Tsuyu Asui.

If there was anything anyone had to say about her, it was that she was agreeable. An oddball at first, her large eyes, peculiar posture and frog-like tendencies made her someone who made a lasting impression. Getting to know her always made for a change of the better. Tsuyu's caring nature, curiosity and honest demeanor, also made her someone people liked having around. The other thing people noted, especially the men around her, was that she was quite the looker. Despite her oddities, her large eyes and soft features were cute. And her shapely body hidden behind her posture was the likes that most men couldn't forget. She was extremely popular, even when she was taken. She was beloved, but if there was one word Katsuki would use to describe her.

Irresistible.

In all sense of the word, he could hardly put up a resistance against her. It wasn't like he would try to begin with. She could argue, she could flatter, she could guilt, she could convince like nobody's business. He wasn't easy to sway, yet she could do it like it was second nature. A change of tone here, a grimace there and he was putty in her hand. But hell would freeze over before he ever let it show. His pride was his greatest motivator, but it also destroyed him at the same time and she could play to it without fail. Was she always this good? No… but maybe he just wasn't as closed off as he used to be. Time can be the best teacher and time has taught him to trust, to listen, to cooperate. Time also taught him loneliness, it taught him the need for others, it taught him the value of having another person's time.

He wanted her time.

Despite their lack of any kind of prior relationship, he knew he could trust her, they would listen to each other, they could work together. Whether it was on the job or at the bar, she could be a confidant, an ally, even a friend. He heard it time and time again, how he needed to work with others, that working alone would never work. He would brush it off in his youth, but without a web of people to work with, he had no real means of branching out. He could listen and cooperate with his fellow pros, but that was a means to an end. He didn't trust them as anything more than a source of information. They were allied by convenience but not by camaraderie, they were fair-weather at best. Not her, there was no reason for her to associate with him at all, yet she did. And he wanted her to know it was appreciated.

He wanted her trust.

Despite himself, his general anti-social behavior and lack of delicacy in most situations, he knew just how much a little trust could go. What few friends he did acknowledge were people he couldn't picture life without. And though there was less than no chance that'd they'd hear him say it, his actions always displayed his loyalty. They could count on him, because he would absolutely make good on his promise, just like All Might would do.

Katsuki was many things. Wild, arrogant, frustrating, intimidating. Every single one of his flaws bared on his sleeve, but the same was to be said for his virtues. Anyone with any familiarity of him could see that. But it took the very special few to be able to bring them out. And how, in such a short frame, had she become that, he could never know. But that structure in his life was something he sorely needed.

Once again on patrol, he'd gotten used to the antics of his laid-back apprentice. The way the kid always lingered of the sight of a pretty woman, the sloppy form of his left hook, his pension for copying techniques of other pro heroes. He seemed like the kind of person young Katsuki would scream his head off at. But he had changed, he was tolerant of the childish way the boy dived headlong with a wildly impractical entrance when encountering a villain. His seemingly savant knowledge of the same rules he hardly ever followed. It was seemingly like he was created specifically to piss Katsuki off.

Yet he was still here.

Soon enough Tatsuya was inserting himself into Katsuki's life. And though it was never appreciated, he was never tossed out. Whether it be when Katsuki arrived first thing in the morning, or when he was on break, or on his way home. Tatsuya was annoyingly present. Katsuki tolerated it, sometimes it wasn't even that much of a problem. But there is one time where Katsuki wished the boy would just get lost.

When he went out drinking.

For the third time this week, Tatsuya had followed him to his usual spot and all but chained himself to Katsuki's table. Tsuyu would arrive a little later and without fail Tatsuya would order the first round effectively, inserting himself into the chat. He would twist and turn the conversation to his whim, he would joke about the day's patrol or start some stupid drinking game. Being polite, Tsuyu would play along, to an extent. Katsuki however was not enjoying it. There were a lot of things he in his personal life he'd rather not have mix with his professional life and Tsuyu was excellent at keeping confidentiality. With Tatsuya however he might as well be sharing secrets with a megaphone.

He really didn't like drinking with the guy.

"So boss… We going drinkin' tonight too?" It was an especially slow day. Nothing going on, hardly even an infraction in sight.

"Who is this 'We' you're talking about." Katsuki was in a bad mood, falling into some old habits. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, he hunched over and trudged about like a thug.

