Throwing another bale of hay on the stack, Izuku wiped the sweat off his face with his already soaked shirt. It was another unseasonably warm day, and the hot noon sun was beating down mercilessly.
A high-pitched whining sound echoed from the work shed. The noise stopped for a moment and then started again. Izuku eyed Kacchan's sanctuary and slammed his hay hooks into the next bale, heaving it up onto the growing pile. He was glad for the hard work since it was the perfect outlet for his frustration.
And that frustration was one spiky haired blonde.
Ever since the night of his 'let's cool it' declaration Kacchan had been swerving between completely avoiding him or suddenly, out of the blue, teasing him to the point that Izuku was ready to haul his butt into his room and kiss the shit out of him.
But he didn't.
He'd stayed impassive and kept the 'distance' facade up, but it was wearing thin, and he was at the end of his rope.
The whining stopped, this time there was a flapping noise at the end followed by a loud string of cuss words. Huffing, Izuku decided to take a break and see what the hell he was up to in there.
It probably had something to do with that box.
Kacchan had gone on a town trip with Sero and returned with a large package tied down in the back of the truck. He'd only glimpsed it from his office window when they'd driven up, but then both Kacchan and the box had vanished into the work shed. Outside of meals and his regular chores he'd become like a ghost. He'd even canceled his riding lessons.
Walking up the short incline, Izuku stepped into the cool shed. His eyes adjusted to the sudden change in lighting as he looked around. He was still amazed every time he came here. It had been transformed from its prior dismal mess into a neat and tidy workspace. The tang of smoldering metal filled the air, and another growl came from the back of the shed. There, Kacchan was bent over the worktable with his back to him. In his hand was a soldering iron that he was using on something in front of him. He bent over farther, and a tiny tendril of smoke curled into the air.
Izuku stood quietly and watched him work. Kacchan was right, he'd put on some weight, but it looked good on him. He appreciated how his ass was rounding out his jeans very nicely these days.
"Enjoying yourself?" He peered at him from under his arm.
Startled that he'd seen him, he laughed. "Kacchan, you're no fun, but yes, I'm enjoying the scenery."
He reached over to turn off the machine and set down his tool. Turning, he leaned back against the workbench and casually spread out his arms, but Izuku could tell it was forced. He was hiding something.
"Are you here to pester me?" He quipped and then his whole body stiffened as his eyes raked over his body.
Looking down, Izuku realized his filthy t-shirt was so wet from his work in the sun, that it was sticking to him and his skin was visible through the thin cotton fabric. Laughing to himself, Izuku bit his lip. The damned idiot could try to avoid him, but Kacchan was in over his head.
Now to finally end this.
"Iamhere to pester you." He yanked up the hem of his shirt, deliberately wiping his face as slow as possible. Kacchan looked like he was going to combust. "I came to see why you're ignoring your chores."
His brows snapped together. "That's bullshit and you know it," he huffed.
"Well, you've been missing our lessons," Izuku leaned sideways, trying to see around him. "What is that?" He pointed to the strangely shaped object behind him.
Kacchan glanced over his shoulder as if debating what to do but then sighing loudly, he relaxed. "Have a look," he waved for him to come over. "I was hoping to surprise you," he smiled a bit sheepishly, which was way more interesting than the thing on the workbench, but Izuku finally glanced at…whatever it was.
A strange spider shaped plane sat there. It had a circular body with a metal cage perched on top. There were six arms that ended in what appeared to be rotor blades. "What is that? Is that a…" he leaned closer to look, "a toy?"
Chuckling, Kacchan picked up a large rectangular remote control. "Kind of, but a very useful toy." Flipping a switch, he pushed a button. A whirring noise sounded and from inside the cage something shifted.
Bending down further, Izuku tried to see what it was. "Is that a camera?" It looked like any standard digital camera, but it was hooked up with wires to the central body.
"It is," suddenly two of the rotor blades began to spin quickly, the body of the plane tilting slightly as they tried to pull it up off the workbench. "Oops," Kacchan turned it off and the plane fell heavily back onto the table. "I guess I fixed one after all." Walking over to his tool area, he pulled down a vice and secured the thing to the workbench. He peeked over at him as he worked, trying to see his reaction. "Do you know what this is?"
"Is it…" Izuku touched it gently. "I think it's a drone." He'd seen things like this around the campus at university. Compared to those little things, this was huge and looked like a real plane.
"It is," Kacchan beamed happily. "It's a bit beat up, but I'll get it working soon."
"Where'd you get this?"
"I bought it off someone online and they shipped it to me. I've been making this cage." He tapped the metal bars, "while trying to repair these rotors."
"What… um, what can it do?" He wondered why he needed a drone.
"This," Kacchan pointed to the camera proudly, "will watch your cattle in Ridge valleyorthe aquifer."
Izuku blinked and then stepped back completely stunned. "Kacchan…" he gaped as the possibilities tumbled one after the other into his mind. "That's…" he was speechless.
"Right?" His eyes grew wide with excitement. "You get it! I knew you would." He clicked his tongue and began pointing to the different parts of the plane.
"This is a DJIM commercial drone, it can fly over 50 mph and resist wind speeds upwards of 25 mph." His words were coming out so fast, Izuku could barely keep up, but watching him this animated was thrilling. "The battery life is so-so. Right now, it can fly for an hour, but I think I can get it up to two hours."
"Two hours? Is that good?"
"Absolutely!" He grinned and bumped him with his shoulder. "It'll add more weight, but this can carry up to five pounds. I used hollow metal rods on the cage to reduce the weight and this is the lightest camera for the quality that I could find." He sounded like a dad talking about his child. Grinning, he patted the metal machine. "It's a pretty nifty little cowboy."
Izuku touched the cage reverently. "This… is incredible." Kacchan smiled and his ears burned a bright red as he unscrewed the mount on the camera.
"Yeah, it was a once in a lifetime find," he laughed.
"Wait though," Izuku sized up the drone. "This had to cost a fortune!"
"Well, it needed repairs and had a piece missing on the main body, causing it to fly crooked. I saw a thread from the owner trying to figure out if she should scrap it or fix it, and I made her an offer."
"How much?" Izuku began circling it, he could see the welding spots where he'd fastened the cage. He was floored, this was one of the most complicated pieces of machinery he'd ever seen.
"Well normally they run about ten grand-"
"WHAT!" Izuku screeched but Kacchan reached over and slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Shhh, listen to everything before you freak out, I'd never spend that much without your consent." Izuku cocked a brow but went quiet, he was just happy that he was touching him. The feel of his warm palm against his mouth was enticing. He had to hold himself back not to kiss him, but he did smile so he could feel his lips moving. Realizing what he'd done, Kacchan pulled his hand away as if burned and made a fist, clenching it next to his side.
Izuku bit back what he really wanted to ask him.Why? What happened?But he swallowed his words and instead gestured towards the machine. "Please, tell me you didn't spend ten grand."
Snorting loudly, he focused back on the drone. "Fuck no! I got this for next to nothing. I swear, it was broken, and she was ready to dump it." He shrugged one shoulder and played with the remote. "She all but gave it to me. I paid for the shipping and a little bit more for her time."
"What's a little bit more?" He was being too evasive.
"I promise, it's in my budget." He looked like a scolded puppy for a moment.
"You aren't going to tell me?"
"It wasn't much, I'll even pay for it if you don't think it was worth the money."
Letting out a resigned sigh, Izuku had to accept that he'd done this for him as a surprise. Sliding closer so that their hips and legs were touching, he nudged him. "Sounds like you got a good deal then, I trust you made the right decision."
"Well, I can't spend money that isn't yours."
"True."' They all knew that every penny spent was one less to pay back the Todoroki loan. "I appreciate that."
