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There was something about spring.
Maybe it was the mismatched, unpredictable weather. The feeling of not knowing what to expect the next morning and waking up to the surprise of needing a few dozen layers, or the feeling of sweat slick skin and blankets clinging to him before he attempted to kick them off.
Or maybe it was the feeling of watching Izuku try to sneakily catch sakura petals while they were walking together.
Katsuki would forever hate golden week, no matter how much Izuku tries to convince him that it’s all just ‘good fun’ and ‘let people enjoy themselves, Kacchan.’ He would like to go out into any city without feeling suffocated, thank you very much.
Maybe this time around, he was adding another reason to his list of ‘why spring is great.’ He was never one to take symbolic meanings to heart, but the sakura petals falling from the trees and the occasional light breeze against their shins and arms were starting to convince him that just maybe he had a chance.
He was hopeful.
Maybe he would finally get a chance to wrap his arms around her like he'd always dreamed of doing when he was about to her knees, and he could barely wrap his arms around her to begin with—in which she would always giggle and drag Izuku in for a group hug.
Katsuki would always groan and struggle to pull away from the 'trap’ as he had called it as a brat, swatting at the both of them like they were nuisances.
He’d never admit he had enjoyed them.
Izuku nudged him gently in the ribs, making him blink dumbly as he glanced over at the green haired boy who tilted his head expectantly, mask pulled below his chin—finally showing off his bright freckles. “Mind if I have some of the water you brought?” He asked, a small nervous smile on his lips.
Ah, right.
“Yeah, sure, nerd.” Katsuki cleared his throat, pulling his own mask below his chin so he could take a sip of water after Izuku. Passing the bottle to the green haired boy, he watched as he popped the cap before pressing the mouth to his lips.
He averted his eyes, tongue darting out to wet his lips as he watched sakura petals fall from branches, flowing to the concrete ground.
“So,” Izuku softly nudged him once more, offering the bottle back to him, “are you nervous?” He asked, his own anxiety clear in the way his eyes darted from his eyes down to his lips—waiting impatiently for Katsuki to speak, and to the way he rubbed over his thumb nails as soon as he had taken the bottle from him.
Katsuki glanced away from Izuku once more, instead downing some of the water so he had an excuse for being quiet—maybe he shouldn't pay too much attention to the green haired boy.
Was he nervous?
When Izuku had first dropped the news—running straight to his room, knocking roughly at his door like his life depended on it, out of breath as he shakily held out his phone to show the blond the messages between him and his mother.
‘Look what mom said! We were just on call and she said we could come over for a bit!’
Izuku had shoved the phone into his face, his excitement bouncing off the walls of the hallway, it was almost contagious.
Almost.
The green haired boy had shown him the few messages Auntie Inko had sent him, her hesitance clear even in the way she messaged.
He would have been lying if he said there wasn't a spark of hope in his chest that had ignited in that moment—with the way Izuku smiled up at him with a steady assurance.
Katsuki hummed, blinking his eyes rapidly as he tapped the bottle against his thigh before he glanced at Izuku, realizing the green haired boy was still looking at him—what a weirdo, couldn’t keep his eyes off him. He mused, lips pursing, he wasn't much better.
“I guess.”
He offered, giving the boy a sidelong glance, watching him nod with understanding as he rubbed over his chin, mask still pulled down. “I’m sure everything is going to go great! Mom said she'd have some refreshments for us, she 'doesn't want us to die,’” Izuku made air quotes, brows furrowing slightly.
“Y’know,” the boy lowered his hands to his sides, tapping along his thighs anxiously, “I think you'll do well. I know it's been a while since you guys last talked and stuff, but I think everything will work out fine if you guys just talk things out, tell each other about how life’s been and all that good stuff.” He motioned with one hand wildly, a bead of sweat rolling down the side of his neck.
Katsuki couldn't help but watch it.
He cleared his throat, nodding slightly as he looked away from the boy. “Has she changed much?” He asked, his curiosity getting the best of him—he could remember Auntie with her hair half up and half down, faint smile lines creasing her face because she loved to smile so goddamn much, and he supposes some things get passed down.
Katsuki can still remember digging his small fingers into her dimples.
Honestly, he kind of wants to apologize for that.
Does she still give the best hugs? Is her cooking still on the blander side to accommodate Izuku’s inability to eat spicy food? Does she still worry tirelessly over every scratch Izuku gets, no matter how small?
“She hasn't changed a single bit, Kacchan.” Izuku confirmed, the corners of his lips curling up ever so slightly, curls bouncing with each step—the action making Katsuki’s stomach do somersaults.
Katsuki nodded solemnly, his eyes trained to the tight curls that coiled around the curve of his jaw, he was in need of a trim—but the blond truly didn't mind the look.
In a way, the green haired boy reminded him of the way Auntie would often have her hair—her curls a mess when he showed up at their apartment at a bad time with his old hag behind him, happily greeting the woman.
He could remember how she would hastily brush her curls behind her ears, cheeks flushing at being caught at a rather bad time, but nonetheless she would look up at his mother like she was a missing part of her soul—then she would usher them into the small apartment so they weren't out in the hallway.
Katsuki could recall a moment where he laid on his side on the living room floor, Izuku huddled next to him as they watched some random program that was showing on TV—the green haired boy all too focused on watching whatever was unfolding before him while he was focused on him.
Silently counting faint and bright freckles alike on Izuku’s face, eyes trailing down his throat and down to his collarbone, huffing with annoyance when his counting came to an end. He glanced up at Auntie who was sitting on the couch, a content look on her face as she watched the two boys—blinking dumbly when she realized she had been caught staring.
