaco. "Why are you telling me this?"
Luffy smiles "You want our trust; you want to be our friend. Then you need to understand why we are so closed off and protective of each other."
Kaminari nods "Well Kats is in the hero course; his mother should be happy right?"
Luffy's face turns dark "Do you remember the first day of school. When Katsuki freaked out because Iida kept calling Izuku a monster. Izuku said he couldn't hold his wolf back anymore, so he ended the fight a bit harsher than he needed to. Do you remember why Katsuki started to panic."
Kaminari shakes his head "No I don't remember."
Luffy sighs "I don't know if I'm supposed to tell you about this, but Izuku lost control over Fuji when we were seven so save a kid from death. When people he cares about are in danger it is hard for him to hold Fuji back."
Kaminari nods "I remember now." Understanding flashing in his eyes.
Luffy sighs "you don't understand. That kid Izuku lost control over was Katsuki."
Kaminari gasps "Wha- What happened"
"I wasn't there to see Izuku lose control, we were at the gym about to start training with Shanks. Izuku came running up to us asking if we seen Katsuki, that he had a bad feeling. He asked Ace to come with him to look for Katsuki and asked me to stay back to tell Shanks. From what I was told, when they got to Katsuki's house he was bleeding out with multiple stab wounds to his stomach and most of his ribs were broken. When Izuku laid eyes on him he snapped and transformed into his wolf form. Fuji was in control; he ignored the woman because Katsuki was dying so Fuji laid on top of him feeding the boy his flames to heal his injuries. Ace told me Katsuki's mother was going to stab Izuku, but Ace knocked her out before she could. Fuji wouldn't let anyone approach not even recovery girl. The only ones at the time that were safe were Ace, Shanks, and me. Fuji would have attacked All Might if he approached. So no Katsuki's mother is not happy, or she might be, but we will never let her get her hands on Katsuki again. Since then Katsuki has lived with us at Izuku's house."
Kaminari looks like he is going to cry he had no idea the group had it this rough. "Why? Why would she do that? To her own son. To a child that a mother is supposed to love and cherish and help grow." He sobs.
"Because she saw my mark" Katsuki states with a glare on his face.
"Kats I'm sorry to spill the beans. I should have asked. I just wanted him to understand why we are so protective. He needs to understand why we appear to be so closed off." Luffy states apologetically. "I didn't mean any harm Kats. I'm sorry"
"I'm not mad at you Lu" Katsuki sighs "I just hate being reminded of that part of my life." He turns to Kaminari "My mother was so convinced I would be a villain, that only a monster could love me. She saw my mark and commented on it she said only a demon could love another demon. I let it slip that I know who my match was by telling her off for calling him a demon. That is when she got this crazed look in her eyes. I didn't know what to expect so I ran to lock myself in my room and was going to escape through the window. I was halfway out the window when suddenly I was being thrown into my bookshelf. She starting beating me I tried to use my explosions to get free, but that only made it worse she started kicking me in the ribs I felt a few of them break. I blacked out after the first stab." Katsuki finishes.
Kaminari wants to vomit, he had no idea. "I'm sorry Kats." He says softly, "I'm sorry for the way I treated you before I had no idea. I don't think I deserve to be accepted into your group." He has tears in his eyes.
Katsuki glares "That is not why I told you Pikachu! I told you so you would understand." He glares at Kaminari "Of course you didn't know, we didn't tell anyone. The only ones outside this room that know is the nerds mother, Shanks, the detective, Aizawa, All Might, Nighteye, and Recovery Girl."
Kaminari ponders this new information when something clicks "You've known All Might, Aizawa, and Nighteye since you were seven. How?"
Izuku stands "Shanks is Ace's and Luffy's dad, he is also my stepdad and Katsuki's father figure. He worked at Might Tower so that is how we know All Might and Nighteye. I met Aizawa at the Red Force that morning. I watched him spar against 10 people and healed him at the end. Aizawa Sensei is like our older brother. I met Hawks when I was 9 and he taught me how to use my feathers in combat. He is another person who is like an older brother to me."
"Oh wow I didn't know you were so well connected" Kaminari states in awe. In a rare show of intelligence he states "your relations with the teachers is none of my business. Thank you for sharing."
Izuku nods "Now do you understand why I said we can't trust you fully yesterday. It's not just our friendship you would be betraying. There is stuff about us that we can not let people know yet if villains find out the full extent of my abilities, this school will not protect us. Shigaraki thinks I can only heal in wolf form. My quirk give me power over life. Plant life, animal life, even human life. Though I have never attempted to save a dead person before; the closest to death I have ever healed was Kacchan when we were seven but that wasn't me that was Fuji, and when I healed Aizawa, and when I took the hit from that Nomu. In non-berserk mode I did bring back a cat that died from being hit by a car." Izuku pauses and lets that sink in a bit, "if the hero association, or villains found out about that they would take me away. The hero association would study me, most likely make me impregnate women to pass my quirk on. Villains would capture me so they could never die. It wont just be me, but everyone who knows this secret, Aizawa, All Might, Hawks, Shanks, Recover Girl, the detective, and all of us would be targeted by everyone. The pros that know would be hunted by the hero association for keeping me a secret. Even principal Nezu would go down because he knows as well."
