Lmao what even is this

Fanfic for the Masses. Requests open!

[fanfux]

WELCOME TO THE FEVER DREAM

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In this house we practice radical self love and agressive kindness.

[dekuskacchan]

i will follow you into the dark

Rating: T

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a happy ending, Fluff

Summary: Izuku has finally returned to UA, and Katsuki will never let him go again.

Or: Izuku and Katsuki finally discuss their feelings.

A/N: Hi again, friends! Since chapter 322 is out now and dominating all of our lives, I felt inspired to write. This is intended to be a sequel to my fic "Tell Me I'm Dreaming," and takes place immediately after the events of chapter 322. So, spoilers are ahead for that chapter! I hope you like it <3

I'd also like to note: Izuku ate and took a bath when he got back, I just couldn't figure out how to work that in. Fear not, he is a clean and fed boy :')

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33153718

-

Katsuki watches the gentle rise and fall of Izuku’s chest as he sleeps, undoubtedly for the first time in days. He’d fallen asleep the second his head hit the pillow on the small bed in Recovery Girl’s office, and hasn’t budged since.

In the 12 hours Izuku has been back at UA, Katsuki has left his side once, only with substantial convincing from Glasses and Shitty Hair.

“Dude, he’ll probably be out cold for a few more hours. At least go scarf down some food and take a nap,” Shitty Hair said.

“Shut the fuck up,” Katsuki retorted, “I ate this morning. And I have slept.”

Kirishima let out an exasperated sigh that irritated Katsuki to no end.

“Did you come here just to piss me off?” he snapped.

“We are concerned for your well being, just as we are Midoriya’s,” Iida said, “you haven’t fully recovered from your own injuries yet. You need to rest.”

“I said I was fucking fine.”

Iida looked at him with knowing eyes and a gentle smile. It annoyed Katsuki even more.

“He won’t disappear if you stop watching him, Bakugou."

“Yeah. We’ll stay with him,” Kirishima added with a thumbs up.

Katsuki gritted his teeth. As much as he hated to admit it, they were right. His empty stomach only served to fuel his anger more.

“I hear they’re serving spicy curry for lunch in the cafeteria,” Iida coaxed.

Katsuki had relented at that point, not because it was his favorite, of course, the growling in his stomach was just giving him away.

Katsuki returned less than an hour later. Kirishima and Iida admittedly had reassured him, to some degree, but it wasn’t enough to quell his anxiety. Iida scolded him for refusing to rest, but did nothing to stop him, as if he knew his efforts were futile. The pair stayed with Katsuki at Izuku’s bedside a while longer, but left him to his devices nonetheless.

Half and Half stopped by some time later, tapping on Katsuki’s shoulder and waking him from a restless sleep in a shitty plastic chair at Izuku’s bedside.

“Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to sleep in your bed, Bakugou?” he asked, sitting in a chair adjacent to him.

“I was sleeping just fine before you fucking showed up, you Half and Half bastard,” Katsuki snarled.

“I’ve been here for an hour and a half, actually,” Todoroki stated. Always so fucking deadpan.

“Why the fuck did you wake me up now then?”

“You looked uncomfortable.”

“I’m fine, asshole,” Katsuki grumbled. Todoroki looked unconvinced.

“I figured you would say that. Here, I brought you this,” Todoroki produced a blanket from behind his chair and handed it to Katsuki.

“I don’t need your fucking charity," Katsuki grumbled, but accepted it anyway, silently grateful for refuge from the chill in the room.

“It’s no trouble,” Todoroki patted his shoulder.

“Tch.” Katsuki shrugged him off.

They sat in silence for a while. Izuku still hadn’t budged. Katsuki was worried, but some part of him was thankful that Izuku was finally fucking resting.

“Everyone is proud of you, you know,” Todoroki said quietly.

“Haah?!”

“It took courage, what you did. We know it’s not easy for you to express your emotions,” he paused, considering his next words, “it... doesn’t come naturally to me, either.”

“No shit!” Katsuki barked. Todoroki raised a finger to his lips to shush him and nodded at Izuku, who had grunted in his sleep.

“I’m just saying, your efforts aren’t unseen. We know you’ve been working hard, and that this has been weighing on you for a long time. If it weren’t for you, Midoriya might not have listened to us.”

“You don’t know shit,” Katsuki grumbled, averting his eyes. Katsuki was beginning to feel uncomfortable. He wasn’t good at this shit, and Todoroki knew it, so why wouldn’t he shut up?

“I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. We can change the topic,” Todoroki said, as if he could read Katsuki’s mind.

“Or we could stop fucking talking altogether,”

Todoroki smiled and nodded, returning his gaze to Izuku. Katsuki’s eyes followed and he frowned.

“He’s such a fucking idiot,” Katsuki muttered, leaning forward in his chair and resting his chin on his hand. Todoroki chuckled.

“He is certainly reckless,” Todoroki nodded, “I’m disappointed to learn he felt he had to keep such a big secret. But, he is my friend, and I will continue to be as supportive as I can. He would do the same for us.”

“No, he’d do more, and end up getting himself fucking killed."

“That’s…" Todoroki frowned, "probably true."

They were quiet for a few minutes, and then Todoroki fucking piped up again, much to Katsuki’s dismay.

“I know Midoriya appreciated what you said,” his voice was soft.

“Words don’t matter. Actions do,” Katsuki’s response was immediate.

“Well your actions have spoken clearly. “You're a better person than you think you are, Bakugou.”

Katsuki whipped his head to glare at Todoroki with an insult on his tongue, but he found himself speechless instead, staring with an incredulous look on his face. He mentally kicked himself for it.

“I just hope you know that, too,” Todoroki offered a half-smile.

Katsuki was frustratingly taken aback. He averted his eyes and looked at the ground with a scowl. That damn fucking Half and Half.

Todoroki thankfully shut his mouth after that. Katsuki wasn’t sure how long they sat together in silence. It wasn’t until the sun had set and the room began to fill with darkness that he heard Todoroki rise from his seat.

“I’m going to go lie down. You should, too,” Todoroki said plainly.

Katsuki sighed. He was right, but there was a sickeningly uneasy feeling in his gut whenever he thought about leaving that he just couldn’t shake.

“I…I can’t,” he whispered.

“Okay.”

Todoroki patted his shoulder again, and Katsuki didn’t push him away this time.

“Thanks,” Katsuki shrugged, “for the blanket or whatever.”

Todoroki nodded. He left the door cracked behind him on his way out.

Katsuki pulls the blanket around himself and reclines in his chair, putting his feet up on Todoroki’s abandoned one. It’s really fucking uncomfortable, but Katsuki knows it would be impossible to sleep if he were anywhere else.

After too many attempts to reposition himself comfortably, Katsuki groans and sits up straight, turning his head to watch Izuku again. He’s still sleeping soundly.

Katsuki leans forward and, without thinking, brushes his hand through Izuku’s hair, pushing back a few stray curls. The moonlight flickering through the blinds illuminates his face, and Katsuki thinks that, somehow, this is the most peaceful he’s seen Izuku in ages.

Katsuki can’t remember the last time Izuku wasn’t at least slightly on edge. He is always looking over his shoulder, as if he’s expecting the enemy to be watching. He spends every minute of his free time training or muttering to himself about battle strategies. The nerd doesn’t even know the meaning of the word “relax.”

