Katsuki stares, because there's not much else he can do. Midoriya Izuku is crouched in the cereal aisle of his parents' neighborhood grocery store, browsing a selection of overly sugary breakfast foods.
And it has to be Izuku, because he's barely changed. A little taller and a little broader, but with the same curly hair and freckles and baby face. It's been nearly ten years since he's seen his childhood friend, but this is truly the last place he expected to find him. The last he knew, the Midoriyas were in the states, where Izuku was going to university.
Izuku stands, and Katsuki gapes. Appearing on Izuku's other side, is a curly-haired, freckled kid that couldn't be anyone's but Izuku's. Her hair is up in pigtails, her eyes big and green. She looks up, meeting Katsuki's eyes. On instinct, Katsuki turns to flee as the kid grabs Izuku's pants leg and points.
"Kacchan?"
Katsuki freezes. Izuku's voice is a long forgotten fragment of a boy he used to know, a boy he used to push to the dirt. But this soft, gentle voice shocks him in his spine, freezing him in place.
He swallows, and straightens. More than anything, he wants to run.
Instead he turns, slowly, his shoulders hunched near his ears, and says "Deku"
May 21
Deku 18:21 – It was interesting seeing you again. Please tell your parents hello for me.
Kacchan 19:01 – sure
May 24
Kacchan 8:30 – my mom wants you to join us for dinner. 17:00
Deku 20:30 – Thank you for inviting us again, Toshiko loves your dog.
Kacchan 20:49 – no problem
Deku 20:49 – You've changed a lot since we were kids.
Kacchan 20:50 – i should hope so
May 30
Kacchan 14:14 – i'm taking monster to the park near your place if your kid wants to see her
Deku 14:16 – She says yes and if she can bring her a treat!
Kacchan 14:16 – meet you near the bridge
Kacchan 14:16 – she likes cheese
Katsuki sits, awkwardly on the bench next to Izuku, discreetly looking at him from the corner of his eye. Izuku watches as Toshiko runs, laughing loudly with Monster at her heels with her curled tail wagging in excitement. Izuku's hair is pulled back out of his eyes with a neon pink headband, dark locks curling over the edges. He's smiling, soft and warm, his fair-colored skin flushed under the warm spring day.
When he glances over, Katsuki jumps and quickly turns his eyes to the kid and dog playing on the grass. Izuku's smile widens. "I didn't take you for a dog person," he says after a moment.
"I don't really know what that means," Katsuki grumbles. "What kind of animal person am I supposed to be?"
"Honestly, I didn't take you for the pet-type at all," Izuku says. Katsuki immediately recognizes the teasing tone, and scowls. Izuku backtracks. "Sorry, that was—"
"It's fine." Katsuki shuffles his feet a little, feeling awkward in his own skin. "I have a cat, too. So now you're extra wrong."
Izuku's surprised snort startles him. Izuku's laugh is loud and carefree, and Katsuki's heart jumps in his chest. Izuku's laughter has been exactly copied over and multiplied in joy from their childhood, something Katsuki didn't know that he had missed, or even remembered until Izuku's sitting beside him covering his mouth to hide the giggles.
He startles when two tiny hands grab Katsuki at the elbow, small fingers squeezing his arm. Toshiko looks up at him with a wide grin. "You're dog is the COOLEST!" she yells.
Monster trots up, obediently sitting in front of him. "Uh, yeah, she's alright." Katsuki says. He hands Toshiko a bright yellow tennis ball. "Here, she's pretty good a fetch, so wear her out for me."
"Okay!" she says, tossing the ball with all her strength. It flies a few feet and both she and the dog go pelting after it. Both Izuku and Katsuki laugh as Monster confusedly tries to give Toshiko the ball back, the little girl running away, giggling.
June 1
Deku 19:48 – Toshiko's been skyping with my parents, and all she's talked about is your dog for the past 30 minutes.