"Holy shit dude" Kaminari freaks out a bit.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but can we trust you." Izuku asks seriously.
Kaminari gulps "Yea, I want to live. If I tell anyone your secret, I'm as good as dead."
"Danm right Pikachu" Katsuki smirks.
Kaminari cracks a smirk "Besides who would believe me, when you have that much power on your side."
Luffy laughs "That is true, but that is beside the point."
Kaminari agrees "yea I know. Thank you for trusting me." Kaminari grins and looks around to the group "I am really happy to have met you all"
Izuku stretches his joints crack and there is a slight whimper in his throat, he gains a questioning look from Katsuki. Izuku sighs "Fuji is agitated"
Katsuki turns serious "Why Nerd?"
Izuku chuckles "Ever since we met up with Kato, he's wanted to come out."
Katsuki, Ace, and Luffy grin "It has been a long time since Kato has cuddled with us."
Izuku laughs "Yea, Fuji is mad at me for not letting him out. He missed you Kato."
Kirishima perks up "Does that mean, he wants a puppy pile?" he asks excitedly.
Shoto smiles softly "I don't mind a good cuddle right now."
Ace and Katsuki laugh "Of course you wouldn't"
Shoto blushes "His tails are soft" is all he offers as explanation.
Kaminari looks confused "Puppy pile? What is that?"
Kirishima excitedly explains "Fuji demands cuddles and since he is pretty much a giant puppy, we call it a puppy pile."
"Can I have just one person not call it a puppy pile?" Izuku groans.
"Nope" is cheered throughout the room.
Izuku pouts for a bit and then sighs "Well I haven't shifted in about a week, so Kato wanna join the puppy pile?" He smiles as he gets an excited nod from Kato. "What about you Denki? You want to meet non-threatening Fuji."
Before Kaminari can respond Katsuki barks out "If you want to be our friend puppy piles are a requirement Pikachu. Even though Izuku trusts you and is familiar with you, if he loses control and Fuji doesn't recognize you it can end very badly. The Puppy Piles are to get Fuji used to us."
Kaminari's eye widen "is it safe for me to be here right now, or should I step out and come back when he is settled."
"Its safe, just listen to Kacchan. He will walk you through meeting Fuji. Fuji can't talk so you might hear him growling and grunting."
"Ok, I trust you Kats" Kaminari concedes shakily.
Izuku nods to Katsuki and starts shifting. Kaminari now understands why Principal Nezu gave the boys a bigger area. Fuji is massive and makes an intimidating figure. He understands why principal Nezu didn't think it would be a good idea to have Izuku shift in the common area. He watches as Fuji makes himself comfortable and Katsuki takes the spot between Fuji's neck and shoulder. He watches as Katsuki grips the scruff of the wolf neck and pops a couple of small firecracker like explosions. The massive wolf whines and snuggles into Katsuki. He watches as everyone else settles against the massive wolf. Shoto really does like being curled up in Fuji's tails. Luffy and Kirishima curl up near the wing making it look like they have a blanket around them. Kato nuzzles against the wolfs side.
Katsuki looks at Kaminari "you ready Pikachu?"
"Yea" he gulps, so far so good. It seems like either Katsuki can hold him back or Fuji doesn't want him dead. "What do I do?"
Katsuki smirks "Hold out your hand and approach slowly, when you're about a foot away stop and let him come the rest of the way. If he snarls and shows his teeth you are too close, if that happens don't panic just back up slowly until he stops. When he bunts your hand it is safe for you to approach."
Kaminari nods, shakily he follows Katsuki's advise. He stops about two feet away from the wolf and raises his hand. He is tense and his hand shake uncontrollably. Katsuki clears his throat and grabs Kaminari's attention.
"He is not gonna hurt you Pikachu, relax" Katsuki scoffs.
Kaminari takes a few deep breaths trying to choke down the nerves and fear causing him to shake. After a few moments of trying to calm himself the wolf makes a sound. If a wolf is capable the sound from the wolf sounded like a scoff.
Katsuki chuckles and holds the scruff of Fuji's neck. "Well can you blame him. The nerd has shifted enough times to scare the class. I don't blame him for being cautious."
The wolf responds with a whine followed by a whimper. Kaminari watches as Fuji bows his head and nudges Katsuki's stomach. Causing the explosive boy to pet him while laughing. "I know, but he doesn't." Katsuki laughs harder as the massive wolf tries to bury himself in Katsuki's stomach. "Oh stop being difficult. You'll get belly rubs later."