“How do you even get freckles? Nobody else I know has these.” Katsuki would grumble, jabbing his index finger into Izuku’s face, right over a freckle, making the boy pout and swat at his hand.
“Izuku got them from his dad, but you can also get freckles from being in the sun. That’s why Izuku’s are so bright, because you guys love playing outside so much!” Auntie would gently clasp her hands together, a soft smile on her face. If he had to guess, she was reminiscing about her husband who had left them for America.
Stupid choice, honestly.
“Hey! Hello? Earth to Kacchan! We’re here!”
Izuku waved a hand in front of his face, lips pulled into a pout as Katsuki’s brows furrowed, a small frown etching itself onto his face. “Are you overheating or something? You’ve been quiet for like, ten minutes!” The boy rambled, now quickly fanning his face with his hands.
Katsuki rolled his eyes, gently slapping Izuku’s hands away from his face, nudging the other boy on so they could start their journey up the apartment building.
“You're nervous, huh?” Izuku commented, lightly bumping his shoulder into his as he looked up at the building—sweat rolling down his neck as the feeling of uneasiness washed over him.
“You keep asking me that, Izuku.” Katsuki grumbled, giving the boy a sidelong glance as Izuku simply shrugged. “Geez, I’m sorry I want to stay updated!” The boy sighed dramatically, voice coming out far too wobbly to be convincing.
The blond scrubbed a hand over his face, “you know, if you’re nervous, you could just say that and we could talk about it. You're too obvious about shit like this. You’re practically shaking.” Katsuki
Izuku waved a hand in front of his face, lips pulled into a pout as Katsuki’s brows furrowed, a small frown etching itself onto his face. “Are you overheating or something? You’ve been quiet for like, ten minutes!” The boy rambled, now quickly fanning his face with his hands.
Katsuki rolled his eyes, gently slapping Izuku’s hands away from his face, nudging the other boy on so they could start their journey up the apartment building.
“You're nervous, huh?” Izuku commented, lightly bumping his shoulder into his as he looked up at the building—sweat rolling down his neck as the feeling of uneasiness washed over him.
“You keep asking me that, Izuku.” Katsuki grumbled, giving the boy a sidelong glance as Izuku simply shrugged. “Geez, I’m sorry I want to stay updated!” The boy sighed dramatically, voice coming out far too wobbly to be convincing.
The blond scrubbed a hand over his face, “you know, if you’re nervous, you could just say that and we could talk about it. You're too obvious about shit like this. You’re practically shaking.” Katsuki waved a hand at Izuku, motioning vaguely at him as the other boy gasped, a hand flying over his mouth.
Izuku curled in on himself slightly, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry, I know, just,” the green haired boy waved his hands around wildly, “I dunno, I don't really feel like I have much reason to worry, but I still am and I’m not sure what to do about that.” He rambled, following the blond inside the apartment building—whispering a small ‘thank you’ for holding the door open for him for a short moment.
“Like, I don't know, what if I’m totally just dreaming right now and none of this happened?” Izuku quickly turned to him, pointing at him like he had just figured out the solution to some incurable disease, lips curling up awkwardly.
“What? Are you fucking serious right now? Do you even hear yourself?” Katsuki pressed a hand to his hip, fighting the urge to scrub his face tiredly as Izuku sighed from beside him—letting his hands fall back to his sides like he was a ragdoll. “You're so mean to me,” Izuku groans, earning a glare from the blond.
He watches as the green haired boy pinches his arm, nose scrunching at the confirmation that this is very much real. “Fucking idiot,” Katsuki smacked the back of Izuku’s head lightly, making the boy huff with annoyance as he rubbed over the spot. “Okay so that was completely unnecessary?” Izuku glared at him halfheartedly, jogging up a few steps so he was ahead of him, curls bouncing with each step.
“So,” Izuku whistled absentmindedly, hand sliding over the railing as he glanced over his shoulder at the blond. “You didn't answer the question, you know. I could always tell her that you fell under the weather, if you really aren't up for it.” He offered, stopping a few steps above him, tilting his head with an unmeasurable amount of consideration.
The blond’s lips thinned slightly, eyes trained on the hand that reached into curls, twirling one around his index finger anxiously. “You wouldn't be very happy with that,” he grumbled, tapping the water bottle against his thigh, the water splashing inside noisily, “and I want to be here, Izuku. You don't have to go running to her saying that I don't ‘feel well,’ I can handle this.” He huffed, holding his head high as he skipped steps by two, moving ahead of the other boy.
There was a relieved sigh from behind him, then footsteps following up the staircase.
“I'm glad you want to be here as much as I want you here, Kacchan.” Izuku stumbled next to him, a wobbly smile on his face, cheeks still flushed from the April weather, yet to cool down thanks to the AC in the building.
Katsuki hits him on the head with the half full, plastic water bottle, gritting his teeth in anguish.
“Yeah, whatever. Keep your gooey shit to yourself, loser.” The blond grumbled, listening to the other boy whine loudly as he stumbled against the wall and railing dramatically, holding his head as if he had hit him hard—which he did not, thank you very much.
“You love me for my ‘gooey shit,’ Kacchan. It’s okay, you can admit it, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me.” Izuku cooed, peeking out from under his hands, a grin plastered on his face like the smug like shit he was.
Katsuki scoffed, rolling his eyes as he waved the boy off, turning away from him so he could continue his way up to the Midoriya’s apartment. He could practically hear the pout on Izuku's face, following behind him like it was some chore all because he wouldn't admit it.