He clicked his tongue and flicked one of the rotor blades so that it spun. "Don't worry, once I get this working and you see it in action… you'll be blown away."
"Will I?" Izuku teased, enjoying the heat of his body, this was the first time since their overnight that they'd been this close and Kacchan was distracted enough that he hadn't really noticed.
"Then, you'll be able to send more cows into Ridge valley."
"How would that work?" Izuku couldn't help but sound a bit skeptical.
He bent down lower and pointed inside the cage. "The camera I found has a real time connection via satellite. Flight time to Ridge valley is about thirty minutes, that gives you a full hour of surveillance before flying back. That means, once I get this linked, you can sit here at the ranch and watch over the herd. If there's trouble, you still need to ride out there, but at least it's only when necessary."
Whistling softly, Izuku touched the camera, purposely letting his arm lean on his, "that's incredible. This is exactly what I was thinking about when I wanted to modernize the ranch, but… this is beyond anything I thought we could do." He chuckled, "and to think I was happy with quads and motorized feed carts."
"Look at this," Katsuki picked up a clear plastic bag filled with small metal pieces. "I found these chips in a magazine and if we use them on the tags, the camera will tell you if there's a cow without a chipped tag."
"Meaning?"
"Anyone without a chipped tag at the aquifer will be spotted, so a water buzzard."
"Really?" Izuku studied the chips closer, "they look like something that would be in a computer."
"They are, it's a tracking mechanism. By linking it through a GPS you can see where they go, but more importantly, you can count the number of links. You still gotta ride out because chips could deactivate so there's always glitches." Kacchan's excitement was more than contagious.
"I… I don't even know what to say. This changes everything. I mean…" he tried to find the right words. "You're making my dream come true."
"I." His ears colored a deeper red as he scuffed the concrete floor with his boot. "I'm glad."
It was simple but heartfelt and Izuku wanted to kiss him so badly it hurt. He turned so that he could see him better before he said his next words. "Based on this, I'd say you've put in a lot of effort for me." The red raced from his ears to his cheeks.
"You and the ranch," he muttered and began fiddling with the remote again. One of the blades sprang to life spinning rapidly. "Shit," he shut it off and set down the controller.
"Why are you avoiding me then?" He jerked his head up and met his gaze, his gorgeous red eyes flaring in surprise, but this time he didn't look away.
"I'm not-"
Izuku laid his hand on his arm. "Stop, Kacchan and tell me. You were chasing me up one side of the ranch and down the other. Then, we had an amazing time together out at the Ridge, to the point that all I wanted was to be around you and suddenly…" Izuku raised his brows. "You stopped."
Tapping his finger on the table, he took a deep breath. "Not sure if you noticed but I don't have the best luck." He frowned, "well more like I run head first into life without thinking and shit starts to get deep."
"Am I the shit in this scenario?"
"What? He gave him a puzzled look. "No! It was that night, when you cried and then all the stuff when we got back," he shrugged. "I… was thinking that I might be dumping too much on your plate."
Izuku snorted and flicked his arm. "As if… so you don't like me anymore." He poked his cheeks. "Lost your thing for my freckles?"
"That," his voice sounded strained. "No." He turned and suddenly hugged him, pulling him close.
Izuku wanted to cry with the flood of Kacchan sensations, his warmth, his smell, and the firmness of his body. Everything was so real. "Then why?" His voice hitched. "I've missed this."
"There's so much I need to tell you, but you sounded so confused and hurt that night and I…" he let out a frustrated growl.
"I was hurt," Izuku prodded his chest. "That doesn't mean I can't like youandbe confused. And hasn't your time on the ranch shown that we can get through anything together." Reaching up he curled his fingers into his hair. "I want to be with you, Kacchan." He tugged on his hair to make his point, "you make the hurt better."
His face crumpled and his brows knitted tightly with worry. "But I'm." Kacchan paused and buried his face into his shoulder. "I'm ... for you." Everything in between was muffled.
"What? I didn't hear you. Did you say that you were too blonde for me?" Izuku decided that teasing was the perfect punishment.
He picked his head up and clicked his tongue. "What does that have to do anything?"
Izuku touched one of his stiff spikes, "I do prefer red-heads usually, if that's what you mean."
His eyes narrowed sharply, and his jaw clenched. "That isn't funny."
"It isn't, you're right," he laughed ruefully. "But I didn't enjoy you shutting me out either." Kacchan's face softened but he continued to frown. Izuku touched his cheek, "can we stop screwing around so we can kiss, make up and…" he bit his lip. "Maybe screw around already?"
Smirking, Kacchan dipped his head down and barely brushed his lips along Izuku's mouth. "You missed this?"
Grabbing a fistful of his hair, Izuku dragged him down and licked along the seam of his full lips until Kacchan opened to him, his tongue tracing the heat of his mouth. Leaning into his chest, Izuku deepened the kiss to feel every inch of him, his heart picking up speed with every stroke of their tongues. Pulling away to catch his breath, he dragged his teeth over Kacchan's lower lip. "I missedthat," he laughed softly. "That's more like the kiss I remember."
"Fuck… Freckles. I think I'm gonna explode." He squeezed him so tight that Izuku thought he might snap and then his mouth was on him again, this time the urgency of their desire pushed the kiss into a frenzy of touch. Kacchan finally released his mouth, running his hands down his back and planting them firmly on his ass as he thrust his hips forward.
Izuku moaned, feeling his erection against his own. "Please…" he begged.
Kacchan reached down and tugged on the buttons of Izuku's jeans, grunting with satisfaction as they popped open one by one. Hooking his thumbs down inside both his pants and underwear, he slid them off his hips. His hands paused as Izuku's cock sprang free, already hard from their kiss. "Shit," he licked his lips as he stared at him, "fucking beautiful."
"K-Kacchan," Izuku stuttered at the intensity of his gaze, he reflexively pulled his hips back hiding under his stretched-out shirt. That earned him a fierce growl. Kacchan grabbed the hem of his sweaty shirt and pressed it against his lips.
"Bite this."
Izuku had barely opened his mouth when he shoved it between his teeth. Clamping down on the fabric, he shuddered in anticipation.
Desperately jerking his own jeans down, Kacchan's cock hung heavy and swollen. Twisting his hips, he slapped their dicks together and firmly grasped them both in one hand. Gasping at the searing jolts that ricocheted down his shaft into his balls, Izuku couldn't hold back his moan.
"I like hearing you," Kacchan's voice was raspy, and his mouth hung open as he dragged his palm along Izuku's sensitive shaft. His thick fingers looked good wrapped around him and the friction of his rough skin was the kind of torture Izuku did not want to end. He bucked into his hand and let out another loud groan, looking up they locked eyes both watching the other's reaction. Kacchan smiled cockily and slowed the rhythm of his stroke.
"Kcchn," Izuku hissed through the fabric in his mouth. He wanted faster, wanted the release of the thick pooling desire that stretched his balls and dick painfully. "Fst-" he tried to get the word out but Kacchan stopped and ran his thumb through the precum that had pearled at the crown of his cock. Tapping directly on the slit, Izuku gasped, losing his shirt. "Need…"
"Me too, Freckles." He growled and his mouth was on him again, this time messy and wet. The combination of their mouths and his hand was sending Izuku to the edge so fast, he had to pull away to catch his breath. Kacchan didn't let him get away for long. Pushing his body into the workbench, he dove into his mouth as he picked up the pace of his strokes.
It didn't take long. Their groans echoed in the huge space as they both thrust into his hand a few final times before cum spurted over their clothes. Sagging back against the workbench, Izuku tried to catch his breath.
"That was amazing," Kacchan leaned down and laid his forehead on his shoulder, his breath ragged. "I'd say we both needed that… more than I thought." Laughing, Izuku nodded and pulled up his underwear and jeans, but his hands were shaking too hard to button them properly.
