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Chapter Text

The musk of smoke has made its home in Katsuki’s hair and clothes and the crackle of fire and whirl of alarms rings in his head constantly, even long after his shift ends as he washes away the day down the shower drain. His body aches with the weight of his uniform and the exhaustion of the shift.

Still, everyday he drags himself out of bed and to the fire station. And everyday, he’d do it again, no matter the outcome.

He’s lucky, really. The fire station got a whole upgrade a few years ago - plethora of showers with water pressure strong enough to relax his tense muscles, a new kitchen with two stoves, stacked ovens which makes cooking ten times easier for Katsuki, a sink large enough for the rest of the team to stack their dishes in and leave for ‘later’ (Katsuki always ends up doing all the cooking and cleaning). There’s two rooms of twin beds with mattresses soft and easy to sink into, as opposed to the cardboard, shitty bunk beds they used to have.

It makes it easier. What would be better however, if his team wasn’t full of a bunch of idiots.

“Hey, Katsuki! Good morning! Did you see the group thread?” Eijiro is on his heels the moment Katsuki is walking in the station, his red-headed friend hopping around excitedly.

Groaning, Katsuki makes his way to the stairs leading up to the locker room. “I haven’t looked at my phone all morning, Shitty Hair.” He replies, taking two steps at a time in attempt to get away from the man’s eagerness. It’s too early in the morning for this - five am to be exact.

“Ah dude! Station 118 is getting an upgrade and we get their massage chair. Awesome, right?” Kirishima cheers, following the man into the locker room and leaning against one of the black lockers.

That actually perks Katsuki interest and he raises a brow as he sets his bag down on the long bench, “Fuckin’ seriously?” He asks, pulling out the dark blue pants and matching button up with a patch on the side reading Station 119 and Bakugo on the left chest.

The red haired boy nods eagerly, already dressed for the day. “Seriously, man! I’m gonna be gettin’ all these knots out.” He rubs his shoulder, grinning excitedly. “No more back cramps for me.” He adds.

Katuski rolls his eyes, “You know Dunce Face is probably gonna hog it anyway.” He points out, peeling off his black t-shirt and sweatpants and pulling on the navy blue uniform, fingers working quickly to button it up.

As if called upon, a head of electric blonde hair peeks in, “Hey! Katsuki, did you hear?” Denki basically skips into the locker room, throwing his bag messily onto the bench and grinning wildly.

“I already told him, we’re pumped!” Ejirio gives the excited man a fist bump.

“Hell yeah, I’m gonna sleep on that thing!” Denki throws his shirt and pants into his locker, not bothering to fold them and pulls his uniform on.

With a scoff, Katsuki slips on his shoes. “You’d better not be a fuckin’ hog, we’re all sore as hell.” He grumbles, threateningly and folds his clothes carefully back into his duffel bag.

“Fine. Fine.” Denki frowns, though his eyes still shine with the intent to take advantage of the massage chair. “By the way, Captain Aizawa is gonna be late today. Somethin’ about his daughter being sick.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that! To be fair, he should’ve waited to tell us about the massage chair. Now it’s all anyone is talking about.” Kirishima goes to follow Katsuki as he heads out of the locker room, seeking out a cup of coffee to wash away the exhaustion still lingering.

He ignores the greetings from the rest of the team in the kitchen and lingering around the common room, letting Kirishima holler ‘Goodmornings’ and chat about the incoming massage chair. Which, seriously, it felt a little pathetic that a damn massage chair has the entire station buzzing.

He barely has time to pour out a cup of coffee before the alarms are ringing and a yellow light flashes across the station, making everyone jump up immediately. There’s a pounding of feet, hush of mutters as everyone rushes to pull on their gear. Katsuki gives a last, longing look at his cup of coffee before leaving it and following the crowd to the bunker gear.

Katsuki pulls on his thick, black pants, the red suspenders snapping against his shoulders and the heavy, black jacket over his shoulders. He grabs the keys from their hanger and swings them in his fingers as everyone loads onto the rig. He does one last sweep before hopping into the drivers seat, hitting the garage door button and flipping on the sirens.

“House fire at block186 Saitama.” Dispatch speaks through the radio, “Two adults, two kids and a dog inside.”

•

Katsuki takes small breaths as they rush into the house, his eyes scanning for the dog. They’d got the family out already and they were already on their way to the hospital for mild burns and smoke inhalation. It’s hard to see, thick smoke fills the house and black ash settles against the walls. Katsuki’s boots step carefully over fallen picture frames and he slams open the door to a room.

“Come on. Diago! Come here, boy!” He calls the dogs name (courtesy of the owners) and claps his gloved hands. It’s hot, a bead of sweat rolls down his temple and his voice comes out slightly muffled from the mask feeding him oxygen.

It won’t be long before smoke inhalation for a dog is fatal, not to mention the scorching heat and burns that are also a threat. Finally, he hears a small whimper from the back of the house and his pace picks up, boots thudding against the ground as his eyes land on the small dog, ash coating it and a fallen beam trapping it in the corner.

He moves the couch out of his path with an easy push and then carefully leans down. “Alright, Diago. We’re gonna do this slow.” He mutters, mostly to himself. He lifts the beam up slowly, taking note of the dogs labored wheezing and squinted eyes. Some ash falls from the beam and the dog whimpers smally. “Shit, I know. Sorry.” Katsuki holds up the beam with one hand while the other reaches down, carefully scooping up the mid-sized dog and as soon as the dog is in his arms, he drops the beam and turns to head for the door.

The rest of the team is already working on extinguishing the fire, thick hoses in their hands. “Gotta get the dog to a vet!” He calls out, “You got this under control?” He asks Kirishima who’s directing the crew.

“Yeah, go!” The red haired man replies hastily.

So, Katsuki loads up in the back of one of the extra ambulances, ordering the paramedics to head to the nearest vet. He watches the dog carefully, listening to its shallow breaths and the few burns on its tail and back. There’s not much he can do, protocol says to wait for a vet before administering anything, incase it makes the symptoms worse. Katsuki shrugs off his massive coat, puts his helmet on beside it and as soon as the paramedic inform him they’re at the vet, he scoops the dog back up and jumps out of the ambulance.

The vet is small, quaint and placed just on the edge of downtown. Large lettering on the front spells out ‘Emergency Vet’ and several cars sit in the parking lot. He pushes into the clinic quickly, prepared to open his mouth to bark out orders.

Instead, the moment he enters, the brunette girl with round cheeks sifting through papers halts behind a counter halts. Eyes wide and she jumps forward.

“Izuku!” She calls and races toward Katsuki. A badge hangs off the pocket of her scrub top, ‘Ochako Uraraka - Vet Tech’. “Smoke inhalation? How long was he subjected to inhalation?” She asks, a firm hand beginning to tug Katsuki forward and through the large swinging doors.

He thinks for a moment, “About ten minutes, maybe more.” He answers, thrown slightly off guard as the small girl pulls him through the back halls and into a room. A metal table sits in the center, a rolling cart of first aid supplies sits on the edge and a counter with treats, water, blankets, a sink and more runs along the back wall.

Before he can even fully take in the room, someone else is entering the room with hurried footsteps, nearly slamming right into Katsuki.

“Sorry!” A slightly shorter man, a head of green curls and bright pine colored eyes meet his. “You can put him on the table,” He orders, his voice shockingly more firm than the small apology he’d squeaked out. His emerald eyes burn with determination and he quickly moved around Katsuki to turn on the sink and wash his hands.

With a nod Katsuki places the dog down carefully. “He was wheezing when I first got him.” He says, for some odd reason nervous due to the fact he’s not the one in charge at the moment and is wildly out of his element.

The green haired man hums, drying his hands off. He takes a stethoscope, placing it on the dogs chest and back as he listens, his eyebrows knit together in focus. “Get his temp.” He tells the brunette girl -Uraraka, who immediately moves to grab a thermometer. The man then pulls up the dogs lips, inspecting his gums and then opens his mouth and shines a small light into his mouth. “I’m starting fluids, need to get his hydration up.” He mutters, reaching into the rolling cart and fishing out a needle and then whisking over to open a drawer from the counter and pulls out an IV type bag. He hangs the bag on a small hook on the wall, gently takes Diago’s paw and sinks the needle in. Then, he connects the IV to the injection port and steps back as the fluid begins working through the tubing.

“Temp is at 106.2” The vet tech hums and Katsuki was so focused on watching the green eyed man that he hadn’t even realized the round cheeked girl had administered a rectal temperature.

“Ok, put cooling pads on his stomach and armpits. We need to start oxygen therapy.” The man replies, pulling out a large mask and opens a cabinet to get a tank of oxygen. He connects them swiftly, as though he’d done it a thousand times - Which Katsuki can imagine he has. Then, he gently tucks the mask on the dogs snout and nods. “Ok, check his temp again in two minutes.” He orders and the girl nods quickly, lifting the dogs limbs placing the cooling rags down.

Now that the room as slowed down, Katsuki feels sort of awkward standing in a corner while they both work. He’s supposed to stay anyway, in order to give a report and give the vet information to the owners but still, he can’t help but feel in the way. He clears his throat and it gains the attention of the veterinarian.

“Thanks for getting him here so quickly!” The man is suddenly much more cheery, his voice smooth and he gives Katsuki a broad smile. Katsuki feels his heart thump when he noticed the freckles dotted across the man’s cheeks and nose. “He’ll be alright, we just need to get some of those burns patched up and for the oxygen therapy to kick in. I suppose you need a report?” He asks, titling his head to the side and his green tresses bounce slightly.

Get it together, Katsuki. He can’t take his eyes off the veterinarian in front of him until he realizes he is in fact supposed to speak now. “Yeah. Whenever you’ve got time.” He mutters out, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I can write it up now! Are you ok in here, Ochako?” He turns back to the vet tech, giving her a kind smile.

“Yep! I’ll report back if there’s any issues. His burns aren’t bad, looks like first degree but the one on his back is second degree.” Uraraka replies, giving a thumbs up as she picks up some supplies. “Thank, doc!” She hums.

With that, the man nods and heads for the door, holding it open for Katsuki to walk through. “I just need some details from you.” He says, heading to a computer sitting on a small countertop in the hallway. He pulls up a report form and gives Katsuki a grin. “What’s your name and station?” He asks, casually.

“Katsuki Bakugo. Station 119.” He answers swiftly, eyes searching for a badge on the vet in the hopes he could find out his name - he’s unsuccessful.

He types into the computer quickly, “Just a brief explanation of how he was found? Just like his condition and how it progressed on the way over.” The vet asks again and turns his attention back to Katsuki.

“He was wrapped under a beam. When I first found him, he was whimpering and wheezing. By the time we were in the ambulance his breathing was pretty shallow and labored.” Katsuki explains, his fingers bruising into his bicep as the vet nods along, watching him before turning back to type the information in.

“Sweet. I think that’s all I need from you! I’ll write up the rest and hand it over! You can wait in the waiting room if you’d like!”

Katsuki nods, clenching his jaw. “Cool.” He murmurs, giving one last look at the frankly fucking hot veterinarian and stalks off last the swinging door and into the waiting room. When he gets out there, a few people have trickled in, some of them standing at the counter as a receptionist checks them in, others sit in some chairs, legs bouncing anxiously. Katsuki plops himself into a chair furthest from the rest of the people and slumps down.

It’s no more than three minutes later when the familiar man steps out, his green eyes setting on Katsuki and he walks over. Dark blue scrubs cling to his body, accentuating the curve of his hips and the thick biceps peeking out from the sleeves. Katsuki feels like he may break his jaw from how hard his teeth clench together.

“All set!” The man hands over a piece of paper, “You can tell the owners to call anytime and I’ll update them on their dogs status. Oh! I forgot to ask, do you know the dogs name?”

Katsuki takes the paper, “Diago.” He replies, standing slowly and the vet takes a small step back to give him space. “Thanks for your swiftness.” He adds, feeling the need to speak more than just a few words at a time to the freckled man.

“No problem! You saved the dogs life so least I could do was make sure it stayed that way.” He shrugs, a small blush crossing over the freckles. “Well, I hope you have a good one, Kacchan!”

“Yeah you too.” Katsuki replies, almost too distracted by the way the vet turns away and the sway of his hips to realize, who the fuck is Kacchan. He opens his mouth to question the vet but shit. He’d said it so confidently and who was he to make the green haired vet feel bad?

•

“Hey man, how was the vet?” Kirishima asks as Katsuki enters the station, the report papers in hand. The damn paramedics had left him at the clinic cause they got another call which meant Katsuki had to get a taxi back to the station - which ended up being extremely annoying. Not to mention he has no fucking clue where his helmet and jacket are since he’d left them in the ambulance in a rush.

Katsuki grumbles a few curses, “Fuckin’ fine. Dogs gonna be fine. Is the Captain in yet? I need him to log this.” He asks, waving the paper and glancing around the bustling station.

Tsu pokes her head around her ambulance, working on buffing out the small scrapes along the side. “He got in an hour ago. He’s in his office.” She answers, her black hair tied back in a long braid.

“Great. Thanks.” Katsuki mutters, brushing past Kirishima as he ascends up the stairs and to the left, toward the glass office the Captain resided in.

Unsurprisingly, the dark haired man is writing something on a paper, an exhausted look in his eye and a fresh pot of coffee behind him. The Captain is a coffee addict so he got himself his own personal brewer and is constantly downing cup after cup. Katsuki pretty sure he lives off the drink.

“Cap?” He knocks gently on the door and Aizawa looks up, motioning for him to enter. “I’ve got the report from the vet, for the dog we rescued.” Katsuki places the paper onto the messy desk.

Aizawa sighs, taking the paper and scanning over it. “Oh, Downtown Emergency Vet. My daughter works there.” He mumbles and although Katsuki knows it’s mostly to himself but he takes the opportunity.

“It seems like a decent place.” He replies and the Captain's eyes flicker up and he nods. “She work there long?”

“Since last year. Some brats own it but they’re good bosses to Eri. She never shuts up about the stories she gets from there.” Aizawa shakes his head but a fondness for his daughter is obvious in his deep eyes.

Katsuki raises an eyebrow, “Oh, who-“

“Bakugo, I’ve got a lot of work to do and I don’t feel like answering twenty one questions.” Aizawa cuts him off, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Plus, we’ve gotta set up for that damn massage chair. Dunno where we’re gonna put it. Figure it out, yeah?”

“Yessir.” Katsuki nods, backing out of the room and sighing. Why does he even care about that damn clinic? He was there for thirty damn minutes and now, he can’t get that stupid green hair and freckles out of his head. Pathetic. He shakes his head and pushes into the showers, searching to get the scent of smoke off of him.

Still, even as the hot water pounds down his back, he can’t get that damn veterinarian out of his head.

•

They get two more calls, one to put out a small grill fire in some idiots backyard and the other to an accident on the freeway. Katsuki gets an earful from the Captain for forgetting his helmet and jacket in an ambulance and how now, Aizawa has to track it down. By the time Katsuki gets back to the station, it’s nearly eight pm and he wants nothing more than to have some dinner and crawl into one of those beds. He’s still got nine hours left of his shift and while the calls distracted him for a few hours, he’s back to thinking about the vet.

He’s not even sure why, it was a brief meeting and he doesn’t even know the guys damn name. He sulks toward the kitchen, tossing his borrowed jacket onto a hangar and moves to pull open the fridge when Kirishima calls for him.

“Katsuki! Got someone here for you!” His voice echoes and Katsuki groans, cursing as he slams the fridge coach a little too hard.

He stomps over, cursing whoever dared to interrupt his dinner making time but when his eyes land on Kirishima who is talking to a certain green haired man, his eyes widen.

“Ah, vets are so cool!” He can faintly hear Kirishima say to the man, “You must get to see a lot of cool animals, right?” He leans against the wall as he talks to the veterinarian.

“Quite a few! I stitched up a Monitor a few days ago.” The vet replies, sheepishly grinning at Kirishima and annoyance builds in Katsuki’s stomach. Damn that red haired man and his natural charisma.

His friend tilts his head, “One of those massive lizards?” He asks, clearly iffy about the idea.

“Yeah! They’re really friendly and- Oh!” As the vet’s eyes land on Katsuki who’s walking over, he emerges from behind Kirishima fully and Katsuki notices his jacket and helmet on the man’s arm. “The paramedics dropped these off inside while you were at the clinic, I didn’t realize until our receptionist told me and I wasn’t able to drop them off until now! Sorry if it caused some trouble.” The man explains and holds out the items to Katsuki.

“Damn paramedics.” Katsuki huffs, taking them easily and his comment earns a ‘Heard that!’ From Tsu down the hall somewhere. “Thanks, I was wondering where the hell these went.” He gave the vet a thankful nod.

Kirishima places a hand on Katsuki. “Hey, now the Captain doesn’t have to go crazy looking for them! You saved Katsuki a lot of trouble, dude!” He chuckles and Katsuki shrugs his hand off. “I’m Kirishima Eijiro, by the way!” He introduces and Katsuki makes a silent thank god that his friend was opening the opportunity to learn the vets name.

“Nice to meet you I’m Midoriya-“ Katsuki can’t hear the last bit of the vets name because suddenly, the annoying ass alarms are blaring again and the lights are flashing yellow. Fuck.

“Shoot, we’ve gotta run but it was nice to meet you, man!” Eijiro is jumping to pull on his jacket and slings his helmet over his head quickly.

“Yeah, you too!” Midoriya shuffles out of the way and gives Katsuki a shy grin, “Nice to see you, Kacchan!” He waves and once again, Katsuki doesn’t have the gull to correct him, or unfortunately to ask him to repeat his name.

Veku? No. Shit. Deku? Yeah, that sounds right, he hopes. He could barely hear him over the blaring alarms but he settles on Deku. Deku Midoriya

Chapter Text

Katsuki gets through three more shifts before he’s dragged along with Eijiro, Denki and Hanta to some new bar that’d opened up. He doesn’t wanna go, he’d much rather spend one of his days off watching tv and rotting on his couch. But, he’d canceled on the last several outings and by now, his friends won’t stop pestering him.

The bar isn’t anything special, it’s pretty typical. Overcrowded, drunk idiots swaying on each other, music so loud it thumps in his chest and a few tables around that hold couples, single people trying to look open and of course a few sad, pathetic drunk people.

The four of them settle at a table not far from the bar and Eijiro goes to order their drinks while the rest of them stand around, waiting. Katsuki grits his teeth, doing his best not to completely ruin the mood for the group and listens while Hanta points out a few people he thinks are cute and Denki picks out his victim for the night - a tall girl way out of his league. Katsuki would sooner expect the sun to explode than Denki to bag the woman.

They’re several drinks deep when Denki works up the nerve to approach the woman. Eijiro and Hanta hype him up, whooping and giving him encouraging pats on his back while Katsuki tells him not to scare her off immediately. They watch as he approaches the woman, no doubt says some cheesy pickup line and Katsuki widens his eyes when the girl laughs and leans in closer to Denki.

“No fucking way.” Katsuki snorts, in disbelief that he actually didn’t get turned away immediately.

Eijiro cackles, “Look at our boy go! I totally thought he’d get a drink thrown in his face.” The redhead admits.

“Yeah, me fuckin’ too.” Katsuki agrees, taking another sip from his drink, the buzz of alcohol in his brain.

With that, Hanta stands, “Well, if he can do it, so can I.” he cracks his knuckles and gives a wild grin to his friends.

“Alright, go get ‘em, tiger!” Eijiro, forever the supportive friend beams back, giving Hanta a slap on his shoulder. They watch as he approaches a tall man and once again, Katsuki is surprised when the man allows Hanta to buy him a drink.

“There’s gotta be a CO2 leak in here. No damn way.” Katsuki mutters, shaking his head and downing his drink. It’s rare both Hanta and Denki don’t strike out immediately, usually it’s only one of them successfully hitting on someone. It wasn’t that they were unattractive, it was mostly the fact their pickup lines suck and they have no idea how to talk to someone they find attractive.

Eijiro snickers, “At this point I may need to ask them for some tips.” He jokes, earning an eye roll from the crimson eyed blonde. “Oh hey!” Eijiro perks up, glancing behind Katsuki. “Midoriya is here!”

At that, Katsuki turns his head, angling to see the green head of hair. Sure enough, Deku is here, standing against the bar, a drink in hand as he nods along to whatever the people next to him are saying. He recognizes the vet tech, Ochako but who he doesn’t recognize is the black haired, tall man with glasses and the red and white haired man standing on either side of Deku. He feels his jaw clench. Neither of them are standing particularly close to Deku, not enough for Katsuki to assume either of them are his boyfriend - hell, he doesn’t even know if the vet is gay or bi or whatever.

“Oh, cat got your eye, huh?” Eijiro teases, knowingly and sometimes Katsuki hates having such an observant best friend. “He’s hot, I’ll give you that. You should talk to him, man!” He encourages, wriggling his eyebrows annoyingly and giving Katsuki a toothy grin.

“Fuck off.” Katsuki huffs, shooting him a glare. “He’s probably with his boyfriend or whatever. I don’t fuckin’ know.”

As if taking it upon himself to find out, Eijiro stands. “Don’t worry, bro. I’ve got this.” He nods, confidently and before Katsuki can tell him to sit the fuck down, the red head is heading in the vets direction. He huffs, running a hand through his hair in annoyance.

He tries not to look like he’s staring as Eijiro approaches, calling out a “Midoriya! What’s up, man?” and gains Deku’s attention quickly. He can’t hear what else is said, all he sees is the vet giving Eijiro a wide grin and a fist bump (Eijiro’s favorite greeting). Katsuki steals the rest of his friends drink as they talk, desperate to focus on anything else. He notices a woman heading in his direction, tall, fit and has sleek black hair but he turns away from her, shutting her down before she can even open her mouth. She gives him a mean glare before heading back to her group of friends who also shoot Katsuki glares.

Before he knows it, Eijiro is bringing Deku and his whole fucking group to the table. Katsuki mentally prepares himself and tries not to look at what Deku is wearing - he’s not successful. The damn veterinarian is dressed in a pair of light blue, slightly baggy jeans and a deep red button up that’s baggy around him, one side of it tucked into his jeans and the buttons only buttoned about halfway up, letting the oversized shirt to hang around his collarbone loosely and show off part of his chest, teasingly.

“Katsuki, look who I’ve found!” Eijiro plays it off smoothly, to his credit as they get to the table, “Small town, huh?” He smirks.

Deku gives a small wave, “Hey, Kacchan!” He greets and when Eijiro opens his mouth in confusion at the name, Katsuki shoots him a warningful glare.

“So, do you all work at the clinic?” Eijiro asks smiling kindly at the group of randoms he brought over.

“Yeah! I’m a vet tech, Ochako Uraraka!”

“I’m also a vet tech, Tenya Iida. Nice to meet you all.” The black haired man greets, professionally and proudly. Katsuki refrains from rolling his eyes.

Next, the red and white haired man speaks. “Shoto Todoroki. I co-own the clinic with Izuku.” He says, face not bothering to show much, if any, emotion. He gives Eijiro and Katsuki a nod.

Izuku? Katsuki wonders if that’s some sort of nickname for Deku or ah fuck, is his name Izuku? He likes Deku better.

“Sick! I’m Eijiro Kirishima, this is my best bud!” The red haired man pats Katsuki on the back, giving a flashy smile to Deku’s friends. “Do you all come out often?”

Uraraka gives a nudge to Deku’s shoulder, “When we can! Usually one of us is stuck at the clinic but we close early on sundays so we decided to check out this new bar!” She answers, her voice kind and gentle.

“Yeah, when we can convince Izuku and Shoto to come out.” Iida chimes in, raising his drink to his mouth. Katsuki quirks an eyebrow up, are they fuckin’ dating or something? Two love-sick homebodies who have to be dragged out by their friends? Katsuki doesn’t even know why a twinge of jealousy courses through him, he barely knows the guy.

“What about you guys?” Uraraka hums.

With a chuckle, Eijiro nods. “I come out with our other friends almost every Sunday! It’s when we’ve got off at the station. Kat here barely ever comes out. He’s always at home.” He teases.

With a sigh, Katsuki shrugs. “Its way more relaxing than this. ‘Sides, I got a cat at home who’ll starve without me.” He adds, a small part of him hoping the mention of his cat will get Deku’s attention.

It does. But it also gets the rest of the nerd squads attention. “Oh, what kind of cat?” Todoroki asks, tilting his head to the side.

“Ah, cats are truly man’s best friend.” Iida nods approvingly.

“Aww! That’s so cute!” Uraraka swoons, her pink cheeks flushed from the alcohol in her system.

Deku grins widely but doesn’t say anything. He just listens eagerly for the answer to Todoroki’s question, staring at Katsuki with those large, captivating eyes.

Katsuki thinks for a moment, “Maine Coon. The little shit makes me wonder if I shoulda just gotten a damn dog.” He sighs, thinking back to the amount of dishware he’s had to replace because his son thinks it’s a toy to push off the counter.

At that, Deku perks up. “Maine Coon! Aw sick, we only get a few of those at the clinic but they’re gorgeous cats!” He chirps, leaning forward slightly, “How old?” He asks.

“He just turned two last month.” Katsuki answers Deku’s question quickly and does his best not to let his eyes trail to the opening of his shirt that’s much more visible now that he’s leaning forward.

Deku hums, “So just a baby then! What’s his name?” He asks and Katsuki is grateful he’s finally getting to talk to the vet whose been plaguing his mind.

He ignores Eijiro’s knowing smirk. “Dynamight.” Katsuki admits, feeling a little silly for his cats name. “I usually call him Might though.” He adds, hoping to lessen the blush creeping up his neck.

“Please tell me you’ve got pictures!” Uraraka chimes in. Shit, Katsuki nearly forgot the others were here, he’d been too focused on staring at Deku and not the muscular chest peeking out of his shirt.

With a nod, Katsuki pulls out his phone. He debates, the pictures of Might on his cat tree, standing on the counter or…He pauses, finger hovering over the picture of Might curled up on his chest, which flatteringly also happens to show off his own muscular chest. Which is definitely not any part of the reason he decides on that picture. Not at all. It’s actually a very cute picture of Might.

He turns the phone around to show the picture and the group ‘aww’s and swoons over the cat and how it’s cuddled up with Katsuki.

“Do you guys have pets?” Eijiro asks once Katsuki is done showing off his cat (chest). Surprisingly, the nerd group shakes their heads. “What! You guys all work with animals and have no pets?” The red head is astonished.

Deku smiles sheepishly, “I think it’s mostly because of how much we work with animals. Of course I love every animal but I’d like to come home and not have to worry about one of my own. I used to have a cat but every time we lost one at work, it just reminded me of my own.” He admits, rubbing the back of his neck and his friends nod in agreement.

“Technically I do have a fish but,” Iida speaks up. “He’s more of an acquaintance.” He sighs, fixing his glasses and Eijiro snorts at the comment.

“My girlfriend has a frog at her place that I hangout with!” Uraraka beams and then twists her face, “Oh! What station do you guys work at?”

“119!”

“No way! My girlfriend Tsu is the paramedic there!”

“Froppy is your girlfriend?” Eijiro widens his eyes, “That’s dope as hell! She’s one hell of a paramedic!”

The group talks for awhile longer about all types of things - what else they do in their free time which, turns out the nerd squad goes paint balling and Eijiro excitedly suggests they should all go sometime. They bid goodbye to Denki who comes around to inform them he’s leaving and with the hot woman he’d been with all night.

Eventually Hanta comes back over when his new friend leaves and Shoto, Iida and him head to get more drinks for the group. Suddenly, Eijiro and Ururaka decide to play darts which both Katsuki and Deku turn down an offer to play as well. Before Katsuki knows it, he’s across from Deku, alone.

The music thumps in Katsuki’s ears loudly, his mind buzzing from the several drinks he’s had and Deku gives him a smile that makes his head spin.

“It’s nice seeing you again, Kacchan! I honestly expected not to see you again. Not that I was hoping not to or anything but the city is so big and I’ve never seen you before so it’s nice to run into a familiar face every now and then!” Deku begins, rambling a bit and when his cheeks flush, it makes Katuski’s stomach flip.

He nods, “I almost wasn’t gonna come out tonight but the assholes convinced me too. I guess it wasn’t such a shit idea.” Katsuki replies, giving Deku a small smile. A brief silence falls and Katsuki rushes to fill it. “How long have you been a vet?” He goes to ask but the green haired man speaks at the same time.

“What made you wanna be a firefighter?”

They both pause and Deku laughs almost nervously, his hands coming up to rest on the table between them. Katsuki notices the deep scarring along his large digits and up to his forearm.

“Sorry! But um, about two years now! I graduated and Shoto and I agreed to open the clinic together and it’s been smooth sailing since then.” Deku replies, his thumbs twiddling together. “Ok, your turn.” He beams.

Katsuki gives a nod, “When I got outta highschool I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. After a few years of bartending, Eijiro convinced me to sign up with him and since then it’s been a solid job.” He shrugs, tilting his head to the side. “What about you? What made you wanna be a vet?”

“I’ve always liked animals and growing up I worked at a rescue! It sorta just made sense to become a vet to help!” Deku explains, a glimmer in his eye when he talks that makes Katsuki eager to hear more about him. “Your job seems super demanding. I don’t know if I could do what you do! I mean obviously we need firefighters, they’re like the badasses of the world but having people’s lives in your hands must be stressful.”

A small laugh escapes Katsuki, “It can be. The hours are long as fuck and it’s a tough job but it’s also rewarding to be able to help people. Sorta like you having peoples pets in your hands. People get fuckin’ crazy about their animals.” Katsuki points out, his index finger coming up to circle around the rim of his glass.

“You have no idea. Especially the super rich people we have coming in demanding to know what’s wrong with their dogs in thirty minutes or sometimes we get people who think they know better than us and it’s like ‘well who went to eight years of vet school?’” Izuku complains and Katsuki smiles at his frustration. “But we also have a lot of people who just really love their animals. They’ll bring their dog in cause its not eating or he’s squinting a lot and it’s always something small like a headache or tummy ache but it’s nice that people love their animals so much.” He adds, grinning.

Katsuki stops circling his cup and places his chin in his palm as Deku speaks. “Eight fuckin’ years? Shit, that’s a long ass time. I’m surprised those losers have the audacity to think they know better when you went through eight years of school.” Katsuki hums, “I graduated high school and even that was enough for me.”

“Sometimes I wanna throw my student loans at them.” Deku admits, shaking his head. “So, bartending, huh? Would you go back?” He asks, matching Katuski’s pose with his chin in his palm.

“Hell no. It was the worst job I’ve ever had. I mean, drunk people are already obnoxious and havin’ to be the one to get them to pay their tab or cut them off was the worst. I dunno how many people I’ve had to throw out.” Katsuki groans, recalling the long nights of getting cursed at by drunks and flirted with by women who couldn’t take a hint that he’s fuckin’ gay.

Gay as hell too. He’s doing his best not to stumble over his words and forget his train of thought every time he looks into the deep green pools that Izuku has for eyes or when the vet laughs and smiles in a way that makes his freckles dance and nose crinkle. Even if he wasn’t tipsy, bordering drunk, he’d still be fucking nervous.

“Ah really? I’ve debated trying it out to pay off some of my loans.” Izuku sighs and Katsuki raises an eyebrow.

“Don’t vets make a shit ton of money?”

“Sort of. I mean, it’s different since Shoto and I own the place. We’ve gotta pay the staff and pay rent, not to mention the cost of equipment upkeep, med costs, utilities and all that. Plus I’ve gotta pay rent on my own apartment.” Deku shrugs, “I could just start selling the extra meds we have to druggies though.” He jokes and Katsuki snorts at the comment.

“Oh yeah, they’d pay a fuck ton for some decent famotidine.” Katsuki snickers, rolling his eyes in amusement.

Deku grins, “Oh no, it’s all about the xylazine. I could make bank off that.”

Interrupting their banter, Shoto, Iida and Hanta come back with a handful of drinks in their hands, placing them along the table. It’s mostly shots, which makes Katsuki sigh as Hanta ushers Eijiro and Uraraka back over from their darts game. By the way the others begin tossing back the shots, Katsuki knows he’s gonna be in for a long night.

It goes exactly how Katsuki thought it’d go. Hanta and Eijiro hang off either side of Katsuki as he ushers them to a cab, drunkenly slurring their words and swaying back and forth, making it much harder than needed for Katsuki.

Behind him, Deku holds Uraraka while Shoto balances Iida who surprisingly, got drunk as hell for a man who seems so uptight. They wait patiently for the next taxi, and Katsuki admires the soft tone the vet holds with his very drunk brunette friend.

Once another cab pulls up, Deku puts Uraraka inside and helps Shoto with the tall black haired man and Katsuki starts to regret how quickly the night went by and he only got a single decent conversation with Deku. He lingers for a moment to make sure the nerd squad gets in safely and does his best to work up the courage to ask Deku for his number.

Turns out, he doesn’t have to because before Izuku pulls open the passenger door to the cab he gives Katsuki a shy smile. “By the way, I meant to ask earlier but didn’t really get the chance,” he pauses and hesitates, his face growing red. “Can I get your number? I know we were all talking about going paint balling and it’d make it easier if at least two of us who can remember making those plans could communicate! If not I totally understand-“

“Yeah, nerd. You can have my number when you stop rambling about shit.” Katsuki interrupts, though as cute as he found the vets rambling, he can see the cab drivers getting impatient with both groups.

Deku grins, a newfound confidence moving him forward as Katsuki takes out his phone and hands it to Izuku. The man types fast, his tongue poking out and then hands the phone back.

“Hey, are we going? I think Uraraka may barf.” Todoroki suddenly pokes his head out of the backseat, voice monotone.

“Right! Well thanks! It was really nice talking to you, Kacchan!” Deku gleams up at Katsuki and quickly, the blond man takes the opportunity to correct Deku.

“It’s Katsuki, by the way.”

Deku pauses, “What?” His face turns even redder, “I’ve been calling you Kacchan since we met! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” He asks, exasperatedly and covers his face in embarrassment. Katuski’s chest warms at the nerds reaction.

“You said it so damn confidently, I didn’t wanna correct you.” He reasons with a quick shrug and Izuku groans, shaking his head.

“That’s so embarrassing.” He huffs, wearily lifting his eyes to meet Katsuki’s.

“To be fair, I thought your name was Deku until tonight.” Katsuki reasons with a nonchalant shrug, “Though I think I’ll keep Deku, it suits you.”

The man laughs, “Fine. I’ll call you Kacchan then. Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Katsuki heart pounds in excitement as he gets into his own cab, a smirk playing at his lips. He tells the cab driver his address quickly and then opens his phone to look at what Deku had put into his phone.

Izuku Midoriya (The veterinarian!) He added, as if Katsuki wouldn’t remember the freckled man. As if he hadn’t been in his mind every moment since seeing him.

“Ahh, Katsuki got a number!” Eijiro cheers, drunkenly and tries to fist bump Hanta. They completely miss, nearly knocking each other in the jaws in the process.

“Fuck off.”

When Katuski settles into bed after thirty excruciating minutes of getting Eijiro and Hanta settled on his couches, he hovers over Deku-Izuku’s contact. It wouldn’t be weird to text him, right? It’d be smart so that way he could also have Katsuki’s number and plus, he did ask for Katsuki’s number in the first place.

After writing out and deleting about fifteen texts, Katsuki finally settles on one.

To: Izuku (The veterinarian!)
Hey, its Katsuki. Or Kacchan since I dunno if you’ll recognize my actual name. Figured you’d actually want to have my number since you asked for it. Also, did you get your nerd squad back alright?

He hits send, puts his phone down and squeezes his eyes shut, willing himself to go to bed. To not stay up contemplating his text and if he said the right thing. He could have come up with someone way more casual and cool. He already regrets his lame ass text.

He’s about to shove a pillow over his face when suddenly, his phone buzzes.

From: Izuku (The veterinarian!)
Hm yeah, I don’t know anyone named Katsuki. Kacchan is much more familiar.

Also, yeah! Ochako puked outside the cab but at least it wasn’t in the cab. How about you?

Katsuki bites back his grin, despite the fact he’s alone in his room. He debates texting back immediately - Deku did after all but he also doesn’t wanna come off too eager. Instead, he settles for changing Deku’s contact name before shooting back a text a minute later.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Somehow not surprised she puked. I don’t think I’ve seen someone take so many damn shots in a row.
Hanta threw a fit about not getting with the guy he was trying to get with for like fifteen fucking minutes but he’s finally asleep. Eijiro passed out immediately but his snoring is gonna keep me up all fuckin’ night.

Katsuki feels like some idiot teenager smiling as he writes out the text, snickering at the contact name. He didn’t need the reminder of who Deku was but, part of him relished in the way the nerd had written out his contact name. He feels his heart skip a beat when his phone buzzes quickly.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Sounds like we’ve both got our hands full. Does Kirishima snore often?

Katuski furrows his brows at Deku’s question but he shrugs anyway, typing out a response.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
All the fucking time. I can hardly get a decent night's rest cause the asshole is always snoring in my ear.

He thinks back to the countless nights in the stations sleeping rooms, Eijiro on the bed next to his, mouth wide open and alarmingly loud sounds coming from him. He’s reached over to try and shut the assholes mouth plenty of times but it never works out. He swears it just makes the red haired freak snore louder.

It’s several minutes before Deku texts back.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Ah, I see. Well, I hope you all sleep well :) Btw, you could get Kirishima mouth tape, I heard a lot of people get that for their partners who snore a lot.

Katsuki is even more confused by Deku’s next text. Partner? He supposes Eijiro is sort of like his partner. They ride in the rig together, workout together and ah fuck. Does Deku think he’s fucking dating Eijiro?

He types out another text quicker than he’d like to admit.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
I’ll have to mention that to his girlfriend. Can’t imagine what it’s like sharing a bed with the snoring asshole.

He nods, satisfied with his text before realizing he never replied to Izuku’s ‘sleep well’ text. “Shit.” He curses, opening his phone back up but before he can even text back, Deku already replied.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Oh yeah, I can’t imagine her pain! I put on white noise, maybe it’d help with your sleep tonight? Plus, a few studies show it encourages deeper, more restful sleep!

Katsuki rolls his eyes. Yep. He definitely gave off the impression that he and Eijiro were dating. Filled with the relief that he clarified his standing with his red haired best friend, he doesn’t even stop to think about the fact Deku had seemed disappointed about the knowledge he was dating Eijiro.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Of course you’d know about shit like that. I’ll try it out tonight, maybe it’ll muffle Eijiro snoring and Hanta’s drunk ramblings from the living room.

He makes sure to clarify that his friends are in the living room. No more mix ups on his end!

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
I’ll cross my fingers for you! If it makes you feel any better, Shoto talks in his sleep more than he talks when he’s awake. He’s always saying random stuff, especially about work. He woke me up once because he was demanding a tubing for intubation.

Oh. Oh. Katuski feels his heart drop and he glares at the text. Right. Just because he’s single, doesn’t mean Izuku is. He should have known by the way Todoroki was always at Izuku’s side, except for when he’d gone to get more drinks. Still, Todoroki had brought back Deku’s ‘favorite’ which was an all too fruity cocktail and then the damn Half n Half bastard had resumed a position beside Izuku..

Katsuki feels like a fucking idiot.

Deku is clearly too nice for his own good. He probably felt like he had to entertain Katsuki and had to ask for his number in order to hold up the paintball idea their idiots friends came up with.

His phone buzzes again and Katuski jumps to see the message. Pathetically and longingly. This stupid ass vet had him wrapped around his finger.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
The walls are thin, the white noise only goes so far sometimes. I’ve heard him talk about his lunch plans for the next day more than a few times now! By the way, I think I have Kirishima’s credit card, I picked it up off the table because it seemed left behind and totally forgot about it!

Walls. Katuski feels his grin return. The nerds are just roommates, aren’t they? He can help but roll his eye at the constant misunderstanding that’s already occurred. He can feel the exhaustion setting in but still, he does his best to type out a response that makes sense.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Is it the one with the overlay of a red flames? If so, that’s his corny ass card.

Katuski sighs, of course his idiot friend would forget his credit card. If his head wasn’t attached to his body, Eijiro would’ve left his damn head at the bar.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Yes! That’s it! I can drop it off tomorrow at the station if that works?

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
We’re both off tomorrow. Won’t be at the station until tuesday. We can always come by the clinic to pick it up?

He suggests, jumping at the opportunity to see Deku, if only for a moment. Plus, then he’d get to see him in those scrubs again.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Ok! I’ll be in at 6am so whenever you guys wanna stop by!

Katsuki frowns, glancing at the clock. It’s nearly two am. He furrows his face.

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Six fucking am? It’s almost two, Deku. Go the hell to bed!

He shakes his head. How in the hell does the nerd expect to get a decent nights rest now?

From: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Ok ok! Goodnight, Kacchan! I’ll see you tomorrow :)

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)
Night nerd.

Eijiro doesn’t wake up until nearly ten, despite Katuski eagerly waking him up around eight. Katsuki’s already showered, gone on a morning run, had a small breakfast and did a load of laundry by the time his idiot friend drags himself out of bed and washes his face.

“Dude, it’s so nice that Midoriya grabbed my credit card! Otherwise I’d probably be in a ton of debt from people passing it around at the bar!” Kirishima grins as they head out to their bikes parked outside Katuski’s duplex. They left Hanta inside with a fresh pot of coffee for whenever he wakes up. Now that Katuski thinks about it, he should’ve checked the guy's pulse.

Shrugging, Katuski pulls his black helmet over his spiked hair. “You need a leash for your card. Didn’t you lose your last one like two months ago?” He asks, flipping up his visor and watching Eijiro slide his own helmet on.

“Those things are slippery, man! People lose theirs all the time!” He argues, settling onto his bright red bike - the color matches his obnoxious shitty hair.

“I’ve never lost mine. Seems like you’re just a dumbass.” Katuski smirks, dusting a fallen leaf from his own sleek, black bike and pushing in the key. His motorcycle revs to life, rumbling through his chest and he flips his visor down, giving a shrug to Eijiro who is frowning at his comment.

The clinic isn’t far, it takes a short ten minutes to arrive. Katsuki takes in the outside better this time, now that he’s not distracted by an injured dog. It’s an old brick building and windows adjourned with window flower pots sit every few feet from each other. On the door writes ‘Downtown Emergency Vet - Dr. Midoriya and Dr. Todoroki’ In orange writing with a few drawings of dogs, cats, mice and a snake. Katsuki rolls his eyes in attempt to push down the feeling of fondness at the welcoming door.

Eijiro pushes open the door and holds it open for Katsuki, their helmets perched in their arms as they enter. A young girl with light pastel blue hair sits behind the desk, typing on a computer with a kind smile on her face. Katsuki recognizes her from the photos on Captain Aizawa’s desk - his daughter. She’d also been in the station a few times though last time he saw her, Eri was much shorter looking.

Surprisingly, the girl recognizes the men quickly. “Bakugo, Kirishima! What are you two doing here?” She perks up, giving them a bright smile and tilting her head.

“I’m here to pickup my credit card from Dr. Midoriya!” Eijiro replies, wriggling his eyebrows at Katsuki as he says the veterinarians name.

Eri hums, “I’ll go grab him! Good timing, he just got out of surgery and I think he’s about to go to lunch!” She jumps up, skipping out from behind the counter. “Wait here!” She pushes open the swinging doors and Eijiro flashes Katsuki a devilish grin.

“Lunch, huh. You know, I bet he’d like some company. There’s that new cafe that opened down the street. Mina said she went there and it was super cute.” He suggests, raising his eyebrows twice and winking.

Katsuki grimaces, “Fuck off, shitty hair. We’re just here to get your card.” He grumbles, and when the double doors swing open, Eri skipping back out and giving the men a thumbs up, Deku appears behind her.

Jesus fuck. Katsuki feels the breath escape his lungs. Deku is dressed in dark green scrubs that compliment his eyes and cling to his fit body like a fucking glove. His hair is covered by a black scrub cap though several of his green curls poke out from underneath.

“Dr. Midoriya! Very professional looking dude!” Eijiro greets, giving the veterinarian a fist bump as he approaches.

Deku smiles sheepishly, “Sorry, I just got out of surgery!” He pulls off his scrub cap to reveal the mess of curls beneath and they flop out to frame his tan skin perfectly. “Oh! Here’s your card!” He pulls the red flame colored credit card from his pocket.

“Thanks man! Also, what surgery did ya do?” Eijiro asks, tucking his card into his wallet.

“It was an observational surgery for an obstruction but we ended up finding a few socks inside the poor dogs intestines!” He answers, “Poor baby will be alright though.” He adds, assuringly and the way he talks about his work has Katsuki forcing a fond smile from his lips.

Eijiro widens his eyes, “Damn! It’s so cool you do stuff like that! Don’t you think, Katuski?” He asks, nudging the blonde man with a smirk.

“The eight years of school seem like they end up being pretty important.” Katsuki replies with a casual shrug and Deku laughs, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand holding his scrub cap.

Then, the man gives them a nervous look. “I was thinking about trying out the new cafe down the street for lunch. Have you guys eaten?” He asks, his smile a little wobbly and a flush overcomes his cheeks when he makes eye contact with Katsuki.

“Hell yeah!” Eijiro is agreeing with a quick nod, “We’re in, right Kat?” He asks.

Katuski swallows thickly, “Whatever. Guess I could eat.” He tries not to sound too excited to spend more time with the nerd.

Deku lightens up, grinning widely. “Sweet! I just need to go grab a few things and then I’ll be right out!” He tells them, turning on his heel quickly. “Eri, I’m heading to lunch! Want anything from the cafe?” He asks, pausing halfway through the doorway.

“A muffin please!” Eri replies politely.

Then, Deku disappears into the back room and Katuski releases a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Eijiro turns to him quickly, “Alright, here’s the plan! I’m gonna bail to go meet up with Mina and you’re gonna have a whole lunch with Midoriya.” He tells him, proudly as if he’s doing Katsuki a favor. Which he sort of is, but Katuski’s nerves jolt at the thought of not having his extrovert friend there to ease any tension he may accidentally create.

“What? Fuck no. He invited both of us.”

“Yeah but dude was totally checking you out the whole time! Which, did you wear that gear on purpose since it’s the most flattering?” Eijiro snickers, motioning to the outfit Katuski chose.

He would never admit it to her overbearing best friend but, he definitely put on his favorite outfit. It’s nothing too special, just a pair of black cargo jeans, a black t-shirt with a skull on the front, his leather, slightly padded motorcycle jacket and a pair of black doc martens that’ve seen better years but he is not breaking in another pair of those shits.

“Shut the fuck-“ He cuts himself off when Deku appears back from the back room, giving Eri a quick wave and halting in front of the two firefighters. He’d fixed his hair a bit, thrown on a brown and beige flannel that’s a little big but suits him.

“All set!” He hums, eagerly. “Do we wanna walk, it’s not too far!” He asks, and sets his eyes on Katsuki’s helmet still tucked under his arm.

Katuski shrugs, “Walking sounds fine to me.” He agrees and turns, pushing open the entrance door and holding it open as Eijiro and Deku walk through. His heart stammers when the green haired boy gives him a ‘Thanks!’.

He pauses, locking his helmet on his bike and suddenly, Eijiro jumps. “Oh shoot! I forgot I’m meeting Mina to help pick out… new pillows! Rain check?” He lies, poorly.

Deku doesn’t seem to notice, “Yeah! It was nice seeing you again, Kirishima!” He nods, giving a wave and watching as Eijiro waves and pops his helmet back on, turning his bike on swiftly. He gives Katuski a thumbs up before peeling out of the parking lot.

The pair begin walking shortly after, Katuski’s hands tucked in the pocket of his jacket and he stares at the buildings they pass by.

“I didn’t realize you rode! How long have you been riding for?” Deku asks and when Katuski glances down at him, he’s already staring at Katuski with bright eyes.

“About seven years.” He replies, “Sometimes I contemplate giving it up but the damn bike was expensive and so was the gear so.” He shrugs, peeling his eyes off Deku and focusing on the crosswalk ahead of them. “Have you ever ridden?”

To his surprise, Deku hums, “I used to in college. Not really much anymore.” He admits and Katuski does his best not to picture Deku in a motorcycle jacket and hair messy from a helmet.

He tilts his head, “Why’d you stop?” He asks. He doesn’t really know anyone who’ve quit riding - everyone who does is an adrenaline junkie and that’s pretty hard to grow out of.

Deku falls silent for a moment and then laughs nervously. “I was in an accident a few years back. Shattered my left arm, broke a few fingers and fractured my ankle. Totally destroyed my bike too.” He frowns, shrugging down his flannel to reveal a long scar along his forearm and up to his bicep that Katuski hadn’t noticed before.

The blonde frowns, “Fuck. That sounds really bad. What happened?” he asks, blinking at the veterinarian with worried crimson eyes.

“I was on the highway and a car merged over. Didn’t see me and I guess and I ended up in a ditch. The rest of the details are pretty hazy, I had a concussion and passed out pretty much as soon as my head hit the ground. Thank gosh for helmets.” He laughed, casually and taps the side of his head.

“Cars never fuckin’ pay attention.” Katsuki grumbles, his mind filling with worry at the thought of the nerd in such a bad accident. “Would you ride again?”

Deku thinks for a few minutes, his nose crinkling as he purses his lips. “Maybe. It depends, y’know! I can’t really risk doing anymore damage to my fingers, it took too much physical therapy to get them back to 100% and with needing good mobility for surgery it’s a pretty big risk. I’d probably ride with someone I trusted though.” He nods his head, his curls bobbing as he does. “Have you ever been in an accident?” He questions as they near the cafe and Katuski takes a large step to pull open the door for Deku.

“A few minor ones. Nothing serious like the shit that happened to you.” He gives the man a small smile when Deku squeaks out another ‘Thanks’ and walks through the door.

“I feel like accidents and ‘minor’ don’t really fit.” He laughs, raising an eyebrow and Katuski shrugs, smirking slightly down at the boy.

The inside smells like a sweet mixture of coffee, eggs and toast. Several tables fill the center and line the walls and a eating bar sits along the windows in front. The back holds a counter with a tired looking student standing behind with several coffee and tea machines, a plethora of flavored syrups and a few ready to go pastries behind a glass. Framed pictures of mountains and flower fields sit tastefully against the matcha green walls and soft music plays through speakers.

Katsuki orders his meal, which he settles for a simply curry with water and then, he turns to Deku, waiting for him to order as well. The veterinarian looks surprised when Katsuki turns to him and steps forward to order a plate of pancakes and a coffee. The nerd is already fumbling to get his wallet out when the cashier tells them their total and before Deku can even pull out his card, Katuski hands over his own card.

“Hey! I was gonna get that.” Deku frowns and Katsuki just shrugs at him. “I can pay you back-“

“I got it, nerd.” Katsuki rolls his eyes, taking his card and receipt from the tired student and waits for Izuku to pick a place to sit.

He settles for a corner table that’s several tables from anyone else in the cafe and slides into the brown booth while Katuski takes the chair across from him.

The cafe is peaceful and the conversation flows easily. Katsuki asks about his least favorite animal - the nerd doesn’t have one - and Deku asks about his least favorite calls to get at the station. They talk about high school and Katuski widens his eyes in surprise when the veterinarian admits he wrested and won nationals two years in a row. He tries not to feel proud when he tells Deku he played baseball and the nerd goes on a whole ramble about how he loves watching baseball but could never make a team.

For the first time in years, Katuski fully enjoys himself. He doesn’t get annoyed at any point and doesn’t bite his tongue to keep from saying anything snarky - there is nothing snarky he could come up with if he wanted to. Even when Deku chastised him for his relentless cursing, holding a playful grin the entire time he just tells him to ‘fuck off’ smirking the entire time. Deku nearly forgets to get Eri’s muffin before Katuski reminds him and the nerd slaps his forehead and jumps up to buy several muffins, muttering about how Ochako and Shoto would probably want one too.

