Izuku: This is Izuku. I'm really happy we met, Shota. Would you let me take you on a date sometime?
Shota saves Izuku's number, but doesn't respond to the text right away. He's honestly kind of shocked that Izuku had been thinking that at the point when he put his number in their phone. Not that he's opposed to the idea. Once they had gotten past the initial wariness it had been surprisingly easy to talk to them. But, well, Shota's never really been one to date, focusing more on his work and survival. He spends the rest of the trip home thinking it over and finds himself staring at the text as he collapses onto the couch. It takes a few more minutes for Shota to make a decision.
Shota: I was going to come back to get Dope on Friday. We could go to dinner then? With the text sent, Shota pulls out his laptop to start shopping for cat supplies. Half an hour later,
Hizashi and Nemuri come practically crashing through the door.
"Ah Man. I hate working with Endeavor," Hizashi bemoans as they flop onto the couch. Shota has to lift his laptop to keep Hizashi's head from crashing into his keyboard. Nemuri is only slightly more graceful as she drapes herself sideways onto the chair to the left of the couch.
"I swear I was seriously considering using my quirk on both him and that explosive sidekick he had with him," Nemuri whines.
"That bad?" Shota questions, closing his laptop and tucking it next to him against the arm of the couch.
"You have no idea! Trying to talk to the sidekick was like diffusing a bomb while colorblind! We're lucky it wasn't a stealth mission. I mean obviously it wouldn't be with it being all spotlight. It was fully televised. Did you watch it?" Hizashi complains, dramatically throwing an arm over their face before lifting that hand to poke at Shota's cheek. Shota simply shakes his head. Nemuri makes a slightly surprised noise, though Shota's not entirely sure why. Sure, he typically has the news on as background noise when he's anxious, but it's not like he makes a habit of fully paying attention to spotlight fights.
"We'll just have to give you the play by play then, yeah?" Hizashi snaps a finger gun up at him.
"Sure, but can we order takeout first? I'm starving!" Nemuri whips out her phone as she speaks. Shota makes a grunt of agreement as Hizashi practically leaps out of his lap. The conversation derails into discussions on what to get for dinner that Shota barely participates in. Shota's phone buzzes from the coffee table while the two are still debating.
Izuku: That works for me. It's a date! Think I could convince you to wear something besides your Hero Costume? There's a great sushi place a couple blocks from the cafe that may or may not be owned by a Yakuza family where there is at least a slight chance someone would recognize an
underground hero in full gear.
Shota sends an immediate response to confirm his agreement and only realizes he's silently staring at the responding string of emojis when he feels two sets of eyes on him. He glances up to find Hizashi and Nemuri observing him with predatory expressions.
"What's got you smiling at your phone?" Nemuri croons suggestively.
"Umm. I... I have a date." Shota hesitates only a moment before accepting there is no way he would be able to hide this from these two.
"WHAT!?" Hizashi screeches, causing Shota to flare his quirk. Nemuri has shot off the chair to grab at his phone, but Shota is quick enough to tuck it into his capture scarf where Nemuri knows better than to reach.
"Nem," Shota warns, glaring. She only pouts at him. Hizashi is literally bouncing on the couch next to him.
"You have a date? How? When? Tell us everything!" Hizashi exclaims.
"Pleeaase?" Nemuri kneels on the couch beside Hizashi, pushing both hands down on one of their shoulders so that the two of them are crouched lower, staring up at him with pleading eyes. The effect is only magnified by their glasses. Shota sighs.
"Have you heard of Aporia?" He asks. Hizashi's eyes go wide with excitement. Nemuri's flash with recognition before her face is overcome with confusion.
"You met her?" Hizashi's excitement is punctuated with more bouncing. Shota swears they're just like a puppy most of the time.
"Is that who your date is with? I thought you were gay?" Nemuri asks at the same time. Shota blinks at her. He glances at Hizashi who is now also looking confused, which is some comfort, at least.