Kacchan 19:50 – my dog is pretty awesome
Deku 19:50 – I think she's talking her grandpa into getting her a puppy. Which is a terrible idea.
Kacchan 19:51 – your dad?
Deku 19:52 – Oh, no, my mom remarried. Toshi-san is my step-dad, he's really awesome. He's been sort of like my mentor since high school. It was really weird, but great when they got together.
Kacchan 19:52 – toshi? like toshiko?
Deku 19:53 – Yep. :) Exactly like Toshiko. Toshinori Yagi, though he took my mom's name when they got married.
Kacchan 19:54 – guess he's not an asshole if you named your kid after him
Deku 19:54 – Like I said, he's pretty great. He cried when Toshiko was born and then cried again when I told him her name.
Kacchan 19:55 – you sure he's not your real dad? i remember a lot of waterworks when we were kids
Deku 19:55 – Rude.
June 2
Deku 8:29 – [Picture attached.] First day of her new school! She demanded a fancy braid for the occasion. (*´∇`*)
Kacchan 8:29 – cool
Kacchan 10:04 – how does your brat like her mochi?
Deku 10:12 – She usually likes them with strawberries, why?
Deku 14:45 – I can't believe you sent your mom over with your homemade mochi instead of coming yourself! Toshiko loved them, thank you very much!
Kacchan 14:48 – good
Kacchan 14:53 – how was her first day?
Deku 14:53 – She was a little worried about starting behind everyone else, but she said she made a lot of friends.
Kacchan 14:55 – good
Summer and fall pass them by like that. They text back and forth, nearly every day, peppered with photos of dogs and kids and a rare selfie in between. Whenever he's in the neighborhood, they meet up at the park. Toshiko learns all the commands that Monster knows, happily playing with the other kids on the playground while Izuku sits with Katsuki.
One day, Toshiko runs up and launches herself into Katsuki's arms. He fumbles for a moment, unused to the enthusiasm as she squeals, "I'm a dragon!" and puffs a cloud of black smoke right into his face.
"Toshiko!" Izuku cries despairingly, looking rather haggard and a bit singed as he jogs to catch up.
Waving away the smoke in his face, Katsuki holds out a hand for a high-five. "Got your quirk then, kiddo?" She nods, enthusiastic and wiggling in his arms as she smacks her palm to his. "Pretty cool."
"It's like your's!" she crows. "Except not so loud! I'm going to be a dragon when I grow up and cook marshmallows for everyone in my class."
Izuku huffs, laughing when he joins them. "Please don't breathe smoke in people's faces, Toshiko."
"Whoooops," she says. "Sorry Kaccha-san"
"C'mon kid, we've been through this, it's Bakugou-san," Katsuki sighs. "What's with you two and butchering my name beyond recognition? Show your elder some respect!"
Izuku just shrugs with an innocent grin while Toshiko sings, "Kaccha-san, Kaccha-san," around tiny little puffs of smoke. Katsuki sighs again, straightening the little hat on Toshiko's head when he settles her on his hip. "Daddy got us pork buns for a snack! Your's is spicy, because you like them spicy," Toshiko states, matter of fact.
"How kind of him to remember," he says with a smirk, liking the little blush on Izuku's face.
"How could I forget?" Izuku says, voice dry. Katsuki's shoulder drop guiltily, eyes on Izuku's shoes. Steps forward, leaning into his line of sight. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that," he says gently. He takes Katsuki's free hand and leads him away to a nearby bench. "C'mon, before they get cold."
"Where's Monster?" Toshiko asks as Katsuki sets her on the cold seat.
"She's with the old lady today, they're going to the vet for a check up," Katsuki tells her.
"Oh. You have to give her a treat if she takes a shot without crying."
Katsuki snorts and tugs on her scarf. "Will do."
