Keigo froze. I'm dreaming. I have to be. It was different from the others. He wasn't walking through a maze of flowers toward an altar. Dabi wasn't wearing a black tux. He himself wore clothes that could've been pajamas. But that same feeling surfaced as it always did. The feeling that his ultimate dream would become a living nightmare.

Dabi sauntered forward. "I had a whole plan, you know."

"Y-you did?"

"Yeah. A big speech and everything."

He swallowed down a lump in his throat, trying to keep his composure. "Must've been...some plan."

"I think it was pretty straightforward." He got closer, speaking softly. "I was gonna say...that...I love you." He smiled. "That I've always loved you. And…that you'd be doing this poor bastard a solid by saying yes."

Keigo placed a hand over his mouth, but it did nothing to stop his sobs. Oh, god. I can't breathe. I - I can't -

Dabi grinned. "Then...I was gonna..." he started to kneel.

"NO!" Keigo cried. He covered his eyes. "I can't take this!"

"It's only ever been you for me, baby. Only you. Open your eyes."

His voice resonated with tenderness. Love. Adoration. It tempted him like the sweetest honey. "I can't," Keigo whimpered.

"Baby…"

"P-please stand up."

"I'm standing."

"You're full of shit."

"Yes, I am. And love for you."

"Mostly shit," Keigo retorted.

Dabi snickered. "Keigo Takami, you're everything I've ever wanted. All I'll ever want. So please open your eyes and - "

" - I can't," Keigo whined.

"You can't say yes?"

"I can't open my eyes."

He laughed again. "You're so cute."

Keigo flushed bright red. "Can you fucking stand up?!"

"Can you please say yes?"

Keigo sobbed. "No."

"Say yes, Keigo."

"P-please j-just…stop this, Dabs. I c-can't - "

" - Open your eyes, baby."

"I c-can't!"

"Why not?"

I'm so scared. "If I do, I'll w-wake up and this w-will all g-go away."

~.~

Dabi's smile disappeared. "What?"

"You'd never do this," Keigo whispered brokenly. "We've been t-together...f-for eight y-years - "

" - Baby - "

" - If you were g-gonna p-propose you w-would've done it y-years ago."

Dabi's heart fell into his stomach. Holy shit. A lump rose in his throat. "You're my life, Keigo. You know that."

Keigo sniffled. The way he swayed on his feet, he looked like he was about to fall over.

Fuck. "I'm the one who didn't know. I was stupid." He rose back up and stepped forward. "You're right. I should've done this sooner. Way sooner. But this is happening, baby. I'm asking."

Keigo didn't seem to be hearing him anymore. Instead, he curled in on himself, muttering quietly. "I'm d-dreaming. I'm dreaming. I'm - "

" - This isn't a dream, baby. I'm dead serious. You're the love of my life and I won't survive a "no" from you. So, please - "

" - I l-love you," he whimpered. "I love you. I - "

" - Is that a yes?" Dabi asked hopefully.

Tears streamed down Keigo's fingertips.

Dabi's heart fell in his stomach. Please, don't cry. I can't…I can't stand it when you -

Keigo fell to his knees, hugging his stomach as if he was trying to hold himself together.

Dabi couldn't stop himself. He closed the distance between them and took him in his arms. He smelled of home and love and Keigo. His tears soaked through his shirt. He shivered like a frightened child. "I'm here, baby. I'm here. You know that, don't you?"

Instead of answering, he shook with sobs.

Dabi teared up himself. I don't understand. Does he…not want me? The thought was agonizing. He lost him once. He wouldn't live through losing him again. If Keigo rejected him, he'd be clawing his way to their balcony.

"Y-you're only h-here," Keigo whimpered, "B-because you g-got stuck with m-me."

What. The. Ever. Living. Fuck. Such an idea was sacrilege. An insult to Dabi's existence, which wouldn't have continued if not for Keigo. "It's the other way around, baby." From the moment I saw you, I wanted you. I was lucky that you wanted me back. But if you hadn't…it wouldn't have mattered. One way or another, I would've made you mine.

"You'll leave me," Keigo whimpered. "J-just like everyone else."

Where the hell is this coming from?! "How can you think that?"

"Everyone leaves…" he murmured. "They always leave."

Dabi held him tighter. "I'm not going anywhere. Do you hear me?" He tilted Keigo's chin up, looking into his eyes. "Nothing can keep us apart. Nothing. I'd kill anything that tried."

Even with tear-stained cheeks, Keigo couldn't have been more stunning. Dabi didn't just see a pair of gold eyes and a soft mouth begging to be kissed. He saw eight years of history. Countless years to come. He saw candlelit dinners and hookups in his car and vows at an altar. He saw the key to Heaven's gates. He saw his past, present, and future all staring back at him at once. And the beauty of it left him speechless.

Keigo flushed with wide eyes. "You look…so s-sad, Dabs…"

He kissed his forehead. "I won't live without you," he whispered. "I can't."

"Dabs - "

" - One word, baby. That's all I need." One fucking word.

Keigo gasped. "What if…this is all just a dream? When I wake up - "

" - We're not in your dream, Keigo. We're in mine. Make it come true."

Keigo flushed, shyly looking down. "Are you sure this is what you - "

" - Whether you say yes or no, you belong to me, Keigo Takami. Me." With a possessive growl, Dabi nipped Keigo's ear.

"Aah!" He tilted his head back, his heart racing.

"Say it," he whispered huskily. "Say you're mine."

Keigo's sobs turned into panting as he squirmed with desire. "D-Dabs - "

"I marked you." Dabi kissed every single X he tattooed onto Keigo's skin. "Here. And here. And here. And here. And here. So that everyone would know every inch of you is mine."

Keigo couldn't control his trembling. "D-Dabs, s-slow down - "

" - So that every time you look in the mirror, you remember that you're mine."

"I'm…d-dizzy…"

At that moment, Dabi needed him more than he'd needed anything in his life. He'd already shrugged out of his jacket. He was tender as he laid Keigo on his back, but he wasn't taking his time.

