A blinding sliver of sunlight is what woke Katsuki that first morning, the streak of light breaking in through a gap between the traditional sliding doors that led out to the beach. The gap had probably been there for hours, the light slowly making its way across the room as the sun rose further into the sky. With a rumble in his throat, Katsuki lifted himself from his futon and with a quick glance deeper into the room, could see the Deku's futon was empty and the nerd gone. The damn nerd was probably the reason there was a gap between the sliding doors to begin with.
Katsuki rose to his feet, lifting arms over his head to stretch his muscles before, dressed in nothing more than some sleeping shorts, stepped to the sliding doors and slid one open. He had to close his eyes and blink in quick succession against the blinding summer morning, the rays of sunlight instantly warming his skin. Deku had heard him coming because once his eyes had adjusted enough to see the world around him, Deku was already looking up at him with large green eyes from where he sat on the little deck with his toes buried in the sand. In the nerd's hands was the manuscript Katsuki had given him only the day before, already several chapters in. Katsuki said nothing and the nerd didn't let go of his book to sign the blonde anything either so with another early morning grumble, Katsuki sat himself down beside the nerd, keeping a few inches between them, and pushed his own toes into the warming sand. It was pleasant and all he felt he was missing in that moment was a hot coffee in his hands and a plate of breakfast to follow up with. No doubt they would have food delivered to them soon by the elderly couple who ran the joint.
Deku went back to his book with a small smile and Katsuki stretched his arms out behind him so he could lean back and catch as much of the sun as he could. Katsuki had never been a fan of how his quirk made his body sweat more readily than others, but it was something he's had to come and accept over the years. Especially since puberty. But when the morning was already so bright and warm and without a cloud in sight, the rest of the day was bound to be a hot one and with the beach laid out before them, how could he refuse a swim. Getting a sunburn was their only enemy here.
It was their second time visiting this same section of coastline. The same inn Deku had dragged Katsuki too less than a year before. Only this time in July rather than August which put them in the middle of summer and its peak hot weather. The school holidays were yet to begin so the beach was quiet and free from people and families for now. It felt almost as though they had a private beach of their own it was so peaceful. And that peace washed over Katsuki all over again. He hadn't realised how tense he had become again since getting back into hero work and doing nothing more then laying in the sun was like a weight off his shoulders.
Not even ten minutes later Deku got up, being so rude as to step over Katsuki and if the movement hadn't been so swift, Katsuki probably would have glimpsed up his damn shorts. That earnt Deku a rumbling growl from deep in Katsuki's throat and the greenette shot back an apologetic wince before disappearing inside the room. When the man returned, he waved for Katsuki to join him for breakfast which had been provided by the owners of the inn. Katsuki was welcomed by hot rice with a side of fresh squid that he and Deku ate happily across from one another, legs folded beneath the kotatsu.
After that Deku went back to his book inside and Katsuki cooled off with a swim before Deku joined him in the water eventually and what was once peaceful ended in them splashing each other like fucking children. But deep down Katsuki didn't mind it. To him, falling into childish antics with the nerd felt like he was making up for lost time and the lost childhood friendship they should have had, had Katsuki not been such an ass. Deku's heart blipped once during their stupid splashing in the water, but the nerd made no sign of feeling it so Katsuki swallowed back down the brief moment of panic that had flared up inside him and hit the nerd with the biggest wave he had made yet to make up for his moment of hesitation.
The second day passed much the same with a hot breakfast and a brief trip to a small local grocery store to stock up for their other meals, using a communal fridge in the inn's kitchen to store it. Deku lounged around and read more of his book, getting over halfway through it already whilst Katsuki went for a jog along the stretch of sand, followed up by a lone swim back and a long shower. Deku received a phone call which he explained to be from his doctor checking in on how Deku's new meds were going for him which had been problem free so far.
Come that third day though, Katsuki wasn't content to spend a day sitting on his ass, swimming or exercising because today was Deku's birthday. The damn nerd was twenty-two, but Katsuki had already given his kick ass gift – that same said gift that the nerd still had his damn nose stuck into and was only a quarter away from finishing the damn thing – in fact, if Katsuki left him to it, Deku would be done with it by the end of the day no doubt. Maybe even sooner. So Katsuki decided that for dinner, they would go out. Neither of them had packed any fancy clothes, but that was fine because it wasn't like they were in the city – not that Katsuki would ever plan something suit worthy in the first place – and casual would do just fine around these parts. During the day Katsuki had stepped out for the bathroom and stopped to make some "conversation with the elderly man who ran the inn. The blonde had to use pen and paper to communicate with the man – his own hearing being hard – but it was a fruitful exchange, Katsuki asking what places to eat and drink were nice in the town. The man had written down the name of a place that was set with a beach side view about a fifteen minute walk north and once he had that information he returned to the room to usher the nerd outside and away from his nearly finished book.