Toshiko grins happily into her bun, chewing loudly. She kicks her feet on the bench and smacks her lips together, squirming when Izuku cleans crumbs off of her. Katsuki watches them, absentmindedly eating his own. Izuku never mentions Toshiko's mom. She looks like someone nearly copied and pasted Izuku into a little girl, and multiplied his enthusiasm by the thousands. But she's nothing like Izuku was at that age; boisterous and loud and not even a little shy.
"Oh!" she suddenly exclaims and looks up at Katsuki, beaming. "I could be a hero! Just like you are, Kaccha-san!"
Katsuki stares at her wide-eyed for a moment, and meets Izuku's encouraging gaze over her head. Izuku just smiles happily back, his eyes shining. His face flushing brightly, he looks back down at Toshiko and nods.
December 11
Kacchan 16:01 – open your door
December 12
Deku 18:13 – Toshiko is complaining that your cooking is better than mine. (ó﹏ò。)
Kacchan 18:13 – ha
Kacchan 18:13 – my cooking is awesome
Deku 18:13 – Guess you'll have to come cook for us again!
Deku 18:13 – ᕕ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)ᕗ Kacchan 18:20 – yeah, guess i will
December 24
Deku 18:46 – [Picture sent.] Merry Christmas, Kacchan! Toshiko wanted to show you the lights. Sorry that you are working!
Kacchan 18:47 – merry christmas. cute hat
December 25
Deku 10:30 – We're on our way to your parent's house!
Kacchan 10:30 – see you soon
December 26
Deku 14:06 – Are you sure your mom is okay to watch Toshiko? It's not a bother?
Kacchan 14:06 – she offered didn't she?
Deku 14:06 – True…
Kacchan 14:07 – hey, don't feel like you have to go
Kacchan 14:07 – if you'd rather spend that time with your kid, i get it
Deku 14:10 – No! I really want to go. Sorry, I just wanted to make sure. I'll see you then!
Katsuki stands at the shrine's steps, shuffling from side to side nervously. Families pass in droves, making their way up to the bustling crowds above. The bells are already tolling in the distance. Snow falls gently, a faint coating along his shoulders, and Katsuki pulls his scarf a little tighter.
"Kacchan!" He looks up as Izuku waves at him. Katsuki feels his heart thump in his chest.
Izuku doesn't even pause when he reaches them, until they're standing toe to toe. His face is a pretty pink, his lips chapped. Katsuki can't take his eyes of them as Izuku leans up to kiss him.
Something settles in his stomach that had been twisting there all day. Izuku's breath is warm against his face, his lips tingling under the sweet pressure of Izuku's, and he chases the kiss when Izuku breaks it, pressing another back against Izuku's mouth. He can feel him smile into it, a hand on his chest, cold fingers brushing against his jaw.
"Sorry," Izuku breathes, still standing close. "I wanted to do that before I lost my nerve."
Katsuki looks at him, dazed and lost in Izuku's eyes. "Yeah," he murmurs, and clears his throat. "Yeah, uh, don't apologize. Let's just…" He waves vaguely at the stairs.
"Yeah," Izuku agrees. His smile is small and shy, but warm. "Let's go." On impulse, Katsuki reaches out and takes Izuku's hand in his, lacing their fingers together. His hand is cold in his. "You forgot your gloves again, Deku," he chides.
Izuku laughs. "Yes, sorry. But your hands are warm, so I think I'll survive," he says with a grin, pressing close to Katsuki's side as they ascend the stairs, the crowd thickening around them. "Let's get cider while we're here," Izuku says over the din.
They sip their cider after they pay their respects. Izuku buys them their fortunes. They read them, standing a little away from thickest part of the throng, amongst the grove of cherry blossoms, their limbs bare. Katsuki scowls at his, and Izuku peeks over his shoulder.
"You should leave that one behind," Izuku says with a laugh as Katsuki reluctantly folds the bad fortune back up. "Don't worry, I'll share some of my good luck with you."
Katsuki pauses his tying of his fortune to the tree branches, staring wide-eyed at Izuku who seems to realize what he just said.