Kaminari's eye widen as the wolf happily chirps and nuzzles in the other teens stomach. Katsuki huffs "Idiot, you need to accept him before he can come any closer." The wolf perks up head tilted in question. Katsuki chuckles and points at Kaminari. Kaminari fidgets slightly as the wolf studies him, the shaking is gone, he swallows thickly and takes a few steps forward. Fuji shakes his head, and a low rumble escapes Kaminari gulps and takes a half a step back. Fuji tilts his head forward and lazily sniffs the hand in front of him. The same low rumbling sound escaping the wolf, Kaminari looks at Katsuki. Katsuki is watching Fuji with his equivalent star eyed gaze. Kaminari assumes this sound is a good thing, well he is pretty sure this sound is at least Non-threatening. After a few moments the wolf bunts his head against Kaminari's hand. Kaminari sags in relief and smiles reaching to pet the wolfs head.
"Don't touch the ears" Katsuki warns.
Kaminari nods and redirects his hand to a safe zone, he scratches under the wolf's chin receiving another pleased rumble from the wolf. When fuji gets his fill of pettings he nudges Kaminari's stomach, Kaminari realizes this is the same thing the wolf did to Katsuki. He shoots Katsuki a look that he hope portrays his confusion.
"He wants you to join the pile." Katsuki grunts in response to the unanswered question. Kaminari nods and moves to sit next to Kato. With fascination he runs his fingers through Fuji's fire like fur. "Wow, it's surprisingly soft." He praises.
Kato laughs "Yea, who knew fire would be so soft"
"I uh, I didn't think I would ever see Fuji look so friendly. The first time I saw him was the second day of school. He turned into Fuji to complete the training, though he was black rather than green at that time. He shocked everyone in the class. I was in Izuku's group during the entrance exam I was with a group of students when the building around us started breaking and burying us in debris. My electric quirk would have been useless to get us out, not to mention if I used it, I would hurt the others. Izuku came and took out the robots and then came back for us. He healed the examinees that were injured. He kept going running and leaping after robots and other students that were getting injured. He sacrificed a lot of points to save us. I knew then I wanted to be his friend." He stops his rant and blushes "Oh um sorry about that I got a little sidetracked. Anyways, Iida someone in our class kept demanding him to tell him the secrets of his quirk. He kept asking what Izuku was doing during the entrance exam. He kept calling him a monster, beast, he accused him of being a villain. Iida caused Izuku to go into a panic attack, I wanted to help but Katsuki and Ace crowed him. I thought it was probably better for people he knew to help him." He recalls something angry, sad and wrapped in guilt in his voice.
Kato smiles at him. "That's how 'Zuku has always been, he has no self-preservation instincts at all. That boy jumped off a room for me. But I'm glad that you would have stepped in, even though Ace and Kats was already on it. Though you probably would have gotten an explosion to your face for your efforts. Katsuki is the type to explode first ask questions later."
"Yea, I noticed. Izuku wasn't the only one the majority of the class saw as Villainous. Katsuki was scrutinized and booed for taking a classmate seriously during the sports festival. I took my teasing too far and said he lived up to the role of a villain. I didn't know why at the time, but he just froze. I was expecting him to be the loud, shouty, angry Bomberanian he usually is when I teased him." Kaminari recalls regretfully.
Kato chuckles "I like that, Bomberanian fits him perfectly"
Kaminari smiles "Back to the first time I saw Izuku in wolf form, he effectively took out Iida. He called his partner and told him to come back to the hideout. His partner was injured so Izuku threw feathers at him to heal his partner. Iida didn't make the connection and started raging that Izuku was attacking a fellow student. I understood where Iida was coming from but the way he said it "you're the worst type of monster" not giving Izuku a chance to explain, was wrong. Even though Izuku made it very clear he wasn't going to tell Iida what he was doing if he was too stupid to figure it out. When the match was over Izuku healed Iida and was going to heal Shoji, but Iida lashed out and attacked Izuku with his quirk. If Izuku dodged the kick would have impacted with Shoji's face and either killed him or broke the kids face." He pause to calm his rage "During the evaluation at the end, Shoji told the class that Iida was constantly trying to use the words 'Monster, and beast' instead of villain to get Izuku to go into panic mode. Katsuki, Ace and Luffy all started panicking. I have never seen All Might look so angry before. At first, I though his wolf form was ruthless, but after some time thinking about it. I realized he was holding back so he wouldn't hurt his classmates. It became apparent how far he would go for people during the USJ when he pushed everyone away from him and absorbed what would have been a killing blow form hitting Aizawa Sensei. Then the Hosu Attack; I watched the entire news story on it. I was shocked to see him flying around and saving an entire train car worth of civilians, then he healed all the struggling heroes. Then he went and took down Stain because if he didn't Iida and Native would die. Even though Iida has been nothing but hostile toward him, he still risked his life to keep Stain from going after them."