Keigo bit his lip as Dabi threw his shirt off, exposing his bare chest. Desire tightened his groin as he caught sight of the V carved into his abdomen. It might as well have been an arrow on a directory map.

He looked down at him with half-lidded eyes. "Enjoying the view?"

"Y-yeah," Keigo answered breathlessly.

So am I. Dabi kissed him feverishly while ripping at his clothes. They both lay on the hardwood floor, too desperate to relocate. It took him less than ten seconds to strip Keigo down to his boxers. He gingerly pulled down Keigo's underwear and kissed his knee.

"Dabs, w-where's...l-lube?"

Dabi couldn't think of one nook or cranny in their apartment he hadn't stashed some form of it. But he didn't have to search for long. He took a packet out of his jeans pocket and ripped it open.

Keigo blushed red at the sight of it. "You p-planned f-for - "

" - There's no way in hell I could've gotten through today without fucking you." He lubed up his fingers and thrust them inside.

"Aaah…" Keigo squirmed, already rock hard.

Relief flooded him as he gazed down. Keigo had crying stopped. Instead of curling up in a ball, he'd opened up for him like a flower. He leaned into Dabi's thrusts, desperate for more. But Dabi kept his steady, gentle pace.

Keigo's breathing hitched, turning into soft, short gasps. "M-more…p-please."

You're so fucking sexy. God. Dabi rammed his fingers harder.

"AH! OH! That f-feels…" Keigo clenched his eyes shut. "Oh, god that f-feels s-so good…"

Just think, baby. You could have this Every day. For the rest of your life. All you have to do is say it. "Say yes, baby," Dabi whispered.

Keigo clenched his teeth as he got close. "D-Dabs! I'm - I'm g-gonna - "

" - Say you're mine." Dabi shoved his fingers in as far as they could go and repeatedly began curling them.

Keigo cried out, breathing hard as Dabi's jabs at his sweet spot got him close. "OH! OH! THERE! PLEASE!"

"Say yes, Keigo. Now."

"AH! AH! D-DABS - "

Just as he was about to climax, Dabi withdrew his fingers.

He whined in protest. "No! Dabs, p-please - "

" - Marry me and I'll keep going."

Keigo's jaw dropped. "What?!"

Dabi flushed pink. Taishiro's right. I use sex as a means to an end. But if it gets me a "yes" I don't fucking care. "You heard me," he murmured darkly.

Keigo pouted. "Fuck me, Dabs," he demanded.

His cock throbbed. "Say yes."

"Fuck me."

He wanted to. Badly. If he didn't free his erection soon it would split his boxers in two. "Say yes."

"Fuck me!"

Jesus Christ. "Say yes!"

"FUCK ME!"

Aaah. He couldn't help pressing his erection against Keigo's thigh. "Not until you say yes," he growled.

Keigo's gaze slowly and deliberately traveled down to the bulge in Dabi's boxers. Then slowly and deliberately traveled back up.

The look in Keigo's eyes stopped his heart.

"You sure about that, Dabs?" He snuck his hand up Dabi's boxers and took hold of his hard-on.

AAAHH FUCKKK. Dabi had been in the driver's seat. Or so he thought. But now Keigo was running his tongue along the steering wheel. God. Damn. It. Jeez. Us. Christ. Aah…He clenched his eyes shut, unable to stop himself from thrusting into Keigo's hand.

"I didn't say you could do that," Keigo whispered.

Fuck I'm gonna cum. NGH! "You didn't say I couldn't," he whispered back.

The moment he did, he recalled their first night together, when the roles were reversed. Back when he'd planned to tame Keigo's rebellious streak into compliance and submission. But his defiance had only intensified. He's completely turned the tables on me. And…I don't want him to stop.

Keigo stopped and withdrew his hand with a smile.

Dabi shivered, grinding his teeth. Fucking hell! He's playing my game. Worst of all, he was winning.

"Fuck me," Keigo whispered. His gaze was smug. Wanton. Arrogant.

Dabi shuddered. F.U.C.K.

Keigo wasn't begging anymore. He was daring him. And it was so. Fucking. Hot.

He couldn't take it anymore. In one fluid motion, Dabi entered him hard and fast.

~.~

The ecstasy hit him full force, making Keigo's eyes roll into the back of his head. "AAAH!"

"Jesus," Dabi snarled. "Aaah!" He began to move, panting hard.

Keigo clawed into his shoulders. "AH! AH! AH! AH!" It was so much. Too much. He would definitely be sore tomorrow. But he didn't dare tell him to stop.

Dabi pinned Keigo's wrists above his head and kissed him. He thrust slowly, just barely holding back. Keigo felt just as lost, enraptured by his lover's restrained passion.

It wasn't just the pleasure, either.

Keigo gasped as he remembered.

Do you love me?

I don't know. I've never loved anyone before. I just know when I'm with you I'm stupid-happy and I got really pissed when I saw you at the damn sushi bar with my brother and when I try to picture my life without you I can't breathe. If that's love, then yeah.

I fucking love you.

He clung to Dabi with his last bit of strength. No one else can make me feel like this. I love him. I love him so much. Keigo's body began to tremble as he got close. "D-Dabs, I - I'm - I'm - "

Dabi knelt his mouth next to Keigo's ear. " - Keigo, baby, will you marry me?"

Every one of their kisses replayed in his mind. One after the other, as if he were watching a film reel. The one Dabi stole in the back room during his interview. The ones Dabi gave him when he thought Keigo was asleep. Best of all, the ones Keigo stole for himself.

There had to have been thousands of them exchanged over the years. I want more. I'll always want more. Forever. Keigo hugged him close and breathed his answer. The only answer. "Y-yes."

Dabi inhaled sharply. "W-what?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Y-yes."

"Say it again," he begged.

"Y-yes."

"Again!" Dabi thrust harder.

Oh! Oh, god! OH! YES! "YES! YES! YES!"