"I'd help… but," Kacchan held up his hand and smirked. "I'm a bit of a mess."
"Here," Izuku tugged on his filthy shirt and wrapped it around his hand.
"Great, now my hand really is dirty."
"Kacchan!" Izuku pushed at him and finally became aware that the door was wide open. "Pull up your pants," he whispered, slapping his butt and yanking one side up.
"That felt good," he winked, pulling up his jeans slowly enough that Izuku got another slap in before he got them all the way up. His red eyes narrowed menacingly.
"That's for making me crazy waiting for you!" Izuku kissed him before he could say anything. "If you do that again," he paused glaring at him playfully. "The punishment gets worse."
"Yeah?" He traced his finger down into his unbuttoned pants. "Wanna show me?" His voice rumbled low.
Izuku's groin coiled with desire again at his words, he needed to stop before someone wandered by and got an eyeful of them. "I have chores to do, unlike a lazy mechanic I know."
He clicked his tongue loudly, "I'm lazy? Who took off from work to come up here and…" he crossed his arms. "Why did you come in here?"
"To find out why you were being an idiot and…" Izuku thought for a moment. "To teach you how to give Bombshell a bath."
One brow arched upwards and eyed him suspiciously. "A horse bath? Do you put 'em in a big tub or something?
Izuku broke out in laughter and shook his head. "No! You use the hose."
"Sounds like we're gonna get wet."
"Well, it's possible." He grimaced at his dirt and cum stained shirt. "Thankfully this shirt is trashed already."
"You're telling me you're gonna teach me how to get you wet then rub you down with soap?" He didn't stop stroking the front of his jeans.
"I think you got the rubbing down." Izuku bantered back, the coiling tightening from his stroking. Shaking his head, he dragged him out of the shed. "C'mon it won't take long.
"I suppose," Kacchan walked beside him, leaning closer to him. "You do stink." He laughed as Izuku stopped and gasped horrified.
"Stink!?" Grabbing his shirt, he almost sniffed himself before remembering what was on his shirt. He huffed defensively, "I've been working all day, I probably just smell like a horse."
"Wait, we're washing the horse so he won't smell like one, but you can smell like one?" Kacchan rolled his eyes. "This ranch crap is fucking confusing."
"Alright we're checked in," Izuku held up a slip of paper with the number seventy-one on it and grinned at the group. "This is for you to put on your arm Shin."
"Lucky number," Kiri took the paper and slipped it onto his arm, securing it with a rubber band.
"It is?" Shin lifted his arm to see it better. Kiri chuckled, snapping the band. "What?" Shin furrowed his brow, "I know seven is lucky, but…" he shrugged.
"It's your birthday dufus."
"OH!" Shin barked out. "It is! Look Iz, it's my birthday!"
"Thatisgood luck," Izuku rubbed Float's head. "Your race is right before lunch, so we don't have a lot of time."
"I'm glad we found this secluded spot," Sero sat on the wheel well of the trailer soaking up the weak sun rays.
Izuku nodded and looked up at the clouds. The warm weather had finally broken this week and though the sun was shining, the air was crisp and cool. An announcer's voice echoed from the main ranch.
"Which race is that one?"
"Race two, that's the young stallions," Izuku looked at the program. "Tokoyami has his boy in that one."
"His family has those black angus cattle, right?" Kiri was stuffing hay into the net for the horses.
"That's right." Sero tilted his face upwards. "It's funny, before we started reworking the contracts I never really paid much attention to the breeds."
"Yeah," Izuku looked around at the throng of people. "Most of the families have already agreed to the new terms. It'll be good to run into them and make sure no one has any complaints."
"Where's Bakugou?" Kiri peeked over Float's back as he helped Shin groom her.
"He went to get some drinks," Sero pointed across the field where a few tents had been set up by picnic tables.
"I want to watch this race, so I'll go get him and come back after. Shin, yours is the fifth race, so probably in the next hour."
"K," he mumbled, combing Float's mane.
Izuku could see he was trying to stay calm, but his hand was trembling slightly. Thankfully they'd brought Riot with them and the two horses were happily munching on hay together, so far Float was oblivious to the tension. He knew it would be better if he left, everyone standing around was only going to make Shin jumpier. "I'll be back." He waved and walked to the tented area.
Scanning the crowd, he spotted Kacchan immediately. He was easy to find. It wasn't that he was that much taller or bigger, he just had an aura about him… one to which he was particularly attuned. Coming up behind him, he couldn't decide how to tease him.
"Freckles." He didn't even turn around.
"Kacchan!" Izuku laughed in disappointment and came alongside him. "I wanted to surprise you."
Handing him a drink, he opened his own water. "You always do."
"I do?" Kacchan only smirked and sipped his water. Holding up the race sheet, Izuku decided to ignore him. "I'd like to watch this race, wanna come with me?"
"Sure."
As they walked to the race, Izuku realized that he remembered the ranch more from his childhood. It had always wowed him when he was young due to the huge size, but as they went through the buildings, he noticed that they looked old and worn. Patchwork paint had been haphazardly slapped on the rougher spots recently which made the entire place feel like a facade of something from the past. The racetrack had been set up in the usual field with long fencing on both sides. It was currently crammed with people getting ready to cheer on their favorite horse.
"Which race is this?"
"The young stallions, this is one of the more popular ones since the winners are often used for breeding."
Finding an empty spot on the fence about halfway down the line, Izuku watched as horses lined up behind a rope being held by two people.
"Pretty informal." Kacchan laughed. "Feels just like Snipe's place."
"Yeah, I haven't been to one in a long time but it's still the same."
"I figured you'd been here all the time, don't all the ranchers come?"
Izuku shrugged and leaned further over the fence to watch. Truth was he'd come to see Shouto when he was young and in love, but these past years, he'd lost interest.
A gun popped and the rope dropped as the horses thundered down the track. Within seconds they were running past them, dirt flying up in their faces as the five hulking beasts sped to the finish line. A cheer exploded as they heard the name Tokoyami being announced over the loudspeaker.
"He won, good for him," Izuku circled his name on the race sheet.
"You know him?"
"Yeah, I went to school with most of the kids in the valley. He, Shouto, Tsuyu, Mirio and I were in the same grade. The others were at different grade levels but we all sat in the same classroom."
"One classroom for different grades?"
"Just through elementary and middle, we bussed to high school."
"I guess that's how you know everyone so well."
"You get to know each other pretty well but it's not like this is a nosy town. Ranchers are hardworking and busy. Most of the gossip is around livestock." Walking back past the tents, Izuku saw a familiar person sitting at an empty picnic table. "Enji." He stopped.
"Enji?"
"Shouto's dad."
"Oh." He grumbled. "We can go back the other-"
"No," Izuku took a deep breath and stalked towards him. He was so nervous he was having trouble breathing and his heart was pounding faster than the horses in the last race. All he wanted to do was run away but he forced himself to keep moving, he couldn't be that scared pushover anymore.
Enji looked up and seeing him, visibly flinched. "Iz." He forced a smile on his face.
"Enji," Izuku took the spot across from him. Kacchan sat next to him and pressed against him in support.
"How, um… how are you?" He looked curiously between the two of them.
"Not good, Enji, but then," he tipped his hat back on his head, "you know that don't you?" He made a strange choking noise, and his eyes darted to somewhere behind him. "I'm right here Enji," Izuku waved at him. His eyes grew wider at his boldness.
"I'm sorry to hear about the marriage being called off," he coughed trying to cover his surprise.
Kacchan snorted. "Well, your son is a jerk."
Izuku would've kissed him right there, but he was sure that would send Enji into the stratosphere. Instead, he gave a small laugh and patted his shoulder. "See, Bakugou just got to the ranch and even he knows."