The hour passes quickly and before he knows it, they’re walking back to the clinic, hands brushing every now and then. It sends jolts up Katsuki’s spine each time and his heart hammers in his chest when Deku gives him a wide grin, thanks him for lunch and heads back into work, leaving Katsuki standing outside the clinic like a lovestruck teenager.

He doesn’t know what it is about Deku that has him so captivated. It could be his laugh, the way it bubbles out into a sweet song that graces Katsuki’s ears. Or the way when he grins his eyes sparkle and his nose crinkles up. Maybe the way he’s polite to everyone and talks about his job like it’s his favorite thing in the universe.

Shit.

Katsuki never did stand a chance, did he?

Chapter Text

Katsuki feels sick by the end of his shift. It’s not often they have fatalities on the job but when they do it’s never easy. It’s hard to scrub the scent of burnt hair and flesh from his skin and even harder to erase it from his mind - to ignore the guilt inside of him. What if they’d just been faster? Closer? What if he’d been better? 

Today is no different. A dead old woman in a nursing home - left behind by the caretakers to die a painful, agonizing death alone. She lived so long, went through so many achievements, had triumphs and defeat and to go out without so much as a hand to hold onto. It’s unfair. Life is unfair. 

Katsuki takes an extra long shower and notices the way the rest of the station sulks about. Death is never easy for any of them on the job. He sinks into the couch in the common room, fresh coffee in hand. They still have eleven hours on shift. Denki and Hanta are asleep upstairs, Eijiro making a microwaveable ramen and Tsu sits on the love seat, half asleep across from Katsuki. Her paramedic partner, Momo sits beside her, working on a crossword. 

It’s been a week since he met Deku for lunch and he hasn’t seen the veterinarian since. There was a warehouse full of neglected dogs found just outside the city a few days ago and from what Tsu said, Deku’s clinic took on the case pro-bono and his paramedic colleague hasn’t seen her girlfriend but for a few hours a day. Which means Deku has undoubtedly been working tirelessly. 

He’s debated texting him a few times but he doesn’t want the nerd to be wasting his valuable time worried about texting Katuski back on time. Like he said before the nerd is too nice for his own good. 

Which is exactly why he didn’t expect his phone to buzz suddenly with the specific vibration he may or may not have set Deku’s tone to. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Afternoon, Kacchan! I heard about the call your station took this morning. How are you holding up? I can’t imagine calls like that are easy :(

Katsuki rolls his eyes. Yeah, leave it to the nerd to be worried about Katuski when he’s been helping neglected dogs all week which certainly cannot be an easy job. 

Still, he smiles softly. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Shit happens. I’ll get over it. Heard you took on the neglect case from the warehouse. How’s it going?

He sips the coffee, wincing slightly has the temperature burns his tongue and he swallows it quickly, blowing softly on the liquid as he stares at his phone, waiting for a response. 

From behind him, Eijiro appears. “Ooh, texting your crush, Kat?” He hums, hair still wet from his shower and a fresh uniform on his body. 

Tsu raises her eyes, “Crush? Katsuki’s got a crush?” She asks, as if the information was incredibly valuable. 

Eijiro hops over the couch and settles beside Katuski, grinning wickedly. “Oh yeah. Y’know the vet your girlfriend works with? Kat here’s been smitten since he dropped off that shiba the other week!” 

“Wait. Shoto or Izuku?” Momo chimes in and Katuski raises a brow at how she knows either of them. As if reading his mind, she shrugs, “I go to the wine nights Ochaco hosts.” 

Wine nights? Katuski grimaces at the idea. Of course the nerd would go to wine nights. 

“Izuku!” Eijiro clarifies and wriggles his eyebrows, “Hey, you two know him! Any details Katsuki should know?” He leans forward, tapping his fingers together like he’s some cheesy fucking villain plotting his master plan. 

Katsuki groans dramatically but doesn’t curb the conversation. 

Tsu and Momo give each other a grin and perk up. “Izuku’s a sap. Likes action over words. Y’know? Don’t just tell him how you feel, show him.” Tsu points out and Katsuki scoffs. Katsuki is a man of action after all. 

“Oh! He’s a nerd! Into all those All Might movies and collects vintage merch and stuff.” Momo adds on, as if she’s eager to get Deku hooked up with someone. 

“His birthday is next month too. He’s turning 29. Also, his favorite food is katsudon.” Tsu adds, as if it’s the cherry on top for what Katuski needs to know about Izuku. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “Well thanks for basically nothing, extras.” He huffs, trying to hide the fact he’s memorizing all of what they just told him. Tsu and Momo give each other a grin. 

Then, his phone buzzes again with that signature vibration and Katuski slides to the side, hiding his phone from Eijiro who’s still grinning and watching with anticipation. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

You’re tough, Kacchan, but if you ever wanna talk about anything I’m here :) 

Honestly the case has been difficult. A lot of the dogs were too far gone to save. 

That’s all he says and Katsuki can virtually feel the weight and pressure on the nerds shoulders through his short text. His stomach twists in worry and all he can do his hope that Deku is taking care of himself. From the way he stayed up way too late before work in the morning and ordered himself a heap of pancakes, he can’t imagine Deku’s getting the sleep and food he needs. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Make sure you’re taking care do yourself, nerd. 

•

When Monday rolls around, Katsuki finds himself standing outside the clinic, arms full of bags from several different restaurants nearby. He’d never admit it but he spent the better early hours of his day off ordering takeout from a plethora of places. 

This is fucking stupid. He debates entering. He’s gonna look like some cheesy sap turning up to give the clinic a bunch of food. The sign on the door reads ‘Closed until 12pm due to outside case! Sorry for the inconvenience!’ Which means they’re still working on the neglect case. 

Just when he’s about to turn around and curse himself out for being a stupid sap, Eri appears beside him, a satchel around her shoulders and a slightly tired look in her eyes. 

“Afternoon, Bakugo!” She greets, her young face reminding Katuski of the years he’d spent in high school. “Ooh! Are you dropping off food for the clinic? That’s so kind of you!” She grins, eyeing the takeout bag in Katuski’s arms. “Shoto and Izuku have been basically sleeping here and eating microwaveable meals so they’re gonna be pumped to have some good food!” 

Katuski nods, “Figures. I heard about their case the other day and thought they’d be working themselves to the damn bone.” He shrugs, a part of him grateful for Eri’s approval of the food.

She lets out a soft laugh, “That’s an understatement. You know they found about thirty dogs in the warehouse. They were a part of a dog fighting ring. We’ve lost about fifteen due to severe injuries, starvation and dehydration. The rest are in critical care.” She frowns, a deep sadness taking over her previous cheerful nature. 

It only goes to show how serious the case Deku is working on. Katsuki can’t imagine losing so many people during a call and its no different for Izuku. The nerd loves animals, enough that he couldn’t even pick out a least favorite so Katuski can’t imagine the toll loosing so many patients would take. 

With that, Eri pulls open the door and lets Katuski enter first due to the bags around his arms. She skips in, turning on her upbeat demeanor and gives him a smile. 

“I’ll let them know you’ve brought food!” She hums, slinging her satchel behind the counter and pushing past the double doors. 

Katsuki sets the bags down on the counter, all except for one, and stands around, debating if he should just leave the food for them to come and get or if he should wait and say hello. 

He barely gets the chance to contemplate before suddenly, Eri is returning along within a group of worn out workers. Iida is the first one through and his glasses sit crooked on his head, hair messy as opposed to the perfect style he wore at the bar. Uraraka comes next with a flurry of brunette hair pulled into a small ponytail and a stain on her scrubs. A few other vet techs Katuski doesn’t recognize trail out, looking almost as exhausted as the rest and then Todoroki appears. He looks the worst so far, dark circles under his eyes and his half n half hair mixing together messily. Finally, Deku trails after, his curls flattened against a scrub cap, eyes dark and deep bags sit under them. His scrubs hold a few blood stains. 

He looks exhausted. Yet still, when his eyes land on Katuski they shine with excitement. Katuski barely pays attention to the extras who begin handing out the containers of food and cheering excitedly at the fresh meal. 

“Kacchan! Did you bring all this for us?” He asks, bypassing the line of food and heading straight for the crimson eyed man. He tilts his head up, eager for an answer. 

Katuski swallows, looking away from the nerd and then shrugging before meeting his gaze once again. “Passed by a few stores while I was in the area. Figured you all could use a pick-me-up for the shit you’ve been dealing with.” He shrugs and holds the final bag in his hand out to Deku. 

The veterinarian quirks an eyebrow before Katsuki nudges the bag further towards him. “That’s really nice of you, Kacchan!” Deku beams, taking the bag after a moment and pulls it open, popping the takeout container open. Katuski watches as Deku’s cheeks flush. “Katsudon! Ah, I’ve been dreaming about some good katsudon.” He grins, then gives Katsuki a grin so genuine and sweet it makes the blonde melt. 

Ignoring the sounds of grateful vet techs digging into the food, Katsuki relishes in the grateful look Deku gives him. The pine haired man takes a deep breath of the katsudon and practically moans.

“You really didn’t have to do this. I know it must’ve cost a lot but I can pay you back-“

Katuski huffs. “If I wanted you to pay me back I would’ve become a damn delivery driver.” He crosses his arms over his broad chest, “You have time to eat or what?” He grumbles, sharp eyes staring down at Deku with a sort of admiration. 

Excitedly, the veterinarian reaches out, his scarred fingers wrapping around Katsuki’s leather jacket and tugging him forward. “I’ve got a few minutes!” He says, leading them toward the back swinging doors. The sound of the rest of the workers eating excitedly drowns out as Katsuki is basically dragged down the hall and to the very back, where a glass door sat, looking out onto a small garden area. “Oh, I should’ve asked if you had time to eat or if you wanted to eat!” Deku turns around sheepishly and laughs nervously.

“Well I didn’t just bring the food by to watch you all fuckin’ feast.” Katuski assures him and the nerd grins, pushing open the door.

“This is where we take dogs out when they’re here for awhile.” He explains, walking them over to a small picnic table. The outside has manicured grass, and river rock lines the edges while a large tree provides a decent amount of shade. 

They slide into the seats and Deku pulls out the container of katsudon, placing it between them. Honestly, Katsuki had intended on snagging one of the udons from the rest of the food he got but the damn extras in the clinic swooped in and stole them before he got the chance. Usually he’d tell them all to fuck off and take whatever food he pleased but he wasn’t looking to be an asshole in Deku’s workplace. 

He’s not surprised that Deku is wordlessly offering to share the food, the boy slides over the chopsticks in the bags and snaps his own with excitement. 

“You’re off today, right?” The veterinarian asks as he picks up a bite of food, giving Katuski a curious look. 

Katsuki nods, placing his chopsticks in his fingers, “Yeah. We work 24hours on, 24 off.” He replies shrugging lightly. “It’s a fuckin’ mess of a schedule but it works out alright.” 

Deku widens his eyes, “That sounds exhausting. You get to sleep at the station at least, right?” He frowns, a hand covering his mouth as he chews his food. Katuski nods. “We should put beds in here. I could use a nap between cases.” he chuckles. 

“You look like you could fuckin’ use it. When’s the last time you slept, last week?” He asks, trying to come off in a slightly joking manner while also worried. He takes a bite of the katsudon, his mouth watering at the taste. 

The man’s smile is wobbly, “I get a few hours while Shoto takes over.” He shrugs, taking another bite. “It’s really kind of you to bring some food over here. The vet techs really deserve it.” 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “Yeah well I only brought the food for them. Not the vets who’ve been working tirelessly.” He scoffs, still amazed by Izuku’s selflessness and obliviousness. 

They manage to talk for around twenty minutes and finish the food. Katuski doesn’t bring up the case Deku is working on now - mostly because when he asks about how he’s holding up, the nerd’s eyes get all glossy and his bottom lip tucks under his teeth before shrugging and Katuski changes the topic. He didn’t come here to make the nerd cry more. 

So, they talk about how Eijiro got pulled over the other day and managed to get out of the ticket by Katsuki calling him and demanding with plenty of curses why he wasn’t in the station. The cop - too frazzled by Katuski’s crude yelling through the phone let Eijiro go. Deku grins when telling Katsuki about how at the last wine night - a few days ago - Ochaco got too wine drunk and spilt the entire bottle on her blanket. 

Katsuki snorts and rolls his eyes, about to make a sly comment about the brunette not being able to handle her alcohol when suddenly, one of the vet techs Katsuki doesn’t recognize bursts through the door. His eyes are wide, frantic and black spiked hair sits along his anxious look. 

“Dr. Midoriya! Two of the dogs are crashing!” 

Deku is on his feet before Katsuki even wraps his head around the vet techs words. “Thanks, Sato.” Deku mutters and gives Katsuki an apologetic look. “Thank you for the lunch, Kacchan! I’m sorry I’ve gotta run.” He frowns.

“Go save a dog, Deku.” 

-

Katuski feels just as out of depth as the first time he was in the back hallways when he leaves the garden shortly after Deku ran off, the empty takeout container in his hands as he tries to avoid the vet techs that are running around. He stops for a moment when he hears a familiar voice calling out orders.

“I need a 7mil tube! He needs intubated. Push 15ml Naloxone.” Izuku orders and mutters a small thank you which tells Katuski he got what he needed. There’s a brief silence and then, to his surprise, Deku curses. “Shit. Airway is closing. I need to trach. Ten blade.” 

Katsuki pokes his head around the door just in time to wish he hadn’t. A medium sized dog is on its back, shaking slightly with an IV in his chest. Izuku wears a pair of latex gloves, his scrub cap and a mask, his hand outstretched and taking a scalpel from Iida, all without lifting his eyes. Then, he slowly and precisely cuts along the dogs throat (What the fuck) and then hands the scalpel back. “Tube, please.” He asks and Iida is already placing it in his hand. With one hand parting the bleeding cut, the other carefully inserts the tube. The dog stops shaking and Izuku lets out a breath. “Ok. He’s stable, airway is clear.” 

With that, Katuski ducks out of the back room, his eyes wide. Sure, he knew shit got serious with veterinary, dogs needed emergency surgery just like humans but seeing Deku in his element like that, barking orders (politely) and saving a dogs life has a strange feeling swirling in Katuski’s stomach. Somehow, just how capable the nerd is, makes the man like him all the more.

Chapter Text

“The dogs are all being shipped off to a rehab facility this morning. Figured you’d wanna know that Izuku’s gonna have more time on his hands.” Tsu mutters to Katsuki as the blonde passed by her, his bag slung over his shoulder and hair messy from a partial drying out of the shower. He shoots her a glare. “Don’t shoot the messenger.” She shrugs, walking off to grab her own belongings.

Katsuki hadn’t seen Deku since he watched him do the tracheotomy on the dog. (Yes, he went home to look up veterinary terms and also may have looked up Izuku Midoriya Tokyo Vet and found many pictures of the nerd on social media with grateful pet parents, at college and hell even a few wresting pictures from when he won nationals that Katuski did not save to his camera roll at all.) Still, that was nearly a week ago. He’d partially assumed the dogs would’ve been healed up sooner than that but he also knows from his research that it’s a long road of recovery for the type neglect the dogs had been through. 

If Katuski was honest, he was exhausted. They took six calls today, each one harder than the last. A bush fire, two car accidents, fixing a fire hydrant some idiot ran over and flooded the street with, and two house fires. The two fatalities during the second accident weighed heavy on Katuski, even more so when they pulled the bodies out to reveal two children. Kids who hadn’t even gotten to begin their lives - to experience love or find their passions. All he wants to do is go home, snuggle with Dynamight and binge movies for the next twenty four hours straight. 

The morning air is crisp and the sun is about to peek over the horizon in about an hour making the sky a dark blue, the stars fading out. He takes a moment, breathing in the fresh air and lulling his head back, shoulders slumping. Such a peaceful morning for such a heavy shift.

Just as he’s about to hop on his bike, his phone buzzes with the signature vibration that always makes him jump to respond. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Morning, Kacchan! I suppose you’re getting off work right about now so I figured now would be a good time to text! Unless you’re still working or something then sorry for my timing. 

Anyway, we just dropped the last dogs off at a rehab facility and are closing the clinic for two days to let the staff get some rest after their hard work! I was wondering if later once you’ve gotten some sleep you’d want to hangout. If not that’s totally fine, you must be tired and I know you like your free time so I get it if you just wanna have some alone time but I thought that maybe you’d wanna watch a movie or get dinner or something I’m down for anything if you are. Oh wow. Sorry for the long text :0 But yeah, let me know or you can just ignore this.

God. The nerd rambles over text too. Katuski bites his bottom lip, rolling his eyes in amusement. He sits down, contemplating a decent response. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

I’m pretty sure that almost classifies as a short essay. But yeah, nerd. You can come over if you want and we could watch a movie and get some takeout or whatever. Say 4pm?

He wonders if 4pm is too early and a little eager. Though, he wants to have plenty of time to be able to hangout with the freckled vet before night rolls around. 

Katuski hops on his bike, eager to get home and get some good sleep so he’s not falling asleep during the movie with Deku. Then, his phone buzzes again. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Awesome!!! C u then :)

Katsuki grins with the privacy of his helmet on, shaking his head and thumbs upping the message. He shoves his phone into his bag and takes a deep breath. Shit. The nerd is gonna be at his house. Just the two of them. 

•

As it turns out, despite his jittering nerves, Katuski passes out as soon as he’s set his alarms and his head hits the pillow, Dynamight purring into his chest and creating a much needed warmth. He enjoys times like this, where he can curl up with Might, let his exhaustion overtake him and even more so now that he has plans to see a certain man when he wakes.

He’s sure to pick up the few random things around his place -which, isn’t much. He prides himself of his clean space and works hard to keep it that way. He makes his bed, cleans the bathroom, wipes down the kitchen and lights a lavender candle before deciding to blow it out because the scent always makes him tired. He opens a window for fresh air, takes out the trash and fixes his hair, changes his outfit three times before settling on a pair of black sweats and an orange t-shirt and then waits for 3pm to roll around. 

Unsurprisingly, on the dot, a knock chimes at his door and he forces himself to walk slowly in order to not seem too eager. When he pulls open the door, his heart stammers in his chest. 

Deku is standing there, a vintage All Might t-shirt on with a pair of black shorts that show off his freckled, sinfully muscular legs, a case of beer, soda, popcorn and more snacks. He looks nervous and he’s muttering incoherently to himself before jolting at the realization Katsuki has opened the door.

“Kacchan! Afternoon! I wasn’t sure what to bring and I didn’t want to turn up empty handed so I got a few things I thought you may like. If you don’t it’s no worries I can just put them in my car.” He greets all in one breath and his smile is crooked, unsure and a small blush creeps onto his cheeks. 

Katsuki blinks, “Do you wanna just stand there or get inside?” He asks, stepping to the side and tilting his head at the nerd. 

With a small nod, Deku steps inside, heading for the counter and depositing the stuff he’d brought onto it. He glanced around, “You’ve got a really nice place! Are your neighbors nice? Also, do you take care of the front yard cause your grass is so green!” 

Following over to the counter, Katsuki pulls a beer from the case Deku brought and passes him one. “I don’t really talk to them. They’re some old hags but they’re nice.” He shrugs, popping the cap off. “And yeah, I usually do yard work every so often when I’m off.” 

“Cool! I live in the apartments off 36th block. My upstairs neighbors drive me crazy and the one beside me always plays his music loud. But, I don’t have to worry about any yard work. I’m not a fan of it.” 

Katsuki blinks, “Shit, Deke. You know that’s like a shitty part of town, right? Constant break ins and robbery’s. There was a murder down there last fuckin’ weak.” He frowns, shaking his head. 

“Yeah but it’s cheap and that way I have extra money for spending. Besides, Shoto and I don’t usually have any trouble! I’m friends with a few of the local shop owners anyway!.” Deku reasons, shrugging. His attention is suddenly caught by the soft purring and small meow that chirps from the side of the counter Deku is on. “Awww! You must be Mr. Dynamight!” Deku hums, suddenly disappearing behind the counter.

Katsuki steps to the side, tilting his head. Damnit. His heart practically melts at the scene. Might is on his hind legs, front paws on Deku’s thighs as the man crouches to let the cat sniff around. Deku’s eyes are bright, gleaming and he lets out soft, bubbly giggles as Might nudges his head into the man’s chest. 

“He’s usually a damn hermit when people come over.” Katsuki mutters, taking a long sip of his beer as he watches the pair. Deku stokes long pets along the cats bat before coming up to nestle his head and Might purs the entire time, letting out quiet chirps. 

After a few moments, Might gets the zoomies and starts running around the kitchen, lunging onto the couch and jumping around his multiple cat trees. Deku lets out a laugh and shakes his head, standing back up. 

“He’s so sweet. It’s always crazy how big maine coons are compared to other breeds but Dynamite is a big boy!” Deku beams, swiping his beer off the counter to take a long sip and Katsuki tries not to stare at the way his large fingers hold the bottle by the neck and he tilts his head back slightly, revealing a sharp jaw and slender neck. 

“Takes after his dad.” Katsuki smirks, pulling out a few of the snacks Deku brought. He tries not to overthink the small blush across Deku’s freckles cheeks. “You realize we were gonna order takeout, right? Not that we can’t eat snacks and takeout but it’s a lotta damn snacks you brought.” He quirks an eyebrow. 

The veterinarian rubs the back of his neck, “I told you, I didn’t wanna show up empty handed!” He defends, “By the way, where’d you wanna order from? It’s my turn to pay since you’ve paid way too much for me!” 

-

They settle on a restaurant Katsuki likes, the vet orders some katsudon (big surprise there) while Katsuki orders some udon. He frowns when the nerd insists on paying over the phone, so that way Katsuki can’t sneakily pay some other way, and they stand at the counter. Deku settles into one of the tall chairs along the island bar and Katsuki leans over the side, his forearms against the cool marble countertop. 

The thirty minutes it takes for the food to come passes quickly, each of them talking the entire time about their weeks. They don’t talk about work, mostly because both of them know how hard the last few days have been for one another so they settle on silly stories or weird exchanges they’d had with people. 

Katsuki feels like he’s going to pass out when Deku tells him about how he’s friends with the owner of an infamous bar down the road from his apartment. One that Katuski’s heard many stories about the sketchy business and the white haired man who runs it with his gang of mischievous friends who’ve all served time in prison. 

“You’re friends with criminals, Deku?” Katsuki groans, running a stressed hand down his face, his beer long gone but he feels like cracking open another one purely because of the story Deku is telling. 

The green haired man nods, “They’re nice people! Done some bad stuff but they’re a good group!” He reasons, his own beer sitting empty beside him as he chuckles. “I met them last year when I got locked out of my apartment so I waited there for a few hours until Shoto got home. They’re actually really nice and didn’t make me pay for my tab since I beat Shigaraki and Iguchi at darts.” 

“They’re probably waiting for you to let your damn guard down to rob you or some shit.” 

“Kacchan, that’s presumptive! None of them have broken any laws since they went to prison.” Deku shakes his head, still a smile plays on his lips. Katsuki rolls his eyes, astounded by the man’s compassion and leniency. “I go see them when I’m off sometimes! You should come next time!” He offers and then bites his lip, “If you want to of course! If you’re not comfortable doing that I completely get it.” 

Katsuki scoffs, “Like I’m intimidated by some wannabe gang.” He counters, subconsciously leaning forward more, his hips against the countertop and their faces only a few feet apart. 

Deku nods excitedly, “I’ll let you know when I go next then! They’re good people. Y’know Shoto’s brother works there too.” 

“Shoto? The one you own a vet clinic with has a criminal brother?” Katsuki raises an eyebrow, shocked. If he had to guess. the half n half bastard was an only child who never learned how to express emotions properly - not that Katuski could talk on that subject. 

Nodding eagerly, Deku continues. “His name is Toya. Doesn’t talk to his brother much but I found out when Shoto came to get me from the bar when I got locked out. He used to have some arson problems when he was younger but now he works part time at the bar and at a funeral home.” 

“Your friends are fucked.” 

Before Deku can reply, there’s a knock at the door, signifying their food had arrived. Katsuki puts up a finger to Deku to tell him to wait there and collects the order from the delivery driver, shoving a generous 8,000yen tip into the high school aged workers hands before slamming the door shut. 

“All right, foods here, nerd. What do ya wanna watch?” Katsuki asks, bringing the bag of food toward his living room. 

“I’m down for whatever. You can pick, Kacchan!” Deku replies, following after Katsuki eagerly. 

With a sigh, Katsuki plops down on one side of the couch and Deku sits on the other side, about two feet of space between them. Thinking, Katsuki passed out the food and then his eyes settle on Deku’s shirt. 

“How about we start with the first All Might movie? Haven’t seen that in awhile.” 

Deku’s eyes light up and he jolts forward, “I’m down for that! I mean, obviously I am.” He tugs at his shirt, as if Katuski hadn’t noticed it as soon as he opened his door to the nerd. 

It wasn’t that Katuski was a nerd, but he did keep up with all the All Might movies, the Endeavor ones and everything else that came in between. It was sort of his guilty pleasure, in a way. Yeah, he knew everything about them, maybe had a few keychains tucked away and figurines in his closet but he definitely was not a fanboy. 

So, they settled on the first movie of the great All Might franchise and dug into their food, eating silently except for the few comments Deku would make and Katuski would agree with. 

It was nice. Even better than Katsuki’s original plan of binging some movies by himself with Dynamight’s company and wasting away the day he had off. Before he knew it, they’d both finished eating, Dynamight curled up beside Katuski and they were on the third movie. The sun had set an hour ago, the golden hue it’d cast across his apartment nothing more than a dark shadow gleaming into his apartment from the moon rising. Katsuki had turned on a lamp in between movies so their eyes weren’t straining in the dark and the blonde man wasn’t sure when his and Deku’s knees started brushing against one another’s, their hands dangerously close. 

Each time their knees bumped or hands accidentally touched, it made Katsuki tense, stomach flipping and heart picking up speed. God, he felt like some virgin-ass schoolboy on a first date. Halfway through the third movie, Katsuki noticed the small goosebumps on Deku’s legs (No. He was most certainly not staring at the nerd's muscular legs more than the movie.) and he pulled the blanket over from where it sat folded over the reclining chair beside the couch, nervously placing it over both of them. Nevermind the fact Katuski is like a furnace and is more often than not burning up, he wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a blanket with the clearly cold Deku.

His decision only solidified, when the veterinarian comfortably pulled his legs onto the couch and whether knowingly or not, shifted his torso more toward Katuski so their shoulders were now just barely brushing. 

Yep. Katsuki is fucked. 

The credits of another movie roll around and Katsuki picks up the remote, pausing them. He debates starting another movie but before he can suggest it, Deku hums, shifting slightly and gives Katsuki a tired look. 

“By the way, how was work today?” He asks and when Katsuki looks down at him, their faces only a mere foot apart, the blonde feels his neck grow hot and he scoots to the side a bit. 

Katsuki shrugs, “It was tiring, a few shitty calls but I’ll get over it.” He sighs, propping his elbow on the back of the couch and leaning his head into the back of his hand. 

Ever so caring, Deku frowns. “What happened? I mean, if you don’t wanna talk about it I don’t wanna pry and we can talk about something else or watch another movie or whatever you want or I can go home.” He presses his lips shut firmly, face red and green eyes wide with embarrassment. 

A laugh escapes Katsuki, rumbling through his chest deeply. “Take a damn chill pill, Deku.” He tells the man, rolling his eyes and the veterinarian relaxes. “We got called out to the accident on the highway earlier. Pulled out the two kids.” He explains, glancing to the side at the TV, as if looking at Deku would solidify the pain in his chest. 

“Oh. I’m sorry, Kacchan. That must’ve been really upsetting!” Deku replies, swiftly and his voice is filled with a softness that makes Katsuki melt. “I really meant it when I said you’re tough. It’s amazing that you’re able to do your job so diligently even though you see so much death and grief.” He adds and Katsuki finally glances back at the nerd.

The breath in Katsuki’s chest escapes with a sharp exhale. How did he end up here? Sat on his couch with Izuku Midoriya, a talented veterinarian who’s got more love for the world than he should be capable of? Who looks at Katsuki like he’s some hero and offers compassion without a second thought. 

“Alright, enough with the flattering, nerd.” Katsuki coughs, unsure if he’d be able to listen to more compliments without his chest exploding. “What about you, huh? You guys done with the neglect case?” 

At the mention of the stressful work, Deku shrinks slightly. “Ah. Yeah.” He nods, twisting his lips and drops his head. “It was hard. We lost fifteen of the dogs and the rest will likely never be able to be around another dog again and who even knows if they’ll be able to be rehabilitated. Dog fighting runs off fear and with animals that usually turns to violence.” He sighs, running a hand through his bouncy, viridian hair. 

Katsuki tilts his head, “People are shitty. I don’t know what kind of person could do that to an animal.” He says. He’s not exactly the best with comforting or knowing what to say. “Shit, I should be telling you it’s amazing you’re able to do your job so diligently with all the death and grief you see.” He copies what Deku had said to him. 

It seems to make the nerd perk up, a look of comfort across his face. “Now who’s doing the flattering, Kacchan?” He chuckles, leaning his head back against the cushion. 

“Ah, fuck off.” The crimson eyed man huffs, though a smile still plays on his lips. “I guess we’re both pretty damn amazing.” He says, and he means it. 

If he’s certain of one thing, it’s that Deku deserves anything he could ever want. 

Chapter Text

Katuski spends the better part of his evening looking through Deku’s social media. As he cooks dinner he has one hand on his phone, the other over the pot of boiling noodles and he’s so distracted by his very important task, he doesn’t realize when the water begins to boil over until it starts steaming off the hot stove loudly. 

“Fuck.” He hisses, blowing back the water and nearly dropping his phone in the process. 

As it turns out, Deku’s got a lot of fucking followers. He thought Mina had a lot with 14,000 but Deku has 42,000 fucking followers. His comments are filled with people commenting about how cute his scrubs are, complimenting his freckles and simping over the damn nerd as if shame doesn’t exist. Izuku doesn’t reply to any of them except his friends - which makes Katuski relieved whether he wants to admit it or not. 

The nerd posts almost daily and has several story highlights. ‘Dog Care Need to Knows!’, ‘Cat Care Need to Knows!’, ‘Reptile Care Need to Knows!’ and so on with nearly every type of pet someone can possess. He has others like ‘Patient’s of the Day!’ and ‘Gym Time!’ Which Katsuki taps through many, many times.

The workout highlight consists of photos he’d taken of his progress. Usually dressed in a pair of shorts that ride up his thick, muscular thighs and a tanktop that shows off his rippling arms, a headband pushing back his curls. He should not look that fucking good after a workout. 

His posts on the other hand are a mixture of pictures with his friends, a few of them containing some purple haired guy Katsuki’s never seen and who is always looking at Izuku. Others are of the sunsets and sunrises, particularly rare pets that’ve come through his clinic. He looks like a ray of sunshine in every damn photo. 

When he’s halfway through stalking, he goes through his own feed. He doesn’t post often - last time he did was several months ago and it was Eijiro and him on their bikes, helmets on and the second photo is them without their helmets. Other than that he’s got a few posts of the crew, and four of Dynamight. Shit. He sort of looks like some loser with his puny 836 followers and 7 posts. 

As he eats he and the nerd text back and forth about their day and after awhile, Deku sends a text that makes Katsuki’s eyebrows raise.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

By the way, I saw your friend Kaminari’s post and you didn’t say you’d gotten that banged up! You’ve got bruises everywhere. Did you ice them? And don’t forget to put burn cream on your bicep! 

Huh. So the nerd really was looking that closely at the shirtless picture Denki had posted of Katsuki. Making a mental note to buy Dunce Face a beer sometime, he feels a smirk curl onto his lips, emboldened by the realization. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

It really wasn’t that bad, nerd. Awfully sweet of you to worry about me so much though. 

He nods, satisfied by his semi-outright flirt/tease and returns to scrolling in depth through Deku’s instagram. He’s a few years back now, when the nerd was in college and he widens his eyes at a few of the pictures. Him with his arms around two people, a drunken blush on his cheeks and a fucking black crop top showing off his abs. Another one of him on his old motorcycle, helmet tucked under his arm, dressed in a dark green jacket and matching pants, and a matching viridian sports bike. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

It’s hard not to worry when you’re out there fighting fires like some unsung super hero, Kacchan. 

The text pops up and in Katsuki’s scramble to tap on the notification, his finger slips and he fucking likes the picture of Izuku at a bonfire. 

No fucking way. Katsuki unlikes the photo so fast he prays it doesn’t even have time to compute that he just liked a photo from four goddamn years ago. He throws his phone down, heart pounding in his chest and puts his head in his hands. 

“I am so fucking stupid.” He hisses, tugging gently at his blonde hair. The nerd wouldn’t get a notification, right? He barely liked it. All he can do is pray that his embarrassment doesn’t eat him alive. Actually, it might be best if it does. He can’t even imagine what Deku is thinking, probably at home eating dinner with Todoroki and laughing at Katuski for being a weird-creep-ass-loser-stalker. He wouldn’t even blame the veterinarians - He is a weird-creep-ass-loser-stalker. 

His phone buzzes and he glances up at it. @Veterinarian.Izuku posted to their story!

He pushes the phone away. He would not be viewing that story ten seconds after it’s posted. He can’t handle another grave-digging embarrassing ass mistake. 

Katuski even debates just blocking Izuku and never talking to him again. Then, he wonders if liking a post from four years ago and not texting Deku back is making him seem more loserish and solidifying in the veterinarians mind that Katuski is wallowing in self-pity and embarrassment right now.

To: Deku (The Veterinarian!) 

I am an unsung superhero. You should be a fan of mine instead of All Might. He’s fictional and I’m real. 

He doesn’t even know what’s wrong with him. Liking a picture from years ago and then going back to semi-flirting with the nerd like he isn’t going to light himself on fire and jump off his balcony. (It’s only two stories so it’d probably just give him an ache in his ankles but maybe it’d help him die faster.) 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

I am already a fan. I could probably use some memorabilia though if you’ve got any old gear sitting around or some in uniform pictures. 

Goddamnit. This little shit is a fucking flirt. He bites his lip, shaking his head. How has he been diminished into some school-boy, nervous wreck by the freckled man he met not even that long ago. Pathetic, really. He would not be out-flirted by the nerd though. He’s the best at everything, after all. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)

I can probably do some digging and work something out for you. Anything for my number one fan, after all. 

Suddenly, as he sends the text he gets several notifications on instagram in a row. 

@Uravity.Ochako has started following you. 

@Speedy.Tenya has started following you. 

@ShotoTodoroki has started following you. 

What the shit? Katsuki taps carefully on the profiles of each of them. Uraraka’s feed is full of coffee shop pastries and her coffee order that looks sweet enough to make Katsuki’s teeth ache, several of her and Deku at work with some animals and a few of her and the nerd and the others out at a bar, on a hike and in an apartment, cuddled up with blankets and snacks for a movie. 

Iida’s is some protein shakes, protein meals and that’s pretty much it. Shoto doesn’t have a single post but does have 17,000 followers regardless. 

He decides on not following them back, yet. He can’t risk looking more pathetic. 

Deku doesn’t text back for awhile after that and after a half hour passes, Katsuki works up the courage to look at his story. He immediately regrets it because it’s a picture of Deku and that purple haired man sitting side by side on the same fucking barstool, squished together. Deku is grinning, fingers forming a peace sign while the other man is giving a mostly blank look, copying Deku’s pose but his eyes are flickered over and looking at the nerd. 

‘Finally got Hitoshi out of his apartment! He’s even more of a homebody than me! :p’ 

Yep. Katuski is a lonely, stupid, yearning, loser. Thinking Deku is at home meanwhile he’s out with his friends and is probably only texting Katuski out of pity because he’s a weird-creepy-ass-loser-stalker and Izuku is too kind for his own good and also basically an influencer who everyone thirsts after unabashedly. 

He’s surprised when his phone buzzed with Deku’s signature vibration.

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

At least you know I’m your number one fan! Anyone else is gonna have to beat it.

Also, sorry for the long delay! Ochaco and Tenya got too drunk and I had to get them home and it took forever because the cab driver got the apartment complex wrong and then kicked us out because of how obnoxious they were being and now we’re trying to get another cab but there’s not many on this side of town. 

Katsuki furrows his brows and rolls his eyes. He’s somehow not surprised the seemingly goody-two-shoes around Face and Four Eyes are actually light-weights and get drunk easily. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Somehow not surprised. Where are you guys anyway?

The text back is quick. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

The Chiba prefecture. We’re at some bus stop trying to figure something out since the buses shut down two hours ago. It’s not a long walk back to my place but the others can barely walk! 

Shit. Katuski huffs, shaking his head. This damn nerd is going to be the death of him. 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)

The Chiba Prefecture? That’s a dangerous fuckin’ part of town, Deku. Why are you always in some shitty place? Nevermind, send me your location. 

He’s already putting his shoes back on and grabbing his car keys from a drawer. He doesn’t drive his car often but he’s got one for the days where it’s too icy or rainy to ride his bike. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

It’s okay Kacchan! I know you’re probably going to bed soon and I don’t wanna be a burden and also how would you fit us all on your bike? 

To: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

I’ve got a car, nerd. Send me your location that area has constant yakuza activity and you and your drunk friends are gonna end up on the 8am news otherwise. 

He heads down to the garage, unlocking the car. It’s nothing fancy, just a four year old Hyundai Elantra he got on sale because it had some issues but he fixed it up with barely any elbow grease needed. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Fine, fine. But I’m giving you gas money! 

He sends his location shortly after and Katuski plugs it into his maps, taking off as quickly as he can before the nerd gets robbed, murdered or fucking kidnapped. 

As suspected, he finds three idiots sat at a bus stop. The light above flickers and only adds to the shitty ambiance of this side of town. When he pulls up, Round Face is slumped against one side of the bus stop, her eyes barely open and Four Eyes is holding her head up while Deku sits, tapping his leg and stands quickly as Katuski slows to a stop.

With a scowl, Katsuki gets out of the car. “There was literally a murder a block away from here last night, Deku.” He chastises, although more than anything he’s glad to be able to help the nerd out. 

Deku gives him a sheepish, half-drunk smile. “I know, I asked the cab driver if he’d drop us off a little bit closer to home but he wasn’t having it. I’m sorry for disrupting your night!” He slurs lightly and then hiccups cutely once he’s done speaking. 

“It’s not an issue, Deku. Seriously.” He replies with a shrug, face softening when the man gives him a gracious nod. Katsuki helps Iida to his feet and the righteous man pats his back.

“It’s very noble of you to pick us up, Bakugo! I may be drunk but you’re a good man!” He compliments, his words kind of choppy and he leans his full weight on Katsuki. It doesn’t affect the blonde much, he’s carried men the size of Iida down a flight of stairs with an added 70lbs of gear on his back. 

While he puts Four Eyes in the car, Deku pulls Round Face up and Katuski watches as the pair stumble and Deku struggles to remain upright. His freckled cheeks are still flushed from the alcohol and his eyes are glossy and hazed over with his drunk. So, Katuski steps forward. 

“I’ve got her.” He tells the green haired man who nods and steps back, twiddling his thumbs. He lets Uraraka wrap an arm around his neck and the woman hums approvingly.

“You’re so strong, Bakugo! Must be from all the stuff you’ve gotta do as a fire fighter.” She murmurs out, “Very strong. Good for Izuku.” She adds and Katsuki tries to ignore her drunk ramblings but as he helps her into the back seat beside Iida, she gives him a stern look. “You be nice to Izuku. Or else I’ll find you and,” she pauses, dragging her thumb across her neck threateningly and lazily. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “Get your feet in the damn car, woman.” He huffs, nudging her feet with his own. She nods, pulling them inside and slumps against Four Eyes. Then, he turns to Deku who is still standing and watching awkwardly. “You gonna get in, nerd?” He raises an eyebrow, pulling open the passenger side door. 

Deku steps forward, “Thanks again, seriously. I was gonna call an Uber but their surge prices right now are crazy so I figured I’d wait until we sober up a little bit and then walk. It’s not far from here,” He pauses and thinks for a moment, “Just four miles!” 

Four miles? That’d take them forever in their state. Katsuki scoffs and then raises an eyebrow. “Is Half n Half not with you?” He asks, noticing the man’s absence. 

Deku’s shakes his head, “He went home early since he opens tomorrow and he keeps his phone on silent during the night.” He explains, stepping toward the open passenger door. He stumbles slightly and Katuski instinctively reaches a hand out to his shoulder to steady him. “Sorry, I think I’m still a little tipsy.” He gives him a cheesy smile, slipping into the leather seats. 

Katuski shuts the door and heads around to the drivers side. When he gets inside, Uraraka is asking to connect to his bluetooth to play music and the man sighs, giving one look at the eager green haired man beside him and relents, taking the time to set up Round Face’s bluetooth. Once she’s connected, she turns her volume up loudly to blast music and Katuski understands why they were kicked out of the cab in the first place.

The woman sings loudly along to the songs while Iida requests it to be turned down - Round Face tells him to shut his trap multiple times. But, when Katuski glances over at Deku during a red light, the peaceful look on the nerds face quells any annoyance Katsuki is feeling.

Halfway to Uraraka and Iida’s shared apartment, the woman does turn down the volume and leans forward as much as her seatbelt allows her. 

“Hey, Bakugo?” She begins, slurring. Katuski glances at her in the rear-view mirror. “So like are you single or what?” She asks and at any other point, Katsuki would think she was hitting on him but he knows her and Tsu’s relationship is strong. 

Before he can reply, Deku is turned around and shooting the woman a stern look. “Ochako!” He huffs, those big green eyes narrowed into a warningful, almost embarrassed look.

She leans back, shrugging. “I was just curious! Haven’t had any good talks with Bakugo so I don’t know much-” She paused and her face paled. “I’m gonna puke.” 

Katsuki widens his eyes, pulling over quickly on the side of the road. “Don’t puke in my damn car.” He says as the woman is already stumbling out and over the sidewalk. Before he knows it, Deku is also exiting the car, taking large steps to meet Uraraka and pulling back her hair.

Watching the gentle demeanor of Deku, the way he rubs her back and makes sure her short hair isn’t in danger of getting vomit on it warms Katsuki’s heart. He’s not worried about getting home at a decent hour or if he’ll wake up late for his morning jog, his mind is preoccupied by Deku. 

Deku’s oversized flannel that hangs off his frame and the tight navy top beneath it. The way his jeans sit around his hips loosely and his hair is pushed back by a zig-zag headband. The way he’s gentle with Uraraka as he leads her back to the car and runs a large hand over her back. The way he slides into the passenger seat and Katuski can get used to having the nerd perched beside him as he drives him around. 

Fuck. Katuski is whipped. 

“Sorry, Bakugo. Little vom-vom break.” Round Face apologizes, buckling back up and keeping the volume of her music down. 

He doesn’t rely, just shifting back into drive and heading in the direction of her apartment. Deku had tried to insist that Four Eyes and Round Face could crash as his place but Katuski decided to go the extra (few) miles to make sure the needs friends got back to their own place. 

When they pull up to the apartment it’s in the same side of town as Deku’s, shitty and worn down. Deku tries to lead them up alone but Katuski is taking Iida’s arm before the veterinarian can object. 

The elevator is out of use which means Katsuki trails behind Deku as they trek up the four staircases until they get to the apartment the viridian man’s friends inhabit. Once they get there, Uraraka and Iida stumble inside and bid generous thanks to Katsuki. 

As soon as the door shuts, Deku looks at Katsuki with a small, anxious grin. “Thanks for your help tonight. I really didn’t mean to disrupt your night or anything and I get it if you’re actually annoyed or anything because it’s been a handful but it was really nice of you to help out.” He speaks in one, rushed breath. 

The crimson eyed man rolls his eyes. “Seriously, Deku, stop thanking me. I seriously don’t mind.” He assures, heading back toward the staircase. 

Deku is hot on his heels, not nearly as drunk as when he’d first been picked up. “I know but I don’t want you to think I’m not grateful because I really am! You were really patient and understanding the whole time even though I know it can get overwhelming being around drunk people and I really, really do appreciate your help, Kacchan.” He rambles, gripping the railing rightly as they descend down the stairs. “And I know you’ve had a long day with the fire last night and you must be so tired and sore and I can’t imagine it’s fun to have to drive us around-“ 

“Deku.” 

“Yeah?”

“Shut the hell up. Like I said I really don’t mind. No skin off my fuckin’ back.” Katsuki sighs, pausing his pace to give the veterinarian a chance to catch up. 

They descend down the stairs at a tantalizing pace due to Deku walking like he’s never gone down a pair of stairs in his life. Only the sound of their footsteps fill the air and once they’re outside, Deku pauses, upturning his nose and inhaling deeply. 

It’s not exactly chilly out, but a small breeze whisks past them, rustling through Izuku’s curls. Katsuki turns to him, about to ask if he’s gonna barf but his stomach clenches instead. 

The mans face is illuminated by the orange hue of the street lamp beside them, his freckles dotting his flushed cheeks and soft nose and they remind Katuski of the stars above. His eyes shut softly, long lashes against his cheekbones and a small smile graces his plump lips. It should be illegal for someone to look so beautiful. 

After a moment, Deku opens his eyes and looks at Katuski with the big doe eyes the blonde wouldn’t mind getting lost in. 

“Sorry. It’s so nice out tonight.” He hums and then looks down the block. “My apartment isn’t far, I can walk if you need to get home.” 

Sighing, Katsuki pulls open the passenger side of his car. “Have you not learned a damn thing, nerd. I’m not letting you walk around tipsy.” He nods his head to the side, signaling the man to get in the car. 

Katuski thinks he see’s Deku’s cheeks darken more, but it’s hard to tell due to the blush already sitting on his face. “Got it.” He hums, sliding into the seat and allowing Katsuki to shut the door. 

Deku’s apartment is literally about three blocks away and while Katuski wishes he had a bit more time with the veterinarian, he can see the tired posture growing in the man. He doesn’t object (for once) as Katsuki helps him to his apartment, and thanks Katsuki once more as they near his door. 

“You’re a good friend, Kacchan.” 

Friend. 

Chapter Text

Being a veterinarian isn’t easy. Not that anyone ever said it would be easy. Still, after eight years of school, countless experiences and hardships, Izuku Midoriya could confidently say it doesn’t get much easier. He wouldn’t trade it for anything, though. No matter what, being able to provide comfort in an animals final moments or give them love while they’re hurt and confused will always be worth the pain and suffering that comes with the job. 

He’d been licensed for two years now and after some struggling, found decent ways to cope. A glass of wine before bed and an All Might movie usually did the trick and when it didn’t, he’d always have his amazing friends to help him through. It helped that his closest friends could relate too, working in the same field. 

After everything, he still never expected his world to be turned upside down by a firefighter. One who came into his clinic dressed in a fitted blue button up,large fire-resistant pants held up by red suspenders that hugged his massive pectoral muscles and biceps flexing as they held an injured dog. 

Damn that firefighter for making Izuku’s face hot as he worked under his intense, crimson gaze and damn that firefighter for keeping Izuku up later than he needed to be, thinking about all the ways he could swing him over his shoulder and manhandle him out of a burning building.

Maybe Izuku should just set his own apartment on fire so he could experience that feeling first hand. Although Shoto would be mad, it would be worth it. 

The thoughts of the blonde firefighter Izuku now knows as Kacchan (Katsuki) Bakugo, make Izuku’s stomach flutter with excitement each time. Even worse now that the chivalrous man had picked he and his drunken friends up in the middle of the night to make sure they got home safe. 

He gets plenty of teasing from his friends who unfortunately, after years of friendship, know Izuku sometimes better than he knows himself. They’d clocked it as soon as they saw the pair interact at the bar. 
“Just ask him out to dinner!” Ochako had suggested multiple times now. 

But he couldn’t. He didn’t know if Kacchan was in a relationship, if he was even gay or even liked Izuku! What if he was just being nice or felt bad for him? Then, Izuku would ruin a freshly bloomed friendship and all because he can’t keep his mind out of the gutter. 

It didn’t help when during a particularly slow day at work one day he got a notification that one of Kacchan’s fellow firefighters followed him on instagram, and then proceeded to post an absolutely jaw-dropping picture of Izuku’s new crush shirtless with a towel slung around his neck and water droplets sitting like -excuse Izuku’s language- damn candy on his broad chest. And maybe Izuku shouldn’t find the bruises littering his body, a large one on his jaw and the burn on his bicep attractive but damnit! He did! 

He was so focused on replaying the story that he’d accidentally liked it and then sat like a dazed idiot, after unliking it so quickly he almost broke his thumb, in the break room of his clinic. 

It only briefly made him feel better when at the bar later that night (he’d only agreed to go because Hitoshi would finally be making an appearance), he got a notification that Kacchan had liked one of his photos from years ago. Was he stalking Izuku’s instagram or did he just maybe fall and happened to scroll through dozens of posts and then like one? Izuku decided on the latter, despite his friends insisting Kacchan was stalking. 

It’d been four days since the incident where Kacchan picked up Izuku and his friends from a bus stop and drove them home. Four days of occasional texts from Kacchan about their days and whatnot. Izuku wasn’t really sure where they stood; he’d come over for a movie night, let the broody man drive around to drop him and his friends at their homes, texted everyday. But this is what friends did, right?

It’s not like a godly looking, model adjacent man would so easily fall for Izuku the way he was falling for him. 

Izuku’s brain nearly short circuits when during another slow day at the clinic, he looks up from his conversation with Eri to see the familiar blonde entering his workplace, dressed in that snug uniform, baggy fire resistant pants and those darn suspenders. His hair is a little dark from ash settling atop it and a tired look in his eyes. Kirishima trails behind, wearing the same clothing and looking much less exhausted than Kacchan. 

“Midoriya!” Kirishima greets the moment the door swings open and the scarlet man lays eyes on the veterinarian! “What’s up, man?” 

Izuku blinks, “Kirishima, Kacchan! What are you guys up to here?” He asks, trying not to sound too eager to see the blonde man who’s been haunting his dreams. 

He’s not surprised or even offended when Kacchan gives him a small nod and lets his friend do the talking. Izuku learned quickly Kacchan is a man of few words. 

“We just finished up a call a few blocks away and your clinic was on the way back! Figured we could stop by and see when you and your friends would be up for paintball!” Kirishima explains, giving a wave to Eri, who is grinning widely and greeting the men. 

Behind the firefighters, Izuku takes note of the large firetruck parked outside. “Oh! Was it a hard call? Hopefully nothing too strenuous, it’s still early in your guys’ shift!” He replies and Kacchan raises an eyebrow at the man, the corner of his lips upturning. Izuku’s face grows hot. Try not to be a stalker, Izuku! He reminds himself. “And the clinic will be closed next monday, for some plumbing work. One of our patrons kids flushed a bunch of stuff and now half our water doesn’t work.” He clears his throat, remembering the question at hand. 

“Sick! We’ve got monday off too so that works out perfectly, man!” Kirishima cheers, pumping his fist. “And nah, the call wasn’t anything hard, right Kats?” 

Kats. There it is again, that nickname for Kacchan that always makes Izuku hold back a chuckle and a fondness grow in his chest for Kacchan. It was such a gentle nickname for a man Izuku can only describe as intense. Of course, after getting to know him more, Izuku knows Kacchan isn’t a jerk or cruel, he’s incredibly kind and caring person but on the outside, he looks like he could simply eat a fire away and store it in his stomach. 

“Just some idiot who lit their garden on fire trying to blowtorch weeds. Fucker has never heard of just picking weeds and doing some damn yard work.” Kacchan replies, rolling his eyes in annoyance. When his garnet eyes fall upon Izuku and his face softens ever so slightly, Izuku swears the angels above are calling him. 

Izuku laughs a little too hard. “It seems like such as easy shortcut until the guy must’ve ruined all his hard work on his garden.” He replies, desperate to recover from his clearly over the top giggling reaction. 

Could he ever be normal around Kacchan? 