Dabi moaned, resting his forehead against Keigo's as his release overtook him. Keigo's entire body tensed up. He clenched his teeth, whining from the intensity. His legs were so tight around Dabi's waist, that he almost crushed his hip bones. At the same time, Dabi's grip on his wrists was like a vice, tense and tight as he rode out the storm of his climax.

When Keigo finally climbed down from his high, his limbs were numb. He couldn't move if he tried. Dabi wasn't faring much better. He let go of Keigo's wrists and balanced on his forearms, trembling with fatigue. He waited for the inevitable moment when his boyfriend…no, fiancé, collapsed on his chest and passed out.

It didn't come.

Keigo froze. Something's wrong. He opened his eyes.

His lover was gazing down at him, even as their foreheads touched. Keigo heard his heart, racing and fluttery. But he was still as a statue, as if holding his breath. Waiting.

He teared up when he realized. He's scared it's a dream too.

Dabi's jaw tensed as he fought to keep his voice steady. "You m-meant it, right?"

Oh, Dabs… He cupped the sides of his face. "Of course, I did."

He broke out into a wide smile. The widest Keigo had ever seen. "Really?"

Keigo nodded.

"We're getting married?" His voice sounded young. Hesitant. Hopeful.

"Yes, we're…" he finally allowed himself to smile. "We're getting married."

Dabi's tears spilled over as a laugh bubbled from his chest. Then he kissed him like it was their first.

I can't believe it. We're getting married.

Those words filled Keigo like slowly and softly. Like candlelight, they left every inch of him feeling tingly and warm. Elated. At peace.

We're getting married. We're getting married.

We're.

Getting

Married.

~.~

Spencers

Kai stared at the crimson thread between his fingers. The end he'd pulled was split, fraying into smaller fibers. It was weak. Fabricated for mass production, not built to last. It had taken minimal effort to break it.

Our string isn't like this one, Toya. Even after you abandoned me, its strength never wavered. Nothing can break it. Especially not the little tramp that has you in his clutches. The thought of Toya fucking someone else made him sick. He had to put a stop to it as soon as possible. We've been apart for too long. But once we're together again, he'll remember. Nothing can stand in the way of true love. This simple truth put him at ease and drained the tension from his shoulders. I'll admit. This complication is…unexpected. But it's nothing that a pinch of Trigger can't fix. A smile returned to his face. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been surprised. Toya can't keep it in his pants to save his life. He would know. Toya's inane fascination with Paris almost cost them their relationship. But that's all in the past now. Once he begs forgiveness, I'll grant it and we can get on with being happy together. He flicked the thread away. "Yes. Of course. His…boyfriend." He barely got through the word without throwing up in his mouth.

The cyan-haired store associate eyed him warily. "You an ex or something?"

Kai scowled. The glowstick is sharper than she looks. "We worked together."

Her gaze darted quickly up and down, sizing him up. "Right."

He stared her down in return. There was a time I couldn't hide my feelings at all. I even wore a mask. But that was a long time ago. I haven't needed one since I was a teenager. Yet this girl was seeing right through him.

And he didn't like it. If you keep this up, you won't live long.

The tension vanished as another customer walked in. A woman with a curvy figure and long white hair. She wore a light blue turtle neck and snowflake print leggings tucked into ivory-colored uggs. Melted snow streaked her thick-framed glasses, and her cheeks were rosy from the cold. "You're Asuga, right?"

Glowstick girl flushed and stared at the ground. "Y-yeah."

The woman warmly shook her hand. "It's wonderful to finally meet you! I've heard great things about - "

" - Is there s-something I c-can help you with?" Asuga asked in a hoarse voice.

"Oh, yes! Have you seen Toya by any chance?"

A delightful crackle of energy shot through his body at the sound of his name. Toya. My Toya. He's really here. After years of wondering and months of searching…he was finally within reach.

"I've been trying to get ahold of him, but he's not answering his phone."

Asuga's gaze flickered to Kai, then back to the woman, and said nothing.

He grinned. Whether you help me or not, I'm getting what I came for. "He's out for the day."

She rolled her eyes. "Ugh. I swear he's avoiding me on purpose."

"Why would he do that?" Kai asked innocently.

"Because he's the worst brother ever."

His heart leaped. Brother. "I should've known." He took it upon himself to grab her hand and peck it politely. "The resemblance is uncanny."

Fuyumi gasped and smiled. "You're a friend of Toya's?!"

He smiled pleasantly. "We were thick as thieves. But it's been quite a while since - "

" - Oh my gosh, then you have to come!"

Asuga ground her teeth. "If they're such good friends why haven't we - "

" - Come to what?" Now the smile on his face was genuine.

"To the charity ball. My family hosts it every year." She flushed. "I'll admit, attending a fundraiser isn't everyone's idea of a fun night out, but the donations always go to a worthy cause. Every penny counts."

"This one's from out of town." Asuga shot him a death glare. "He'll be long gone by then."

He grinned wider. "I wouldn't say that."

"I just did."

"I'd never turn down an opportunity to be charitable."

"Then they'll be grateful to receive your check in the mail," Asuga snapped.

The woman booped Asuga on the nose. "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, you know." She turned back to Kai with a smile. "I'd be happy to put your name on the guest list." She dug around in her messenger bag. "Just let me find my - "

" - Actually, would you mind keeping this between us? I want to surprise him, Miss…um…"

She laughed. "Oh! I'm sorry. I got so excited, I forgot to introduce mys - "

" - Sucks we couldn't help you," Asuga interjected. "Better not waste any more time here."

The woman huffed. "Don't be rude. Any friend of Toya is a friend of mine." She smiled and bowed. "I'm Fuyumi Todoroki. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Kai's heart fluttered. Tod-oh-roh-kee. Toya…Todoroki. Todoroki…"The pleasure is all mine."

Fuyumi beamed. "Even if you aren't able to make a contribution, I know my brother would love to see you."