"Izuku has always been like that, he can't stand seeing someone get hurt, even if that person has been hostile to him." Kato replies. "He is probably the most heroic person in the world. I am lucky he barged his way into my life."
"For what it's worth, I'm glad he saved you that day." Kaminari blurts, realizing what he said he blushes. "I mean since the day my mark manifested; I have always wanted to know who they were I wanted to find them. I would sit on my bed at night and imagine who they would be, who the universe thought would be my perfect match. I always imagined either someone perpetually happy to compliment my energy, or someone more serious to balance me out. I didn't think anything about what type of quirk my match would have, it never really mattered to me. I meant what I said quirk or no quirk it doesn't matter."
"Thank you, Denki." Kato smiles softly. "I honestly never thought who I would end up with, when I didn't get my quirk, I didn't get my soul mark either. I always thought I would be alone, or find another markless, quirkless person and settle down. I never really gave it much thought instead; I threw myself into my equipment and analysis work. I forgot all about possible relationships, I have Izuku and the pack."
"Pack?" Kaminari questions.
"Oh I suppose no one has told you, but since Izuku is a wolf he has a pack mentality. To Izuku there is no one more important than his pack. To him Pack means more than family and friends. It is the highest form of trust Izuku can give someone. Pack to him are people he will give his life for with no hesitation." Kato explains.
"How does someone join the pack" Kaminari asks curiously.
"Well Izuku needs to accept the person, because Izuku's senses are so strong he can tell if someone is trustworthy. Katsuki and Ace don't trust anyone Izuku doesn't trust. They never will. Luffy trusts everyone, because that is who he is. But he is usually a good judge in character. Typically if Izuku trust someone, everyone will. Then that person needs to get the trust of Fuji as well." Kato explains.
"How do you know if you get Fuji's trust." Kaminari gulps but there is something hopeful in his eyes.
Kato smiles genuinely "First off If you don't have at least a bit of Fuji's trust you wouldn't be in this room right now. Basically once Fuji forces you to cuddle your in."
"Really? Just like that?" Kaminari asks.
"Fuji is extremely intelligent; his instincts are much stronger than Izuku's. Izuku can tell if someone is being deceitful or lying; however there are ways to trick him. Though we have never seen that happen. I have always assumed if you could fake a lie detector test you could trick him. Fuji is different, he can tell immediately if someone is deceitful. So when he was watching you, he was really taking in every twitch, eye movement, how long it took you to calm your nerves, every facial muscle. He deemed you safe, that's what the rumbling meant." Kato tries to explain. "I'm not sure exactly how he comes to that conclusion, but he has never been wrong."
Kaminari relaxes "So does this mean I am part of the pack?"
Kato hums "I am not 100% sure I have never seen non-pack members be invited and accepted into the puppy piles. I would ask Izuku when he wakes up."
Kaminari looks on in thought "Yea, Thanks Kato" Then he looks shyly at the other teen. "Um… do you want to talk about us being soulmates?"
Kato nods, this conversation needs to happen sooner rather than late. "Yea. I am not sure what to do. So What do you want out of this? What are you looking for? Do you want us to be romantic or platonic?"
Kaminari thinks about these questions. What does he want from this? Well he is not too sure, but he has dreamed of finding his match since he was five, he supposes he wants everything he can get. What is he looking for? Well not counting him and Kato he knows 3 soulmate pairs. Katsuki and Izuku are one in the same as far as their bond goes. Ace and Shoto, he would have never guessed they were Soul Mates, but now that he knows it is pretty obvious. Shoto is closest to Ace and Izuku, Kaminari thinks this is because Izuku beat some sense into the quiet teen. Luffy and Kirishima are like best friends, they are always goofing off and laughing while Luffy wraps himself around the other teen. Luffy tackles the other teen every time they walk into class separately. Then again, he has only seen what they want him to see. But if he goes off what he knows, he wants the level of communication Kats and Izuku share, He wants that spark he can see in Katsuki's eyes when he sees Izuku laughing and happy. He wants the subtle glances and touches Shoto gives Ace when he thinking no one is looking. He wants to make Kato happy, cheer him up when he is sad. Listen to him when he wants to geek out because he likes the sound of his voice.
With a dazed look in his eyes Kaminari blurts out "Everything"
"Everything?" Kato asks curiously "What does that entail?"