“Stop acting like a child and get up here, Izuku.” He sighed, glancing over his shoulder at the green haired boy, watching him mimic kicking a rock before skipping a few steps to joining him.
“I could say the same about you,” Izuku gave him a sidelong glance, lips attempting to not curl up into a smile—doing his very best to keep them in a thin line. “You won't admit something very important, Kacchan. I'm a little hurt, honestly.” The boy pressed a hand over his chest, forcing his lips into an over exaggerated frown.
“I'm not admitting shit.” He scoffed, nose scrunching as Izuku leaned into him dramatically, sighing like a maiden missing her husband. “You treat me horribly, horribly I say!” Izuku sniffled, batting his lashes as if he had tears in his eyes, making Katsuki sigh with barely restrained exhaustion.
“Hey,” the boy’s lips curled up slightly, a brow raising, “you said you weren't admitting anything, so does that imply that there is something to admit but you just refuse to do it?” Izuku prodded, nudging his elbow into Katsuki’s side slightly as if that would make him budge.
He wasn't so focused on the question.
Katsuki’s eyes were caught on the ray of sunlight that came through the window, highlighting Izuku’s features. Freckles bright against his cheekbones, sweaty curls resting against his forehead from the spring heat, brilliant eyes that seemed to be able to make him unfold under his watch, and that damned smile that always made his stomach twist with a mix of confusing feelings.
“There's nothing to admit, you dork.” Katsuki flicked his forehead, nudging him off of his shoulder somewhat gently, a scowl on his face as he walked past him. “Hey! Wait up!” Izuku spluttered, hastily jogging up the steps behind him to catch up, sneakers squeaking against the floor loudly as he skid to a stop next to him.
“So,” the boy tilted his head to the side slightly, a reassuring smile on his face, “you ready for this? I’m sure you'll do great. I’ll knock, yeah?” Izuku gently grabbed his sleeve, giving it a light shake, as if that would boost his spirits. Katsuki’s lips pulled into a thin line, shrugging Izuku’s hand off of his bicep.
“I don't need your reassurance, Izuku. I know I’ll do fine. Great, even.” He scoffed, brows pinching together as Izuku sighed softly, his smile only warming before he turned away from him. “Just knock on the fucking door, loser. I don't have all day.” Katsuki crossed his arms, bottle pressed to his bicep as he tapped his foot against the floor impatiently, Izuku raised his hands innocently, his back still facing him.
If he had to guess, the boy had a satisfied look on his face.
Katsuki watched as Izuku raised a hand to the door, the boy glancing over his shoulder at him once just to make sure he was certain he wanted to go through with this. Clenching his jaw, he motioned with one hand towards the door, praying the green haired boy would get on with it.
Izuku knocked on the door rather lightly, the act of being polite when showing up at someone’s door still ingrained in his head. He tapped his fingers against the bottle anxiously, watching Izuku fold his hands behind his back—a similar look of anxiety on his face as they waited for Auntie to answer the door.
Maybe she wasn't even home? What if they came on the wrong day? Were her nerves acting up just like his?
He was sure they were on time, because he made sure they were out of the dorms early enough, shoving Izuku down the street so they would be there early, despite the boy’s protests about ‘giving her some time to prepare.’
Katsuki would give her all the time in the world to prepare if that calmed her nerves, he just didn't want to seem like an asshole for showing up late when they had set up a certain time.
“Izuku? Is that you sweetie?” A soft voice came from behind the door, cracking it open a smidge so the woman could peek out. Her eyes lit up with recognition, lips curling as she swung the door open fully. “Ah, I’m so glad you're here! I was starting to think you got busy,” she laughed softly, the corners of her eyes crinkling with happiness as she leaned in to hug her son—only for her eyes to land on Katsuki, freezing where she stood.
“Auntie,” he began, mouth suddenly seeming all too dry.
Katsuki didn't even have time to greet the woman, watching as she clutched onto Izuku as if he would be taken away from her, her eyes wide as saucers as her bottom lip trembled. Her jaw clenched as she glanced up at her son, “Izuku, what is he doing here? I don't want him in our home.” She shook the boy lightly, blinking away tears that gathered at the corners of her eyes.
“Why'd you bring him here?” She hissed, nose scrunching as she looked at Katsuki, making the boy’s lips pull into a thin line as Izuku anxiously glanced at him before gently nudging the woman into the doorway of the apartment. He didn't watch as the two talked, busying himself with something interesting—like staring at how his shoes weren't tied exactly the same.
“Mom? We talked about this over the phone. You seemed so excited to see him again.” Izuku’s hushed voice reached his ears, “you said it was okay?” He sounded confused, trying his best to make sense of the situation.
Katsuki didn't want to look up, and yet—he did. He risked a glance up, and he found the look of bitterness on the woman’s face, her face twitching with constraint—and his heart pangs with the realization that Izuku used to do the same thing during their time at Aldera. “I changed my mind, Izuku.” She spoke louder, voice wavering as she held her head high, looking him in the eye.
He didn't want to say he was hurt by this confession, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't want to crawl into a ditch and die.
“But, mom,” Izuku tried to reason with the woman, holding onto her shoulders delicately, as if she would suddenly lunge at the blond. “I want him out of the building, Izuku. Do you hear me? I don't want him anywhere near our home.” The meek woman warned, her back straightening with newfound confidence—making the green haired boy look at him with a look of dejection.
He swallowed thickly, forcing down every ounce of hurt that was lodged in his chest, “I can leave, but I’d really like—” and it had taken everything in him to even begin his confession, taking a step forward towards the woman and the other boy. Inko swiftly grabbed Izuku, pulling him behind her—a fierce look in her eyes. “Yes, I want you to leave, Katsuki. I appreciate you walking Izuku here, but I really, really don’t think this is what's good for us right now. I’m sure you understand.” The woman spoke softly, but assertively—her head held high as tears welled up.