Katsuki slides his hand down to cup Izuku’s cheek. His skin is soft and warm, just like last time, and he can’t help but feel an awful sense of dèjá vu. He stays that way for a few moments, just reveling in the fact that Izuku is really here. This isn't a dream, he’s finally here, and Katsuki will never fucking let him go again.

When Katsuki reluctantly moves to pull away, Izuku reaches up to grab his hand, nuzzling into it.

Katsuki is startled, as Izuku is seemingly still asleep. He brushes Izuku’s cheekbone with the backs of his fingers, and swears he sees the ghost of a smile on his lips.

“You’re a dumbass,” Katsuki mumbles, propping his elbow on the bed to rest his head in his free hand.

“I can hear you, Kacchan.”

Katsuki jolts up in surprise to see Izuku staring at him with one eye cracked open and a smirk on his lips.

“Shit, did I wake you?” Katsuki tries again to pull his arm away, but Izuku holds on tight, as if Katsuki is his lifeline and he’s barely hanging on.

“D-don’t go,” Izuku stutters, burying his face in Katsuki’s hand. Katsuki caresses his cheek again and frowns when he finds wetness there.

“Are you crying?” Katsuki asks, though he’s not sure why, because he already knows the answer.

“N-no,” Izuku sniffles. Katsuki rolls his eyes and sighs.

“Hey, look at me,” Katsuki whispers, lifting his free hand to Izuku’s other cheek and turning his head to face him.

Izuku whimpers, holding Katsuki’s arms in a vice grip as he looks up. His eyes are sunken and glassy, overflowing with tears that Katsuki wipes away with his thumbs.

Fuck, he looks like a fucking zombie. His face is paler than usual and littered with scratches, and heavy, dark circles line his eyes. Katsuki suppresses a sudden urge to wrap him in his arms and hold him tight.

“What’s wrong?” Katsuki murmurs, stroking his cheeks in what he hopes is a soothing manner.

Izuku’s face contorts and a new wave of tears begin to fall.

“I-I’m so s-sorry Kacchan,” he snivels.

Katsuki holds his face tighter.

“I told you, we get it. Don’t beat yourself up, you’ve already done plenty of that.”

Izuku chokes a laugh through a broken sob and Katsuki counts it as a small victory.

“I a-am pretty messed up, h-huh?” Izuku hiccups, “but so are you.”

“Tch. I’m fine,” Katsuki lies, feeling a familiar twinge of pain in his side.

“I kn-know you better than that, Kacchan,” Izuku meets Katsuki’s gaze, “d-don’t think I didn’t see you bleeding back there.”

“I was bleeding. I’m not anymore, see?” Katsuki points to his newly applied bandages, “The old lady patched me up.”

Recovery Girl had given Katsuki a thorough scolding for tearing his wounds. Something about being too reckless, to stop throwing himself in front of danger because isn't it hypocritical of you to tell Midoriya to look after himself, but you won't do the same? That had pissed Katsuki off to no end, but he’d accepted her help anyway.

“Y-you could’ve hurt yourself-”

“But I didn’t! Quit worrying about everyone else,” Katsuki looks Izuku dead in the eyes, “think about your goddamn self for once.”

Izuku shakes his head frantically.

“I can’t. I said so many terrible things I- I h-have to apologize-,” Izuku tries to get up, but Katsuki is lightning fast as he moves to sit on the bed in front of him, gripping his shoulders to hold him in place.

“You can do that later. You need to fucking relax. Did you forget you were beaten to a pulp?” Katsuki reminds him.

“Kacchan, I’m f-”

“Don’t fucking say you’re fine! You’re not, and you know it.”

“It doesn’t matter, Kacchan!” Izuku shouts,“I can’t- I can’t just sit here while everyone else is-”

“Everyone is safe,” Katsuki lightly shakes him, “and we’re safer if we're together.”

Izuku presses the heels of his hands to his eyes.

“It doesn’t matter,” Izuku repeats himself. His voice is shaking. “I ne-”

“Shut the fuck up. You matter,” Katsuki says firmly, pulling Izuku’s hands away and holding onto them.

Izuku weakly lifts his head to meet Katsuki’s eyes. He looks taken aback, and even more exhausted than before, but Izuku is just as stubborn as Katsuki is, and Katsuki can tell he still has an argument left in him.

“Izuku,” Katsuki watches Izuku's eyes widen as he utters his name for a second time. It feels foreign on his tongue, but he knows the weight it carries, and he'll say it over and over if it makes Izuku happy.

Katsuki pushes back the hair that’s fallen in front of Izuku's face and knocks their foreheads together.

“Izuku,” he repeats, “ You fucking matter,” there’s a sharpness to Katsuki’s tone he hadn’t intended, but he can tell Izuku gets the message. He swears he sees the color return to Izuku’s bloodshot eyes before they squeeze shut, overflowing with new tears.

Izuku buries his head in Katsuki’s chest and wails. Katsuki immediately wraps his arms around him and pulls him into a tight embrace, ignoring the aching pain in his injured shoulder and side.

“I-I’m s-so sorry,” Izuku’s entire body shakes as he clings to Katsuki. Katsuki holds him tighter, rubbing gentle circles on his back.

“Shh, it’s okay. Everything’s okay,” Katsuki murmurs, trying his best to soothe him, but Izuku only cries harder. Katsuki’s own eyes begin to burn.

“It’s s’not o-okay, Kac-chan,” Izuku stutters.

“Nobody is mad at you."

“Th-they should b-be,” Izuku insists miserably

“Well they’re not.”

“I think All M-might is.”

“Haah?! The fuck kind of reason does All Might have to be mad at you?” Katsuki is baffled. “I should fucking clock him in the face again.”

“Y-you punched All Might?!” Izuku lifts his chin to stare incredulously at Katsuki.

“Damn right I did. But that’s beside the point. Why the fuck’s he mad?”

Izuku hides his face again, his voice muffled by Katsuki’s now damp shirt and his own sobs, “I w-was so mean t-to him. I told him I d-didn’t need him anymore and r-ran away, I-”

“Breathe, Dek- Izuku,” Katsuki whispers, brushing Izuku’s cheek with his fingers as Izuku begins to hyperventilate. “Breathe. He’s not mad, he’s probably just worried.” He better not be fucking mad.

“I-I have to t-talk to him too,”

“It can wait. Right now you need to fucking rest.”

They stay that way for a while, wrapped in the safety of each other’s arms as Izuku’s cries slowly start to dissipate. At some point, Katsuki isn’t sure when, traitorous tears start to roll down his own face. Izuku notices before he does, feeling the sudden moisture on his shoulder, and he tells him so.

“I’m not fucking crying,” Katsuki grumbles, though his voice is hoarse.

“It’s o-okay Kacchan,”

“Shit,” Now they’re both blubbering idiots.

Izuku squeezes Katsuki tighter as they cry together. Katsuki tries not to wince as he returns the gesture, his shoulder screaming in protest, but Izuku notices. Of course he fucking notices.

“K-Kacchan-,” Izuku’s voice is laced with unnecessary concern as he immediately loosens his grip and starts to pull back.

“Don’t,” Katsuki growls, rubbing his eyes, “Don’t fucking worry about me.”

Izuku sniffles and shakes his head, “I c-can’t help it.”

Katsuki heaves a sigh. “I know.”