What a kind young woman. I hope I won't have to kill her. "Thank you. I look forward to getting better acquainted." To his friends…his family…

And that fucking harlot.

~.~

Target

Fukidashi tried to keep his hands steady as he restocked a shelf with Lego sets. Awase worked alongside him, not making an effort to converse. Neither one of them had said a word since their encounter with Yumi. Fukidashi understood why. He stared mournfully at a Hogwarts Castle set box. I'm so on edge I can't even concentrate on how cute he is.

"What are you doing?"

They both flinched, clutching lego sets like they were shields.

Standing in front of them, tapping her foot was the very short head of the toy department.

Fukidashi straightened up. "Um…I…we're just - "

" - This isn't even your department," Komori pointed out.

Awase cleared his throat. "He was just helping me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Toys isn't your department either."

He flushed pink.

"Also, you're putting the Lego kits where the Barbie dream house sets are supposed to go."

When Fukidashi looked up, he realized the shelf they'd been stocking was the only multicolored one in a sea of pink and purple.

Komori placed her hands on her hips. "Have you started hitting the green stuff again?"

Golly Gee, I wish. "S-sorry, Kinoko. It's just been a rough day."

She rolled her eyes. "You wanna cross-train in Toys, be my guest. But if I shelve manga books in the wrong order, don't chew my head off."

Fukidashi's eye twitched. "How can you put them out of order? They're numbered."

She smirked. "I never said it would be an accident."

~.~

Juice It Up

Sero tucked his phone back into his pocket and hopped the counter. "I'll be right back."

Monoma stared at him with alarm. "Where are you going?"

"It sounds like Yumi might be in Target right now."

"So?"

"So, I'm gonna see if she needs my help."

"With what? Sliding her debit card?"

Sero scowled. "I don't need a reason to see my girlfriend."

"You can't just leave your place of employment unattended!" Monoma retorted.

"You're right. It's a good thing I have a trainee willing to cover for me."

"I did not say that I was willing to - "

" - Not-homeless-because-of-me-say-what?"

Monoma shot him a murderous glare.

Sero grinned. That's what I thought.

~.~

Panera

Bakugo sat across from his lifetime idol having coffee as if they were lifelong friends. He had his very cute boyfriend's very perfect ass perched on his lap, and he didn't have to be at work for another thirty minutes. By all accounts, he should've been over the moon. But between his benched libido and their topic of conversation, he couldn't be more miserable.

"Valedictorian, hm? I was too, back in my day."

Izuku's eyes sparkled. "Seriously?! That's so cool!"

Bakugo pouted. No, it's not. It's lame. I never knew my hero was such a nerd. Ugh.

All Might smiled. "I'd be happy to help with your speech."

"No way, I can't trouble you with - "

" - Not at all! It's not every day I get to collaborate with a student from my Alma Mater."

Izuku gasped. "You went to Oregon State?!"

"For my undergrad. I attended Caltech for my graduate studies."

"I considered grad school, but I have a lot of fun modeling, too. And apparently, lots of agencies want to work with me after seeing me walk in Los Angeles."

Bakugo bristled. The hell? Why hasn't he mentioned this until now?

"That's wonderful news! The life of a model can be very exciting. They get to do a lot of traveling."

Traveling? Bakugo suddenly had the strong impulse to set Izuku's luggage bags on fire.

"I definitely enjoy it. But my degree wouldn't be of much use in the modeling industry."

"Have you considered finding a job that allows you to do both?"

"I have, but I couldn't pursue a master's while doing so."

"If you're thinking of furthering your education, you'd be a perfect fit at Caltech. I met my closest friend there. It's a hub for bright minds such as yours."

Bakugo's stomach churned. Caltech is in Pasadena. That's fifteen hours from here. If Izuku went there…we'd never see each other. Maybe on holidays. Weekends, at best. But coordinating their schedules would be difficult.

Izuku smiled sheepishly. "Caltech is out of my price range."

Some of the tension in Bakugo's chest dissolved.

All Might smiled. "I'm sure something could be worked out. Especially if you waltz in with recommendation letters from their most esteemed alumni."

Izuku blushed. "What?! Oh, I couldn't ask you to - "

" - You don't have to. Once I tell Dave, I know he'll be - "

Bakugo sank deeper and deeper into despair with every word they spoke. The last thing he wanted to talk about was the day his bunny would leave him. Hearing about all of Izuku's possible career paths just added salt to the wound. Even worse, none of these plausible futures seemed to include him at all. A dark thought entered his brain before he could stop it. We're supposed to have five more months. But if he's gonna spend every second talking about graduation then he might as well be gone.

A vibration in his back pocket pulled him out of his downward spiral. He pulled out his phone and squinted at the screen. A text?

Dark Shadow: Secret meeting. Now.

~.~

Izuku squeaked as Bakugo picked him up and plopped him into a chair. It was much colder than his boyfriend's lap. He crossed his arms and pouted. "Kacchan!"

"Shut up," Bakugo grumbled.

"Where are you going?"

"Work."

"What? Why?"

"Don't worry about it, nerd."

"But we don't have to be at work for another half hour!"

"I'm not clocking in, I'm just - "

" - You've barely touched your latte!"

"I'll be right back."

"Kacchaaaaan - "

" - JUST SHUT UP AND LET ME GO!" Bakugo started to walk away. But then he stopped and grabbed his latte before continuing on.

Izuku winced. Ordinarily, Bakugo's raised voice would rev his engine. But because he was aware of the source, all it did was inspire guilt. He's cranky cuz I left him hanging. But I'll take care of it. Once we're at work, we'll go to the back room and -

"You haven't met Dave yet, have you?"

He flushed, startled from his thoughts. "No, sir. I don't think so."

"Then I'll have to introduce you! What are your plans this weekend?"

"Don't have any yet."

All Might lit up. "Then how would you feel about coming to the Todoroki Charity Ball?"

