(A/N: In comparison to last chapter, this one is filled to the brim with angst. Warnings for abundant swearing because Katsuki and canonical talk of their childhood. Which means those certain suicide baiting words are brought up. Just fyi.)
...
With the conclusion of the room contest and the unexpected yet super manly confession, Class 1-A finally called it a night. Eijirou covered his mouth as he yawned ready for some much-needed sleep. Honestly the contest was fun and he enjoyed seeing everyone's rooms. Well, most of everyone's rooms with Bakugou being the only exception. The red head thought it would have been even better if the blonde had joined them, but he also respected his friend's choice to be alone. Didn't stop him from worrying about Bakugou though.
Maybe I'll check on him tomorrow.
Eijirou bid Shouji good night before approaching his own door on the fifth floor. He took out his key but stumbled a bit with the lock. That was just one of the things he would have to get used to now that they were living in the dorms. He would miss being able to see his family every day but he was also excited for this change and to live with his friends and classmates. More opportunities to bond and train together. It was so manly for Nezu to make the dorms.
He just managed to get his door unlocked when something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Eijirou turned towards Bakugou's room next to his and saw the door cracked opened just enough for a single familiar red eye, much like his own, to peek through. The red head blinked for a moment before tilting his head inquisitively. Bakugou stared at him for a few more seconds before disappearing but not closing the door. The odd behavior piqued his curiosity so he relocked his room and then stepped carefully to approach his friend's.
"Bakugou?" Eijirou whispered, waiting for an answer but received none. "You okay if I come in?"
He waited a moment more hearing no protest so he cautiously pushed the door open. The room was dark so he could only see so much from the little light coming from the hallway. From what he could though was simple, practical, and black. Black sheets, black curtains, and a black rug. He couldn't make out much else when it came to the decorations of the room but honestly that was far from his mind. All that matter was Bakogou who was sitting solemnly on the edge of the bed.
The blonde was unusually quiet with his eyes downcast. Bakugou's arms were resting on his legs with his palms faceup as they often were when he used his Quirk. But the typical scowl that was on his face was different. Not filled with anger but with some sort of fearful sadness. It concerned Eijirou to see his friend like this though considering what Bakugou had gone through it was understandable.
Izuku already knew he had the support of the class but not him. Bakugou hid away from everyone isolating himself like he had after his suspension. Now he wasn't necessarily a favorite but he was still a part of their class. An essential cog no matter how small even if Eijirou was the only one to see it. Bakugou was his friend and he cared about him. Wanted him to be safe and happy just like everyone else. With that thought in mind, Eijirou entered the room and closed the door behind him.
Now the room was even darker except for the moon shining through the crack in the curtains. Eijirou stood there awkwardly not really knowing what to do. Bakugou had always been explosive and in your face. Not as frequent or as antagonistic as before but it was still a big part of his personality. The red head found it actually quite manly of him to stay true to who he was while still doing his best to be a better person.
Those red eyes that were so similar to his own kept flicking glances at Eijirou hesitantly. As if he too was unsure what to do but also wasn't asking him to leave. Bakugou had been the one to essentially invite him in more or less. It gave him the confidence to step closer to his friend who was obviously hurting.
Eijirou stopped near the bed and waited for Bakugou to look at him. Much like at the door, only one red eye peered up at him but it was enough. The standing teen looked from him to the empty spot next to him on the bed and back. The blonde stared a moment more before looking away with a shrug. Close enough for him as he carefully sat down next to his friend.
They stayed like that for a little while in the quiet before Eijirou braved to ask, "How you holding up, man?"
They didn't have much time to talk since the rescue. Other than the debriefing with Aizawa afterwards, they had all been sent home to their families. Eijirou's own family had been worried sick and he had only been in Kamino for that one night. Only the gods knew how much Bakugou's parents had felt knowing he was kidnapped for multiple days. Let alone what Bakugou felt himself about that whole ordeal.
The kidnapping was one thing but there was also the added baggage of the camp attack and the knowledge that their classmate had been a target. Which Eijirou could only think was made worse with Bakugou knowing Izuku since they were kids. Their relationship was rocky at best but still, that kind of history had to be a heavy burden regardless.
Bakugou said nothing as he shifted to rest his elbows on his knees and held his hands together. It may come off as stubborn and standoffish, but Eijirou knew he was taking his time to think of an answer. While he was quick to react to a fight or things he considered dumb, Bakagou wasn't the best with emotions. It took him more time than others to access them other than his anger. He gave his friend all the time he needed and refused to push.
