"Too challenging? 'Deku' is fine, Kacchan."
"I dunno the meaning of challenging!"
Kacchan's words are as bold as ever. Fiery, passionate - but there's no lethality to it. He's the flame that engulfs everyone in his path and leaves a blazing trail behind, but it doesn't burn. In a way, it's a soothing flame, reassuring in an odd way that would've once frightened Izuku.
Kacchan's words, bold as ever, replay in his mind as he sleeps. Kacchan's words, every word he has ever said to Izuku, echo in the chambers of his dream.
"Izuku, I'm sorry for everything."
Those words travel through his veins, stick to his heart. He'll never forget them. After everything they've been through. Through ups and downs, through fights and small talk. Kacchan bared himself in front of everyone, showing all of his vulnerabilities, all for Izuku. All for him, the boy who held the crumbling world on his shoulders.
Words are hard to get out - Izuku knows this well. He knows the way that they are fickle, the way at times they stumble from one's lips and fall flat on the ground. They're seldom perfect, usually on a whim. It had to have been hard for Kacchan - Izuku knows him like the back of his hand. He knows the different ways those red eyes shine, at times bright like tiny rubies; other times, dull and muted like dried blood. He knows the cadence of Kacchan's voice, the strength behind every attack, the purpose that drives his every step. He knows that
They have been together for years upon years, and they'll always be together for years upon years.
His mind tells him to wake up, but his body convinces him otherwise. The journey has been hard for him so far, and there are more people that he has to apologize to - his mother, Uraraka, Iida, Todoroki. But he wants Kacchan to know that his words have not fallen on deaf ears. His truth that he told Izuku so earnestly, every word that was the knife that severed Izuku from his isolation; he wants Kacchan that he has heard it all and that, like Kacchan himself, he'll keep them close to his heart.
They'll have a talk. While deep in his slumber, it's a promise that Izuku makes. They'll talk, one on one. Just the two of them, maybe sometime soon, maybe sometime later. He and his rival. He and his childhood friend. As Deku and Kacchan.
As Izuku and Katsuki.
yo when they finally do talk I'ma cry so hard oh my god.
Horikoshi have mercy on me bro.