They walked along the beach as the sun dipped towards the horizon, Deku signing the whole way excitedly about what he had read of the manuscript until they reached their destination. They stepped up right from the sand onto wooden steps up to a deck where they could rid their shoes of sand – and if that wasn't enough there was a large rough bristled door mat to finish the job – before they stepped inside and were directed to a seat. They were sent to a booth towards the back where the lighting was a bit dimmer but sprinkled here and there with multi-coloured fairy lights above that really clashed with the darker bar like theme the place had originally been going for. Katsuki wasn't a fan but menus were placed down before them and then the waiter left them be. There had been no seats set opposite their table so Katsuki was on the bench seat beside Deku, who obediently scanned his menu over with a pleasant smile, probably no doubt juts happy that Katsuki had taken him out for a meal on his birthday. Katsuki hadn't wished Deku a happy birthday all day, but really there was no need. The small smile on the nerd's face was enough and said more than any signing between them ever could.
When the waiter returned, Deku ordered what he wanted and with a quick glance Katsuki's way, ordered what the blonde pointed at – which of course was the spiciest thing on offer – and Katsuki added on a beer each before the waiter could leave them. Deku called one final thing the waiter's way, the man giving a nod to show that he had heard the nerd's last minute request before disappearing into the kitchen behind the bar. The place was fairly busy for a weeknight, with couples, friends and even a family seated and happily chatting to one another with smiles all around. Katsuki was glad he didn't have to be exposed to such noise and he would have bet money that under it all would be the clattering of dishes from the kitchen and music playing from speakers above. Perhaps there would even be the sound of waves mixed in with it all, but he'd never know and he didn't care enough to ask the nerd about it.
Their drinks came, two beers and a soda, along with an appetizer of hot chips. Katsuki looked at the soda that Deku reached for. He took a sip before noticing Katsuki's eyes following the glass and freed his hands to sign.
I can't have alcohol, Deku signed with a soft and almost apologetic smile. Katsuki rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue but he was more annoyed at himself than Deku. Of course with the new meds Deku was on it was strongly suggested that he avoid alcohol. Katsuki pushed the untouched beer away from Deku and onto his side of the table for later. He wasn't about to let it go to waste.
It was shocking how quickly it would slip Katsuki's mind that Deku was sick at all. Most days, even with the occasional blip of his heart, the greenette was – until recently – as bright and enthusiastic as ever. It was only since his most recent hospital visit that it had started to get to the nerd. In fact, now that Katsuki thought on it, since coming to the beach house, it was the first time Katsuki had glimpsed Deku smiling without it looking forced like it had in front of their parents. The freckled man seemed to have relaxed plenty in their short few days they'd been here. He looked down or lost in thought most of the time when he wasn't directly interacting with Katsuki or reading his book, but he didn't seem tense like he had before, nor as numb. The nerd's smiles weren't as big or blinding as they were usually but any improvement was an improvement to Katsuki and he let a small smile touch his own lips at the knowledge that he had done something right by bringing the nerd here.
But still…
So you're dying? Katsuki raised his hands to sign, not having to turn his body towards Deku who watched from beside him. They were adept at reading each other's sign language now, no matter from what angle.
Kacchan, the greenette frowned his way, we've been over this.
Originally Katsuki had wanted to get into what other options the nerd probably hadn't explored yet, but that reminded him of how his own mother was with him over his hearing loss and he didn't want to be that much of a nag to the greenette on their birthday. So he opted for a different direction.
So, you got a bucket list or what?
What? The greenette looked confused.
A bucket list you idiot. You know, shit you want to do before you die, Katsuki glowered back. At that Deku looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully.
I've never really thought about it, he admitted. Katsuki let out a grumble and rolled his eyes before reaching for a napkin from a holder in the centre of the table and raised a hand into the air, giving a whistle – that judging from how Deku flinched, was probably far to loud or sharp or something and gained far too much attention – to grab the attention of a server at the bar and quickly made a gesture for a pen to write with. A pen was delivered hastily and Deku seemed to throw many apologies or thanks the person's way. Not that Katsuki cared.