"I-I mean," he stutters, face going completely red. "I just meant—"
"I'll hold you to it." Katsuki looks away, finishing with his bad fortune. "Just so you know, you can't back out. You shouldn't offer things so freely."
Izuku chuckles, and presses in close again. "I see. I guess it can't be helped."
"No," Katsuki agrees, taking Izuku's hand in his.
They stand like that, waiting for midnight with the rest of the locals. The shine's bell rings loud over everyone's heads, each hit counting down to the last.
"De-Izuku," he says after a long moment. "Why did you agree to this. After… everything I did?"
Izuku hums, watching all the activity around the shrine. "Well, that was a long time ago. We've both changed a lot since then. You weren't very nice, sure, but a lot of people aren't nice to me when they learn that I'm quirkless," he says, his voice matter of fact and his hand still holding gently to Katsuki's. "I came out with you, because I wanted to. Because you make me happy."
Katsuki swallows, his throat suddenly dry. Izuku looks at him with a sweet smile and wraps an arm around Katsuki's waist, and hugging his side.
"Okay?"
Nodding, Katsuki whispers back, "Okay."
"Good," Izuku says, blushing. "And I told you, I really don't mind Deku, I promise."
The last bell rings out, loud in the night. Katsuki smiles softly at Izuku under his arm. "Happy new year, Izuku."
"Happy new year, Kacchan," Izuku says, leaning up to kiss Katsuki's lips.
The crowd disperses, and they slowly begin their way home. Izuku's phone buzzes when they reach the bottom of the steps, and he pulls it out to see a picture of Toshiko, surrounded by Mitsuki, Mosaru, and an older Midoriya Inko, her face still round and smiling. Beside her is a wane, sickly looking man with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Mom 1:18 – Surprise! We're here in town staying with Mitsuki. I hope you had a good time at the shrine. Go on home and we'll see each other in the morning. Love you!
Katsuki's phone buzzes a second later.
Hag 1:18 – Gave your room away tonight, find somewhere else to sleep brat. Use protection.
They stand there awkwardly, staring at the two texts from their mothers, and Izuku's face is an alarming shade of red.
"Hey," Katsuki says gently, rubbing his thumb along Izuku's hand, their fingers still tangled together. "I can sleep on their couch, so don't listen to her. We can take this as slow as you want."
Izuku hesitates, and bites his lip. "You can just as easily sleep on mine," he says finally, not able to meet Katsuki's eye.
He leans down, placing a chaste kiss on Izuku's cheek. "Just to sleep." Izuku nods and leads him away.
The apartment is dark and cold when they arrive, but shiny with the new year's cleaning. "You went all out," Katsuki comments. "Didn't you just move here earlier this year?"
"You'd be surprised how messy Toshiko is, especially now that she's setting fire to everything," Izuku says, laying out some spare blankets on the sofa. "I have a spare futon too, if you'd rather that. I don't think it would be as comfortable, though."
"This is fine, Izuku."
Izuku blushes. "Still no Deku?"
Smirking, Katsuki leans in and kisses him. "Doesn't seem right to call my boyfriend useless."
"So I'm your boyfriend now?" Izuku asks, his shoulders hunched up and his face shy, looking up at Katsuki through his lashes.
"You said you'd share your luck with me right?" Katsuki kisses him again, pulling Izuku close by the waist. He goes willingly and wraps his arms around Katsuki's neck, pressing flush to Katsuki's front. In the semi-dark of Izuku's living room, they exchange slow, warm kisses until Katsuki breaks away, urging Izuku on to bed. "I'll make you breakfast in the morning," he promises, still standing next to the couch.
Izuku pauses in the doorway, looking back at Katsuki with kiss-bruised lips. His smile is an invitation. "If you're going to make breakfast," he says, even though his face is red. "It'd be rude of me to make you sleep on the couch."
Katsuki wastes no time, taking large strides and closing the bedroom door behind him.