Izuku gasped. That's…the biggest dinner party in Oregon! Only the richest and most important people get invited! He could understand why the mayor would be attending. But it wouldn't make sense for someone like him to be there. "I wasn't invited."

All Might laughed. "Every guest is allowed a plus one. You can be mine!"

"That's really generous of you, but I could never - "

" - Dave will be there too! Lots of people will be there. Writers, inventors, professors…you're sure to recognize a few. You'd fit right in."

He couldn't delude himself. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Only the Met Gala could compare to Happy Valley's annual Charity Ball. But…"I've never attended something so extravagant."

"The Todorokis won't kick you out for being underdressed. If anything, they'd offer you an ensemble to wear."

Izuku stared down into his lap. "I wouldn't be able to donate very much."

"Donations aren't a requirement for attendance."

I'm running out of excuses not to go. He only had one left. "May I bring Katsuki?"

All Might smiled sheepishly "Uh…well, there's limited seating."

Izuku swallowed nervously. Katsuki doesn't like when I go out by myself. But he can't say that I'll be in danger. The Mayor has his own security detail. What could be safer than having an entourage of private bodyguards? "It's only for a few hours, right?"

"You can stay as long as you like."

Izuku chewed his lip in thought, still not completely convinced. "I…I'd prefer to have Katsuki with me."

All Might patted Izuku's shoulder. "May I offer you some advice?"

He blinked. "Sure."

A heavy, tired sigh started him off. "Sometimes the best way to keep someone close to you is to let them wander off-trail."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong. Life is more fulfilling when you can share it with your partner. But as much as you want to, you can't share everything."

"I don't see why not."

He fiddled with a napkin pensively. "Surely you don't like everything he does. Just like he doesn't enjoy everything that you do."

Izuku wilted. I get to see Katsuki every day. We live together. Even after we clock out, we don't have to be apart. But if I'm being honest with myself…it's hard to imagine him taking college classes alongside me. Or walking down a runway. Or studying Actuarial Science. He wouldn't be interested in that stuff. He'd let me drag him along…but I'd feel guilty, knowing he only went because I made him.

"There's a very real possibility that life will lead you two down different paths. Paths that require you to have separate experiences. But that doesn't mean you love each other any less. In fact, it's a testament to how strong your love actually is."

Izuku mulled over All Might's words. Katsuki had such a bad reaction to my New York trip. He's still apprehensive when I go places without him, and he doesn't like when my attention is elsewhere. But I'd like to think we're in a better place than we started. He flushed as he thought about his cell phone, which was most likely being carried off by a woodland creature. Then again, maybe not.

"Loving someone means wanting the best for them, and young Bakugo doesn't come across to me as a man who loves half-heartedly."

Izuku didn't hesitate. "He's not."

"Then I'm sure he'll understand how important it is for you to go to the ball."

That's not the problem. "It's true that we have different hobbies. He doesn't expect me to be enthused about motorcycles or MMA. But when it comes to my activities, he always wants to take part in them."

A v formed between All Might's brows. "That's good to hear. But…I couldn't help noticing that young Bakugo was exceptionally quiet during our conversation."

Izuku blushed pink. "He just…didn't feel like talking."

"That's a little odd, don't you think? We were discussing your future plans, and he barely said a word. I figured if anyone had an opinion on the matter, it would be him."

He's probably just distracted. He'll mellow out once I finish him off. Not that he could explain that to All Might. He cleared his throat. "We caught him in a mood, that's all."

All Might's smile turned sad. "You're hoping for a future with him, aren't you?"

"Of course." As if he could face the future without Bakugo by his side.

"What if what's best for him and what's best for you aren't the same thing?"

Izuku tensed. I don't like the direction this conversation is going. It felt all too familiar.

What sort of life are you planning to have with him? Hmm? You're in college. When you graduate, you'll be an educated man with a degree and a career.

Do you really think you can build a life with someone like him? Start a family? Raise children?

I want what's best for you, and that's not me!

Who the hell thinks that?!

Everyone! I see it in their faces! People look at us and wonder why you're with me!

Izuku clenched his eyes shut. "If what's best for me doesn't include Katsuki, then it's not what's best. It's that simple."

"It's easy to say that now. You're young. In love. Living and breathing each other's company. But if Bakugo had a passion outside of your relationship, would you want him to pursue it?"

That would only be fair. He supports my passions too. Like reading. I leave my books all around the apartment. But Katsuki never complains, even when he trips over them. He hates McDonald's but he still takes me there to get breakfast. He even lets me work on his car. I'd love to see him pick up a new passion. "Definitely."

All Might raised an eyebrow. "Even if it meant being away from him?"

Izuku tried to imagine it. A scenario in which Bakugo stood tall and proud with a smile on his face. One that somehow resulted in ultimate happiness despite not including him. He did plenty of things without me before we started working together. Hung out with friends, went out to bars, and even traveled to concerts. But as lonely as I was…I never hated him for it. I was just glad to see him happy. "Yes."

"Would he want the same for you in return?"

Izuku stopped short.

"Let me explain - "

"NO!"

"Kacchan, please, it's not what you think - "

"NO!"

"I love you. I love you..."

"Izuku!"

"Just listen. I have to go somewhere but it's not forever."

"N-no..."

"There's something I need to do."

"No!"

"But I'm coming back to you."

"N-no..."

"I won't be gone longer than a week."

"No!"

"Don't go. You can't go. You can't leave. I need you."

Izuku flushed awkwardly and cast his eyes down. "Of course."

~.~

Tomie's apartment

Dabi had planned to take Keigo out for lunch. But the moment they stepped foot in Tomie's building, Keigo was assaulted with the mouthwatering smells of garlic and peppers He ran up the stairs, eager for a bite. Tomie opened the door before he'd even made it to the landing. But instead of stopping for a hug, he brushed past her and made a beeline for the stove.

"Honestly!" Tomie scolded. "You couldn't have waited two seconds?!"

Dabi stepped in shortly after him with a laugh. "He hasn't eaten today."