“What? No! I want you here!” Izuku floundered, glancing between his mother and him—gently removing the hand that she had pressed to his chest before he rounded her, clutching onto the blond’s arm as if he would disappear. He clenched and unclenched his jaw, glancing down at the arm wrapped around his own. “Izuku.. it’s not a big deal, really.” He gruffly replied, and in response, Izuku only squeezed his arm tighter.
“Mom, please. Just give it a chance.” The boy pleaded, making the blond look up at him, his brows furrowed with a mix of muddled emotions—why would he go this far to try and help him set things right with Auntie?
It was awfully silent, the only noise being the sound of Auntie softly wiping her nose on her sleeve and Izuku trying, but failing to sniffle quietly. Katsuki tore his eyes away from the green haired boy, instead directing them to Inko, who had been keeping a close eye on him the entire time. Her lips curled into a frown, unshed tears threatening to spill from rich, emerald eyes.
She seemed to consider her options carefully, looking between the two boys—eyes thoughtfully glancing down at their joined arms, and the pleading look on Izuku’s face. Her face scrunched up slightly, spine uncurling as her shoulders relaxed. “Okay,” she began, blinking slowly as she glanced between the two boys once more, “I’ll give it a chance, but only because Izuku wants you here.” Inko looked him over cautiously before turning around slightly in the doorway, softly motioning for the two boys to walk in first.
Izuku turned to him, his excitement barely contained as he squeezed his arm in his own—maybe squeezing a little too tight as the boy began to drag him towards the door. Watchful eyes kept their gaze on him as he gently nudged Izuku into the apartment, “you go first, loser.” He mumbled, the sound of Izuku’s giggles echoing throughout the hallway.
“You boys settle in. I’ll.. grab something to drink for you two.” Inko called from behind them, gently closing the front door with a click. He watched as Izuku stumbled slightly, tongue poking out from between his lips as he toed off his shoes. Katsuki rolled his eyes, pressing a hand to the small of the other boy’s back, “you're going to break something with your face if you don't use the wall, loser. God, I can't believe I still have to do this.” He grumbled, putting pressure into his hand, gently shoving Izuku a bit further down so he could toe off his own shoes.
“Hey, I was doing perfectly fine without your help! I wouldn't have broken anything, you're overreacting, Kacchan.” Izuku huffed, pouting as he walked into the apartment—slippers on his feet, sliding against the floor rather loudly. He quietly slipped off his own shoes, letting Auntie slip past him so she could walk into the kitchen, the woman giving him a considerate sidelong glance.
He blinks hard, shifting his gaze to Izuku who lounged on his zabuton, beckoning him over with a warm, wobbly smile. Katsuki fought back his own smile that began to tug at the corners of his lips, instead silently slipping on his slippers before glancing down at the slightly tattered orange zabuton that was his.
His brows furrowed as he joined Izuku at the chabudai, taking a seat over the zabuton practically screaming his name. “Been a while, huh?” Izuku whispered, his chin pressed into the palm of his hand, cheek squished against his fingers slightly—a sickeningly warm smile on his face. His lips thinned, pulling his eyes away agonizingly slow from the other boy’s face before he nodded mutedly, rubbing over the material of the zabuton.
He could remember it clear as day.
His back pressed into itchy grass, staring up into the bright blue sky as Izuku pointed out which clouds looked like heroes—he didn't always see them, but he always agreed nonetheless. Katsuki found more joy in watching Izuku, he liked seeing him light up when he thought he found a cloud that looked a little too similar to All Might, or when the leaves above their heads rustled from a squirrel running by.
There was something about watching his eyes light up with excitement, the stars dancing in brilliant emerald eyes as he shook his hands with untamed enthusiasm would haunt him every time he laid his head down to rest.
The sun had long started to trickle into the horizon, making the sky a breathtaking array of colors, the green haired boy perking up with giddiness as clouds floated over them. “Kacchan, Kacchan, look! That one looks kind of like Endeavor! Doesn't it?” Izuku squealed, hand shaking as he pointed out the cloud that looked almost exactly like the pro-hero if he squinted, keyword ‘if.’ Lips pulling into a scowl as he did exactly that, squinting to find any kind of resemblance to the hero.
He quickly gave up.
“Yeah, no. I don't see it.” Katsuki shrugged against the ground, throwing his hands in the air as his friend groaned loudly. “You barely even tried! Come on, look at it from over here or something.” Izuku whined, attempting to drag Katsuki to where he laid, only succeeding in moving him slightly. “How about no?” He shoved the other boy off of him, his brows furrowed as his lips curled with satisfaction at the second groan pulled out of him.
“You're no fun!” Izuku crossed his arms over his chest, stubbornly looking up at the orange sky, his own brows furrowed slightly. “I’m a lot of fun, actually.” He corrected, holding a finger up in the air, as if that would further prove his point. Izuku simply waved him off, his lips pursing as he continued to watch clouds pass over them and leaves rustle. “Oh come on, you know I am.” He nudged the boy’s shoulder lightly with his knuckles, watching Izuku’s eyes flicker over to his face for a moment before returning to the sky.
“Fine, be that way.” Katsuki huffed, eyes lingering on Izuku’s own face before turning away. “Hey,” the boy mumbled, index finger tapping against his hand lightly to get his attention, “so… I was wondering, like. With all of these colors, and stuff? What's your favorite? There’s so many to choose from,” Izuku hummed thoughtfully, pulling his hand up to his chin to tap his fingertips against it. He raised a brow, his attention immediately drawn back to Izuku and the grass that stuck haphazardly in his curls.