April 15
Kacchan 22:05 – [Picture sent.]
Izuku 22:05 – Σ(〇o〇;) No way
Kacchan 22:05 – will she like it?
Izuku 22:06 – She's going to flip out! Kacchan, those must have been expensive, is it okay?
Kacchan 22:06 – why wouldn't it be? i bought them, so of course it's fine
Kacchan 22:06 – i thought it would be a good birthday present
Izuku 22:07 – She'll love it! We can celebrate both of your birthdays together!
Izuku 22:07 – You're so sweet, Kacchan
Kacchan 22:07 – shut up
Izuku 22:07 – Make me.
July 27
Kacchan 12:04 – how's the vacation?
Izuku 12:05 – [Picture sent.] Toshiko's having a good time, but we miss you.
Izuku 12:05 – You should have come with us. Teach us how to surf.
Kacchan 12:06 – we can't all work from our laptops deku
Kacchan 12:06 – i miss you both too
July 28
Kacchan 7:36 – wake up and open the door for me
Kacchan 7:37 – seriously, the hotel staff are giving me looks
Kacchan 7:37 – deku wake up
Kacchan 7:38 – i will wake up your brat no matter how grumpy she is in the morning
Kacchan 7:38 – deku Kacchan 7:39 – i'm about to start banging on your door
Izuku 7:40 – YOU'RE HERE! ୧ □ ୨
Kacchan 7:40 – yes now let me in you deku
October 25
Kacchan 11:02 – how's this place? [Link attached.]
Izuku 11:03 – That's really close to Toshiko's school! Can we go see it?
Kacchan 11:03 – sure, realtor says she'll meet us there 13:00
December 4
Izuku 14:43 – Can you pick up the groceries on your way?
Izuku 14:43 – Toshiko's out of snacks.
Kacchan 14:45 – sure, any requests?
Izuku 14:46 – She likes the rice crackers you bought last time.
Kacchan 14:46 – cool
Katsuki weaves around Monster and Fireball to put the groceries on the counter. Izuku meets him there with a kiss, beginning to put away the groceries while Katsuki pulls off his coat. "Welcome back," he says, smiling.
"Kacchan!" Katsuki obediently scoops Toshiko up in his arms when she comes bounding up to him. "Look what I made at school," she crows, waving a drawing in his face.
"Cool," he says, he says looking a the drawing for a long moment. "What is it?"
"It's us as dragons!" Toshiko huffs at him, black smoke coming out of the corner of her mouth. She turns to Izuku with a huge frown. "Daddy, you gotta marry someone else. Kacchan is stupid."
"Oi!" Katsuki says over Izuku's sudden burst of laughter. "You brat, don't bully me! And stop laughing so hard, Deku!"
Izuku wipes away the tears in the corner of his eyes, a huge grin stretching his face. "But, if I marry someone else, they might not want you to be the flower girl in the wedding," he says, still chuckling. Toshiko pretends to think about it, tapping a pudgy finger to her chin. "And they probably won't cook as well as Kacchan."
"Ugh, you're right," she says with a dramatic moan, leaning backwards far enough that Katsuki nearly drops her. "I guess you can stay."
Katsuki plops her on the ground. "Gee, thanks," he says as she darts away, the cat and dog chasing after her. "She was nicer when we weren't living together."
"That's because you weren't making her do all those things she hates, like baths and going to bed and eating vegetables. Welcome to parenthood," Izuku says, pulling him close and kissing Katsuki's pout. "If it makes you feel better, she won't let me touch the game station anymore, because you're more fun to play with."
"Yeah, because you're a monster who shows no mercy. I'm not playing mario kart with you ever again."
Laughing, Izuku presses him up against the counter, kissing him slow and deep, and Katsuki wraps his arms around Izuku's neck. "One more month," he says against Katsuki's lips with a smile. Katsuki's stomach flutters like it usually does, with nervousness and excitement.
"Are you guys always going to be this gross?"