Crossing his arms, Enji glared at him. "What do you want Iz?"
He'd been rehearsing the words in hopes he would see him. Izuku knew he couldn't pass up any possibility to save the ranch. As nervous as he was, he felt better knowing Kacchan was next to him, that way, if he did pass out from fear, he'd just carry him back to the trailer. Taking a deep breath, he blurted everything out in a rush. "Extend the terms of the loan, give us time to pay it back and revoke the marriage contract."
His steeled anger melted away into a frown as his cold blue eyes softened. The look on Enji's face was his answer.
"You don't intend to help us. Do you?" He shook his head and looked down at the table, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Getting up Izuku debated if he should say anything more but… he'd said his piece, he wasn't going to beg. Turning on his heel, he headed back to the trailer.
Kacchan trotted to catch up. "Nice touch walking off like that."
"Yeah?" Izuku's heart was still pounding like crazy, but now he was angry. He wanted to hit something, preferably a guy with red- and white- hair. Instinctively he looked around for his source of anger, but Shouto had been curiously absent all morning.
"You okay?"
"No, I'm not." Izuku snapped.
Clicking his tongue softly, Kacchan snagged his hand and squeezed it lightly. "Well, just be sure to direct that at the right person."
"Don't worry," Izuku gritted out. "I will." Another announcement was echoing across the field. "Shit! Shin's the next race." Running, he saw he was already on Float, Kiri and Sero were walking next to him.
"He's so quiet," Kacchan whispered. "I thought he'd be bouncing off the walls today."
"Yeah, thought so too, hopefully he's ready."
Catching up with them, Izuku could see Shin was tense, worry etched on his face. Float was dancing, her ears flicking back and forth with Kiri holding her head giving him last minute instructions.
"Keep her straight, let her do the work and make sure you have some fun," Kiri laughed nervously. "Also watch out for Shouto's mare-"
"I know that," Shin snapped, cutting him off. "There's nothing you can tell me I don't already know."
"Oh," he patted Float, "so you know that Shouto's horse farts when she runs?"
The look on Shin's face was priceless, like he was actually trying to formulate that into his strategy. Then the joke took hold, and he burst out laughing.
"Fucking hell Kiri, don't say stupid shit like that!"
"It's true, I heard it from his ranch hand, she sounds like a trumpet blowing down the track."
"Damn you," Shinsou kicked him with his boot, but his eyes were shining with a raw emotion Izuku had never seen in him…love.It was incredible. A smile danced on his lips as he pretended to pout. "Stop trying to make me feel better."
"No problem," Kiri chuckled. The gun popped in the fourth race and the crowd started yelling. "Alright, you're up Shin, do you want your man to be your handler?"
"No, I'm good," he tried to smile but it was forced. The humor of the moment was gone. "I'd like to be alone." Urging Float into a trot, he started across the field.
Tears of rage sprang into Izuku's eyes unexpectedly as he watched Shin. Seeing the love on his face earlier, Izuku hated Shouto more in that instant than in his entire life. The loss of time with his friend, the anguish of years of neglect and hurt. Kacchan was right, they were the victims. "Shin!" Izuku raced after him. "Screw the money!" He yelled as he caught up to him.
"What?" Shin slowed down.
"I said fuck the money Shin," he clenched his fists. "I want you to beat his ass. I don't give a crap about doing your best! Show him that no matter what he does, we're still together." Izuku wiped furiously at his eyes.
"Bossman," Shin bent down, "look at you." He pushed his hat down on his head gently. "Did you finally wake up and get angry?" Winking at him, a faint blush tinged his cheeks. "That's been the plan all along Iz, I'm taking that fucker down… for both of us."
"Then do it." Izuku stepped back and smiled as the visage of grim determination fixed on his friend's face.
Kiri raced up behind him and shoved him away. "Dammit Iz! I just got him all calmed down!"
"You think you did Kiri, Shin's no dummy." Izuku watched as he trotted away. "He's gonna take that shithead down."
"It's about time someone took him down a peg." Sero mumbled as he walked by them. "C'mon, I want to stand at the finish line, and it'll be crowded."
Jogging to the start line, Shinsou kept his nerves at bay by studying the other mares. Most were on the track and as far as he could see Float was bigger than all of them.
There was commotion from the crowd along the fence and a few low whistles. Shinsou spun in his saddle just as Shouto appeared, riding the most beautiful palomino he'd ever seen. Her coat shone like liquid gold and her mane was dazzling white. As she made her way towards them, he could see that she was huge. A wide chest and short body that ended in massive haunches.
Shinsou knew he was gaping at her by the condescending smile on Shouto's face. He guided the gorgeous horse to trot straight for them. Balking, Shinsou reined Float into a circle so he could avoid them. His brain was singularly focused, and he didn't need anything messing that up right now.
As they came around the circle, Shouto had stopped so his horse would be right in his path. Digging his leg into Float's side, she side-stepped out of their way at the last minute, their boots knocking as he went by.
"Smart," Shouto snarled.
Ignoring him, Shinsou kept his head down, but the prick wheeled around to trot his mare next to Float. He glanced around nervously but everyone else was busy getting ready themselves.
"So… a juvie mental case knows how to race a horse? I thought you only knew how to fuck shit up… like you're about to do today." Shouto's voice was low, but he could hear him clearly. "By the way, Shin…" he paused. "How's your family doing?"
Like a hammer plunging into his skull, Shinsou felt the words slice through him, uprooting everything he'd been trying to push away.
"Too bad your mom or grandfather couldn't be here to see you today." Chuckling, he kicked his horse and trotted away.
It was like a thousand needles were shooting adrenaline into his skin at once, his heart nearly bursting as the panic flushed into his system.
Breathe… Breathe
He couldn't.
The announcer's voice sounded over the loudspeaker. The words were unintelligible, but he knew they were calling for the start of the race. Forcing his body to work, he felt like a puppet, having to move every muscle manually as nothing wanted to function. Sipping in small amounts of air, he took his place in line.
"Good girl," he managed to murmur but his voice was anything but reassuring. His hands were trembling violently in his gloves. Squeezing his fists tight, a sorrel chestnut came in beside him.
That's right… we're in the middle.
They'd picked spots earlier and looking quickly down the line, he saw Shouto at the rail.
He'd managed to get the best spot.
A black mare squared up on his other side. He tried to focus, he knew if they faltered at the start they had less than thirty seconds to make up any ground. Leaning forward, he grasped a handful of Float's mane.
You'll never amount to anything Shinsou Hitoshi. You're the devil's child.
Blinking, he looked up to find the source of the voice. Scanning the crowd at the fence line, he saw him. His grandfather hung over the top rail staring at him.
His stomach flipped as nausea swept through him.
The old man looked the same. Skin stretched tight over a thin face and, as always, he was sneering at him. A bony finger lifted as he laughed and yelled, his voice echoing in his head.
You'll never do anything right Shinsou! Give up now and go back to hell where you belong.
The gunshot sounded, the rope dropped, and the horses leapt off the line.
Seeing Shouto talking to Shin, Kiri scaled the fence to jump onto the track, but the others dragged him off. "That fucker!" He fell into their arms as the golden mare trotted by them. "Hey asshole! Leave him the fuck alone or get ready to take me on next!" Shouto didn't even look at him as he headed for the start line.
"Is Shin okay?" Iz was next to him, holding him back from leaping on the fence again.
"It's good, he's fine." Kiri tried to soothe his own nerves, but he was struggling as he watched them line up. Shin's face was pale, but he was thankfully sizing up the horses next to him. "That's right," he whispered. "Give yourself some room to run." Then Shin flinched and glanced up at the crowd, his eyes went wide and that all too familiar panicked look filled them.
The gun sounded.