"What?" Shota chokes out. Nemuri is looking between their confused faces as her own confusion settles into something more like realization. She shrugs sort of helpless and slumps into Hizashi's side.
"You know my quirk is more effective on people that find me attractive... it's never been effective on you so I guess I just assumed. Which was admittedly pretty dumb of me," She explains. Shota feels his own confusion clear away and shrugs in response.
"It's whatever. You're correct that I have never been attracted to you. I've never bothered labeling myself, though. Dating's never been something I've even really thought about before. And anyway, Izuku introduced themself with any pronoun. I met him today at the cat cafe." This causes Hizashi to pout at him.
"You went to Bakeneko without us?" Hizashi whines, leaning forward onto Shota's shoulder.
"I did. I figured it was a better plan than sitting at home by myself all day," Shota retorts. Hizashi sighs.
"That's fair. I'm proud of you for still going." At Shota's slightly incredulous look, Hizashi adds, "I am! I'm just sad we missed it. Especially, if you met Aporia. Were the cats cute?" Shota nods.
"I'm adopting one of them," Shota confirms, watching Hizashi light up in excitement.
"Hey, wait a second. Izuku sounds like a given name. Are they calling you Shota, too?" Nemuri cuts in, literally moving in front of Hizashi so that she is squished between them on the couch. Shota shrinks further into the arm of the couch, even though her knees are on his leg.
"Oh my kami. You're blushing! You're really letting him call you Shota already?" Nemuri screeches in a remarkable impression of Hizashi. Shota only nods, refusing to look at his two friends.
"How'd that happen? We already ordered the food for delivery so start talking mister!" Hizashi drapes their arms over Nemuri's shoulders to poke his cheek again.
Nemuri and Hizashi weren't satisfied until Shota had recounted his entire day from train ride to texts, though he was able to skirt around some of the more personal information Izuku shared. Their food has been delivered and eaten by the time he gets to the last text setting up their sushi date.
"Apparently I'm not allowed to wear my hero costume," Shota finishes grumpily and both of his idiots perk up, glancing at each other before speaking simultaneously.
"We can help with that!" They cheer, hopping up from the table. Hizashi carries their empty food containers to the kitchen while Nemuri grabs Shota's arm to pull him towards his room.
"It's not until Friday. Do we really have to do this now?" Shota tries to protest.
"What if nothing you have is acceptable? You know that is a very real possibility and Zashi and I are very busy people, we'll need all week to make sure we have time to find the perfect pieces to complete whatever look we come up with," Nemuri insists, pulling open his closet door. Shota resigns himself to spending the rest of his evening being witness to his best friends arguing over his wardrobe.
The week goes by as normal with the occasional package of cat supplies arriving at their door. Tuesday, Shota is able to test his quirk through heat vision goggles in the support department. He dutifully informs Izuku that his quirk apparently is awareness based. Izuku makes him promise to wait until after their date to commission updated goggles so that they can discuss other updates. Wednesday evening is spent building a rather elaborate cat tree that Zashi deemed stylish enough to stay in the living room. Izuku texts him a couple of times about random things and Shota sends him a picture of the cat supplies.
On Friday, Shota leaves school a little earlier than he normally would, practically rushing home to shave and change into the outfit that Hizashi and Nemuri had settled on. Clad in a fitted maroon v neck t-shirt, a loose black button down (unbuttoned and untucked), slightly baggy dark grey slacks, and a thin grey scarf (which is actually a cut piece of an old capture weapon), Shota brushes his hair and pulls it half-up, then grabs his new cat carrier and heads for the train.
He's meeting Izuku at the cafe so he can fill out the paperwork for adopting Dopamine before they go. When he enters the cafe, the same girl from last time is sitting behind the counter and there is light music playing throughout the space. He's greeted with a bright smile from the girl and a meow from one of the cats. The girl then gives him a nod and points toward the back seating area. Shota manages a small smile back and takes quick steps toward the break in the bookcases.
The cafe is a lot bigger than he thought. This section of seating is easily twice the size of the front.