"'M fine," the blonde muttered eventually.
Eijirou didn't really believe him but didn't press.
"You missed the room contest," he offered as a subject.
"Wouldn't have done it anyway," Bakugou shrugged off. "Sounds like a dumb contest."
"It was actually pretty fun," Eijirou countered with a smile. "We got to learn more about each other and Satou even made us all a cake. I saved you a piece by the way though I had to sneak it so the girls wouldn't claim it. You know he won because the girls liked it that much?"
He let out a lighthearted laugh in an attempt to lift the mood but no dice. Bakugou was still quiet and sullen beside him refusing to look at him. He resisted the urge to sigh.
"In all seriousness, how are you doing?" Eijirou asked, hoping his genuine concern was coming through. "You and Izuku went through something really tough."
The blonde flinched at the sound of the greenet's name. So this had something to do with Izuku at least partially. Not surprising with their past and now this disturbing bonding connection. Not everyone could say they were kidnapped by the League of Villains.
"At least you're both safe now but I would think it's a lot to process, yeah? I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about anything."
Still nothing from the other boy who continued to seemingly ignore him. It was starting to look like a losing battle despite Bakugou being the one to let him in. Eijirou glanced at the window and seeing that it was getting late he figured it was best for them both to sleep on it.
"We should probably get some rest," Eijirou spoke. "Like I said, I'm here for you, Bakugou. G'night."
However, as he moved to stand, suddenly a hand latched onto his arm. It surprised him as he whipped around to see Bakugou had indeed reached out to him but still wouldn't look at him. Eijirou stayed still and could feel his friend trembling through his tight grip. Slowly he sat back down and once he did the hand loosened but didn't let go.
"Why?" Bakugou whispered out quietly in shaky voice. "Why do you keep coming back to me?"
Eijirou stared at him confused as well as concerned with the level of emotion coming from him. Sadness and anger and confusion rolled into one.
"Because you're my friend," Eijirou replied reaching to place his hand over the other teen's.
But before he could, Bakugou snatched his hand away as he growled, "Maybe you shouldn't be."
Red eyebrows furrowed in confusion as the hardening teen asked, "Shouldn't be what?"
"My friend," he answered in a growl. "You don't deserve to have to put up with someone like me. A bully who even Villains think could be one of their own. You deserve better than me."
So it wasn't just about Izuku or being taken but also something else that happened during the kidnapping. Eijirou could slap himself because of course it was and how on earth could he not think of that. Whatever it was he was there for him no matter how 'deserving' he was or not.
"Where's this coming from, Bakugou?" Eijirou asked as he shifted to face the blonde better. "Come on, man, I can't help if you don't talk to me."
A moment of silence longer before red eyes that were usually filled with anger but were now filled with pent-up tears finally looked up at him. It was a shocking sight to see. Bakugou's expression was hard with frustration and wobbly from held back emotions. Trying to stay strong but it was clear the emotional hurricane was only being kept contained by so much.
After being sent home, Katsuki had time to think. A lot. Too much. To the point of feeling overwhelmed because they seemed too much to handle on his own. To sort out and be able to understand. As if he couldn't do this alone. Not like last time or the many times before that because those all turned out great. Not.
I can't do this alone.
It was hard to admit but he felt like it was the truth. However, he had little experience with reaching out by his own volition. All other times were by the prompting of someone else. His suspension and Kirishima coming to him after Katsuki avoided him for a while. But he never had been the one to reach out for help. It had seemed beneath him. A sign of weakness. But the therapy mutt, Hound Dog, had shown him that even for a hot head like himself, actually talking can help. And he knew that he had at least one person who would sit and listen to him.
Only, he didn't know if that person would stay. Either way he had to try, right?
"Zuku was right," Katsuki spoke, his voice cracking a little. "I was acting like a Villain ever since my Quirk came in. Like a total jackass consumed by my own cockiness. What kind of Hero is that?"
Eijirou sat there silently just watching. This was the most amount of emotions he had ever seen Bakugou show. It was different from when they reconnected after his self-isolation. The blonde had been calm and somber but now he was distressed and apparently self-loathing. Something bad must have happened during the kidnapping to affect him this much. It seemed his silence was push enough for Bakugou to continue.
"Shigaraki told me to my face I had the potential to be a Villain," he confessed, running his hands through his hair. "What a great endorsement for the future Number One Hero."
The blonde let out an incredulous huff as he shook his head.
"But I wasn't even supposed to be there. All they wanted was Zuku. They didn't tell him he could be a Villain. Only that he would be able to understand where they were coming from."