Kiri held his breath as the horses bolted off the line.
Shin looked off balance, like a man on a rocket that wasn't strapped in for take-off. Float weaved slightly looking for him to guide her, but he wasn't there.
"Shin!" Kiri knew… something was wrong, Shin was in trouble. Heaving himself up on the fence, he braced his legs so he could cup his hands around his mouth and he screamed at the top of his lungs. "DAMMIT SHIN! I LOVE YOU!" Those around him went silent and then laughter rippled through the crowd. He didn't care, there was only one person that needed to hear him. It took about a heartbeat but there was a slight nod of his head, and he lowered his body over Float's neck.
He'd heard.
"Thank the horses in heaven," Kiri breathed out in relief as the group thundered towards them at the finish line. The sorrel chestnut next to Shin along with Shouto's palomino had the best starts and were moving like wildfire down the track.
Kiri gripped the railing tight.
Less than thirty seconds.
"Make it up! You're the only one who can!" It was all he could do, believe that they were going to win. "Give her wings Babe."
The subtlety of a horse's movements in a race going over fifty miles per hour is hard for even the trained eye to catch, but Kiri had watched his man ride for so many years, he could see everything. The way Float's ears pressed back told him Shin had snapped out of whatever had happened on the start line and was talking to her. His hands were steady giving her confidence that he was there, but the freedom of her head. And the way his legs were pressed without kicking wildly like the others was telling him that the two were one.
Like a silver bullet she burst from the pack and picked up the lost ground. Flying by the sorrel mare it was down to just Shouto and Shin.
"SHIN!" Iz was screaming, his fist pumping in the air as they flew at them.
Then Shin's lips were moving and he pressed one hand firmly on her neck. Kiri saw the single word formed.
Go.
Incredibly, it seemed Float understood him. Her haunches suddenly pulled up so tight that she unleashed like a taut spring, lunging forward, her neck stretched long. Dirt sprayed as they roared past, hooves pounding the soft ground as they crossed the finish line. There was silence.
"Who won?" Iz hit Kiri, "did Shin win?"
"It looked like it to me," Katsuki frowned. "That could've been a tie."
"Which means…" a dark look crossed Iz's face.
"Shit," Kiri hopped off the fence. "We gotta get to Shin, if it's close and they give it to Shouto..." Iz nodded, and they all ran through the crowd to get to the horses now galloping down the back of the track cooling off.
A ringing echoed in the air as the loudspeaker came on. "Sorry folks, that was a close one." It was Gran. "As you know we have three judges and a video camera. Give us a sec to confirm our winner." The crowd was murmuring, someone shouted for Shinsou, someone else shouted for Shouto. More people started yelling.
"Shin!" Kiri waved. He was trotting Float in big circles finally bringing her down to a walk. Her massive lungs heaved and her normally grey coat now black from her dark skin showing through her sweat soaked hair.
"Kiri!" He laughed. Jumping off of her, he ran to him, leaping into his arms. Kiri grabbed him and hugged him. "We did it!"
"You did Shin," Kiri blinked back tears, "I'm so proud of you." Shin grabbed his face and kissed him hard. Kiri pressed close so only he could hear him. "I love you."
He laughed, "now you whisper?"
"Shin!" Sero came up and took Float's reins and started walking her out. "Crap, you were fast!"
Just then Shouto trotted by on his mare, he was looking down at the finish line, his face tense. He was covered in sweat and as they passed, he stared at Iz. The tension between them sparked like lightning as they glared angrily at each other. Katsuki stepped up next to Iz and leaned on his shoulder, riling Shouto further. He kicked his horse and the two sped away.
"I sure hope they-"
"Shhh!" Shin quieted them as Gran started talking.
"Alright, we have a winner. By unanimous decision and photo finish, we'd like to congratulate Float from the Midoriya Family Ranch being ridden by Shinsou Hitoshi. They're our winners for the fifth race everyone."
Jerking his arms up into the air, Shin fell backwards laughing. Kiri held tight to keep him from falling. He was laughing and crying at the same time. "WE WON!" He screamed at the sky.
Straightening he sagged into him, his tears soaking into Kiri's shirt. "I'm proud of you, Shin," he held him and let him cry.
"I know," he peeked up and smiled, watery tears clung to his lashes. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back and looked around. "Where's Float?"
"Over there with Sero."
Breaking from his embrace, he raced to her, throwing himself around her neck. She tucked her big head around him and hugged him back. Kiri could hear him murmuring to her as they nuzzled each other.
"He won," Iz sounded awestruck.
Flinging his arm around his shoulders, Kiri reveled in the happiness of the moment. "Boss?"
"Yeah Kiri?"
"I'd like to buy that horse from you."
"Float?"
"Yes sir, think about it and if you'd be willing, I'll give you double her fair price."
"I'll think about it Kiri."
"That's all I ask," tipping his hat, he went to join Shin in hugging the best damn horse in the world.
"Congrats kid," Gran smiled at him. "We'll wire the prize money to Iz first thing on Monday. So, you work it out with him. Meantime, go get your other prizes at the tent." Leaning forward, he patted his hand, "good job by the way, I swear that horse had jet fuel in her veins. I think you need to rename her." His laugh was a raspy howl.
"She did!" Shinsou was grinning so wide his cheeks ached, but there was nothing that was gonna stop him from smiling, not today. Grabbing Iz's elbow, he dragged him across the way to where Kiri, Sero and Ochako were huddled by a tent. Going up behind Kiri, he hugged his waist and leaned over his shoulder. "What'd we get?"
"A new saddle pad," Ochako held up the basket of stuff. "Cookies for Float and some Irish Spring soap?" She laughed, "do they think you stink?"
"That's an old barn hack," Sero picked up the multi pack of soap. "We shave it into the straw to keep out flies."
"Really?" Ochako gave him an incredulous look.
"Yeah," Shinsou grinned while digging through the basket. "Looks like we got a couple of gift certificates too and... free lunch tickets."
"Sweet, I think they're having BBQ."
"I thought we decided to go home right away," Iz glanced at his watch. "I think it's best we get outta here before we run into Shouto again."
"Fuck him," Sero growled, "what's he gonna do here in front of everyone anyway?"
Shinsou rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's probably hiding somewhere in the barn."
Someone walked by and patted him on the shoulder. "Good riding!" The whole place had been congratulating him everywhere they went. Laughing he tipped his hat and waved. Turning back, he gave Iz his biggest puppy dog eyes. "C'mon, Iz! We never do this, let's just get lunch and then we can head back."
"Float is still pretty sweaty," Kiri pocketed the tickets. "She'll need to cool off completely before we can trailer her home anyway."
"Okay," Iz sighed and looked around the tents. "Where's Kacchan?"
"He stayed back at the trailer to watch the horses."
"Okay, I'll head back and see what he wants for lunch, I think they had ribs and burgers. I can take the basket for you as well and leave it in the truck."
"Sounds good, we'll see you at the lunch area." Iz grabbed the basket and started for the trailer.
"Hey Shin!"
Shinsou spun to see Mirio walking up to them.
"Great job." Mirio shook his hand.
"Thanks, Mirio, I appreciate that."
"That horse is something else. Wouldn't think it to look at her."
"Yeah, she's sweet as pie, but once she starts to run, nothin' like her." He noticed the dog by his side. It was a thin, ragged animal, almost coyote looking. His back end was strapped into some kind of wheeled contraption. "Is that your dog?"
"Oh, yeah, this is my Reta." He patted the dog's head. "I found him on the trail with a broken back, he'd fallen off a cliff and lost his pack. Doc helped me save him, but he's paralyzed from the waist down. I built this for him, so he could get around. It took him a while, but I doubt he even notices it anymore."
"That's brilliant, like a doggie wheelchair." Sero laughed, "can I pet him?"