To his delight, Kacchan smirks back. “Yeah, he’s gonna have to start all over. No more homegrown tomatoes and peppers for the idiot.” He shrugs, his muscles flexing in a way that makes Izuku light headed 

“It’s a shame, gardening takes hard work but the dude should’ve been smarter! It’s not good for the environment to blow torch weeds.” Kirishima adds and Izuku, still staring at Kacchan, notices the man roll his eyes. 

“It’s lazy work to blow torch weeds, Shitty Hair. Plus, then we had to come clean up the shit-heads mess.” 

“Yeah, but I admire some good gardening and farming, man! Doing that stuff yourself is manly as hell!”

Deku can’t help but grin as the pair argue back and forth, admiring the sound relationship Kacchan has with his best friend. All the veterinarian can do is hope that he gets that close with Kacchan, to be able to easily and carelessly banter. Especially since Izuku knows he won’t be crossing the threshold of friendship to lovers anytime soon - or ever. 

All he can do is relish what they have now. 

“I garden.” Kacchan points out, his face in a scowl as he stares at Kirishima. 

“Yeah dude, and I’ve told you, your lawn and garden is manly! Think off all the pollinators who thrive off your flowers and stuff!” Kirishima laughs, unaffected by his friends glare. “Anyway, sweet, so monday is a plan!” He returns to the topic at hand and gives Izuku a thumbs up. 

“I’ll let the others know!” Izuku replies, returning the thumbs up and trying not to stare at Kacchan more than he already has been.

With that, the pair of firemen start heading for the door. “See you then, Midoriya!” Kirishima calls.

”Bye, Kirishima! Bye, Kacchan!” Izuku calls, enjoying the way he’s allowed to watch Kacchan’s thin waist and broad shoulders walk away from him without the threat of the man turning back around and catching him.

Only, Kacchan does turn back around and Izuku is clearly staring at him by the way their eyes meet immediately. He feels his face heat up, like a furnace. 

“Take care, nerd.” 

•

”Oh, he’s got it bad.” Ochako comments as she enters the break room, immediately noticing how Izuku is on Katsuki’s instagram, looking through the same few photos he’s posted for the hundredth time. “Seriously, Izuku, I’m telling you, your knight in shining armor is just as into you as you are him!” She slides into the seat across from Izuku and Shoto follows.

Izuku groans, “I don’t wanna ruin something so early on, Ochako.” He puts his phone down, holding his head in his hands. 

Shoto tilts his head to the side, “Didn’t he pick you up in the middle of the night to drive your four miles?” He asks, as if pointing out something obvious.

”Well, yeah, but that’s what friends do! He’s just a gentleman and good person.” Izuku reasons. 

Letting out a small snicker, Ochako rolls her eyes. “Oh yeah. And friends also stalk their friends page four years back and accidentally like a picture.” She counters, her eyebrows raised and a teasing grin on her lips. 

“Anything could have happened! What if my phone glitched or he could’ve accidentally liked it since he just followed me and his feed probably popped up with some of my old photos or-“ 

“Yeah, none of those happened, or whatever you’re reasoning up in your head.” Ochako cuts the rambling man off, “Bakugo was definitely stalking your instagram and accidentally liked a picture. That is literally the only reasonable explanation. And if he was doing that, it’s because he’s interested in you!” 

“I agree.” Shoto nods. 

With a frustrated groan, Izuku puts his cheek flush against the table they’re sat at. “I barely know the guy. I at least need to find out if he’s pan, or bi or gay before I get my hopes up! And if he’s in a relationship.” He argues, his cheek smooshing inward from his position. “Besides. Kacchan is way out of my league.”

At that, Ochako and Shoto share a glance. “First, you’re hot, Izuku! You’ve got that kinda nerdy, shy, hot guy at the gym vibe down! Or have you not noticed by the amount of followers you’ve accumulated? Second, if Bakugo isn’t gay, he’s definitely gay for you. He dropped everything to come help us and he didn’t complain once! Plus, you guys had that totally cute and romantic movie night date and you watched three movies! He didn’t even kick you out, you decided to leave! Bakugo strikes me as the type to be all, ‘Times up, get the hell out of my house!’” She deepens her voice to imitate Katsuki.

Izuku’s face flushes, much to his dismay. “He’s just kind!” 

Yeah. Kind. Kacchan is kind. Izuku would just have to get used to his stupid, childish crush and settle for Kacchan’s kindness. 

Chapter Text

The air is crisp and fresh with the beginnings of autumn, the large aspen outside Katsuki’s home has transformed from shades of green to hues of amber and ginger, depositing the colorful leaves onto his manicured front lawn. 

He stands in his kitchen, a fresh cup of coffee as he sifts through the groupchat he’d been mostly ignoring for the last several weeks. It’s nothing important, Kirishima and Mina tell everyone about the new bar opening up at the end of the month, Denki complains that he was ghosted by the woman he’d picked up at the bar and Hanta spilt ramen on his couch. 

With the roll of his eyes, he closes out the messages and opens instagram, a post Deku had added popping up immediately. The nerd his dressed in an All Might hoodie, his green tresses curled against his head while he grinned widely, viridian eyes gleaming into the camera. Katsuki pays no mind to the sunset behind Deku, which was certainly meant to be the main focus of the photo. Instead, his eyes are focused on the veterinarian who’s been sneaking into every area of Katsuki’s brain. 

Katsuki sighs when Dynamight, perched on his cat tree only a few feet away chirps at him. “I know. I’m fuckin’ pathetic.” He grumbles, reaching over to allow his cat-son to nudge into his hand, purring loudly, as if to agree with Katsuki’s words. 

•

A few hours later, Katsuki finds himself in the grocery story, his sleek, bike black backpack clung to his back and a basket of spices and seasonings on his arm. His eyes are focused on the meat section before him, the question of dinner in his mind when suddenly, a voice is calling his name. 

“Bakugo! Nice to see you here!” Uraraka skips up, her own basket full of different types of fruits. 

Katuski nods, “Hey, Round Face.” He replies, casually as returns to his perusing. 

Surprisingly, the woman has no reaction to the nickname and follows Katsuki with a sly grin. “Planning on making something fancy?” She asks, eyeing Katsuki’s basket. 

“Not sure yet.” He replies, shortly and gives her a quick glance. Her eyes gleam with a sort of mischief. 

“Is it for something special? Got a date coming over or something?” 

Katsuki raises an eyebrow at her, “Nah, I just like to cook. Sue me.” He shrugs and Uraraka perks up. 

“Ah! Your girlfriend must be spoiled rotten!” She chuckles, though her eyes remain on Katsuki as if waiting for him to slip-up. 

“I don’t have a girlfriend, Round Face.” He replies, doing his best not to let any snark slip out. Last thing he wants is to make an enemy of one of Deku’s closest friends. “What’s up with the damn prodding?” He adds.

As if she’d been caught red-handed, Uraraka’s cheeks flush and she rubs the back of her head with her free hand. “Ah, just curious! We haven’t gotten a lot of time to get to know each other and Izu-“ She stutters for a moment, “Tsu is always saying you’re such a mysterious person so my curiosity seems to have gotten the best of me.” She gives him a wry grin.

Ignoring the fact it almost sounded like the brunette woman nearly said ‘Izuku’, Katsuki rolls his eyes. “Well stop being so damn nosy, Round Face. It’s weirding me out.” He says, although there is no malice in his tone.

So, Uraraka laughs. “Fine. Fine. Anyway, you excited for paintball tomorrow?” She hums, picking up a package of vegan bacon as they pass by, glancing at it and putting it into her bag. Katsuki grimaces, of course that lesbian would be a damn vegan.

”Yeah, haven’t been in awhile since last time Denki’s dumbass broke his arm.” Katsuki nods, his lips curling into a small smirk as he recalls the electric blonde, blubbering and crying like a wimp. 

“I’m super excited! Last time we went Izuku beat all of us so this time will be my revenge.” She grins, determination spreading across her round, soft features. 

“If I don’t beat all you losers first, that is.” 

Uraraka giggles, “Competitive, huh? No wonder you and Izuku get along so well.” She points out, coming to a halt as Katsuki stops in front of the poultry section, debating the type of chicken he wanted to get. He could make fried chicken - he hadn’t made that in awhile but he could also go for some warm soup tonight, really let the fall feeling set in. 

“The nerd is competitive, huh?” 

“The most.” 

•

As it turns out, Katsuki settles on fried chicken. It doesn’t take him long and he gives Dynamight a small, cat-safe serving of the chicken as well. He’s settled in from of his TV, feet up on his coffee table as he shovels food into his mouth. A baseball game plays on the TV and Katsuki gives satisfied grins each time his favorite team scores a run.

Next to watching All Might re-runs and the occasional anime, baseball is his next up for entertainment. He’d played in middle school and in high school he’d met Eijiro and Denki through the sport so, as much as he didn’t want to admit it, baseball held a special place in his heart. 

They’re in the ninth inning and his team is up six runs so, he scrolls about his phone, occasionally glancing up when the fans cheer extra loud and the announcers get excited for a certain double play. 

Just as the game is coming to an end, a signature vibration rattles through Katsuki’s phone. He really should be more ashamed of how quickly he jumped to look at the incoming text but there’s nobody around to see his pathetic yearning, except for his cat-son of course. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Heya Kacchan! Sorry if it’s late notice but I just found out The League (That bar I was telling you about!) is doing half off drinks tonight. I haven’t been to say hello for awhile so I was gonna go over and get a drink! I was wondering if you wanna come? If not I totally get it, it’s not really your scene and we’re gonna see each other tomorrow anyway so you can ignore me if you just want to rest, I know it’s also the few nights off you have. 

Sporting an endearing grin, Katsuki scoffs. What, did the nerd think he’s afraid of some shitty bar?

To: Deku (The veterinarian!)

Im game. Gotta see if these losers are really all that since you talked so highly of them the other night. 

He waits eagerly for a response, turning off his TV and walking his plate over to the dishwasher all while he watches those three dots linger on Deku’s side of the chat. 

From: Deku (The veterinarian!) 

Sick! You won’t regret it. I figured we could walk there from my place if you want! It’s just down the street and tonight is really nice! Say 9? 

•

Minutes before their scheduled time, Katsuki finds himself outside of Deku’s shitty apartment, his bike parked beside a few others in the parking lot and his stomach twisting with nerves. He really shouldn’t be nervous but this’ll be the third (fourth if he counts when he picked him up the other night) time now that he’s hung out one-on-one with the dork and it’s all still a little fresh. 

He settled on a pair of dark green cargo pants and a black, slightly form fitting black t-shirt and figured he could leave his helmet and bike jacket at Deku’s while they’re out. 

The walk up to Deku’s apartment is short and before he knows it, his knuckles are rattling against the door. He takes a patient step back and listens to the odd commotion inside. 

“Oh shoot!” Deku’s voice muffled through, the sound of rushed footsteps thrum towards the door and after a moment, Deku swings the door open, frazzled. “Sorry! I got a little behind schedule!” He apologizes, his viridian eyes shining up at Katsuki. 

The blonde man feels his heart actually leap from his chest. Deku is standing there, a pair of loose boxers and an oversized orange flannel hanging off his muscular frame. As if suddenly realizing it, the nerd’s face grows red and he awkwardly tugs at the end of his flannel, as if it’d grow pants and cover him.

”Ah, sorry! I was in the middle of changing pants and I totally spaced!” He apologizes, his eyes wide and panic looking anywhere but Katsuki. 

Katsuki does his best to feign a nonchalant shrug. “Are you gonna let me in or are we gonna stand here talking about you being pantless?” He asks, his voice ever-so rocky.

”Right!” Deku’s steps to the side, allowing Katsuki to take a step inside before shutting the door behind him. “I just need to finish changing and then I’m all set! Sorry, I know I said 9 so I should be ready but I lost track of time and-“ He cuts himself off, recognizing his rambling and chuckles. “Right. Pants.” He murmurs, ducking away and into a hallway behind the kitchen.

Deku’s apartment is stylish, if Katsuki did say so. A clean kitchen sits to the right with a small island and a few chairs. A dining table is on the left of the entrance with a fresh bouquet of flowers in an orange vase. The living room is behind the dining room, a long green couch with a few flowery pillow sits across from the TV mounted on the wall, an orange chair diagonal from the couch. A nice round, dark brown coffee table with magazines about travel sits onto of it. Behind the living room is a large glass door balcony and the blinds are open, revealing two patio chairs. The walls are decorated with gold, intricate frames, inside old paintings sit. A few photos of Deku and his friends sit on the small entertainment center below the TV.

Katsuki honestly wouldn’t have guessed Deku to be a stylish interior designer - though he supposes Todoroki could’ve played a hand in that as well. 

As Katsuki finishes looking around the nerd’s apartment, he finally emerges from the hallway, dressed in light-wash jeans. Like he usually does, his flannel is half tucked in, slightly unbuttoned and hangs around his collarbones teasingly. 

“Do you mind if I leave my helmet and jacket here?” Katsuki asks, pretending as though he hadn’t just fully and potentially obviously checked the nerd out. 

Deku nods, “No problem! You can put your jacket on the coat hanger and leave your helmet on the table!” He suggests and Katsuki nods, shrugging off his jacket and hanging it on the wooden, tall coat rack just behind him. The nerd slides on a pair of beat-up red shoes and gives Katsuki a toothy grin. “Ok! All set!” 

The walk to the bar is calm, peaceful. They talk quietly and Deku points out a coffee shop he usually stops at in the mornings (The windows have bars on them which makes Katuski snort) and after a short few minutes, they’re outside the bar. It’s perched between an old book store and a ramen shop. The outside in a big red neon sign reads ‘The League’ and several other smaller neon signs advertise ‘Darts’, ‘Pool’, and ‘Happy Hour’. Like the rest of the shops, metal bars protect the windows and a few, rundown looking men stand outside, cigarettes perched between their lips.

”Izuku! Nice of ya to come around.” A older burly, blonde haired man greets, his voice rough from years of smoking. His muscles protrude from his body like mountains and his eyes, black and intense follow Izuku. 

Beside him, a leaner man with dark brown hair, short eyebrows and a sly smirk taps his cigarette. “You’ve been absent for awhile! Finally come to slum around with us?” He asks and then his eyes flicker over to Katsuki. “Brought a new friend, I see.”

Yep. They look like criminals and the way they lean against the building, scars adjourning their bodies and knives evidently hidden in their waistbands makes Katsuki restrain from rolling his eyes. This sunshine of a man who treats injured animals for a living is friends with these goddamn delinquents. 

“Imasuji, Sako! Long time no see! This is my friend, Katsuki Bakugo!” Deku replies and Katsuki nearly flinches at the nerd using his real name. “Katsuki this is Imasuji and Sako!” He introduces, as polite as ever.

The men look Katsuki up and down, as if judging his worth. Then, the blonde, Imasuji grins widely. “What’s up, pretty boy? You can call me Muscular and this idiot goes by Compress.” He says, as if Katsuki would want to use their criminal-ass sounding names.

”You guys just casually call each other lame as nicknames?” He replies, giving an unimpressed look to both men. He doesn’t really care about impressing these idiots in front of Deku - he’ll save the restraint for his actual best friends. 

Both men snicker. “You’ve got unbridled honesty, kid! I like you.” Sako replies, pressing his cigarette to his lips. “So, how’d you meet our green friend here?” He asks. 

Katsuki glances at Deku who seems thrilled his villain friends and Katsuki are getting along; so, Katsuki plays along. 

“Brought an injured dog in to Deku’s clinic.” He shrugs, unsure of how much information to actually give. It’s not like he can be all ‘Oh I brought an injured dog in, watched Deku kick ass to save it and then couldn’t get the nerd out of my head but luckily I kept running into him and now my little school-boy crush is out of control.’ 

Deku on the other hand seems eager to share more. “Kacchan is a firefighter! He saved this dog and brought him in and we kept running into each other and hit it off pretty well!” He adds, a sort of pride in his tone. 

Katsuki doesn’t miss the way Sako and Imasuji share a strange look. 

“Firefighter, huh? Look at that, our favorite little veterinarian went and got himself a hot piece of meat.” Imasuji snickers and Deku visibly reddens at the comment. “Izuku here can play one hell of a darts game, Kacchan.” He says the nickname, teasingly and smirks. 

“Indeed! He’s beat damn near everyone he’s played against. Just can’t beat the boss.” Suko agrees. 

With that, Deku shakes his head. “You give me too much credit.” He chuckles and then gives them a small nod, “We’re gonna head inside though! Nice seeing you both!” 

“Have fun you two.” Imasuji calls after them and gives Katuski a broad smile. 

Inside the bar is just as Katsuki expected. Tattooed, muscular and loud people yell about their pool games, short yet sturdy women cheer when they get a good shot in darts. The music is loud and rumbles through Katsuki’s chest as Deku and him walk through the crowd and toward the bar. A few people give the man some high-fives, and others call out short greetings which the green haired man eagerly replies.

It’s strange, in Katsuki’s eyes. He can’t imagine the nerd ever breaking a law and in turn, being friends and well known at a bar that draws a prison-bound crowd. Still, for some odd reason, it makes Katsuki’s stomach twist with fondness, his heart thrumming against his chest each time some murderous looking loser greets Deku with a kind smile. 

They arrive at the bar, sliding into the red barstools and Deku gives him a nervous smile. “Thanks for coming with me, Kacchan.” 

Katsuki nods, “Not like I had anything better to do, nerd.” He replies, hoping the low-lighting in the bar is hiding the heat rising along his neck and cheeks. 

Before Deku could reply, a short, blonde woman is nearly launching herself over the other side of the bar. “Izuku! So, so nice to see you again! You look as handsome as ever!” She hums, leaning forward so close her nose is nearly brushing Deku’s. Katsuki feels himself tense at the closeness. 

“Himiko, nice to see you!” The nerd replies, smiling widely and the woman reaches out, caressing his freckled cheek and God, Katsuki could vomit at the action. 

“You’re looking so good!” She drops her hands down to Deku’s thin fingers massage over the man’s scarred hands. “You’ve been away too, too long!”

Katsuki clenches his jaw when Deku chuckles, allowing the woman to literally throw herself at him. Is he just oblivious or fuck, is he into her? His stomach churns at the thought. 

Before the nerd can reply, Himiko’s eyes flick over to Katsuki, the eager shine dropping into something almost threatening. 

“Ah, you brought a friend this time.” She states, flatly. 

Deku is quick to reply, “This is Katsuki Bakugo!” He nods, his hands pulling away to motion at the blonde man. “Kacchan, this is Himiko Toga!”

The woman nods, “All right, Bakugo,” she says, venomously, “What do you know about Izuku?” She asks, almost challengingly. 

Goddamnit, Katuski has never been one to want to get into a physical brawl with a woman but Toga makes him want to leap over this bar and scream every fact he knows about the pine haired man. He refrains, mostly because someone else is quick to jump into conversation. 

“Well, well, well. Green boy wants to grace us with our presence once again.” A slim, dark haired man with scars that run along his cheekbones leans over, sliding a beer casually to the man on the other side of Katsuki. Even with the scars, Katsuki knows exactly who the man is. A Todoroki. 

“He’s brought a friend this time, Dabi.” Toga adds. 

The man glances at Katsuki, raising an eyebrow. “That he has.” 

Katsuki clenches his jaw even harder, “Katsuki Bakugo,” He takes the charge to introduce himself this time - it’s not like he can let Deku go around introducing him like some sort of dainty, soft spoken loser the entire time. Especially when these assholes are looking at Katsuki like he doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as Deku. “You are?” He asks, his tone low, gravelly. 

With a small smirk, the black haired man leans forward slightly. “Toya Todoroki.” He replies with a challenging sneer, “How do you know our local sun-ray?” 

At that, Katsuki returns a smirk. “Saved a dog caught in a house fire. Deku here ended up being the vet who tended to him.” He replies, the need to compete with the scarred man overruling. 

Dabi raises an eyebrow, “Firefighter, huh? I’ve had a run in with a few of your types. Wants to act tougher than you are.” He scoffs. Katsuki doesn’t need to know anything else about the man to know that he’s a competitive, self proclaimed ‘bad boy’ who thinks being a criminal is a flex. 

So, Katsuki leans back in the stool. “I know enough about your type to know you run around wreaking havoc just to get daddy’s attention. How’s that working out for you, Scars?” He retorts, his competitiveness getting the better of him. 

At that, the scarred Todoroki snickers. “Got some fire in you, don’t ya, firefighter?” He counteracts, head tilting to the side. “No wonder Izuku here’s brought you here. Not many can handle the pressure.” 

“If this is what you call pressure I’m starting to wonder how you survived prison.” Katsuki scoffs, narrowing his crimson eyes. He’s too focused on the conversation to even pay attention to the way Izuku is watching, his body leaning more towards Katsuki until suddenly, the blonde is shoulder to shoulder with Deku.

Toya grins, wickedly. “Alright, fine. I like you firefighter. You’ve earned you and Izuku two free drinks on me.” He slides Deku’s signature, sweet margarita forward. “So, what’cha like?” He asks, sleek eyes watching Katsuki carefully. 

“Old fashioned.” He replies, his tone sharp. Toya grins as he makes the drink, pushing it toward the blonde. 

“Enjoy, firefighter.”

•

An hour passes and Katsuki is challenged by each of Deku’s self proclaimed ‘vigilante’ friends. Katsuki challenges each of them as he had Toya Todoroki and it earns him a sort of respect the man can’t help but bathe in, especially as Deku starts holding his bicep as they traipes around the bar and Deku says his hello’s to his adoring friends. 

It’s not until he’s watching Deku neck-in-neck in a game of pool against a man who introduced himself as Shigaraki, that Katsuki feels a familiar sensation of jealousy rise in the pit of his stomach once more. He shouldn’t be jealous, really. Tomura Shigaraki is a slim, muscular man with white hair and scarlet eyes who speaks in a raspy, pitched voice. He mutters small congratulations each time Deku gets a ball in but every time those blood red eyes flick up to his opponent, a smirk on his lips and awaiting Deku’s next move, it makes Katuski flame. 

He’s barely quelled as Deku stands beside him, both he and Shigaraki needing only the 8-ball to win the game. The nerd glances up at Katsuki, a slight blush from the many drinks he’d been bought throughout the night, his eyes dark with an unreadable expression. Perhaps it’s Katsuki’s own alcohol buzz entertaining him but when Deku leans up on his tip-toes, muttering into Katsuki’s ear almost filthily, the blonde feels his stomach growl with need. 

“Watch me win, Kacchan.” 

Then, the insufferable juniper haired man takes a confident step forward, settling the pool stick between his thick fingers, his hips angled and round ass just a foot away from Katsuki - the nerd makes a shot. The sound of the ceramic balls tink against one another and Katsuki is nearly too focused on the swell of Deku’s hips to notice the 8-ball dropping into a pocket, winning the game. 

Deku grins, innocently turning back around to Katsuki as the patrons watching cheer and Shigaraki scowls. Once more, Katsuki feels his heart rate accelerate and his devotion for the nerd grows. 

“I won!” Deku cheered, as though he hadn’t just had his lips brushing against Katsuki’s ear, his firm fingers around his bicep. As though each move he made, ever word he uttered didn’t have the blonde spiraling. 

Katsuki sends him a smirk. “Alright, you won against that subpar bastard but tomorrow you’ve got another thing coming, nerd.” He retorts with a lick of his lips. 

It didn’t matter much anymore how the extra’s around the bar acted as though Katsuki needed their personal approval for Deku’s acquaintance. All that mattered was no matter what, the nerd always looked back at Katsuki with that soul crushing grin on his soft lips. 

•

It’s nearly 1 am by the time Katsuki and Deku are stumbling, slightly tipsy back toward the nerds apartment. Katsuki has already made a mental note to call a cab to drive him home. As it turns out, the pair didn’t even need to worry about the half off drinks for the night - they’d gotten plenty of free ones from the rest of the patrons Deku knew. 

“So, did the bar live up to expectations, Kacchan?” Deku asks, hazy eyes blinking up at Katsuki. 

The midnight moon shines down and the viridian haired man basks in the light, his hair shining, eyes glimmering and freckles prominent against the tinge of his flushed cheeks. 

Katsuki shrugs, “I’d say watching you kick ass in pool was pretty worth the night.” He replies, pulling Deku’s apartment building door open. 

Slinking inside, Deku gives him a proud smile. “Pool isn’t my strongest game but every once in awhile I get the hang of it.” 

“The hang of it? Shit, Deku, you and that ass Shigaraki played one hell of a game.” Katuski retorts, following after the nerd as they begin their climb of the stairs. “I call next game though, I’m pretty certain I’ll be the one kicking your ass in pool next.”

Deku beams at the comment, his apartment door swinging open. “All right, Kacchan, I accept your challenge.” He hums, tossing his unused wallet onto the entry table. Then, he gives Katsuki an anxious smile, the drunk flush replacing with a nervous one. “By the way, you’re welcome to crash here. We ended up staying at the bar longer than I expected and I know it’s late and you must wanna head to bed so if you wanna stay here I can get some stuff together!” He suggests. 

For a few moments, Katsuki debates it. His mind spins from the alcohol and his stomach brews with the want to be around Deku for even just a few moments longer. Still, his heart warns him, tapping against his ribcage, reminding him that Deku - all this, isn’t his to take or relish. That he can’t continue on, yearning for something he’s unsure if he’ll ever obtain. 

So, Katsuki finds himself in the back of a cab twenty minutes later, wondering if he had opted to stay the night at Deku’s, if it’d change the way his mind relays every ‘what-if’ scenario, every ‘what could be’ thought and the yearning that’s been eating him alive. 

Katsuki would just have to settle for the idea of what could have been. 

Chapter Text

They never did get to go to paintball - the morning of the plans, Katsuki woke up, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement. He loves the thrill of running around, gunning your friends down and splattering them with paint. It brings out his competitiveness and fills him with pride each time he wins (And he always does.) Not only that, but he’d see Deku again. 

Katsuki is nearly headed out the door, his finger hovering over the number to call a taxi to retrieve his bike when an alert rumbles through his phone. 

Wildfire spreading quickly. All teams required to come in. 

For a fire that had started in the early hours of the morning, it ravished the mountainside dangerously closely. Birds flew above, fleeing their nests that were now fuel, deer and foxes in a panicked state ran as far as they could, many of them suffering the fate of rush-hour traffic. Their homes were being destroyed and with nowhere to turn, now their lives. 

Fire Stations from the surroundi cities all sped to begin containing the flames but they only roared back, swallowing acres of forest, people’s homes and animals habitats. The temperature, hot enough cause the firefighters to drench in their own sweat and guzzle water. The autumn winds only push the fire forward, destroying everything in its path. 

If Katsuki knew better, he’d think fires were sentient, vengeful beings. 

“We need more water!” Aizawa yells, his tired eyes settling onto Eijiro and Katsuki. The dark haired man has been leading the south team since they arrived this morning, tossing around orders and providing much needed support. “Get an estimate on when the tankers will arrive! And see about the water drops from the helicopters! This thing is 0% contained!” He shakes his head and points at Katsuki. “I need you to get an update from the westward team! Winds are shifting our way!” 

Katsuki nods, ducking out and behind a fire truck. He pulls off his thick gloves, pulls down his oxygen mask and grimaces at the thick smoke sliding down his throat and filling his lungs. 

He could be fuckin’ playing paint ball right now, sending longing glances toward Deku. Instead, he’s stuck battling a fire that some dimwit began after not extinguishing their camp fire. 

It’s hard to hear with the whirl of hoses shooting off water and the howling of the fire. He dials the next team over, lead by a man Katuski had met only a few times but he and Aizawa are close.

”Captain Yamada! This is Bakugo with the 118. I need an update on your situation. Winds just shifted toward us.” 

He can hear the chaos on the other end, the frantic orders being called out, the need for more water and a bigger area of evacuations. 

“Afternoon, Lieutenant Bakugo! We’re starting a wider spread of evacuation, our water tanks are about ten minutes out! We’re starting to see a rise in temperature over here!” Yamada calls back, his voice so loud through the phone Katsuki has to pull it away from his ear. 

“Got it.” Katsuki hangs up, unwilling to waste anymore time. He returns to Aizawa, who is recording the temperature whilst ordering some local cops to broaden the evacuation orders to another fifty miles. 

Katsuki can’t help but wonder when he’d see Deku next. Or his own bed for that matter.

•

Sixteen hours later, Katsuki finds himself dragging into his house, his limbs ache and his chest burns from the rough smoke he’d been surrounded by for the entire day. His hair is thick with ash and his skin dark and grimy from soot settling onto it. A burn settles across his cheek and to his nose, sore and raw. 

He barely recognizes that the light in his kitchen is on and a car he hadn’t recognized is outside his house. He’d have to deal with his shitty neighbors parking in front of his house later. Now, all he wants is a damn shower, food and to ask Mina if she’d fed Dynamight.

Instead, as he slings his bag into the kitchen, peeling off the thick fire resistant pants, another man suddenly pokes his head out from behind the fridge.

”Kacchan! You scared me!” Deku blinks, his skin fresh, hair clean and eyes bright. A stark contrast to Katsuki. “Um, Mina said she couldn’t make it to feed Dynamight and since everyone else was called out to the fire she asked if I would! I’m sorry if I’m intruding.” He nervously smiles, shutting the fridge.

Katsuki feels like he’s dreaming. That, or he’s died and gone to Heaven. He blinks, trying to decide which is more plausible at the moment. 

“I also brought some udon from a restaurant down the street so you didn’t have to worry about dinner tonight but you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to!” Deku adds. 

Yep. Katsuki died and went to Heaven and is now living out one of his fantasy’s. 

“Kacchan?” Deku tilts his head to the side, eyes filling with worry. 

“Thanks for feeding my cat. Useless shit would’ve starved without it.” He replies, suddenly remembering he’s standing in his kitchen, staring at Deku like he’d just witnessed an Angel itself bless Katsuki. “And for dinner. I’m fuckin’ starved.” He adds, swallowing thickly. 

Deku smiles, pulling the takeout bag from the fridge. “How was it today? I saw the news coverage and it seems really serious.” He frowns, and steps forward, placing the food on the counter. Then, his eyes widen, “You’ve got a grade two burn on your cheek, Kacchan.” He takes another step forward, leaning up to get a closer view and Katsuki feels his heart stall at the action. 

“Hm? Oh, yeah. I need to clean it up.” He replied, exhaustion from the day clearly taking a toll on his brain - that and he’s to busy imagining coming home everyday to the freckled face 

Slowly, Deku backs up. “I’ll get out of your hair then. You must be exhausted and wanna relax so-“

”You can stay.” Katuski speaks before his mind even thinks it through. He internally cringes at himself for being so desperate and pitiful. “If you want. It’d be nice or whatever to have company that isn’t a bunch of stressed out fire fighters.” He adds, glancing to the side and avoiding Deku’s wide eyes. He braces for the rejection.

However, it doesn’t come. “I’d love to! I can heat this up for you if you wanna change or anything.” Deku suggests, giving the man a broad, eager grin. “Dynamight already ate and I scooped his litter so you don’t have to worry about him.”

Damnit. Katsuki could melt right now, on his kitchen floor into a big puddle of fondness - he’ll call it fondue. 

“Thanks, nerd. It helps me out a ton.” He replies, trying to keep his cool. “I’m just gonna change real quick. Gotta get out of this smoke filled shit.” 

As Deku places the bowl of udon into the microwave, he gives a nod. “Ok, Kacchan!” he hums, sticking his thumb up and grinning. 

Katsuki retreats to his bedroom, his eyes wide and cheeks flush the moment he’s in the privacy of the room. The nerd really was too good for him, wasn’t he? Selfless, generous and a goddamn angel sent from above. 

He changes quickly, throwing on a pair of sweats and a black tank top, thankful for the lack of clothing rubbing against his burning arms. The heat of the fire had caused his skin to feel raw and he’d definitely need a cold shower later tonight to soothe the ache. 

When he emerges, Deku is sliding the bowl across the counter, a fresh glass of water sits beside it along with a napkin and chopsticks. Katsuki suddenly feels bad he doesn’t have much for Izuku to eat and he raises an eyebrow. 

“Do you want some?” He asks, nearly heading to grab a bowl from his cabinet before the nerd shakes his head.

”I already ate so I’m pretty stuffed!” He replies and his eyes dart around Katsuki’s torso. “The fire must’ve been hot. You have small blisters all over.” He comments, his voice quiet as he observes Katsuki. 

Sliding into the stool, Katsuki nods. “When I left it was nearing 1,500 celsius.” He sighs, grateful he’d bought cushioned stools rather than the hard wooden ones all those years ago. “Damn thing is ravenous.” 

“They’re saying it started because someone didn’t put out their camp fire before leaving.” Deku comments, shaking his head. “And now hundreds of firefighters are risking their lives and animals are losing their homes.” He huffs, irritated. Katsuki smiles softly at the man before hiding it behind a large bite of noodles. 

“People are fuckin’ stupid. No care or awareness for anything around them.” He mutters, shaking his head. “You have to work today?” He asks, eyes narrowing on the scrubs Deku is wearing. 

Leaning against the counter, Izuku nods. “Yeah, with all the wildlife getting hit and pets injured in the fire I went to help out at some other emergency vets with Shoto.” He sighs, running a hand through his curly locks. “The whole thing is a mess.” 

At that, Katsuki snorts. “Yeah, and all because of a single dumbass.” He mutters, nearly finished with his dinner already. It sits warmly in his stomach, filling the hunger he’d felt all day and now, his chest is swelled as well, the green haired nerd fixing exactly what he’d been missing. 

“Do you want me to look at the burn on your face? I know I’m just a vet but I’ve handled my fair share of burns. Besides, I’ve got emergency burn gel in my car that works wonders.” Deku suddenly offers, a small flush across his cheeks and he nervously watches Katsuki with a wobbly smile. 

The blonde nearly chokes on his last bit of udon. “Long as you don’t fuck it up some more.” Katsuki teases, placing his hand on his chin and raising an eyebrow. 

“I won’t! I promise!”

So, Katsuki finds himself sat on the stool, Deku standing between his legs as the nerd brushes a cool towel across the burn with featherlight touch. He holds his breath, his gaze focused on Might who is sitting nearby, too afraid to look anywhere else out of the possibility he looks right at Deku. They both remain silent, Izuku cleans the wound gently and the searing pain begins to subside. 

The fatal mistake happens when Deku sits the cloth down and gives a small, approving hum before grabbing his burn ointment. Katsuki’s eyes flick up and his stomach erupts with some cliche ass butterfly feeling. The man has his pine eyes narrowed, his nose crinkled slightly and the edge of his tongue sits between his lips, purely focused. It takes everything in Katsuki not to reach up and push one of his curls from his forehead. 

“Does it feel ok?” Deku asks, softly and his eyes drop down to Katsuki’s.

They’re close. So close that Katsuki can feel the man’s soft breath against his cheek and smell the mint and lavender aroma cologne the nerd uses. Katsuki can only nod in response, unable to drop his gaze. He’s not sure if he even wants to. He could stare at the man for the rest of his life and never complain - sear the image into his brain and never see anything else. 

At that, Deku brings a hand up to rest on Katsuki’s cheek and it’s smooth, careful, intended to keep Katsuki still and steady Izuku’s own precision. “I’m gonna put the ointment on. It shouldn’t burn but if it does let me know.” He smiles, softly and his eyes are so gentle it makes Katsuki melt. 

“Go ahead, nerd.” Katsuki murmurs and finally, he drops his gaze, fluttering his eyes shut and not wanting to weird the man out. 

The cream against Katsuki’s burn quells any last sting that festered, Deku’s gloved finger glides carefully along the burn with expertise. Katsuki can only imagine how many animals he’s calmed whilst doing exactly what he’s doing now. How many scared, innocent creatures he’d stitched up and held with the same gentle hands. 

He waits with bated breath as Deku pulls his hand back and finally Katsuki’s eyes open, meeting viridian ones. As if caught, Deku immediately fixes his gaze on a bandage beside him and he nervously laughs. 

“This is waterproof, should hold up when you shower but it needs to be changed every few hours. I have a whole bunch of them I’ll leave with you. It’s important to keep the burn clean, especially if you’re going back out tomorrow.” He instructs, picking up the bandage. He places it carefully against Katsuki’s skin, smooths it over the bridge of his nose and then, peels an odd film from the top that suctions off the bandage tightly. “You can have the burn cream too, I get it discounted for the clinic.” He adds, sounding incredibly serious, as if he was talking to a dogs owner. 

Katsuki snorts, “Yes, Dr. Deku.” He replies, his stomach dropping slightly as the man gathers the trash and steps out from between Katsuki’s legs. 

“That’s Dr. Izuku Midoriya to you, Kacchan.” He teases back, smiling gently and then stands in the middle of the kitchen. “Where’s your trash?” He furrows his face. 

With a large stride, Katsuki finds himself in close quarters with Deku once again, his chest nearly brushing against the nerds bicep as he leans forward, pulling open a drawer to reveal a hidden trashcan. 

“The blue one is recycling. Tell me you know how to recycle in that big brain of yours.” Katsuki smirks and playfully knocks his knuckle against the other man’s head, watching as his cheeks flushed and he pouted lightly. 

“Of course I do, Kacchan. I recycle too, y’know.” He hums, easily sorting out the trash and recyclables and then pushes the drawer shut, turning on his heel. He angles his head up at Katsuki, “I’m surprised you don’t compost too.” 

“Used to. It’s a little too smelly for me.” Katsuki shrugs, “I’m at least not a vegan like Round Cheeks.” 

A small giggle escapes Deku, “Ochako? Yeah, her and Tsu are really into all that environmentalism stuff. It’s admirable but way to expensive of a lifestyle for me to entertain.” He admits, crossing his broad arms over his chest. “How’d you know she’s vegan?” 

“Saw her pick out some nasty looking vegan bacon at the grocery store the other day.” 

“It’s actually pretty good bacon. Doesn’t live up to the real deal though.” Deku counters, tilting his head to the side. “Don’t knock it till you try it.”

Taking the opportunity, Katsuki raises an eyebrow, tilts his neck down and mutters, “Yeah, you gonna cook it for me sometime, Deku?” He mutters. Perhaps it’s the exhaustion emboldening him, or the fact he has Deku waltzing around his kitchen and fixing up his burn like he belonged there, but Katsuki relishes in the way Deku’s eyes widen and his face turns a deeper shade of red. 

“I’m not a great cook but I can definitely serve you up some burnt vegan bacon sometime if you please.” He replies after a moment, his eyes boring into Katsuki’s crimson ones. 

“I’ll take you up on that, Deku.” Katsuki murmurs back, using every ounce of strength to not let his gaze fall down to the man’s lips as his tongue darts out, licking across the plump roundness. 

They’re close enough that if Katsuki leans down, even a bit and steps forward, their noses would brush. It’s making the blonde man dizzy at the thought. 

Before they can exchange any more words, Deku’s phone is blaring in his pocket and the smaller man jumps in surprise. He fumbles for a moment, stepping back from Katsuki as he digs his phone out and his eyes settle across a notification.

”Shoot. I’ve gotta go. They just got another notice of some injured animals.” Deku frowns, and starts heading for his keys on the counter. “I’m glad I could help out and don’t forget to keep that clean!” He reminds, tapping his own freckled cheek and sending Katsuki a serious look.

”Will do, nerd.” Katsuki replies, trying to push down the feeling of disappointment in his chest as the man gives him a swift wave and disappears out the front door. “Damnit.” Katsuki throws his head back, squeezing his eyes shut.

It takes two weeks to extinguish the fire. Two weeks of back breaking work, no days off and an impossible amount of damage done. Small towns in the mountainside are ruined, the next several decades will render the area bare and scarred from the fire. Six firefighters, ten civilians and countless animals lost their lives, only solidifying the hell that the fire wreaked. 

Katsuki didn’t see Izuku but for that one night. The man was too busy working overtime at his clinic once the repairs were finished to stop by at a reasonable time. Which meant Katsuki came home to Mina usually feeding his cat or leaving a note saying she had, and sometimes offering to heat up some shitty frozen dinner. Katsuki opted for spending too much money on delivery instead. 

By the end of the hellish cycle, Katsuki had managed to patch up his own burns with Deku’s supplies he’d left and got rather good at applying the bandages, despite it not being as smooth as Deku’s application. It wasn’t as though Katsuki didn’t know how to tend to his own burns - he’d been injured enough to know just what worked for him but he swears the nerd performed some sort of miracle that night. The burn across his cheek and nose had lessened into a red, angry mark that’d likely scar and didn’t hurt except for when Katsuki would forget about it and frustratedly drag his hands down his face. 

He texts the nerd every so often. They’re usually broken apart, hours between the nerds messages because both of them had been so busy. All he can hope is Deku took decent care of himself throughout the weeks and didn’t bury himself too deep into work - no matter how noble of work it is. 

Tonight, Katsuki sits in his apartment, Eijiro and Denki on either side of him as they game, their fingers working nimbly and skillfully at the controller knobs. It’s peaceful, a sort of comfortability Katsuki has grown used to after knowing his friends for so many years. 

When Eijiro finally wins a round, Katsuki coming in close behind, the red haired man cheers, throwing his hands up. 

“Hell yeah! Finally!” Eijiro grins, “Denki, you’re the only one who hasn’t won a round.” He snickers, placing his controller down. Eijiro wears a bandage along his neck, thanks to a sudden burst of flames knocking a tree down and a flaming branch smacking the man. 

On the other hand, Denki has a few small blistering burns along his arms. The electric blonde groans. “Don’t remind me. I’m no good at first person shooters.” He huffs, throwing himself against the cushioning of Katsuki’s sofa. 

“You’re shit at everything, Dunce Face.” Katsuki retorts, an achieving grin on his face for once again, coming out the winner of their game night. Katsuki’s head buzzes with the few beers they’d drank, his face finally free of the bandage he’d been keeping on it. 

“You’re just a natural at everything.” Denki huffs, “It’s not fair.” 

Eijiro clasps a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. “At everything but asking a guy out.” He teases, “You and Midoriya hangout lately?” 

At the mention of the nerd, Katsuki does his best to roll his eyes and act unaffected. “Why the hell does it matter to you, Shitty Hair?” He scoffs, placing his own controller down and shooting a glare at his best friend. “We’ve been busy putting out a damn wildfire and you’re concerned if I’ve seen the nerd lately?” 

“You were in a much better mood when you saw him regularly.” Denki points out, a smirk on his lips. 

“That’s true, dude. I think Midoriya’s a good influence on you, plus he makes you happy!” Eijiro adds, completely genuine. “You’ve gotta bite the bullet at some point.” 

Katsuki rolls his eyes. “Fuck off. I’m not trying to fuck up something that’s barely started.” He shrugs, crossing his arms over his chest. His fingers itch to check Deku’s social media - he hasn’t posted anything in a few days anyway. 

“If I may say-“ 

“You absolutely may fucking not.” Katuski butts in.

”I think he’s got it just as bad for you as you do him.” Denki continues on, long used to Katsuki’s attitude to back down now. “I mean, you could say jump and he probably would.” 

“That’s a damn exaggeration.” 

Eijiro shakes his head, leaning forward, “Yeah but, Midoriya is hot, talented, passionate and he’s so clearly into you. Unless you’d rather just be friends forever and watch him go off to get married and live happily without you. Then you’d be all sad and regretful which really isn’t manly. Putting yourself out there is manly!” 

“Yeah! You should text him. Set up a time to meet and pop the question.” Denki adds on. 

His friends are nosy and prodding yet still, Katsuki groans, running a hand through his hair. “He’s still busy with the animal’s affected by the fire. Not like I wanna add to that stress.” He reasons, darting his tongue across his bottom lip. “Still don’t know if he’s gay.” 

“He’s bi, dude! I asked Mina and she said so!” Eijiro grins, wriggling his eyebrows.

”Oh! Wait, he was just tagged in a post.” Denki cheers, his fingers working to open instagram and an excited sits against his lips as he taps on the notification. Katsuki briefly wonders why Denki had post notifications on for Deku until suddenly, the man’s face drops and he purses his lips. “Ah, nothing important.” He closes his phone. 

It puzzles Katsuki for a few moments. Denki has always been a damn pain in his ass, too damn persistent and nosy so his sudden behavior switch is puzzling. Still, the crimson eyed man is too eager to switch the conversation to question it, he’d figure it out, sooner or later. 

•

As it turns out, when Katsuki is settled into bed, Dynamight curled up in his arm, Katsuki scrolls along instagram, curiosity getting the better of him. It’s until a suggested post pops up onto his feed that Katsuki understands his usual overbearing friend’s reaction that Katsuki feels his stomach drop. His throat feels tight, his eyes widening and he wants to actively throw his phone across the room. 

‘The League’ Account had posted a photo, the familiar shitty bar photographed in the background. Katsuki can’t even pay attention to the faces in the background because in the center of the photo is the viridian haired man. He’s wearing a short sleeved, black t-shirt that reads ‘shirt’ in white lettering, a pair of dark washed jeans around his hips. He looks good, too good. But what’s alarming is that damn purple haired fuck, an arm slung around Deku, a lazy grin spread across his lips as their cheeks smoosh together, bodies flush. 

‘Winners for most compatible go too…’ 

Of course. He should’ve known the first time Deku posted a picture of that purple haired man. 

The comments solidify Katsuki’s mind.

@Uravity.Ochako: The cutest ever! 

@Speedy.Tenya: Much deserved! You work so well together!

Oh. Katsuki stares at the photo for longer than is definitely considered healthy. The bar Deku had so eagerly brought him to, paraded Katsuki around to all his criminal friends while they commented on him finally bringing a friend, comments that Katsuki shouldn’t have held onto and thought too hard about. 

He’s never even heard of or met the purple haired asshole in the photo and yet, he was clearly important to Deku. More important than Katsuki, at least. 

Closing his phone out, Katsuki rolls over in bed, turning his bedside lamp out. His chest feels heavy yet empty, his stomach churns with jealousy and defeat. 

He should have shut this down ages ago. Should have told his stupid heart to settle down and give up. He has only himself to blame now. Not even his shitty friends can take the fall for Katsuki’s ego. 

Katsuki ignores the signature vibration rattling his phone. 

•

For a whole other week Katsuki remains successful at dodging most of Izuku’s texts. He replies with short sentences and when the nerd asks Katsuki about his burns, he gives him a curt. ‘They’re fine.’ 

It’s stupid, Katsuki thinks. He’s barely known the guy for a few months now and he’s taking the distance like a fucking heart break. 

“Hey man, have you tried out the massage chair lately? You look really tense.” Eijiro is as Katsuki side as they wash the firetruck, one of their duties for a particularly slow day. 

Katsuki shoots him a glare. “I’m tense cause your ass isn’t helping me wash this damn truck. Now get a sponge.” He barks out, knowing he shouldn’t take such a cruel tone with his best friend. Still, he can’t help it. 

Doing as told, Eijiro gives Katsuki a frown. “We’re all going out with Midoriya and his friends tomorrow. For the opening of the new bar across town! Mina’s doing a lot of the entertainment for it with her band. You gonna come?” He asks, worried scarlet eyes watching Katsuki. 

The blonde shrugs. “Probably not.” He replies, at the mention of the green eyed man, his eyes narrow on the white lettering of ‘Station 118’ as he scrubs the dirt off. 

From the back of the truck, Denki pokes his head around, lazily swirling his sponge in the same spot. “Aw come on man! Since we didn’t get to go paint balling with them we’re trying to plan a new time and it’ll be easier with everyone there!” He hums, smiling like an idiot.

”I have to give Dynamight a bath.” Katsuki lies through gritted teeth. “Just let me know when the plans for paintball are or whatever the fuck.” 

Appearing beside Denki, Hanta groans dramatically. “Nope! If you don’t come then you don’t get to come paintballing with us. Plus it’s to support Mina, Jiro and the others!” He shakes his soap covered hand, some of which flicks onto Denki and the man frowns. 

“Yeah, she’ll be like super disappointed if you don’t come!” Eijiro tacks on. 

Finally, Katsuki groans loudly. “Fuck off. I’ll come but I’m not staying.” He huffs, tossing the sponge into the bucket of water. “Finish the rig, I need to check in with the Captain on a few things.” 

“Man, he’s been really grumpy.” Denki mutters as Katsuki stomps off. The crimson eyed man doesn’t even bother shooting him a glare. 

As he works his way up to Aizawa’s office, tiredly stepping inside, his eyes lay onto the head of pastel hair sat in one of the chairs. 

Aizawa’s eyes flick up to Katsuki. “What is it, Bakugo?” He mutters, raising his coffee cup to his lips. 

Eri turns around quickly, “Hey, Bakugo! I haven’t seen you in a while!” She hums, kindly and her legs swing in the tall chair. “Good work on the wild fire! Oh, and your burn seems to be all healed up! Dr. Midoriya will be glad.” She adds, giving a wide, fresh-faced grin to Katsuki.

He swallows thickly. “Yeah, the burn gel was a fuckin’ miracle.” He murmurs. 

“Dr. Midoriya ordered a ton more, I think he said something about dropping some off at the station for everyone! He gets it in bulk and 50% off since he runs the clinic!” Eri pointed out. 

Katsuki scoffs. Of course the nerd would waste his little money he has on taking care of Katsuki and the other dumbasses in the station. He’s too kind. Katsuki tries to convince himself the action is no longer endearing and straight up annoying instead. 

At that he gives a curt nod to Eri and focuses back on Aizawa. “I was wondering about the status on the hydrants in the area. It’s getting close to needing to service them and do a checkup again.” 

Aizawa nods, “Yeah. Next week probably.” He agrees, “Once the truck is finished being washed, make sure to check the equipment inside. I need a report on everything and their condition.” 

“Yessir.” 

“Bye, Bakugo!” Eri calls as the man ducks out of the office, he gives her a brief wave

He sighs. He really won’t be able to escape that damn nerd, would he?

•

The fateful night rolls around and Katsuki finds himself smooshed between Eijiro and Hanta in a round booth in the corner of the bar and near the stage. Mina had ‘reserved’ it for them, meaning she actually just laid on the table and insulted anyone who dared to try and slide into the seats.

The bar is nice, better than the ones Katsuki had been dragged to before. It’s large enough that everyone isn’t crammed in, shoulder to shoulder and the music is loud but not enough to make Katsuki’s already shit hearing much worse. Pink and blue lights fill the room, the soft glow of dim yellow lights compliment it well, meaning everyone looks flattering in the lighting. A long bar stretches across the back, tables square off around the dance floor and more booths sit along the back. A few pool tables are on the other side of the dance floor and the sound of competitive drunk people fill the air. It only reminds Katuski of the dimly lit bar he’d watched Deku win a pool game at. 

Speaking of the devil, his friends cheer loudly as the group of nerds finally appears. Katsuki’s eyes find Izuku immediately and he already curses himself for coming. The asshole is wearing a pair of baggy, black pants with white, thin stripes running vertically, a white, tight t-shirt tucked into the pants. A white belt sits on his hips, more accessory than functional. And his air - his insufferably perfect green curls are pulled up in a half-up pony, the tresses curl along his jaw and the back of his neck and a few poke out around his forehead. 

Jesus. Katsuki already feels his heart thrum in his chest. The way the soft lighting glows off his freckled face should be fucking criminal. Katsuki could go make a citizens arrest on the damn designer of this god forsaken bar. 

When the man’s eyes, large and glimmering land on Katsuki, his lips spread into an excited grin. 

Then, Katsuki sees him, that purple haired shit-head. He’s dressed in an oversized, white hoodie and a pair of black loose jeans. Long, purple hair is pulled into a low bun and dark circles sit underneath his eyes. Damnit. He’s hot and has no business being anywhere near Deku. 

“Hey guys!” Uraraka and Tsu slide in beside Jiro, Iida and Todoroki on the other side of them and Deku and the purple asshat slide in beside Denki.

The group echo greetings to each other, cheering that they finally were able to stick to a plan and Katsuki’s eyes finally find Deku again, as Uraraka speaks up. 

“This is our friend Hitoshi Shinso!” She introduces, quickly gaining the attention of the whole table. Katsuki doesn’t care to glance at Hitoshi Shinso, his eyes lock onto viridian ones that were already looking.