Kaminari blushes "Uh… everything. Kats and Izuku have everything and I'm jealous of them. But I also understand they have been together since they were 3 and soulmates since they were 5. Someday I hope I have that level of connection with my Match, well that's the goal anyways, I'll be happy with a fraction of what they have. I want someone I can chill with and play videogames, watch movies, you know hangout. I want to make my match happy, cheer them up when sad. Support them when they need an extra hand. Eventually I would like to be in a romantic relationship, but I don't mind starting slow as friends. I want to listen to you talk about nerdy stuff with Izuku even though I won't understand most of it. I would try to learn though; I would try to understand and ask questions when I just don't get it. I want someone who will do more then just tolerate me. I know I can be a handful, and I'm hyper and when I overuse my quirk, I fry my brain, and become an even bigger idiot. I want someone who would see me for who I am and accept all of me." Kaminari looks down sadly "Before U.A. I struggled, the only way to make friends was to follow all the latest trends. I would be left behind if I didn't catch on fast enough. I don't mind following somethings if I actually believe in it, or actually like it. But I didn't want to be alone either, so I followed all the trends, everything that was popular. Jumping from one thing to another. I don't want to do that anymore. Here at U.A. everyone is so different. Izuku walks around in Hero Merch, and openly geeks out until Katsuki hits him. Katsuki walks around like a badass. Ace and Luffy seem like they don't care about what they are wearing as long as they can use their quirks without interference. All the other students own their personalities and ticks, and no one judges them based on what trends they are following. I want to be comfortable being me." Kaminari states a little helplessly.
"I think I get what you are saying. I don't know if I can give you everything you want." Kato starts, he takes in Kaminari's helpless face and smiles fondly "But I can promise you that I accept you for you. I have never put much merit on trends. I like outgoing people that are not afraid to be who they are. Izuku is a nerd; we nerd together. Katsuki is an Asshole; I'm an asshole back to him. Ace is an overprotective older brother with a rivalry with Katsuki, he complains about him all the time; I listen. Luffy is an overgrown toddler sometimes; when im around I play tag with him, sometimes hide and seek. But they are also loyal, brave and won't take a second to hesitate to help someone in need. They have never changed who they were to fit in. They didn't care because we have each other."
"That sounds amazing. I wish I had that growing up." Kaminari states wistfully.
"I am not sure if I want anything romantic, I have never given it much thought. I have never thought about my preferences to gender either. Right now I think it doesn't matter, I look at girls and guys the same. So I am not sure if I would be bothered or not being with a guy romantically. I'm willing to try though, but you are already my friend and I don't see that changing; unless you hurt Izuku that is. I wouldn't mind hanging out with you alone watching movies or playing video games." He gauges Kaminari's reactions, the other teen looks understanding with a hint of disappointment. Kato smiles "I accept you as my soul mate, and I am willing to try to be romantic with you."
Kaminari smiles blindingly "I'm glad you accept me, thank you Kato. I accept you as my soul mate too." He rubs the back of his neck "A romantic relationship with you is something I want to at least try in the future when we are both ready for it. I understand that I have put much more thought into this than you have; so I am willing to wait for you to think about it."
"I can do that" Kato states reassuringly.
Kaminari nods, he awkwardly leans into the other teens side. "Is this ok?"
Kato stiffens and then relaxes he lets out a quiet "Yea, it fine".
Kaminari looks at the others, Shoto and Ace are asleep in Fuji's tails. Shoto wasn't kidding when he said he liked his tails. Kirishima and Luffy are using Fuji's wing as a blanket and are curled underneath it; sleeping soundly. He can barely see Katsuki with how Fuji's head and neck are curled around him. From what Kaminari can see Katsuki is also asleep snuggled comfortably in Fuji's neck. Kaminari has an unconscious small smile on his face as he observes Katsuki's face. The normally explosive angry teen looks soft sporting a small smile on his face where there would usually scowl or frown. Katsuki's face is peaceful and relaxed, nothing like the ever-guarded expression he greets the rest of the world with. Kaminari studies the wolf face, he can't tell if the wolf is sleeping even though the wolfs eyes are closed. Fuji's face is nuzzled in Katsuki's stomach, ears twitching lazily; no doubt picking up sounds no one else can hear.
"Do they usually do this?" Kaminari asks softly.
Kato hums his eyes are closed "Most of the time the Puppy Piles are for them to seek comfort and feel safe. Usually they just cuddle and sleep like this for a couple of hours. Fuji feels content and less agitated just being around the pack. The pack feels safe and warm with Fuji wrapped around them."
Kaminari has a thoughtful look on his face "I suppose Fuji would get lonely sometimes being stuck in Izuku's soul."
"Yea, Izuku goes in there when he sleeps and cuddles for a bit to keep the wolf company." Kato explains.
Kaminari nods, "So I have another question."
Kato hums "What's up"
"Um before when Fuji was studying me. It seemed like Katsuki could understand him, how does he know what Fuji was saying?"
Kato ponders this "I'm not sure, but I have a few theories." He starts "One is Katsuki has been around Fuji so much he knows what the growls and whines mean and figures out what the wolf wants. Another is more likely because I've never seen Katsuki be wrong; but it probably has something to do with their Soul Bond. I was only partially teasing when I said Katsuki was becoming more wolf like."
"What do you mean?"