“I bet your favorite is orange!” Izuku smiled warmly, pushing himself onto his side, gazing down at the blond. “You’ve been wearing a lot of orange lately, it looks good on you! It’s such a pretty color.. and you like oranges!” He explained cheerfully, curls bouncing with every movement, the boy only getting more and more excited.
Katsuki would blink dumbly, staring up at the other boy as he continued to explain why he thought his favorite color would be orange, when he very much didn't have a favorite color.
With the way Izuku explained why it was just so great, maybe it wasn't so bad. Because that was the reason, wasn't it? It wasn't because Izuku lit up at the possibility of getting it right on the first try, of ‘connecting the dots’ and ‘piecing it together.’ It wasn't because Izuku himself seemed fond of the color, and seemed to think it would fit him.
It made his heart ache.
“Am I right? Am I am I?” Izuku would gently shake him, barely contained excitement on his face and in his voice as he gazed down at him. Izuku easily made the color something he became fond of with a few simple words. His nose scrunched, averting his eyes from the sight of curls in the other boy’s face and bright eyes staring back. “Whatever, loser. Yeah, you are.” He grumbled, shoving Izuku’s warm hands off of him, the feeling left imprinted into his skin.
The boy simply sighed in blissfulness, his fingers gently tracing over Katsuki’s arm despite having been shoved off a moment ago.
“I think my favorite is..” Izuku hummed, fully pushing himself up into a sitting position, meekly attempting to brush grass out of his hair, “red, like your eyes! They’re so pretty and they—” he didn't quite listen to what he said after that, zoning the boy out as his own eyes were mesmerized by gleaming emerald.
Maybe he should have focused on the other boy a bit more when he was complimenting him.
He doesn't quite remember the exact day, but he could remember the exchange like the back of his hand. Showing up at Izuku’s door with the intent of catching bugs to later get a rise out of Auntie, only to be dragged inside by Izuku himself, the boy rambling about something he didn't quite care to remember, giddy with excitement. Katsuki would drop his insect net by the front door, groaning as Izuku dragged him into the living room of their small apartment, the other boy looking over his shoulder with a warm smile. “Wait, just wait! It's great, I promise you!” He squealed, tugging on Katsuki’s hand harder.
He was suddenly stopped right in front of the couch, nearly running into Izuku’s back, the boy letting go of his hand. “Stay right here! I’ll be right back. Don't go anywhere!” Izuku motioned wildly with his hands, his warm smile never leaving his face as he sprinted to his room. “Don't take too long, or I will leave without you!” Katsuki called after the boy, crossing his arms over his chest, hand tingling from when Izuku held his own tenderly.
Katsuki didn't have much time to wonder why his hand felt the way it did, Izuku soon came tripping over his feet with his hands full. “Look what we got you! Now you have your own and we don't have to share one! We can all watch TV together now.” He exclaimed, shoving the bright zabuton into his chest, making him stumble slightly. Katsuki would simply stare, eyes tracing over each knit and pattern sewn into the zabuton.
“And see, we got it in your favorite color!” Izuku bounced with each word, pointing out the obvious as Katsuki glanced up at him once—forcing his face into a scowl, refusing to let his lips curl into a smile. “Gee, really? No shit, Izuku.” He huffed, cheeks warming as Izuku only laughed at his foul language, seeming happy to see him happy—even if he didn't look it.
“I'm glad you like it, Kacchan.”
The table made a soft thud noise as a juice box was placed in front of him, making the blond look up from the zabuton he had his attention set on, blinking slowly at the juice box before his gaze shifted to the woman in front of them. “I’m not sure if you guys drink these anymore… but, I saw these at the store the other day, thought maybe I’d grab them for you guys.” Auntie’s lips curled slightly into a shy smile, rubbing over her thumbs anxiously before she sat on her own zabuton.
“Mom, I still drink these!” Izuku pursed his lips, cheeks flushed a light pink as he pulled the straw off of the juice box. His own hand was wrapped around the water bottle he had brought for them, eyes roaming back to the juice box that Auntie had bought for them. It was the exact same juice brand they used to have as kids during harsh summers, sipping at them in front of a fan.
Katsuki was surprised she remembered such a small detail like this.
“Really? Do you keep them in the fridge for everybody?” Auntie laughed warmly, hiding her mouth with the back of her hand—sleeve pulled up over her fist. “Ahh, yeah. I always get sad when someone takes one though,” Izuku scratched over his cheek, nail gently digging into scar. He simply reached for the juice box, pulling the straw off of the box as he watched the two interact.
God, he should really say something, shouldn't he?
Katsuki cleared his throat awfully loud, nearly enough for him to get embarrassed by—watching the two turn to him. Izuku simply gave him an encouraging smile, gently nodding his head towards his mother. His jaw clenched, thumb rubbing over the cool material of the juice box as he turned to Inko. “Thanks,” he began slowly, testing the words on his tongue. “For the juice, I mean.” Katsuki finished dumbly, blinking rapidly as he glanced at the other boy, who in response nodded his approval.
“And for giving me a chance,” he added, a bit more firmly this time. Shoulders rounding as the woman sighed quietly, her face softening. “I’ve been thinking about this exact scenario for a long, long time, Katsuki. I’m just glad we’re finally sitting down to talk.” She admitted, gaze shifting between her two boys, voice firm but soft. The woman sniffled, shifting against her zabuton slightly, trying to get into a comfortable position. “So, do they still taste the same? Just as you remember?” She asked him, her crows feet visible as she smiled tenderly at the two boys.