"You, me and Froppy!"

"Who said we were going drinking tonight?"

"Dude, you two have been drinking all week."

"And who said you were invited."

"Come on, it's like you don't want me around." Tatsuya huffed, pouting and stamping his foot.

"I don't." Katsuki growled shoulder checking his protege.

Tatsuya looked at him with a discerning eye. Studying his mentor. The next few minutes were quiet as Katsuki kept the two on point. Minutes turned to an hour of near silence between the two before Tatsuya brought the topic back.

"So that's how it is..." Tatsuya smiled throwing his hands behind his head.

"What's how what is." Katsuki was back to his upright posture.

"I'm in the way, aren't I?"

"You're always in the way. You should keep your eyes roaming, instead of chasing every skirt you pass by." Katsuki scolded continuing his scan of the horizon.

"First off, that's cold Boss, cold. Second, I meant about you and Miss Froppy."

"What are you talking about, you idiot?"

"You don't want me getting in the way of your little drinking party."

"With the dumb crap you pull, I don't think anyone would.

"So we're playing that game, huh? Real mature, Boss." Tatsuya rolled his eyes before shooting a knowing look. "Fine. I'll leave you two be alone tonight."

"Good."

"But I want to hear about it tomorrow."

"I don't need to tell you squat." Katsuki walked away without another word. But body language told a different story. Tatsuya smiled following Katsuki the way back.

That night was peaceful. Katsuki and Tsuyu were alone. A huge weight felt like it was lifted from Katsuki's shoulders. He was free to speak candidly as he pleased, there was no distraction from their chat and that was just the way he liked it.

"I swear to god the next time he screws around and let's a lady distract him, I'm gonna wring his neck."

"Maybe try something not so extreme."

"Like what."

"Is he dating anyone?"

"Why would I know that?"

"He's pretty talkative."

"That's an understatement." Katsuki rolled his eyes.

She giggled. "The old you would have just called him an asshole and tried to fight him."

"The old me was an asshole."

She snorted choking on a bit of her drink. "Since when were you open to criticism?"

"High School."

"Well, you sure didn't seem like it."

"You lookin' for a fight?" He glared with the same impudence of his teenage self.

"I can take you." She playfully taunted.

The two shared a laugh, cutting into any tension that may have been there. She was beautiful… the way her laugh lit up her face, the lights shined off her illuminating her soft features. A strand of hair fell to her face obscuring her left eye. She sighed her, eyes half lidded with a dreamy look in her eyes. She placed her hand on his unconsciously, smiling to him, a smile he returned with a smolder of his own. Realizing what she was doing, Tsuyu pulled away. Her face flushed, maybe they had a bit too much to drink.

"S-sorry, Bakugo." She hung her head bashfully.

"For what?" He spoke lightly, tilting his head. He reached out brushing the strand out of her face. She recoiled quickly, eyes widening. She was just a bit too aware of the situation.

"It's… It's just too soon." She stuttered her face felt hot, though that may just be the alcohol. "I just got out of a relationship… I'm not rea-."

"That doesn't matter..." He spoke plainly, despite the slight slur of his words, he was very serious. His eyes were piercing.

"Now just wait a second." Tsuyu's face twisted into a fierce expression. "It is important. You wouldn't understand."

"Please.. I've been dumped before." he growled. This came as a surprise to Tsuyu.

"You? Date, anyone?" She seemed legitimately shocked.

"Yeah. And she didn't like how much time I spent working. Left me for some civvy." went on, his voice monotonous, like it meant nothing. "No skin off my back." his words plain, as if it was as eventful as taking a shower. He crossed his arms leaning back into his chair.

She was still angry, but not at him. Well maybe a little at him, how could he be so flippant? She was getting emotional, she needed to get out of here.

"Look, let's just drop it… I'll see you later." Tsuyu picked up her purse, dropping a bit of money on the table.

"Wait!" Katsuki called out, slamming some of his own money on the table. Tsuyu jumped a bit. "Let me walk you home." another surprise for her.

She tried to refuse, holding in some tears. The look in his eyes was enough to know he was not going to take no for an answer. The walk was silent. She definitely wasn't handling her alcohol well. She felt herself waver a bit, tomorrow was going to be rough. The train ride was awkward as the car was nearly empty aside from the business people too tired to react to anything. They got off at her station without much problem, but she began to get more wobbly to closer they got to her appartment. She leaned forward, nearly falling over. Katsuki quickly grabbed her by the hand, pulling her to his side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder giving her some support. She thanked him, all he did was grunt in affirmation. The rest of the walk to her place was quiet as Katsuki refused to speak.