"I have known them for a few years now, but when I first met Katsuki he didn't growl and grunt as much as he does now. It seems to me that over time it has progressed now almost everything he says is accompanied with a growl, grunt or snarl. I don't think he would just sprout a tail and ears suddenly, but it is possible that Katsuki's instincts are more feral and wolf like then they were before. Though I don't think they will ever be on the same level as Izuku's, but I believe his hearing and sight will also improve. I think the reason he can communicate with Fuji is because instinctually he knows what Fuji is wanting or saying." Kato tries to explain.
"I guess that makes sense. Though I think it would be hilarious if one day Kats spouted wolf ears and a tail." Kaminari laughs. "Then I can really call him a Bomberanian."
Kato laugh unrestrained "Well I don't think it would happen, but we don't know to much about soulmate quirk use. I agree though that would be hilarious to see."
Blushing Kaminari blurts "You have a nice laugh."
Kato eyes widen and his face turns red "Um… Thanks."
"Oh sorry Kato I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, or anything. I just thought I would tell you." Kaminari starts to panic a bit.
Kato's blush settles into a light dusting of pink and he smiles softly "I'm not uncomfortable, just shocked, I guess. I wasn't expecting your compliment, still need to get used to people complimenting me. Thank you, Denki."
"Well then I guess I need to compliment you more to get you used to them." Kaminari states with a grin.
"Only if you mean them." Kato states.
"Of course, I wouldn't say something I don't mean" Kaminari's face looks serious.
Kato studies Kaminari's face, he is still processing all of this. He is not sure how he feels about meeting his match. He is not as good at reading people like Izuku or Katsuki is, but he is a pretty good judge of Character. He doesn't get any negative vibes about the other teen. Even though Izuku trust Denki to an extent; he can't help but be a bit closed off. Old habits die hard, but like the time when he met Izuku he will give Denki a chance. If it doesn't work out, he always has his pack to fall back on. He curls deeper into Fuji's fur and unintentionally closer to the electric teen. He doesn't notice the small smile Denki is sporting. He doesn't notice that every time he blinks his eyes take longer to open. He doesn't notice when his eyes droop for the final time as his breath evens out and the gentle fingers of sleep claim him.
After about an hour and a half Izuku is pulled from sleep, Fuji being content and returning to the den in Izuku's mind or soul. Izuku blinks his eyes open and smiles at the teens curled in various positions soaking up the gentle heat his fur gives them. He honestly can't tell where Shoto is, though he knows the heterochromatic teen is curls somewhere in his tails. Ace curled around a mass tangled in his tails. Looking closer he can see just a little tuff of Shoto's red and white hair. He smiles softly at the two. His eyes flit to movement under his wing, he spots Luffy doing is normal impression of a Boa Constrictor with Kirishima happily being prey. Near his shoulder he spots Kato lightly curled into the side of Denki, the electric teen is leaning against Kato with a peaceful smile on his face.
He rests his massive head on Katsuki's stomach and takes in his explosive soulmate. He like this part of cuddling the best. Ever since they were seven and Fuji saved Katsuki's life, he has always demanded Katsuki to lay right here during their cuddle times. Nestled next to against his neck so Izuku can rest his head on Katsuki's lap. Well more like his entire body, but Katsuki's scent of campfire and caramel, and hearing the teens strong relaxed heartbeat sooths him. Izuku nuzzles deeper into Katsuki's chest and lets a content rumble flow through him. Katsuki nuzzles further into Izuku's neck letting out little sighs of content. Izuku nudges the teen in the stomach receiving a half-hearted groan and a nudge. Izuku whines and nudges the teen again, He watches as Katsuki blinks his eyes open and then rubs the sleep out of his eyes releasing a small yawn. When Katsuki is finally alert Izuku lets out a subtle whine, portraying that he wants to shift. Katsuki was just about to wake everyone up when a load growl breaks through the room startling all the slumbering teens.
Katsuki looks at Izuku nervously as the others scramble to get up. Izuku whines and tries to bury his face under his paws.
"What was that?" Kirishima asks.
"Um… I know that came from Izuku but I'm not sure." Ace states. Shoto nods.
Another loud grown sounds through the room, and Izuku whimpers a bit louder. Katsuki and Kato get a glint in their eyes. "Are you serious Nerd?"
"Scaring the shit out of us." Kato sighs.
Kaminari confused and slightly shaking squeaks out "Um… do you know why he is growling, is something wrong? Is he in pain? What do we do?"
Kato laughs "He's fine. It wasn't him growling."
"What do you mean it wasn't him, last I checked there is only two people how can growl and Kats can't let out a sound like that." Kaminari continues to panic.
Katsuki sighs and rubs is hand through his hair "Idiot, it was his stomach"
"What, are you serious?" Kaminari shouts out.
The others laugh. Luffy chirps "we haven't eaten since this morning; he usually has a snack before he shifts."