Something sparks in the blonde man, Deku’s faces flushes and slowly, the veterinarian averts his gaze to Eijiro who is saying his greeting Hitoshi fucking Shinso. Shinso who has a rasped, deep voice and greets each of Katsuki’s friends with suave-ass words.

Fuck him. 

“Katsuki Bakugo.” He speaks as Eijiro finishes, his eyes remain on Deku and just as he finishes speaking, blink over to Shinso as he introduces himself. 

The violet man gives a nod, “Whats’sup.” He glances toward Deku, an eyebrow raised and shoulder nudging against the veterinarian- almost knowingly. Katsuki forces himself to look at anything but the pair, jaw flexed impossibly tight. 

An hour passed, Katsuki makes light conversation with one side of the table and with almost anyone besides Deku. He can hear the dorks bubbly laugh every so often and it’s like a taunt because the few glances he’s allowed himself, Hitoshi fucking Shinso has an arm perched on the back of the booth, leering against Deku’s shoulders. 

Katsuki downs his third drink as Mina and Jiro argue with their drummer on the phone about him being late. He listens vaguely to Iida talk to Eijiro and Todoroki about something the blonde can’t be bothered to pay attention to. 

After a moment, Mina and Jiro hang up the phone and step back toward the table. The pink haired woman gives Katsuki a wide, endearing grin. He already knows what she’s gonna ask, her eyes are wide and behind them lays determination. 

“Kats, huge favor to as you.” She hums, her hands pressing together in a pray-like motion. “Please drum for us tonight! You already know most the music and we have extra sheet music. Our drummer bailed because of his girlfriend and we need one-“ 

“Fine.” Katuski agrees, taking the entire group by surprise. Denki’s eyes practically bug out of his skull. 

From across the table, Deku speaks to Katsuki, finally. “I didn’t know you drummed, Kacchan.” He gives an innocent, almost impressed smile and Katsuki glances toward him. 

He’d planned on keeping a stone-like expression but as soon as his crimson eyes met Deku’s viridian ones - he knows his face softened, much to his distaste. 

“Watch and learn, nerd.” He shrugs, letting his lips curl up into a sliver of a smirk. 

He forces the others to slide out of the booth so he can follow a very grateful Mina and Jiro. As they set up, a shortish, muscularly lean man Katsuki’s met quite a few times arrives, his bass around his shoulder. 

“Bakugo, will you be playing drums for us tonight?” Tokoyami asks, his sleek black hair poked up into a few spikes, his dark, nearly black eyes trained on the blonde.

Nodding, Katsuki spins the drumsticks in his hand. “Least I can do so Alien over here doesn’t freak out on everyone.” He nods to Mina.

The pink haired woman throws an arm around Katsuki. “Ah, don’t listen to him. He wants to impress Izuku over there.” She snickers and Katuski shrugs her arm off, shooting her a glare. 

She wasn’t wrong, but Katsuki would never admit that. 

“Oh, Midoriya is here? I haven’t seen him in awhile.” Tokoyami replies, casually and then glances to the side of the nerd. “I’m surprised you all got Shinso out of the house as well.” 

Katsuki clenches his jaw at the mention of the purple haired ass. “You know the nerd and his friend?” He asks, casually and focus’ on how his fingers twirl around the stick. 

“Tokoyami went to college with all of us! He dropped out early to be a tattoo artist though.” Mina chimes in, setting up the stage as she speaks. 

Jiro snickers, “Yeah, a tattoo artist without any tattoos.” She nudges Tokoyami’s shoulder and then returns to tuning her guitar. 

“I’m waiting for the right moment. I’d like it to be personal and memorable.” Tokoyami shrugs, “Midoriya was my first client.” He comments and Katsuki’s eyes widen and he nearly chokes on his spit. 

Deku has a fucking tattoo? How has he not seen it? How had the nerd never mentioned it. Now, all Katsuki can think about is what the tattoo is, and where it was. 

Before he knows it, his thoughts have consumed him and Katsuki blinks, suddenly sat in the stool, the drum set before him as Mina speaks into the microphone. 

“Hello everybody! I’m Mina Ashido! How is everyone doing tonight?” 

She’s met back by a room full of shouts and cheers, a few whistles of excitement. Katsuki can feel the attention turning toward the group, no longer as focused on whatever conversation the extras in the bar were having or the pool game they’re beginning to abandon. His eyes dare to flicker to Deku and he feels his heart race. 

Denki is saying something to the nerd but the pine haired boy is turned, looking at Katsuki while nodding along to whatever the electric blonde is saying. Their eyes meet before Shinso is suddenly joining in on the conversation and Katsuki looses the veterinarians eyes. 

His grip on the drum sticks tighten and as the thrum of music begins. He tears his eyes away from the freckled man and he focus’ on the music.

He’s heard Mina’s band perform enough to know the songs so, his motions move like clockwork, his foot tapping the bass drum in sync and sticks rattling against the cymbals.

If there was one thing he’d do tonight - it was to get that damn nerd to focus on him and only him. To make Deku forget about the tired looking, attractive indigo colored haired man who is nowhere fucking near Katsuki’s level. 

He puts all his focus on performing the best he can - possibly the best he ever has. Drums were never something he’d wanted to pursue, when he was in middle school his anger management therapist had recommended them for a sort of release and since then, especially after he learned he had a natural affinity to play the drums, he’d occasionally play. And now, their purpose was to lure Deku. 

As the songs pass, his eyes stay mainly on his work, making sure to hit every note and occasionally twirl his sticks between his fingers when there was a break. He barely looked up at the crowd that had gathered, many of them fans of Mina’s small band. They clapped to the beat, cheered at the woman’s singing and Tokoyami’s bass solo. They howled at Jiro’s guitar riffs and when it came time for Katsuki’s drum solo, he lifted his gaze, eyes settling upon emerald ones, that were already looking at him. 

He maintains the eye contact, his head nodding to the beat as his sticks slam against the snare and toms in perfect rhythm. His heart pounds in his chest and when Deku’s eyes widen, as if realizing Katsuki’s intense eye contact, a smirk curls onto Katsuki’s lips. 

The nerds cheeks flush and Katsuki feels the satisfaction settle into the pit of his stomach. He can barely hear the rest of the band return to their instruments, Mina and Jiro’s voices mixing as the end of the song approaches. He tears his eyes away finally as Mina belts out the final line and he holds the drum sticks in his hands, catching his breath and running a hand through his slightly damp hair. 

The crowd erupts into cheers and Mina grins widely - truly in her element. Katsuki always thought she should pursue the band full time, rather than being a piercer. Eijiro is quick to swoop his girlfriend up, shouting praise while Jiro and Tokoyami high-five, applauding each other. 

“Nice playing, Kats.” Jiro turns to Katsuki, “Seemed awfully passionate at the end there.” She adds with a smirk, setting her guitar into the case. 

Tokoyami, nods his head, fixing his hair that’d shifted slightly out of place. “I agree.” 

“That’s because he was looking at Izuku the whole time.” Mina butts in, one hand resting on the back of Eijiro’s neck while he holds her waist, fondly. 

His best friend nods, “Yeah, real subtle man.” Eijiro wriggles his eyebrows. “It was like intense as hell when I realized you were looking at Midoriya.” 

Katsuki scoffs, “Fuck off. I was looking at everyone.” He lies, coming to a stand and glaring down at his idiot friends. 

“Oh are we lying now?” Jiro snorts and Mina giggles along. 

With the roll of his eyes, Katsuki stalks off the stage, headed for the bar. His mouth is impossibly dry as he slides into one of the bar stools. A woman with blonde hair settles in the seat beside Katsuki. 

“Really good playing up there.” She hums, her tone low, her eyes an umber shade and shimmering in the glow of the lighting around. Thick eyelashes lay against her cheekbones. “You play with them often?” She asks.

Katsuki grits his teeth. “No. Was just filling in.” He replies and when the bartender comes to take his order, he licks his bottom lip. “Old fashioned.” He orders, simply. The woman beside him shifts, ordering a martini and glances back at Katsuki almost expectantly. “I’m not paying for your drink, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He tells her, flatly. 

She laughs, “Not a problem, really. I can cover my own drinks.” She replies, cooly and adjusts the black captain-like hat perched on her head. “Figured I wouldn’t be your type anyway.” 

Katsuki shoots her a glare, “Yeah? And what the hell do you figure my type is.” He sneers, raising an eyebrow and taking the glass the bartender pushes forward. 

“Names Camie Utsushimi, by the way. You can call me Camie.” She sticks out a slim, manicured hand and when Katsuki does shake it, she drops it. “And something tells me that little solo you did was to impress the cute freckled boy you couldn’t take your eyes off.” 

At the mention, Katsuki feels his jaw clench and he swallows his drink tightly. He’s about to tell her to get lost when she speaks again. 

“Probably because of the hot tired looking guy who’s been hanging around him, amirite?” She grins, wickedly but not an ounce of malice leaks from her words. As noticing the way Katsuki goes still and he takes another quick drink, she chuckles. “What can I say, I’m awfully observant.”

”So if you know I’m not interested, why the hell are you here bothering me?” 

She laughs, flicking her long golden tresses over her shoulder as she leans forward, picking up her martini, she slowly pops the olive into her mouth. 

“I guess to confirm my hunch.” She shrugs, raising the glass to her lips. “And I figured you’d look less overly smitten if you didn’t go off to sulk on your own.” She shrugs, casually. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, turning slightly to face Camie. “Does it seem like I need your damn help?” 

“Nope. But with the way greenie over there is watching, I’d say it’s helping.”

Her eyes flicker to the side and Katsuki slowly follows her gaze back to his table where everyone had settled back into the booths, laughing loudly about something. Deku is halfway glancing over Katsuki, eyes flickering back and forth between whatever Jiro is saying and back to the crimson man. 

“He’s hot.” Camie hums, “Those freckles are just delicious, aren’t they?” 

Katsuki nods, absentmindedly as his gaze drops back to his glass. He swallows thickly, the feeling of poignancy filling him once more. He’d spend fuckin’ days trying to convince himself Izuku didn’t mean anything to him. That he was just a friend he happened to find attractive. And within a singular night it’d all unraveled into a fucking mess. Even worse - he didn’t even know if Izuku felt the same way. Katsuki’s 90% sure Hitoshi Shinso is his boyfriend or whatever which makes the whole situation even more pathetic. 

“Op. Well, there’s my cue.” Camie is suddenly standing, whisking her glass away and tips her hat. “Nice talking to you.” She winks and suddenly, she disappears into the crowded mess of the bar. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, index finger trailing against the rim of his glass. Suddenly, someone else slides in beside him, the familiar scent of lavender and mint filling his senses. 

“You were really good up there, Kacchan.” Deku praises and Katsuki raises his eyes to meet the dorks glimmering, slightly hazed ones. “I mean, I never knew you were so good at drums! It was amazing to watch, really, you’re so talented!” He adds, looking a little sheepish. From where they sit now, the light reflects off the nerd perfectly - hues of pink and blue shine onto his green, fluffy hair and the orange hue illuminates his freckled, flushed cheeks and sparkle in his viridian pools of eyes. 

“Thanks, nerd.” He replies, voice a little strained and he finishes his drink in one gulp. “So, you having fun tonight? Thought you didn’t go out often yet it seems every time I see you it’s at a bar.” 

Deku laughs, quietly and glances away from Katsuki almost shyly. “Well I’ve got more reasons to go out now.” He shrugs, brining his eyes back up to meet Katsuki’s. 

A flicker of hope ignites in Katsuki’s stomach at the admission. “Yeah? Lots of pool games and contests to win?” He asks, trying to remind himself that Izuku isn't his. 

Tilting his head to the side, Deku furrows his brows. “I guess you could say that.” He shrugs and then leans forward slightly. “Your burn looks good. Eri mentioned it’d healed up good. She also asked me if you had a skincare routine she could follow” He grins, eyes set on the burn scar across Katsuki’s nose. 

At that, Katsuki huffs out a small laugh. “The secret is sweat, ash and soot.” He rolls his eyes, playfully. “So, you and Purple Hair, huh?” he suddenly finds himself asking. 

Deku glances back to Shinso, “Huh? Oh, yeah, we’ve known each other since grad school! He’s a graphic designer, works on some of the new anime’s that have been getting released.” He nods, his words filled with admiration and Katuski immediately regrets brining the other man up. “Do you um, like him?” The nerd asks, suddenly his eyes dropping to his lap. 

Katsuki bites back a frown. “Yeah, he seems cool.” He mutters. Why the hell would Izuku ask him that? As if he needs the approval of Katsuki - whom he’s known for only months - for his relationship. 

Oddly, Deku gives a wry smile. “I can introduce you guys if you’d like. I know earlier was kinda jumbled and there was a lot of people but I think without the others as a distraction you guys would hit it off.” He suggests, his eyes suddenly nowhere near as sparkly as they had been. 

It takes everything in Katsuki to not blurt out that he doesn’t wanna talk with Izuku’s lame-ass boyfriend. 

“If you think so.” Katsuki shrugs, thankful the bartender is already sliding over another old-fashioned. He takes an eager drink.

”He’s a really good guy. He likes all the sort of stuff you do so I think you guys would be good.” Deku continues and Katuski wishes he would stop talking about his fucking boyfriend. “I can bring him over whatever when you’re ready.” He adds, oddly and with a wavering voice. 

Katsuki forces a small, approving smile. “Whenever, nerd.” He barely mutters out. He takes another drink and Izuku stands, giving a soft nod before trailing off to the booth to retrive Shinso.

The blonde has to remind himself that whatever he thought he had with Deku, was obviously all in his head. That the dork didn’t belong to him and if anything, was too good for Katsuki. Izuku was like a damn angel, sent from Heaven to heal injured animals, give his all to his friends and selflessly love everyone. He deserved someone who would make him as happy as he makes others, who would burden the weight of the world and give their all to him. And if Hitoshi Shinso was that person, Katsuki would be a good friend and play nice, no matter how hard his teeth ache.

Chapter Text

The night ends with Mina and Uraraka blacking out while their respective partners carry them out to cabs. The bar had filtered out by then, the crowd now just a few stragglers still waiting on rides or trying to convince their drunk friends to leave. 

Katsuki had the great privilege of conversing with Shinso for half an hour before the girls called it quits and the group started gathering up to leave. As it turns out, much to Katsuki’s dismay, Shinso is a cool dude. He lets Katsuki in on some behind-the-scenes on the latest All Might anime he’d been working on, they talk about Ghost of Tsushima and its graphics and Katuski avoids asking about the indigo haired man’s relationship with Deku. Of which, the nerd had disappeared quickly into Katsuki’s conversation with Shinso, saddling him with his boyfriend like some sort of sick joke. 

By the time they’re all gathered on the curbs, most of them drunkenly calling out goodbyes, Katsuki helps hold Denki up while Deku waves off Uraraka and Tsu before turning and giving wobbly hugs to Iida and Shinso, who are catching a cab together since they live nearby each other. Katsuki doesn’t dwell on the fact Deku didn’t go home with Shinso and instead is trying to get a cab with Todoroki back to their shared apartment. 

As the Half n Half man calls one over, Deku stands beside Katsuki, giving him an anxious smile. 

“So, it seems like you and Hitoshi got on well!” He points out, his tone full of a strange sort of excitement - it doesn’t match the way his eyes dim as he speaks. 

Katsuki shrugs, the weight of Denki making it hard to. Before he can reply, Denki is slurring out a bunch of nonsense. 

“Mido, dude. Had a blast tonight. You and your friends are so,” he pauses, hiccuping loudly, “fucking fun.” He raises a hand, undoubtedly intending on patting Deku but instead, nearly smacks the man across the face before Katsuki grabs his wrist. 

He scowls, “Stop moving so damn much. You’re heavy enough as is.” He huffs, rolling his eyes.

”Don’t pretend like you don’t carry men heavier than me out of a burning building! Isn’t it dreamy, Mido?” Denki tilts his head at the veterinarian who is watching with amusement. “Oh god. I’m gonna blow.” Denki is suddenly standing straight up and with all the coordination he can muster, leaps to the trashcan outside the bar - one Katsuki had seen multiple other people vomit in already. The blonde groans in disgust, shaking his head before turning his attention back toward Deku. 

“Yeah. Shinso is cool.” He shrugs, running a hand through his hair. “He’s got a cool job and whatever.” He adds when Izuku gives him a small frown. God, was forcing Katsuki to hangout with his boyfriend not enough - now he’s gotta compliment him and shit? 

Deku nods his head. “It takes a lot of talent to do what he does.” He agrees, his hands rubbing together almost nervously. “You guys have so much in common too! I mean I’ve never heard of the game you guys were talking about and all the other stuff.” He adds, feigning a cheery tone. “Did you get his number? I can give it to you if you didn’t so you guys can keep talking and stuff!” He suddenly asks and it catches Katuski so off guard he can’t help the wide-eyed gawk he gives Izuku. 

Why the fuck would Katsuki wanna talk to Izuku’s boyfriend? Does the nerd think they’re gonna be best fucking friends or something? He’d sooner vomit in the same trashcan as Denki before he wants to become best friends with Hitoshi fucking Shinso. 

Still, in attempt to please Deku, he gives a small nod. “Alright, nerd. That’s fine.” He feels like he’s swallowing glass.

With that, Izuku gets on his phone, typing something out furiously. Then, Katsuki’s phone buzzes with the nerd signature vibration.

From: Deku

Contact:Hitoshi Shinso 

Katsuki grits his teeth, almost forgetting he’d taken out the green haired man’s (The veterinarian!) in his contact in an attempt to not chuckle every damn time he saw it. His name looks almost empty now. 

“Thanks.” He gives a tight lipped nod, “I guess now I can hit him up for spoilers on the new All Might series.” He half-heartedly jokes, wondering if Deku is privy to that information already. 

It’s a little cool outside, the wind brushes past the pair as they talk. The night air is refreshing, even more so after the events inside and the stars dot across the sky while the moon gleams down. Small goosebumps raise on Deku’s skin and Katsuki snorts. 

“You cold, nerd?” He asks, already shrugging off the black jacket he’d brought in anticipation for the cooling nights. He doesn’t know what he’s doing - Shinso probably wouldn’t be happy about Izuku wearing another man’s jacket but damnit. If this is the last of Izuku that he gets - late nights and a shared jacket. He’ll fucking take it. 

The cold must’ve been getting to Deku because the man flushes and takes the jacket with a sheepish smile before sliding it on. It’s big, hell its even a little lose on Katsuki but the jacket swallows Izuku, coming out past his hands and it makes Katsuki fucking nauseous when the man gives him a small, bubbly laugh. 

“Thanks, Kacchan.” He hums, lifting his arms and shimmying them so his hands poke out of the sleeve. “But, won’t you be cold?” He asks, knitting his eyebrows together in worry. 

The blonde shrugs, “I run warm.” He says, honestly. 

Denki saunters back over. “Oh man. I feel so much better.” He grins, “I should’ve done that like an hour ago.” He laughs and Katsuki rolls his eyes. “Hey, cool jacket, Mido! Where’d you get that?” 

“It’s Kacchan’s!” 

At that, Denki lets out a small snicker. “Ohh,” he pats Katsuki’s back, “Atta boy!”

Katsuki sends the man a glare so cruel, the drunk, electric blonde clamps his mouth shut and flees the scene, opting to bother Eijiro and Mina. 

The last of the cabs pull up, Eijiro and Mina in one, Deku and Todoroki the other and Katsuki is stuck with Denki since they live only a few blocks away from one another.

Katsuki bids a final goodbye to his friends and then pauses when he gets to Izuku. With a clenched jaw, he gives him a nod. “Get home safe, nerd.” He mutters.

”You too, Kacchan!” The nerd calls after, sliding into the cab beside Todoroki. It reminds Katsuki of the first night they’d really officially met - Uraraka, Iida and Todoroki waiting on Deku as he exchanged numbers with Katsuki, texting the nerd, blissfully unaware of his boyfriend. 

He gets into his own cab with a scowl, listing off Denki’s address and then his own. When Katsuki gets home, Dynamight chirps at him, running along his leg and nudging into his hand. Katsuki sheds his clothes and retreats to bed but this time, there is no text to send Deku and no text from him. 

He won’t stay up, well past his desired sleep time just to get a few more minutes talking to the nerd. He won’t wake up, wondering when he’ll see him next. He won’t lay in bed, wondering what Deku is thinking about. He already knows. The nerd will be thinking about indigo hair and those tired, sultry eyes they belong to. 

Izuku Midoriya doesn’t know where he’d went wrong. Maybe it was bringing Hitoshi, who always caught the attention of everyone to meet Katsuki Bakugo. Or maybe, it was allowing himself to be fooled into thinking someone like Katsuki Bakugo liked him in the first place. 

Katsuki Bakugo who could lift a 200lbs man with barely any effort. Katsuki Bakugo who fought fires and pulled people from accidents for a living. Katsuki Bakugo who has perfect, blonde spiked hair, dangerously attractive crimson eyes and a smile that keeps Izuku up at night. Katsuki Bakugo whose physique is one of a goddamn dorito - broad, muscular shoulders and a waist so slim it should be illegal. 

Izuku should have known Katsuki Bakugo would be better suited with Hitoshi who’s as cool, collected and hot as they come. 

He wanted to die and melt into the bar floor when he realized Katsuki kept glancing over at Hitoshi the whole night, or when he did his drum solo and at first, Izuku thought the man was staring at him but the more he thinks about it, he’s sure he was looking at Hitoshi who was right beside him. Katsuki Bakugo was out of his league and Hitoshi was right in it. 

They’d be good together, Izuku convinced himself. Yeah. Hitoshi is quiet yet funny, he likes video games and cooking and he goes to bed early, just like Katsuki. He works a cool job, one that Katsuki was clearly interested in. He and Katsuki could cook together and wake up for their morning coffees at an appropriate time before kissing each other goodbye and - Izuku doesn’t want to think about it anymore. Jealousy bubbles like boiling water in his stomach.  

The next morning, when Hitoshi texts asking why Izuku had insisted he speak with the blonde, the veterinarian sent off a heart wrenching text in response. 

To: Hitoshi!

I thought you guys would be good together!! Plus he seemed to like you ;)

Hitoshi texts back quick, which is surprising because his introverted friend usually left the conversation for at least thirty minutes before replying. 

From: Hitoshi! 

Izuku. He’s not my type and I don’t think it’s me that he likes.

In between making his breakfast (frozen waffles) and trying to finish getting dressed, Izuku frowns at his phone, increasingly confused. He didn’t get it - Hitoshi had said Katsuki was hot, Katsuki said he liked Hitoshi so, what was he missing? 

To: Hitoshi!

Well he told me himself. I mean he’s hot, like unfairly so, he’s got an awesome hero job, plus he’s funny and he’s got such dreamy eyes. So, you’d better jump on that train. 

Izuku feels almost offended Hitoshi said Katsuki Bakugo wasn’t his type. Katsuki should be everyone’s type. Izuku has never met a man so poetically beautiful before. 

From: Hitoshi! 

Sounds like you need to jump on that train and stop trying to set him up with your friends. Besides, he was staring at you while he was drumming. Not me. 

Izuku scoffs because Hitoshi is just flat out wrong. First he says Katsuki isn’t his type which, like he said, Katsuki should be everyone’s type - he is the standard of beauty. Then, he says the blonde man was staring at Izuku when he’s fairy certain he was staring at Hitoshi. 

The man groans and Shoto pokes his head out of his bedroom. “Are you alright?” He asks, his hair still messy from sleep since today is his day off. 

Sighing, Izuku gives him a small shrug. “I spent half the night trying to set up Katsuki and Hitoshi and Hitoshi says he’s not his type! I mean, first of all, Kacchan is gorgeous.” He rants and then gives a wobbly smile. “Sorry, did I wake you?” 

Shoto gives the man a blank look. “No. I was already up.” He replies and steps out of his bedroom. “Also, why would you try and set them up when you like Bakugo?” 

“Because Hitoshi called him hot, Katsuki was staring at him and he said he liked him!” 

His roommate raises a brow but keeps an otherwise neutral expression. “Izuku, Hitoshi called him hot because you asked if he thought Bakugo was hot and Hitoshi isn’t a liar. Then, you asked Bakugo if he likes Hitoshi and he’d been trying to impress you all night, he’s not gonna say he doesn’t like your friend. Also, Bakugo was staring at you the whole night.” 

For such a smart man, Izuku shook his head. “Katsuki said he liked Hitoshi.” 

“Platonically, maybe.” 

A small realization dawns on Izuku but still, his stubborn mind doesn’t give up so easily. So, he gives a small nod, returns to his breakfast and types out his next message to Hitoshi. 

To: Hitoshi!

Contact: Kacchan!

Here’s his number. Text him and I swear you’ll be thanking me. 

Hitoshi doesn’t reply, which means to Izuku, that he’d won. So, with a small hum, he pushes down the feeling of defeat swelling in his stomach and finds it in himself to be happy for Katuski and Hitoshi. 

Katsuki Bakugo is actually having a relaxing day off, albeit mostly because he’d decided to steal some of Hanta’s weed that the man had left last time he was over. It manages to distract him from his thoughts of a certain viridian eyed nerd while he lounged about, playing his video games. 

It’s a nice day out, his windows are open to let the fresh, brisk air in and Dynamight chases his mouse toy all through the house, coming up every so often to show Katsuki when he’d caught it. Each time, Katsuki gives his cat-son a treat, loves on him and then tosses the mouse back to the ground for Might to resume chasing. 

However, his peaceful high morning goes to shit when another text vibrated through his phone.

From: Hitoshi Shinso

Hey, it’s Shinso from last night. Izuku gave me your number and insisted I text. 

Fucking great. Now, Izuku’s boyfriend was fucking texting Katsuki and the ‘insisted’ comment makes Katsuki grit his teeth. Literally, what was Deku’s intentions? To make the three of them be some cutesy little friend trio who are gonna hold hands and sing kumbaya? Fuck no.

Katsuki debates turning his phone off, throwing it out a window and then never owning another phone again. Or, he could just move to the mountains, live off the land and never see or speak to anyone ever fucking again. 

Still, like the love-struck idiot he is, Katsuki picks up his phone. If he and Izuku are just gonna be friends - he’ll be the best goddamn friend that nerd has ever had. Including playing nice with his little boyfriend. 

To: Hitoshi Shinso

He’s quite a persistent little shit. 

Perhaps it’s his high, but despite the cussing, Katsuki feels like the response is friendly enough. 

From: Hitoshi Shinso

He’s persistent and oblivious. A good guy regardless. 

Katsuki raises an eyebrow, tugging on his bottom lip. Shit, Shinso is as dry as Katsuki is and the blonde isn’t sure what to say next. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to because Shinso sends another text. 

From: Hitoshi Shinso

Btw, new All Might episode is gonna be dope. I think you and Izuku will go nuts over it. 

As the blonde ashes the joint, letting it rest in the ash tray he sighs, massaging his temples with his fingers. He hates that Shinso is actually a cool dude. He hates that he’s attractive and smooth with his words and worst of all, he hates that Izuku is with him.  

To: Hitoshi Shinso

Now I’ve got high standards, so it better not be shitty, Eye Bags. 

He doesn’t think twice about the nickname - he’s not the best at remembering names, never has been, but the one thing he can remember is some shitty nickname he’d come up with. 

From: Hitoshi Shinso

Eye Bags huh? I get a nickname now? 

And if you don’t like the new episode, all I can assume is you have shitty comprehension skills. 

Katsuki snorts at the message, biting his inner cheek. He supposes Izuku wasn’t all that wrong when he said he figured they’d get along well - Shinso can at least take a few teases and dish them out as well. 

To: Hitoshi Shinso (Eye Bags)

Dont flatter yourself, it’s the only way I won’t forget your name in an hour. 

Plus, my comprehension is the fucking best. Nothing gets past me. 

With a small frown, Katuski thinks - Except for the fact Deku has a boyfriend, of course. He didn’t see that coming. 

From: Hitoshi Shinso (Eye Bags) 

Righttt… Nothing. 

The message is quick, almost ominous in a way. Katsuki sits up straight, pulling his legs from where they’d been resting on the coffee table and stares at the message. Was it a dig? A subtle clue that Shinso knows Katsuki’s got it bad for his boyfriend? 

Fuck. Katsuki regrets smoking because now he’s paranoid and wondering if Deku introduced his boyfriend because Katsuki was making him uncomfortable. He drops his head in his hands, muttering out a string of curses. 

Weird-creep-ass-loser-stalker. It’s official. That’s what Katuski is. 

To: Hitoshi Shinso (Eye Bags)

What, got something you wanna say, Eye Bags? 

He may as well get this over with. Shinso can tell him off for flirting with his boyfriend and Katsuki will jump off the nearest sky scraper.

From: Hitoshi Shinso (Eye Bags)

Nah. Just messing with you. 

With a grumble, Katsuki tosses his phone to the side, confused with the recent events. For a moment, he misses how simple his life was before getting sucked into Deku’s trap. All he had to worry about was getting to work ontime, not dying and making sure Dynamight was fed and happy. 

Now? Now his mind is a jumbled mess and his heart aches. 

Beside him, Dynamight nudges into his arm, the mouse toy in his mouth. His cat-son drops the mouse into Katsuki lap and then curls up on top of it, purring loudly. 

With a smile, Katsuki runs his hand down Might’s long back. “Hiding your find, huh? Smart boy.” Katsuki mutters, chuckling lowly. He drags his hand down, around Might’s tail and suddenly, the cat yowls and a strange, sticky fluid is coating Katsuki’s hands.

His eyes widen and he glances down, his mouth gaping open when he sees the blood coating Might’s tail - his coat missing from the tip of his tail and a wiry, bloody vertebrae sticks out.

”Fuck, Might! What the hell happened, son?” He scoops the cat up carefully and notices the small blood trail along the hardwood floors and the half-closed closeted door when the slough of fur and skin from his tail sits. 

He moves quickly, muttering small encouragements to Might who’s yowling quietly and gripping onto Katsuki’s shirt. The man pulls a small, collapsible carrier from his closet and pops it open. 

“Come on. We’ve gotta get you to the vet.” He hums, ushering the cat into the carrier. Might goes willingly, starting to lick at the wound and gives Katsuki a big-eyed, pitiful look as Katsuki closes the carrier. “I know, baby. I know.” Katsuki frowns, his heart pounding and stomach clenching in pity for his cat-son. 

He’s pulling out of his driveway, skidding his car down the block within a minute, barely bothering to slide on a pair of Nike slides over his socks. He speeds, racing through green lights and cursing whenever he hits a red light. The whole time he speaks quietly to Might, his eyebrows knit in utter worry. 

Before he knows it, five minutes later he’s out front of the familiar, red brick clinic. He swings out of the car, holding Dynamight’s carrier steady and rushes into the clinic - nearly loosing one of his slide flip-plops in the process. 

To his luck, it’s a slow day and Uraraka sits upfront, gossiping with Eri. The moment Katsuki enters, undoubtedly in a flurry of panic, the brunette widens her eyes. 

“Bakugo! What’s happened?” She asks, hurrying toward the blonde and her kind eyes land on Katsuki.

He shrugs, “I don’t fucking know. One minute he’s playing and the next the tip of his tail is fucking missing and bloody.” He explains, rushed. “Is Deku in?” 

Uraraka nods, “Yeah, come on.” She motions for him to follow, her short stature moving surprisingly fast as she pushes open the swinging doors to the back. The blonde follows, holding his cat-son’s carrier close to his chest. She ushers them into a room with an examination table, sink, counter and a seating area in the corner. He sits quickly, leg bouncing as he places Might onto the chair beside him. Uraraka disappears, off to find Izuku. 

It takes less than a minute for Deku to enter, his freckled, usually happy features contort into worry. 

“What happened?” Deku asks, all business as he snaps on a pair of gloves and goes to reach for the carrier. 

Katsuki beats him to it, already scooping up the carrier and placing it on the examination table. “He was playing and then came up to cuddle onto my lap and was acting normal until I accidentally touched the tip of his tail. Then he fuckin’ yowled and I realized he was missing the damn tip of his tail.” He explains in a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.

Deku nods, listening to Katsuki intently. He opens the carrier, “Come here, Might.” He coaxes in a gentle tone, his big green eyes filled with concern but also intense focus. 

As asked, Dynamight traipses out, his injured tail low and bloody. Deku gives him soft head scratches and pulls a few treats out of a jar to let the cat munch on. Then, he shifts, gently lifting the base of Might’s tail. Eyes eyebrows furrow as he inspects the injury carefully, tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth as Katuski noticed he did when he focused. The blonde stands back, foot tapping lightly as his anxiety creeps up onto him. 

The veterinarian glances up, “You can relax, Kacchan. It’s just a minor de-glove, nothing serious.” He assures, calmly and Katsuki feels his nerves quell quickly. “It’s a fairly common injury for cats. It generally happens when caught in a fence or door, sometimes in a squabble with another animal it can happen as well.” He explains, returning to give Might loving pets. “I’m gonna have to doc the tail from where the injury occurred, then I’ll clean the wound, he’ll have a bandage for a few weeks and then he’ll be like new! Just with a shorter tail.” He chuckles, quietly.

”But he’s fine? It’s not gonna paralyze him or shit?” Katuski asks. 

At that, Deku gives him a fond grin. “No, Kacchan. There’s virtually no risk.” He walks around the table, “He will need to wear a cone or donut so he doesn’t try to tear the bandage and lick the wound. Do you have your own or we can provide one?” He asks and he sounds so official and serious it makes Katuski nearly swoon. 

“I’ve got one for him but it’s from when he got neutered so it may be too small for his big ass head now.” 

“Got it, I’ll go ahead and put down that you’ll need one.” Izuku puts a treat into Might’s carrier and the cat slinks back in, chewing loudly on his treat. “I can do it now, it shouldn’t take long if you wanna wait here?” Katuski gives a simple nod in response. “Ok, wait here I’ll go get some paperwork for you to fill and then I’ll take him back. He’ll need to sedated so you’ll need to consent to that as well as the amputation so don’t forget to sign for those.” He adds, heading for the door and giving a small nod. 

“Got it.” 

Deku returns only a moment later, a clipboard and pen in hand. He hands the clipboard and pen over with a wobbly grin. Katsuki takes it with a small nod, watching as the nerd then picks up Might’s carrier.

”All right, big man! You’re gonna come hangout with me, get some fun drugs and get all healed!” Deku hums, sticking his finger through the small wiring in the front of the carrier. Might is quick to chirp and nudge against the finger and Katsuki finds his heart warming endearingly. “Be back in a jiffy!” He adds towards Katsuki before disappearing back out of the door. 

With a sigh, Katsuki tries to push down his nervousness - Dynamight is in the best hands he can be, the blonde knows that. Deku is the only vet, at the point, Katsuki trusts with his son. So, he grits his teeth, beginning on the paperwork on the clipboard. 

A half hour later, Katsuki is sitting in the chair, knee bouncing and he checks the clock every few seconds, expecting it to magically jump forward and for his cat-son and hot veterinarian friend to return. Not to mention, now that his adrenaline has worn off, the last of his high is swimming through his mind. 

After another fifteen minutes, Katsuki’s anxiety rocketing, the door pulls open and Izuku returns, holding a small animal stretcher where Dynamight lays, still drugged up. 

“I need another fifteen minutes of observation while he comes out of the sedatives but I figured I could bring him in and let you see him while we wait.” Izuku gives a broad grin, placing the stretcher onto the examination table. “He did great, we just had to take off two inches.” He sits on the small, rolling stool across the room and scoots it over, beside Dynamight and across from Katsuki.

With a nod, the blonde hands over the filled out clip board. “I actually decided against the amputation so it looks like I’m gonna sue your ass.” He jokes, though his voice comes out slightly rasped. 

“Well then, I suppose we’ll have to work something out.” Izuku chuckles, leaning forward slightly, then his eyebrow raises. “Kacchan, are you high?” 

“The fuck? No.” Katsuki lies, adverting his eyes from the observant nerd. 

At that, Deku laughs louder. “Liar. Your eyes are so bloodshot and at first I thought it was because you were crying but then I realized you weren’t crying. Plus, you still smell a little weedy.” He points out, a prideful expression on his freckled face. Katuski scoffs, “Do you smoke often?” 

“No. The one day I decide to steal some of Hanta’s stuff, this shit happens.” Katsuki shrugs, bringing his slightly swollen eyes up to meet Deku’s. He feels his heart stammer at the eye-contact. “You ever smoke?” 

Surprisingly, the nerd nods. “Used to in college fairly often but I don’t have much time for it anymore. It’s not like drinking where I can sober up pretty quickly.” He admits, leaning on the examination table. 

“Wow. Here I thought you were a goody-two-shoes.” Katsuki teases and the veterinarian flushes. “You do have a freaky high alcohol tolerance.” He adds, cocking an eyebrow. 

Blushing a little more, Deku shrugs. “It’s one of my many talents, Kacchan.” 

“By the way, Bird-Brain Tokoyami mentioned you let him tattoo you for the first time.” Katsuki adds, a teasing smirk on his lips as he relishes the way Deku’s eyes widen and he somehow turns redder. Maybe he’s awful for it, but all he can wonder is if Shinso makes him blush so furiously. “Been curious about that shitty tattoo since he mentioned it.” 

With a groan, Deku hides his face in his hands and shakes his head. “Bird-Brain?” He asks, clearly trying to avoid the tattoo topic. 

“Met him on halloween and he was dressed as a damn bird.” Katsuki shrugs, “Now, stop deflecting. I wanna know about the damn tattoo.”

It’s silent for a moment and Katsuki can see the contemplation swimming in Deku’s viridian eyes, his lips purse and he pouts for a moment before groaning once again. 

“You can’t tell anyone.” He warns, standing up and Katsuki raises his eyebrows. 

“Promise.” 

Then, before Katsuki knows what the hell is going on, the nerd lifts his scrub top until it reaches his rib cage. 

Katsuki’s brain short circuits. 

He can see the chiseled, smooth six-pack of abs along the man’s abdomen and shit, freckles dot along the man’s stomach in a hypnotic way while dark hair runs from his bellybutton and down past his pants. His skin is smooth and tan and Katsuki wants nothing more than to trace the scar that sits along the left side of his abdomen and memorize every freckle and crevice of his body. Then, Katsuki’s eyes settle on the outline of All Might on Deku’s ribcage. It’s pretty decent, the line work is steady and doesn’t look blown out. Katsuki feels his heart implode because damnit, could the nerd get any fucking cuter? 

“All Might?” Katsuki snickers, forcing himself to tear his eyes away from Deku’s chiseled torso. 

Dropping his shirt, Izuku huffs. “I was like twenty two and thought it’d be really cool.” He sheepishly admits, plopping back into his chair. 

“It’s cool as shit.” Katsuki counters, “If you’re gonna get a tattoo of anything it’d mine as well be of the legend.” 

Sitting a little taller, Deku tilts his head to the side. “So then, does Kacchan have a tattoo?” he asks, his tone low and almost teasing.

”Nah.” Katsuki shakes his head. “Can’t think of anything I’d want on my body for the rest of my life.” He leans back in his seat, propping his ankle onto his knee and watching the nerd carefully.

Deku raises an eyebrow. “Really? I figured with the whole bad-boy act you’ve got going on you’d have a few.” 

“Act? Who says it’s an act?” 

The nerd gives a lopsided smile, “Well when you come in here panicking about your cat it kinda makes you lose a bit of bad-boy points.” He challenges and then glances over, checking on Dynamight carefully. 

“You make it sound like I was a blubbering, pathetic mess.” Katsuki scoffs, rolling his eyes and watching the veterinarian take his cat-son’s temperature. 

“You sort of were.” Deku dares, nodding to himself when the temperature comes out steady. 

“Liar. I was cool as hell!” 

“Mhm. Sure, Kacchan.” 

If Katsuki hadn’t known better, he’d think the nerd was flirting with him. Not that Katsuki wasn’t flirting back, however. 

As Deku runs his hand along Dynamight, he looks almost hesitant to speak again. He opens and closes his mouth, giving small glances toward Katsuki. Then, the fucker finally speaks. 

“So, you and Hitoshi are hitting it off, right?” He asks, voice low and he stares at Might as he asks.

The comfortable air in the room evaporates the second the Eye-Bagged asshole is mentioned and Katsuki drops his ankle back to the floor. Why in the fuck was Izuku bringing him up now? Was it because Katsuki was being too outright with his flirting? Had the nerd noticed Katsuki drinking up his toned abdomens and staring a little too long. 

“Yeah, I guess.” Katsuki shrugs, “Eye-Bags is pretty cool and has a chill personality.” He doesn’t really know what else to say about Izuku’s boyfriend. 

Deku nods, his smile wry. “Good!” His voice comes out high-pitched, fake. “I was hoping you guys would like each other. You’re both cool and perfect plus you’ve both got so many things in common. I mean it’s no wonder, you’ve got a cool style and so does he. He likes to cook and so do you plus you both like spicy food and I don’t.  You both have perfect hair and skin and-“ 

“Deku. Take a breath.” Katsuki furrows his face at the nerds sudden ramble, confused as to where it stemmed from. He’s the one who encouraged Katsuki to talk to Shinso and now he’s freaking out? 

The nerd grows red and drops his head. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt all that out.” He apologizes and his viridian eyes meet Katsuki’s. For a moment, the blonde thinks he almost looks hurt.

Katsuki doesn’t get the chance to reply because suddenly, from beside Deku, Dynamight chirps loudly. His tail thumps as he tries to wriggle it, the heavy bandage on the end weighing it down in Might’s exhausted state. 

“Aww, look who’s awake!” Deku flips like a light-switch and scratches along Might’s back. “His bandage needs to be changed daily and I’ve prescribed an antibiotic cream to gently dab on the wound. I can um, come by and help out if you need.” He suggests, looking nervous all of a sudden. 

Katsuki swallows thickly, “I think I’ll manage, nerd. But I’ll let you know.” He replies, quietly, suddenly feeling guilty for his flirtatious behavior and Deku’s strange reaction.

With that, Deku stands. “Right! Well, Eri can get you checked out up front and,” he pauses, his dull viridian eyes landing upon Katsuki. “I’ll see you around.”

“Right. See you around, nerd.”  

Chapter Text

“Stay. Fucking. Still.” Katsuki hissed, one hand holding the tube of antibiotic cream and the other gauze. Across from him, Dynamight meows, loudly, spinning in circles and trying to flee the scene. It’s pitiful and Katsuki’s heart wrenches for the pain his son much be in. “I’m trying to fucking help.” He huffs, nearly defeated. 

Dynamight has been giving his father hell for the last fifty-three minutes. He yowls and cries, hiding under the sofa until Katsuki lures him out with a few treats and then, he repeats the process. By now, Katsuki’s already told Captain Aizawa he’d be late. His coffee sits cold on the counter, long forgotten and the omelet he’d made is nothing but an afterthought. 

Katuski hasn’t even gotten to peel off the old bandage yet and his shift started thirty minutes ago. With a groan, he sits back on his heels, patiently letting Might chew on some treats and hopefully decide to let the blonde treat him. He glances at the watch on his wrist, sighing deeply. 

“You’re lucky you’re the cutest fucking cat in the world.” He mutters, smiling lightly when Might chirps in response and his fur cloves. 

After a few more futile attempts, Katuski barely is able to halfway unwrap the bandage before Dynamight scurries off once again. Katsuki had anticipated it to be a pain in the ass - he’d worn a thick long sleeve in anticipation the cat to scratch the hell out of him. However, it never came. Instead of ferociously fighting Katsuki, the little shit played on his fathers feelings instead, pitifully crying and giving him wide, baby eyes. 

Defeated and unable to take Might’s woeful attitude any longer. He hovers his thumb over Deku’s contact, hesitating before taking one last look at his cat-son and dials the call button. 

His phone rings only twice before the nerd answers. “Morning, Kacchan! How’s Mr. Might?” The man hums into the phone, Katsuki can practically envision the smile across his lips. 

“He’s an asshole. Won’t let me touch his tail and I’m late as hell to work.” He replies, his voice low and he runs a hand along his face, feeling useless for having to call Deku for help. 

Suddenly, there’s another voice on the other end, muffled. Still, with the tidbit of the voice he could hear, he knows who it is. Hitoshi Shinso. Katsuki’s teeth grit and he nearly barks out a ‘never mind’ before Izuku speaks again. 

“I can come over to help! I can make it in about seven minutes!” He eagerly offers, and then quickly adds, “If that’s okay with you, of course!” he squeaks. 

Katsuki sighs, “Yeah, if you’re not busy.” 

“Nope! Be right over!” 

As promised, seven minutes later there’s a knock at Katsuki’s door and from his hiding place under the sofa, Dynamight pokes his head out. 

Katsuki pulls the door open and a head of messy curls greets him, pushed back by a headband and pine colored eyes gleam up at Katsuki. The blonde steps to the side, trying to keep his eyes off the tight black tanktop clinging to Deku’s torso and the white shorts that fit his muscular thighs perfectly. 

“Thanks for helping.” Katsuki grumbles and Deku steps into the house with a grin and nods. 

“No problem, Kacchan! I’m always happy to help.” He assures and then his eyes land on the maine coon who’s tucked halfway under the sofa. “Aw, hello little man!” He coos, crouching down beside the sofa and sticking a hand out. “I hear you’re not being nice to your dad, hm?” He softly says, letting Might nudge into his hand and pull himself out and into the open. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes and bites his cheek to keep the fond grin from pulling at his lips. Easily, Deku scoops Might up and places him on the couch giving him more gentle pets. The blonde stands beside the veterinarian, unsure of what to do or if he should help. 

Watching the nerd work is like magic, he uses one hand to distract Dynamight with loving pets and the other gently works at the bandage. The whole while, Deku murmurs sweet words of encouragement to the cat. Before Katsuki knows it, the bandage is tossed to the side and Izuku is inspecting the end of his tail carefully.

”Looks so good!” Deku cheers, quietly, kissing the top of Mights head. “Has he been trying to bite at it?” He glances up at Katsuki for a moment. 

“Nope. He’s a damn trooper.” Katsuki replies, smiling softly. 

The nerd nods, “Such a good boy!” He gives Might one of the treats laying on the coffee table and then picks up the ointment, dabbing a little on his finger. “All right, big man.” He smiles, wrapping an arm around Might and then swiftly he dabs the antibiotic on. Might meows pitifully and squirms but in Deku’s hold, he has no escape. Then, with one hand, Deku applies the gauze to the tip of the tail and is quickly wrapping the bandage around it. 

Katsuki stands there awe-struck for a moment. 

“Sorry for interrupting your date or whatever with Shinso, by the way.” The crimson eyed man speaks suddenly, tearing his eyes from the man and settling it on his cold coffee on the counter. 

Deku gives the man a strange look. “Date? With Shinso?” He questions, taping off the bandage and gives Might a few more kisses and gentle pets before sliding another treat.

”I heard him on the other end. Figured you guys were spending your day off together.” Katsuki shrugs, allowing his eyes to fall onto Deku once more. The nerd is staring up at him, his eyebrows knit in confusion and a small frown on his plump lips. 

Shaking his head, Deku purses his lips for a moment. “I wasn’t on a date with Hitoshi. I met him to pickup my All Might manga I let him borrow last month.” He stands, tilting his head to the side. “Hitoshi and I are just friends!” He adds, almost nervously.

Katsuki’s heart stops in his chest and his eyes widen. Holy fuck. This whole time Katsuki has been making himself sick with jealousy and the nerd isn’t even fucking dating Shinso. 

“Oh? I thought…” He trails off for a moment, “The League posted that photo of the two of you being compatible or some shit I thought you were dating.” Katsuki recalls, rubbing the back of his neck, his mind racing a million miles a minute. 

The veterinarian flushes and his eyebrows shoot up. “Oh! That was for a contest where one of us is blindfolded and the other has to lead them through an obstacle course!” He clarifies, voice high and a little wobbly. “It was a fundraiser his company held at the bar and I went to support them but got pulled into competing with Hitoshi since one of the teams didn’t show up! We ended up winning which was pretty fun because I got two tickets to meet All Might’s actor at the end of the month but no! Hitoshi and I aren’t dating!” He rambles and Katsuki has never felt such relief in his life. 

Katsuki blinks, still reeling from the realization. His silence must make Izuku nervous because after a breath, the man continues. 

“I um, I thought you liked Hitoshi so I’ve been trying to be supportive and get you guys to talk since you’re both kind of introvert and-“

”You’ve been trying to set me and fucking Eye Bags up?” Katsuki cuts him off, the entire situation dawning on him. 

“You kept looking at him and then when I asked you said you liked him!”

Katuski groans, “I wasn’t looking at him, dumbass! And of course I said I liked him, I thought you were dating and I was trying to be a good friend, Deku!” He grumbles, running a hand through his hair, his heart racing for some unknown reason.

”Oh.” Deku frowns for a moment and then raises an eyebrow. “So you don’t wanna date Hitoshi?” 

Scoffing, the blonde shakes his head. “No, Deku. I don’t want to date fucking Eye Bags.” Their eyes bore into one another’s and Katsuki can pin down the swarm of emotions swimming in the viridian mans eyes. 

Then, Deku chuckles, throwing his head back. “Oh. That’s a relief.” he mutters, face flushing and Katsuki smirks tugs at the corner of his lip. “I mean, Hitoshi didn’t really like you like that either and I felt like I was losing my mind because who wouldn’t like you so I told him to just talk to you and he’d feel differently but-“ He cuts himself off, face reddening even more. 

“That so, nerd? I suppose I am pretty irresistible.” Katsuki snickers, relishing the way Deku’s freckles still poke through his fire-truck red face and his eyes shine. Not to mention he doesn’t have to feel guilty for flirting with the enticing man. 

Shrugging, Deku crosses his arms over his chest. “Are you always so full of yourself, Kacchan?” He quips, grinning and takes a small step forward. 

“When I’ve got reason to be, hell yeah.” Katsuki angles his head down, tongue licking across his canine. “Why, you don’t agree anymore, nerd?” 

Surprisingly, the nerd doesn’t back down, although by now Katuski knows his a damn flirt. Rather, Deku meets Katsuki’s intense energy, smiling innocently. 

“Gonna need a reminder. Maybe stop by the clinic in those suspenders again sometime.” 

Little shit. Now Katsuki can feel his neck heat up and snake around to his cheeks, the tips of his ears flushing. He’s ready to promise to drop by wearing nothing but suspenders when suddenly, his phone is blaring on the counter. The pair jump back and Izuku twiddles his fingers, nervously as Katsuki answers the call.

”Bakugo, where the hell are you?” Captain Aizawa huffs through the phone, Katsuki can hear a pot of coffee brewing in the background. 

Katsuki sighs, “I’m heading out the door now, sir.” He replies, snatching his motorcycle keys from the small bowl on the counter. 

“Get here quick. Kirishima and Kaminari are already fighting about who gets your promotion next.” 

With that, the blonde gives a small smile to Deku. “Thanks for the help, nerd.” He gives an appreciative nod, trying to hide his disappointment he has to head into work. Still, at least he doesn’t have to go into work thinking Deku still has a boyfriend. 

“Call me whenever, Kacchan.” Deku hums, giving a small wave as he heads for the front door. “Have a good day of work.” He adds in a chirp, pulling the door open. 

“Will do, nerd.” 

Yup. Katsuki will have a fucking phenomenal day at work. 

“Good job on that call, Dunce Face.” Katsuki mutters as they hop out of the truck, tossing their jackets onto the bunker hangers. 

The electric blonde gives Katsuki a wide-eyed gawk. “Did you just compliment me? Eijiro, did you hear him just compliment me?” Denki yells, “Hanta, you heard that too right? Did anyone record that?” 

Katsuki immediately regrets his words, groaning. “Fuck off. It’ll never happen again if you can’t act normal about shit.” He threatens, heading for the kitchen. 

“To be fair, you’ve never complimented Denki before, bro!” Eijiro comments, hot on Katsuki’s heels and slaps a hand onto the blonde’s back. 