Izuku places his shaky, scarred hands on either side of Katsuki’s face in a gentle caress that makes Katsuki’s heart fucking squeeze. When he finally lifts his eyes, he finds Izuku looking at him with a wobbly smile. His cheeks are tear-stained and there's a trace of something haunted behind his eyes, but it's undeniable that a weight has lifted from his shoulders.

Katskui quirks his lips in a half smile. Fuck, he’d missed Izuku.

Izuku yawns and lies back in the bed. “I’m tired again.”

“Well, get some sleep then, nerd,” Katsuki moves to slide back in his chair, but Izuku stops him, grabbing his hand.

“Wait! I- could-” Izuku bites his lip, “could you...stay with me?”

Katsuki squeezes his hand. “I’m not going anywhere, nerd. Someone has to keep your ass in line," he smirks.

Izuku laughs, the first real laugh Katsuki has heard in ages, and Katsuki thinks it might be his favorite sound.

“No, I mean here, next to me,” Izuku scoots over in the bed and pats the space next to him.

“I don’t think-”

“Just until I fall asleep,” Izuku pleads, “...please?”

Katsuki finally relents and slides in next to him. Izuku looks relieved, draping the blanket around them both and curling up to Katsuki’s uninjured side. Katsuki wraps his arm around Izuku’s waist, careful not to dislodge the bandages there. He briefly wonders why this feels so natural.

Izuku’s voice is barely above a whisper when he speaks next. “I- I’m scared, Kacchan.”

“I know. But everything’s gonna be fine."

“I don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

“No one’s gonna get hurt. We’re gonna figure this out, and we’re gonna figure it out together.”

“I really shouldn’t be here,” Izuku sighs.

“Shut the fuck up. You really wanna be out there? Where people are lookin’ to wring your neck at every turn?”

“Of course not! But that’s exactly why I should be. No one here is safe while I’m around.”

Izuku startles when Katsuki suddenly grabs his chin and lifts it up with his free hand to make Izuku look him in the eyes “Bullshit. I already told you, you can’t win this alone. So stop trying."

Izuku swallows hard, on the verge of tears again. Katsuki tucks Izuku's head under his chin.

"Saving people is how we win, remember? That means you gotta let us save you sometimes, too." Katsuki holds Izuku tight as he cries, gently combing his fingers through thick green curls.

“You should be here," Katsuki continues, "you belong here, Izuku." With me, he adds, but only in his thoughts.

Izuku stills and lifts his head from Katsuki’s chest to stare at him with wide, curious eyes. He's no longer crying. “Kacchan?”

“What?” Katsuki is confused as he watches Izuku’s cheeks flush a deep red.

“I belong with...you?”

Fuck, did he say that out loud?

Katsuki suddenly becomes very aware of their proximity and feels his own face heat.

Their faces are already inches apart, and Izuku is coming closer, cupping Katsuki's cheeks with freezing cold hands. He's close enough that Katsuki can feel Izuku’s heartbeat, his breath on his nose, and fuck, when did their legs tangle together?

Izuku’s thumb lightly strokes his cheekbone and Katsuki finds himself inadvertently leaning into his touch. His breath catches in his throat when he finally meets his gaze. Izuku’s eyes are soft and warm and he’s smiling, a real smile that is secretly Katsuki’s favorite, one that he hasn't seen in far too long. He decides he would sooner die than see it extinguished ever again.

He's embarrassed by his accidental confession, but something about the way Izuku is looking at him, with that soft gaze full of light and wonderment Katsuki knows is reserved only for him, makes the anxiety melt away. The eyes that used to infuriate him now leave him feeling warm and safe, like he has a place in this world, and he realizes there's nowhere he'd rather fucking be than right by Izuku's side.

"Did you mean that?" Izuku whispers, breaking him from his reverie.

“Yeah. Stay with me,” Katsuki grazes his fingers across Izuku's cheek. "...please."

Izuku's smile is breathtaking. It lights a fire in Katsuki's chest.

"I will," Izuku breathes, leaning in to close the distance between them.

Their lips meet halfway in a desperate kiss and a jolt of electricity courses through Katsuki's body. Izuku's hands tangle into Katsuki's hair and Katsuki cradles his face as they explore each other for the first time. It's messy and uncoordinated, but Izuku's lips are soft and inviting and nothing has ever felt so fucking right.

Katsuki's hold on Izuku's waist tightens, pulling him closer, but it's still not close enough. They've been through a decade of miscommunication and separation, unchecked feelings, and the debilitating fear of losing each other. Now that Izuku is here, safe in his arms, Katsuki wants nothing more than to stay in the warmth of this moment forever, to melt into each other and never let go again.

"K-Kacchan," Izuku pants as he slowly pulls away. Oh, right, breathing.

He presses his forehead to Katsuki's as they gasp for air, and they cling to each other as if the other could disappear at any moment.

Katsuki's head is spinning as he looks at Izuku. His cheeks have flushed deeper, lips kissed red and swollen, eyes blown wide as he stares in amazement.

"I missed you," Izuku whispers between heavy breaths.

"Me too,"

Katsuki tucks Izuku's head into the crook of his neck and holds him tight.

“I am….glad to be back,” Izuku murmurs, “it was terrifying out there. I was so exhausted."

No shit, Katsuki thinks.

"Do you want to...talk about it?"

"I-" Izuku pauses, considering. His voice is small when he says, "Maybe later. I don't...I don't want to think about it right now."

Katsuki laces the fingers of one hand with Izuku's and squeezes.

"Okay. But, uh, I'm here if you do. Want to talk or whatever." Katsuki tries his best to sound encouraging. Izuku tilts his head up and nods with a smile.

“Okay.”

There's still so much Katsuki wants to say, but he can't put it into words. He's always been better with actions. He thinks back on all that he said before Izuku passed out in his arms, and wonders if it was enough.

Out of the corner of his eye, Katsuki notices Izuku peering up at him.

“What are you staring at, nerd?” Katsuki smirks as Izuku averts his eyes, color blooming on his face again.

“I- I’m not, I just- thank you, Kacchan.”

"For what?"

“For everything.”

Katsuki shrugs. “I didn’t do shit."

"Yes you did," Izuku brushes a lock of hair behind Katsuki's ear, "you're here right now. You listened, you encouraged me, you made me feel safe enough to come back here. I wouldn’t have had the strength without you.”

Katsuki is at a loss for words.

"Todoroki was right, you know," Izuku says softly, "you're better than you think you are."

Katsuki feels his face flush and looks away. But then it dawns on him.

"You were listening to us?"

"Uh- just a little...only bits and pieces."

"You were awake? Why the hell didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to interrupt you," Izuku shrugs. "You and Todoroki never talk, it seemed important. Plus, I was so out of it I thought I was dreaming at first."

"So you were just eavesdropping like a creep?" He teases, snickering when Izuku buries his face in embarrassment.

"I'd rather talk to you than that Half and Half bastard, dumbass," Katsuki ruffles Izuku's hair.

"Sorry, Kacchan."

"Quit apologizing."

Normally he probably would be pissed, but there isn’t even a trace of anger in him right now.

"I'm not the only one who's reckless, by the way," Izuku playfully nudges Katsuki.

"I'm not fucking reckless."

Izuku frowns. "Kacchan, you were stabbed. And you tore open your wounds trying to get to me when you should've been taking it easy. You took off into battle without a second thought."

"Sounds familiar," Katsuki glares at him.

"I know. I admit I don't always think things through….and sometimes I think too much. I never put myself first. You made me realize that. I'm...going to try to work on it. But you can't deny that you do it sometimes too."