She softened, blushing as her devilishly handsome son-in-law-to-be closed the door behind him. "Well…I hoped to get in a proper congrats before he started stuffing his face."

Keigo's subconscious rolled his eyes. But his heart felt too full to feel anything but joy. He filled his bowl with hot pot and dug in. He didn't stop shoveling food into his mouth even while Tomie pulled him toward the couch.

"Eat fast. I want details."

Keigo spoke with his mouth full. "Like wha?"

Tomie scoffed. "Like what?! How did he propose? Were you shocked?! Where did he do it?! What did he say?!"

Keigo almost choked on his rice. I can't tell her that! Keigo squirmed, still sore from his fiancé's proposal. "I was…definitely shocked."

Dabi grinned wickedly.

Keigo narrowed his eyes. Don't you dare.

But his concerns were unwarranted. Dabi seemed determined to be on his best behavior. Or at the very least, act like he was. He sat down next to him on the sofa. "Why don't you show her the ring, baby?"

Keigo blinked. Come to think of it…I'm not sure I've seen it myself. He swallowed his most recent bite and looked down at his hand. A gasp escaped him.

It was stunning. A bright-polished yellow-gold band inlaid with tiny white diamonds. It fit perfectly, of course. After all the years they'd spent buying each other jewelry, it would've been impossible for Dabi not to know his ring size. The band itself was classic and simple. But it caught the light in a way that stopped his heart. The diamonds added exactly the right amount of sparkle. Just from looking at it, Keigo could tell Dabi had spared no expense.

In retrospect, he shouldn't have been surprised by the ring's exorbitance. Dabs doesn't hold back when it comes to gifts. Even before we moved in together, he couldn't help himself from showering me with presents. Food, clothes, toys, jewelry, and even his very first car. But this felt different, somehow. It wasn't just a gift. It was a shining beacon that alerted the world of an undeniable fact.

He was taken. That one simple truth meant more to him than a hundred gold rings.

Tomie drilled him with questions about it. Dabi carried the conversation, allowing him to eat. Between bites, Keigo stole glances at his fiancé. He spoke politely. Tactfully chose his words and delivered them with care. But peeking from underneath his gentlemanly facade was giddy excitement. It made his irresistible charm that much more effective.

Keigo noted his mother's flushed face with annoyance. He's overdoing it. If he doesn't start being awful she'll fall in love with him too. Bastard.

Finally, a set of words made it to his ears. From his mother.

"Have you discussed any plans for the wedding?" She asked.

Keigo blushed. Plans? Wedding? I'm still processing that I'm engaged in the first place!

Dabi shrugged. "I don't care how it happens. I just want it to happen soon."

He wasn't sure why, but a small part of him couldn't help feeling offended. "You don't care?"

Dabi blinked. "Well…no."

"Then why did you propose in the first place?!"

Tomie sighed. "Would you have preferred him not to?"

Keigo scowled. "Mom, don't butt in."

"I'm sure Dabi doesn't mean that he - "

" - I'll let him tell me what he means," Keigo muttered.

Dabi shrugged. "I'm not gonna fuss over details. Whatever you want, I'll make it happen."

Keigo's heart fluttered. "You don't have any requests?"

"Only that I get to marry you."

Oh. "So…you don't care if we invite mom?"

Tomie crossed her arms. "Mom cares if you invite mom."

"I didn't ask you."

Tomie swatted the back of his head. "I'm going and that's final. Where the hell is my invitation?"

Keigo flushed with indignation. "Mom, we've been engaged for less than an hour! You're the first person we've told!"

Tomie flushed. "Oh. Was it…supposed to be a secret?"

Dabi beamed. "On the contrary. Tell as many people as you want."

She smiled sheepishly. "Oh, good. Cuz…I did tell someone."

Keigo blushed. "Who?"

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

Tomie gasped excitedly. "It's open!"

Their visitor gently turned the knob and quietly stepped inside. A woman of small stature with crows feet, white-blonde hair, and a warm smile shrugged out of a powder blue winter coat and hung it on the wall.

Dabi stiffened. "Okāsan?"

Rei Todoroki slipped off her winter boots and shuffled over. "Kon'nichiwa, musuko." She placed a loving hand on his shoulder and kissed the top of his head.

Tomie shot him a look of reproach. "I understand this just happened. But I thought at the very least you would've broken the news to your own mother, Dabi."

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Guess you beat me to it."

"I'm so glad you're here," Rei admitted. "Now I can congratulate you in person!" With a sparkle in her eyes, she leaned over and planted a kiss on Keigo's cheek. "Welcome to the family, sweetheart."

Welcome. To. The…Keigo shyly swallowed another bite of food. "Thank you." He teared up. I'm so happy…

Rei gently petted Dabi's hair while wrapping an arm around his shoulders. She was one of the only people that could touch him like this. Especially in front of other people. Ordinarily, her motherly affection relaxed him. But Dabi looked more on edge than before.

Keigo raised an eyebrow. I thought he smoothed things over with her. Why does he look so uncomfortable? Did they have a fight? He thought back briefly to Enji Todoroki's numerous missed calls and voicemails. Could it have to do with his father?

Dabi rolled his shoulders as if trying to shrug her off. "You can have my place on the couch, Okāsan."

Rei giggled. "You don't have to do that. I'll just pull up a chair."

He finally managed to slip away from her and stand up. "Really, it's fine. We were just leaving."

Keigo pouted, staring down at his plate. He'd barely eaten any of his food. "Wha? Why? We jus gah here," he asked, mouth half-full.

Dabi shot him a look. A look that said. We need to go. Now.

Keigo blinked. What is going on with him?

"What's your rush?" Tomie asked. She raised an inquisitive brow in the exact same way Keigo had.

Dabi pasted on an expression of ease and eloquence. "Please forgive me. I wouldn't have suggested stopping by if I knew you were expecting company. We'll head out now. I don't want to intrude on your time with my mother."

Tomie grinned. "You're not intruding at all. In fact, I think this is really nice."