Ace is doubled over laughing "It's been a long time since he's waken us up like that."
"From now on we will have snacks up here" Shoto states sagely.
"I agree" Luffy and Kirishima cheer. Ace nods. Katsuki sighs. Kato is trying to get Denki to calm his speeding heart.
"Sorry about that Denki, Fuji must have really wanted to get out if Izuku forgot to eat." Kato tries to explain.
"Well what are you waiting for Nerd? Shift back so we can go downstairs." Katsuki grumbles out. Izuku whines "Oh shut up Nerd. I'll make some sandwiches for us."
Izuku perks up and starts shifting back into his human form. Katsuki pulls a blanket out of no where to drape over the nerd. Izuku tackles Katsuki in a hug "Thank you Kacchan, I'll get dressed and then we can head to the kitchens." He squeezes just a moment longer before he gets a grunt from Katsuki and releases the explosive teen. He dashes into their shared room and slip on some sweats and a tee-shirt.
He comes back into the living area and greets the others "Ok, I'm ready. Let's go" He wraps his tails around Katsuki as usual, and they head down to the kitchenette where Katsuki goes straight to the fridge to pull out the ingredients to make some subs. He lays out the cheeses, meats, lettuce, pickles and condiments. He takes out a couple of tomatoes, a cucumber, and onion and a bell pepper. Izuku watches in awe as Katsuki slices the veggies with master chef like skill. Within a few moments all the veggies are sliced, and Katsuki prepares to make his and Izuku's sandwiches. With perfectly crafter sandwiches in hand he turns to Izuku and hands him one of the sandwiches. He turns to the rest and frowns "I'm not making your sandwiches."
Ace smirks "That's ok I make better sandwiches then you, Blasty."
"You say something Matchstick" Katsuki rages.
"Nothing at all Bomberanian" Ace continues to tease. Kaminari and Kato both double over in laughter. Luffy and Kirishima are stunned with shock for a few seconds. Izuku is nibbling on his sandwich trying to hold in his chuckles.
Katsuki explodes, "What the fuck, Matchstick. I'm gonna kill you." Katsuki is about to launch himself to attack Ace but Izuku's tails tighten around his waist. He struggles for a few moments, knowing there is no chance he can get out of Izuku's hold. He sags back into his seat next to the nerd. "Fine, I'll kill him later." He pouts and angrily chows down on his sandwich.
After dinner Kato gives everyone a hug "I have to finish putting my room together. Thank you for having me today. It was fun."
"No problem Kato, now that we all live in the dorms, we can hang out more often." Izuku smiles, Luffy and Kirishima nod in agreements a cheerfully shout their goodbyes.
"Don't be a fucking stranger, Idiot" Katsuki grumble out as he returns Kato's hug. Ace mutters out an agreement.
"It was nice meeting you Kato" Shoto states accompanied with a bow.
"It was nice to meet you as well" Kato blushes softly.
Kaminari approaches Kato "Um… Can I get your number… you know so we can text and hangout?" He studders out nervously.
Kato blushes softly and nods as he pulls out his phone to hand to the electric teen "Yea I'd like that" as he exchanges numbers with the other teen. "It was nice to meet you, Denki." He bids with a smile.
Kaminari grins back and rubs his hand behind his neck "Same, Kato." A light blush forming on his cheeks.
The group walk Kato back out the main entrance to the dorms and wave him goodbyes. Izuku and Katsuki stay out there to make sure Kato got to his dorm safely. When they can no longer see him, they head inside.
Ashido approaches the group. "Hey guys"
"Hey Mina" Izuku cheerfully greets back.
Ashido smiles "Do you mind if I steal Kaminari from you guys?"
"No not at all he is all yours" Izuku states "I think we are just gonna head up to our suite and watch a movie if you want to stop by later." He calls out as he and Katsuki turn to go up the stairs followed by Ace, Luffy, Kirishima and Shoto.
Ashido smiles and leads Kaminari to the other elevators. "Let go somewhere else and talk."
"Yea" Kaminari agrees. He did promise to tell her how it went. He won't mention Kato's name, he is unsure if the other teen wants people other than the pack to know. After a trip into the elevator and a short walk down the hall Ashido drags Kaminari into her suite. Kaminari realizes the girls have suite all to themselves. "I like you have done to this place" Kaminari compliments as he takes a seat on the couch.
"Well I basically have my own apartment. So I decorated out here too." Ashido explains "But enough about that tell me how today went. You were so nervous when you dropped me off."
"It was nice, not just meeting my soulmate, but I had a really good time just hanging out and getting to know the others." Kaminari states. "I don't know how much I can tell you, but I will say I finally feel like I have friends that won't leave me behind for not following all the trends. That they accept me for being me. You know?" Kaminari continues.
"Yea I know what you mean, Denki." Ashido offers comfort "You know I would never leave you behind."