Katsuki is silent again.

"And when was the last time you ate? Or slept somewhere other than a tiny chair? You tell me I need to take better care of myself, but you don't do the same."

"I'm fine." Katsuki insists, but Izuku knows him better than he knows himself and sees right through the lie.

Katsuki sighs. Deep down, he knows Izuku and the old lady are right. Sometimes... he can be a dumbass and a hypocrite.

"My body…I told you, it moved on it's own. I just saw you in the air and fucking panicked. You were about to die," Katsuki’s voice shakes, “You were about to die, and it was like… like my entire fucking life flashed before my eyes. There was so much I needed to say to you, I couldn't handle the thought of losing you, Izuku. Especially before- before I had the chance to-, " Katsuki squeezes his eyes shut and grunts in an effort to hold back tears that were threatening to fall.

Katsuki feels Izuku's gentle touch on his cheek again and meets his gaze.

"I know. It's okay. Let's just agree that we're both idiots and try to be better, together. If not for ourselves, then for each other. I can't stand the thought of losing you either, Kacchan," Izuku's eyes are impossibly soft

"I really do appreciate everything you said, Kacchan. It means so much to me. I know it's not easy for you to do that."

"I meant every fucking word," Katsuki says firmly.

"I know. And I forgave you a long time ago, Kacchan. Yeah, things were rocky for a while, but I see you. I see how you've changed, and how much effort you've been putting in. I feel safest and strongest when I'm with you. You're the most amazing person I've ever known, and you always will be."

Izuku's eyes well up with tears again as he smiles, and Katsuki feels like his heart could burst out of his chest. He presses a gentle kiss to Izuku's palm and cups his face, tracing his lips with his thumb.

"You make me stronger," Katsuki stares deep into his eyes.

Katsuki feels his brain short circuit as Izuku presses a gentle, sweet kiss to the corner of his mouth. Katsuki holds him there as he pulls away, chasing his lips with his own.

This kiss is softer and less hurried, but just as passionate. They're completely enveloped in each other as they revel in the fact that this is real. There’s nowhere in the world either of them would rather be. Katsuki didn’t realize just how badly he needs Izuku until he was gone, and thinks that, maybe, Izuku feels the same way.

It feels like it’s been an eternity when they slowly break apart, and Katsuki can’t help the smile that spreads across his face.

Izuku lays his head on Katsuki's chest and cuddles up to his side. Katsuki idly strokes his back, just relishing the moment.

Fuck, he’d missed Izuku.

"I don't mind if- uh, if you keep calling me Deku, by the way," Izuku mutters..

"You don't like it when I say your name?"

"No! No, that's not it- I mean it is a little weird, but uh- I like it? Hearing it in your voice, I mean," Izuku rambles on, and Katsuki finds that he's even missed that too.

"I just, um, I mean- Deku is fine too. It has a different meaning for us both now, you know? It stopped being an insult a long time ago. And, uh, it feels, um...special, I guess? I don't know. My point is, either is fine. I don't want you to feel like...like you're disrespecting me, or something," Izuku's face is bright red as he notices Katsuki smirking at him.

"You're such a nerd," Katsuki laughs when Izuku scowls, and presses a kiss to his forehead, “I’ll call you whatever the fuck you want me to call you.”

“Either is good. I promise.”

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see then, huh?”

"Yeah," Izuku smiles, then his brows furrow and he pauses. "Katsuki."

They both frown and Katsuki shakes his head.

"Nope. Too weird. I'd rather be Kacchan forever,” Katsuki grimaces.

“I think so too,” Izuku laughs.

"You should sleep, nerd." Katsuki murmurs.

"Mm, yeah,” Izuku yawns, “You should too, Kacchan."

"Yeah, yeah."

"But you'll still be here when I wake up, right?" Izuku looks up at him with pleading eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Izuku breathes a sigh of relief and snuggles closer.

"Tomorrow...tomorrow is gonna be hard."

"Nah. I'll beat the shit out of anyone who tries anything funny. Like I said, we'll get through this.”

"Together?"

"Together."

-------

bonus:

Sunlight is filtering through the blinds of the room's tiny window when Katsuki awakens. He feels more rested than he has in ages. Izuku is still curled up at his side with his head on his chest, snoring softly, and Katsuki can’t help but smile.

“Nice, bro!” someone whispers from the doorway. Katsuki’s head whips up to see Shitty Hair and Sparky, grinning at him with their thumbs up.

Katsuki is filled with white hot rage as his face flushes. If it wasn't for the fact that Izuku has him pinned, he would beat the shit out of those assholes.

“See ya, loverboy!” Kaminari whistles as they bolt out of the room.

Oh, they are dead meat when Katsuki’s hands are free.

--

A/N: I wrote this while listening to "I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie and "Make You Mine (acoustic)" by PUBLIC-highly recommend them if you're looking to yearn lmao

The large block of italicized text is meant to be a flashback- I hope that was clear :')

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!! Feedback/reblogs are appreciated as always <3

Also- shout out to @sheiireen for her very helpful advice on this. She's amazingly talented, you should check her out!!

[fanfux]

Shinsou with a Sad/Depressed S/O

\\ Can you write for Shinso Hitoshi being with a sad reader? Maybe with cuddling and falling asleep together? (1/2) A/N: Hey, Anon. I actually wrote two things for this prompt, so you can expect the second one around this time next week. I apologize for being so inactive, and i'll do my best to write for y'all. Thank you so, so, so much for your patience.

CW/TW: Mentions of Depression

On first or second encounter, Shinsou may appear aloof, cold, or even hostile at times, but he's actually a very emotional person. He's got a big, bleeding heart, but years of bullying, unwarranted discrimination and hatered gave him a heart surrounded by walls of thorns. It's taken years of hard, painful work, but he's managed to take them down.

He's no stranger to sadness. Even after achieving his lifelong dreams and proving everyone wrong, there was still that numb hollowness. Victory tasted dull behind his teeth for years, until he found reasons to continue that weren't tied to his accomplishments. One of those reasons being you.

Speaking of past experiences, it could be said that Shinsou is intimate with sadness, regardless of causation, he's felt that weight day in and day out, and he knows all the lies it tells as it saps away your vitality. All this to say that he /gets it/. He truly understands your sadness, regardless of why you're sad,or how bad it is.

He's more than understanding when it comes to how this sadness impacts your life, and he makes absolutely sure to make it so you never feel alone. If you're home together, or sometimes even at work, he'll wrap you in a long, tight hug. Expect to be pulled aside if you're slogging away at endless paperwork, or on a lunch break. He'll carve out time in his incredibly busy schedule to make sure you feel seen and loved.

Your happiness is incredibly important to him, being that you're his S/O He'll meet you where you are in regards to your love languages, be it gifts or words of affirmations. He's constantly looking out for you, and practically lives with you in mind, so you can fully expect that he's leaping at any opportunity to bring even a ghost of a smile to your face.

Shinsou's love language is definitely touch. Even though your both trust each other 100%, past experiences aren't so easy to erase. He's an 'actions speak louder than words' type of person, having experienced just how useless lip service can be. Expect frequent hand-holding, long hugs or a chaste kiss or two. His favourite places to kiss are on your forehead or on your cheek.