Rei beamed. "Me too! We haven't been together like this since you two were babies."

Keigo's eyes widened. "Huh?"

"You didn't know?" Tomie asked.

Rei smiled warmly. "That makes your relationship quite serendipitous, then."

"I don't understand."

"You two go way back," Tomie admitted. "Not that you remember, but - "

Keigo stopped listening. I knew Dabs…when I was…?

Dabi seemed taken aback by this statement as well. It distracted him. Only for a few seconds.

A few seconds too long.

"While you're both here, we should map out seating for the Charity Ball."

All the color drained from Dabi's face.

It was then that Keigo realized this was what Dabi had been trying to avoid. But he didn't understand why. A ball? That sounds fun. Why does he look so nervous?

Tomie gasped in mock surprise. "You're right! How lucky that you both happened to stop by! What are the odds?"

Dabi glanced at the front door over his shoulder. He looked at it as though he were a convict watching his last chance for escape vanish into thin air.

Keigo noted the expression with interest. "Charity Ball?"

Rei nodded enthusiastically. "I spend the entire year planning it. We donate the funds we've raised to a worthy cause. It's our way of giving back to the community. My poor son is always sick, so he's never able to go."

Dabi flushed with embarrassment.

Keigo's jaw dropped. Seriously?! You lie to your mom?! EVERY YEAR?! Just so you don't have to -

" - But this year, he looks to be in perfect health!" Rei exclaimed. "It'll be wonderful to have him there with the rest of my family."

Dabi's eye twitched. "There's still time to catch a cold," he grumbled.

Rei flicked him.

"OW!" Dabi rubbed his shoulder with a startled expression.

She smiled pleasantly. "Just some lint on your sleeve, dear."

"I'm in a tank top - "

" - He'll have a lovely plus one to bring as well."

Keigo knelt his head down self-consciously.

"I'll make sure we're all at a table together. Won't that be nice?"

Tomie grinned. "Sounds fantastic!" She glared at her son. "Right, boys?"

Before Keigo coil open his mouth, Dabi took his hand and pulled him toward the door. "It was good to see you, mom."

Keigo tried pulling against him. "Wait! I wanna keep eating!"

Dabi briskly closed the door behind them and marched down the stairs. He didn't look mad, exactly. More like a frightened rat fleeing a flooded subway tunnel.

Keigo reluctantly followed behind him, trying to make sense of the past five minutes. The interaction left him with a feeling he couldn't shake. "Did we just get played by our own moms?"

"Like fucking fiddles," Dabi snapped.

Keigo frowned, shuffling dejectedly behind him. "I wouldn't mind going. Sounds like it could be fun."

Dabi stiffened mid-step. "No. Out of the question."

Whoa. Happy-go-lucky, proud-husband-to-be Dabi was gone. In his place was a cold, unfeeling reptile. "Can I ask why?"

"Keigo, we're not going."

"I get that, I just wanna know why we're - "

" - Because every socialite from Seattle to Roseburg is gonna be there! You don't need to be on their radar, and neither do I. Now let's go."

That horrible, familiar feeling of dread manifested in Keigo's stomach. The feeling that he wasn't good enough. Not worth showing off or introducing. A man like Dabi, so handsome and with such respectable roots could have someone of much better standing. He tried to block out the thought, but the little voice inside him seemed to get louder with every passing minute.

He's ashamed of me.

~.~

Target

As Sero stepped through the automatic doors, a strange feeling came over him. The absence of tension in the store was almost more unsettling than the tension itself. Target was no longer their competitor. It was an ally. The atmosphere was light and cheerful as shoppers grazed the shelves like buffalo on a prairie. He scanned the aisles for his darling Yumi, but she was nowhere in sight. Damn. Did I already miss her? Unless…

He tiptoed toward the toys, where he knew they kept the squishmallows. But instead of seeing Yumi, he caught sight of two others.

Awase was bent over the plushie pit. He didn't seem to be moving. Fukidashi stood next to him, doing a poor job of hiding his fascination with Awase's butt.

Sero waved. "Hey, man!"

Fukidashi flinched, accidentally bumping into a stack of boxes. They toppled over and burst open, flooding the floor with Valentine's Day-themed squishmallows.

Sero laughed. Subtle, man. Real subtle. "How's it goin'?"

"No," Fukidashi answered. Then blushed and shook his head. "I m-mean…fine."

Sero bit back another laugh. You've got it bad, man. "Have you seen Yumi?"

"Who's Yumi?" Fukidashi stared down at his feet. "I m-mean no."

Awase dove into the squish mallows and popped his head up. "S-sorry, bro. Haven't s-seen her."

"I have."

Both boys squeaked in fear.

Kuroiro sauntered past them holding a stack of CDs. "She was here just a minute ago."

"Is she still here?"

"No, She left after buying - "

" - OH MY GOD, I FOUND SHARIE THE TIE-DYE SLOTH!" Awase shouted in a voice two octaves higher than usual.

Fukidashi gasped. "Gee Willikers, that's incredible!"

Kuroiro grinned. "Oh. Are we not telling him?"

Sero blinked. "Telling me what?"

"HOW - UM…" Fukidashi blushed red. "Sexy…your…hair looks…pushed back."

Sero laughed. "Thanks, man."

Kuroiro practically skipped down the music aisle. "Fine, I won't tell. Just don't forget to invite me."

Sero raised an eyebrow. "To what?"

Awase laughed awkwardly. "Don't pay him any mind. You know Kuroiro. Always…kidding around."

"Yep. Quite the jester, that one," Fukidashi concurred.

Sero looked between the two of them with scrutiny. "What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" they both asked.

Sero's eyes widened. "Oh."

Awase hid behind Fukidashi. "What do you mean, oh? I didn't say anything!"

Fukidashi shielded him. "Neither did I."

Sero smirked and wiggled his eyebrows. "I see how it is."

"You see nothing," Awase insisted.

Maybe they're afraid I'll judge them. "You guys are my friends. You know that, right?"