His body was warm. It reminded her of times past. Tokoyami used to walk her home after a date, he wasn't all that much taller than her so they'd often walk hand in hand. Katsuki however was quite a bit taller than her. His arms were thicker than Fumikage's, granted, he had always been one of the more muscular men she knew. His hands were also a larger, not as large as her own have you but it all culminated into an entirely new feeling. She wasn't sure whether or not she should like it. But that was all in a small corner of her mind. She still missed him. She may have agreed to the split but it was also on such short notice. She had no idea what to do.

They arrived at her door, she whispered several thanks and apologies. She pulled away bowing several times.

"Thanks again… I don't know how well I would have gotten home alone." She smiled looking up at him, her face pink due to an indiscernible origin.

"You know, Kirishima heard I left you drunk to go home, they'd never let me hear the end of it." He sighed his gaze elsewhere, he scratched the back of his head.

"Which one?" she asked, though her focus was in digging through he purse.

"Both." He grimaced, his eyes upturned, imagining the needless lecture they'd give him.

She giggled, finally finding her key. He chuckled in response. She looked him in the eyes, even if he did carry his alcohol better than her, she could see he was at least a little drunk through his eyes.

"I… Better get going." he spoke with a hind of awkwardness.

In a spur of the moment she grasped his shirt sleeve. "Wait." she called to him not quite control of herself. She was brought back to memories of her first time bringing Tokoyami over as she asked a very simple question.

"Would you like to come in for tea?" She tilted her head looking at him eyes begging him to accept.

He paused for a bit unsure what course of action to take. Was she asking what he thinks she was asking? The usual Tsuyu would never be the forward if she was implying what he assumed. No. Even just earlier tonight, she'd rejected a chance to advance. This was assuredly an innocent request.

"Okay." His voice was barely a whisper. Her face lit up as he nodded, she quickly turned to her door, excitedly unlocking the door with minimal trouble. She opened her door and her smile quickly faded.

It wasn't that night.

Unlike that day, the apartment was empty. Devoid of life. She remembered that night, her apartment was a bit of a mess, but it had character. Her character. It was bright and inviting. She'd turn on the lights to be greeted by a myriad of her favorite colors. When they moved in together, it changed, adapting to be more both of their tastes. But now that he was gone. It was empty. Just like her heart.

The heat of tears rolled down Tsuyu's face, she felt sobs escape her throat, She cried for the first time since the break-up then and there. She was embarrassed, mortified that she was showing this to anyone, especially someone like Katsuki. She fell to her knees, but Katsuki caught her.

"Hey! What the hell?" He questioned jerking her to face him. His eye widened seeing her tears.

She was overcome with emotions, she had no idea what to do. "Katsuki?" She searched his eyes for something, anything, she was desperate for warmth.

Without missing a beat he grasped her chin between thumb and index, tilting her face to meet his own. Their lips barely tapped before Katsuki brought them back with passion. His eyes shut tightly as Tsuyu's own seemed fit to burst out of her head. She clutched his shirt. It felt so good. His warmth, his arms so tightly wrapped around her frame. The tears continued to flow but her eyes began to close. She wanted this. She needed this. She told herself as she felt the temptation to drag him into this room and just live this night.

She was snapped to reality. She was still grieving, this could be a huge mistake. Not to mention if anything happened it may ruin both their career paths. She pushed him away slamming the door between them. She put her back to the door slumping down into her own knees. It would have been so easy to just do what the alcohol control her. The tears continued to flow. Katsuki recovered from the shock quickly.

"TSU! What the fu-" He slammed a fist to the door.

"KATSUKI! Just stop!" Her voice was louder than anything he'd ever heard from her, even through the door it was clearly shaken. He took a step back. He breathed heavily, he clicked his tongue. He knew that it was for the best but it also sucked for him, knowing that behind that door she was hurting and that there was no way she'd accept him in.

Not tonight. And he shouldn't force the issue. He sighed walking away. Tonight was the start of a grander change than any before. Tomorrow was going to be something entirely different.