“Maybe we can pull it from the security cams.” Hanta suggests, a wide grin on his face as he pulls a pack of chips from the cabinet, popping them open. 

As Katsuki starts a fresh pot of coffee, he shoots the black haired man a glare. “You guys are dumb as rocks.” He rolls his eyes, leaning against the counter as he watches the pot begin to slowly fill. 

“Hey, Bakugo.” Tsu enters the kitchen, Momo following close behind. “Ochako mentioned you came in the clinic yesterday with Dynamight, how’s he doing?” She asks, pulling her salad from the fridge.

Katuski’s idiot friends all stop dead in their tracks. 

“Might was hurt?” Hanta asks with a deep frown. 

“Noo! Poor little dude! What happened to my god-son?” 

“Dude, is Might all right?” Eijiro asks, his red hair sticking up wildly from the helmets. “And he’s my god-son, man.” He adds, pointing a finger at Denki. 

Tsu grimaces and gives Katsuki an almost apologetic shrug. “He’s fucking fine. And none of you are the god-father. My parents are.” 

The room stills for a moment as Eijiro and Denki pout and Hanta snickers in the corner, eating his chips like he was watching his favorite show. Then, Denki grins wickedly.

”Hey, that means you saw Midoriya. That why you’re in such a good mood?” The idiot asks, leaning over the counter and placing his chin in his palms. “Did you guys finally mack on each other?” 

Katsuki scoffs, “Yeah, the nerd treated Might. Stop being a fuckin’ pervert.” He curses, grabbing his favorite mug from the cabinet. (An old All Might mug his parents got him twelve years ago). He fills it to the brim with coffee before dabbing a teaspoon of honey in. 

Beside him, Kirishima pours some of his own coffee, leaving room for his sickeningly sweet cinnamon-roll flavored creamer. The red-head gives him a sincere look. 

“Seriously though, you gonna make a move sometime?” He asks, quiet enough that the other freak-zoids don’t hear and jump in. 

Katsuki sighs, “Honestly man until this morning I thought he was dating Eye Bags.” He admits, quietly as he raises his coffee to his lip. Unfortunately, beside him, Tsu and Momo poke their heads over.

”You thought Izuku was dating Hitoshi?” Momo questions, tying back her dark hair. Sometimes Katsuki curses her genius and freaky good hearing. 

Tsu snickers, poking at her salad with a fork. “No wonder you’ve been such an ass. And now your little show at the bar makes way more sense.” she teases, his blackish almost green hair pulled back in a long braid. 

To Katsuki’s luck, the alarms begin blaring throughout the station and yellow lights flash across the kitchen, startling nearly everybody. Usually, Katsuki would curse the fact he didn’t get to finish his coffee but now, he’s only grateful to be saved by the bell. He gives his co-workers a glare before taking a final sip of his coffee and rushes to the bunker locker, shrugging his coat on while the others pull on their boots and grab their helmets.

As Katsuki finishes dressing, he glances at the suspenders against his chest, mind flashing back to Deku’s comment about them. He feels a smirk tug at his lips as he zips his coat. 

Once again, Katsuki allows the nerd to invade his mind. 

“Get me out. Please get me out.” The sob wracks through the teenage girls entire body as blood seeps from a gash across her forehead, dripping into her hair. Her face is red, veins throbbing and Katsuki grits his teeth, standing beside the flipped car. “Please! Please! Hana isn’t breathing and I-I think I’m next if you don’t get me out.” She pleads. 

Katsuki lets out a small breath, “Just hold on another minute. We need to stabilize the car.” Katsuki replies, his tone gentle as he does his best to reassure the young girl. “What’s your name?” 

She hiccups, “Keiko. Keiko Hikoshi.” She says in a small, shaky voice. “My head hurts.” 

“Alright, Keiko. My names Bakugo.” He introduces himself and as Eijiro appears beside him, the Jaws in his hand, he gives Katsuki a swift nod. “This may be sort of loud but we need to tear the door off since it’s jammed shut. Understand?” He asks, taking the Jaws from Eijiro. The pair jam the press between the door, rocking the car slightly. The girl gasps and flinches at the movement. 

“It’s in.” Eijiro nods, stepping back. 

Katsuki nods, “Ok, ready, Keiko?” He asks and the girl nods, squeezing her eyes shut. They start the generator and a loud buzz sounds before the machine whirls loudly. The sound of metal creaks and scratches as Katsuki holds the Jaws of Life against the door. After a few moments, the door pops open and Eijiro flips off the generator, quickly taking the machine from Katsuki. 

Denki is next, ripping the door fully open and Katsuki leans inside. “Is it over?” Keiko asks, quietly. 

“Yeah. Can you unbuckle yourself?” He asks, his helmet knocking against the car. 

Keiko shakes her head. “I can’t feel my arms.” She mutters and Katsuki glances down, his eyes widening at the massive cuts across her forearm and biceps. 

He reaches over, bracing the girl with one arm and then his other hand clicks her seatbelt out of place. She falls from the release but the man is quick to catch her, pulling her carefully from the car. Keiko puts her head onto Katsuki’s shoulder, sobbing quietly.

”I-Is Hana ok? Is she alright?” She asks, blue eyes wide and swollen from the tears flowing out. 

Katsuki places her onto the stretcher. “We’re gonna find out. Right now they’re gonna tend to your wounds.” He says quickly, giving her a quick nod before turning back around to the scene of the accident.

They’d been out here for thirty minutes, pulling people from a five car pile up and so far, Keiko is in the best condition of who they’ve pulled out. Around him, Hanta calls over another paramedic crew for another fatality and Eijiro is using the Jaws to finish pulling the passenger from Keiko’s car. He jogs up beside the red-head and yanks the door open. Inside, another teenage girl sits, unconscious and a pool of blood sits at her abdomen. Katsuki gently grabs hold of her, cuts her jammed seatbelt off and limply the girl falls into his arms. He knows already by how cold she is that she’ll be another number added to tonight fatality count. 

Then, his eyes settle on the gold ‘Keiko’ nameplate necklace around her neck. His stomach lurches and he places her gently on the stretcher, another pair of paramedics wait to gather her vitals. He lingers for a moment as they check her pulse and the paramedic sighs. 

“DOA. Send her off.” 

Katsuki swallows thickly, taking a deep breath. There was no time to let the emotions get to him. No time to wallow in pity for the families and loved ones whose entire worlds are being crushed right now. 

The entire road is blocked off, news trucks gather at the barrier and curious pedestrians and other drivers sit waiting, watching. Katsuki gives them a glance, wondering what sort of story the news will spin now - if they’ll do a story on Keiko and Hana, two teenagers who got swept up in the mess of tragedy. Katsuki can’t help but feel it’s unfair that a single red light runner just destroyed the lives of countless people and the offender is standing off to the side with a concussion and minor scrape along his cheek, giving a statement to the officers. 

The blonde is damn near ready to curse the idiot out when suddenly, his eyes land on a head of green curls stood at the barrier, beside a pair of large, brunette eyes and round cheeks. As their eyes meet, Deku gives a small, lopsided smile and a thumbs up and just like that, Katsuki feels his shoulders relax and his clenched jaw release. 

“Katsuki, I need your help over here!” Denki calls and Katsuki tears his eyes away from the viridian colored God-send. 

Chapter Text

The end of Katsuki’s shift comes in the form of a sluggish draw. The midnight moon passes over, glowering the city below in white luminosity. Katsuki tosses and turns in the sleep-room for hours, watching as the clock ticks by. Before he knows it, dawn is approaching and the sun gives the tired night sky a fresh light. His alarm barely gets the chance to ring, his thumb already swiping away the notification. Bags hang below his eyes, his spiked hair a mess. They’d been lucky enough to only get a call about a small grease fire after the pile-up that left three dead and six injured. 

Sluggishly, Katsuki rolls out of bed, met by Eijiro, Hanta and Denki who also pull themselves up, the toll of the shift evident on their worn features. Katsuki pulls his duffel from beneath the bed, yanks his bike jacket from the hangar and slides it over himself, tucking his helmet under his arm. 

“See you guys later.” He mutters out, giving a small nod to his friends. All he wants is the warmth of his bed and his cat-son to cuddle up beside. His mind repeatedly flashes back to Keiko and whom he learned was her girlfriend - Hana. He replays the pale, bloodied bodies he’d pulled from the cars, lives cut short. All because an idiot was running late to work. 

“See ya, man.” Eijiro replies, pulling his own helmet from his cubby. 

Denki and Hanta give tired waves and Katsuki heads for the stairs, aiming for the door. His feet pad against the floor, echoing through the silent station. Before he can get to the stairs, Captain Aizawa is poking his head from his office.

”Bakugo.” He calls, voice gravelly and exhausted. Katsuki slumps his shoulders, turning on his heel, expecting an earful of sort from the Captain. “Good work today.” Is all the man says before slinking back into his office; as if he’d never appeared in the first place. Katsuki blinks a few times, caught off guard by the sudden praise. 

After a few moments, the man shrugs and continues down the stairs, his bike keys jingling in his hands. The rumble of his motorcycle welcomes his tired joints, revving him awake for the drive home. He takes a moment to glance at the horizon, the sun beginning to poke past. With a yawn, he lifts his feet and whizzes off. 

The wind whips past him as he leans against curves and pushes through green lights. As soon as he’s pushing into his apartment, Might, fitted with his donut cone and bandage professionally wrapped by Deku greets him with excited chirps and meows. 

“Hey, baby.” Katsuki tosses his keys onto the bowl on the counter, glances at the note Mina left about feeding Might and then bends down, scooping his son up. “How’s that damn tail of yours?” He mutters, letting the cat rub his head against Katsuki’s jaw, vibrating from his purrs. 

Katsuki lets a grin curl onto his lips, chuckling quietly. He still remembers when he got Dynamight - A year and a half ago. When he’d picked him out at a rescue he’d nearly cursed the workers out for charging so much for a damn cat. 119,000 yen seemed outrageous for some furball at the time but the moment he’d met Might, and the little asshole curled up into his chest and fell asleep purring, Katuski knew he couldn’t go home empty handed. 

So, that night, Katsuki got a harness, fancy litter box, the best food he could find after extensive research, a cat tree and a fucking ton of toys. Still, after Dynamight, who at the time was no bigger than Katuski’s forearm, ate his dinner, he didn’t touch the toys or cat tree. Instead, he came up, meowed at Katsuki until he air-lifted Might onto the bed and curled up on his chest. 

Since then, Katsuki swore his son would only have the best. Which means, Katsuki wakes up at 4am everyday, feeds him a breakfast that takes seven minutes to prepare, checks his fountain water bowl and charges all his interactive toys. It also means about a third of his paycheck goes toward ensuring he can buy new treats, toys and more. Still, Katsuki wouldn’t trade his son for the world. Even though he quickly grew from the size of his forearm to the size of a goddamn medium sized dog within another six months. 

So, before Katuski drags himself to bed, he plates Dynamights food - a mix of sardines, beef liver, pork loin and spleen, quail egg, and chicken broth. The whole time, Might runs around, excitedly waiting for his breakfast and meowing loudly. Once Katsuki is finished, he places the bowl onto the floor, letting the boy quickly go to town on his meal. 

“Dumbass.” Katsuki mutters, his tone full of endearment. Finally, he allows himself to stalk off to bed, peeling his clothes off on the way. He doesn’t bother showering, he already had at the station, so, as soon as he’s in his boxers, he settles into bed, eyelids heavy. 

He manages for a few moments to pick up his phone, open instagram and the first thing that pops up is Deku’s latest post. It’s a picture of him along with a small, elderly cat who looks like a poor imitation of a stuffed animal, and the caption. 

‘Ms. Tulip needs some funding and a home! This lovely lady comes from Tokyo Animal Shelter after her owner passed this year :( While we love pro-bono’s here, unfortunately Ms. Tulip needs some extensive surgery and also is looking for a forever home!’ 

Katsuki, shrugging lightly, taps on the blue link at the bottom of the photo. He huffs out a small laugh when he sees the donation is only a few thousand yen from the goal - the nerd didn’t have a threatening amount of followers for nothing. 

He donates the last, 37,750 yen, opting to tap the ‘anonymous’ selection and submits the money. With that, Katuski likes the post, plugs his phone in and for the first time in weeks, he falls asleep without cursing a purple haired, annoyingly calm man. 

Midday comes in a blink. Katsuki lays in bed a few extra minutes, his arm wrapped around Might after he shuts the alarm off. 12:37pm. Katsuki mutters a few curses, his mind solidifying he’d stay in bed another hour or so. 

It’s cool in the room, thanks to his fan and open window, a stark contrast to Might’s warmth and his own overwhelming temperature. The birds chirp lightly outside, the midday sun barely poke through his drawn curtains. Nestling back into his pillow, Katsuki’s eyes flutter shut, relishing the morning. 

“Morning!” A fist knocks at his door repeatedly, as if the asshat doesn’t know how to stop. “Kacchan? Sorry if I’m bothering you or if you’re sleeping. I just wondered if you need help with Might’s bandage.” His voice quiets toward the end. 

Katsuki is already in a pair of sweats and pulling open his front door just as the nerd finishes his sentence. Outside his door, dressed in the pair of dark blue scrubs he’d met the dork in, Deku stands with a sheepish expression. 

“Morning! Ah, did I wake you up?” Deku asks, a large hand already cupped around his neck. The nerds eyes drop for only a millisecond but Katuski’s sharp gaze on him recognizes it quickly. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to intrude or encroach on your sleep. If I’m bothering you I can come back later or not at all. I just figured you may want a little help since he was giving you trouble yesterday. Anyway, I’ll head out now and let you decide.”

The idiot turns to head back toward his shitty Honda sat out front of Katuski’s duplex. Katsuki tugs at his lip for a moment, his rationale fighting against the smile threatening to upturn his lips. 

“Deku.” Katuski replies, the rasp of his morning voice still evident. Deku halts his step, turning around to raise an eyebrow at Katsuki. “M’not gonna pretend like I’m looking forward to changing that assholes bandage. So if you’re offering the help, guess the smart thing would be for me to take it.” 

At that, the freckled veterinarian nods, a determined glint in his eyes. Katsuki steps to the side, allowing the navy blue clad man to enter. “I really do hope I didn’t wake you.” He gives a gentle grin. 

“I was up already. Just lounging.” Katsuki shrugs, leaning against the counter as Deku stands across from him. “Are you supposed to be at work right now, or what?” 

“I’m on lunch!” Deku replies, his fingers pulling at his scrub top.

Damnit. Now Katsuki feels like a jackass, letting the nerd work on his lunch break, without pay on top of that. He grimaces, raising an eyebrow. 

“Deku, I’m not looking to putting you to work on your lunch.” Katsuki sighs, shaking his head. 

Stubbornly, Izuku only smiles wider, tilting his head. “That’s why I decided to take it upon myself!” He beams, “I can’t give my favorite patient anything less than perfect service.” The bold, emerald eyed man counters, matted-o-factly. As if on que, Katsuki deviant, jerk of a son emerges from his hiding place, letting out a series of tired meows before rubbing along Deku’s legs. “Aw, good morning, tired little man.” Deku coos, crouching down to give the cat a series of loving pets. 

“Stubborn ass.” Katsuki rolls his eyes, and watches the nerd carefully. “Do you want some coffee or anything? I was gonna make a pot.” he offers.

”Coffee would be welcome.” Izuku replies, eyes still focused on Might who’s basking in the nerds attention. 

Katsuki gives a swift nod, turning to flip his coffee maker on. As he works, grinding the beans and tapping them into the filter, Deku gives sweet kisses to the cat, chuckling quietly. After the pot begins brewing, Katsuki saunters back over, clearing his throat. Deku had already swept Might up, placed him on the couch and was readying to unwrap his bandage, already. 

“So, wanna give me some tips so I’m not some useless cuck over here?” Katsuki asks, arms crossed over his chest as he leers down at Deku. 

Almost caught off guard by Katsuki’s lewd comparison, the nerd blushes lightly and then nods. “Well we can’t have you feeling like a useless cuck, can we?” He hums, smiling sheepishly. “With cats like Might, it’s easiest to distract him from what’s going on.” Izuku shifts to the side, leaving a pace for Katsuki to join him. 

The blonde does so, crouching in front of the couch and close enough to Deku that he can smell his signature lavender scent and a tinge of anti-septic and soap. Their knees brush and like a goddamn virgin, Katsuki’s chest tightens. 

“Usually treats, talking him through it and pets are the easiest way.” Deku continues, pine eyes flick up to Katsuki for a moment and then back down to Might. “All right, big boy. You want some treats?” He hums, gently and pulls out a few treats from his pocket, clearly he’d come prepared. The cat chirps, eagerly eating the freeze-dried snack while Deku snakes an arm back, beginning to tug at the bandage. “You try.” the nerd says, giving Katuski a nod. 

With a sigh, Katsuki pulls a few treats from the jar on the coffee table. “Ok, shithead. You better make this easy.” He tells his cat-son in a gentle voice. Deku chuckles at his words but continues unwrapping the bandage. “You’ve gotta be nice to Dr. Deku here, Might. Came all the way over here to help us out.” 

Might munches on the snack, gives Katuski a meow, as if he knows what the blonde is saying and finishes off the treat. So, instead of fattening his son up some more, Katsuki gently runs his hand along the fluff of his neck and scratches beneath his donut cone. 

“Yeah, good boy. You wanna act all sweet and innocent now that Dr. Deku is here, dontcha, asshole.” Katuski’s words, despite being crude, seem to work on the cat and within a few moments, Deku tosses the bandage to the side. 

The nerd gives Katsuki a raised eyebrow and lopsided grin. “Is that your idea of sweet-talking, Kacchan?” He asks, amusedly and takes the antibiotic cream from the table. 

“Fuck off. It’s working, isn’t it?” Katsuki bites back, though his words are still gentle. 

With a snort, Deku resumes the task. “For this, it may be easier for you to hold him, the antibiotic cream can tend to feel weird on their tails and they react to that feeling.” He suggests and Katsuki nods. 

Determined to be the best goddamn listener, Katsuki recalls how Deku had wrapped his arm around Might last time, and he mimics the motion, holding the cat firmly while still giving him careful pets. 

Approvingly, Deku hums and squeezes a dab of the cream out. He gently takes the base of the tail, and gives Katsuki an ‘ready?’ look. The blonde nods and as soon as he does, Deku swipes the cream on. 

“See, that’s not so bad, jackass. No need to have fussed so much yesterday.” Katsuki resumes his calming words, watching as Deku swipes the gauze, rolls a layer on with expert fingers, and then adds the bandage on top. 

As he works, Deku gives a small glance to Katsuki and now, Katuski realizes how close they are. Deku is leaned forward to get a better angle on Might’s tail while Katsuki holds his cat-son closely; Their noses only inches from each other. 

“Easy, see Kacchan?” Deku murmurs, taping off the bandage without dropping his gaze even once. Katsuki curses this emboldened version of Izuku sometimes, mostly because it should not affect his brain so wildly. 

“You make it look easy, nerd.” He replies, releasing Might. The cat chirps, flicks his tail and then hops down from the couch. Katuski stands and Deku follows, the beeping from the coffee machine signifying the pot is done. “By the way, I don’t have any of that sweet ass creamer shit.” 

Deku nods, “That’s all right. I usually drink mine black in the mornings anyway.” He shrugs, following after Katsuki into the kitchen. 

The blonde pulls out two of his best mugs - an All Might one and one he’d gotten from a baseball game years ago. He slides the All Might mug to Deku and takes his own, pouring the dark liquid in. 

“All Might mug? You know me well, Kacchan.” Deku giggles, taking the pot from Katsuki and filling his own cup about halfway. It’s natural - comfortable. It feels as if this is how all of their mornings should be spent, sharing a pot of coffee and flirting. 

Katsuki quirks an eyebrow, “Hard not to forget you like All Might after you made me watch all those damn movies.” He teases, looking at the man over his coffee raised to his lips. 

“Oh please! You’re the one who kept hitting next movie, Kacchan. Besides, I noticed the limited addition New Age figurine on your entertainment center. You’re a nerd too.” 

“Yeah? I bet you’re jealous as fuck over that figurine.” Katsuki quips back. 

The nerd nods, “Frankly, yeah. I may just steal it from you one of these days.” He jokes, although Katsuki really wouldn’t put it past Izuku to actually steal it. 

“It’ll be the last thing you ever do, nerd.”

”Is that a threat, Kacchan? Here I was thinking you were supposed to protect and serve the community.” The veterinarian leans forward, a challenging smirk on his freckled face. 

The blonde swallows thickly, “You bet your ass it’s a threat.” He gruffs back, mesmerized by the way Deku’s eyes shine in the natural light poking in through the windows. 

Izuku chuckles, “Can I ask you a question?” He asks, suddenly and his voice is a little wobbly, nervous. 

“Shoot.” 

Then, the man raises a finger and pokes it against Katsuki’s bare chest. It’s soft and the tips of his fingers are warm from their previous hold on the coffee mug. Their eyes don’t part until suddenly, Deku’s dart down and his finger trails along the thick scar tissue.

”What’s the scar from?” The viridian man mumbles, cheeks flushed and eyes focused on Katsuki’s chest.

The blonde nearly forgot he’d not even bothered to throw on a shirt (a purposeful decision if he’s being honest) before letting Deku inside. Katuski follows the thick finger on his chest to the jagged, long blemish that sits on his right pec and stretches to his sternum. 

“Fell out of a tree a few years back. Damn stick lodged into my skin.” He admits, choosing to leave out a few key details. 

The veterinarian tilts his head to the side and drops his hand. “What, were you drunk? Why were you in a tree? Were you saving a cat or something?” 

Katsuki snorts, “Matter of fact, I was drunk and no, wasn’t doing anything noble. Shitty Hair bet me I couldn’t climb to the top.” 

“And did you? Make it to the top?” 

With a prideful sneer, Katsuki nods. “You bet your ass I did, Deku.” 

As the day trudges on, Katsuki keeps himself busy. He goes on his daily jog, stops to pickup a few groceries from the corner market and on his way home, he passes a collectibles store. He stands outside of it for a few moments, debating. After awhile, he starts to feel like a weirdo for lingering about so, he pushes into the store, a bag of fruit on his arm. 

“Welcome to Nighteyes collectibles.” A tall, slender man greets from behind the counter. His hair is dark with a blonde strip through it and bony fingers push up his glasses. “Looking for something in particular?” He asks, watching Katsuki like a hawk. 

With a shrug, Katsuki looks around. Endeavor figurines, plushies and posters sit on one side, a glass case holds signed versions. A other characters have a table, including Miriko and Hawks. Then, Katsuki sees the All Might section - which is more than half the store. All sorts of memorabilia sit along tables and walls. Blankets, hats, hoodies, sweatpants, mugs, water bottles and more. The figurines sit closest to the register and the man behind it watches Katsuki like the blonde intends to steal all of it. 

He struts up to the figurines, noticing the one he has sits at the high price of 74,753yen. He’d gotten it for much cheaper a year ago. Still, these were all collectibles and many of them are signed by the famed fictional hero. He skims across, sighing. This is a stupid idea - he doesn’t even know which ones Deku has or doesn’t have and also, why is he considering buying an expensive figurine for his ‘friend’. 

Still, he turns to the man, “You ever seen a freckled guy with green curly hair in here?” He asks, giving a tired look to the equally tired looking man hunched behind the counter. 

The man blinks. “Midoriya?” He asks and of course the local All Might memorabilia store knows the damn nerd by name. Katsuki smiles softly for a moment before nodding. 

“Any of these he doesn’t have?” 

The lanky man comes out from his place behind the register and looks at the figurines for a moment before lifting a bony finger to point at the Young Age figurine.

”Comes in about once a week and mutters to himself about whether or not he can justify the price.” The man explains, shaking his head. “Told him I’d do a discount one time but he refused.” 

Katsuki glances at the price tag, 70,475yen. Then with a nod, he turns toward the man. “I’ll take it.” 

The slender man raises a brow. “Alright then.” He pulls some keys from his pocket and unlocks the case, carefully pulling the figurine from the shelf. “He’s gonna be awfully excited.” He adds, monotone but offers a thumbs up in approval. 

Katsuki shrugs, handing his card over to the man to swipe. “Figured the nerd deserves it.” 

It was true - from what Katsuki knew, the nerd always puts others before himself. Which, more than likely includes treating himself to his nerd hobbies. 

The man slides the figurine into its case, hands the card and purchase over. “Hope he finds joy out of it.” 

“Thanks.” Katsuki tucks his card into his pocket and flees the store quickly, hiding the figurine in his bag of fruit he’d just bought.

He really wasn’t sure what possessed him to suddenly buy an All Might figure for Deku but if the nerd asked, Katuski would insist it was as a ‘thank you’ for fixing up Might’s tail and bandaging him. And if the nerd complained about the price, Katsuki would ensure he got it on sale.

Truthfully, Katsuki has never been worried about money. The fire station pays well beyond his means, allowing the man to splurge on whatever he liked and his duplex was ridiculously low rent due to the old geezer who owned it, Torino, not caring about money but someone who’d keep the place nice and not destroy it. On top of that, he has stock in his parent’s Designing company. 

The man heads back to his house that’s only a few blocks away, wondering when giving Izuku the figurine would be appropriate. He supposed he’ll just fork it over with a small shrug next time the nerd comes to help with Might’s bandage. 

Katsuki nods to himself, glancing up at the sun beginning to set behind the horizon. He takes a deep breath, glances back down at the figurine and a small smile tugs at his lips. The nerd will like it, won’t he? 

Katsuki’s about to head up the steps to his front door when his eyes land on a head of green hair, hidden beneath a black hoodie. At the sound of someone approaching, the man turns around and now Katsuki can see the tears in his viridian eyes, the swollen bags beneath them and reddened cheeks. His heart races and he can’t help but feel his stomach churn at the sadness gathered in the nerds usually bright eyes.

”Deku?”

Chapter Text

“Deku?” 

Katsuki eyes the man, his shoulders slumping as the freckled veterinarian gives an exhausted, forceful smile. He toys with his fingers, glancing around nervously.

”Sorry, I don’t mean to keep showing up unannounced, I can leave. It’s just that Ochako is out with Tsu for their anniversary and Shoto’s working late on paperwork and Iida’s home sick and I didn’t really know where else to go because I didn’t wanna go home yet so I figured I’d come here but I don’t mean to intrude again-“ 

His voice is rasped, quiet and defeated. His eyes hang lowly, finally meeting Katsuki’s once more and they resemble a pool of misery, shined over with tears. 

“It’s fine, Deku. I don’t have anything going on.” Katsuki cuts the rambling man off, taking large steps toward his front door. Izuku steps to the side as he does and Katuski quickly unlocks his front door, pushing it open. He nods to the side, signaling Deku to enter. 

“Thanks.” He mutters, stepping inside. He pulls his hoodie down and lingers in the doorway, as if unsure what to do next. “Were you grocery shopping?” He asks. 

Katsuki kicks his door shut and then carefully places his bags on the kitchen counter, making sure the All Might figurine remained hidden. 

“Just a bit. Needed some more fruit.” Katsuki replies, turning back to face the nerd. He’s still stood there, awkward and fidgety beside the front door. Katsuki almost worries that the nerd will suddenly bolt. So, he steps around the counter, tilting his head. “Deku?” 

“Hm?”

Katsuki furrows his brows, “What’s wrong, nerd?” he asks, frankly unsure how to go about the man’s feelings.

Surprisingly, Izuku lets out a fake, crackling laugh. “Wrong? Nothings wrong. Why? Is something wrong with you? Is Might all right? How’s his tail?” 

Leaning against the cool granite counter, Katsuki crosses his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes. “What? Yeah, Might is fucking fine. I mean what the hells wrong with you?” He scoffs, tilting his head when Deku simply blinks at him in response. “Don’t try to act like you’re fine. You look all sad and mopey as shit. Your eyes are bloodshot and swollen and you’re sulking around like someone shot your damn dog.” 

Izuku flinches at the last comment, dropping his head. His curls hang over his brows, snaking around his neck as his does. “I don’t want to bother you with my problems.”

”Then why the hell are you here?” Katsuki replies, perhaps too harshly because the man flinches again and his lips twist into a deep frown. Katsuki curses himself - of course he wasn’t irritated that Deku was here, no, he was irritated that the nerd was sad and he doesn’t know why, or how to help. 

“I can go-“

”Shit, no. I didn’t mean it like that, dumbass.” Katsuki jumps, curses himself for his crude language once again, and then runs a hand through his hair. “I just - I want to know what’s wrong. Not any of this ‘I’m fine’ bullshit. What’s wrong?” He huffs, sternly and steps toward Deku.

The veterinarian licks his bottom lip and then pulls it under his front teeth, gnawing on it. He opens his mouth, as if to speak and then suddenly closes it. 

“Do you want some tea?” Katsuki asks, his heart aching at how saddened the sunshine man looks. Deku only nods in response and heads for the stool against Katsuki’s kitchen island. 

They sit in silence for awhile as Katsuki pulls out his electric kettle, pushes a carton of tea flavors toward Izuku and pulls out two more mugs for each of them. Izuku picks a jasmine green tea and Katsuki settles for the same one. The whole while, he can feel Deku’s eyes on him, watching as he pours the water and lets it steep.

”Honey?” Katsuki hums.

”Yes please.” 

After a few moments, Katsuki slides the mug toward Deku and holds his own mug in his hand, relishing the scent. Deku wraps both hands around his mug and lowers his face, fluttering his eyes shut and inhaling the steam floating off. A ghost of a smile pulls at his lips. Katsuki keeps his gaze on the man, searching for any tells for why he’s so down. His eyes fall to Deku’s hands, trailing across the dry, cracked nail beds that look as though they’d been picked and prodded at, a bit of metallic blood sits dried along the edges. 

Then, after nearly five minutes, Deku opens his eyes and they meet Katsuki’s - dark, sad and angry. 

“I lost Ms. Tulip.” He says simply, but his voice cracks heart-breakingly. 

Katsuki frowns, “That ancient looking cat?” he asks, recalling the instagram post from earlier that day. 

At that, Deku’s lips wobble and he nods. “I’ve been working with her since I got board certified. She was my first patient after we opened the clinic.” He swallows and blinks, trying to force the tears swelling in his eyes. “When I first met her I had diagnosed her with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it’s a type of heart disease, but she’d been getting regular checkups, taking her medications and this morning she was doing so good and getting ready for an echocardiogram and then,” He pauses and a thick tear falls from one of his eyes. “I-It was a blood clot in her left ventricle. There was nothing I could do but she was right in front of me, watching me and then suddenly she was gone. Someone had even put in an application to adopt her and she hasn’t had a family in so long and she deserved to have one again before she passed.” A small, quiet sob left Izuku’s lips and Katsuki felt his heart drop to his stomach. 

His legs were carrying him before he even knew what he was doing, rounding the counter and only a foot away from Izuku. Katsuki’s never been good with his words but action - action he could do. Wordlessly, he pulled the viridian veterinarian into his arms with a swift tug. He wondered for a split second if he was pushing boundaries but the moment large hands gripped onto the fabric of his hoodie, Deku melting into him, he forgot his doubts in a second.

They sat there for only a minute, but Katsuki, for once in his life, didn’t hate the physical contact, he didn’t itch to get away from the hug or pull away first. Rather he relished the warmth of Izuku, seeped in his scent and touch and his chest swallowed the small, whimpered sobs that left the man. 

Deku pulled away first, wiping his tears with the back of his hand as he did. “Sorry. I think I may have gotten some tears and maybe snot on your hoodie.” He apologizes, sheepishly and his eyes look a bit more lively than before.

Snorting, Katsuki rolls his eyes. “‘S fine, nerd.” He assures, taking a step back and presses his back against the counter beside Izuku. “I saw your post about her this morning. She was a cute little shit.” 

At that, Deku lets out a hearty laugh and nods. “She really was. She had this really deep meow since she was so old and it always made me laugh.” He recalled, a fond smile crossing his lips. “By the way, the donation money is being sent back so you should receive a refund.”

Katuski blinks. Hadn’t he submitted that anonymously? 

“It’s not really that anonymous for the recipient, only other donators. Your credit card name displays on our end.” Deku hums, as if reading the blondes mind and takes a long sip of his tea. “Which by the way, thanks for the donation, even if it didn’t end up working out.” 

The tips of Katsuki’s ears flush, along with his cheeks and he rubs the back of his neck. “Ah. No problem. Wasn’t really anything.” 

“You donated like 37,000 yen, Kacchan. You just have that much laying around?” 

“You don’t?” Katsuki raises an eyebrow. 

Deku’s freckled cheeks turn red. “I have 20,200yen after I just paid everything for the month, Kacchan.” He huffs, rolling his eyes and scowling. “No need to flaunt.” 

At that, Katsuki grimaces. “Fuck, Deku. How the hell…” He rubs his temples. Does this dumbass live like this all the time? “How the hell do you afford groceries and shit?” 

“Well I just stocked up on my instant ramen and I got a few frozen cheeseburgers from the corner store earlier-“

”Are you shitting me?” Katsuki groans, shaking his head as thought he can’t believe the words leaving his freckled man’s mouth (to be fair, he can’t.) “When’s the last time you had a decent fuckin’ meal?” 

Deku thinks for several concerning moments. “I had takeout last week! It was katsudon!” 

With a grumble, Katsuki immediately stomps off to his fridge. “Right and I’m sure that shit contained veggies, protein, and grains?” He scoffs, absolutely baffled by the man he somehow has a stupid school-boy crush on. 

“Well it was katsudon and some rice.” The nerd has the audacity to counter. 

Quickly, Katsuki whips around, scowling deeply. “Fuckin’ hell.” He mutters, shaking his head. He yanks out a series of ingredients, placing them on the counter with newfound determination. If this damned nerd hadn’t had a proper meal in god knows how long, he’d make him the best damn meal he ever had. 

It doesn’t take long for Katuski to cook. It’s something he’d done for ages and even found a passion for. The whole while, Deku sits in his stool, yammering about the new All Might episodes and how excited he is for the one Shinso has been hyping up, complaining about bitchy clients and how his favorite pair of scrubs tore. Katuski listens without so much as a hint of annoyance bubbling inside of him. He curses the customers who upset Izuku, nerds out with him about the All Might episodes and laughs when Izuku admits his scrubs tore when he was trying to run up his apartment stairs two steps at a time. Katsuki even shares about his last few days, snickers as the nerd asks him every detail of being a firefighter. 

Its peaceful. Possibly the most content he’d been in years. He savored the small talk, the small little tidbits of their lives. 

By the time Katuski is serving dinner, he barely remembers why he was so worked up into making dinner for the nerd - more focused on the next words spilling out of the man’s lips. 

“Do you have a bathroom?”

Katsuki twists his face in confusion and also, his heart is beating way too fucking fast with endearment. 

“Yeah, back through the hallway, second door on the left.” Katuski replies, clearing his throat as Deku slips out of his seat, squeaks a small ‘thanks!’ and scurries off. 

As Izuku is gone, Katsuki pulls out a water glass for each of them, pairs of chopsticks and napkins. He stands in the kitchen, idiotically impatient for the nerd to try his food. 

A small sneeze echoes from the bathroom and Katsuki mutters out a ‘bless you’ and leans against the counter, pulling at his hair to make sure it’s in place. Another sneeze echoes, and then two more. 

“Damn. Bless you.” Katsuki calls, shaking his head. A small chuckle emits from the bathroom, bubbly and warm and the sound itself makes Katsuki’s heart race. 

When the freckled man saunters out from the bathroom, he gives a broad grin. “This looks really delicious, Kacchan! I haven’t had gyudon in so long.” He slides back into his stool, lifting the chopsticks quickly.

”Yeah? We’ll prepare to have your mind fuckin’ blown because it’s gonna be the best gyudon and gobo salad you’ll ever have.” Katsuki swears, opting to stand across from Deku’s seat as they eat. 

With a believing hum, Izuku forms a bite with his chopsticks, making sure to get a piece of everything and then shoves it into his mouth. Katsuki watches as he collects his own bite, waiting for the nerd to say something.

Deku lets out a lewd fucking moan, humming as he swallows his bite and Katsuki’s heart stammers in his chest. “Oh wow, Kacchan. This is so good!” He cheers, already spooning another bite into his mouth. 

Katsuki’s mouth feels dry for a moment and he clears his throat. “Of fuckin’ course it is. Told you it’d be the best.” 

“It really is!” The veterinarian agrees quickly, a few crumbs of rice sit on the corner of his mouth and chin. “Did you put something different in yours? It looks different from mine.”

Katsuki glances between their two bowls, his a darker orange color. “Hot sauce. Wanna try?” He offers, tilting his head to the side. 

The nerd only hums excitedly and Katsuki’s lets a small grin form on his lips. He slides his bowl over, lets Izuku snatch a few pieces of beef, rice and onion and observes as he pops the bite into his mouth.

It only takes about five seconds before Izuku’s face turns a bright red and his viridian eyes shoot wide open. 

“Oh my god.” Izuku coughs, frantically searching for the water that Katsuki pushes toward him. “What is that?” He squeaks before gulping down as much water as he can. “Is that legal? It shouldn’t be legal. How are you eating that?” He huffs out, a few beads of sweat form on his forehead. 

Barking out a laugh, Katsuki rolls his eyes. “It’s not that hot. You’re just weak as shit.”

”I feel like it’s burning through my intestines. Kacchan, how are you not dying?” Deku continues, water near depleted so Katsuki takes his glass to fill. “Do you eat that on everything? Is your mouth made of lava?” 

When Katsuki turns back around, sliding the full glass of water back to Deku, the nerd is fanning his mouth with his hand, eyebrows knit together in agony. 

“Eat some of yours, it should help better than the water, dumbass!” Katuski snickers, taking another bite of his own dinner. Izuku listens quickly and frantically shovels a bite into his mouth - and then another. 

He relaxes as he eats, takes a few more sips of water and finally, his face resumes its normal shade. He gives a sheepish look to Katsuki. 

“It wasn’t all that bad, actually!” 

The blonde twists his face and furrows his eyebrows. “I just watch you almost fuckin’ die, Deku.” He scoffs, in utter disbelief that the man just panted around his kitchen like a damn dog and then had the audacity to act like it wasn’t that spicy. 

“I mean it was spicy but I think I could build a tolerance up to that spice! It really did add some good flavor.” Deku shrugs, over halfway done with his own bowl.

With a devilish grin, Katsuki holds up the bottle of hot sauce. “Yeah? Wanna start now, I can add a good few drops to yours.” He teases.

Izuku’s face drops and his hands quickly cover his bowl. “No! Nope. I’m all good for tonight. Thanks, Kacchan.” He gives a toothy grin. 

“Ah c’mon, nerd. Just a drop.” Katsuki uncaps the sauce and playfully holds it over Izuku’s bowl, leaning far over the edge of the counter to inch closer and closer. 

“No! Kacchan! You’ll ruin this delicious meal for me!” The viridian man whines, shaking his head furiously. Then, suddenly, his eyes widen and with one large hand, swoops out and snatches the bottle from Katsuki. “I bet you’d like some more, right, Kacchan?” He smirks, moving so swiftly Katsuki barely has a chance to stop him. 

The nerd taps out three more drops of hot sauce onto Katsuki’s food and then sits back, victoriously. 

Snorting, Katsuki mixes the drops in. “Thanks, Deku. It was tasting a little bland, anyway.” He shakes his head, amused that Deku seems to think he’d won. The nerd watches him carefully as Katsuki takes another bite and disappointment begins to show in his viridian eyes when the blonde doesn’t react to the added spice.

”So unfair.” Deku mutters, returning to his own bowl of food. 

“You eat frozen fuckin’ cheese burgers and instant ramen. Do you even season the ramen?” Katsuki questions and he’s afraid he already knows the answer.

”I add sesame oil sometimes.” Deku shrugs, “I also saw someone add cheese once so when I feel fancy I add some cheese.”

”Oh yeah, thats real damn fancy.” Katsuki jests, shaking his head. “You could at least add some chili oil.” 

Finishing his last bite, Izuku raises an eyebrow. “Do you season your instant ramen?” He asks, curiously and places his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his palm. 

“I don’t eat instant ramen unless I’m at the station, even then it’s rare.” Katsuki admits, pushing his empty bowl to the side so he can lean forward and rest his forearms on the counter.

Deku raises an eyebrow. “So what, do you just cook up five star meals at the station for every meal?” 

“I made yakitori last week.” The blonde shrugs casually.

”For everyone?” Deku asks and Katuski nods in response. “Maybe I should start coming by there for lunch.” He jokes, “Ochako and I broke the microwave the other day so I have to buy another.” 

Katsuki frowns, “How the hell do you break a microwave?” 

A small blush creeps onto Deku’s cheeks and he glances away, almost embarrassed for a moment. “We were trying to heat up both of our food at once and hers ended up having a foil lining and it caught on fire and burned both of our food. After that, the microwave wouldn’t start.” He admit, laughing nervously. 

“You two started a microwave fire?” Katsuki groans, rolling his eyes. “You know how many microwave fires we get called out to because some six year old tries to heat their ramen up for thirty minutes? Too damn many.” He chastises, though a small smile remains on his lips and his tone shines with amusement. 

“Technically it was Ochako’s fault! She’s the one who put foil in the microwave.” Deku defends, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes playfully, “Oh yeah, and I’m sure it was her idea to overfill the microwave too?”

The nerd clamps his mouth shut and shrugs, “Maybe it was.” He giggles, quietly.

Katsuki chuckles, shaking his head as his crimson eyes meet Deku’s. They sit there for a while, staring at each other and while Izuku has a goofy grin on his lips, Katsuki mirrors him with a fond expression. Once again, the blonde finds himself wondering if this is how it’d be - sharing details about their days and lives while Katsuki cooks them dinner, laughing and teasing each other over their spice tolerances. He could get used to this. Used to the mess of a man leaving his shoes messily beside the front door, his shitty Honda parked out front and his clothes in his laundry room. 

They’re ripped from their moment of peace when a banging sounds at the front door.

”Kats! Hello! We’re here for our weekly gaming night!” Eijiro’s infuriatingly loud voice hollers from the other side of the door. Katsuki grimaces, wishing his best friend was intuitive enough to know Izuku’s car was out front. Still, he can’t fault Eijiro - Katsuki barely knew what Izuku’s car looked like before tonight. 

Izuku gives a small smile to Katsuki. “Weekly gaming night?” He muses, his big green eyes shining at Katsuki like stars. 

“Some shit they talked me into. I can tell them to get outta here.” Katsuki offers, quietly. 

There’s another bang at the door, “Are you dead in there, dude?” Denki shouts, sounding almost convinced. 

“That’s alright, Kacchan. I’ve gotta get home and do laundry anyway.” Izuku stands, grabbing his bowl and water glass, heading for the sink.

Katsuki swallows thickly, “Alright, nerd.” He replies, his throat raw feeling and disappointment etches up his back annoyingly. “I’ll get them later, you don’t need to wash them, Deku.” He offers a small chuckle to the green haired man who’d picked up a sponge and soap.

”Are you sure? I’d feel bad leaving a mess and you still have the pans and stuff to do-“

”Yes, Deku, I’m sure.” Katsuki rolls his eyes, “Get outta here before I make you clean everything.” He shakes his head.

With that, Izuku smiles sheepishly and slips his shoes on. “Thanks for tonight, Kacchan. I really appreciate it. Plus, your cooking has ruined anything frozen for me.”

”Not instant ramen?” 

“You’ll have to pry instant ramen from my cold dead hands.” 

Katsuki scoffs. “I fuckin’ will.” He promises, his hand lingering by the door handle. “Get home safe, dumbass.” He mutters to the curly haired man and then pulls the door open. 

“Kats-“ Eijiro cuts himself off immediately, eyes widening in realization and his scarlet iris’ dart between Katsuki and Izuku. “Midoriya! Didn’t know you were over. Wanna game with us?” He offers and Katsuki at least appreciates the attempt. 

At that, Izuku gives a grin and shakes his head. “That’s all right! I’ve got laundry to do and reports to file!” He hums, giving a nod to Denki and Hanta. “But you guys have fun!” He calls, heading down the stairs. He pauses before he reaches his car, viridian eyes lock onto crimson ones and Katsuki blocks out his idiotic friends rampaging into his house. 

Deku only gives a gentle smile, his cheeks blush slightly and then he waves at the blonde. 

Katsuki can only dumbly wave back, his heart pounding so loud in his ears it blocks out the sound of Eijiro asking about the pots and pans and two empty bowls in the sink. The All Might figurine he’d bought sits in the back of his mind - a reminder of just how fucking far he’d fallen for the freckled veterinarian. 

Chapter Text

It’s a slow day in the clinic, the sun has risen from its cool, morning shine to a beating, hot midday glower. Izuku sits beside Iida, arms crossed over the back of the chair he sits backwards on, listening to Eri complain about her onslaught of homework and a professor she hates. 

It’s refreshing - calm. It’s rare Izuku gets to have a slow day, catch up on paperwork and budgets. Plus, he likes listening to Eri rant, it reminds him of himself a few years ago, drowning in essays and projects. 

They’ve only had three patients, a dog who got a bone stuck around his jaw, a snake who’s shed had gotten stuck and a kitten who wouldn’t stop meowing and running around crazily.(Izuku diagnosed her with being a kitten.) 

The door chimes and Izuku swivels in his chair, eager to greet the next patient. Instead, he’s met by a crew of firemen, standing in his lobby like some sort of male-stripper group. They all wear the same uniform and yet, Izuku’s eyes land on one of them. 

Spiked blonde hair is a little droopy from being worn down by a helmet, a tired look hangs over crimson eyes and pink lips. A black compression shirt clings to his broad torso as though the world depended on it and baggy, black fire-resistant pants hang off his sinfully narrow waist. And those damn red suspenders are taught against his muscular pectorals. 

“Dr. Mido! Tenya! What up man!” Kaminari greets eagerly, practically skipping over to the counter, the others in tow. “Oh, hey Eri. Almost didn’t see you behind that computer screen.”

The veterinarian gives a wide grin. “Hey guys. To what do we owe the pleasure?” He asks, scooting forward with his wheeled chair. Izuku tries (and fails) to refrain from checking out the gorgeous fireman lingering in the back again. 

Said man rolls his eyes. “We’re headed back from a call nearby and since these dumbasses seem to have forgotten phones exist-“ 

Kaminari cuts off Katsuki quickly. “We wanna know if you and the gang wanna come out with us to Gran Torino’s Sunday night!” The electric blonde cheers and earns a smack on the head from Katsuki. 

“Ow!” 

Sero and Kirishima stifle their snickers before the red-head speaks. “Yeah, we’re all going out for some trivia and drinks!” 

Izuku turns to glance at Iida who is already nodding his head. “That sounds like a lot of fun.” He agrees, easily. Izuku always finds it entertaining that his most uptight, professional friend is always the first to agree to go out, and tends to get the drunkest as well. 

“I can ask Ochaco and Shoto if they’re down!” Izuku offers, giving a small smile. 

Kirishima tilts his head, fiery hair illuminated by the sun blaring in “How about you, bro? You gonna come get crazy with us?” He gives a toothy, eager grin.

”Don’t say shit like that, it sounds embarrassing.” Katsuki mutters from the back and Izuku laughs a little too hard and feels his face flush quickly.  

“Sure. I can’t stay out late because I open monday but I’ll come for a bit!” He agrees, twisting back and forth on his chair and twiddling his fingers. If he was honest, he was looking forward to the opportunity to curl into bed and binge a few movies. But, if Katsuki would be there, Izuku wouldn’t miss it. 

Beside him, Eri pokes her head up. “Can I come?” She asks, eagerly and puts on her best ‘pleading’ face. It’s damn convincing - Eri’s used the same face to convince Izuku to let her nap in the break room in the middle of her shift. 

“No way, Eri. If Captain Aizawa found out we’d be dead.” Sero shakes his head quickly and shoves a thumbs down toward the young girl. 

With a pout, Eri puts her head down and sighs, dramatically. Izuku chuckles and pats her back. “It’s alright. Few more years and you’ll be out at all the bars.” He assures. 

“Sick! Oh and, wanted to drop this off.” Kaminari suddenly wears a devilish look and from his large pants pulls out what looks like a wide notebook. However, Katsuki stills immediately and scowls at the first sight of the papers. 

The blonde pushes past Kirishima. “Are you fuckin’ kidding me? Put that away.” He growls, dangerously and for some odd reason, a chill shoots down Izuku’s spine at the tone. 

In a flash, Kaminari basically throws the notebook at Izuku before Katsuki can yank it from the electric blonde. As soon as Izuku has it in his hands, the blonde backs down and grumbles out a few curses, running a large hand over his face. 

Furrowing his eyebrows, Izuku glances at the firemen, confused. 

Sero wriggles his eyebrows. “It’s the latest edition of the Firemen’s calendar. Proceeds go to families affected by fires.” He clarifies, though a mischievous glint lingers in his dark eyes. 

“Oh. Shouldn’t I pay for this though?” Izuku asks, not yet glancing down at the calendar. 

“Nope! Consider it a gift.” Kaminari hums, and the nods toward the calendar. “Aren’t you gonna take a look?” 

“Fuck off, Dunce Face.” Katsuki groans, shaking his head but when Izuku looks back at the crimson eyed man, the tips of his ears are pink and his eyes dart away from the veterinarian.

Izuku raises an eyebrow, “You guys are so cryptic about things sometimes.” He mutters and then drops his gaze down to the calendar, flipping it over to the front. All the breath in his lungs disappears. 

They could at least have warned Izuku first. Because now, Izuku is doing his best attempt at a poker face as his eyes rake over the all to familiar crew of firemen on the front. More importantly, the half-naked crew. Even more importantly, centered beside the second crew’s lieutenant, is Katsuki fucking Bakugo.

His hair is perfectly shaped and his crimson eyes are narrowed almost seductively at the camera while a smirk plays at his pink lips. The baggy fire-resistant pants sit on his slim waist and are held up by those damn suspenders only in the picture, he’s shirtless and his rippling abs and pecs are on full display for Izuku to stare at. One of his arms sits on his hip while the other holds a fire axe across his shoulders.

“You guys must sell a lot of these.” Izuku puts the calendar on the counter, does his best to quell the heat rising up his entire body and gives a small smile to the firemen. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “They choose a different station every year. They technically don’t start for a few months but they started selling them already.” He shrugs and his gaze on Izuku is piercing. 

“Oh! Congrats guys! That must be exciting.” Izuku widens his grin and his mind wanders to how many of the months will contain Katsuki. 

With a knowing nod, Kirishima throws a thumbs up at Izuku. “Oh you betcha! We almost got it last year but Station 119 swooped in last second.”

”We’re gonna beat their sale record this year though.” Sero promises. 

At that, Katsuki actually nods in agreement. “We’d better. I didn’t get bathed in oil for no goddamn reason.” 

Oil. Oil. It takes everything in Izuku to contain himself and not sift through every page in search for Kacchan’s toned body slick in oil. God. Izuku needs to get control of himself. 

Beside him, Iida fixes his glasses and nods in approval of the calendar. “It’s a very noble cause to support!” 

“Oh super. Plus Mina’s been crazy over the calendar since I gave her one yesterday. Guys. I am getting hella laid.” Kirishima grins triumphantly.

”Like you nasty asses aren’t fucking everywhere all the time.” Katsuki grumbles, annoyed and also visibly disgusted. 

Sero cackles, “Oh man. Remember when they got caught in the supply room at the station and Cap made Eiji clean the entire supply closet until he deemed it was clean.”

”Sharky boy here was cleaning for days.” Kaminari slaps a hand on a bashful Kirishima’s back. 

Just as Izuku goes to open his mouth, the phone rings and Eri is quick to pick it up. “Downtown Vet Clinic, how can we help-“ She clamps her mouth shut quickly and through the phone, Izuku can hear muffled, frantic speaking. The pastel haired girl hands over the phone to him with a grimace. 

“Hello?” 

“We have ten dogs and five cats from a hoarding and breeding house that need immediate attention. Can you handle it?” A man huffs into the phone, cutting straight to the point. Izuku isn’t offended - he knows there’s no need for pleasantries in situations as this. 