And fuck he could with the shitty childhood he had been put through. What Katsuki had put him through.
"Zuku can and I'm part of the reason why. I…I picked on him and pushed him away. Name called and used my Quirk on him. I was like his own personal Villain and everyone followed my lead treating him the same way. How heroic of Bakugou Katsuki."
He gave a self-deprecating laugh at that. After being rescued and almost smothered by his mother, Katsuki again seriously had a lot of time to really think about all that had happened. Eijirou continued to listen quietly doing his best to stay calm. Though it did hurt to hear more glimpses into what one of his friends had done to another. The attack during the Sports Festival was one thing but this was a whole other can of worms.
"Shigaraki was able to see a Villain in me with just the Sports Festival alone. If only he knew what I did to Zuku growing up, he probably would have tried to snag me too instead of me stupidly falling into their hands. I've always wanted to be a Hero and yet I instinctively acted like a Villain instead. How can I be a Hero like this?"
Once again, Katsuki made eye contact with Kirishima but now with tears finally falling down his face. It hurt Eijirou so much to see him like this. To be so conflicted with himself questioning his whole life. It was a fucked-up situation but that didn't mean it was a lost cause. Bakugou was already making great strides to be better. Maybe not clear to everyone but Eijirou knew he and Izuku saw it.
"I've always told Zuku he could never be a Hero and yet he's been more of a Hero than I've ever been. USJ, Hosu, and the training camp. Even during the fucking kidnapping, he was always trying to save me from the League. Stood up to fucking Shigaraki himself just so I could eat and piss. What kind of Hero am I compared to that?"
He angrily wiped the tears off his face fruitlessly as more replaced them. Eijirou briefly considered possibly passing him the tissues but thought better of it not wanting to break his confessing stride. It was good to let out the things that were bothering you instead of bottling them up. He had said he was here to listen and he would do just that.
"Growing up, I always saw Deku as weak. Quirkless and unable to defend himself. But I was blind to him getting stronger all on his own. Zuku is already on his way to becoming a Hero and it's actually me falling behind. I don't know how I can catch up."
He was shaking now with his arms wrapped around himself. Hunched over and gasping as tears poured out of him. It was rare for Katsuki to show any kind of emotion like this but knew that Kirishima wouldn't judge him. Not for this. The red head in turn wanted to comfort him but didn't know how he would react to being touched. Not everyone took it as comforting so he resisted the urge.
"I couldn't even protect him once from all the crap he's faced. I didn't even fucking go to the mall that day so I didn't know about it until Zuku told me. That Shigaraki found him there and talked to him. That that Handjob freak dared to touch him."
Tear stained and red, the blonde turned to him as if seeking for anything that would disprove all that. To give him some comfort that it didn't actually happen. But he couldn't. Eijirou didn't have all the answers as he had only seen the aftermath, but he knew that Izuku had in fact run into Shigaraki and something must have happened to his neck. Izuku kept touching it when he gave his assurances to the class he was alright. Eijirou couldn't help but rub the back of his own neck as he gave Bakugou an apologetic shrug.
Katsuki had hoped he would deny it, but turns out it was all true. The kidnapping wasn't the first time Shigaraki had laid hands on Izuku. To think that hand of destruction had touched the nerd's throat was terrifying. Especially now that he had seen that Quirk in use on Izuku himself ruining his hand. The same one he himself had marked when he impulsively exploded that glove. Well, he guessed his childhood friend had two scars from Villains.
But that didn't matter right now. Katsuki connected what damage he had seen on that hand to that happening to Izuku's own throat. All his potential as a Hero crumbled to dust in an instant and dying as Katuski had always feared. He had never ever wanted Izuku to die.
"Hey, it's alright," Eijirou said, trying to calm him but it had the opposite effect.
"It's not alright!" Katsuki snarled, a little loudly but not an actual shout. "Don't you get it! Zuku could have died that day!"
He glared at the red head trying to will him to understand but of course he couldn't. He didn't know what Katsuki did. What he said to the only person growing up who had wanted to truly be his friend and actually saw him for who he was. Wasn't anything like the extras and yet Katsuki had been too blind to see and pushed Izuku away. Could have even pushed him to…
"Zuku can't die. He just can't. I can't have him die. Not after I told him to…"
Katsuki trailed off not wanting to admit out loud what he had done to who seemed to be his only true friend. Didn't want to lose him fearing if he told him that he would finally see the Villain within. Katsuki couldn't stand being alone again.