Practically a mind-reader when it comes to your thoughts spiraling. He'll employ every tactic to redirect your mind from it's negative path. He'd have you sit down and practive healthy coping mechanisms with him, or subtly redirect a conversation away from a senstitive topic if it was starting to affect you, though he can be more direct.  Doomscrolling on social media? Too bad, you're watching  documentary on the world's smallest cat. If you give him permission, he's willing to mind control you to give you some respite from the litany of negative thoughts clouding your mind.

Knows exactly how effective proper therapy can be, and is the first one to recommend you see someone. If, for some reason you cannot or will not see one, he's taking what he learned back home to help you.

If there are chores to do, he'll do them with you. Not only do tasks go much faster with another person there, having him there with you keeps your mind at least partially occupied. The seemingly endless list of things to do doesn't feel so overwhelmin anymore, but the idle chat puts a halt to all the ruminating that would happen otherwise.

 If you're both home together, and you're lying somewhere, cataonic or in slug mode, he'll either come over or move you over to where he is. He's vv comfortable so more times than not, you're falling asleep. If your boss has you pulling ridiculous hours, he's pulling you away for 15-30 minutes to makes sure you're getting some shuteye by taking a nap with you. At least once a week, though, if at all possible, he makes sure that you're both in the same bed, wrapped around each other. It helps him too.

[fanfux]

Can you write for Shinso Hitoshi being with a sad reader? Maybe with cuddling and falling asleep together? 🥺

I gotchu. It’s posted now.

[fanfux]

I forgot to ask what pronouns you prefer?

I go by They/Them, thanks you for asking :)

[fanfux]

Saccharine. I ATE 😳😳

Aye! I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[fanfux]

Saccharine

or,Mirio has high functioning depression

TW: Mentions of Depression and Death

A/N: Turns out, writing is harder than I thought. I'm sorry for being dead recently. Hopefully, after Finals, things will be more stable.Writing this was a little awkward and it didin’t come out the way that I wanted it to, but it’ better than publishing nothing. I hope this brings you some enjoyment.

> A mental health consultation was standard debriefing procedure after a mission for each and every hero, as a requirement to be cleared to work on another mission. Most of it was to avoid legal liability, but the process is comprehensive, and you're given the help you need. Usually, longer missions required longer consultations, sometimes lasting up to years. 

>This is where you met Mirio. The waiting room was empty, save for the receptionist and a grizzly older man who was probably asleep under those shades. He was endlessly scrolling though some feed on his phone, but had looked up and greeted you with a smile when you walked in. 

> Every single time you saw each other at the bi-weekly meetings, he would greet you with a near-blinding smile, a wave and some variation of 'hey there cutie' or ' how's it going, sunshine?' the nicknames were, well, endearing at best, but you found yourself thinking about them long after the meetings. 

>Over the weeks and months that you were both in Counselling, you grew closer together. The greetings turned into (very awkward) small talk. He'd take you out for coffee at his favourite shop, or a bite to eat at a restauraunt a friend took him to recently. He made up for your lack of interaction with his vivacious personality.

  >Although he never outright volunteered information about himself, and you never gave any about yours, you managed to glean snippets of his life from the conversations you had. He had two best friends that ment the absolute world to him. There was a little girl in his life that he would die for. He was at some prestigious hero school. Small things like this came together to form a vague picture of Mirio. 

> It was on one of these small outings, where it happened. He was usually like a ray of sunshine trapped in a bottle, but today was rough. Sure, he looked the same on the outside, but everything he did lacked energy and felt artificial. He'd overcompensate by flirting, or by pouring on the bad puns, but of course it was no use. 

>"If it's alright with you, can I open up a bit? You don't have to say yes of course, someone's already getting paid to do that" You'd come to the conclusion that you weren't going to get anything out of him by the time you two usually parted ways. Of course, you stopped to listen to what he had to say.  It looked like he was battling himself, starting and stopping several times, before sighing and running a hand through his hair.

> "Counselling was kinda rough today, if i'm being honest," smile still plastered on his face, but it was falling off now " Which is why I'm so glad I got to spend time with you today!" He ran a hand through his hair again, which seemed to be a nervous habbit of his. " It was like - there's this open wound that I /know/ I need to  address, but it feels like if I touch it, i'll fall apart, you know?" You did, in fact know. He smiled again when you rubbed small, comforting circles on his upper arm. 

>"I'm so tired. Honestly, I'm exhausted. I'm usually a pretty happy guy around my friends, and I have to put more and more effort into being the same mirio my friends know. They've been through a lot as well. I guess I don't want to be unreliable? And uh, " Once again, he ran his fingers through his hair. " I know it's not my fault, and what I did was the right thing to do, but..." He sighed and took a moment to compose himself, blinking away the tiny specks of eyewater. "I feel like I betrayed everyone that's ever put their resources or faith in me. The name I chose for myself, fuck. I can't even properly save one little girl." >He's done it all just to see one girl smile, but how long is that going to last?

>There was a long, painful length of silence. There was a nugget of an idea of what to say, but you simmered in the awkwardness  while it formed into a coherent thought. Mirio did his idle animation, looking like he had more to say, but reluctant to say it.  Stalling for time, you decided to ask ; "Is there anything else on your mind?" He looked vaguely guilty for indulging, but thankfully, that didn't stop him from going on more. He admits he's a little bitter. He's happy that his friends came out unscasthed and get to carry on their dreams, but getting left behind is muy mal for his mental health

>" I /really/ don't want to talk your ear off, so to keep a long story short, I'm Bitter that I lost the only thing I ever wanted to do. I-I was told that I could get it back by my mentor, but um, he was dying, so it's like 'don't make promises you can't keep', right? And who even says I /deserve/ to have it back? I failed on my very first actual mission. What...what even is there for me anymore?"

>Yeah, that thought wasn't gonna magically form into the thing he needed to hear the most, but saying nothing is immeasurably worse. Your therapist had been drilling you to relax and have faith in yourself. This scenario was way more high-risk than reccommended. What the hell, you only live once. Yoy prayed he couldn't see your clenched fists shaking in your pockets as you prepared to speak.

>"You gave up quite a lot, is what i'm getting." Wow, captain obvious. The anxiety was thick and cotton-y in your throat when you swallowed. "Um. Basically, uh, energy can't be destroyed, it can only change. Um. Your future transformed to guarantee hers, so I see that as a reason to stick around and see it through. It's less of a failure and more of a sacrifice."

> To you, your word seemed barely coherent, but Mirio seemed to actually consider it.  For the first time in a long time, the smile he gives you feels like he meant it. The coversation wrapped up pretty quickly, and you both parted ways shortly after, but whe he gave you his regular parting hug, he squeezed you a little bit tighter before letting go.

[fanfux]

Todoroki Shoto with a depressed S/O

A/N: Two posts in one week?? 2020 truly is all out of whack. I’ll see if I can keep this same length throughout all my headcannons. Hope you enjoy!

TW: Mentions of Depression

Todoroki's not exactly a warm person, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel. You weren't ever going to get a massive emotional reaction out of him, but you eventually learned to understand him and his non-verbal language.

None of this changes when you get into a relationship with him. While he was much more open and vulnerable with you, he was still much more subdued than many of his associates

His love language is primarily with Quality time and things done together. Social activites for him can be draining, so he'd rather much just /be/ with the love of his life. You don't have to be doing an activity most of the time, so long as there's some skinship or general warm ambiance.