Katsuki hummed, pressing the straw to his lips as he tilted his head down—cheeks flushing a light pink at being put on the spot, both of his favorite people’s gazes on him. “If I’m being honest,” he mumbled, glancing at Izuku who simply raised a brow. “I’m one of those people who takes his juices out from the fridge.” He admitted, listening to the scandalized gasp that slipped from the other boy’s lips, his hands flying to cover his mouth.
“I knew you took them! I can't believe you right now, I thought we got over this, Kacchan.” Izuku sniffled, holding a hand up as he tilted his head away from him—making him snort.
“You're always taking a scoop from my protein powder, I don't think you can talk.” Katsuki couldn't help the grin that began to pull at the corners of his lips, listening to the muffled giggle from Auntie as Izuku’s head snapped back around. “Hey, hey.. what! I would never.” Izuku pressed a hand to his chest, his brows furrowed as he stared at Katsuki, only to lean in slightly. “No, you said you wouldn't mention that.” He whispered loudly, loud enough for his mother to hear—the woman laughing against her sleeve. “You guys are ridiculous,” she breathed out, cheeks flushed a light pink as she lowered her hand from her mouth, lips curled into a small smile.
Izuku’s face softened, leaning into the palm of his hand once more as his gaze danced between the two people sitting a bit more comfortably than they were a moment ago. Katsuki couldn't help but stare, taking in the scene in front of him—Izuku happily chatting with Auntie while he silently sipped at his juice box, somewhat listening to what the two said. “I've been meaning to ask,” the woman perked up, rubbing over her thumbnails as her gaze swept over the two boys. “How have you two been holding up? Is school going okay?” Auntie shoved her hands into her lap, which seemed to be her way to stop fidgeting, Katsuki rolled this information around in his head—unable to stop himself from making the connection to Izuku.
“We—I’ve been okay, mom.” Izuku’s gaze quickly shifted to him, lips still curled into a soft smile—though missing its usual radiance as he turned back to Auntie. His brows furrowed. It seems as though Izuku didn't want to speak for him, and he couldn't help but be grateful. “I can never really complain about school. It’s been tough, and we have some tests coming up! But right now, I’m feeling pretty… relaxed, I guess?” Izuku hummed thoughtfully, cheek squishing against his hand as he turned to Katsuki, lips once again curling into something—and dare he say, affectionate.
He nearly gagged at the amount of sweetness lacing the other boy’s voice, jaw clenching as the boy blinked at him with a certain level of expectancy. Katsuki turned away from him, instead focusing on Auntie, the woman who smiled tenderly at the confession given to her from her son—and now looking at him with the very same look Izuku had just given him.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d have to start really talking to her sooner or later.
“I’ve been fine, there’s nothing I can't handle,” he said, though earning a knowing look from the two, “things have been.. okay.” Katsuki mumbled, fingers tapping against the table as he attempted to breathe. “I've, uh, been going to therapy,” he motions with one hand, the sound of Izuku humming softly encouraging him further. “To 'help me comb through my emotions,’ or whatever that means,” he rolled his eyes at the thought of what Aizawa Sensei had told him one night.
“I guess it helps,” he admitted, coughing into a fist to ease the tight knot forming in his chest.
Auntie seemed pleased, the corners of her eyes crinkling as her smile warmed. “Ah, I’m so glad, Katsuki.” She replied, sniffling. “I hope everything is going well with your progress.” Auntie sniffled once more, wiping at the corners of her eyes—the sight making him shift awkwardly on his zabuton. He wasn't necessarily used to being worried about like this.
“Thank you, Auntie.” He responded curtly, his own lips attempting to curl into their own small smile like he used to when he was a mere brat. “You boys are so grown now,” Auntie shook her head, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with her sleeve as Izuku’s brows shot up. “Mom..” the boy quickly reached over to grab a box of tissues they kept around for this exact reason, gently offering it to the woman with a gentle smile. “You know we’ll always be here, even if we’re not little kids anymore.” Izuku nudged the tissue box a little closer to Auntie, who gratefully pulled one out.
“Yeah, what he said.” He coughed. This emotional stuff was not his forte. Auntie smiled softly at the two, her lips trembling slightly. “You two are so sweet,” she said tearfully, blowing her nose into the tissue loudly. Auntie bunches up the tissue, her nose red as she kept the tissue by her side so she could throw it away later. “So,” she straightened her back slightly, lips curling, “do you guys still spar together? Izuku always tells me about your training sessions over the phone. He always seems so excited,” she hums happily, glancing between the two boys hopefully.
Izuku sputters, eyes wide as saucers as his hands flew into the air to wave off his mother—cheeks flushing a bright pink. “Mom!” He hissed, nervously glancing at Katsuki who simply raised a brow, his lips curling into a ghost of a grin. “You tell her about our training sesh’s?” Katsuki snorted, nose scrunching with delight as the boy only flushed a deeper red, attempting to explain himself. “Well, yes! I did, but,” Izuku’s voice must have raised an octave, shoulders scrunching upwards as his embarrassment seeped in.
“It's fine, geez. What're you so worried about? I hope you let her know I win most of the time,” he jabbed his thumb into his chest, sitting up tall as his grin only broadened. Katsuki relished in the sound of Izuku’s giggles, visibly relaxing under his gaze as he scratched over the scar etched into the skin of his cheek. “I do, but you don't win every time, Kacchan.” He huffed, cheeks puffing out slightly as the deep red began to fade from his face. Katsuki simply waved him off, rolling his eyes at the mention of him losing. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, nerd.” He raised a brow at the boy, watching him shake his head, a fond smile on his face.