But of course, the other boy had to press.
"Told him to do what, Bakugou?" Eijirou asked. "Tell me, please."
So fucking polite. So nice and supportive. A fucking Hero just like Izuku. Katsuki didn't deserve a friend like him and yet he didn't want to lose him. Not like he had lost Izuku from his own words and actions. He just couldn't.
But he had to tell him or else it would be lingering over him for the rest of his life. A dark cloud of remorse that would never go away until his misdeeds were allowed to fall. Might as well make it a torrential downpour than a slow torturous drizzle.
"I told him to fucking kill himself," Katsuki breathed out, unable to look the other in the eye. "T-to jump off a roof in hopes of a Quirk in his next life."
The dark room was quiet and tense as his words lingered in the air. There, he said it. Spilled one of his biggest secrets to the only person he felt close enough to actually talk with. But how would he react? How would Kirishima see him after hearing that?
Honestly, Eijirou wasn't sure himself. To hear about the bullying was one thing but this? Wow. He did not take Bakugou as one for suicide baiting and yet he had. Yet another aspect of him that was a hard pill to swallow but it was also obviously something he regretted. Past him was someone Eijirou would never have wanted to be friends with but having gotten to know him after he still felt compelled to be near him despite all that. Because he knew Bakugou was working on making up for what he had done and wasn't the same person anymore. That he was growing.
"Can you tell me why?" Eijirou asked, earning a confused look from the other. "Why did you tell him that?"
"I…," Katsuki paused to find the wording. "I got caught up in everything. I wasn't thinking and just letting whatever garbage came to mind come out of my mouth. No one ever said anything about what I did or what I said. My parents would have if they had known but of course the crap teachers I had back then told them nothing. I could have gotten away with murd…"
Katsuki cut himself off realizing what he was saying. Damn his mouth saying whatever popped up. No, he couldn't let his impulses control him. He was in control, not them. Katsuki was Katsuki, not his anger.
"I fucked up, Kirishima," he admitted breathily. "I seriously fucked up. How could a Hero do what I did? What I said? Just...fuck!"
A few moments of silence passed between them. Katsuki actually allowed himself to cry frustrated tears as Eijirou watched him. The red head condemned the bullying and careless hurtful words, but he could see his friend was truly trying to understand and figure out what to do. And he wouldn't have to do it alone.
"It'll be okay, Bakugou," Eijirou assured, inching a little closer more to show he wasn't going anywhere. "We can work through this."
"How? How the fuck will it be okay, Shifty Hair?" Katsuki snapped, switching back to the nickname in his frustrated anger. He regretted it but like what he said to Izuku he couldn't take it back. "I told him to...he could have...fuck! I just wanted to get the nerd to realize his dream was a suicide mission. Then I go and say that to him? The fuck kind of Hero am I?"
The blonde suddenly stood up and started pacing the dark room.
"Bakugou…" Eijirou tried but was interrupted by his continued tirade.
"Then he goes up against the Hero Killer and wins. He gets threatened by that Handjob freak and survives. He could have…he could have died but he…"
Eijirou lets the seething blonde work through his thoughts. It seemed he had much more to say.
"Through all the shit I've put him through, hurting him and threatening him, he's never backed down. Not once. He keeps fighting and reaching for his insane goal of becoming a Hero while Quirkless. It feels wrong and impossible but he's doing it. He's…he's proving me wrong."
There was a somber silence between them as Eijirou stared at the other standing still in front of him.
"I was…I was…," Katsuki grimaced, struggling to spit it out. He let out a frustrated sigh as he gritted his teeth and slumped back down on the bed. "I was wrong, okay? De-He can be a Hero. He is a Hero. More heroic than I am. He's fought against Villains and won while all I've done is lose every time. He's faced death head on and beat it. Even against me when I-"
Katsuki stopped unable to say it out loud again. More silence filled the room as they sat there side by side. Eijirou was the one to break it.
"I...what you said and did to Izuku wasn't good, Bakugou, but..."
The blonde looked at him confused that there could be a 'but' in this situation. He may be having trouble to see a solution but Eijirou saw one.
"...you've already admitted that you were wrong to do those things. You're already at a good place to start and now have the drive to do what needs to be done."
"Do what exactly?" Katsuki asked, face scrunched in a scowl. "I can't take back what I did. What I said."
"No, but you can apologize for them," Eijirou said, giving him a calm sincere look.
Katsuki stared at him confused but hesitant. He had never apologized for shit his whole life. Wasn't it too late for him to do it now?