Well, think of some, Katsuki threw Deku's way before taking the pen up in hand and was poised to start listing down what Deku could think of onto the napkin.
Why? The nerd asked instead. Katsuki let out what he hoped passed as an irritated sigh and rolled his eyes again.
Because I said so, he threw back.
But it's not like I have the time to do many things. The year's almost up and we still haven't decided what agency to sign up with and –
Then we'll make time, Katsuki turned and signed right into the nerd's face with annoyance, It's not like the doctor's given you permission to return to work yet anyway, he added more calmly, turning back to his napkin. Deku seemed a little wounded at that reminder before he submitted at that and instead twisted his lips down at the table in thought.
Going to the snow, he signed finally and with a small hint of a smile like it was something to be proud of.
You've been to the snow before. We went in high school, Katsuki rolled his eyes yet again.
I mean outside of school. Go for just fun. Not anything work or training related. Katsuki gave a huff and jotted down "snow" onto the napkin rather than signing how boring that was.
What else? Katsuki pushed. The nerd had to annoyingly think on that again.
Horse riding, he signed with a bigger smile like the idea genuinely excited him. Katsuki placed his pen down once again.
Why'd you want to ride one of those? Katsuki looked up with a sneer.
Because I haven't ridden one before, the greenette smiled on.
They're dangerous. Maybe do something that won't be a damn risk to you, the blonde signed in return with a crooked frown.
They're not that dangerous, Deku pushed back with creased eyebrows.
Yes they are, Katsuki all but hissed.
Have you ridden one before? Deku asked, raising one green brow the blonde's way.
Of course I have, Katsuki rolled his eyes. He picked up the pen to scribble it down anyway beneath the last one.
This time Deku didn't need more prompting to think of his next one, only taking a moment to eat a chip, signing while still chewing.
I've never gotten a piercing, he ventured, or a tattoo. Katsuki lifted his head to glare flatly towards the nerd. Usually he would have pipped up about how he shouldn't ruin his body. Of how tattoos should be given more thought than "I'm dying so I may as well get one" and of how a piercing could be torn out during hero work and cause injury. But instead Katsuki lowered his gaze again and wrote both things down. He wasn't about to nag. He wasn't about to start sounding like his damn mother –
Swimming with sharks, the nerd added on excitedly, eyes practically sparkling at the idea. At that one Katsuki put the pen down with force, looked to the ceiling above for patience before narrowing his gaze on the idiot.
Do you have a death wish? Want to make it happen faster?
I don't mean in the open water Kacchan, it was Deku's turn to roll his eyes with a smile and give a small shake of his head.
Maybe don't choose things that will make your heart race, Katsuki practically spat back, as much as hand movements could suggest anyway.
Like what? Skydiving, Deku teasingly listed, car racing, riding a motorbike, wrestling a crocodile –
Katsuki waved Deku's hands down.
Don't be such an idiot, Katsuki scowled and picked up the pen again, pointing a glare Deku's way. This time the man thought about it more seriously again.
I've never left the country, he looked thoughtful as he signed it. Katsuki shot him another glare.
Outside of working, the nerd tacked on quickly, never had the time to actually be a tourist or anything, he shrugged and Katsuki jotted it down. He figured it would be more helpful if the nerd had an actual place in mind but small steps he reminded himself. Small steps.
I've never kissed a guy, Deku went on and at that Katsuki froze, turning his head slowly to look directly at the nerd. Deku blinked as though he was confused as to why Katsuki was staring. He put the pen down to sign carefully.
I didn't know you swung that way, he commented with the slightest narrowing of his eyes. But Deku just smiled gently at him.
I don't swing anyway, the greenette rolled his eyes at the "swing", I just like who I like, he gave a small shrug and smile like it was nothing. Like it was mother-fucking-nothing! But before Katsuki could even think of anything to sign in response, the nerd was already signing his next bucket list idea.