He treasures the small things with you. As corny as it sounds, but a cherished memory of his is when, after coming home from work - if he didn't get held up - he would come home and make dinner with you. The routine was comforting, and it always helped him unwind. He'll send you candid photos of whatever catches his eye as he goes about his day or night. Simple, yes, but it shows that he's always thinking of you.

He picks up on things, sometimes even before you do. He notices when you start to slip, or slow down. Make excuses all you like, but don't make them for him. He can see the vibrance begin to die as you slowly start to lose control, or the energy starts to leave you.

If you're unable to function as you're used to, he doesn't mind picking up the slack. Expect for chores to be magically done, and meals prepped for easy consumption. Even if your depression isn't as severe, or doesn't cripple you in that way,or at all, he's still more than happy to take that worry off your shoulders.

While, if you're in an unmoving state (or as I like to call it, slug mode), he'll lie next to you, either messing with your hair, wiping away any tears you might be shedding, rubbing nonsense shapes onto your back, arm or thigh, or with some part of him - usually his head - against you. Expect to recieve an occasional kiss against your temple or the back of your hand. If your love language is something else, he'll be doing his best to convey his love for you that way. Whatever he gets you, he's doing it.

Todoroki's perception sometimes feels like he can read your mind - like he can see those dark thoughts forming behind your skull. While he's not one for speeches or grand gestures, he'll tell you exactly how he feels, in a direct, yet heartfelt manner. He'll point out all the things about you that le loves, the parts he's proud of (even if you're not) and how important you are to  him.

Self-deprication, even in joke form? Absolutely not. While gentle, he's firm. He takes it very seriously, and the idea that those things are even on your mind is very upsetting to him. That ship does not sail with him. He's going to interrupt you or talk over you. Worst comes to worst, he'll put his hand over your mouth with a gentle 'No'.

Celebrates the small steps you make. Defintely not one for pictures and tears, but will indulge with you in some cheesecake, or a fancy dinner at home. Sometimes, it's a long, warm hug. He'll full front face you, look you in the eye and tell you he's incredibly proud of you and how far you've come from the very bottom of his heart.

He understands the need for distraction, but is strict with how, and how long.  Definitely will not allow you to spend an entire day on one activity. If you can't manage a shower, he'll take a bath with you. If you can't cook, he's competent in the kitchen, and is not above ordering takeout if things don't go right.

Incredibly mindful of the media you're consuming. Assuming you've opened up to him about your past or the things that have negatively impacted you, he'd steer you away from anything that might trigger a memory. If not, he'd queue up something positive or sufficinetly distracting.

Personally understands that you can't expect to be happy all the time, and that sadness, fear and anger aren't emotions t run from. You have to let yourself feel things, sometimes. Fully understands that he can't get better /for/ you, as much as he'd love to. As much as it hurts him, he can't coddle you and promise you sunshine and rainbows forever. Life is shit sometimes. He knows a thing about therapy and treatment, with his mother being a long-term resident in a mental hospital. Watching Rei slowly get better has made him a believer. He won't force you, but definitely encourages you to go. He's more than happy to listen to you unload, but he can't process all your shit for you, and there are times where he feels out of his depth.

[fanfux]

Group Projects with Monoma

A/N: It's been a minute, but I'm finally back! Currently writing in bullet point format until I get the motivation to write an ~actual~ piece. 

Monoma would not be able to Shut The Fuck Up about how /amazing/ your group is compared to the others. Doesn't matter who you are, or if he has to carry the entire assignment himself, that competitive spirit is strong in him. 

This doesn't mean he won't occasionally derail and go off-track, however. Work gets borind, draining or sometimes downright dull at times, and he will indulge for a short time. As soon as he realizes how much time has elapsed, though, it's back to the grinding wheel.

He'd be the type to either snag a study room or an empty classroom to get work done in. Work happens in dorm rooms only if the group is in dire straits or you've managed to befriend him and gain his trust.

Working with Monoma means you're gonna be going at full gas, no brakes, full speed ahead. His bubris does get the best of him, so you may find yourself feeling like you're being dragged by the pubes. His intentions are good, but he may forget not everyone's as driven or motivated as he is. 

He's the type to call you over Zoom or Discord (RIP Skype) to screenshare assignments at a scheduled time. He's not a hardass

Despite this, he's religious about self care. He had /one/ burnout, and vowed never again. He'll kick off a work session by toasting and chugging a quater litre of water. If you haven't eaten, drank or moved in a while, he'll be on you for that. You can't perform your best if you're not at you best.

Understands if you have stage fright, social anxiety or a stutter, and will help you work on those. He's the ultimate hype man. If you get through a reading without stuttering, he's piling on the praises, bragging about it to whoever will listen, commemorating it on his personal twitter acc, all of it. 

He may become more unhinged as the deadline approaches if it's a large project.  He's checking in on you every day, now making sure you're okay to put in the work. You're part of his team, and he's going for victory, even if it's only going to be personal.

A/N: Hey! you've made it here! I'm really sorry about my absence, and I can't confirm that i'll be updating regularly, but I'm definitely happy to be putting out content again, no matter how small. Hope you enjoyed!

[letthemreadfanfiction]

I’m sorry you guys 😔

[fanfux]

The Start Of Something

The heroes are auctioned off to the highest bidder for 24 Hours! 

A/N: Hey, hi, welcome! This is the first piece of fanfic I've written in a while. It’s the first piece of fanfic I've written on this side, so i’m kinda nervous. I know my writing style’s kinda whack, but that’s what practice is for! Feel free to clown, but please be gentle.

The repurposed library was awfully empty, considering the charity event had already started. People milled around in the lobby, talking to friends or scrolling on their phones. Sighing,Casey pushed the double-doors of the main hall open and immediately saw why everything was so sparse.Half the decorations weren’t up. The food bar was practically empty. Barely any staff were present. Most importantly, none of the advertised heroes were up; it was a bunch of b-listers and sidekicks. The audience looked to be filled with small time reporters, small business owners and community leaders. Looking back, the flyer did mention that the wildly popular heroes, like Deku and Red Riot would be on in the afternoon. No excuse not to get a good seat, though. Finding a place, they plopped down and began catching up on some neglected manga. 

It was already 11 am and Casey was well into the third main arc of their new favourite manga. Not many people had shown up, and the ones that did immediately left after seeing the state of the room and who was being auctioned off.  Next to them was a plate of some of the bleeding fruit and a cold bagel, with some barely-warm and over sweetened coffee that they snagged from the paltry spread the event staff put out. Their immersion was suddenly broken with the announcement of a name they’d been waiting to hear. A quick glance around the room showed nobody in the room seemed particularly interested, but one of the store-owners seemed to be considering it. Casey tried to hide the tremble in their hands when they lifted the betting paddle. It went once, twice, thrice and was sold. The auctioneer went onto the next hero, and Casey tried to steady their excitement.

The warm, midday summer sun baked Casey’s legs through their jeans. Heat radiated off the hoods of the cars. They were leaned up against the outside lobby of the building, anxiously tapping out the rhythm of a song they couldn’t clearly remember. Their eyes darted over the faces of the people milling in the lobby, looking for the person they betted on. It’d gotten much more crowded, and the place looked much nicer; Cutouts, posters and banners were plastered along the walls, and people posed for pictures with mascots. Vendors were selling merchandise as well. Casey was clutching a small plastic bag, with a smiling chibi Deku on it. Finally, they found the person they were looking for. A smile spread across their face, and they waved to get the person’s attention. The pro-hero noticed and made his way over, and wow he was tall. None of the posters or camera angles did him justice. He looked like he could match All Might in height! Casey stopped their wandering eyes and focused on the hero’s slightly off-put gaze.