"It's too late for that," he let out with a defeated sigh.
"It's never too late, Bakugou," Eijirou insisted, scooching closer. "If you're willing to show you've changed from the bully you were before, an apology is never too late. Not if you mean it."
Katsuki was conflicted because he's never apologized but maybe his friend was right? That it wasn't too late? Izuku may not accept but he could at least try, right? They had some sort of weird bonding moment with the whole shit show about his lying asshole of a dad. That is if Katsuki could force those words out of his mouth. It had always seemed to run on its own for whatever he needed to say, but letting it had led to regrets he couldn't take back.
I need to apologize.
The difficult part was going to be saying it, but what if he didn't have to do it verbally. There were those seemingly pointless letters that Nezu had ordered him to write. At the time he thought the idea was ridiculous and a waste of time, but now? Maybe he could actually try and write his feelings out. Probably would be better than any crap apology that would come out of his filter-less mouth, but gods was it still going to suck ass.
The blonde flexed his hands wanting to let off his Quirk but didn't. It was something he was working on with Hound Dog of finding other ways to let off steam. He ended up curling them into tight fists strong enough to turn them white. Eijirou noticed and reached out grabbing them to make him stop. The move surprised Katsuki who suddenly snapped his gaze to his friend. The red head took his searching eyes for ones of anger making him think he messed up.
"I-I'm sorry, I...," Eijirou apologized as he started to let go but Bakugou snatches them back.
Two pairs of red eyes just stare at each other. One confused while the other firm. Eijirou's hands twitched which caused Katsuki to tighten his hold not wanting to let him go. As if he was the one with the rock-hard grip instead of Eijirou.
"Is...is this okay with you?" the red head asked quietly.
Instead of answering, Katsuki kept his firm hold on the other's hands. They were rougher than his and had callouses that were harder than normal. While Katsuki's hands were still soft despite all of his explosions. It had to do with his mom's part of his Quirk that had a moisturizing effect.
He stared down at their now joined hands and couldn't help but think of the nerd and that love sick Icy Hot idiot. How they held hands constantly which was annoying to see. Gross. Not in a judging way because they're both dudes. More in a he didn't want to have to see all that mushy crap from anyone. Even watching his parents interact at times was gag worthy.
Katsuki had never been one for feelings or sappy stuff. With his mom it had aways been sharp words here and smacks there though that was gone now. They were still kind of awkward around each other but since the news about Inko, he didn't want to take her for granted. Mitsuki would make small talk and Katsuki would actually make an effort to give a level headed answer. He wouldn't admit it out loud but the smiles she would give him when he did were ones he would make sure to cherish. You never know when you wouldn't see them ever again.
With his dad it was different. Masaru had always understood that Katsuki wasn't touchy feely most of the time. He had always been softer that Mistuki showing his affections in ways he believed his son was comfortable with. The gifting of meals and soft words but rarely comforting touches. Which was fine because Katsuki didn't need that.
After the kidnapping though, he hadn't protested when they both held him tight. The days after the rescue were filled with moments of them at home keeping close. Not every second because Katsuki still needed his space. He secretly enjoyed their family meals and time spent watching movies together as a family. However, that level of comfort had done nothing to ease his mind of all the dark thoughts and memories of all he had done to Izuku.
And yet despite all that, in a moment of need the nerd had come to him for comfort after finding out about his dad. Though there were slim pickings since they were stuck with the League of Villains. It may have been that Izuku had no other choice than him, but the way he had clung to him and confessed what happened. Had trusted him and even finally called him Kacchan again. It felt like more than he deserved after everything else.
This felt the same. Katsuki was an ass and yet Kirishima never seemed to shy away from him. Took him with his faults and always seemed to find that silver lining of it all. Like a diamond in the rough. But there was no way anyone could think of him as anything precious.
He was never one for emotions and certainly not the physical type, but in front of him, Katsuki found he could be with Kirishima. For some weird reason he didn't mind the feel of the red head's hands in his. They were different and not at all soft which was fine because Katsuki didn't do soft. Besides, Kirishima had a hardening Quirk. The softest thing about him was the part of his personality that reached out to help people with a comforting shark toothed smile. All while also having this stubborn hardheaded determination to save and protect. Rock hard in his goals to be a Hero.
A Hero who still wanted to be his friend.
"It's fine," Katsuki said as he shifted his grip to be more comfortable.