Whatever it was though, Katsuki missed it, still staring at the nerd's face and he looked skyward again in thought. This was news to him. News that had never even occurred to be a possibility in the first place. In high school the nerd had had a massive crush on Pink Cheeks and the two still seemed close, but Katsuki had never once stopped to ask about Deku's love life. Not in high school – he was far too busy with training and study to think of such things and he had assumed the nerd had been too – and not now either. For the year that they had been on contact again, not once had romance or girls, or even boys in this case it seemed, had ever come up in conversation. They had both been so hell bent on focusing on becoming renowned heroes and building a good reputation to get them into a secure agency job, that neither of them had the time to pursue anything. Katsuki had always just assumed that Deku was as narrow sighted as he was when it came to their goal that he had never considered that Deku of all people may have been wanting more in life and that suddenly hit Katsuki like a blow to the chest. Deku was dying – until a miracle came along that was – so why hadn't it crossed Katsuki's mind that the nerd – a fucking human – would want some kind of love and affection before they eventually left the world. That was a normal thing wasn't it, to want to feel love or loved or whatever? Katsuki had never given it any thought. With his life, career and goals, there was never any room to think on the subject.
Mountain climbing, eating pufferfish, camping, bungee jumping, attending a cooking class –
Katsuki blinked hard to bring his full attention back.
What? Bungee jumping, no. And a cooking class, why the fuck would you want to do that? Katsuki scrunched up his face against the suggestion.
I'd like to be a better cook, Deku signed back.
Why? You've got me. I can bloody cook for you. You don't need to know how, Katsuki crossed his arms over his chest to signal an end to that point just as the waiter returned with their meals and placed it before them. The moment the waiter's back was turned, Deku's hands were up.
I don't want you to cook for me Kacchan, I'd like to be able to make something that tastes just as good myself.
So you do like my cooking? He raised a blonde eyebrow almost teasingly.
I never said I didn't, Deku shot back playfully.
Funny, coming from the person who has hardly been eating my cooking for weeks, Katsuki pushed back, brows deepening instead as he pushed into darker territory. It's not that he wanted the conversation to go that way exactly but he just couldn't help himself. Deku's playful expression was suddenly gone and he looked down to his food before him.
It's not that it didn't taste good or that I didn't like it. I just, he paused, thinking about his next words, wasn't really hungry at the time. Katsuki let out a surge of air through his nose. It was fine, really. The blonde could understand. A year ago he had been there himself, staring down his food and forcing himself to eat it. It had all felt so pointless back then. It was amazing how much had changed in the span of a year and all thanks to one nosey greenette who had weaselled his way back into Katsuki's life.
Well, don't waste any this time, Katsuki signed back before turning his attention back to his own spicy noodles. He drank sips of the beers between mouthfuls and ordered a third towards the end of it when a waiter passed, but his mind had drifted elsewhere.
Deku had been eating better since getting away from the city. The nerd had finished his portions of breakfast given to them by the owners' of the inn and had eaten whatever Katsuki put before him which was a positive sign and just reinforced that Deku was finally relaxing again after weeks of stressing over tests, results and new medication. He had no doubt that there were many things still on the nerd's mind, just as there was Katsuki's, but for now, just being able to relax was pleasant.
The nerd ate and sipped at his soda; their conversation paused for the meantime while Katsuki downed his third beer of the evening. It wasn't nearly enough to get him plastered, but a light buzz was settling in so he figured that would be enough for the night for him. He couldn't be out of top form if Deku's heart decided to play up suddenly, so Katsuki always had to keep his awareness about him. By the end of it, Deku had slid the napkin and pen his way and jotted down a couple more bucket list ideas – including all the ones he had already signed – that Katsuki snorted at. As far as bucket lists went it was pretty simple of the nerd. He didn't write down any specific places he'd like to visit, international or not so everything was rather vague. If it were Katsuki's list, he would want to travel more of the world than anything else. He would want to visit the world's tallest tower, hike up a live volcano, visit the Giant Forest in America, climb Mount Everest, see the pyramids of Egypt and so much more. But he wasn't about to start forcing his ideas on the nerd. It was the other man's bucket list after all. Katsuki would have decades ahead of him to go on such adventures as long as a terrible accident or something didn't happen. Something that was always a risk in the line of hero work.
After the meal they walked back along the beach in the still warm night to return to their room, coming in through their sliding door that opened onto the beach rather than through the front. The entire walk back they had been signing under the silver moonlight to one another as they walked about the bucket list. Katsuki would push for the nerd to be more specific about things and to give up on shit like bungee jumping that could cause his heart to race in a bad way and increase the chances of his heart fucking up again. Deku just laughed along with a big smile as he threw even worse ideas Katsuki's way to push his buttons. That led to Katsuki giving the nerd a shove, but failing to push him into the sand.