“Um… hello? Tentacole?”

“ Hey, You can just call me Shoji for now” one of his appendages said. You’re Casey, aren’t you?”

They trilled nervously. “Uh, yeah! Do you um, wanna get going?”

 The hero made a motion of agreement, so Casey pivoted and headed towards the door, moving way too fast, but the guy was like, two feet taller than them, so it’s not like he’d have trouble keeping up and there he was, keeping pace, not even bothered.

Right. Now wasn’t the time to be freaking out. They had twenty four blessed hours ahead of him with this man, and it was mission imperative to keep calm.

They were two blocks from the event centre before anything happened. Shoji was the one to break the silence.

“Um...pardon, but where are we going?”

They stopped and turned around to look at him. He shifted his weight from one leg to the next, a sign of uncertainty.

“...The grocer’s? I gotta get a couple things right quick.” they paused.” Something wrong?” They fiddled with the flimsy bag in their hand.

“Nah, just kinda curious, you didn’t really say anything.”

“ Oh, sorry. Do you want me to talk? I tend to ramble, though.”

“You’re all good.” His appendage mouth smiled. 

Casey did their best to relax.

“ Umm, okay! Cool.” They smiled and did their best to relax.

For the next two blocks and five minute bus ride, Casey talked about… everything and nothing. Movies, manga, the latest hero drama and international mess were all extensively elaborated on. Shoji quipped in here or there with the odd tidbit here or there, but it was mostly all Casey. 

Finally, they arrived at the grocery store. The odd pair mulled about the isles, Casey goofing off occasionally, to the amusement of their companion. They cashed out and left, with Shoji carrying all the bags, despite their protests.

“Your place next, right?” Shoji cocked his head. “ I’m sure you don’t plan on carrying these around with you all day.”

“Yeah! It’s just down the street from here, actually. Really convenient and close to work.”

“Must have been a steal.” 

The pair set out once more, with Casey leading the way.

“Not really? It’s kinda run down and full of shady people but I promise it doesn’t look like shit on the inside and all the tenants are really nice! You probably shouldn't look at them for too long, though.”

“Oh. Um. I don’t know how I feel about that.”

They snorted. “ Relax. It’s not like they’re all Yakuza. I think.”

 Shoji shot them a side-eye. “ I don’t want our next reunion to be when I’m breaking your door down.”

Casey laughed and unlocked the door. The apartment wasn’t that bad, to Shoji’s eyes, just kinda old. It certainly showed in the decor and architecture. He eyed the place, and tried to not notice the keycode Casey was punching in.

 _____

Casey’s apartment could be mistaken for a miniature nature display. It was covered wall to wall in plants and replica animals and insects. The pro-hero admired the decor while Casey unpacked. His trance was broken when they called for him from the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway; there was a spread of ingredients on the counter and his handler was in the middle of tying an apron around their waist. They looked up, startling slightly.

“Hey! Um, wanna bake some stuff with me? It’ll be fun, and I kinda know what i’m doing.”

Slightly confused, Shoji entered the small kitchen and let Casey put an apron on him. They began the process, with Casey directing and Shoji following their lead. The pair worked wordlessly, with the scraping of utensils and the quiet jazz mellowing to create a comfortable atmosphere. The brunette was greasing a large bowl before he spoke again.

“This is nice, not at all what I expected to happen.”

Casey tilted their head towards him.

“I was told that- uh, to expect something different than, uh...this.” He motioned to the counter and  swallowed thickly. There was a beat before his partner replied.

“You mean they told you to expect to-”

“Yeah. That.” He tossed the damp tea towel over the bowl and pushed it to the side and Casey nearly choked on their spit.

“Oh! Nononono, I’m not into that kinda thing. You’re good, fam.”

He shrugged in response, but visibly relaxed. Casey continued.

“You mean that people bid on y’all with the intention of doing that? Is that even allowed?”

He shrugged. “ There was a contingency plan for anyone feeling the need to perform a task outside of the norm, so I guess? I wouldn’t be surprised. Have you seen twitter lately?”

Casey shuddered. “Sacrilege.”

___

The baking goods filled the small space with a wonderful smell. Shoji was sprawled out on the too-small couch, playing Breath of the Wild on a Switch that wasn’t his, while the owner was hunched over a small table, completely immersed in a piece of art. ‘ It’s supposed to be abstract’ was what Casey said ‘but i can’t seem to really get a proper grasp on abstraction, if that makes any sense’. Shoji thought it was plenty abstract. The window was open, and the cool summer breeze wafted into the apartment. The pro hero was finding it harder and harder to stay awake. 

“Um” he started “ Not to ah, look a gift horse in the mouth, because it’s been fun, but.” He paused. “You could have done anything you wanted…”

Casey stopped moving. Shoji thought they didn’t hear him, and was about to repeat himself, when they finally replied.

“I don’t know? I see you guys running around, protecting us all, and I think it’s gotta be really tiring. I don’t think you guys get enough time to relax. Y’all are in the prime of your lives, and you’re spending it doing some of the most stressful and dangerous jobs in all the country. And, i dunno” they laughed nervously “ I kinda have the urge to take care of you? Wanted to give you the chance to slow down a bit, y’know? Um...yeah. That’s why.”

Link made some questionable sounds and pseudo-words and the Hero opened his mouth to reply, but Casey continued.

“I mean, I know how awful it is to work and work and never have any breaks. I um, slacked off in my Senior year. Almost failed.My family left me for that one, not that they were really there anyways?  All of my friends left me behind, and I had to go the um, less standard route. Hard as hell. And i’ve got the job I have now, right? But it was hell getting here. I’m not really done either, since i’ve still got my dreams that I wanna accomplish, right? But, um… Yeah. I wanted to help someone that was going through the same thing.”

 Casey half turned around and Shoji was Staring At Them. So intently that they could feel holes being burned into them.They couldn’t make eye contact. The silence was pregnant before the other person spoke.

“ I..think I understand. That’s very sweet, actually. One of the nicest things that’s happened lately.”

Casey’s head shot up in alarm.

“I mean, yeah, people are nice to me, but it’s partially because i’m a hero. And y’know, people say nice things all the time, right? But that’s all it is. And uh, it’s nice to have someone actually do something nice to me for once. Thank you, and i’m not just saying it because.”

Casey couldn’t stop the grin spreading across their face, or the warmth blooming in their chest if they tried. Shoji’s arm-mouth smiled back.

“You’ve very much welcome, Tentacole.”

Neither of them said much until the bread finished baking. They both watched in awe as steam wafted gently off the hot loaves. 

It rounded four o’clock before anything else really happened. Casey suggested that they go to the arcade not too far from here, and the half-asleep Shoji agreed. The sun had baked everything in the street, and the heat was oppressive. On a whim, they’d pulled their companion into a hole-in-the-wall drink shop for refreshments. Unsurprisingly, the shopkeep recognized the hero and gave the pair their drinks for free. Both Casey and Shoji tried to pay them anyway, but the owner wouldn’t budge. After a fair bit of haggling, the two left.

“Is it just me or do you feel kinda bad? I should have gone in alone, I think.”

Shoji swallowed before replying. 