“Yes. Send them over asap-“

“We can send over some of them but you should come down for the rest of them. Most of em are aggressive and refuse to let us get close.” 

Izuku massages his temple and pulls the phone away from his face barely. “Eri call Shoto in and notify Ochaco I need her field ready.” He clears his throat and pushes the phone back, “Send the address to our email. I’ll be there as soon as possible.” 

After that, he hangs up the phone and sighs. 

“Sounds like you’ve got something big coming.” Sero quirks and eyebrow as Izuku stands and stretches his shoulders. 

The veterinarian gives them a wry smile. “Unfortunately. Sorry to cut our chat short but I’ll see you guys Sunday!” His eyes fall upon Katsuki’s, which are swimming with curiosity and an emotion Izuku can pin. 

“Take care, nerd.” Is all the striking blonde mutters, along with a small wave. 

The situation couldn’t have been worse. Izuku’s nose aches from the smell of chemicals, feces and blood. His mind whirls with pity for the poor animals and a disdain for humans swells in his heart. 

One of the biggest reasons he chose vet-med was because animals can’t advocate for themselves or speak their mind; they can’t tell their owner why they’re in pain or why that untreated pain leads to aggression. They can’t tell their owner that they aren’t getting enough food or water. They’re innocent, pliable and at the mercy of humans. And often times, humans never measure up. 

A long scratch stretches from Izuku’s pulse-point on his neck to across his collarbone. It stings and blood seeps from it but he gives the small, fearful cat who’d given it to him a warm smile.

”I know baby. It’s scary.” He hums, coaxing her into a cage as she hisses and puffs her fur at him. She fragile, underweight and under-loved. Her big, blue eyes peer up at Izuku with the instinct to protect herself. He could never blame her. As she limps into the cage, the promise of food sat inside, Izuku smiles proudly. “We’re gonna get you fixed up. I promise.” 

He passes the cage to Ochaco who rushes it toward the vehicle waiting to take the remaining animals to the clinic. Then, with a deep breath he makes his way further inside, to the final dog, where the police crew who’d been called to the house have a large german shepard blocked off. Even from outside he can hear the ferocious dog barking and growling but as he enters, it’s an entirely different story. 

The police hold up riot shields, batons in their hands and Izuku’s heart cracks at the sight. The dog, underweight and fearing for his life lunges, jaws snapping and teeth bared. Two officers stand to the side, uniforms torn and blood seeping from bite wounds. 

Izuku already knows what the outcome for this dog will be. It’s never fair. Pushed into a corner, anyone will fight for their life - human or animal. 

“Back off! You’re scaring him more.” Izuku orders, pushing past a few of the officers, his field bag slung over his shoulder. “He’s got wounds all over him that are infected! I need to treat him.” 

A large, brooding man sneers down at the vet, face hardened from years on the job. “This dog is dangerous! Attacked two of my men.” He growls. 

Izuku angles his face upward, “This dog is scared, neglected and you’re all threatening his territory!” He argues, not backing down for a second. “I’m here to work so get the hell out of my way and let me.” 

With that, the officer scoffs. “Alright, you all heard the veterinarian. Clear out.” He orders and the policemen all mutter amongst themselves, many of them cursing the dog. As the room clears, Ochaco appears by Izuku’s side, a large crate in tow.

”You know what the law is going to order.” She says, solemnly, large brown eyes already filling with tears.

Izuku gulps, “I know. Doesn’t mean we can’t treat him with kindness and understanding.” He mutters, sliding on the large bite-guard gloves. He pulls out a handful of treats. “Here boy.” He hums, gently.

The dog, still against the wall barks and growls, paying no mind to Izuku’s offering. He’s missing patches of hair, his ribs poke through his coat and nothing but fear in his big brown eyes. Izuku sits, crossing his legs. He tosses a few more treats and patiently waits as the dog continues barking at him. 

Izuku waits. And waits. It takes fifteen minutes for the dog to stop barking and hesitantly gobbles up the treats Izuku tossed to him. When he finishes, Izuku tosses a few more. His movement spooks the dog and quickly, he reverts back to barking. 

The veterinarian can’t imagine the hell these animals have been living in. From what he’s seen so far, the entire house is filled with trash, boxes, random items that serve no purpose and stack up to the ceiling. Feces litters the floor, the food bowls look as though they’d been empty for months and the water bowls hold a strange, milky concoction. 

It’s no wonder they’re angry. No wonder those who aren’t too injured to move are ferocious. They protect their home as though it’s their last chance - and for many of them, it is. They don’t know it should be better. That they should have better. This hell is what they know. 

It takes an hour and a half to coax the shepherd into the crate. Izuku earns a bite, though shielded by the gloves, during the process. As they carry the dog out, he howls, barks and growls the entire way. Izuku doesn’t complain. He has no right to.

He would be just as angry and afraid. 

When they make it back to the clinic, the dog waits in a kennel as Izuku and Shoto treat the other animals. Izuku does three surgeries and two wound debridements, extracts many rotten teeth and a c-section on a very pregnant Shiba. 

It’s nearly midnight by the time each dog and cat is stable for the night. Kouda agreed to stay overnight to oversee each animal and by now, Iida, Shoto and the others have gone home for the night, tired and overworked.

Izuku stands outside the german shepard’s kennel. At this point, the poor soul has tired himself out of barking and growling. He sits curled against the back of the kennel, eyes wide and whale-eyeing at Izuku. He’s terrified, and yet, doesn’t have the energy to protect himself any longer. 

The papers in Izuku’s hand are nearly damp by now from how hard he’s been clutching them, and for how long he’d stood outside the kennel, watching. His stomach clenches in anguish, his heart thrums against his chest. 

“I’m sorry, baby.” Izuku mutters, his voice low, wavering. This is his least favorite part of the job. He knew coming into being a veterinarian he’d have to perform cases such as these, and he’s performed many of them. Still, it doesn’t make it any easier. It doesn’t mean his heart doesn’t ache more each time. 

Ochaco, behind him wipes a stray tear from her eyes. “Ready, ‘Zuku?” She asks, quietly. The silence in the clinic is deafening now that everyone else is gone and the hectic day came to a halt. 

With a small nod, Izuku looks down at the paper once more, his eyes glaring daggers at the large ‘Court Ordered Euthanasia’ at the top. 

“Yeah.” 

Izuku gets home to his quiet, shared apartment a little after 1am. His eyes are dry, unable to shed tears any longer and his chest feels empty. It seems as though he’d just recovered from Ms. Tulip and now, a whole other life is on his conscious. 

He tosses his keys onto the counter, grabs an instant ramen pack from the pantry before sighing and putting it back. Instead, he grabs a boxed wine from the fridge, along with an mug. All he can think about is his bed. Sluggishly, he pulls himself toward his room, ignoring Shoto’s asleep ramblings that come from across the hall and flips on his bedroom light.

It’s just as he left it that morning - clothes strewn all over, his bed unmade. With a small groan, Izuku tosses his work bag beside his bed, places the wine and mug down and peels his clothes off until he’s in his boxers and crawls into bed, relishing his soft mattress and fluffy sheets. He snuggles into them, welcoming the familiar feeling and as he rolls over, his eyes land on the calendar poking out from his bag.

He contemplates for a few moments before rolling over, snatching the calendar. In a quick motion, he fills his mug with the deep red wine and takes a long swig. Then, He stares at the front cover of the calendar for several moments, eyes zeroed in on Katsuki’s impressive form. His face grows red in the privacy of his bedroom and his heart thumps in his chest, the calendar a welcome distraction from the day he’d just had.

Taking another sip, Izuku flips through, past the pictures of Sero, Kaminari and Kirishima, until finally, his eyes are graced with August’s cover. There he stands in all his glory, a whole page to himself. Katsuki sits on a plain barstool, legs widened into a delicious man-spread. His arms hang behind him, lazily and veins poke from his skin. His head is lulled backwards, slightly but his eyes catch the camera and a lazy grin sits on his lips. His shirtless physique makes Izuku’s mouth water and the viridian man narrows his eyes at the tumble of dark hair stemming from Katsuki’s bellybutton and down past his pants. 

Izuku feels dizzy from how perfect the man looks, as well as the warmth of wine in his stomach. Still, no matter how close he looks, there is no oil that Katsuki had mentioned. So, continuing on his endeavor, Izuku flips through the pages. There’s another of both crews, joint together. Only this time a hose snakes around them, each of them holding it up a different way. Izuku only pays mind to the face Katsuki stands at the end, nozzle of the hose enveloped by large, slim hands and angled just as the position of his crotch. He’s not looking at the camera this time, rather his crimson eyes are peering down the hose but Izuku can see the wicked grin on his face. Izuku bites his lip to keep from moaning at the sight.

“Damnit.” He huffs, running a hand down his face. 

Nearly finished with his glass of wine, he continues on, flipping through the second crews solo pictures - he doesn’t give them even a glance after seeing they aren’t a certain blonde’s. It’s not until April that Katsuki appears again and as the final month no less. The lieutenant of the second team is also featured but Izuku’s eyes are centered on the hauntingly attractive blonde. 

Oil. Oil coats Katsuki’s bare chest, stains his black pants and it slicks his hair slightly, weighing down his spikes a few inches. The pair are holding fire-extinguishers and while the other man holds it lewdly against his crotch and sprays, Katsuki holds it with one arm, the other perched on his hip as he scowls at his partner, judgingly.

Izuku can’t help but let out a fond laugh. While the other pictures Katsuki put on a begrudging show, this one feels familiar. Much more ‘Kacchan’ than the rest. Perhaps it’s the scowl and grimace or the way he looks so casually perfect while simultaneously annoyed all while with an oil slick chest, but Izuku decides this photo is his favorite of the calendar. 

Only because of charity. He makes a mental note to actually buy one. For charity. 

Izuku finishes the last of his wine and pours a little more, taking almost all of it in one swig. Just as his mind begins to carry away, his phone buzzes beside him, playing a quick chime that Izuku had (embarrassingly) created for Katsuki - it was one of All Might’s precious theme songs. 

From: Kacchan! :D

U see the news coverage on yourr hoarding case shit? 

Izuku furrows his face. News coverage? He could faintly remember maybe seeing some vans he didn’t recognize but he was too caught up in his work to pay any mind. He’s about to panic before another texts buzzes through. 

From: Kacchan! :D

Dope shit.

Izuku can’t contain the grin creeping into his lips and he rushes to search up any information Kacchan could have seen. It doesn’t take long, three of the local stations have a story running. Izuku clicks on the first one, only to find photos of him from a distance, working with the animals. In one he’s bandaging a docile dog’s leg, another he’s coaxing a cat into a crate. It’s flattering, the story talks about Izuku’s swift, professional behavior and expert instinct. 

Izuku’s chest swells. He taps on the second article. Similar pictures as the last pull up, only from different angles but a new one crosses his screen. One of him entering the german shepard’s room, glaring up at the glaring, angry officer he’d confronted. 

Unbashedly, Izuku saved the articles. He’d never really had an article written so flatteringly about him. Much less pictures to go along with it. Now, he only wonders if it impressed Katsuki. It had to of, right? If the fireman felt the need to message about it. 

To: Kacchan! :D

Thanks! I didn’t realize any news crews were around :0

His heart thrums, sat in Katsuki’s chat as he awaited another message. This is how it always felt, Izuku sitting beside the phone, waiting for a reply. As if he didn’t exist outside of waiting for Kacchan to text back. 

From: Kacchan! :D

Damnn. Don’t you work tomorrrow?

Izuku huffs out a small chuckle and rolls his eyes before focusing on the last drink of wine in his mug. 

To: Kacchan! :D

We’re opening late tomorrow. Why, worried about me? 

It’s bold but still, Izuku would be an idiot if he didn’t notice the way Katsuki softens around him or the way he blushes or the fact he’s texting him out of the blue at 1am. 

From: Kacchan! :D

Justt the fact you’re replyingg to me is concearning. You should be sleeping, dumbass. 

Izuku quirks an eyebrow at the typos, glances at his previous texts and comes to a realization. 

To: Kacchan! :D

Kacchan, are you drunk or something? 

Izuku gnaws on his bottom lip, anticipation rising. 

From: Kacchan! :D 

Hell no.

Mean, I’ve have a few drinkks. Can’t type for shit right now though. 

Izuku scoffs, shifting more comfortably in his bed while still grinning eagerly. Call him a simp or yearner, Izuku would agree. 

To: Kacchan! :D

I suppose that explains the typos. What’s the special occasion? 

Izuku barely gathers himself before a reply is chiming through. 

From: Kacchan! :D

Wass supposed to be a damn game night but Hanta passed the hell out, Denki left to meet some ass he’s been chatting up and Mina and Eijiro are making out on fucking my couch. 

To: Kacchan! :D

Sounds like a mess. Do most your game nights end up so messy, Kacchan? 

Izuku watches the text bubbles pop up, teasingly beside Katsuki’s contact and the veterinarian, wine sitting in his brain watches, waits.

From: Kacchan! :D

About 40% of the time. 

Before Izuku even finishes reading the first text, another buzzes through. 

From: Kacchan! :D 

Anyway, nerd. Get some fuckin’ sleep. Can’t kick ass like you did today, everyday without some sleep.

Izuku’s heard warms at the text and he grins at his phone. Did he ever think a random firefighter stumbling into his clinic would have such a profound impact on his life? Not at all. Would he ever take any instance back? Not at all. 

To: Kacchan! :D 

You too, Kacchan. Good work on the calendar, by the way. 

Chapter Text

Katsuki finds himself perched beside Denki while Eijiro and Mina flirt shamelessly on the other side. Hanta and the idiot blonde shout across the way at each other, arguing about if their waiter is gay or not. Tsu, Momo and Uraraka giggle over something the blonde can’t be bothered to pay attention to. Katuski couldn’t care less about the others, he tunes out his idiot friends and takes in the scenery around them. 

Gran Torino is his favorite bar by far. It’s not as crowded, the music is loud enough to drown out meaningless conversation, the booths are comfortable enough to sink into and judge the flashing red lights that fade in and out. He waits curiously, a black button down clad against his muscular form, the first several buttons left open and a pair of white, baggy pants on his hips. A baggy green denim jacket sits beside him, the temperature much cooler than it’d been for the last few days. 

Katsuki waits, scanning the bar. His eye catches Camie, the woman who’d he’d met last time he was out and was still under the impression Izuku was dating Shinso. He pays her little mind, eyes settling on the door which rings out a bell. 

His eyes lay on the viridian man like a moth to flame and he lifts his drink to his lips to hide the smile quirking onto his lips. 

Deku glances around for a moment, his eyes searching with a bright spark Katsuki can see from his table. The blonde takes a moment to look at the nerds attire. For someone who doesn’t seem to care much about clothing other than his All Might merch, Izuku never disappoints with his outfits. Tonight, he wears an orange knit sweater. It’s too big, go figure, and it hangs loosely on his shoulders, dipping down around his collar bones. The knitting is just as loose, leaving gaps between the yarn that teasingly show off slivers of his arms and torso. A pair of simple black baggy jeans cling to the curve of his waist. His viridian curls are pushed back by a black zig-zag headband.

Fucking ravishing. 

It takes but a moment for Deku to find the group and he perks up, eyes landing on Katsuki. He gives a large wave and says something to Todoroki and Iida who trail behind him. Then, he begins weaving through the crowd, eyes settled upon the blonde. 

As he gets to the table, he plasters a wide smile on his lips. “Heya!” He hums, catching the attention of the rambunctious idiots sat beside Katsuki.

”Mido! Todo! Iida!” Eijiro greets excitedly, throwing his arms out and nearly hitting Katsuki in the face. “You guys made it!”

Deku slides in beside Katsuki and he smells intoxicatingly good, a mix of cinnamon and ginger mingles with the usual lavender scent he gives off. 

“I didn’t have much of a choice.” Todoroki shrugs, sat beside the nerd. 

Pushing Eijiro’s face out of the way to learn forward Mina giggles. “Well I for one am glad you came out! Now, our mission is to get you plastered, pretty boy!” She demands with a teasing tone, her pink unruly curls bouncing as she speaks. 

“Yeah, as many times as we’ve all come out you and Mido don’t get nearly as drunk as the rest of us. Same with Kats over here.” Denki snorts, jabbing his thumb toward the blonde who scowls.

”Some of us have to be sober enough to make sure you don’t go streaking again, Dunce Face.” Katsuki bites, waving away the thumb impeding his space.

Beside Todoroki, Iida lets out a booming laugh. “Plus, Izuku is a mess when he gets really drunk. Back in college we had to tie a leash to him.” 

“Oh I remember that.” Mina snickers and Katsuki raises an intrigued eyebrow, looking down at Deku. The nerds face is bright red and he shrinks in his seat. 

“That’s why I don’t drink flavored vodka anymore.” He huffs, quietly and shakes his head, viridian tresses curling along his ears and the back of his neck.

Curiously, Katsuki tilts his head. “A leash, though?” 

Todoroki nods and the corner of his lips twitch up into a rare smile. “He kept trying to run off and ride this mechanical bull a bar near our campus had.”

”He’d already ridden it five times and we were broke college students so he was practically throwing his grocery money away on that bull.” Uraraka chimes in, the buzz of her drink already evident against her pink, round cheeks. 

At the explanation, Katsuki snickers, thoroughly entertained by the idea of the poised veterinarian beside him once being unruly and drunken. 

“I was twenty four and had just learned about lemon drops! Cut me some slack.” Izuku groans, embarrassedly and puts a hand over his flushed face. 

With a loud chuckle, Eijiro slings an arm over Katsuki’s shoulder. “Ah don’t feel bad, bro! We had to carry Kats home one time because he swore he could drink a whole bottle of tequila and then puked in the bar bathroom.” The red-head shares and Katsuki groans. 

“That’s because you bet me I couldn’t drink the whole damn bottle.” He argued, his voice thick with annoyance as he shoved his best friends arm off of him. 

“Yeah and you can’t ever turn down a bet, Kats.” The scarlet man snickers and pulls Mina closer to him, letting the pink haired woman nestle into his side. 

With that, they fall into separate conversations, Tenya moves to be able to talk with Denki and Hanta easier, Shoto takes up conversation with Tsu and Uraraka  while Mina and Eijiro pull Deku and Katsuki into a conversation. The waiter comes by, bats his eyes at Deku and takes their drink order. Katsuki sends a sharp glare to the slim man when he turns to take the blondes order. 

”By the way, Izuku! Did you see Professor B was fired?” She hums, leaning over past her boyfriend, drink in hand, to smile knowingly at Izuku. “Professor B was this bitch ‘Zuku and I had for statistics out sophomore year!” She explains to Eiji and Katsuki quickly.

The veterinarian quirks an eyebrow. “Wait seriously? For what? I wish he’d gotten fired when we still had him.” Deku sighs, shaking his head and lifts his own martini to his lips. 

“Why’s this Professor B so bad?” Eijiro blinks, feeling left out of the loop. Katsuki shrugs and waits curiously for an answer. 

Mina and Izuku share a strange look and the viridian man gives a wry look. “He was senile, despite being kind of young. He never accepted late work or had office hours. Plus, he’d talk about his glory days for half the class and then give us an entire packet of homework he expected to be done by next class.” Izuku explains and Mina groans loudly.

”He was a perv!” She exclaims and Eijiro nearly jumps from the sudden shout from his girlfriend. “He didn’t accept anyone’s late work, except for Izuku! Then, one day when we were leaving class he asked him to stay back and totally asked ‘Zuku out on a date. When he said no, Professor B started down marking everyone’s tests!” She huffs, clearly still angry. “That bastard almost made me fail stats!” 

Katsuki raises an eyebrow, “So Deku turns down a guy and he takes it out on the whole damn class?” He blinks - surely college was more serious about rules surrounding that. 

“He’d down mark for bad hand writing, forgetting to write the date at the top of the page, hell, once he marked me down for wearing a hat.” Mina huffs and takes the final swig of her drink. “Then, when we finally took our midterms, that ass cornered Izuku and insisted on taking him on a date.” 

“What? This guy sucks.” Eijiro frowns, distraught over Mina’s story. “What’d you do, Mido?” He asks, hanging on the edge of his seat. 

Katsuki glances down to the curly headed boy who’d downed his entire martini at some point. His smile is wobbly, anxious. 

“Well I felt bad everyone else’s grades were suffering because of me,” He pauses and Katsuki can feel the anger bubbling inside, threatening to brim over. He takes a long sip of his whiskey. “So I agreed! And then everyone had better grades and he accepted late work from everyone.” He rushes through the story, looking a little pale. 

The blonde huffs out a bitter laugh. “This guy fuckin’ sucks. At least tell me the date was decent.” He raises an eyebrow at Izuku, scowling. 

Mina jumps back in, tipsy and always eager to share drama. “Oh it was. Ochaco and I went to spy and they went to some fancy restaurant and Professor B talked about himself the entire time. And then-“

”Mina!” Deku squeaks out, his face hardened into a warningful look but the blush on his face is telling. The pink haired woman clamps her mouth shut and gives a sheepish smile. 

Eijiro and Katsuki furrow their brows, the blonde far more concerned with the next events than he should be. This happened years ago and yet, the fire still builds inside of the blonde and a sense of jealousy threatens to seep out. 

His best friend lowers his tone, “Mido. Dude. Don’t tell me.” Eijiro grimaces, as if knowing something Katsuki doesn’t. 

The veterinarian runs a hand down his face, pulling out a few strands from the headband as he does. The curls pop out and sit along his forehead perfectly. 

“I felt really bad and I was afraid of him failing me! Or everyone.” Izuku groans, throwing his head back and biting his lip.

It clicks for Katsuki right then. His eyes widen and his stomach drops, mouth running dry. No. Fucking. Way.

”Did you sleep with the ass, Deku?” Katsuki blurts before he can stop himself, narrowing his eyes at the pine-haired man.

It’s silent between the four for a few moments as Deku stares in shock up at Katsuki. As if the fireman had just said some ultra-unspoken secret out-loud. In a way, he supposes he did and the blonde immediately feels guilty with the way Deku blinks up at him, viridian eyes blank with shock. 

After a moment Deku twists his face. “No! Well, yes but it barely counts!” He speaks so quickly it’s nearly unintelligible. 

“Oh hey, are you guys talking about Professor B?” Half n Half joins the conversation which pulls in Uraraka as well. 

The brunette groans in disgust. “Ugh, don’t remind me of that disaster.” She squeezes her eyes shut and downs her fruity cocktail. 

“Who’s Professor B?” Denki asks, confused and eager to get in on the gossip. 

Deadpanned, Todoroki opens his mouth with a shrug. “One of the professors at our college. Tricked Izuku into having-“

”Shoto, we were sworn to secrecy.” Iida jumps in and the nerd relaxes in the slightest beside Katsuki. 

”Wait. Wait.” Hanta holds a hand up, already drunk. “Midoriya, you fucked your professor?” 

“So cool, dude! I’m totally jealous right now that’s so scandalous.” Denki claps, giving props to the shrinking, embarrassed veterinarian. 

What had started as an innocent conversation quickly gets out of hand and Katsuki’s idiot friends sling question after question and Izuku, in such quick succession the nerd can’t even answer. Izuku’s downed another martini that the waiter dropped off in the middle of the fiasco and a tipsy flush greets his freckled cheeks. 

“Alright. Shut the hell up, all of you!” Katsuki orders, loudly and the group settles down immediately. “Drop the conversation. It’s fuckin’ weird.” He swigs back the rest of his drink.

Turns out, that was all the group needed to delve into some other conversation. Beside him, Deku sits up straight and looks at his empty martini glass. 

“Thanks.” He hums, and finally meets Katsuki’s eyes. The nervous, shy look is gone and instead a tipsy haze sits over his shiny eyes. “I guess everyone has some regrettable hookup.” 

Katsuki shakes his head. “Not me, nerd. I never do shit I don’t want to.” 

“Oh come on. Not one bad date or hookup, Kacchan?” Deku leans a little closer and purses his lips, narrowing his eyes skeptically. 

The blonde scoffs. “Nope. Never had a bad date and sex with me is never bad.” He quips back, lowering his voice in the slightest, keeping his crimson eyes pinned to Izuku. 

A deep flush creeps up Izuku and he tilts his head to the side. “I don’t doubt that, Kacchan.” He murmurs, leaning back and the gaps in his sweater faintly point out the All Might tattoo on his ribcage. 

Katsuki clears his throat, “So, how about that pool game you owe me?” He nods toward the open pool table in the corner, a few posers linger around it in attempt to to look busy and cool with a poolstick in their hands and a drink in the other.

Izuku gives a confident grin. “I nearly forgot about that. I hope you’re ready to get beat, Kacchan.” He threatens, playfully and slides out of the booth.

”I hope you’re not a sore loser cause I’m gonna kick your ass hard you’ll never want to play pool again.” 

They push through the crowd and Katsuki feels on top of the fucking world as Deku grips onto the belt loop on the blondes pants to stay close behind. When they get to the pool table, Katsuki plucks two sticks from some random’s hands and shoves one into Deku’s chest, ignoring the protests of the extras. 

The pair rack the balls quickly and when they’re done, Izuku holds the pool stick in his hands vertically. “You can break, Kacchan.” He hums, looking up through thick lashes. 

“Your loss.” Katsuki shrugs, a smirk curling onto his lips. He steps forward, leaning down as he centers the pool stick against the white cue ball. He draws back and easily sends cue ball spiraling forward, breaking apart the other balls into a sporadic storm. A red, striped ball spins into the back pocket and Katsuki grins. “Looks like I’m stripes.” He shifts around the table, giving Deku a sly look as he recenters on the cue. 

Izuku sits patiently as Katsuki sends another ball into the pocket, and another. It’s not until he’s made three that he misses and the blonde straightens up, satisfied with his round. 

“Not bad, Kacchan.” Deku nods and brushes past the blonde, his shoulder knocking against Katsuki’s chest. Without any consideration, Deku leans down, places his pool stick along his fingers and closes one eye. As he does when he focuses, his tongue sticks out between his lips and Katsuki feels familiar fondness grow in his chest. 

Then, suddenly Izuku is sending a solid ball flying into the pocket. He hums to himself and then works around the table, quickly selecting his next target. He slams the pool sticks into the cue ball, shooting another solid right into a pocket. Katsuki can’t help but chuckle - Izuku was nowhere near this precise when he played in that shitty bar all those weeks ago. 

“Feeling the heat?” The nerd has the audacity to grin as he passes back across Katsuki, settling right in front of him. He looks back at the blonde over his shoulder before leaning down. He shifts his weight to get a better angle and Katsuki’s eyes drop to the curve of the man’s hips and roundness of his ass as he does. Katsuki grits his teeth and swallows thickly - he’s sure the nerd is fucking with him, trying to get him off his game. 

The only how Katsuki knows Izuku has made another ball is by the clang of the cue hitting another ball and the swoosh of the pocket swallowing the successful hit. He tears his eyes away from the nerds ass quickly.

”Looks like we’re tied, Kacchan.” Deku points out, his voice low and teasing as he turns to face the blonde. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes and leers down at Izuku. “Go ahead, finish your turn so I can keep kicking your ass.” 

The damn man only giggles in response and nods, walking around the table. He settles on the other end, lining up his shot and before he pulls the pool stick back, he glances up at Katsuki, grins, and then pockets yet another solid ball. 

“Might be awhile, you want a chair, Kacchan?” He shit-talks and it’s not nearly as surprising to Katsuki as it would’ve been months ago. He’s learned overtime the little shit has a mouth on him, sassy and sweet. 

So, the blonde scoffs. “I’ve got a better view from up here.” He quips back, crossing his arms over his chest and steadying his stick by his legs. 

With a shrug, Izuku lines up another shot and unsurprisingly, makes yet another pocket. He makes one more before finally missing and Katsuki’s competitiveness takes over. 

“All right, nerd. Let’s fuckin’ do this.” 

•

Katsuki’s tuned out the music in the bar, the crowd that’s gathered around to watch the pool game and his only focus is on the neck and neck game. It’s Izuku’s turn since Katsuki somehow missed the 8-ball during his last round - he blames it on the fact the damned nerd was watching him with those wide, shining eyes the entire time and muttering encouragements to the blonde. 

“Top right.” Izuku calls with cool calculation and leans back down over the table, pool stick sitting on thick, scarred fingers. A small smirk curls onto the man’s lips and he pulls his bottom lip under his teeth as he draws the sick back and knocks it against the cue ball. Katsuki watches in frustration as the 8-ball spins forward and drops directly into the pocket. 

Whoops of cheers sound from the small crowd gathered and Izuku stands up with a cocky grin, viridian eyes land on crimson ones. 

“Good game, nerd.” Katsuki shoves the pool stick into some extras hands while Izuku takes the time to set his into the holder in the corner. 

Skipping forward, Izuku stands mere inches from Katsuki. “How does it feel to be a loser, Kacchan?” He beams, arms crossing over his chest.

Angling his head down, Katsuki sneers. “Enjoy the feeling of winning cause it won’t happen again.” 

Izuku perches himself on the tips of his toes, nearly eye-to-eye with the crimson eyes narrowed at him. “Mhm. Sure, Kacchan.” He teases and with that, drops back down flat-footed and grabs Katsuki’s bicep, “Come on. Let’s get another drink.” He tugs the blonde, who goes willingly toward the bar, their group of friends long forgotten.

The nerd slides into one of the first barstools he comes across and Katsuki sits beside him. He’s captivating like this - all confidence and energy. Katsuki can see others around the bar staring at Deku, just as lured by his presence as he is. It was like the nerd was the sun and everyone else was planets orbiting around him. 

The bartender is quick to serve them and when Izuku goes to pull out his wallet, Katsuki’s already shoving his card into the bartenders hands. 

“Loser buys.” Katsuki shrugs, nonchalantly when Deku pouts at him and he memorizes the way his eyebrows knit and lips purse into a frown. 

“Fine. But I’m buying next round.” 

“No fucking way. I refuse believe it.” Katsuki scoffs, shaking his head as he downs his third (maybe fourth) drink. His mind buzzes with the beginnings of drunkness and he sits with his elbow on the bar, holding his head up with his hand while his full body is turned toward Deku. 

The nerd chuckles, faced toward Katsuki and their’s legs are slotted together. It feels as though they’re the only ones in the bar, despite the fact some annoying ass keeps nearly knocking into Katsuki. 

“It’s true! I was sixteen and this asshole Hinata said he’d bang my mom so I punched him. In hindsight it was kind of an overreaction but I was having a bad day and Hinata was an asshole. We both got suspended anyway.” Izuku swears, giggling the entire way through, slurring his words ever so slightly. By now, a few more strands found their way out of his headband and they sit curly against his forehead. 

Katsuki snorts, “Serves him right. I wouldn’t have suspended you though. I woulda been like ‘hell yeah! kick his ass’, cheerin you on and shit.” 

“Well it’s too bad you weren’t my principal.” Izuku rolls his eyes, playfully and sips his martini. “You ever get into any fights, Kacchan?” 

“Nope.” Katsuki shakes his head and surprise etches onto Deku’s features. “I mean physical, nah. I talked a lot of shit though but I was too afraid of gettin’ kicked off the baseball team.” 

“Baseball? You played baseball?” 

Pride fills Katsuki with the way Izuku marvels at the realization and Katsuki nods as he takes a sip of the next drink the bartender slides over. “Since I was in fourth grade.” 

“No way. You must’ve been really good!” Izuku’s eyes blaze with amazement. He leans forward and their propped up elbows knock against one another - neither of them back away. 

“Won a few national tournaments with my club team and my school team placed second in nationals my junior year.” Katsuki shrugs, casually bragging. “Had to quit halfway through my senior year cause I blew my damn arm out.” 

A small frown makes its way onto Izuku’s lips. “That sounds painful. That’s a career ending injury?” 

“Usually. Sometimes physical therapy can help but,” Katsuki shrugs, trailing off. 

“What position did you play?” 

“Catcher.” 

Izuku sits up further, “Leader of the infield, strong instincts, fast reflexes. It suits you.” He hums, taking his chin with his forefinger and thumb. 

At that, Katsuki quirks an eyebrow, “What, you a baseball nerd too?” He snickers, finger twirling around the rim of his glass of whiskey. 

A sheepish expression overtakes Izuku. “I always wanted to play but I wasn’t any good. I could throw fine and read plays but when it came down to what really mattered, I couldn’t cut it.” 

“Ah. So you decided to wrestle instead?” Katsuki questions, barely realizing his fatal mistake.

Deku on the other hand, quick-witted and observant as hell catches it immediately. “I never told you that, Kacchan. You stalking me or what?” He teases and grins at Katsuki with a lopsided laugh. 

The blood rushes to Katsuki’s face quickly and he lets out a half-hearted scoff. Because he’s not a liar or a damn wimp, he shrugs. “Fuck off. Maybe I looked you up and saw your wrestling stats and wins.” he rolls his eyes. 

“Aw, that’s sweet, Kacchan.” Izuku hums, quietly. “But yeah, I took up wresting freshman year and ended up being pretty good so I stuck with it through highschool.” He admits and then his gaze drops for a moment before raising back up to Katsuki. 

The blonde takes the opportunity and lets a smirk curl onto his lips, “Guess that explains why you’re so damn fit.”

The comment takes Deku by surprise, clearly, because he flushes and lets out a shy laugh. “So you’ve noticed, huh? Nowhere near as fit as you, though. I’m pretty sure you could carry me and Dynamight in one arm.” He replies, voice a little low and husky. It drives Katsuki mad.

”Try one finger, nerd.” The blonde replies and his own voice comes out in a rasp. 

There’s a brief, consuming silence between the pair. The sound of intoxicated extras drowns out, the music thumps in the back of their minds. They sit for a moment, viridian eyes staring into crimson ones.

Then, Katsuki raises a slim finger to Izuku’s neck, “So then, you gonna tell me what the hell this is from?” He asks, pointing at the long scratch that stems from just under the veterinarians jaw to past where his sweater dips down to his collarbones. 

“From the call the other day. It was a hoarding and breeding house and most the animals were basically feral. This poor cat was so afraid and I jumped the gun trying to get her and she scratched me. I should’ve been more careful.” Izuku frowns and a sort of sadness fills his eyes. 

Katsuki briefly regrets asking about it but he’d also be damned if he wasn’t there to listen to Deku’s stressful, sad and exhausting cases. 

“It was a hard call, huh?” Katsuki asks, quietly. 

Izuku darts a tongue out across his bottom lip before his teeth sink into it and he nods. “All the animals made it except for this poor german shepard. The cops cornered it and the poor baby lashed out in fear.” He pauses, voice cracking a little. “Court ordered him to be euthanized.”

Katsuki feels his heart sink for Deku and without thinking he frowns and the hand that’d been sat on his drink drops down and squeezes Izuku’s knee.

”Fuck, really?” Katsuki sighs, “Bet it was the officers fault in the first place. Bastards always walk around with some egotistical attitude thinkin’ they’re the shit for having a gun on their waist.” He rolls his eyes, clenching his jaw.

When he glances back up, Deku is staring at him, a little wide eyed and flushed. “They certainly could’ve treated him with more patience.” He agrees and he takes a drawn out sip of his drink. “So, you don’t like the police hm, Kacchan?” Izuku shifts forward and suddenly, knitted yarn is brushing against his knuckles and Katsuki recalls his hand still on Izuku’s knee. 

“Half of ‘em are assholes with a God-complex. The other half are fine.” He replies, honestly and Izuku chuckles.

”Well, I can’t say I’ve had as good of an experience with a policeman than I have with a fireman.” 

Katsuki swallows his drink smoothly, “No shit. Eijiro is a cool hang.” He teases, strategically. His mind eager for the nerd-ass Deku to blush and admit his feelings. 

“He really is, I wouldn’t have had any fun if he weren’t here.” Deku plays along, damn near methodically, without even barely a beat of silence.

“Well I’m sure you’d beat him at pool too, nerd.” Katsuki replies, his hand burns hotly on top of Izuku’s knee. 

Izuku shrugs, “It wouldn’t have been nearly as exhilarating.” He admits with a breathy tone and he finishes his martini, green eyes watching Katsuki curiously.

It’s cool in the bar for a moment as Izuku’s breath fans against Katsuki’s face - a gentle breeze against a smoldering tree.

“You just like a challenge, do you, Deku?”Katsuki gruffs back his hand takes the opportunity to inch further up, past his knee and onto the muscle of his thigh.

Deku tenses for a moment and then relaxes, blinking slowly as he moves to speak again. “Maybe so.” 

”Kats. Katsuki.” Denki hiccups behind Katsuki, suddenly and jarringly. The crimson eyed blonde shuts his eyes, jaw clenching at the unwelcome interruption. “Hey, Mido!”

With a scowl, Katsuki turns to the frustrating piss-yellow haired man. “What the fuck do you want, Denki?” He asks, his hand lifting from Deku’s thigh. 

His idiot friend takes a breath. “Ok so. Uraraka and Mina blacked out together again. We all got Todoroki drunk, Eijiro is too drunk to carry Mina to and from a cab. Hanta has been pissing for fifteen minutes or at least he’s been in the bathroom that long and I puked in a trashcan and the bartender cut me off.”

The gears shift in Katsuki brain as he listens and he lets out a string of curses. “Are you fucking serious?” Katsuki sighs. From the distance, he can see Eijiro holding up Mina in a corner but is ultimately held up by a surprisingly sober Tenya. Todoroki and Tsu are using each other as support to lean against, though they both sway back and forth. 

Beside him, Deku shifts. “I should probably make sure Ochaco and Tsu get home safe then. Plus, I’ll need to get Shoto in a cab and that’s a pain in the ass when he’s hammered.” He chuckles, shaking his head and standing. 

Denki throws himself onto Deku, “Mido! We never get to hangout.” The electric blonde sighs, dramatically and pulls back, holding Izuku by the shoulders. “One of these nights I’m stealing you away from Kats.”He promises.

“Alright, Dunce Face. Go fuckin’ tell Eiji and Mina we’re leaving. I’ll go fuckin’ find Hanta.” Katsuki orders, running his hand down his face, he turns to Deku and the dork is already looking at him. “Let me know when you guys home, nerd.” He murmurs, silently cursing his friends for getting too drunk and needing a babysitter. 

Deku quirks a grin, “I will, Kacchan.” 

Katsuki watches the man walk off and once again he’s left wondering about the what-ifs, his mind replays the lingering touches and unsaid words. 

Then, Izuku glances back over his shoulder and his glimmering eyes meet Katsuki’s.  Izuku gives a wider grin and even from the distance, Katsuki can count the freckles that dance across his cheeks. 

”Oh shit, man. Did I interrupt something?” Denki whines 

Chapter Text

Katsuki spends ten minutes looking for Hanta. He waits in the bathroom as people circulate in and out, grimacing at the flickering light and damp smell. When the black-haired man doesn’t appear, Katsuki sighs and heads back out to the bar floor. 

He’s far too tipsy to be searching through the bar, though he’d sobered up quite a bit in the last few minutes. Something about being responsible about everyone forced him into the strict-friend archetype and he swears when he finds his friend, he’d curse his ass out. Not to mention the other overly drunk patrons who keep stumbling in his way and slurring out apologies, the blaring music playing above and the way Katuski can’t remember where he left his favorite green jacket. 

Seriosuly. Katsuki could still be flirting endlessly with Izuku or learning more about his nerd-life. Instead, he finds himself responsible for each of his drunk idiot friends. Still, he’d fucking die before leaving his friends to fend for themselves. 

He’s about to snatch the DJ’s microphone and angrily announce Hanta as a missing person when suddenly, viridian eyes and a short, firm body smacks into his own.

”Kacchan!” Deku blinks, dazed from the collision and Katsuki scowls down at the nerd. 

“The fuck, Deku?” The blonde huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “Don’t you work in the morning?” He questions, crossing his arms over his chest and sighing.

Deku only shakes his head and smiles gently. “Well I came in to tell you that Sero ended up being outside and caught a cab with Iida! Mina and Kiri got a cab home and Tsu and Ochaco took Shoto with them!” He explains, eagerly. 

“Well shit, that’s good news. Still, don’t you work?” 

“Shoto’s covering me. I covered him a few days ago so he owed me and I figured tonight would be a good night to cash in on it! But also if you’re ready to head home I don’t mind-“

There he goes, rambling again. Katsuki’s gotten used to finding Deku’s little quirks endearing - generally he’d be yawning, begging for someone to shut the hell up but damnit. He could listen to Izuku forever. He only steps in when the nerds mind starts wandering.

”Deku.” Katsuki interrupts, raising an eyebrow. “If I don’t have to take care of those raging idiots, I can stay out all damn night.” He assures, suddenly no longer concerned with where his jacket disappeared off to.

With that, Deku brightens and is quick to grab Katsuki’s bicep just as he had done earlier that night. “I’ll hold you to that, Kacchan!” He promised with a light tone as he drags an all too willing Katsuki toward two barstools at the end of the bar. 

Once again, Katsuki finds himself sipping on another whiskey, sat across from Deku whose fingers dance around the stem of a martini glass. 

“Am I going to have to pull you from a mechanical bull after all this drinking?” Katuski teases, trying not to pay too much attention to the way Deku pops the olive into his mouth, plump lips forming around it briefly. 

The nerd chuckles, “Lucky for you, I haven’t seen one around.” He replies, “Besides, I’ve gotten better at holding my alcohol. I’m much better than I was in college.” He hums, raising the martini to his lips. 

Katsuki quirks an eyebrow, “I’ll believe it when I see it, nerd.” He replies a glass of whiskey against his palm. “What’s with the nasty ass martinis tonight, anyway?” 

“Nasty? They’re not nasty! Better than your rubbing alcohol.” Izuku grimaces at the dark liquid in Katsuki’s stout cup. “How are you just sipping on that?” He huffs as the blonde drops the glass from his lips.

”You are literally drinking straight gin and vermouth, dumbass. That’s way worse than some decent whiskey.” 

At that, the nerd leans forward, narrows his eyes and grins playfully. “Fine. Next round, we’ll switch drinks.” He suggests with a shrug and finished the last of his drink with ease.

Katsuki quirks an eyebrow, “Alright. Deal.” He raises a hand and the bartender beckons quickly, pouring another glass of whiskey and a martini, popping an olive on top and sliding them over. Katsuki pushes his whiskey at Izuku and the nerd switches it with his martini. The blonde watches in amusement as Deku lifts the whiskey, sniffing it and immediately his nose crinkles and he sighs. 

“I shouldn’t have suggested that.” He mutters, clearly mostly to himself.

”What, can’t handle it, nerd?” He smirks, doing his best not to cringe at the clear liquid swimming in his cup. “Want the olive? I can’t stand them.” He offers, tilting the tall glass toward Izuku. 

With a grateful expression, Deku plucks the olive out of the glass and pops it into his mouth. “Thanks, Kacchan!” He hums and his emerald eyes shine in a hypnotizing way.

Katsuki darts his tongue across his lips, “Bottoms up, nerd.” he gruffs out, taking the stem of his glass and holding it carefully. Deku lifts his own glass and they tink the rims carefully before they both tilt their heads back to take a gulp.

The martini is bitter, a little salty and slides down Katsuki’s throat like gulp of straight olive oil. It’s a miracle he’s able to keep a straight face, with the exception of his eye twitching slightly. Deku on the other hand swallows his with one eye squinted closed in disgust, his nose crinkled and he gasps out a small cough. 

Huffing out a laugh, Katsuki takes the whiskey from Izuku’s hands and replaces it with the martini. “Yeah, great idea, Deku.” 

“I didn’t think it’d taste that bad. I mean that literally tastes like rubbing alcohol. I could probably use that to clean wounds at the clinic.” He shivers and like a madman, gulps down his martini like a goddamn chaser. 

Katsuki frowns slightly, “Did you just use the martini as a chaser?”

”I had to get that taste out of my mouth. I mean, my stomach burns from that whiskey.” The nerd justifies and there’s a slur to his words that wasn’t there previously. 

Finishing the last of the whiskey, Katsuki shakes his head. “Psycho.” He teases and without thinking, he reaches forward and pulls one of Deku’s curls and then watches as it bounces back into place. 

At that, Deku flushes and smiles almost bashfully. Then, he leans forward and with a smooth hand he pokes Katsuki’s spiked, fluffed hair. “Is your hair naturally so pointy?” 

Katsuki blinks. “I use get to maintain it so it’s not a complete damn mess. Why, is your hair naturally curly?” He questions, though he already knows the spiraled tresses are all natural. 

“Yep! Although growing up it was a lot messier and kind of just wavy cause I didn’t know how to take care of it.” He admits with a giggle, “One of my instagram followers ended up sending me some product with the note ‘learn how to take care of that mop.’ and since then I’ve learned how to style it.” 

The blonde snorts. “It took a damn follower for you to figure out you’ve gotta use special product to maintain your hair?” He asks and leans his head against his hand. 

“I didn’t know! My mom’s hair is straight.” Deku argues with a pout.

Curiously, Katsuki hums, “So, why does a local veterinarian have thousands of instagram followers in the first place?” 

Deku bites his bottom lip and sighs, “I was really broke in college and since I had a decent amount of followers from high-school this brand reached out to me to promote some protein powder and it ended up gaining me more followers and more brand deals which was nice because I got commissions from all the products I promoted so I wasn’t completely broke.”

”So you were an instagram influencer?” Katsuki grins toothily, thoroughly entertained by the idea of Deku posing in front of some camera and yapping about protein powder.

The nerd flushes and sighs. “Basically.” He mutters “I don’t really do any of that anymore unless it’s a veterinary product I approve of.” 

“Somehow it only makes sense a bunch of horn-dogs would follow you because of a damn protein powder add.” Katsuki jests, rolling his eyes.

”And what exactly does that mean, Kacchan?” Deku replies with a sort of suave and he blinks up at Katsuki with half-lidded eyes. 

Katsuki’s head spins and whether it’s from the amount of alcohol he’s had tonight or the way Deku is looking at him, he isn’t sure. He’s almost thankful when the bartender slides over another round of drinks and it gives Katsuki the ability to quickly take a sip from the drink and gather his gay-ass thoughts. 

He shrugs, “You got that whole innocent little shithead act down.” 

Deku lets out a bubbly laugh and throws his head back, eyes fluttering shut. “Was that supposed to be a compliment, Kacchan?” He asks with a lopsided grin and the way the nickname rolls off his tongue is fucking distracting. 

“Don’t flatter yourself, nerd.” Katsuki scoffs, “It was an observation.” 

Confidently, Izuku leans forward and one side of his sweater slips down his shoulder, “So you think I’m a shithead?” 

Katsuki’s eyes drinks up the exposed skin like a man parched. “Something like that.” He murmurs back, “Mostly I think you’re too goddamn nice for your own good.” 

As if whatever God above was attempting to prove Katsuki’s point, a woman suddenly snakes up beside Deku. She’s dressed in a tight, black dress that barely reaches her mid-thigh and an oversized black leather jacket sits on her shoulders, a pair of fishnets dance down her long legs and meet tall black heeled boots. Long, fake ass blonde hair waves down her back and she gives Deku a clearly seductive smile.

”Midoriya, right?” She hums in a deep, sultry tone, “I follow you on instagram. Really loved your post yesterday. I’m Mai!” She compliments and twirls her hair along slim, manicured fingers.

Unsurprisingly, Deku gives a warm smile to the woman. “Oh, thanks! I’m glad you liked it.” He replies and Katsuki rolls his eyes, taking another drink from his whiskey. 

“It’s like crazy cool how you’re a vet! You must really love animals.” She coos, not bothered by Katsuki’s intense gaze. “I’m a nurse so I totally understand how demanding of a job you must have.” 

The nerd glances back at Katsuki, blushing. Katsuki feels his chest swell with something akin to jealousy at the sight - what the hell was the nerd blushing at? Was he really flustered over some blonde barbie throwing herself at him? 

“That’s cool! Where do you work?” Deku politely questions and only further proves Katsuki’s point. 

The girl shifts a little closer, “I work at General Hospital in the nicu unit.” She brags and then raises a hand and suddenly, her acrylic nails are pinching Izuku’s cheek as she hums. “Your freckles are even more dreamy in person!” 

At that, Katsuki groans, “All right, get outta here, blondie.” He huffs, voice a little gravelly from the whiskey he’d just downed the moment her hands touched the nerds face. 

She turns to Katsuki, as if noticing him for the first time and scowls. “Am I interrupting something?” She asks, almost challengingly. 

“Sure the hell are.” Katsuki quips back with the roll of his eyes. “Besides, the smell of your cheap ass perfume is making me nauseous.” 

The woman scoffs, “Excuse me?” She frowns and looks back toward Izuku for some sort of support. Katsuki can’t help but relish in the way he only gives her a wobbly smile and shrug. “Well nice meeting you, Midoriya.” She hisses in attempt to hide the clear embarrassment creeping up on her. 

“You too!” Deku calls after, forever a people-pleaser.

As she stomps off, Katsuki raises his eyebrows at the nerd, as if to say ‘told ya.’

With a huff, Izuku takes the last of his martini. “I feel bad turning people away!” He reasons, wiping a droplet from the corner of his mouth with the sleeve of his sweater.

Katsuki snickers, “Too damn nice. You’re lucky it’s cute.” He admits, quickly and there’s not an ounce of regret or panic that fills Katsuki due to the way Deku blushes and shyly fiddles with his oversized shirt. 

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna pinch my cheeks next.” Izuku chuckles and Katsuki’s eyes dart toward the two red marks on the nerds cheeks from the woman’s sharp nails. 

Completely under the impression Deku would draw away from the movement, Katsuki reaches forward and with a gentle touch he pinches over the random woman’s marks. Deku only blinks and somehow, his face flushes even more, creeping up to his ears and down to his exposed shoulder. From their closeness, the blonde can see freckles dotting across Deku’s collarbone and across his shoulder. 

Katsuki swallows thickly, “You just let anyone pinch those cheeks or what?” He jests, tone rough and rasped from his drink. 

With a simple smile, Deku lulls his head to the side. “Only hot blondes.” 

“That so? Maybe I should call Mai back over.” Katsuki sneers, playfully but feels annoyance fill him at the thought of anyone else pinching those goddamn soft and dotted cheeks. 

Izuku rolls his eyes. “Maybe I should say only hot natural blondes.” He hums and his own voice is low and a little slurred. “Unless you’re gonna tell me you dye your hair too.” 

It’s not as if Katuski doesn’t know the damn nerd is bold - at this point he’s caught Katuski off guard many times with his quick-witted teases and flirts but the way it makes Katsuki’s heart flutter each time and heat rise up his spine is something he’ll never get used to. Especially with the way the veterinarian flusters and blushes at near every flirty thing Katuski says or does. 

“Nope, all natural, baby.” Katsuki pulls at one of his blonde spikes as if to prove it.

A small hiccup sneaks from Izuku and he glances away, all red and nervous just like Katsuki expected him to be after the pet-name and it’s a goddamn perfect sight. 

Deku pulls his martini toward him, “So then, Kacchan, do you wanna take your chances at another game of pool?” 

“Get ready to actually fuckin’ lose this time, Deku.” 

Katsuki doesn’t win. In fact blame it on the alcohol but he somehow does worse than the first round. Deku pockets the 8-ball while Katsuki still has four more balls left. If he was honest, he wasn’t even sure how the fuck it happened - he’d proudly socked four balls into the pocket and then out of goddamn nowhere, the damn nerd suddenly upped him by pocketing six. After that, Katsuki only managed to get one and Deku finished the game with his second round. 

Truth be told, Katuski may have been distracted by the way Deku’s eyes picked him apart the entire time and on the blonde’s second round, some asshat with dark hair had started talking to the nerd. It didn’t last long and Katsuki couldn’t hear their conversation very well but he was fairly certain the asshole was hitting on Izuku. 