They had taken off their shoes during the walk back, pausing on the narrow deck before the back door to rub the sand from their feet and deposit their shoes before sliding the doors open and letting themselves in. Deku stepped in first and pulled on the light whilst Katsuki took a moment to turn and close the doors behind them. He didn't want to be woken by a direct sunbeam into his face again, though when he turned back around it wasn't much better. Deku had turned back to face Katsuki with a bright ass smile plastered on his face that was enough for Katsuki to have to suppress the instinct to blanch away. The nerd raised his hands and signed a thank you Katsuki's way for the dinner which the blonde just huffed at. He wasn't doing it for the gratitude. He did it because it was the damn nerd's birthday and there was no way he was going to let the nerd do nothing for it.
They went about the room, turning their backs to one another to change into more comfortable clothes to sleep, not that they hadn't seen each other naked before having used the same changing room and bathing rooms during their school years, but more so out of a kind of respect they both shared for one another. Usually Katsuki wouldn't have given a fuck to be honest. He wouldn't shy away from stripping down in the middle of a change room, and why would he? He worked hard for his body to be the way it was so why would he ever hide it? Deku on the other hand had always been more reserved, standing partially behind a locker door whenever he had changed. But it was different now after their brief conversation at the restaurant. Deku liked guys….something that had never before even crossed Katsuki's mind.
In fact as foolish as it was he had never once within a changing room of guys ever stopped to think of anyone possibly being attracted to him. Looking upon him with admiration or jealously, yes, but attraction of the romantic or sexual kind….no. Never once had he considered someone may glance his way to check him out like that. Sure there would have been a myriad of other dudes to gaze upon, but let's face it, Katsuki was a hell of a specimen from head to toe so surely someone had been looking his way here and there. Had he ever noticed anyone before? Kirishima had, Kaminari too but whenever they had, they had made some comment on how his body was looking.…in a more supportive "wow, you've put on more muscle" or "that training is really working for you" or at least Katsuki had taken their words as a form of encouragement rather than some kind of flirting. The living spark plug was as straight as they came, practically fawning over girls since they'd met. Then again, the electric blonde had always seemed a little too comfortable to that dead eyed Aizawa want-a-be, Shinso. Or was he like that with everyone. Kaminari had never not thrown an arm around any of them, but the way he was with the purple haired man always seemed more tentative now that Katsuki thought of it.
And then there was Kirishima. He always smiled Katsuki's way. Always said kind words, compliments and support. That was purely innocent right? He was just a nice guy that way surely. Yes, that was it because the red head was kind to everyone all the time.
Deku on the other hand…..the nerd had spent a life time spewing words of compliment Katsuki's way. Sure, he was like that with a lot of people but then again Katsuki had caught Deku looking his way in changing rooms before over the many years they had known each other. One quick glare the nerd's way and Deku's head would turn the other way so suddenly it was like he had just been flicked on the forehead. He had always looked a little pink in the face, flustered or embarrassed. Later in high school that had changed. The nerd hadn't looked Katsuki's way as much and when he did he always said something similar to what Katsuki's other friends had and he knew that Deku had admired him for a long time at that point so surely it was just the nerd being supportive in his own way…or his brain analysing Katsuki's body for his stupid notebooks. The greenette recorded things about a lot of their classmates back then but when an analysis related thought popped into the nerd's mind he had been very open and direct about it, approaching the person and asking them directly about their quirk or body. Katsuki was the only one he never did that too. The blonde had always put that down to the fact that they had known each other for years and there was hardly nothing the stalker didn't already know about his body or quirk, so why ask about it.
Did that mean though that Deku liked him in that way?
It was frustrating that Katsuki was even thinking these stupid thoughts. People's feelings, romance, attraction, none of it had ever been a concern of Katsuki's before, but now, now it scratched at the back of his mind, demanding to be heard. What if Deku did like him that way or was the extra attention from the nerd only due to their history and closeness? Surely that was it. Deku had always been annoyingly kind and put others before himself. If what had happened to Katsuki had happened to any of their other friends, Deku would have jumped right on board to help them out the same wouldn't he? Outside of their history and Katsuki's top hero potential, Deku wouldn't have paid him so much attention ever. So of course the nerd was drawn to Katsuki like a moth to a flame.