"Sure, he's tame, just kinda shy."
Kneeling down Sero let the coyote sniff his fingers before he started scratching his ear. Stepping closer to him, Reta groaned loudly and let him get to his whole neck. "He's not that shy." He laughed as he smoothed down the fur he'd messed up.
"By the way," Shinsou was glad to see him. "We got some news on Tenya." Kiri flicked him an uneasy glance. Shrugging, he smiled innocently. "You said to wait until after the race was finished."
"Shin…"
Ignoring him, he pressed Mirio. "He's been camping out at Ridge valley"
"Um…" He glanced around at the throng of people and moved behind one of the tents. "Sorry, trying to keep stuff under wraps. No one knows I'm doing anything with Shouto."
"They don't?" Shinsou had to keep himself from snorting too loudly considering the whole damn valley knew about his crush on the jerk.
Mirio grimaced, "I haven't decided what to do yet. He's been distracted with the races, so we haven't seen each other much these past two weeks." He sighed and petted his dog. "How did you know Tenya went camping? Did you run into him?"
"Katsuki and Iz came back from Ridge valley and found a bunch of trash at the south entranceandthere was an empty Mallormar box."
Mirio just gave him a blank look.
"Tenya loves those things! He used to buy them by the box loads, so we had Mina out for dinner, and she confirmed that the boxes they found belonged to him."
Again, he just stared at him.
"Don't you see?"
"No…" he glanced over at Sero and Kiri. "Anyone could eat those?"
"Nope, you can't buy them anymore and Mina said that he bought out all the stock he could find and then marked them with his initials. The one Iz found had his initials written on the box." Shinsou humphed. "You gotta dump your lousy boyfriend."
"Because Tenya camped in Ridge valley? How does that connect?"
Shinsou wasn't going to be deterred. "How the fuck do I know? But we all know Tenya hates camping, so he's up to no good if he went out there."
Mirio pinched the bridge of his nose. "Shin… what does that even mean? Who cares?"
"Because! He's probably trying to steal our cattle or something." Shinsou groused. "Either way, Shouto's a cheating jerk!"
Kicking the dirt with his boot, Mirio nodded. "I know… I know. I'm no fucking better though." He sighed. "Did you go over there and talk to Tenya?"
"No," Kiri tugged on Shinsou trying to get him to leave, "races and ranch work had us occupied, so we'll decide what to do now."
"Well text me if you do go over there," Mirio gave him a tight smile. "I gave you my number, maybe it's best if we all go together? I don't know."
"Okay." Shinsou frowned. Now that he'd told Mirio the truth, it didn't seem quite as earth shattering. If Tenya and Shouto were after their cattle, it didn't really affect anybody else. "I just want you to find someone else that deserves you."
"Thanks, Shinsou. I appreciate that, I really do."
Mirio looked down, but Shinsou caught the look of pain in his eyes and for once he understood. Now that he loved Kiri, just thinking about him not returning those feelings made him shudder. It would be devastating. He softened his tone. "Mirio-"
"Hey, the lunch line is getting long," Sero piped up trying to change the subject. "Let's get food."
Putting the basket into the truck, Izuku could see the horses standing at the trailer, but the area was quiet. "Kacchan? There was no one around. His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling it out he saw his text.
Kacchan - Ran to the bathroom. Don't leave without me.
Laughing, Izuku walked behind the trailer and sat down on the ramp to enjoy what was left of the afternoon sun.
Izuku - already left Kacchan, sorry, you're going to have to walk home.
The icon spun.
Kacchan - Freckles. Leave me here and I'll dismantle every engine on your property tomorrow. This place gives me the creeps.
Looking out over the ranch, he had to agree with him. His memories of the place and the way it looked now were a strange mismatch. It made him wonder how Shouto was really doing.
"Iz."
As if springing from his thoughts, his voice came from the side of the trailer. Spinning, Izuku dropped his phone on the trailer ramp, and it slid down off the side to land in the dirt. "Shouto, you scared me." He laughed nervously, turning to retrieve his phone.
Shouto darted forward and picked it up.
"Hey!" Izuku held out his hand. "Give me my phone."
"Interesting," he scrolled backwards through their texts.
"Stop it!" He lunged for the phone and grabbed his arm.
Shouto switched hands, holding it out of reach. "So… I was right, you are fucking the mechanic. I guess I should've expected as much. You love those convicts."
It was the way he was sneering at him. Seeing the face he'd once loved contorted so viciously, a burst of raw rage bled through him. Without even thinking Izuku clenched his fist and swung. The punch to his jaw caught him by surprise and caused his head to snap sideways. Shouto lurched back from the force of the blow.
Shaking out his hand, Izuku's knuckles were throbbing. "That's for being an ass, now give me my phone back."
"I'm the ass?" Shouto recovered quickly and advanced on him, shoving him hard.
Izuku backed up but tripped on the ramp behind him. His body flew backwards, and his head smashed into the metal pole that divided the trailer. "Fuck!" He hissed as white spots flickered in his vision.
"You've punched me twice now.Twice!" Shouto seethed and jumped on the ramp, grabbing him by the throat.
"Shouto!" He clawed his hand trying to pry his fingers loose. "What… what are you doing?"
"You were invited here today nicely." His eyes were flashing menacingly. "Even after you made me look like a fool in front of Hound Dog! And you have theaudacityto attack my dad andpunchme?" Curling his lip in disgust he squeezed his neck harder. "You fucking little spineless wimp."
Izuku yanked harder at his hand, but he could see the glint of joy in his eyes watching him struggle. Dropping his arms, he lifted his head, exposing his throat. "Fine, strangle me. We'll see what happens."
Shouto let out a quick laugh. "Getting so much braver Iz," he smirked. "I'm proud of you." Bringing his face close to his, he brushed his lips against his cheek, while crushing his windpipe. "Maybe if you'd been more like this when we were younger, I might have actually liked you."
Tears sprang into his eyes. "Fuck you," Izuku wheezed and tried to punch him again. This time he dodged his blow, chuckling as he lifted him by his neck. His spine felt like it was separating off his shoulders. "Stop!" Izuku squirmed trying to get free.
Shouto shoved him into the trailer and slammed him against the back wall, knocking the wind from his lungs.
No one could see them.
Panicking, he began to thrash and kick, feeling his boots connecting with his legs. His hand only pressed harder as blackness started swirling around the edges of his vision.
"Yeah, I like this Iz way better." His hand released slightly, just enough that he could drag in some air. Then he choked him again and covered his mouth in a bruising kiss, his teeth cutting into his lip. Blood flooded into Izuku's mouth as his vision began to fade out.
The trailer suddenly rocked as heavy bootsteps hit the ramp. Shouto let go and spun around.
Coughing violently, Izuku sagged to the floor trying to drag air through his bruised windpipe.
"FUCKER!" It was Kacchan. Grabbing Shouto by the shirtfront, he hauled him out of the trailer.
"Stop," Izuku tried to yell but his voice was a hoarse whisper causing him to gag as he tried to breath past the blood and pain. From outside he could hear them yelling and swearing as dust swirled in the air. The sound of a fist landing against someone's body thudded heavily and Izuku recognized Shouto as he gasped in pain.
Then it grew quiet.
"Kacchan?" Izuku tried to breathe but it hurt, the air felt like hot vapor in his throat. The trailer rocked again, and his hands were on him, touching his legs, then his arms and last his neck.
"Shit." His eyes widened as he touched him gingerly. "That… that fuck. Are you okay?"
Nodding, Izuku grabbed his hand and kissed it. "I'm fine…" his voice was still raspy. "Just a little fight between exes."
Kacchan clicked his tongue. "That scared me half to fucking death seeing him choking you like that." Sitting down, he dragged him into his lap and hugged him.