“Yeah, mom. We still spar. Quite a bit actually,” the boy cleared his throat, fist lifted to his lips. “It’s such a nice way to figure out new moves, and we work so well together! I can trust him to know what I want or need done with my actions, I normally don't have to speak out loud and—” Izuku motioned wildly with his hands, speaking enthusiastically as his mother nodded softly to every word that slipped from his lips. His face softened as the boy rambled endlessly, sinking further into his zabuton as Izuku’s voice faded out.
Did he have a staring issue? This seems like something he should probably address.
And yet, the lighting always seemed to land on the contours of his face perfectly—making it hard to look away. Plush lips gleaming under the somewhat orange light—Izuku had begged for his chapstick earlier that day, complaining about how he had left his back at the dorms. He bets that bastard licked it off his lips like he usually does, leaving a bright shine to them.
Katsuki isn't quite sure why he keeps lending it to him.
He was getting sidetracked, wasn't he? The light didn't quite catch Izuku’s freckles high on his cheekbones and nose, enough so it made his nose scrunch with displeasure. The boy continued to motion wildly with both hands, his brows furrowed as he explained something pertaining to the two of them—he wasn't quite listening. More focused on the bright smile on his face, and the faint smile lines etched into skin, quite similar to the ones he would find on Auntie’s face.
Katsuki’s eyes slowly drifted from Izuku’s vibrant face to Auntie’s, doing a double take when he realized that she was staring at him staring at Izuku. Her face seemed to be a mixture of emotions, twitching with unease. Her eyes held a hopeful light to them, one he has seen many times in Izuku’s. His brows furrowed, face scrunching with a scowl as he turned away from the woman, instead focusing on the other boy who seemed to be glancing between the two of them with a nervous smile.
“Everything okay? You guys are really quiet,” Izuku asked, tracing over the ridges in the table with his index finger as he anxiously waited for a reply from either of them.
Before he could speak, Auntie sat up a little taller, holding her head high, “Katsuki, I think we should talk about how you acted towards Izuku when you two were younger.” She said, voice wavering ever so slightly as she directed her gaze at him. He didn't speak, lips thinning slightly as he nodded in understanding. Izuku glanced between the two of them once more, “mom, do we really—” he was promptly cut off by Auntie. “Yes, Izuku. I think there are some things we should go over.” The woman sighed softly, her shoulders slumping slightly as Izuku shoved his hands into his lap.
“When you two were younger,” she started, brushing over her skirt lightly, “you were inseparable. I still have pictures of you two with your little rain coats on hanging around the house, some are tucked away for safekeeping.” Auntie spoke softly, looking off to the side, blinking rapidly to keep tears at bay. “I would notice, sometimes.. how you acted towards him. It wasn't much, I suppose. You always had a rough exterior, and I can admire that.” She hummed, fists now curled into her light colored skirt.
Katsuki sunk into his cushion, brows furrowing as Auntie sniffled wildly.
“I would always chalk it up to you guys being boys, maybe you'd grow out of it.” Inko shifted against her zabuton, her own lips pulled into a thin line, a feeble attempt to stop them from trembling. “But after you got your quirk, and we realized Izuku wouldn't be getting his, you only got worse.” She shook her head, the sound of Izuku’s soft sigh hanging heavy in the air.
“I always hoped you two would work things out, settle your differences… but it seemed you were more hung up on the fact that he was different than you.” Auntie pulled a tissue out of the tissue box, blowing her nose into it quietly as the two boys sat there silently.
Katsuki couldn't help but drag his gaze to the boy in question, his own eyes trained to his mother as she spoke meekly. Izuku’s lashes fluttered, feeling his warm, but reluctant gaze, turned to him. The boy gave him a small, reassuring smile, curls bouncing slightly as he tilted his head.
He sniffled, blinking rapidly as he turned away from Izuku, instead turning to Auntie who dabbed at her nose with a tissue. “You know,” she spoke, voice weak and muffled as she covered it with her sleeve, blinking to rid her tears. “Izuku would come home looking like a mess—in middle school. He would always have some new bruise on his cheek, and whenever I asked about it he would say he tripped or something alike.” Auntie sighed softly, her shoulders slumping at the memory.
“I’ve seen the burn marks, Katsuki.” She blinked up at him, nose scrunching—her brows twitching slightly. His eyes traced over each minuscule twitch in her face, clenching his teeth. “Mom, I think he gets it,” Izuku gently offered, his own smile trembling as the woman held a hand up to stop him. “No, I’m not done yet.” She sniffled as she held her head high, determined to continue their conversation. Izuku simply sunk back into his cushion, glancing at him for a moment.
“I guess you could call it mother’s intuition. I suppose, there could have been other kids in your school with a similar quirk—but with your history? I couldn't overlook it.” Auntie’s brows furrowed, cheek twitching as she grinded her teeth roughly, rubbing a hand over face. “I understand that you two were kids, and you still are. You’ll make mistakes, of course, I know that, but I need more, Katsuki. I can see it, in the way you rush after him when you're out there protecting everyone else, you always seem to prioritize him—but I still can't help but worry.” She motioned weakly with one hand, seeming to sink into her zabuton even more.
“There's no excuse for the way I acted.” Katsuki’s own gruff voice surprised him, making the woman jump slightly from her spot, her eyes wide as saucers. “There's nothing I can say to excuse or change what I’ve done,” he gripped his knee tightly, brows pinching together in shame as he kept his eyes on Auntie. “I regret it, every word and thing I’ve done to hurt him.” Katsuki couldn't help but drift to Izuku, the boy simply tilting his head, a small smile on his face.