Izuku is sitting in one of a set of tall purple antique looking arm chairs with a small writing table and a lamp. There is also another couch, a game table with six chairs, three beanbag chairs, and a hammock chair. When he walks over to the chairs, he sees that the space goes back around the corner to a small study area as well, with two computers and extra desk space. There is a teen in a black hoodie sitting at one of the computers. When he looks back at Izuku, they're smirking at him.
"Hello, Shota." Izuku speaks quietly and the smirk turns into a more genuine smile.
"Izuku," Shota responds, taking the matching seat. "This place is impressive."
"Thanks." Izuku beams. "I could talk about it for hours but right now I'd rather get this paperwork filled out so we can get going." Shota feels his lips quirk up at that. He nods then opens the carrier and places it on the floor before straightening back up to look over the small stack of papers.
It only takes a few minutes to fill out the paperwork but by the time he's done, Dope is draped over the back of his chair. It puts him at the perfect height to try to groom Shota's hair when he leans back. This sends Izuku giggling while he checks over the papers.
"I'd say he'll be happy to go home with you. He's basically claimed you now," Izuku gets out. The teen at the computer glances over at them and Shota thinks he hears a soft snort. Shota tries to suppress his own smirk as he pulls Dope into his arms and smooths his hair back down.
"Ready then?" Shota grunts when he turns back to find Izuku staring. Izuku nods, hopping up from the chair and heading towards the front. Shota takes a moment to pet Dope and then leaves him on the warm chair to follow.
When Shota makes it back to the front, Izuku is waiting for him at the counter having just handed the paperwork to the girl who is giving them a mischievous smile. Shota pauses, finally taking in Izuku's appearance. He's dressed head to toe in black. His wild curls are barely being held back from his face by a thin black headband. There's a black ear cuff on his right ear. He's wearing a slim fit black blazer that hugs his broad shoulders and muscular arms with wide black pleated pants that could very well be Hakama, or are at least styled after them. His black combat boots look hero grade and Shota wonders if they're part of Aporia's costume. When Izuku turns back toward him, holding a hand out in invitation, Shota sees under the blazer to a black mesh shirt with a wide stripe of solid fabric across the chest and a view of well defined abs. Shota drags his eyes back to meet emerald green and wishes he had his full capture weapon to hide in when he feels the light heat on his cheeks. Instead, he keeps his features schooled and strides forward to take the offered hand, practically dragging the gorgeous man toward the door.
"Bye, Suzuki-kun!" Izuku calls behind them. Shota hears a laugh and a responding "Have fun on your date!" That sounds a little too close to how Nemuri would say it for Shota's comfort. He slows his pace once the door is closed behind them since he has no idea where they're actually going. Izuku laughs at him and guides them down the sidewalk away from the train station.
"So, you do like sushi, right? You didn't just agree because I suggested it right?" Izuku prompts once they've settled into a lazier pace, hands still connected.
"I'm not picky, but, yes, I like sushi," Shota responds, glancing over at Izuku. This is the first time they've stood next to each other. Izuku is a good few inches shorter than Shota.
"Good. It's my treat tonight by the way. Since I'm the one that asked and all," Izuku states rather firmly.
"Fine," Shota concedes with a shrug.
"You okay? You're quieter today than last week," Izuku prompts again, turning them left down a side street. Shota hums an affirmative but Izuku is still looking at him expectantly.
"I was probably more talkative than normal last time." Shota shrugs, then offers, "You look very nice."
"Thank you." Izuku's voice has pitched up a full octave and a light blush takes over his cheeks. "You do, as well. Who knew you'd clean up so well just from not wearing your costume?"
"Ah. This is with Nemuri and Hizashi's assistance." Shota brings his free hand up to rub at the back of his neck in a nervous gesture. Izuku shrugs.
"That's alright. I'm glad they didn't try to force you into anything too stylish. While I'm sure you could pull off something like this, it just wouldn't seem like you," Izuku comments with a vague gesture to himself.
"And how would you know?" Shota counters teasingly, causing the blush that had just dissipated to come back.