Tears threatened again when he felt his solid body. "Thanks." He whispered.
Ruffling his hair, he stroked his back gently. "You should file a restraining order against him."
Closing his eyes, Izuku curled against his chest, he could hear Kacchan's heart beating like crazy, he really had been scared. "How about you? Are you okay?"
"Yeah," he chuckled softly, "just a little fight between rivals."
Laughing, Izuku choked back his tears and blew out a shaky breath. "That was… scary, he's never attacked me like that."
"You said that about the night in his truck too."
"Oh," he said simply. "Maybe he's changed."
"Or maybe this is who he always was?"
"Probably," Izuku sucked in another deep breath. He groaned as pain lanced across his swollen lip.
"Oi! You're bleeding." He untied his bandana and held it gently to his mouth. "Hold this to stop the bleeding. We need to get some photos of you." Pulling out his phone, he snapped the camera a few times. "Look up," he pointed upwards.
Izuku noticed his knuckles were red. "Did you hit him?"
"Yeah, he swung at me when I tossed him out, but he missed. I got a good punch into his gut."
"Sorry."
"Why're you sorry? The fucker was trying to kill you. Now hold your head up so I can get some pictures of your neck in case you need them for that restraining order." Izuku could see Kacchan wasn't budging until he did what he asked, sighing loudly, he stared up at the trailer ceiling hearing the camera click a few times. "Now you have proof, plus I was an eyewitness."
"I guess, but I hit him first."
"Doesn't matter, you don't choke someone."
"I'm fine now," Izuku started to get up.
"No, you're not, your mouth is bleeding and your neck is swelling." He touched the tender skin.
"Okay, but I'm not very comfortable." Izuku wiggled in his lap, wincing from the pounding in his skull from the metal bar.
Kacchan widened his legs, so he could slip down further. He kissed his forehead and held him in a tight hug. Izuku pressed against him and admittedly, he felt better. More tears wanted to leak out, so he closed his eyes.
"There you go, just relax and I'll kiss you." Izuku chuckled softly. "I'm not joking," his warm lips landed on his nose, then his cheek. "Kissing has the power to heal."
"Okay," Izuku relished in his embrace and the sweet gentle touch of his lips. "You kiss and I'll get better."
"Wow, not going to be stubborn on this one?"
"Kacchan, I'm never stubborn," Izuku huffed trying to look at him, but he was holding him too tight against his body.
They heard loud laughter through the trailer windows. Groaning, Izuku realized the guys were on their way back. "Let's get up." He tried to pull back again but Kacchan held him tight.
"I don't care if the four horsemen of the apocalypse are on their way, we're sitting here until you feel better."
"I feel better," Izuku peeked up, "I promise Kacchan."
Grumbling, he let him go and helped him up. Standing, he brushed the shavings off his jeans.
"Iz? Katsuki?" Shin rounded the trailer with two plates in his hands. He saw them and stopped short. "Seriously?" Rolling his eyes, he dropped their lunches unceremoniously onto the trailer ramp and stormed off.
"Shin," Izuku tried to call after him, but his throat cramped up causing him to cough again.
"I guess he thinks we were fooling around." Kacchan picked up their lunches and started for the group sitting on the grass. Following him, Izuku sat down where Kacchan put his lunch plate.
Shin glared at them. "Don't fuck in the trailer." He bit out accusingly.
Kiri choked on his rib and eyed the two of them.
"We weren't," Izuku stared down at his giant plate of food.
"Right," reaching over he picked some shavings off his jeans. "You were cleaning the trailer using your asses."
"Shouto attacked him," Kacchan slapped his hand away. "Why don't you ask before assuming? I'd think you'd know that better than anyone." Shin bloomed a bright shade of red and clamped his lips together.
"What?" Kiri dropped his rib. "Did he hurt you? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine… I punched him first."
"You did?" Shin set down his cornbread. "Sorry…" his face fell, "I guess that was shitty of me to assume."
"No, I know what it looked like. He came by earlier when I was alone, and we got into it. You know how he gets."
"How he gets?" Kacchan growled. "That prick fucking choked you!"
"He choked you!" Shin shot to his feet. "I'm gonna kill that fucker!"
Grabbing his shirt, Kiri yanked him back down. "Hold up there, cowboy, let's hear the whole story before you go off half-cocked." Shin gave him a withering glare but stayed seated.
"I punched him when he took my phone and started reading my texts," Izuku picked at the food. "He grabbed me by the neck and shoved me into the trailer but then Kacchan showed up and chased him off."
"You think he choked you because he lost?" Kiri furrowed his brow. "I mean the guy's a jerk but he's not stupid. To come after you like that… he had to be really angry."
"I confronted his dad about the loan."
"Shit!" Sero stared at him and then laughed nervously. "You confronted Enji?"
Slouching further, Izuku nodded, "I wasn't very nice."
"I hope not! You need to stop letting these jerks off the hook, Iz. They did you and your mom wrong. You deserve to be fucking angry. Hell, I hope you hit him hard!" Sero laughed and took another bite of his burger.
Izuku dipped his head grinning, "I did." Grabbing Kacchan's hand, he held it in the air. "But I'm guessing it wasn't half as hard as his punch."
"What?" Kiri and Sero looked up at the same time.
"He threw him out of the trailer and got him in the stomach."
"Wait," Sero's eyes grew wide, "did you say... 'got him'?" He stared at Kacchan. "Do you mean you punched him?"
"Yeah…" Izuku looked between their stricken faces. A sense of dread curled through his gut "Why?"
"Shit," Sero jumped up. "Shin, Kiri, load up the horses. Katsuki, Iz, get in the truck right now and stay there.Do not get out.I'll get the gear." Running to the truck, he began tossing everything into the back. Kiri lunged to his feet, dragging Shin behind him and quickly untied Riot and Float.
"What's going on?" Izuku started picking up the plates.
"Leave the damn food Iz, we have to get the hell outta here and fast." Sero yelled. "Get in the truck, both of you." His voice left no room for argument.
"Sero, you're scaring me." Looking up at Kacchan, his heart stopped. His face was pale, his eyes wide with fright. "What's wrong?"
Swallowing hard, Kacchan dragged him to the truck, pushing him inside as he climbed in behind him and slammed the door closed.
"Kacchan?" He was bent over breathing hard, staring at his hand, clenching and unclenching his fist. "What's wrong?"
"My parole."
Izuku's heart lurched.
Make sure he doesn't go back to prison.
Sero leapt inside the cab and started the truck. "Stay in the back Iz, Kiri will ride shotgun."
"What - What's going to happen?"
Sero just gave him a dark look as the others scrambled into the truck. "We need to get the fuck outta here first, then we talk." Putting the truck in gear, he drove slowly through the ranch. As they neared the main gate, a man started waving at them. It was Hound Dog. "Fuck me, that lousy bastard. He's already done it."
"Shit…" Kacchan breathed out, his voice a whimper.
"It's okay, it'll be fine." Izuku clutched his thigh.
"No." His voice was flat. "It won't"
"Iz," Sero glanced in his rearview mirror. "He violated his parole by hitting Shouto."
"But he was defending me!"
"Doesn't matter Iz," Kiri turned and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Any type of battery is considered a violation. He'll be sent back to prison for a hearing."
"No-" Iz started to yell but Sero snapped his fingers to shut him up as Hound Dog walked to the truck and motioned for him to roll down his window.
"Fuck," Sero breathed out and hit the button. "Hey."
"You know?" Hound Dog looked upset.
"Yeah, I was hoping to do this at the ranch, you know, get away from everyone."
Looking inside the window directly at Kacchan, he nodded. "I'll follow you back and take him from there." He touched his hat and walked back to his patrol car.
"Shit…"
"No! You can't! He can't!" Izuku grabbed the handle of the door.