"I know, and I value our friendship." He begins "I just need you know guy time." He laughs.
"I know sweety. I know how much you have wanted their friendship. I'm happy for you." Ashido gives him a hug "Now tell me did you meet your match, what is he like? How did meeting him go."
Kaminari blushes "Yeah, Izuku was right in his hunch. He is smart, kindhearted, He has such a nice laugh, his eyes are pretty. He listens to Izuku's mutterings and can actually follow along to add his thoughts. He made Izuku's eye sparkle when they were talking about heroes and upgrades to everyone's hero suits. They were even discussing some upgrades for me to help control my quirk. He wanted to know if I have ever tried to mold my lightening, I didn't even consider that a possibility. But they said they would help me figure out if it is possible."
Mina watches as Kaminari's eyes brighten and smiles as he recounts what his match is like. "He sounds good for you."
"Oh Mina, you have no idea" Kaminari gushes again. "He is great so far, we agreed that we would not reject the soulmate bond, but we are going to be friends for now. He didn't think he would ever get a match, so he focused on his equipment and analysis work instead of thinking about romance. He always thought he would be alone or have to settle for a markless person. He said he doesn't know how he feels romantically about being with a male or a female because he has never thought about it."
"How do you feel about it?" Mina asks.
"I want to eventually at least try to have a romantic relationship with him. But I know I am not really ready for it right now. I've wanted to meet my match since I was 5, and I have had time to think about who they could be. Gender doesn't really matter to me; I can honestly say that I think Katsuki is objectively pretty. I value my life and would never actually tell him that. The point is I can be attracted to a guy."
"Are you attracted to him?" Mina asks knowingly.
Kaminari sighs wistfully "I'm not going to lie he is very attractive; I could see myself being with him romantically. But I promised him I won't do anything until he is ready. I am ok with being friends right now. I even got his number so we can hang out."
"That's good Denki. I'm happy for you" Mina cheers. "What else happened, just in general."
"Katsuki cooked me breakfast." Kaminari states.
Mina's eyes widen "He did, I thought he only cooked for Izuku and sometimes the others."
"Yea, I wasn't expecting it but when I came down this morning, he shoved a plate of food in my face and told me not to get used to it." Kaminari recalls with a smile. "We met up with one of Izuku's friends from middle school, he is in the support class. Then we all went into Izuku's suite talked a bit, went over blueprints for equipment upgrades. Can you believe my match and Izuku made Katsuki's gauntlets."
"Oh wow, Katsuki's gauntlets are so cool." Mina praises.
"I know right, they are even planning on making better ones. I thought they got their stuff made by the same people who make all of our stuff. Izuku designs the upgrades, how they should work, what he wants added to them; then my match makes them. It's so cool."
Mina smiles at Kaminari "What else happened?"
Kaminari smiles fondly "I got to see the group unguarded. I gotta tell you, it makes me want to be their friend even more. They were completely comfortable with me and each other. I got a chance to understand why they seemed so standoffish at first. I got to understand a bit more about Katsuki. I understand now that Katsuki is only an asshole to people who were an asshole first. I got to witness Katsuki get flustered because Izuku said he would look pretty if he developed Izuku's wolf features. I got to see them laugh and smile with each other with no judgement being thrown at them. Mina I am so happy right now."
Mina laughs "I can tell" she looks at him fondly "I am truly happy for you."
After talking for a while longer about everything Kaminari tells her he needs to go finish setting up his room. Mina gives him a hug and walks him out. She is truly happy that her friend has a reason to actually smile. Not many people know this, but Denki was not truly happy until today. Ashido noticed Kaminari's eyes looked brighter, his smile just a bit wider and more genuine, his laughter just a little less forced.
Kaminari enters his room and lays on his bed thinking about today, he can't remember the last time he felt this happy, this fulfilled. He wanted to tell Mina about the puppy pile, how Fuji isn't the big bad wolf everyone think he is. That version everyone sees is the protector, the one who needs to make sure his pack survives, even if he is in training. He doesn't want to accidently fuck up Izuku's trust in him, so he kept his conversation with mina generic. He only said things that if Mina paid close enough attention she would figure out on her own. Kaminari goes to sleep easily filled with happiness for the first time in a very long time.
Notes:
I know Kaminari is a bit out of character, we don't know much about his past, so I wanted to make him seem like someone who never had real friends before. Someone who has never had people who liked him for him. I wanted to give him a reason to pursue friendships with the pack. Show him what loyalty, and real friends are.
* About the temp license this just allows them to step in if necessary like using their quirks to help the civilians get to safety, or if another mall incident happens they can act if it is safe to do so. it is like the provisional license in a way but they cannot do work study with the temps. I am making it to where when they get their provisional licenses they can do work studies during breaks. Izuku's healing license is Permanent
Next time:
The students go back to school and training for the license exam.