In fact, as soon as the game ended and Deku turned to race around the table to Katsuki, the same fucker cornered the nerd quickly. Katsuki clenches his jaw and shoves the pool stick into the holder right next to him, snatches his drink off the side of the pool table, and sets off in a stomp toward the pine-haired man. He’s stopped in his tracks however by a woman with sharp features, brunette hair pulled into a high-pony and a drunken grin on her face 

“You played a good game, handsome.” She purrs. 

“Not interested, Pony-Tail.” Katsuki snaps, barely giving the woman a glance. He throws back the rest of his whiskey, the thrum of alcohol in his veins and just as he’s about to sneer and insult the tall, attractive man chatting up Izuku, the sound of the nerds voice stops him in his tracks.

“Sorry, I’m here with someone else! You seem really nice though! Good luck on your endeavor!” 

Katsuki halts, his eyes widening and he stifles a grin. Leave it to Deku to turn someone down in such a kind, genuine manner. Not to mention the fact he just turned down some lame-ass extra for Katsuki. He only resumes his pace when the fucker takes an intimidating step toward Deku.

“Alright, fine. I’ll fuckin’ admit it, you’re a better pool player than me.” Katsuki huffs, throwing an arm around the nerd’s shoulders, he sneers up toward the man, as if just noticing him, he’s only an inch or so taller than Katsuki. He’s already glaring back “Got a problem here, green-bean?” The blonde hisses, narrowing his eyes and quirking a lazy eyebrow up. 

The offender only gives a scoff and turns around, slinking into the dwindling crowd. When he’s gone, Katsuki, arm still draped across Izuku gives a drunken sneer. 

“So, you gonna tell me you’re a damn pool hustler or something?” He questions, stepping back and withdrawing his arm, but not before his index finger taps the center of Deku’s forehead. 

Deku beams back, “Good idea, Kacchan. Next round wanna put 3,000yen on it? Maybe I can start earning some student loan debt back.” He jokes, heavy eyelids flutter up at Katsuki. 

It’s no surprise - Katsuki is more drunk thank he’d like to admit and Izuku, though he hides it surprisingly well, is just as intoxicated. Katsuki blames his drunk for his next move. 

“Cocky bastard.” He rolls his eyes and licks across his upper teeth, “You’re just some damn prodigy at pool. Bet you study the handbook and physics behind the game before you learned how to play, nerd.” Katsuki hums. 

Izuku shrugs, casually and with a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes leans upwards. “What can I say, I’ve always been an overachiever.” he replies coyly while his lips twitch up into a grin. Then, his face brightens and he reaches an uncoordinated hand out to Katsuki’s bicep. “There’s a really good icecream shop a block down.” He states, though it’s more of a suggestion. 

“Craving icecream at 1 fucking am?” Katsuki snorts and yet, he lets the viridian man pull him toward the door, weaving through the last of the crowd until fresh air smacks against the blondes face. “Alright, lead the way, nerd.” Katuski rolls his eyes, the crisp air is sharp against his skin and he suddenly remembers the jacket he never found inside the bar. 

Beside him, Deku looks around with glazed, drunken eyes before he perks up and points down the street. “This way!” he says, confidently and tugs on the Katsuki.

As they walk, surprisingly coordinately for how much they drank, the hand Izuku has kept on Katsuki since they were in the bar grows firmer and a little stronger. The stars gleam above, twinkling down at the pair and Katsuki can’t help but draw a comparison to the nerds freckles that dot across his skin and the glowing clusters above. 

When a sign lit up with ‘Midnight’s Potion Ice Cream’ comes into view, Izuku squeezes Katsuki’s shoulder and picks up his speed. 

“Oh man. I haven’t been here in awhile. It’s really good though! Ms. Midnight is really good at guessing what flavors you like!” Izuku explains in a drunken tone and flashes Katsuki a wide grin. 

“Yeah? We’ll see about that.” Katsuki challenges and pulls the door open for Izuku to nearly stumble into. “Fuck. Careful.” Katsuki hisses, and reaches a hand out to the nerds shoulders to steady him. 

Deku only giggles and continues on toward the counter. A woman, tall, curvy and with long black hair that flows down to her hips sits behind the counter. A few other drunk people perch themselves around the shop and eat silently. 

“Izuku Midoriya. Do my eyes deceive me?” The woman speaks, standing tall against the counter she was leaning against. Her voice is sultry and low and a tongue darts across her lips as she looks both Deku and Katsuki up and down. “Looking as ravishing as ever. And who’s your tall drink of water over here?”

”This is Kacchan Bakugo!” 

“Katsuki.” The blonde clarifies. He doesn’t mind the damn nerd calling him that but he’d be damned if anyone else did - or if they thought that was his actual name.

An airy laugh escapes the woman. “You two just came from the bar, huh?” She grins, “It’s been awhile since I’ve served Midoriya’s drunk cravings. Still enjoy the green tea ice cream with pocky sticks?” She asks, twirling around a metal icecream scoop.

Deku nods eagerly and leans forward, “Yes please!” He beams. 

The woman - Midnight, Katsuki supposes he’ll call her, nods and then taps the scoop against a gloved hand. “Alright and for you, pretty boy. I’m thinking a dark chocolate with some almonds.” 

“Do I get to order or do you just pick for me?” Katsuki asks, a little offended because the damn woman just guessed exactly what he was planning on ordering.

She smirks, almost knowingly. “Feisty, hm?” She glances at Izuku and then back to Katsuki. “If you were wanting something other than what I suggested, that’ll do too.”

With a small frown, Katsuki nods. “Dark chocolate and almonds is good.” He shrugs and she taps the register screen a few times before reading out a total. Katsuki is already handing over his card while Deku fumbles with his All Might wallet. 

“Hey! You can’t pay for everything tonight.”The viridian man huffs, annoyed. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes at the nerd and takes his card back from Midnight, along with the receipt. “Maybe you should get better about not fumbling with your damn wallet. Besides, you beat me at pool so I owe you.” 

“But you covered all my drinks tonight. It’s like I’m some free loader, Kacchan.” He argues. 

They make their way to a tall, two person table and slide into the seats. They sit across one another and Katsuki sneers at the nerd. “You sure as fuck are a free loader.” He teases.

Deku groans, “I’ll pay you back!” he slaps a few yen notes onto the table

”I’m fucking with you. I don’t want your grimy money.” Katsuki pushes the money away, rolling his eyes. Deku only pushes it back. 

“Well you have to take it. Also, it’s not grimy! I just pulled it from the ATM this afternoon!” 

Katsuki huffs, “If you don’t put it back in your wallet I’m going to shove it down your damn throat.” He threatens, playfully.

At that Deku’s eyes widen and he reluctantly shoves the yen back into his wallet, frowning the entire time. 

“So mean.” He mutters but glances up and gives Katsuki a small, teasing smile. 

“Blondie! Order up!” Midnight suddenly calls from behind the counter and slides two cups of icecream forward, eyes narrowed on Katsuki.

Holding up his index finger to Deku, Katsuki stands and heads for the counter. “Thanks.” He goes to take both cups but Midnight puts a hand over his wrist before he can retreat. 

“So, you must like him.” She states and Katsuki raises an eyebrow. 

“There a question in there or what?” He sneers. 

The woman snickers and drops her hand. “More so an observation. Hard not to notice when you stare at him like he’s the damn sun.” She shrugs, placing a hand on her wide hips. “Don’t be a dick to him. He’s a sweet kid.” 

Katsuki scoffs, “Yeah, mind your own business, woman. I’m not a damned idiot.” 

“Clearly.” Midnight hums in response, a wide smirk still curled on her lips. 

With that, Katsuki snatches the icecream and turns back to where Deku is sat. He’s reading - well trying to read a pamphlet that is on each table. His eyes are narrowed and he mutters the words quietly and with a slur, jumbling them and sounding like he’s gonna accidentally cast a damn spell. 

The blonde man bites back the smile that threatens his lips. 

“Do I need to teach you how to read or what?” Katsuki slides back into his seat and pushes the nerds icecream forward. 

Deku jumps, as if he didn’t realize Katsuki had returned. “What? No, I can read fine but my vision is all wonky and all the words blur together.” He says, sheepishly and sets the pamphlet down. 

“Dumbass.” Katsuki shakes his head and picks up the paper, intending on wowing Izuku with his reading skills but instead his drunk mind refuses to stop melding the words together and it starts to make him dizzy. So, he hums and nods his head as if understanding the pamphlet and puts it down.

The nerd gives him a shit-eating grin. “So, what’d it say, Kacchan?” 

Katsuki purses his lips, “Some shit about a fundraiser.” He guesses.

”You couldn’t read it either, huh?” 

“Fuck off. Of course I could but I’m too drunk to care.” Katsuki huffs and takes the spoon out of his chocolatey cup of icecream. “Eat your damn icecream.” he orders.

Deku giggles and shakes his head, viridian tresses bounce as he does. Katsuki forces himself to look away from Deku and instead at the surroundings. Midnight is behind the counter, doing some cleaning and glances up, catching Katsuki’s eyes, she only grins and resumes her work. It’s a nice shop, the walls are painted a wine-red, framed pictures of cats eating ice cream and dogs crunching on icecream cones fill the walls. Ornate light fixtures hang from the ceiling and plants sit on shelves all around the shop. Each table has a little flower on it, along with a pamphlet and soft music plays through the speakers.

”So what the hell kind of ice-cream shop is open past midnight anyway?” Katsuki asks, swallowing the cold dessert. 

Deku wipes his mouth with a napkin, “She’s only open from 6pm-6am!” He replies, “She gets a lot of business being open at those hours. Mostly everyone wanting ice cream after they’ve been drinking or whatever all night!” He explains and pops a spoonful of his ice cream into his mouth. 

Katsuki nods, “Makes sense. Pretty sure everyone in here is drunk.” 

Nodding, Izuku tilts his head at Katsuki. “So, do you like it?” He asks, nearly finished with his own ice cream. 

The blonde glances down to his cup that is nearly empty by now. “It’s pretty fuckin’ good.” Katsuki admits, a chill down his spine from the cool night and freezing icecream. “Yours?” 

“It’s always super good! Green tea is my favorite flavor.” Izuku hums and then tilts his cup to the side. “Do you wanna try?” He offers with a shy smile. 

“Fuck yeah. Here.” Katsuki nods quickly and then tilts his own cup toward Izuku. An excited grin replaces the bashful look on the nerds face as he eagerly sticks his spoon out. They each take a spoonful from each other’s cup and Katsuki takes the bite quickly. It’s sweet, not as sweet as he expected but the crushed pocky sticks give a satisfactory crunch as well. 

Izuku lets out a small breath, “That’s really good, I may have to get that next time.” He admits and then scoops the final bite of his icecream onto his spoon. “I like the almonds.” 

“Yeah, mine is better than yours.” Katsuki agrees, though it’s more teasing than anything. 

Letting out a small giggle, Izuku shrugs, “I may actually agree with that.” he leans back in his seat and then lets out a louder chuckle. “You’ve got chocolate around your mouth, Kacchan.” 

Katsuki’s eyes widen slightly at Deku’s observation and he’s quick to wipe his napkin across his mouth. “You’ve got it on your chin, dumbass.” He points out, eyes dropping down to the green colored icecream that sits in a small glob on Izuku’s chin. 

Embarrassment quickly works onto his face and Deku wipes it away with a napkin and then laughs quietly. “I guess we’re both a couple of slobs.” 

“Yeah but you’re more of a slob than me cause somehow you got it on your damn sweater.” Katsuki retorts and points a finger at another dropping of green tea ice cream that’s beginning to dry. 

“Shoot.” Izuku dabs his napkin against the sweater, futility and a little wobbly. “Darn.” He mutters. 

Huffing out a laugh, Katsuki grabs his and Deku’s trash and stands. “Come on, nerd.” He shakes his head and holds out a hand to help the nerd to his feet. Deku takes it without a second thought and allows the blonde to pull him out of the chair. 

Neither of them let go. 

“Thanks for the treat, Midnight!” Izuku calls as they head for the door, Katsuki drops their cups and napkins into the trash and gives a small ‘goodbye’ nod to the gleaming woman. 

“Get home safe you two!” She replies and then shoots a wink toward Katsuki who rolls his eyes in response. 

The air outside is even colder now that their stomachs are filled with icecream and alcohol and Deku shivers the moment the door shuts behind him. 

Snorting Katsuki grins down at the viridian man. “Come on, my place isn’t far.” He starts pulling Izuku’s hand in the direction of his house and the nerd comes willingly. 

“You’d better have heat because I’m frozen.” 

“You’re the one who wanted ice cream in the middle of a cold night.” Katsuki retorts; although he does hope he kept the heat already running. His house tends to run cold. 

Izuku only pouts in response and lets Katsuki lead them down the street, hand in hand. 

They’re only a block away when Katsuki realizes Izuku has raised his second hand to clasp onto Katsuki bicep and he walks a mere inch beside the blonde. 

“Why are you so warm?” Deku murmurs and his cold fingers dig into Katsuki’s bicep, as if trying to siphon the heat. 

Katsuki glances down at him, “I retain body heat like a mother fucker.” He replies, trying not to get distracted by the way Izuku is so close to him, holding onto him like a damn lifeline. His heart pounds in his chest and Katsuki prays Deku can’t hear it from his proximity. 

The nerd sighs, “Unfair. I’m freezing my butt off here.” He shakes his head and his cheek brushes against Katsuki’s shoulder. 

“Sorry. Don’t have another jacket for you to steal this time.” Katsuki snickers, recalling the last time they’d been out together and the jacket he never got back.

Deku blushes, “I didn’t steal it! I just keep forgetting to bring it.” He retorts with a huff, the breath fans against Katsuki’s neck and he refrains from shivering. 

“Thats basically stealing in my book.” The blonde teases and Deku grumbles out a pout, shaking his head cutely. “‘S fine. You can keep it. Got plenty anyway.” 

At that, the nerd perks up quickly but then quickly scowls and shakes his head. “Nope! I’m not taking anything else from you. You’ve already paid for too much.” He steels his resolve with a determined nod. 

“Suit yourself. It’s a good jacket.” Katsuki shrugs as they begin climbing the few steps to Katsuki’s duplex. “Besides, it looked good on you.” The blonde glances down and Deku is already staring up at him. 

His eyes shine with a look Katsuki can’t quite place and his lips are formed into a wobbly smile. A deep, cherry red blush sets onto his freckled cheeks and with long lashes, Deku blinks up at Katsuki. 

“Think so?” He replies, huskily. 

They’re close, impossibly so due to the way their hands are still clasped together and the viridian man is hanging onto Katsuki’s bicep. The keys Katsuki had intended to use to unlock the door are suddenly lost in his mind and big, emerald eyes replace them. 

“Course I do. You even make this fucked up sweater look hot.” Katsuki replies, daringly and threads a finger along the collar of the orange shirt. Subconsciously he drops his head a few inches downward. 

There’s a beat of silence. Crickets chirp from Katsuki’s garden and a car backfires in the distance. A gust of wind pushes past the pair and rustles their hair as it passes. It’s peaceful, quiet and the way Izuku blushes even further and looks at Katsuki with hazy, half-lidded eyes is driving the blonde insane.

Then, suddenly and like a goddamn prayer, Deku is leaning forward, angling onto the tips of his toes. His lips, plump and red from the cold brush against Katsuki’s almost hesitantly, as if he wasn’t sure how to proceed. Katsuki wastes no time finishing the job, he ducks down the last few centimeters and fucking finally, their lips connect. Katsuki flutters his eyes shut, determined on relishing the moment. 

Deku is cold as opposed to Katsuki, his lips send a chill down Katsuki’s spine and the hand on his bicep snakes up chillingly to Katsuki’s neck. The blonde doesn’t mind - hell, even if the nerds lips were frozen or on fucking fire he’d still choose to kiss the man back, feverishly. 

Unsurprisingly, the veterinarians lips are soft and plush and mold against Katsuki’s as though they belonged there. He tastes like green tea and smells like fucking heaven with the ginger and cinnamon clinging to his hair. It’s fucking intoxicating and Katsuki doesn’t even care about the fact they’re kissing for the first time drunk and cold on the stoop of his front door. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Katsuki sucks in a quick breath. 

Deku, like the overachiever he is, takes the opportunity to slide his tongue against Katsuki’s lips and the blonde allows him to coax his mouth open. A small gasp sounds from Izuku, quiet and serenely when Katsuki tangles a hand in the back of his viridian curls and the fireman swallows the sound eagerly, desperate for more. 

Just as Deku tugs on the hair at the nape of Katsuki’s neck, there’s another cool gust of wind that causes the nerd to shiver into the kiss. 

Cursing the cold air, Katsuki pulls back from the kiss but relishes in the way Deku’s lips had nearly chased his. 

“Come on. It’s fuckin’ freezing.” Katsuki gruffs down to the man, his heart hammering in his chest and lips buzzing from the contact. 

With a red face and slightly swollen, wet lips, Deku nods and takes a small step back as Katsuki fumbles with his keys for a moment before finally pushing open his front door. His hand, a little sweaty now and still connected to Izuku’s pulls the nerd inside and every inch of the blondes body intends on being flush with Deku the moment they’re inside and warm. Already he aches for the feeling of Izuku’s lips against his and body against him. 

“Kats! Mido!” A drunk Eijiro ruins every plan Katsuki had begun to draw up in his mind. “Welcome! Mina and I made brownies!” 

Beside him, with a messy apron on, the pink haired woman holds up a pan of brownies that look halfway baked. “Brownies!” Mina slurs, wavering in her stance. 

Katsuki blinks. “What the fuck are you doing in my house?” 

Eijiro cackles, loudly. “Ok so, funny story. We were in the cab and I could not remember my address and all I could think of was yours so I figured, your place was better than no place!” He explains and slumps against the counter, his scarlet eyes dart between the pair. “Hey. You two were out late.” 

Mina hums and collapses on top of Eijiro. “You two mackin’ on each other or nah?” She giggles, teasingly and waves a spatula caked brownie batter before licking a long stripe up the side. 

Annoyance builds in Katsuki and he’s nearly about to yell at his dimwitted friends to hit the streets but before he can, Deku is releasing their hands and skipping forward. 

“I could totally eat some brownies.” He beams and flashes a grin back to Katsuki. It’s magnetic and immediately pulls every angry thought from Katsuki’s brain.

At this point, the blonde’s mind is mush and entirely centered around the damn viridian man and every little thing he does. 

With a sigh, Katsuki nods and tosses his keys into the bowl on the counter, accepting the fact that this damn veterinarian has Katsuki wrapped around his talented finger. 

Chapter Text

Oh, Katsuki has done it now. It's impossibly dark and the fire alarm throughout the warehouse blares in his ears and flash a daunting yellow light around the massive open space -which is quickly filling to the brim with thick, dark smoke. The creaking of metal causes a creep to sneak up Katsuku's spine and he grits his teeth and pulls on the rebar his gloves are slowly sliding against with all his might. It's nowhere near enough strength. 

"Eiji! Fucking pull!" He barks back, his cruel tone muffled by his oxygen mask. He gives a small glance back to his best friend who's staring at him with wide eyes. "Come the fuck on! Pull!" He orders and yanks on the rebar, only for his gloves to slip and he topples backwards. 

Eijiro catches him before he can hit the ground and hoists him back up to his feet in a fluid motion. "Kats," Eijiro begins, placing a heavy, gloved hand onto the blonde's shoulder. "Dude, the wall collapsed. We can't get to them from here. Pulling the rebar is only going to crumble the wall more." He says, lowly and with a grim look on his face. "Captain is working on breaking through the wall from the other side. But this," He pauses and nods toward the collapsed wall. "This is only gonna get us killed, bro." 

He's right. Katsuki knows he is but still, he cant fathom leaving now - backing out when there's still workers trapped inside. It'd happened so fast - one moment he and Eijiro were racing forward, evacuating everyone still left inside and the next, fire had eaten through the load-bearings and the horrifying sound of cement cracking and crumbling filled the warehouse. And Katsuki had watched it all, unable to stop it, unable to do anything. All he could do was open his mouth and let out an empty scream as the wall collapsed and trapped the final workers inside. 

Stubbornly, Katsuki shakes his head. "If you're not gonna help then just fucking go. I can't leave them there." He snaps, shoving the scarlet haired man away from him. "They'll fucking die of smoke inhalation before Aizawa breaks through the wall." He adds and steps forward, wrapping his hands around the rebar once again. It's his only chance, if he can yank the rebar out, then he can start digging through the rubble to find an exit for the people trapped inside. He can still save them. 

The sound of fire crackling draws near, flames roaring and swallowing everything in their path. From above, the sound of wires spark from the fire and a fluorescent light clangs to the large suspension bars across the ceiling. Both men barely glance up at the sound before the light is tumbling down, massive and with flames dancing across it. 

"Fuck!" Katsuki hisses, body colliding with Eijiro's as he tackles him out of the way, just as the sound of the fluorescent light smashes against the ground. Metal and steel parts go flying, glass shattering and a searing pain buries into Katsuki's abdomen. He doesn't have time to pay attention to the pain because as he goes to take a breath in, he gets a mouthful of smoke. It works its way down his lungs with a burning pain and the man lets out a dry, rough cough, hands quickly moving to cover the gaping hole in his oxygen mask. 

Beside him, Eijiro rolls over, his face twisted in pain. "Shit! Oh so not manly right now." The red-head groans and sits up to nurse a long gash in his leg where a large glass shard had embedded into his pants and deep inside his calf. "Hey, you alright man?" Eijiro begins to look up to Katsuki and immediately, he forgets about the wound on his leg and scrambles toward the blonde. "Shit, shit! Your mask is broken." 

Katsuki manages to barely catch his breath. "I fucking know." He curses out, shifting. "Can you walk?" He asks and his throat fucking aches. 

"Yeah, can we get the hell outta here now?" Eijiro nods and weakly begins crawling onto his feet, straining as he puts weight onto his injured legs. He holds a wobbly hand out for Katsuki to grab, giving him an assuring smile as he does. Taking it without a grumble, Katsuki bites the side of his cheek as Eijiro lifts him and the piercing pain in his side returns. He lets Eijiro wrap an arm around his neck in order to take weight off his leg. 

It's hard to see inside the warehouse. Where the fire hasn't began to ravish, smoke and soot hinders the way. "Let's go." Katsuki grumbles, taking slow steps forward, toward the final 'Exit' signs that remain unbroken. It's painful and they walk at a dauntingly sluggish pace, avoiding the fire that occasionally jumps out towards them, along with the fallen tools and workbenches that'd been shoved over in a panic by the workers. Katsuki is sure he's gonna get cursed out by Tsu and Mono for his mask and that Aizawa will bitch at him about staying inside the warehouse longer than needed. Katsuki takes one last look at the rubble of what once was a wall and bites harder onto his cheek, doing his best not to imagine the sort of fear and pain the people trapped inside are feeling. 

Small coughs escape Katsuki as they walk, the taste of smoke sits heavy in his mouth and he wonders how much longer his lungs will hold up. Eijiro offers his mask for a few fresh breaths of air but Katsuki turns it down with a stern shake of his head. They weave through a small doorway and Eijiro winces when the glass shard catches on the framing and digs further into his leg. 

"I can't fuckin' carry you right now so be careful." Katsuki hisses, unable to care about his cruel tone at the moment - he had to at least get Eijiro out of this damned warehouse alive. 

Letting out a breathy laugh, Eijiro shakes his head. "You're like super manly right now, bro." He says, weakly and trying to distract from the pain. 

Katsuki gives him an annoyed glare, "Of course I am. I'm dragging your ass out of a burning building." He replies and quickly regrets opening his mouth because more smoke slips past his broken oxygen mask and into his lungs. He has to pause, doubling over as he coughs rawly. It aches in his chest and his throat feels like he's swallowed hundreds of needles and with each cough his abdomen spasm in pain. 

"Alright, no more talking for you, man." Eiji half-jokes but Katsuki knows he's dead serious. As Katsuki stands back up, he simply nods to his friend, beginning to trudge forward when the red-head gasps. "Kats. Blood in your mask." he points out with a worried tone. 

At that Katsuki swallows and the metallic taste of blood slides down his throat. He grimaces and then shrugs, pulling Eijiro along. He'd have to worry about that shit later, no point in getting worked up about it now. 

It takes a few more minutes before Katsuki sees the glow of sunlight from the entrance and he lets out a relieved breath, picking up his pace. Eijiro limps alongside him, letting out small hisses of pain. The blonde makes a mental note to apologize to his best friend later, when this is all over and the impeding threat of death isn't gaining on them. As they pass through the entryway, they escape one hell only to be greeted by another. 

Paramedics rush around, treating those with the worst wounds first. A man sits on a stretcher, cursing loudly as his ankle sits at an unnatural angle, beside him a woman wails, her hair singed and face bubbling from third-degree burns. A man sits nearby, eyes wide and shocked and a large gash sits across his forehead. Other firemen race back and fourth, hoses, hatchets and fire blankets in their arms. Katsuki can barely see from how goddamn bright it is outside and his eyes squint in pain as he takes in the scene. 

"Come on. Over here." Katsuki pulls toward Tsu and Momo's ambulance where extra stretchers sit and the two women bounce between a few people, measuring their vitals and treating the immediate wounds.

He slings Eijiro onto the stretcher first and then quickly yanks his oxygen mask off, he takes one quick glance at it and sure enough, just as his friend had said, sputters of blood cling to the sides of the mask. He tosses it to the side and then sheds his jacket, thankful for the cool fall air against his burning hot skin. Eijiro does the same, tossing his helmet and oxygen mask to the side and shrugging off his jacket. He gives a wobbly smile down at the glass shard in his calf, coated in blood.

Katsuki leans against the stretcher beside Eijiro, taking deep, painful breaths. 

"Bakugo, Kirishima. What happened?" Momo rushes over first, her hair pulled back in her signature ponytail but a few frizzy hairs poke out and sit against her sweat slicked forehead. She gives a non-rebreather mask to Katsuki, her years of experience leading the way. The blonde lifts it to his mouth, welcoming the fresh influx of oxygen working into his lungs. Then, Momo drops down to inspect Eijiro's leg and purses her lips. "You're gonna need stitches. I can't pull this out here, it's too deep. You'll be on one of the next ambulances out." She tells him, quickly and swiftly, "For now, I'm going to tourniquet." She pulls a black, thick tourniquet from her bag. 

The red-head laughs, "Is it gonna hurt?" He barely has time to ask before the dark haired woman is sliding the belt on his leg, several inches above the wound and tightening it with precision. Katsuki bites back a snicker when his best friend lets out a loud mixture of groans and curses. 

"Sorry, best not to be warned." She offers an apologetic smile and then places an orange tag on the end of his stretcher before turning around to Katsuki. "You look pale, how are you feeling?" 

Pulling the mask from his face, Katsuki rolls his eyes. "Like I just breathed in smoke for five damn minutes." He replies, gruffly and it hurts to speak. Not to mention his chest is fucking killing him, his abdomen is still searing in pain and his head throbs with each movement, his vision growing hazy and a ringing sounds annoyingly in his ears. He's about ready to just lie the hell down and take a nap when a few feet away, another paramedic nearly trips over her feet. Katsuki moves quickly, a large hand reaching out to catch her before she slams against the ground, he ignores how badly it hurt to move.

The paramedic gives him a sheepish look, "Thanks! Almost lost my footing there!" She barely calls to the man before she's rushing off with an armful of bandages and masks.

 Katsuki rolls his eyes, unaffected by the womans brief acknowledgment of him. With an increasingly heavy body he turns back to Momo and Eijiro, "Jesus. My fuckin' head hurts." He mutters, taking one lofty step forward. It's strange for a moment, his body goes fuzzy and the black spots that'd been growing in his vision blots over more if his eyesight as his chest grows tighter. He furrows his face and moves to take another step before suddenly, his legs are giving out beneath him and his mind goes blank, vision giving out. 

He hits the ground with a thud. 

The steady sound of beeping draws Katsuki into reality. He blinks his heavy eyes open, grimacing at the bright fluorescent lights above and the soreness in his limbs. It smells clean, like antiseptic and chemicals and it takes only a moment for the blonde to realize he's in a hospital bed, an IV in the crook of his arm and sensors tapes to his chest, feeding the incredibly annoying beep of the heart monitor and other vitals. His lungs still ache and his throat feels dry as he swallows. 

"Fuck." He mutters, his voice barely above a rasp as he reaches out an arm to grab the water glass on the side table. Eijiro is asleep on the chair beside him, his head resting on his knuckles and loud ass snoring escapes his mouth. A fat bandage sits around his ankle, along with an old hospital bracelet dated back to yesterday. He gulps down the water quickly, thankful for the cool liquid against his tired throat. When he angles to put the glass back down, a sharp pain shoots up his ribcage. Katsuki winces, jolting slightly and he misses the table by inches, the sound of glass shattering echoes around the room.

At the sudden sound, Eijiro's eyes fly open and he jumps, "What's happening?" He asks with a tired, alarmed voice and rubs his eyes harshly, as if wiping away the tiredness. "Kats, you're awake!" He cheers suddenly, sitting tally in his chair and giving a wide, toothy grin to the blonde. "Dude, you've been out for two days! I thought you were never gonna wake up!" He admits with a cry of gratitude. 

With a small, painful cough, Katsuki glances down. "What the fuck happened?" he asks, the hospital blanket slips down to his waist and crimson eyes settle on bandaging across his abdomen, right where the shooting pain keeps stemming from. 

Eijiro sighs, "Dude I was crazy. I mean one second you were saving that paramedic from falling on her face and then the next you were passed out! Momo and I were like 'Oh shit!' and Denki had to help pull you onto the stretcher cause you're like 300lbs of dead weight, I swear. Then, when she took a closer look, there was a whole shard of glass, like the one that was in my leg, was embedded into your stomach. It was intense, Momo had to cut off your shirt and sent you off in the first ambulance that came because you were bleeding everywhere." 

There's a few moments of silence as Katsuki gathers what his best friend just rambled off. "What about the workers who got trapped?" He asks, the memories of the call flooding into his brain. It's all a little foggy but he remembers the wall collapsing and desperately trying to save the civilians inside - unsuccessfully. When Eijiro clamps his mouth shut and looks away, anxiously, Katsuki's heart sinks.

"Aizawa and Station 120 were able to break the other wall down. Out of the six trapped inside two survived, one is on life-support and the other three were DOA." 

Katsuki grits his teeth and squeezes his eyes shut. "Fuck." He mutters, guilt beginning to swallow him whole. If he'd just gotten into the building sooner, been able to get to the final workers faster. His mind quickly becomes a jumbled mess of what-ifs and if-onlys. His hands clench harshly around the bedding, his fingers nearly threatening to tear through the cheap-ass threading. 

"There wasn't anything we could do Kats. I mean, even if we'd managed to get there sooner they'd still have been trapped." Eijiro says, softly as he reads Katsuki's mind. It's hard for him not to, at this point. Both of them have known each other so long they can tell what the other is thinking with once look. Still, his words of affirmation doesn't do shit to quell the feeling growing inside Katsuki. 

With a sigh, the blonde opens his eyes and pulls himself together. "Right." He mutters, tugging at his blonde hair. Then, his eyes shoot open, "Fuck. Dynamight. I never made arrangements for Might to be fed-"

Eijiro slaps a wicked grin onto his lips. "Not to worry. Mina enlisted Midoriya to help out as soon as she heard the news. Which by the way bro, were you gonna tell me you and the hot vet had a whole date night and then made out on your front porch?" He teases, although a sort of proudness gleams in his scarlet eyes. 

The blonde scoffs, "You mean before I opened my door and you and your freak-ass girlfriend had hijacked my kitchen and made shitty brownies?" He rolls his eyes, shooting a glare toward his idiot best friend. 

"Don't even lie, man. You ate the hell out of those brownies." Eijiro argues with a snicker. 

"I was drunk and hungry as shit." Katsuki defends, "Deku and Mina ate half almost the entire damn tray." He adds, fondly recalling the way they'd all sat on the floor of Katsuki's kitchen, too drunk to make it to the couch and shared an entire pan of half-baked brownies. Then, Katsuki raises a suspicious eyebrow, "How the hell'd you find out about that anyway, asshole?"

The other man grins and leans forward, "Dude, you know that Mina goes to the wine nights Mido and the others have, right? I mean its actually kinda crazy how we were all low-key connected without knowing it!"

"Your point is?" Katsuki rolls his eyes.

"Oh, right! Anyway, they had a wine night the other night and everyone totally spilled tea - I learned that from Mina, by the way! It means gossiping-"

"I know what it means you goddamn loser." 

"Anyway! So, turns out, Denki and Shinso have been talking, can't believe he never told us! And, Iida and Momo have been going out for weeks and I had zero idea. Oh and apparently Tsu and Uraraka are moving in together." Eijiro begins dishing out all the new information he'd learned, eagerly, while Katsuki gives him a bored look. "But, after some prodding, Mido admitted he and you stayed at the bar longer, got ice cream and then came back to your place. He totally left out you guys making out on the front porch but Mina has access to your doorbell camera and saw the whole thing." 

Katsuki widens his eyes, "First, why the fuck does she have access to my doorbell camera?" He questions, first, although he has many more to add on. "Second, why did you tell me all that, I don't give a shit. Third, we were not making out." He huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Wriggling his eyebrows, Eijiro shakes his head in disagreement. "Nah, you guys were totally making out." He argues with a grin and leans back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head. "Also a few months ago you left your phone out and she shared the camera access with herself."

"Again, why the fuck?" 

"Because we like to see what you're up to, man! We get curious about our best bud." Eijiro reasons and although it's weird as fuck - it makes complete sense that Katsuki's unfortunate best friends like to spy on him. He really should make friends outside of the firehouse. 

Katsuki gets discharged later that night, after the sun had set behind the horizon and a darkness swallowed the sky. He's send home with a prescription for pain meds and antibiotics and a strict order to return in a week to have the stitches pulled from his wound. Until then, he'd excused from work and the nurses stress how important rest is for the man and to not make any unnecessary movements and to gently clean the wound with warm water. He listens to the instructions, nodding along as exhaustion hangs over his head and before he knows it, he's dressed in a pair of Eijiro's sweatpants and a t-shirt the red-head had been thoughtful enough to bring. 

He sits tiredly in the passenger seat of Mina's car as his best friend drives him home. He nods and grumbles out responses as Eijiro blabs about how they both have the week off to nurse their injuries and how they should hangout and game all week. Truthfully, all Katsuki wants to do is tumble into his bed and sleep for the entire week, probably drink enough beer to give himself alcohol poisoning and then return to work the following week. 

Eijiro pulls up to Katsuki's house with a wide grin, "All right, man! So, see you tomorrow for gaming?" He asks as Katsuki begins shifting to get out of the car and winces at the movement. "Take it easy, dude!"

"Yeah, yeah, Shitty Hair. See you tomorrow or whatever." Katsuki mutters, slinging the bag of his torn shirt and fire-resistant pants they'd pulled off him at the hospital over his shoulder. He shuts the car door as Eijiro cheers and calls out a goodbye. He glances over at the grey Honda parked outside his house and Katsuki raises an eyebrow, pulling his phone out to check the time. It's nearly midnight, Might should've been fed hours ago and yet, the nerd car is still here. 

With a shrug, Katsuki pulls himself up the stairs, thankful for the railing alongside them as he makes it to the door. He tries the handle, only to find the front door unlocked and he scoffs, rolling his eyes. If Deku leaves his own front door unlocked like this, he'd have a damn stroke. When he pushes the door open, he half expects to find a sheepish green haired man on the other side, rummaging through his kitchen like he had been before. However, he's greeted by a dark kitchen and only a small light on in the living room. 

Dynamight doesn't run to greet Katsuki as he usually does, in fact, the damn cat is nowhere in sight. With a furrowed, confused face, Katsuku slips his shoes off and tosses the bag over his shoulder to the side. Deku's shoes sit beside Katsuki's, his keys on the counter, only inches from the key-bowl Katsuki keeps and a jar of new treats sits beside them. With light footsteps, Katsuki steps further inside, scanning for the viridian haired man. It's only when he comes around the corner of the living room that he finds him and fuck - his heart melts in his chest.

He's passed out on the couch on his back, one arm sits across his chest while the other hangs off the side, his legs, fit in a pair of brown scrubs, are pulled up and on his abdomen is a familiar, massive cat curled up. Deku's mouth is slightly open, small breaths leave his lips and his thick eyelashes sit flush against his freckled cheeks while his curly hair sits along his cheekbones and covers his eyes slightly. 

Might sits up, his whiskers pushed against his face from sleeping and gives a small chirp to greet Katsuki. Still, the cat doesn't move from his comfortable spot on Deku's chest and rather cuddles back into Deku. With a small smile, Katsuki shakes his head at the scene, running a hand through his hair. He double checks the date, it's a Friday, which means the veterinarian goes in late to work. So, Katsuki pulls a blanket from the basket in the corner of the room and with a gentle movement drapes it over Deku, making sure to leave a space where Might is curled up so neither of them overheat. 

With that, he turns off the lamp on the side table and stocks off to his room, heart buzzing. 

It's not surprising in one bit to Katsuki that when he wakes up in the morning and quietly shuffles out of his room, Deku is still passed out on the couch. Only now, he'd shifted and sits with his legs pulled up and a hand resting beneath his jaw. Might is still on his chest, perfectly content with the arrangement. Katsuki nearly whips out his phone to take a picture before deciding it'd be sort of creepy. However, when Deku suddenly shifts and lets out a small snore, cuddling Might closer to him, Katsuki decides being creepy is necessary for this instance. 

So, he snaps a quick picture and heads to the bathroom to brush his teeth and fix his hair. It doesn't take him long and when he exits the bathroom, both Deku and Might are still in the same position. Katsuku draws the curtains closed, as not to let too much morning light in and then heads to the kitchen, whipping out the ingredients to make omelets. His abdomen is still sore but the pain killers they gave him are fucking top-tier so as he moves about the kitchen -as quiet as possible- it only really hurts when he bends down to pull a pan out of the cabinet. 

As he cooks, he glances over every so often to make sure he's not being too loud and waking up the sleeping idiots on his couch. Each time his eyes settle on the tired nerd, Katsuki's heart thrums in his chest and a horrifying thought flashes into his mind when he notices Izuku's bag sat on the kitchen table, his jacket on the coat rack and shoes by the door: He could get used to this. Having the nerds shit lying around, sleeping on his couch (although his bed would be more preferable) and cuddling with his cat. Katsuki could make them breakfast while the sleepy nerd drags himself out of bed and stumbles into the kitchen. He could separate their laundry after doing a fresh load and tease Deku about the amount of All Might apparel he undoubtedly has. Katsuki could get a kiss on the cheek before heading to work and - Shit. Katsuki forces his mind to stop running wild. They kissed once and yes, Deku is sleeping on his couch but it's not like suddenly they're gonna be living together and sharing meals and clothes and lives like some goddamn couple. 

Katsuki is nearly finished with the second omelet when there's movement from the couch. He glances over to find Deku sitting up and blinking around the apartment as though he's lost. When his emerald eyes find Katsuki, they shoot open wide and a blush creeps onto the nerds freckled cheeks. 

"Morning, nerd." 

In a frenzy, Deku scrambles off the couch, earning a disgruntled meow from Might in the process. "Kacchan! When did you get back? What time is it? I came over to feed Might and sat down for a minute and I must have fallen asleep, I really didn't mean to but your couch is so comfortable and I guess I lost track of time- oh no, is it morning?" He rambles, flustered and still in a slight daze from waking up. His hair sticks out in unruly directions, a bit of drool is dried on his cheek and the scrubs he's wearing is wrinkled where Might was sleeping on him.

Katsuki waits patiently until Izuku is done freaking out and rolls his eyes. "It's 7:30 in the morning and I know that couch is comfortable as fuck, that's why I got it." He shrugs and plates the final omelet, sliding it across the counter to the seat Deku had last sat in when they shared a meal. "Breakfast is ready." 

The veterinarian relaxes slightly and then heads toward the kitchen with a sheepish smile. "Sorry for falling asleep on your couch. You could've woken me up." He mutters, sliding into the seat, then, he stiffens. "Wait! You're injured. Should you be up and moving? Are you in pain?" 

With the roll of his eyes, Katsuki places a fork in front of Izuku. "I'm fine. On some pretty fucking good pain meds." He shrugs, pulling his hot sauce from the cabinet. "Besides, you looked comfortable and Might would've killed me for disturbing his peace." He reasons and taps out several drops of sauce onto his omelet. Then, with a smirk he holds the bottle up to Izuku, offering him some. 

The nerd basically recoils, "No! No thanks." He squeaks out, staring at the bottle in horror. He picks the fork up, poking at his omelet anxiously "But it doesn't hurt? Kirishima said you had a massive shard of glass in your abdomen and they had to rush you into the emergency room." He frowns, worry filling his large, kind eyes. 

"Like I said, nerd, I'm fine. Wasn't anything serious." 

"They said you passed out! That sounds pretty serious to me, Kacchan." Deku sighs and attempts to run a hand through his mess of hair, only to be stopped by several tangles. 

Katsuki snorts, "What the hell didn't they tell you?" He asks, raising an eyebrow as he pops a bite of his breakfast into his mouth, tilting his head to the side. 

With a nervous look, Deku swallows thickly and cuts into his own breakfast, "Kiri told me about those workers. The ones who were trapped. I mean I saw the news footage but he said it was brutal." He adds, quietly and Katsuki stiffens at the comment. "I'm sorry. It sounded like an impossible situation." He nearly whispers. 

The blonde swallows another bite, the familiar feeling of guilt burying into his gut and he shrugs. "Wouldn't have been impossible if we'd fuckin' gotten there quicker and evacuated everyone faster." He replies, his tone sharp and he feels a bit bad for using such a cruel tone with Izuku but fuck - he only has enough room for one guilt right now. "No reason any of them should've died." 

Deku frowns and seems completely unaffected by Katsuki's rough tone. "You shouldn't blame yourselves. Accidents happen and it's okay to feel sad about it but you shouldn't feel guilty-"

"I am fucking guilty! I watched the wall collapse right before my eyes and I couldn't even help. You don't fucking get what that's like to arrive to a scene and have to pull half-dead children from a totaled car or watch people get swallowed by flames." Katsuki growls and his chest feels tight, his stomach swallows the grief and replaces it with unbridled anger he can't contain.

With pursed lips, Deku takes a deep breath. "Why don't you tell me these things? I wanna be able to help you but I can't if you don't tell anyone how you're feeling."

"It's not like saving some fucking dog, Deku." Katsuki snaps, placing his fork on his plate with a harsh clang, "People fucking died and I couldn't do anything to save them." He sneers, and his hands form into tight fists, fingernails digging into the palm of his hand. "Don't you fuckin' get it? I don't get to reunite owners with their damn pets or work a miracle on some injured cat or whatever the hell! I fucking save people. Human beings. And I pull them from fucking car wrecks and listen to them bitch about their loved one who is dead in the seat next to them. I carry them out of their homes that are being fucking destroyed and I fail to fucking save hardly anyone!" 

It's silent. Deafeningly so. Katsuki can only heard the thump of his heartbeat hammering against his chest and his crimson eyes bore angrily into wide, shocked and slightly hurt viridian ones. Deku is clenching his fork so hard it almost seems as though the metal will snap and he looks at Katsuki with a look of confusion and sorrow that quickly shifts into something Katsuki can only recognize as anger and pity. 

He sets his fork down. "No, I don't get it because you clearly don't share any of this with me, or anyone! You can't just hold it all in until you explode on someone and say mean stuff, it's not healthy, Kacchan." he replies with a stern voice although Katsuki can pin the frustration in his tone immediately. "I know it's a hard job, I know you go through a lot and its admirable but only if you deal with the hard stuff." 

His words are like a slap of reality to Katsuki and the blonde drops his head and wraps his hands around the edge of the counter, taking steady, deep breaths. "It's not fucking easy to just bring up all this shit, y'know." He hisses, though the malice is devoid from his voice. 

Suddenly, Deku's hand is reaching across the counter, softly placing on top of Katsuki's. "I understand. It can be easier to just compartmentalize but I want to listen, Kacchan. I want to know about your day, all the good and the bad. If you'll let me." He says, softly and his voice is like a fire extinguisher to the flames blazing into Katsuki. His gaze fastens on his hands, his knuckles white from how harshly he's gripping the counter but Izuku's fingers graze over them gently, calmly. 

So, with a small shake of his head, Katsuki raises his head back up to meet those unwaveringly kind emerald eyes. "I shouldn't have yelled at you, Deku." He mutters, "It was fucking wrong and misplaced." 

Deku lets out a breathy laugh and offers a smile, "It's fine, Kacchan-"

"No it's fuckin' not, Deku." Katsuki sighs, "Don't ever let me or anyone yell at you or say shit like that to you. You don't deserve that shit." He can feel the regret creeping up quickly and Katsuki clenches his jaw in frustration at himself. 

Surprisingly, Deku only grins a little wider and stands, leaning forward. His other hand reaches out and cusps Katsuki's jaw before he shrugs. "Kacchan, don't beat yourself up over having a human reaction. Everyone gets mad sometimes." He hums and Katsuki's eyes widen at not only Izuku's words but the way his thumb caresses across his cheek. Virdidian eyes dart across Katsuki's face taking in the sight wholly. "Your burn healed well, it's only a faint scar now." He murmurs as his index finger works upward and smooths over the scar tissue on the blonde's cheek and across his nose. 

"I had a good doctor." Katsuki swallows thickly, his heart racing for an entirely different reason now. Their omelets are completely forgone by now, barely even a thought in the back of their minds. 

Giggling quietly, Deku blushes slightly before his eyes widen. "Wait, your wound! Have you cleaned it?" he questions, worriedly and draws his hands back to cross over his chest. 

Katsuki immediately misses the warmth of the nerds hands but clears his throat and shrugs. "Not yet. Figured I'd do it later. 'M not really looking forward to havin' to work around the stitches and shit." 

Raising an eyebrow, Izuku tilts his head to the side. "Why? Don't tell me you're squeamish, Kacchan." He teases, lips quirking into a snickering smile. 

At that, Katsuki scoffs. "Fuck no. I just haven't had stitches in awhile and last time I popped one open trying to get the dried blood from around it." He explains, rolling his eyes and then points a finger back at himself. "You think I'm squeamish, Deku?" 

Shrugging, a mischievous grin sits on Deku's lips still. "Sounds like it to me. No worries, if you're too scared I can clean them." He offers, egotistically. "Besides, I won't pop any of your stitches." He adds, as if to sweeten the deal.

Challengingly, Katsuki leans forward. "I'll take you up on that but if you pop a stitch you're gonna have to sew it back yourself."

"Deal!"

So, Katsuki finds himself sat on his bed while Deku gathers a small bowl of warm water and a clean cloth from the kitchen. He doesn't know what to do while he waits, the damn veterinarian had practically ordered him to go sit and wait in his room and oddly, Katsuki feels like a patient at Deku's clinic. After a few moments, Deku enters the room and takes a moment to glance around.

"Wow, Kacchan has a very clean room." He hums before stepping over to the bed. He places the bowl on the bedside table, and the cloth inside so it can begin sopping up the warm water. "Is it always this clean or did you clean it before I came in here?" he jokes, shooting Katsuki a coy grin.

The blonde scoffs, "Its always clean. I'm no slob." He huffs and stares up at Deku who's standing over him, a pair of latex gloves on his hands. Katsuki imagines he pulled them from his magical bag of remedy that's sitting in the kitchen. "What, got a problem, nerd?" He asks as the veterinarian simply stares down at him.

"Are you going to take your shirt off or am I supposed to clean your wound through the shirt?" Deku asks, sassily and with a hint of amusement dripping from his tone. 

Now, Katsuki feels like an idiot as he blushes and mutters out an "Oh. Right." He sits up to peel off his shirt and does his best not to let the way Izuku's eyes are trained on him the entire time affect him. When he's done, he sets the shirt beside him, neatly and glances up at Izuku. Quickly his bashfulness disappears and his ego flourishes because the viridian man is blushing a fierce red and nervously pulling at the fingertips of his gloves. "Gonna clean my wound or just check me out?" Katsuki asks, tauntingly.

Deku blinks and shakes his head. "Lean back." He orders, regaining his composure quickly as he steps around Katsuki's legs and grabs the cloth, wringing it out slightly. Katsuki does as he's told and shifts onto his elbows, watching Izuku's every movement. The stitches sit vertically from just below his pectoral muscle to about four inches down his ribcage. Some blood has dried along the wound, clinging to his skin annoyingly. 

The bed dips down slightly as Izuku sits beside Katsuki, giving him a small smile. "I'll be careful." He promises, quietly. Katsuki only gives a nod in return and Deku's eyes drop down to the wound. He shifts forward, knee brushing against Katsuki's and places his spare hand on the blonde's stomach to get a better angle on the wound. Like usual, his tongue pokes out barely between his lips as he focuses and slowly brings the cloth down to gently work around the stitches and wipe the dry blood. The veterinarian works with nimble, expert fingers, soothing over the wound with a featherlight touch that makes goosebumps raise on Katsuki's skin. 

When a stubborn spot refuses to wipe clean, Izuku raises a hand to Katsuki's sternum and the tips of his fingers spread across Katsuki's chest. He scoots closer, if only to get a better angle on the stitch but its intoxicatingly close. Katsuki's breath catches in his throat when Izuku uses the hand to push him down a little further, stretching the wound a little more taught and allowing the veterinarian to finally wipe the difficult spot clean. He hums, satisfied and continues down, easily cleaning the rest of the wound. 

As he finishes, Deku slides his eyes up to Katsuki's, slowly and the blonde's brain short-circuits. His hair, a little messy, hangs in front of his emerald eyes, his cheeks dust with pink and his tongue licks across his bottom lip. "All finished, Kacchan." He murmurs and then uses the hand on Katsuki's chest as leverage to push himself upwards. "I suppose they gave you ointment to keep on the stitches?" he asks, coming to his feet. 

With a hoarse voice, Katsuki nods. "It's in the bag in the kitchen, I can go get-"

"I got it!" Deku interrupts, grabbing the bowl of water, "Stay put." He adds with a grin before disappearing out of the room.

Katsuki can only sit there, dumfounded, blushing and with sweatpants that were far looser several minutes ago. He lets out a small groan, glaring down at the outline threatening to poke through his pants and squeezes his eyes shut, cursing himself for being a dumb horn-dog who's fucking half-hard from Izuku cleaning his damn stitches like some virgin. He resumes his position as Deku's footsteps sound down the hall and he attempts to put a casual look on his face and pretend he has no idea that his dick is currently straining against his boxers. 

The nerd walks back in, the ointment in hand along with dressings and this time, without gloves. He's reading the side of the tube of ointment and without looking up says, "I just washed my hands, I didn't want the gloves to catch on the sutures." When he pulls his eyes from the tube and they land on Katsuki, the blonde raises an eyebrow.

"Whatever works for you, Doc." He replies, unsure if now is really the best time to flirt. He's already in a predicament. 

With a chuckle, Izuku nods and settles back on the bed beside Katsuki. The blonde keeps an eagle-eye on the nerd, watching as he squeezes out a healthy glob of ointment onto his fingers and then gives a lopsided grin. "Ready?" He asks.

"Whenever you are." Katsuki swallows thickly. Deku hums in response and damnit, places his free hand onto Katsuki's chest again only this time there are no gloves that shield his soft yet slightly calloused, scarred fingers that burn into the blonde's chest. He bites back a groan as Izuku carefully swipes the ointment across the wound with a light touch. He's incredibly gently as he works the gel onto Katsuki's wound, making sure not to smear too much in one place and instead evenly applies on the wound. 

When he finishes, he picks up the gauze and bandage beside him and the hand on Katsuki's chest retreats. "Bandage time." He hums, entirely more pulled together than Katsuki at the moment. "You can sit up." He adds.

Katsuki blinks and nods his head, "So damn bossy." He mutters, teasingly as he sits forward and straightens out his back. Izuku moves positions this time, keeping one knee on the bed while the other bends slightly to be able to stay fairly close to the sutures. 