Katsuki ground his teeth, shoulders tensing at his own annoyance at his mind for not shutting the hell up. No doubt this shit was going to keep him up for the better part of the night; looking back and reassessing their previous interactions over years and years with a fine-toothed comb to find an answer to a question that shouldn't even matter. Because why should it matter whether the nerd liked him that way or not. Even if the nerd did like him, Katsuki wouldn't let some shit like that scare him off. He wasn't some weak minded person who would turn tail at the earliest sign of some awkwardness. And it's not like he needed to know about it either. Deku would never be the sort to say anything, to confess his feelings or some shit because above all else Katsuki knew for certain that Deku wouldn't say or do anything that could jeopardize their partnership. It meant to much to the nerd to risk it.
Katsuki went about pulling his folded futon away from the wall and into the center of the room just as Deku did the same with his own and began to lay them out. Katsuki lowered himself to his knees to lay the blanket out evenly over the futon and arrange the pillow. He dared to glance up to see the nerd doing the same, on his knees with his back turned to Katsuki as he smoothed out his own blanket with a stupid hint of a small smile upon his face, no doubt still happy about his evening out. Katsuki rested his hands atop his futon, lowering his eyes to glare down at the still wrinkled surface, his mind racing away before he settled on a decision and moved forward on all fours.
The doctor's still hadn't given Deku a time frame for his so called life expectancy. All they had been able to tell him for certain so far was that after his last episode, that the damage had progressed, shortening what time they thought he'd have left and advising him strongly to avoid using his quirks until they had figured something more solid out for him and seen how his body responds to the new medication. As much as Katsuki still wanted to disbelieve that Deku was actually dying, that a miracle would happen or that the doctors would come up with a solution, there was still the niggling thought that they didn't know how much time Deku had left. And for that, how much time any of them had left. Anything could happen to either of them at any time, whether they were putting themselves on the front line as heroes or not. Shit happened to people every damn day. Everyone was living on borrowed time. At best, Deku might actually get given a number to work with from his doctors whilst everyone else just had to go on hoping that each morning wasn't their last.
Deku heard Katsuki coming closer and while still resting on his knees, began to half turn to face Katsuki approaching but Katsuki didn't hesitate because if he paused for even a moment, he wouldn't do it at all.
Coming up on Deku's left, Katsuki lifted a hand to Deku's face, cupping his freckled cheek and pulling him in as Katsuki lifted himself back onto his knees to meet the nerd in the middle, pressing their lips together. Though his hand was the only other contact with the greenette, Katsuki could feel the other man tense up like a deer caught in headlights. Their eyes had remained open, Katsuki's hard and judging, trying to read what he could from Deku's own wide green eyes that seemed to only reflect surprise in return.
Katsuki pulled back a fraction so he could see Deku's face clearer for a second. The nerd was frozen, lips slightly parted and eyes not even blinking as he stared back into Katsuki's face. But he didn't move away and like he was being drawn in, Katsuki leaned back in. His hand still upon the other man's face. This time it was more than just a peck as Katsuki pressed his lips against Deku's with more force and intent behind it. He let his eyes drift closed as he leaned into the greenette more, who's body seemed to give way and the other man was pushed back clumsily onto his elbows. The movement was ungraceful and as Deku fell back and Katsuki pushed forward to follow, he did receive a knee to the ribs. Almost without thought Deku shifted his legs in a hurry having felt the impact against Katsuki's body that would leave a bruise. No doubt the nerd would have apologized for the accident had Katsuki not been keeping him occupied. During their clumsy transition Katsuki had almost fallen on top of the other man, removing his hand from Deku's face to plant it on the futon beside him to stop himself from falling. Their lips had parted for a brief moment but Katsuki was committed now and unless the nerd demanded that he stop, he would keep going a little longer.
He felt one of Deku's hands rise to his chest, but there was no force behind it as though he had considered pushing Katsuki off and then paused.
Katsuki had never kissed someone before. Or at least not like this, not on the lips. Receiving a kiss on his cheek from his mother and even Inko didn't count and outside of that he had only ever received a kiss-and-run on the cheek from Pinky in high school as she teased him and then laughed like an idiot while Katsuki chased her down. But this was different. Katsuki had never been the one to start a kiss. Nor had he ever kissed someone on the lips. Nor had he ever kissed or been kissed by a guy either. So he had to think for a moment on what to do next. Unfortunately his only experience was what he had seen in movies, shows, heard from his friends or read in books, but from memory there was usually a bit more movement involved right? No more than a handful of seconds had passed but it felt not quite right so Katsuki tried moving his lips. Gently pulling back before coming back in, bottom lip moving ever so slightly in almost a caressing motion against Deku's own. The movement oddly felt natural as though it came instinctually.