"Stop," Kiri lunged over the seat and grabbed him. "Don't make it worse." He tilted his head towards Kacchan, "you want him to be dragged off right here and now? In front of everyone."
"No…" he stopped and sat back completely shell shocked. He felt like a bomb had exploded shredding through their life, leaving them in tatters. "He… can't… he can't go back." The fear was palpable as his mind latched onto the image of Kacchan back in prison, dead. "No! We have to stop this!" But he knew from their grim faces there was nothing at this point to stop what was about to happen.
Next to him, Kacchan's shoulders started shaking as he broke down in silent sobs.
"I know, I know Iz, but he's on parole." Hound Dog repeated patiently. "You need to talk tohim," he pointed to Shouto who was seated, looking smugly satisfied, in the other chair. "I don't know what's going on between you, but…" he glared at them both. "Dragging a man's life down because of your relationship problems is just downright… bully sticks!" Standing, he threw the file onto his desk. "I'm gonna go check on him, you two figure out what the hell you want me to do about these charges." Storming out of the office, he slammed the door muttering to himself.
"Shouto!" Izuku grabbed his arm. "Please! You don't understand, you have to drop the charges."
Slapping his hand away, he gave him a cold look. "I told you these prisoners would burn you someday. A violent offender needs to be behind bars."
"Violent? Him? Have you seen what you did to my neck?!" He yelled hysterically, yanking down his shirt showing him the bruises in the shape of his hand. "I should press charges againstyou."
"For what? Defending myself? You hit me first you stupid idiot."
"You took my phone!"
"I planned on giving it back and then you slugged me for no reason." Standing Shouto pushed in his chair. "It's over Iz, I'm pressing charges, if you want to do the same that's fine with me. In three months at the hearing, I'll get in front of a judge and will plead self-defense." He tapped the bruise on his jaw. "You're not the only one with evidence." Walking to the exit doors, he smirked. "Either way, your lover goes back to jail where he belongs, I just wish I could do the same with the others."
"But why?" Izuku ran after him. He couldn't let him leave, not with Kacchan still behind bars.
"I don't really think I need to explain myself to you." His eyes burned with indignation. "After all, we're not together anymore."
"I'll marry you!" Izuku yelled out and then gasped, slapping his hands over his mouth, shocked by the words. A wave of sadness crashed into him. Dropping his arms in defeat, he nodded slowly. "I will… I'll marry you." He knew it was his only bargaining chip.
Shouto crossed his arms giving him the once-over. "You love that mongrel so much that you'd marry me, the man you hate? The man that screwed with your best friend and has cheated on you ever since we got together?"
Izuku's mouth hung open at that statement. He tried to find something to say but his mind went blank.
"Nothing to say?"
Revulsion rippled through him. He could only repeat himself as he swallowed past the lump forming in his aching throat. "I'll marry you," he whispered fiercely. "You'll have the ranch."
Tipping his head, Shouto beckoned him closer, but Izuku stood stock-still, fists clenched at his sides.
"Already disobeying me?"
He was mocking him, but Izuku knew he was serious. Stumbling forward he stood in front of him awkwardly.
"Good boy," Shouto ruffled his hair and pushed down on his head. "You know what I want."
"H-Here," Izuku scanned the sheriff's office that was currently empty. "Hound Dog-"
"Never mind then, he goes to prison."
"Wait!" His entire body trembled as he dropped to his knees and stared at his crotch. Izuku began to unbuckle his belt. It was only a blowjob.
Huffing loudly, Shouto suddenly snatched a fistful of his hair and jerked his head back glaring at him. "You were going to do it, weren't you?"
"Y-yes?" Izuku couldn't stop shaking.
"Fuck, stand up." Releasing his hair, he let out a sharp sigh. "Here's the truth, I didn't want to marry you either, so you saved me Iz."
"I know… but can't we still be married? Just like before?"
"We could," his tone was too patronizing to give him any hope. Izuku held his breath. "But then you went and blabbed to Hound Dog that you dumped me. How does that look?"
"I'll say it was me! Th-That I got cold feet… anything." He begged. "Please, he can't go back, you don't understand." Shouto narrowed his eyes and Izuku knew his mistake immediately.
"I don't give a fuck about that prick." Buckling up his belt, he walked out the door without another word.
Izuku watched as he climbed into his truck and drove off. There was a soft coughing noise behind him. Turning, Hound Dog sat down at his desk and frowned. Walking back to his chair, Izuku sank down letting the sorrow consume him.
"Sorry," Hound Dog sat back in his chair, rocking gently. "It doesn't look good for him."
"I know," sniffling, he pulled a tissue from the box on his desk, crushing it in his hand.
"Listen," Hound dog lowered his voice, "do you think you can get Shouto to drop the charges?"
"What?"
Tapping the paperwork, he looked at the clock. "It's late on a Saturday, the only thing I can do for you is to wait to file these with Aizawa on Monday morning when his office opens. That gives you less than one day to get him to change his mind."
"I don't think he will."
"Are you giving up?"
Startled by his comment, Izuku thought about Kacchan in prison, with no protection, just waiting to die. "No, I'm not… you won't file until Monday? I'll do everything I can." He gripped the tissue tightly.
Hound Dog gave him a slight smile. "You know, you always kowtowed to Shouto, but I know you've got a lot more spirit than people give you credit for," he winked. "I think leaving him was a good thing, for both of you."
"Yeah, I suppose."
"I'm really sorry Iz."
"Thanks."
"I have to finish this up, is there anything else?"
Rubbing his legs nervously, he bowed his head. "Can I see him?"
"I'm not supposed to allow anyone in there," he bit his lip thinking for a moment. "Sure, what the hell, we're the only ones in here right now." He stood, leading him to the temporary cell block. Unlocking the door, he motioned down the hall. "He's down at the end. I can't open the cell, but you can sit outside. I'll be here when you're done."
"Thanks." Izuku jumped at the clang of the heavy metal door and the sound of the key turning in the lock. It sounded like a death sentence. Finding a chair, he set it as close as possible to the cell and gripped the bars.
"Kacchan?"
He was lying on the cot, staring at the ceiling.
"Kacchan?" He didn't move. "I'm so sorry," his voice warbled as tears blurred his vision. "I - I know you're not asleep, your eyes are open."
He shut them. It stung to see him do that.
"Look, I'm going to talk to Shouto, I'll get him to drop-"
"Leave me alone."
"Okay," Izuku was relieved he'd acknowledged him. "You've gotta be tired, I'll let you sleep."
"No," he propped himself up on his elbows, he stared at him, but his eyes looked dull and lifeless. The intense fire that normally raged in them was gone. "I mean stop messing with shit and leave me alone. Go home, save your ranch. It was good to meet you." Dropping back down, he stared back up at the ceiling.
"You… you don't mean that."
"I do." His toneless voice matched his eyes.
Izuku leaned into the bars, "I know what this is about, but-" Kacchan sprang up out of his bed so fast he didn't have time to react. His hand shot through the bars and yanked his shirt dragging him off the chair until he was inches from his face.
Enunciating each word clearly, his eyes finally burst into flame. "I said leave me alone.I don't want to see or hear from you again, got that Izuku?"
"Everything okay down there?" Hound Dog called from the end of the hall.
"Yes-"
"No," Kacchan yelled out over his voice. "I don't want visitors."
Dropping him, Izuku fell backwards off the chair, landing with a thud on the floor.
"Get out." Going back to his bed he lay down again.
Standing slowly, Izuku put the chair away and stopped to see him sling his arm over his eyes. "Kacchan?" He waited, but he didn't respond. "I love you, Kacchan."
Nothing. Not even a flinch or grunt.
Turning, Izuku walked back down the hall.
TOL - The world hurts