Kirishima gave his friend a smile. A soft one despite his teeth and Katsuki didn't know why that did something to his stomach. It was a weird feeling that he brushed off as something off he ate. Yeah, probably that. Eijirou was unknowingly feeling the same thing never imagining this ever happening.
He thought he had a crush on Bakugou before but after finding out about the bullying he had pushed those feelings down. However, he found them resurfacing as they sat there in the quiet darkness. Eijirou wouldn't push them on his friend who was still healing and figuring out things. Above all else, he was going to be there for him regardless of his feelings towards the other. Whatever friendship Bakugou wanted to have with him was more than enough.
"If you ever want to talk or...this," Eijirou spoke, giving their hands slight squeeze. "I'm here for you, man."
Katsuki silently stared at him as he considered the other boy. Kirishima had already proven himself to him. He was a good fighter and he was strong in his own right. His Quirk complimented Katsuki's as well. His explosions were all flash and flare with a powerful kicker. Kirishima's hardening made it so he could take a punch and dish it back as hard as stone. More defensive than offensive which was fine. He was like a human shield that paired well with Katsuki acting as the sword.
If he were to think about it like he had when he first came to UA, he would say Kirishima was his equal. Not beneath like those he had considered extras nor below him like his classmates who were strong but not as strong as him. Though he was working on not thinking like that anymore. A slow process but one necessary to curb his overpowering ego. Either way, he could see him as his equal. Protection alongside his physical assaults, but also a companion who has stayed by his side despite all he had done.
His friend.
Katsuki glances down at their hands before looking back up and said, "Thanks…Eijirou,"
The red head blushed at the use of his name before his face broke into a beaming sharp toothed smile. Katsuki feels that weird something in his stomach again and his cheeks tingled. Maybe it wasn't something he ate?
"No problem...Katsuki," Ki-Eijirou replied, a little hesitant but giddy to use his friend's name.
The blonde gave no sign of protest so he took that as permission. Eijirou smiled at him softer than before and it churned those strange feelings again for Katsuki. It was different but not necessarily bad. Whatever. He would ignore it for now. All that mattered was that Katsuki felt less alone and that he had…a friend.
Katsuki ran a thumb across rough skin and Eijirou watched quietly a bit distracted by the sensation. It wasn't like they hadn't touched before. Training was always rough pulls and punches. And while Katsuki wasn't much for physical contact, Eijirou was always trading friendly nudges, fist bumps, and throwing his arm around shoulders. This just felt…different.
He lifted his gaze to his friend who stared back at him. Eijirou's eyes were wide and open simply seeing what he was doing. No sign of rejection or disgust or discomfort of any kind. It helped him feel that this was okay and he was allowed to do this. Whatever this was anyway. Katsuki only knew that he for some reason liked it. Though they couldn't keep holding hands forever as he took note of the moonlight.
"It's getting late," Katsuki commented, simple but enough to make his point.
"Yeah, we should probably get to bed," Eijirou said with a nod.
The blonde returned it before he said, "Thanks. Again. For talking to me."
"Again, no problem," his friend replied with another one of those soft smiles. "I'm here for you, Katsuki. If you ever need me, I'll be there."
Once more Katsuki nodded.
"G'night, Eijirou."
"Good night, Katsuki."
The red head gave him one last smile and squeeze of their hands before letting go. He got up from the bed and walked to the door. Before he left, Eijirou turned and gave Katsuki a wave and then stepped out to head off to bed. Red eyes watched the door close before he let out a relieved breath. It wasn't how Katsuki had expected it to go having thought he may have ended up alone. Well, he was now but not entirely.
He slumped back to lie on his bed with one arm across his waist and the other above his head on his pillow. He stared up at the ceiling just letting all of that to settle in his mind. Eijirou was still his friend and wasn't going to leave him. He knew who Katsuki used to be and who he was trying to be now and still accepted him. Again, he let out a breath slightly shaky with emotion.
He was exhausted after crying like that. Katsuki rarely cried usually seeing it as being weak. How many times had he seen Deku cry growing up? Countless. But Zuku still cried and he was stronger than Katsuki ever thought he would be. He had been so so wrong about him and even though he hated being wrong, it strangely felt right. Much like how crying tonight felt right after spilling his guts. Huh, guess this therapy talk-about-your-feelings crap actually did work.
Katsuki rubbed the last of his tears away and situated himself in his bed to sleep. Tomorrow would be a new day and he was only a number of hours away from what life had in store for him next. He didn't know what to expect exactly but there was one thing he did know. That he wasn't alone. That Eijirou would stand by his side.
That Katsuki had a friend.
...
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