"I m-mean…yeah, but - "

" - It's not that we don't want to tell you, it's just - "

" - I'll support you no matter what, so don't be afraid to talk about it. Okay?"

Awase squinted. "Talk about…what?"

Sero beamed. "Your relationship!"

All the color drained from Fukidashi's face.

Awase chuckled. "What? You think we're - "

" - Really grateful," Fukidashi mumbled. "That means a lot, man."

"No problem."

Awase had an amused look on his face. Until he glanced at Fukidashi's. His co-worker had turned redder than the romas in produce. He was also staring at the ground as if it were about to swallow him.

"Fukidashi?" Awase asked.

Sero snickered. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to your lovin'. Laterz!"

~.~

Fukidashi longed for the sweet release of death. Or to lose consciousness. Whichever came first. He couldn't bring himself to meet Awase's eyes.

Wait. I'm going about this all wrong. I just need to laugh it off, like Awase did. If he thinks it was a joke, maybe he'll -

"How come he thought we were dating?" Awase asked.

Welp. There goes that plan. Fukidashi shrugged his shoulders and mumbled, "I dunno."

Awase wilted. "Well…I'm sorry that he made you uncomfortable."

His heart pounded in his ears. "It's not that, it's…" Stop talking stop talking stop talking STOP TALKING!

"What is it?"

I can't. It'll ruin everything. "Nothing! It's n-nothing."

Awase narrowed his eyes. "Look, Manga. We've been working together for a while now. I know you, and I know when something's wrong. So please just - "

" - There's nothing wrong because you're perfect."

It was said in a rush, and he couldn't take it back. But a part of him was relieved that he'd finally gotten it off his chest. For months, a longing had filled his heart and weighed him down. A desire that blossomed the moment he saw Awase smile.

Fukidashi stopped breathing. SHIT.

Awase stared down at his feet, self-consciously looking back down whenever he managed to meet eyes with him. His face had turned pink. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out.

It was then that he knew.

~.~

The Aizawa-Yamada Residence

Ojiro stared across the kitchen table in alarm. His darling Hito-kun had just chugged down a mug of scolding hot coffee. His concern multiplied as he watched his lover rush through work chores. He practically threw meow mix into his cats' bowls. They made cries of disgruntlement as Shinsou tripped over them in the process. Instead of thoroughly scrubbing the dishes with hot water and soap, he gave them a quick rinse rinse and put them in the cupboards without bothering to pat them dry. Instead of sweeping from one side to the other, he pushed the broom across the floor until he'd made a sizeable pile, which he left in the corner. Before Ojiro knew it, Shinsou was plopping back down to stare intently across the table.

The adorable little poet buzzed with a quiet energy. Not unlike a dog waiting to go for a car ride.

Ojiro flushed. Our morning exercise didn't tire him at all. If anything, he looks more energized than before. "You should eat, Hito-kun."

"Not hungry."

He cleared his throat. "I'm…still waiting for my tea to steep."

"Okay." Shinsou didn't look away.

Ojiro sighed and shook his head. I was so afraid we wouldn't be able to make love. Now I fear doing it too much. Exercising restraint was hard enough without his Hito-kun throwing himself at him.

Ojiro flushed. I have no right to complain. For the first time, he was dating someone who could handle his advances. Sleeping with Shinsou worked out better than he could've hoped. Instead of a shy, untrusting and hesitant partner, he had a loyal, adoring boyfriend that was always down for sex. Always. He wouldn't have to hold back ever again.

The Judo master stared down into his tea. I've spent the past two months controlling my desires. What I fool I was. All this time, I've been breaking in the wrong horse.

In a way, he understood Shinsou's confession perfectly. He loved knowing that his Hito-kun looked to him for protection and safety. For comfort. For solace. His dependence on him inflated his ego and made him feel strong. And aroused.

Ojiro's train of thought screeched to a halt upon hearing a knock at the front door.

Shinsou eyed the door warily.

Without saying a word, Ojiro knew what he was thinking. Aizawa-san and Yamada-san wouldn't need to knock. It can't be the mailman. Today's Sunday. So who is…?

He stood up out of his chair before Shinsou had even opened his mouth. "Stay here." The words came out cold and harsh. For a moment, he worried that he'd hurt Shinsou's feelings.

But when Ojiro glanced over his shoulder, that looked to be far from the case.

His Hito-kun hugged himself shyly with flushed cheeks and half-lidded eyes. "Kay," he murmured breathily.

Ojiro's abdomen tightened. With one syllable, Shinsou stirred desire in him like no one else could. All of a sudden he wanted to pull down his sweatpants. It didn't help that Shinsou's reactions to his assertion were nothing short of gratifying. He was a natural-born submissive. Eager to please and desperate to be filled.

The thought made him hard. His jaw tightened. I'm truly despicable.

There was another knock at the door.

He strode through the living room and pulled it open.

Standing before him was none other than his mother.

~.~

Hot Topic

Bakugo had barely stepped foot in the store when Tokoyami grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the back room. The blonde growled with annoyance. On top of being pent up, annoyed, and depressed, now he was about to be lectured by his assistant manager for…something.

But when they made it to the back room, Tokoyami didn't say a word. He didn't even turn the light on.

The hell? "What was so damn important that you had to drag me all the way - "

A quiet sniffle silenced him.

His eyes widened, even though he couldn't see anything. "Are you crying?"

More horrifying than Tokoyami's words was the way they came out of him. Broken and despaired, as if some great war had already been lost. "No one else can see it. No one else cares. I see it. Clear as day. But what good is seeing when you're useless?"

In six years of working with him, Bakugo had never seen him like this. "What's happening?"

Tokoyami let out a shuddery breath. "Two secrets weigh heavily on my heart. One I can never say, and the other I must. Will you listen?"

Bakugo's eyes adjusted to the dark room. Sitting, huddled in a ball, was Tokoyami, holding his face in his hands.

"Say it."

~.~