Deku's hand against his chest tightened, slowly grabbing a fistful of Katsuki's shirt, fingers digging against Katsuki's skin through the fabric without any pain. Though the movement felt somewhat alright, something else didn't and it took Katsuki's mind a moment to comprehend what that was; that Deku wasn't reciprocating. Whenever Katsuki had seen kisses before, both parties were usually involved. Doubt began to creep in and a moment of panic began to build that maybe Deku hadn't wanted this, or at least not from Katsuki of all people. He was slowing, contemplating pulling away. Since their lips had locked again, Deku's had been closed, tense against Katsuki's touch, but just as Katsuki began to slow to a stop something exhilarating happened. Deku relaxed. His lips untensed and parted ever so slightly almost like an invitation. Katsuki hadn't pulled away yet and kissed the nerd again, this time the motion felt far more natural, his lips catching Deku's plush bottom lip between them. More than that, he started to feel Deku push back, his lips beginning to press back against Katsuki's.
Encouraged by this, Katsuki shifted himself. After their ungraceful stumble, Katsuki's body had remained to the side of Deku's with only his arm having shifted to be beside Deku's head. Now though, with eyes still closed and Deku's lips moving against his own with increased vigor, Katsuki wanted to be in a more comfortable position and lifted a knee over Deku's leg to come to rest between the greenette's thighs. The slight shift was enough for Katsuki's body to be more parallel to Deku's and allowed him to continue kissing the greenette a little more comfortable than before, though he kept his body lifted off of Deku. Katsuki's other hand came across to rest on the other side of Deku's head, bent like he was mid push up as their kiss deepened. Deku's other hand that wasn't still clutching at Katsuki's shirt slowly rose to hold Katsuki's side and the greenette's mouth opened wider.
What was the next step from there again….tongue?
Was that Deku's way of silently inviting Katsuki to use his tongue, asking him for more? But this was already so new for the blonde and tongue sounded…messy. Complicated.
But before Katsuki could think or overthink it any further he felt his wrist buzz. With that he broke away, pulling back from Deku and lifting himself till he was up on his knees. He glanced at his wrist, waiting for a second warning buzz that Deku's heart was having trouble, but when it didn't come he dared to turn his head back and was met with half lidded forest green eyes set into a flushed pink face staring back at him. The nerd didn't make a move to sit up as he caught his breath through parted lips. Katsuki almost couldn't help but to lean back in and Deku's eyes were on his every movement. The blonde stopped, remembering himself and the reason he had stopped in the first place. He blinked, taking in again how Deku was still catching his breath. No wonder the nerd's heart was struggling if Katsuki had literally kept him too busy to breath for not even the minute they had been lip locked together. But still Katsuki was drawn in, feeling the need for some kind of contact. He came back down slowly onto all fours and reached a hand out towards Deku, the nerd's eyes never leaving his face as he did. Katsuki's hand wrapped around the other man's throat gently so he could feel Deku's pulse there. The greenette seemed to suck in a breath at the touch there before releasing it a moment later when Katsuki applied no pressure and relaxed again, letting his eyes close further.
Katsuki left his hand there for several moments more, feeling the greenette's pulse slowly calm and remain steady, enthralled by how much the other man trusted him to just relax in his hold as he did before he finally pulled away once Deku had caught his breath fully. Deku's green eyes blinked open fully, looking to Katsuki as he leaned back again and moved to stand, the greenette pushing himself to sit up on his futon.
Katsuki had no words in him to say other than "go to sleep" and turned back to his own futon, settling into it with his back to the other man till Deku eventually moved enough to pull the cord above them to turn the light off and settle himself in his own futon.
If Katsuki remained awake for the next hour, watching the nerd's pulse move up and down across the little dimmed screen of his smart watch, then he could keep that to himself.
A/N: Finally a Kiss! I'm sure all those who were here for the slow burn are celebrating :D I adore Katsuki's interanl panic over his first kiss...we've all been there lol
This is as far as the massive chapter dump goes, now up to date with what I have posted so far on AO3. It's currently taking me on average 2-3 weeks to produce each chapter so if you've read this far and looking forward to more, please let me know as it's very encouraging :) Thank you for reading!