“And I’m doing my best to make up for everything I've done. I know that doesn't make our past go away, but I want to be a little more deserving of his forgiveness.” He dug his nails into skin, leaving crescent shaped marks in his wake, shorts riding up his thighs slightly. Katsuki’s nose would scrunch as his teeth grinded together abrasively, hands now clenching the fabric of his shorts as Auntie sniffled meekly.
She pursed her lips, eyes brimming with tears once more, though not attempting to reach for a tissue. Instead, she rubbed over her hands hurriedly.
Auntie seemed conflicted.
“I.. appreciate the kind words, Katsuki,” she started, blinking slowly as she rubbed over her thumbnails, glancing between her hands and his face. “I truly do find comfort in knowing that Izuku has you as a friend once again,” Auntie nodded softly, “I've been worried about you two for so, so long.” She laughs wetly, the sound bouncing off the walls. The woman breathed in shakily, lips parted slightly.
“I know he's forgiven you, but I’m not sure if I can.”
The corners of her eyes crinkled, making way for fresh tears to silently spill as her lips turned up into a trembling smile.
He wants to argue, to convince her that he can do better—that he wants to be in her life as well, but he simply nods solemnly. Katsuki knows better than to talk back, especially when she's already made up her mind.
He felt like a kid again, being scolded for doing something stupid.
“Mom,” Izuku mumbled, voice weak as he blinked rapidly to keep tears at bay. “I know, honey, I just.. I need time.” The woman shook her head lightly, lips turning downwards. “Please, both of you, don't get me wrong. I’m overjoyed that I get to see you two laugh and smile together again like kids are supposed to, but a part of me is still holding onto the past.” Auntie spoke quietly, tracing her nails over her skirt.
“I just need more time—to see you two happy together.” She glanced between the two of them, stray strands of hair falling into her face.
“I’m sorry,” the woman laughed meekly, “I know this is such a selfish thing to ask of you two.. but I need some time to think about this.” Auntie blinked rapidly to keep tears at bay, face twitching slightly as she looked between her two boys.
“I understand,” Katsuki gently tapped his fingers against the table, drawing the attention of the other boy who glanced between them hurriedly. “It’s not selfish of you to ask for this, Auntie. We’ll get out of your hair,” he pushed himself up from his zabuton, forcing his lips into a thin line.
Izuku scrambled to follow, his brows shooting up as he slipped on his slippers. Auntie gently tugged at her hair, a somewhat relieved sigh slipping past her lips.
“Thank you for being so understanding, and for hearing me out.” She untangled her finger from her hair, instead moving to push herself off of her own zabuton—sniffling wildly.
He nodded wordlessly, the corners of his lips turning up stiffly. Izuku swoops in from behind him to grab their water bottle, pressing a gentle hand to the small of his back to urge him to the front door, his own sniffles reaching his ears. Katsuki slipped on his shoes silently, ignoring the warmth of Izuku’s palm seeping into his back.
Auntie clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her brows pinched tightly together.
He’s always hated seeing the woman stress unnecessarily, hated seeing her face twist as she did her best to fix whatever was wrong.
He clenched his jaw, eyes traveling down to curls bouncing as the boy slipped on his shoes. Izuku simply pulled his shoes on, not tying the laces—so they could get out sooner, he’d assume. The boy tilted his head up at him, cheeks squishing slightly as he gave him an assuring smile.
“Okay mom, we’ll get out of here. Thanks for inviting us. Call me later?” Izuku stood up straight, scarred hand still pressed to the blond’s back, an anchor in all of this.
She smiled softly, lips trembling as she nodded vigorously. “Of course, I’ll give you a ring later tonight.” Auntie held onto her hands tightly, the skin on her hands turning slightly pale. “I’m sorry, again.” She breathed out, the air slipping past her lips pushed hair out of her face.
That’s when Izuku gently peeled away from Katsuki, ever so softly placing a hand over Auntie’s, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to her forehead.
“You stress too much, mom. Think stuff over, we’ll be fine.” Izuku looked over his shoulder at him, tilting his head slightly. “Sleep on it, Auntie.” He found himself speaking up, voice hoarse for a reason he wouldn't like to name.
Izuku smiled tenderly, the corners of his eyes crinkling ever so slightly. “What he said,” he pressed one last kiss to the woman’s forehead before pulling away. Katsuki’s lips thinned, averting his eyes from the two as Izuku joined his side once more.
He made the first move to leave the house he used to call his ‘second home.’ Hand clasped around the doorknob as Inko perked up, eyes hopeful. “Hey.. come back and visit, the both of you.” Auntie barely spoke above a whisper, brows furrowed as her hands trembled in front of her.
Katsuki blinked, dumbfounded.
The corners of his lips tugged up into a small smile, shoulders falling with relief. “Yeah.. yeah, we’ll come around, Auntie.” He spoke almost softly, and it was worth chipping away at walls he had built long ago to see the fond looks on their faces.
Katsuki swings the door open, nose scrunching as he drags his eyes away from Auntie, instead stepping out of the apartment.
As soon as he stepped out he was met with the humidity he had come to know, and he found himself with another reason as to why he wanted to stay just a little longer.
Izuku is quick to follow, laces clicking against the floor lightly as he gently nudged him towards the stairs. The curly haired boy had a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a smile that implied that everything would be just fine.
She moves to close the door, fingertips barely visible over the edge—though seeming to think twice of her decision to see them off without a word.
“Get back safe. I love you boys.”