“I do feel kinda bad too, but it’s not like we were robbing them. I didn’t really like the way they did it, but i’m not saying no to free boba. Plus it’s super good. I’m coming back when I can. As for you, you should learn to accept things.” he ruffled their hair, and despite their whining, there was a smile on their face. The two finished their drinks and entered the arcade. After a quick tour and some mild teasing, they settled on the DDR machine. ‘We both suck at dancing, so why not?’ Shoji argued. Casey had no retort. 

Fifteen minutes later, they were both sweaty and panting.  The screen displayed a horrific score for both participants. They both agreed to do something else, and over the course of four hours, hit every machine in the store. Shoji, unsurprisingly, excelled at rhythm and accuracy games. Casey shone in speed and racing games.They were shoving some of the overpriced greasy food down their throats when Casey pitched the question.

“If you could go anywhere in the world, where’d you go and why?”

The response was instant.

“Naminoue Shrine. My parents took me there when I was little, and I remember it was very beautiful. I’ve been dying to go back, but I never have the time.”

 He finished eating his chili dog and shoves the soggy cardboard container into the overflowing trash container. Casey finished their grilled cheese, and the two walked out into the still-warm 8 p.m. air. The city’s nightlife was just beginning to stir, as could be seen with various bars and adult establishments beginning to open their doors. It had rained while they were inside, and the pungent smell of wet concrete and the fainter smell of garbage saturated the still-warm evening air. The sun was casting its dying rays, and they made a stark contrast with the monotone gray business buildings and faded advertisement signs. 

“Hey, do you have the day off tomorrow?” Casey asked. It was an innocent enough question.

“Nope. Patrol first thing after we’re done, actually. It’s kinda sad. I feel bad for my companions. “

Casey laughed.

“Why, you think some of them are gonna get their backs blown out?” They snickered “Or are they gonna be wandering around in post-nut clarity?”

Shoji laughed, this time from his mouth. It was loud and hearty and filled Casey with warmth. They wanted to bottle it and keep it forever.

“I know at least three people that are gonna be in that post-nut clarity haze for sure. Not naming them for uh, security reasons. Work is going to be fun tomorrow.”

“Oh, I can imagine.”

__

The pair were rounding the corner onto the street where Casey lived, and Shoji was about to tell his companion about the one time one of his co-workers had somehow found himself involved in a flash vampire harem and got absolutely drained, both metaphorically and physically when he was abruptly pulled into an alley. His back slammed into the cool brick. Confusion muddled with fear in the pit of his stomach.

“Close your eyes.” Casey’s frame betrayed their strength. The light from the street made Casey’s face look inhumane.

“Whu-”

“Shhhh, just close your eyes.” Casey slapped their palm over the exposed part of the hero’s face, forcing him to close his eyes. His world turned into disorienting, nauseating kaleidoscopes of colours. The ground beneath him turned into a vortex and as soon as it began, it was over. He collapsed on his hands and knees onto the ground. Casey hovered nearby.

“I’m sorry. I hope you haven’t lost your lunch? We did kinda spend a lot of time on it.”

The hero struggled to look up. His arms had become rubber. “What” he strained “The hell…”

More apologies ran off Casey's tongue. They hurried to Shoji’s side and helped him stand up. He leaned heavily on them, still heavily disoriented. The ground still swam beneath him, but he began to regain his legs. He stuffed another gag back down his throat. Finally, the wave of nausea passed, and he looked up.

And stopped.

Deep blue ocean, accompanied by the gentle crashing of waves on the cliffs created the perfect backdrop of the shrine. The sinking sun made everything look covered in gold. He remained on his knees, but the feeling keeping him there was awe. The shrine was beautiful, to say the least. Memories of past visits came flooding back to him, and now he was on his hands and knees. The feelings he’d filed away that had been bubbling under the surface all day were Right Now pouring out, pressing at and breaking through the seams. Shit, he hadn’t felt this much in years, with his appearance making friendships and work and romance and everything else so much more difficult. He wasn’t ready for-any of this really. This entire day had been a slow, methodical tearing down of all the walls he’d put up to protect himself and now-

He didn’t realize he was crying until there was a cloth dabbing at the space between his eyes and his mask.  Casey was apologizing- they needed to stop doing that so easily -and had tucked his hair behind his ear. The laugh that came from him was shaky and rattled in his chest. He grabbed the hand that was wiping away at his face and squeezed it.

“Thank you. You don’t have to do that anymore, i’m fine now.” He laughed again, this time more stable. Casey stopped and sat beside him, wordlessly. Technically, the shrine was closed to the public, so the area was almost unnaturally quiet. The sunset was beautiful.

___

The train ride back to Musutafu was quiet. Teleporting back was unanimously decided to be a rather bad idea, prepared for it or not. The carriage was empty and Casey had fallen asleep half an hour into the train ride, so Shoji had the luxury of some time to reflect.. In the short amount of time he’d come to know them, Casy had made more of an impact on him than the three years he’d spent at Yuuei had ever had. It’s not that he hadn’t been friends with any of them, just that some of the louder personalities had dominated the class life and he’d been..left behind? Not to say that he hadn’t had any friends, just that they’d grown more distant once their careers hadn really taken off. That was understandable of course, but that didn’t make it any less lonely. The auction event was supposed to be a bit of a joke, something to laugh over with everyone else at work, maybe a conversation starter. It certainly wasn’t supposed to turn into...well, this. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been this close to anyone in basically forever why he was feeling like this. He watched the rise and fall of Casey's chest as they slept and it took him a minute to realize he was smiling. Whatever the feeling in his chest was, it was too early to say. For now, though, he was going to enjoy the moment.

Casey shot awake, slightly panicked and very disoriented. The fucking sun was shining into their eyes like it had a personal fucking problem with them. The blanket that had been previously tucked around them was Really Hot. Caset cringed when their arm audibly unstuck when they lifted it. They fumbled around for their phone, before finding it on the bedside table - fully charged, mind you- where they literally never put it. Intentions to check the time were forgotten, however, because sitting on their screen, front and center was a message. From Shoji. Yesterday’s events came flooding back to them and they groaned. They almost didn’t want to open the message, but they’d have to if they wanted to apologize for yesterday’s stunt. Christ, how cringey could they be? Hesitantly, they unlocked their phone and clicked on the notification. To say what they found was unexpected would be understating it. 

Shoji: Hey, it’s me. You fell asleep on the train and I didn’t want to wake you, so I brought you home. I made sure your door was locked when I left, so you don’t have to worry. :) I wanted to clarify that me crying yesterday wasn’t because of anything bad you did. You mentioned feeling left behind by everyone in your life, and the trip to the shrine brought up some things I needed to deal with, so thank you for that. I really enjoyed the time I spent with you, and I wouldn’t mind hanging out again, if you’ll have me. Let me know if you ever need a scoop and I'll do my best to hook you up.

Shoji: Also I stole one of the bread. They were too good to pass up and my fridge is kinda empty. 

Casey snorted. This man was too sweet for his own good. It was no use staying in bed any longer, plus they had work to do. They smiled. Yesterday was nice. Not quite what they’d been expecting, but nice. Maybe they’d take him up on his offer.

A/N: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading this mess of a fic. I don’t know what this ending was supposed to be either, but there it is! I like the dialougue, kinda, so I think i’ll keep it. I’m more than happy to recieve any feedback you may have, so send ‘em in.