"Ah. I didn't mean to-" Izuku starts before Shota cuts him off.
"Only teasing. You're right in saying something like that would be out of my comfort zone, as much as I appreciate the color," Shota assures.
"It's a little more monochrome than I would normally do, but I didn't want to draw too much attention... Now I'd really like to see you in an outfit like this." Izuku moves his free hand in a stilted motion as if restraining himself from something. Their walking comes to a pause as they appear to have reached the restaurant.
"I'm not sure your clothes would fit me, but maybe we can try it some time," Shota suggests. Laughing, Izuku drops his hand to open the door.
The restaurant looks like a standard fancy sushi place, but Shota immediately spots three people, including the chef, that are known yakuza members. Luckily they are one of the yakuza families that is actually very cooperative with underground heroes, if not the police. Sakuragi is a reasonable man with good morals. Shota's spoken with him once before. He doesn't appear to be here tonight, but Shota recognizes one of the men at a booth near the back as being from his inner circle. The sushi chef nods to them and the young man currently acting as host seems to perk up.
"Izuku! Darling! You didn't tell us you were coming in tonight," The host calls out. Shota raises an eyebrow at Izuku who offers him a slightly sheepish smile.
"I don't warn you every time I come by, Rei-kun," Izuku responds, stepping further into the space.
"And who is this handsome man?" Rei asks flirtatiously stepping into Shota's space. Shota takes a half step away from Rei and towards Izuku, which causes Rei to gasp.
"Izuku! Are you on a date?" Rei whisper-yells, looking Shota up and down. Shota blinks at him, and while Izuku's cheeks are pink again, he smiles and nods.
"This is Shota. It's technically our first date and I promised him a delicious sushi dinner..." Izuku trails off with a meaningful look further into the restaurant.
"Ah! Of course! Of course! Right this way, my dears!" Rei exclaims, leading them to the far end of the sushi counter, his heels clicking on the tile floor.
"Enjoy!" Rei offers a small bow before turning to leave.
"Thank you, Rei-kun," Izuku calls, causing Rei to turn back and wink at them.
"So, I guess you're a frequent customer?" Shota smirks at Izuku who only hums in response. Someone brings them hot towels, waters, and a bottle of sake.
"I may be considered something like a family friend," Izuku murmurs as they wipe their hands. "Ah. I'm guessing we won't be getting menus then," Shota muses. Izuku chuckles.
"No. I never get a choice in what they give me here. I'm pretty sure half of it isn't even on the menu. I promise it will be delicious, though." Izuku offers him a smile, which Shota finds himself returning.
Dinner is unlike anything Shota has ever experienced before. Over the two hours they sit there, they're brought several small appetizers before the sushi chef comes over and serves them near twenty different single bite sushi pieces. While Izuku and Shota occasionally offer thanks and praise to the chef, he never speaks a word to them. If Shota wasn't an underground hero, he might describe the man as intimidating. He has a scar along his jaw, but he is very skilled at what he does, and his silence allows Shota and Izuku to carry a quiet conversation throughout their meal. Shota appreciates it nearly as much as the sushi. When it comes time to leave, they don't actually get a bill. The chef simply waves off Izuku's protests. Huffing, Izuku leads them toward the door and drops a wad of cash into the tip jar instead. Rei offers a cheery wave and blows a kiss from his spot at the booth in the back with the man that Shota had earlier identified as being from the Yakuza boss's inner circle. Outside, it's gotten dark. Shota breaths out a sigh and takes Izuku's hand.
"That was very good. Thank you," Shota says. Izuku beams at him and there is a slight bounce in his step.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Though, hopefully you liked more than the food?" Izuku responds, the second part sounding more like a question than a statement. Shota hums as if he has to consider this, but he can't hold back his smirk.
"I'm still enjoying the company," Shota acquiesces.
"Good. Me too. How soon do you have patrol? Can you stay at the cafe for a coffee? We could discuss those goggle upgrades?" Izuku looks at him with pleading eyes that look remarkably like a sad kitten for all that they hold no sadness.
"It's flexible. I can stay for another hour, at least." Shota shrugs. Izuku smiles and they fall into near silence for the moment. Izuku hums a tune that Shota doesn't recognize until they stroll back around the corner onto the Main Street where they can see the cafe up ahead.
"I.. umm," Shota starts but hesitates, "I know you said any pronouns, but do you have a preference? How do you see yourself? I've been mostly using he/they since you've been more masculine presenting the two times we've met." Izuku smiles at him like this is one of the most considerate things someone has ever asked them. It causes Shota's chest to feel tight.
"Do you want the light answer or the thorough one?" Izuku asks instead of answering. Shota gives him a slightly incredulous look.
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know," He deadpans when Izuku only waits for his answer. Izuku laughs lightly.
"Fair enough. I was born male and am fine with that. I don't consider myself trans, I just don't really care about gender norms. Sometimes I want to wear florals or a skirt, sometimes I just want to wear baggy comfy clothes. Everyone likes whatever they like and I don't think it's necessary to gate keep products or interests based on what's between your legs. I really don't care what people perceive me as, which is why I always say any pronouns. If it makes someone more comfortable to call me she/her when I'm wearing a skirt or using the name Aporia, that's fine. If it makes someone happy to use xe/xem in one sentence, he/him in the next, and they/them in another, that's great. I'd rather they have fun with it. So I identify as male, but I will always introduce myself with any pronoun and will never correct anyone on whatever they decide to use." Izuku had slowed their pace so that they came to the cafe door just as he finished. Shota found himself smiling softly as Izuku slid the door open for them.
"Do you have a preference on coffee or can I pick for you?" Izuku asks as he follows him inside and slides the door back closed.
"You can pick." Shota shrugs. An older woman is sitting on the stool behind the counter. She offers them a sort of disgruntled looking smile. The teen that was on the computer earlier seems to be asleep on the couch with a black cat sleeping on his back. Izuku barely spares a glance toward him, so Shota certainly wont wake him.
"Good evening, Keana. Could you please have Haru make two of the s'mores lattes for us? One with an extra shot. We'll be in the purple chairs." Izuku motions for Shota to head toward the back section as he speaks.
"Of course, Midoriya-san." Shota hears the woman, Keana, respond as he heads toward the break in the bookshelves. Shota doesn't bother hiding his smirk as he hears Izuku huff in exasperation. Sure, Izuku is the boss, but Shota is positive he's not a fan of being addressed as -San by someone older than him.
Shota settles back into the chair he had sat in before dinner and takes a moment to appreciate the quiet ambiance. Dope has disappeared somewhere while they were gone. There are two cats playing with a crinkle ball underneath the desks. Neither are ones he recognizes from last time. One is a mostly white Japanese bobtail and the other is a small silver tabby whose ears are folded down. Kawhe is sprawled out on the game table and seems to be snoring. There is also a large, fluffy, Siamese cat curled up on a doll sized couch that sits on top of the bookshelf that separates the spaces. The cat stares at him until Izuku walks into the space and Shota breaks his gaze.
Izuku pulls off his blazer and drapes it over the arm of the matching chair, then walks away to scoop up Kawhe before coming back to sit down. Shota watches him with a raised eyebrow as Kawhe doesn't seem to protest the movement, immediately settling down into Izuku's lap.
"He's a very easy cat. Always happy to cuddle. Chakrii would never let me move him." Izuku nods towards the Siamese. "Cat and Zumu are obviously busy and too wound up to cuddle, and I wanted cuddles," Izuku finishes with a shrug. Shota hums, smirking at Izuku's pout.
"So..." Izuku prompts, petting a hand down Kawhe's back while the other hand taps at the arm rest.
"You wanted to discuss the upgrades to my goggles?" Shota offers. Izuku brightens and the two settle in to discuss the options. It's nearly two hours later before Shota finds himself on the train home with Dope in the carrier at his feet and an ongoing text conversation with Izuku open on his phone.