"So obedient." Deku quips back and Katsuki nearly explodes. Calm and collected, Deku glances up at Katsuki with a devilish grin, pressing the gauze against the sutures and holding the bandage with his other hand.

The blonde can't even find a response so instead, he scoffs and rolls his eyes, praying the nerd doesn't notice the nealy full-fledged hard-on now threatening Katsuki's pants. Deku wraps his torso with ease, his fingers lingering against Katsuki's skin each time he reaches around to take the bandage and every so often, he looks back up at Katsuki with those half-lidded eyes that drive the fireman mad. 

He tapes the bandage off and sits back up, eye-level with Katsuki once more. "There. Now you don't have to worry about popping a stitch." He grins, eyes twinkling with something Katsuki can't place. A shiver runs down Katsuki's back and with his ultra observant gaze, Deku raises an eyebrow. "Are you cold, Kacchan?" He hums. 

"Only because your hands are cold as fuck." Katsuki replies with a huff, head angled up slightly to meet Deku. "Need me to warm them up, nerd?" He smirks, grabbing each of the mans hands in his own with a firm grip and tugs Deku forward. The nerd lets out a small gasp, tumbling onto Katsuki's bed, his back against the dark blue comforter. Katsuki takes the opportunity to pin both hands on either side of the nerds head and sneers proudly down at the flustered man. "Where's those wrestling moves, hm?" 

With a nervous chuckle, Izuku quirks an eyebrow. "You're injured. It wouldn't be fair." He replies, his voice husky. Still, he suddenly swings a let around, using his core-strength and hoists himself upward, quickly taking control. Suddenly, Deku is straddling Katsuki, his thick thighs caging the man's hips and Katsuki lets out a strained groan from the sudden friction against his crotch. 

The blush on Izuku is immediate and Katsuki watches a mischievous look overtake his features. 

"Maybe I should come clean your stitches more often, Kacchan." He mutters, face still beet red but with a smooth confidence airing around him. 

Katsuki huffs out a breathy laugh, "Wouldn't be opposed to that." He replies, his mind spinning from their position. "Why, eager to see me so soon, nerd?" He asks, his grip on Deku's wrists faltering and the man pulls away, snaking a hand up Katsuki's bare chest. 

"Always am." He breathes back and his lips ghost over Katsuki's. The blonde inches his lips up and all he gets is a quick brush against Deku's before the man pulls back ever so slightly and his hips shift downward against Katsuki's. As Katsuki groans at the movement, Deku lets out a small, heavy moan, repeating the movement. Katsuki can faintly feel Izuku's own hard-on brushing against his own and the blonde feels his composure slipping with each roll of the nerds hips. He's embarrassingly close, certain that he'd blow his load into his pants like some fucking loser if Izuku keeps at it. 

Then, without warning, Izuku is drawing back and with a playful grin he stands from Katsuki's lap. "Gotta head home to shower and change before work." He hums, voice still rasped and fuck, Katsuki can see the outline of his cock through his dark scrubs. His mouth waters. 

"Fuck you." Katsuki hisses, running a hand down his face. "You didn't even eat my omelet and then you pull this shit." he says, frustratedly and so incredibly turned on by the nerds teasing its embarrassing.

Izuku giggles and then leans forward, "It seems I've forgotten my manners." He mutters, placing a soft kiss against Katsuki's cheek. "Take it easy, Kacchan!" He orders, turning on his heel. He gives Katsuki one last coy grin and then disappears down the hall. Leaving Katsuki hard as fuck and alone. 

Chapter Text

It’s a quiet afternoon, rain patters against the window and the occasional hum of thunder rattles outside. Katsuki sits on the chair beside the window, letting Might stand on his shoulders to watch the droplets race down the glass as he flips through the latest reports from the station. He still has two days of rest, his stitches don’t ache as badly and he’s had to resort to cleaning and wrapping the wound himself. 

Deku left for an emergency call a few hours away one of his old professors asked him to take as a favor several days ago. Which, the nerd has been radio-silent since. A flash of lightning causes Might to jump and the boom of thunder follows quickly after so, Katsuki raises a hand to comfortingly pat down his cat-sons back. 

With a sigh, he tosses the reports onto the coffee table and looks for something else to do. As it turns out, being stuck at home is not as relaxing as he thought it would be. He’s watched all his favorite movies, finished several shows, read a few mangas, moved his living room around and has cooked more meals than he has room in his stomach. Eijiro comes over almost daily while Mina is at work and while he’s entertaining to an extent, the blonde can only take so much of his rambunctious friend. 

Katsuki glances around, bored as shit. He could move his room around, it’s been awhile since he’s redecorated but he learned from moving the living room furniture that’s it’s not the best idea when his stitches are still trying to heal. He kicks his feet up onto the coffee table and lets out a dramatic groan, Might chirps and turns to face Katsuki at the action.

”I’m bored.” He says to his cat who then nuzzles his head into the crook of the blondes neck, purring loudly. “I would take you on a walk but it’s still fuckin’ raining.” He points out and Might puts a soft paw on Katsuki’s jaw, as if understanding what the blonde is saying. 

Katsuki chuckles, petting down Might’s side and to his tail. He takes a good look at the slightly shorter length, nodding approvingly at the healed stub. He wonders what Izuku is doing, what he’s working on and if he’s taking care of himself. He can only hope the damn nerd hasn’t resort back to frozen cheeseburgers. 

Curiously, Katsuki pulls out his phone and opens instagram. Unsurprisingly, there is no new post from Deku and his feed is full of Uraraka’s posts, Iida’s latest post and a few random accounts he follows. Scrolling endlessly, Katsuki suddenly stop when he sees a post the Round-Cheeked brunette shared and tagged Deku in. 

Its a post from one of the bigger news stations in Tokyo and smack dab on their instagram is a photo of Izuku, wearing a pair of black scrubs, a matching scrub cap and he’s smiling with that toothy, confident grin Katsuki loves. Beside him is a thin, older man with bright blonde hair and bangs that stick out oddly beneath his own scrub cap. His arm is wrapped around Deku’s shoulder and he holds a proud expression.

@TokyoNewsStation11:

Check out one of the newest veterinarians gaining striking attention and popularity! From right here in Tokyo, Izuku Midoriya partnered with a veterinarian leading the forefront of the field, Toshinori Yagi to save and heal more than fifteen dogs found in an illegal breeding site! Full Article Here: 

Katsuki quirks an eyebrow and opens the article, scanning it quickly. As he reads, a small smile curls onto his lips and admiration for the nerd seeps up his spine. The article details the case, how the dogs were neglected, forced to breed past their bearing ages and how despite circumstances, the two veterinarians didn’t lose a single dog. They explain Izuku’s story - college and then on to graduation and owning a clinic with his colleague and good friend, Shoto Todoroki. 

“Look at that. Nerds makin’ it to the big leagues.” Katsuki hums to Dynamight, his own sense of proudness for Deku building. He’s sure the man deserves more recognition though. 

It’s not long before Katsuki feels drowsy, the soft rumble of Might purring on him basically coaxes him to sleep and his eyelids hang like stones over his eyes. He’s slept more in the last week than he has in years and still, Katsuki finds it’s one of the easier ways to pass time. So, he gives in, fluttering his eyes shut and taking a deep breath as Dynamight curls into his lap, staking his claim. 

Katsuki focuses on the patter of rain and the sound of Might’s soft breaths and purring, his mind slowing down and pinpointing soft green hair and kind viridian eyes smiling back at him. It’s how he finds most of his sleep nowadays, picturing the damn nerd that’s somehow snuck into his every thought and breath. 

It’s not more than an hour later before Katsuki is awoken by soft tapping at his door. At first, Katsuki ignores the sound, figuring it to be a figment of his tired imagination but when it sounds again, only a few seconds later and Might gets up to peek his head out the front window, Katsuki grumbles out a few curses.

The rain still pounds relentlessly outside, heavier than it did earlier. Flashes of lightning light up the darkening house as the sun hides behind thick, angry clouds and nears the horizon, beckoning the night sky. 

When Might meows loudly and jumps at the front door, Katsuki pulls himself from the warmth of his chair and groans. “Hold the fuck on.” He hisses, mostly to his oddly excited cat-son. His feet thump loudly against the floorboards as he heads for the door and with a tired expression he yanks the door open, about ready to curse whoever was bothering him and his peaceful nap. 

However, all his annoyance dissipates when he comes face to face with a wide eyed, dazed viridian haired man. The rain pounds down his back, soaking his hair to his forehead and drenching his clothes. He wears a sheepish, goofy smile and his eyes gleam with excitement. 

“Kacchan! Afternoon, were you sleeping?” He asks, ever so observantly.

The blonde blinks, “Nah, was just lounging around.” He lies and then steps to the side, “You wanna come in or stand in the rain?” He asks, taking note of the way Deku is shivering slightly and his nose is red. Damn idiot is gonna get sick. 

“Oh, I don’t wanna drench your floor! I forgot my umbrella-“

”Get in here.” Katsuki grumbles, though his eyes shine with amusement. When Izuku finally steps through the door, he stomps his feet on the rug just inside, as if to shake the water still dripping from his clothes and hair. 

Then, he stands on his tippy toes and pulls out a slightly wet folder from beneath the black hoodie he’s wearing. “I got published!” He grins, excitedly, nearly shoving the folder into Katuski’s face before dropping down to start petting Dynamight. 

The blonde takes it with a raised eyebrow, flipping open the wet paper. “Evaluation of cats with primary and secondary cardiomyopathies and cardiac biomarkers.” He reads the title, his mind spinning in confusion at the words. Katsuki is a smart guy, he always scored at the top of his class, never got below an A- on tests but whatever the hell is written on this page is like a foreign language. 

Katsuki doesn’t stew in confusion long because Deku nods his head eagerly. “I’ve been working on it for awhile with Shoto and my old professor, Dr. Toshinori! It’s about how testing biomarkers in cats can be a more economical and accurate testing method for cardiomyopathy and can reflect severity and origin for myocardial disease!” He explains, throwing more words at Katsuki than the fireman understands. “Echocardiograms are most used but they’re expensive for pet owners and vets! So since Shoto and I bought the clinic we’ve been working on research on an alternative! I found out this morning that after extensive peer reviews and editors that were being published!” 

Deku grins up at Katsuki with such excitement it starts to bleed off onto the blonde. Even though he doesn’t quite know what it means, Katsuki laughs, smiling back. 

“Well shit. Congrats nerd.” He praises, skimming his eyes down the paper, despite not knowing what more than half the words mean, and nodding his head. 

There’s not much of a beat of silence while the nerd blushes and shyly looks at Katsuki as he stands but the sound of dripping clothes fills the air momentarily. 

“Ah, sorry for just busting in and dripping all over your floor.” He apologizes, raking a hand through his curly, wet hair. He goes to wipe the rain off on his sweatshirt, only to wet his hand more. 

With the roll of his eyes, Katsuki puts the folder down on his counter. “Don’t apologize, dumbass. I own a mop. It’s cool as hell you’re getting published, that’s like big-league shit huh?” 

“I mean it’s not anything super special but not a lot of vets get their research published!” Izuku shrugs, clearly trying not to seem boastful. 

So, Katsuki does it for him. “Well look at that. You’ve got published and a dope ass article in the news. I doubt every vet can say they’ve done had both happen in the same week.” 

Izuku’s eyes widen, “Article?” He blinks, confused and tilts his wet, mop of a head sideways. 

The realization that Deku probably hasn’t been online in a few days and hasn’t seen the news article dawns on Katsuki and he feels a bit stalkerish for knowing about the nerds article before he even does. 

Blushing slightly, Katsuki hopes it’s hidden by the low lighting in his home. “Round Cheeks shared it on instagram. Station 11 wrote some shit about how you and your professor saved a bunch of dogs.” He clarifies, putting on his best nonchalant, unknowing voice - even though he read the article in full when he saw it. 

“Oh! I was wondering why they were there.” Deku comes to a realization and pushes his hair back out of his face as it starts to fall forward. Then, he gives Katuski a small look of concern. “Oh, how are your stitches, by the way? You get them out here soon, don’t you?” 

Katsuki nods, “Few days. Can’t fuckin’ wait, they’ve been driving me crazy.” He grumbles, lightly tapping where the wound lays beneath his red t-shirt. 

“I’m more surprised you haven’t ripped them out yourself, Kacchan.” Deku teases, popping up on the balls of his feet momentarily. 

Scoffing, Katsuki shakes his head. “Debated it. Figured it’d only earn me a lecture.” he shrugs. 

Izuku laughs, tilting his head to the side. “You’d have been right.” He agrees, then with a wobbly smile he goes to turn back towards the door, “Ah well I can get out of your hair! I don’t wanna intrude or anything or get your floor more wet than it already is, which sorry again about that-“

”Do you wanna stay for dinner?” Katsuki blurts out before he can stop himself and when Deku’s eyes widen, the blonde hurries to speak again. “I mean if you want, I was gonna make somethin’ here soon.” 

Deku looks back down at his soaking wet attire, “I’m all wet.” He frowns, “I’d love to, of course, but I don’t really have a change of clothes and I don’t think it’d be polite of me to sit around in wet clothes.” 

Already beginning to turn towards the hallway, Katsuki shrugs, “I’ve got shit you can wear if you want.” He offers, glancing back at the nerd who shivers slightly. “You can shower too if you want. Might help you warm up.” 

“It is pretty cold in here, y’know.” Deku hums, the tip of his nose a little red.

Katsuki scoffs, “I keep it at 64, nerd. Plus you’re standing there in wet all clothes, course you’re cold and you’re probably gonna get fuckin’ sick.” he points out, narrowing his crimson eyes at the man. 

“64?” The veterinarian squeaks, his eyes widening. “I keep the apartment at 72.” He frowns, sniffing. 

“72? Seven two?” Katsuki gapes, all ready uncomfortable of the idea of sitting around in such a hot ass apartment. Whether or not he runs warm - 72 degrees is outrageous to keep a home at. 

“Sometimes 75.” Deku shrugs, as if he doesn’t understand it should be a crime to keep the heat on that hot. 

Katsuki crosses his arms over his chest, “Right, and how much is your electricity bill?” he questions, cocking an eyebrow. 

Sheepishly, Deku looks to the floor, “Pretty high.” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck.

”Figures.” The blonde shakes his head and then motions for Deku to follow, “Bathrooms this way.” He points out, motioning to the room and Deku shuffles inside. “I’ll grab you some clothes real quick.” 

“Glass shower? That’s awfully fancy, Kacchan.” Deku comments, staring at the damn thing with wide, almost excited eyes. 

“It helps that I don’t spend all my money on All Might merchandise.” Katsuki comments back, smirking as he does. 

Blushing, Deku nods. “Fair point.” He mutters, smiling bashfully. 

Katsuki snorts, ducking out of the doorway and down toward his room. As he pulls open his dresser, the All Might figurine he’d bought a awhile ago sits almost tauntingly in the back of his closet - reminding Katsuki of the amount of money he’d spent on a whim and hasn’t even given the damn thing to Deku. It’s not like Katsuki can just shove the damn thing in the nerds face without Deku knowing just how much money it costed. Katsuki may as well write ‘whipped’ on his forehead. 

He pulls out a burgundy sweatshirt from his dresser, figuring the veterinarian would appreciate something warm to wear and then grabs a pair of shorts he hopes will fit the man. He throws in a pair of socks as well as a pair of boxers and hopes it’s not weird for him to offer up the undergarments to Deku. 

When he returns to the bathroom, Deku is standing on the bathmat, waiting patiently. As Katsuki enters, the neatly folded clothes in hand, he perks up a bit, eyes gleaming. 

“These should fit. Towels are in the closet,” Katsuki points to the door across from the sink and then runs a hand through his hair. “You can use whatever’s in there if you want, I don’t fuckin’ know.” He shrugs, placing the clothes onto the bathroom counter. 

Deku grins, “Will do! Thanks again!” 

“No problem, nerd. I’m gonna start on dinner. You can toss your wet clothes out in the hallway and I can dry ‘em if you want.” He suggests, stepping out of the bathroom and pulling the door closed as he does. A small ‘Ok’ comes from Deku and the door clicks shut. 

With a bated breath, Katsuki heads down the hall, pausing to click the temperature up a few degrees (because he’d be damned if the nerd wasn’t comfortable.) and heads to the kitchen. He pulls out a pan, chicken, onion and a few other ingredients and as he finished gathering what he needs for dinner, the sound of the bathroom door creaks open and then shuts quickly. 

The blonde pokes his head around the corner to see the pile of neatly folded, wet ass clothes from Deku. With a small smile, Katsuki retrieves them and the thrum of the shower fills the house. It’s odd, in a way. Katsuki isn’t sure he’s ever heard his shower run without him beneath it. Not that he can’t get used to it. In fact, he’d eagerly get used to keeping his house a few degrees warmer for the cold-blooded veterinarian. 

Tossing the clothes into the dryer, Katsuki pauses for a moment, staring at the red and blue All Might themed boxers that of fucking course Deku wears. He doesn’t even realize the endearing smile curling up onto his lips as he tosses the boxers into the dryer as well. He really shouldn’t be surprised, Deku is a goddamn fan boy - and one that Katsuki is falling hard for. 

When he’s finished setting the cycle, Katsuki returns to his kitchen and gets to work quickly. He listens to the shower going and Might sits at his feet, watching and waiting for Katsuki to accidentally drop a piece of chicken the blonde is currently slicing into small chunks before tossing them into the pan to sear. As the chicken sizzles, he chops some onions and throws a few seasonings in on the pan, being careful not to make it as spicy as he’d usually make. 

It doesn’t take him long to cook, and Izuku doesn’t spend much time showering either. Katsuki is nearly finished by the time the shower shuts off and the smell of dinner floats around the kitchen. 

There’s a small clatter from the bathroom and Katsuki pauses, about to call out and as if Deku is alright but before he can, there’s a quiet voice echoing out.

”Oh shoot. Nice going, Izuku.” He hears Deku mutter quietly to himself.

With a fond smile, Katsuki shakes his head and resumes his job, stirring the egg yolk into his pan and waiting for it to finish cooking. He drops a small treat down to Might, only because his cat-son is an exemplarily patient sous-chef, and pulls out two plates. 

Katsuki is halfway through plating the food when the bathroom door pops open and the gentle footsteps of Deku comes out into the kitchen. Glancing up at the nerd, Katsuki nearly misses the plate as he scoops a serving out, his eyes suddenly distracted. 

Deku stands there, his face a little red from the warm shower and smiling gratefully. His hair is wet, rather than the uniformed curls his strands usually sit in, they’re only slightly waved, framing along his cheekbones and jaw and. A few hairs stick out, unruly. The burgundy sweatshirt is unsurprisingly big, the sleeves reach down past his fingertips and the hem of the shirt sits just below Deku’s hips. However, the black shorts sit tightly on his muscular thighs, clinging to him in a mouth-watering way. 

“It smells delicious out here, Kacchan!” Deku hums, grinning widely as he steps forward and towards Katsuki. “Are you making oyakodon?” He questions and comes around the counter to watch Katsuki finish serving the food. 

Katsuki swallows thickly as Deku peeks around his shoulders to see, standing close enough to Katsuki that the blonde can feel his body heat rolling off. Worse than that, Katsuki’s mind goes blank when he takes a breath in because fuck - the nerd smells like him. The aroma of cinnamon and amber radiates from Deku, courtesy of Katsuki’s body wash and it’s fucking distracting. 

“Yeah. You like oyakodon?” Katsuki manages to ask, turning to look at the nerd. As he does, Deku takes a small step back but they’re still close and Katsuki’s scent on the nerd is wreaking havoc inside the blonde’s brain. 

Nodding Deku takes a plate from Katsuki, “I do! I’m sure I’ll love it, since you made it.” He chirps, heading around the counter to his signature stool and sliding in. 

“You’d fuckin’ better.” Katsuki replies, pulling out some chopsticks and napkins that he passed over to the nerd. “Are you feeling better? Warmer?” He asks, standing in his usual spot across from Izuku.

Already gathering a bite in his chopsticks, Deku grins, “Much better. You’re a good host, Kacchan.” He compliments, blowing softly on the steaming fresh food. 

“I’m the best goddamn host ever.” Katsuki scoffs, copying Izuku by blowing on his food as well but the steam floating up from the chicken causes his nostrils to flare slightly. 

Quirking an eyebrow, Deku chuckles. “The best host ever wouldn’t curse at their guest.” He teases before popping the bite into his mouth. Katuski doesn’t reply, just watches as the nerds eyes widen and he relaxes into his seat, dramatically. “This is so, so good!” He groans, mouth half-full. 

With pride, Katsuki nods. “I fuckin’ know it is.” He grins and then takes a bite of his own food. Deku is right, it’s good as fuck but still, Katsuki turns and grabs his hot sauce from the cabinet, tapping out a few generous drops onto his meal. He doesn’t bother offering any to Deku, mostly because the idiot is staring at the bottle with fear. “Do you want somethin’ to drink? I got water, iced tea, beer, probably some sake around here too.” He offers, tilting his head to the side. 

“Waters fine!” Deku chimes back, basically scarfing down his food like he hasn’t eaten in days. Katsuki wouldn’t be surprised if he was eating dry fuckin’ ramen at this point. 

Katsuki grabs two glasses, fills them with water and ice and slides one over to Deku who takes it eagerly. As he takes a few drinks, the viridian man glances toward the window, rain pounds down the side and a flash of lightning sends a wave of light through the house. When he looks back, he wears a wobbly smile. 

“How’s your week off been? I’m sorry I got called away, I was hoping to be able to come by and bring you food or something one of these nights.” 

With a snort, Katsuki turns and opens his brimming fridge, “I’ve done basically nothing but cook cause I’ve been bored out of my goddamn mind.” He sighs, lulling his head backwards as he recalls his long days of staring at the wall. “Can’t wait to get back to work.” 

Deku smiles, “I suppose this is the longest time you’ve had off in awhile?” He hums, setting his water down. Katsuki nods and the veterinarian chuckles. “You should’ve done something, Kacchan! There’s tons to do.”

”Yeah? Like what?” 

“There’s painting classes, movies, museums! On wednesday the history museum does a sip-and-walk where they provide wine and give a tour of the place! You even get to go into the back room areas where they keep some of the other artifacts that aren’t out to the public.” Deku lists and as he does, a spark of enjoyment flickers back into his eyes. “Oh! On saturdays Ueno Park has a market with tons of fresh fruit and handmade goods!” He adds and then places his forefinger and thumb on his chin, as if trying to think of more. 

Katsuki raises an eyebrow, “Getting wine drunk at a museum? Somehow not surprised you know about that.” He teases, leaning on the counter and propping his chin in his palm as he eats. He’s sure a boyish grin sits on his lips but the blonde couldn’t care less. 

“It’s a lot of fun!” Deku swears, though he blushes at Katsuki’s comment. “There’s a few ceramic shops where you can make your own bowls or mugs and then you pain them! Oh and there’s the food tour for the Tsukiji Fish Market that’s really good. Also sushi making classes.” He adds to the growing list and then gives Katsuki a sheepish smile. “I suppose most those things are mostly fun with someone else though. You and Kirishima probably would’ve have fun with some of those!”

Katsuki is nearly so lost in listening to the nerd, he barely registers he’s supposed to respond now. “Eijiro would’ve gotten us kicked out of half of those places for being so damn loud.” he points out and then swallows thickly. “You work tomorrow?”

“Fair point. But no, not until sunday!”

“Good. Tomorrow we’ll do some of that random shit then, got it?” Katsuki demands, more than asks but he raises an eyebrow to make sure the nerd is alright with the plans.

Thankfully for Katsuki’s ego, Deku blushes and then nods eagerly. “Ok! We can start with the market at the park, then we can go to Cementoss Ceramic’s and while they fire our ceramics we can get lunch and then go back and paint them.” He suggests, already planning the day out in his head with a hopeful tone. Deku buzzes in his seat, grinning widely and it makes Katsuki’s heart race, his cheeks growing warm. 

By now, his hair has begun to dry but instead of the loopy curls it normally holds, his viridian tresses lay in small waves and with the extra length brush in front of his eyes, down his jaw and the nape of his neck. Katsuki realizes now that the man has a sort of mullet-ish cut, though it’s barely recognizable due to the length. It suits him and while Katsuki prefers the sculpted curls he normally sports, he’d be an idiot not to admit the way the waves frame his cheekbones and eyes isn’t captivating. 

“Kacchan?” The nickname draws Katsuki out of his admiration. “Did you hear me?” Deku blinks, smiling smally as he goes to take another bite of his dwindling meal.

Katsuki clears his throat, “What?” He asks, unsure of what the nerd had even said, too distracted by his damn hair to listen properly. 

A laugh escapes Deku’s lips and he grins at Katsuki. “I asked if that was ok? I don’t wanna take up your whole day or anything so we could always hit the market and whatever else you wanna do!” 

“It’s not like I’ve got better shit to do. Besides, I’ve gotta see what’s so great about all these places anyway.” Katsuki shrugs, doing his best to act nonchalant and like he’s not already counting down the hours until he gets to spend a whole day with Izuku - plus however long he stays tonight. 

Deku beams and sits up straighter in the stool, “You won’t be disappointed! I swear.” He promises and it’s sweet, childlike with the way he grins and gets excited about their plans. 

Katsuki’s not even sure if there’d been a time in his life where he feels like his heart would swell and then explode from adoration until now. A simple grin has never made him loose his train of thought and the way a laugh bubbles out has never made his heart skip a beat and then thrum wildly in his chest. Yet now, every little thing Izuku does makes the blonde reel, force his heart to settle down and contain the smile threatening his lips. His mind is a mess of viridian eyes, a nerdy voice and kind words. 

“We’ll see, Deku.” Katsuki swallows the chuckle in his throat, settling for a smirk. His chin is still perched in his palm, elbow against the counter, as he reaches for his water, taking a quick sip, his crimson eyes still set on Izuku.

As the veterinarian finishes his food, his eyes drop down to where the stitched wound lays beneath Katsuki’s shirt. “Does it hurt still? The stitches?” He asks, gently. 

“Not really. I mean I still take the pain meds cause Might always likes to curl up on me and it makes ‘em pretty damn sore.” Katsuki admits with a small shrug, collecting his and Deku’s empty plates and sets them into the dishwasher. 

Letting out an airy laugh, Izuku crosses his arms on the counter and props his chin in his hand. “I don’t blame him, you’d probably make a decent pillow.”

”Hah? Decent? I’m the best damn pillow. Like fuckin’ memory foam.” Katsuki scoffs, pointing a finger back at himself as if to prove his point. Deku grins, amusedly. Then, Katsuki points at Deku’s hair. “Why’s it all flaccid?” 

“Flaccid?” Izuku repeats, his cheeks growing a little red and his eyes widen in confusion.

Imitating a curl by swirling his finger, Katsuki nods. “Your hair is usually all curly ‘n shit.” 

Deku releases a breath and shakes his head. “Odd word choice but alright. And it’s not like you’ve got curly hair product or leave in conditioner for me to use. Though you do have an impressive collection of lotion and face products.” He teases, grinning coyly. 

“What, you snooping around my stuff, stalker?” Katsuki quips back, raising an accusing eyebrow and leans forward further toward Deku. 

The man shrugs, “I’ve been wondering what makes your face so smooth.” He reaches forward, fingers dancing along Katsuki’s jaw with a chuckle. 

Katsuki ignores the way his skin tingles beneath the veterinarians touch. “Well it takes more than a damn bar of soap, I’ll tell ya that.” 

“Shoto is really into all that face stuff too. I used one of his products once and I have no idea how he affords it.” 

“Probably because he’s not buying All Might themed boxers.” Katsuki snickers, teasingly and he eats up the way Izuku immediately turns bright red and hides his face with one large hand. 

Letting out an embarrassed laugh, Deku peeks through his fingers to glare at the blonde. “Don’t be mean! I got them on sale, actually.” He damn near pouts, jutting out his bottom lip. 

Katsuki sneers, “Yeah I’m sure you did, nerd.” he snorts, shaking his head. “I heard Four Eyes and Momo have been going out.” He comments, doing his best to seem interested in the nerds friends and their well being - that’s the proper thing to do, right? 

“Oh yeah! For about a month now! They’ve been dancing around each other forever, I thought they’d never admit feelings!” Deku laughs, shaking his nearly dried head of hair and then smiles. “It seems like your fire station takes a lot of interest in our clinic.” He points out, almost teasingly. 

Katsuki huffs out a laugh, “Kinda hard not to when you’re all walkin’ around in those damn scrubs.” He points out, brazenly. His mind quickly flashes back to the dark brown pair of scrubs Izuku wore last time, his hips rutting against Katsuki’s. The blonde feels his face heat at the memory. 

“Yeah? Maybe I should keep a spare pair in my car for when I come over.” Izuku replies, his face a little red as well and he takes a long sip from his water. 

“That’s the best damn idea you’ve had. Though I think I like those shorts better.” Katsuki smirks, unashamedly glancing down to the taught fabric of the shorts against Izuku’s thick legs. 

When he looks back up, Deku is blushing further. “Well if we’re making requests now, you’d better start keeping a pair of those suspenders around, Kacchan.” He replies, his voice a little low but brimming with confidence. 

Katsuki smirks further and turns, “You mean these?” He asks, holding up a pair of red suspenders he’d accidentally brought home from the station months ago - and has since forgotten to return. “Didn’t think you’d be a damn sucker for suspenders, Deku.” 

“I didn’t think so either until you kept popping up in my clinic with them on, Kacchan.” He huffs, a little dramatically but a smile plays on his lips. “They should make you take those off before you waltz in somewhere like you own the place.” Deku adds, shaking his head slightly. 

A laugh bubbles up from Katsuki, rough and amused. “They that distracting, doctor?” He hums, a tongue darts across his bottom lip and his eyes flicker down to Izuku’s lips. 

Shifting in his seat, Deku leans forward, his eyes dropping into that half-lidded gaze as he does. “If I’m being honest, yeah.” he replies, voice just above a whisper. 

A primal like instinct bugs in the back of Katsuki’s mind and he can’t stop his eyes from dropping back down to the nerds lips and then back up to his sparkling viridian eyes. Not to mention from the distance, Katsuki can smell his body wash still strongly clinging to Izuku and it’s driving him mad. The blonde would be an idiot if it didn’t think the nerds usual intoxicating scent of ginger, cinnamon and lavender didn’t fit him better; But, the nerd smelling like Katsuki, wearing his clothes and sitting in his house scratches some part of the blondes brain that makes him buzz.

So, with a cocky grin, Katsuki nudges forward. “Gonna have to keep that in mind. Maybe I’ll start takin’ them off before I come in. Wouldn’t want your pretty little head distracted when you’re working.” 

Deku blushes and his fingers intertwine almost nervously. Still, he doesn’t back down. “I like to think I work better when I’ve got a hot fireman in suspenders to impress.” He quips back, tilting his head to the side.

At this point, they’re both leaned over the counter, hands nearly touching and heads mere inches apart. Katsuki curses the small barrier between them for making it just that much harder to lean in closer, to ghost his lips over Deku’s. 

“You should hang one of those damn calendar pictures in your work station. Then you’d have that motivation all the time, Deku.” 

“Well then I’d be ruining a perfectly good calendar. I think it’s better to go straight to the source.” The nerd is quick, his brilliant mind coming up with responses quicker than Katsuki can catch his breath. 

The fireman snickers, “Keeping that calendar nice and safe, huh?” he murmurs, eyes focused on the way Deku keeps pulling on his bottom lip with his pearly white teeth. 

“I have to. It’s not everyday I see Kacchan slick in oil posing with a fire extinguisher.” 

God. Katsuki swallows thickly, his eyes flickering up to Izuku’s, only to find the viridian eyed man is staring at him with dark, intense eyes and a permanent flush on his cheeks. The blonde doesn’t know how much more he can take - how much longer he can wait. 

Still, the competitive side of him urges for him to remember the last time Deku was over. The way the damned nerd had baited him, rolled his hips expertly against Katsuki’s and then left him high and dry. He couldn’t let the man get the better of him again - couldn’t let him draw the lust so easily out. 

Katsuki licks across his top teeth, “It’s a shame they don’t have a veterinarian calendar.” He breathes, his mind already picturing Deku in the same condemning poses, shirtless and bashful. Immediately he regrets the thought because inside his sweatpants, he can feel his dick twitch to life, as if beckoned. 

Across from him, Deku angles his head up to meet Katsuki’s height, “That eager to see me pose, Kacchan?” He purrs, a strand of his hair falls into his eyes. 

Before Izuku can push the hair from his face, Katsuki’s on the move. A slim finger reaches out, tucking the lose strand behind Deku’s ear and the blonde doesn’t miss the way he almost settles into Katsuki’s hand, gently. 

“Of fuckin’ course I am.” Katsuki hums. 

Deku makes the first advance, using his hands he pushes forward on the counter, closing the distance. His lips collide with Katsuki’s in a flurry, soft and plush and it takes the fireman no longer than a millisecond to respond. His hand snakes up from behind Deku’s ear to the back of his head, basically shoving the man closer. 

It’s not as gentle as the first time, rather than a soft, almost shy kiss, it’s fast and hungry. Their lips fasten together like a seatbelt, working in sync and molding against one another. When Katsuki tangles his fingers into Izuku’s nearly dry hair and tugs ever so slightly, the man lets out a small groan, lips parting. Katsuki takes the opportunity to slide his tongue against Izuku’s teeth and graciously, the veterinarian gives way. 

Katsuki’s heart thumps in his ears, his mind ceases to think of anything but the way Deku’s lips feel against his and the way he pushes further against the counter, deepening the kiss. 

They’re too far apart for either of their liking - from the way Izuku is straining himself against the counter to how Katuski is bent over the side to reach his lips. For one moment, Katsuki pulls back.

”Fuck. Up top, now.” He says, breathlessly and his blood pulses in his veins. Deku’s lips are swollen, wet and red. His emerald eyes are glazed over, nearly a forest green.

He complies quickly, yet still mutters out a response. “So bossy.” Deku mutters and Katsuki’s mind flashes back to that morning in his bedroom and Izuku’s commanding tone. 

In one fluid motion, Deku is propped up on the counter. Katsuki pulls his feet forward, yanking the nerd in a gentle sort of manner. Just as his lips near Izuku’s, he pauses. 

“So fuckin’ obedient.” Katsuki repeats, smirking as their lips meet again.

Chapter Text

Izuku doesn’t miss a beat, his hands tangle into Katsuki’s hair and the blonde slots himself between his thick thighs. A stifled groan escapes Katsuki when the other man gently tugs at his hair and their lips separate for a moment. A jolt runs up Katsuki’s spine when Deku’s teeth tug onto his bottom lip gently before returning their lips in place. 

Katsuki settles his hands onto the curve of Deku’s waist, clutching around the curve while his thumb toys with the hem of the sweatshirt. When Deku shivers into him, Katsuki sneers. 

“Cold still, nerd?” He teases, lips drifting toward his freckled cheeks and down nearing his jaw. 

A breathy half-laugh comes from Deku, “A bit. Why, are my hands cold?” He murmurs and one hand leaves Katsuki’s hair in a flash, sneaking beneath Katsuki’s shirt. Cold fingers lay flush against his abdomen, drifting upwards toward his chest at a tantalizing pace. 

The movement, paired with Deku’s freezing touch, raises goosebumps onto Katsuki’s skin; a stark difference to his usual overheated temperature. Katsuki continues down Deku’s jaw, tracing each freckle and ingrains every feeling into his brain. Then, the freckled man ghosts his finger over Katsuki’s hardened nipple, the touch light and experimental.

Katsuki lets an unfortunate groan pass his lips and Izuku takes the opportunity to catch Katsuki’s lips with his own. His heart hammers in his chest, his dick strains against his sweatpants and Katsuki isn’t convinced he isn’t fuckin’ hallucinating. His teeth graze against Deku’s tongue and the small gasp that emits from the vet goes straight to Katsuki’s cock. 

Still, their breaths grow shorter, more shallow and after a few more moments, both of them pull away, breathless and cherry red. 

“You’re like a fuckin’ icicle.” Katsuki replies, his chest heaves slightly and he does his best to will his heart to stop rattling around his ribcage. 

Deku, chuckles, “It’s your fault for keeping it so cold in here.” He coos, the hand in Katsuki’s hair draws a feather-light circle while the hand snaked up his shirt taps along his waist and up Katsuki’s spine. 

For a moment, it’s silent and Katsuki simply revels at the hazed look in Izuku's eyes, the way his chest rises and falls with each heavy breath, his cheeks red. He looks fuckin' perfect like this, disheveled and in Katsuki's clothes, perched on top of the counter. Leaning forward, Katsuki presses his lips along Deku's neck, trailing along his vein and the other man relaxes into his touch, lulling his head backwards.

"You're just too damn sensitive." Katsuki murmurs against the plush skin, his breath snakes up Deku and once again, he shivers into the blonde's touch. With a steady hand, Katsuki draws one of his hands up, past the barrier of the sweatshirt and his nimble fingers find the toned, muscular abdomen of the veterinarian. 

Huffing out a small, strained chuckle, Deku, rakes his hand down Katsuki's scalp, gently. "Says you, Kacchan." He breathes and his cold fingers brush over Katsuki's pebbled nipple once more. The blonde bites back the groan threatening to rumble in his chest and his canines bite gently along Deku's collarbone. At the action, the veterinarian hums, quietly and his fingers curl along the hem of Katsuki's shirt. "Off. Please." He says, his voice raw.

Katsuki glances up, his crimson eyes blazing with fire and he nods drawing his lips from Deku's skin and allowing the man to pull his red shirt up and over his head. The air hits the blonde's skin with a refreshing bite and he's quick to connect his lips back to Deku's skin, his hands roaming beneath his sweatshirt, tracing every crevice and old scar. Deku runs his own hands along Katsuki's shoulders, down his back before dipping around and caressing down his chest with smooth movements. 

The only sounds in the duplex is their heavy breathing and the tumble of the dryer only a few feet away. Slowly, Katsuki rears back, taking a moment to stare at the man once more - he can't help himself. For months now he's been confined to yearning looks, hesitant touches and fleeting moments but now he's finally got the damn nerd who's been driving him insane in his grasp. 

Deku connects their lips quickly, impatiently and his nails draw goosebumps along Katsuki's bare skin as they tiptoe down until he's suddenly hooking a finger along the waistband of the fireman's sweatpants. Katsuki's heart stammers, his cock straining against the confines, eager for touch. Teasingly, Deku pulls the waistband before letting it go, snapping it against the blonde's waist. 

With a small growl, Katsuki's hands draw back to Izuku's sweatshirt and in a fluid motion he pulls it off, disconnecting their lips for only a second before returning. He tosses the burgundy fabric somewhere to the side, uncaring of where it'll land and grabs Deku's waist, pulling him flush. Katsuki smirks into the kiss when Izuku's hard dick pushes against his navel and the veterinarian moans sweetly. 

As if an act of revenge for the action, Deku's hand slides down, palming against Katsuki's cock. "So hard already, Kacchan." The little shit mutters against Katsuki's lips.

Katsuki huffs, breaking the kiss to stare intensely at the nerd. "Fuck off. You drive me fuckin' crazy, asshole." He hisses though his voice is soft and husky. When Izuku repeats the motion, Katsuki groans dropping his head and biting his lip. Deku doesn't let up, rather the bold man chuckles lowly and rolls his palm again and suddenly his fingers wrap around Katsuki's length, giving it a small squeeze. "Shit." Katsuki curses.

"Pants off, please." Deku says but his voice comes out in almost a whimper and when Katsuki looks back up, the man is flushed, pupils blown wide and his tongue darts across his lips with anticipation. A small laugh rumbles through Katsuki at how polite the man is asking him to strip, the small 'please' echoes through his mind enticingly. 

"So needy." Katsuki's hands drop from Deku's chest and tug on his waistband, shimmying the cloth down at a tantilizing pace, eyes settled on Deku the entire time. He watches as his emerald eyes flicker between Katsuki's eyes and down to his waist. Finally, Katsuki's sweatpants drop, leaving him in only a pair of black briefs that cling to his skin and show off his hard-on shamelessly. 

Groaning, Izuku quickly goes to run his hand along the bulge, his bottom lip pulled in between his teeth. "So big." He whispers and his big doe eyes gleam back at Katsuki. 

Turns out, that small comment is all it takes for the conviction in Katsuki to snap and before the nerd can get his hand any closer to Katsuki's aching cock, he tugs the nerd closer, snaking a hand around his waist and in one fluid motion he lifts him from the counter. A small gasp escapes Deku and his legs fasten around the blonde's waist, his hands coming up to clutch his shoulders. As he grips the soft, meaty skin of the veterinarians waist, Katsuki does his best not to get distracted by the hard-on pushing against his stomach and the muscular thighs around his waist.

It takes Katsuki only a few large steps across the kitchen before he's dropping Deku onto the couch and climbing on top of him with his larger frame. Deku stares up at him, wide eyed and breathless before Katsuki slams their lips together, relishing the warmth that comes with the connection. One hand holds him up, while the other drops down and pinches over Izuku's nipple. The nerd gasps again, his chest angling upwards at the movement and Katsuki snickers into the kiss. 

Their hips collide and Katsuki grinds down against Izuku, eliciting a moan from both of them as their clothed cocks rub along one another. Chasing the feeling, Deku ruts his hips upward, meeting the blonde halfway. Neither of them can focus on molding their mouths together any longer, rather their lips brush together, heavy breaths and gentle moans leaving their lips. Katsuki isn't even sure the last time he'd felt such pleasure by such simple movements but his entire brain is filled with lust and the sound of Deku moaning beneath him. 

Suddenly, Izuku is wrapping a leg around Katsuki's waist while the other hooks along his thigh and before Katsuki knows it, his back is against the couch and Deku is grinning down at him. "Said you wanted to see my wrestling moves sometime." Is all Izuku says and the blonde barely has time to recombobulate himself before the asshole is grinding his hips down and trailing lazy kisses across Katsuki's collarbone. All the man can do is tangle a hand in the soft green tresses above him while the other rakes up Izuku's back.

Slowly, the veterinarian shimmies downward, his lips warmly pushing against each scar Katsuki has on his chest and around the stitches below his pectoral. One of his hands snakes downward, palming against Katsuki's throbbing cock once again and unable to stop himself, the blonde bucks upward, groaning loudly. "Fuck." He breathes, biting harshly into his lip when Izuku grins against his skin and repeats the motion at a dizzying speed. "Deku," he exhales, voice nothing more than a rough plea. "Izuku, you're gonna make me fuckin' bust already."

Deku's eyes shoot up to meet Katsuki's, his lips coming to a halt and hand pulling away from Katsuki's crotch. A smirk curls onto his swollen lips, "Kacchan really is sensitive." He mutters, a devilish look sparks in his features and before Katsuki's can snark out a reply, cold hands are diving beneath his boxers and Deku's thumb swipes over the pulsating head of Katsuki's cock, gathering the precum beading out. Then, his hand retreats, thumb pops into his mouth and the nerd hums. "Please?" He asks, voice a little muffled as he pulls his thumb from his lips.

Katsuki can't even stop the small moan bubbles up his throat at the sight - Deku's hair is dry but messy, sticking out unruly from having Katsuki's hands tangled in his tresses, his skin is flush, from his cheeks, shoulders and down his muscular, freckled chest. 

"Fuck, yeah." Katsuki exhales and as soon as the permission leaves his mouth, the veterinarian is pushing himself downward until he's eye level with Katsuki's bulge. 

Darting his tongue out excitedly, Deku keeps his eyes peeled on Katsuki as he hooks his fingers on the waistband of the briefs. He pulls them down in one fluid motion and Katsuki's unbearably hard cock springs out, standing tall, red and needy. Emerald eyes flicker down, widening at the sight before an eager smile curls onto the nerds lips. "Much bigger than I thought, Kacchan." He hums out.

Katsuki swallows thickly and chuckles quietly, pride building inside of his mind. "You nervous or somethin' Deku?" He teases, the beginnings of a sneer beginning to pull at his lips. However, it's quickly diminished when Deku shakes his head and quickly drops down, taking the tip into his mouth. Katsuki widens his eyes, face growing impossibly hot when Deku looks back up, their eyes meeting as his tongue swirls around, gathering the precum still leaking. He pulls back, a string of saliva on his tongue before he licks from the base of Katsuki's cock to the tip. "Shit." 

As Deku takes the tip into his mouth once again, inching further down, Katsuki has to throw an arm over his face, heavy breaths rattling his chest. At this rate, he's sure he'll bust if he makes eye contact with the fucker one more time, especially when he's stretching his mouth around Katsuki's cock. Izuku's mouth is warm, impossibly so and soft as he works further down, taking more and more into his mouth. His tongue runs along Katsuki's vein as he draws back up just before dropping back down, nearly swallowing halfway down. 

Unable to hold back anymore, breathy groans leave Katsuki's lips and one of his hands drops to grip tightly into Deku's hair. When he tugs gently, a moan rumbles out of Deku and vibrates his cock. "Fuck. Izuku." Katsuki hisses, the mans first name like a goddamn prayer. "So fuckin' good." He mutters out, mind blank with the exception of utter praise for the veterinarian plowing through. 

His words seem only to encourage the viridian man because he dips further and further until Katsuki feels the pointed tip of Deku's nose brushing against his pelvis. The nerd swallows and the feeling makes a loud moan fly from Katsuki, his fingers tighten along his hair. With expertise that should be illegal, Deku bobs back up, setting a dizzying pace, hollowing his cheeks each time he pulls back up and swirling his tongue with each descent. 

The orgasm sneaks up quickly, Katsuki is nothing but a mess of groans and praise. As the familiar feeling builds in the base of his stomach, Katsuki dares to look down once again. He's slapped across the face with the realization that Deku's eyes are still on him, watching his every reaction this entire time and all the breath escapes the blonde's lungs. Deku's eyes are red, watery from the strain of taking Katsuki's entire length but they're filled with determination. When the man hums against Katsuki's cock, it unravels him completely. 

"Fuck. Shit. Izuku." Katsuki stammers, hips bucking upwards to chase Deku's warm mouth. "Fuck, so perfect. Work of fuckin' art, baby." The pet name slips out but the blonde can't even care right now. "Gonna cum, Deku." He breathes out the best warning he can but the other man doesn't relent. He only smiles the best he can before quickening his pace. Katsuki huffs, his entire body beginning to go rigid and before he knows it his orgasm is wracking through him, violently. "Ah f-fuck. 'Zuku." He stutters out as he releases, ropes of cum shooting out and the warmth of Deku's mouth doesn't leave him once, still sucking and licking as he milks every fucking drop of cum with reverence. "So good, so damn perfect baby, shit." he rambles, his brain filled with nothing but Deku, his cock overstimulated and slowly beginning to shrink,

Deku pulls off with an obscene pop of his mouth, his lips coated in saliva and impossibly swollen. His cheeks are a fierce red, eyes glazed over with lust and a sort of prideful smile curls onto his lips. "Who knew you'd be so praiseful, Kacchan." He mutters, quietly, teasingly.

Still catching his breath, Katsuki lifts his head up. "Fuck you and your fuckin' mouth." He grumbles, recovering from the intense orgasm. He licks across his lips, "C'mere." He shifts, sitting upwards and without any qualms, Deku does as he's told, settling onto Katsuki's lap. The blonde catches his mouth quickly, licking across his lips and into his mouth eagerly. He can taste the traces of himself and it really shouldn't make his still recovering cock twitch excitedly, but it does. 

With a quick shift, Katsuki retrieves a bottle of lube from the drawer of his coffee table, lips still working against Izuku's who makes a small noise at the shift that the blonde swallows. He can feel Deku's hard on against him, poking through the shorts and bobbing against his chest and because Katsuki's isn't a piece of shit with no manners, he'd make sure the veterinarian has an orgasm he'll fuckin' remember forever. 

"You ready, asshole?" Katsuki murmurs against Deku's lips and the other man goes still for a moment.

"Yes, yes, yes." He answers and the blonde snickers at his eagerness. "Please." He adds on, quietly and damnit - Katsuki can feel his cock twitch once more, slowly growing to life again. 

Katsuki pulls the black shorts and boxers from Deku's skin in a fluid motion, yanking them down until they're off his body completely and tosses them to the side. He parts from Izuku's lips momentarily, only to get a good look at the flushed, leaking tip that sits tall against Izuku's stomach. He smirks, taking a hand and gently running it down the nerds length. A breathy moan catches in Deku's throat and he chases the light touch, nearly whimpering when Katsuki draws his hand back.

"Patience, baby." Katsuku murmurs and kisses along the mans freckled neck as he dips his finger in the lube, generously coating it. "Relax," He whispers, his hand grabbing a fistful of the nerds ass as he gently nudges his finger along the tight rim of his hole. Deku takes a sharp breath in as Katsuki slowly sinks the finger inside, gently. He has to bite back a groan at the tight warmth, slowly beginning to work is finger in pace, curling upwards as he does. As he quickens his pace, finger sliding in and out with ease, Katsuku slides another in.

"Oh god." Deku moans, taking deep breaths. Katsuki watches as his eyes flutter shut, his teeth dig into his bottom lip and the blonde grins, curling his fingers up until he feels the familiar bump of the prostate against his fingertips. "Fuck!" Deku curses, body jolting as the blonde sets his aim at the sweet spot, hitting it with precision with each thrust of his fingers. Beneath Deku's hips, Katsuki's own cock is regaining its length, propelled on by each breathy moan leaving the nerds mouth. 

Katsuki adds a third finger, his pace quickening and Deku drops his forehead into the crook of Katsuki's neck, his fingers tangle tightly into blonde hair and his moans grow louder, more desperate. Its invigorating, better than Katsuki ever imagined, having the nerd on top of him and occasionally pushing back against Katsuki's fingers impatiently.

"Kacchan, oh fuck, please." Deku moans out, his lips connecting to the blonde's neck as an outlet. "M-more, please, please." He babbles, voice raw and nearly a whimper.

The blonde swallows thickly, "Think you can take it, Deku?" He grumbles, smiling broadly when Deku nods quickly. "You sure? You're so fucking tight." he asks, once again, adding a fourth finger for good measure and Deku lets out a loud, drawn out groans.

"I can take it. I can take it." Deku repeats, voice a little slurred and his lips wetly kissing along Katsuki. 

The confirmation is all Katsuki needs and he slides his fingers out quickly taking the bottle of lube in hand again. He glances down, his own cock already fully hardened once again and standing, waiting. He coats it quickly, growing more distracted by Deku's mouth kissing what no doubt will be a dark hickey tomorrow into his collar bone. He swipes a glob of lube along Deku's rim and then ghosts his lips over the mans ear.

"Ready?" He asks, barely above a whisper. 

"Ready." 

With that, Katsuki pushes the tip along the rim of Deku's hole, sliding it in with little resistance. They each let out a loud moan and Deku's fingers bruise into the blonde's back as he inches further inside. It's tight. So fucking tight and the way Deku squeezes against him makes Katsuki's breath hitch, his eyes widening. He guides the mans hips slowly down until they're flush and Katsuki's cock is fully sheathed inside. 

Deku lifts his head lazily, "So full." He murmurs, letting out a shaky breath. "So good, Kacchan." He wriggles his hips lightly, nearly beginning to lift himself up to start the pace but Katsuki's hands grip tightly against his waist, locking him in place.

"Fuck. Give me a second." Katsuki breathes, lulling his head back against the couch. Deku gives him an odd look, tilting his head to the side curiously. Then, experimentally, the damn nerd rolls his hips and Katsuki hisses, holding his hips tightly and clenching his jaw. "Fuck, ‘Zuku. You're gonna make me fuckin' blow already." He growls, lifting his head to meet Deku's shining gaze. 

With a smile, the veterinarian chuckles and stills himself, drawing a pattern into Katsuki's back. It takes everything in the blonde to steel his resolve and push the all too eager orgasm away.  

"Shit ok, I'm good." He exhales.

He hikes the nerds hips up and pulls his cock out slightly before pushing back inside, setting a slow pace. Deku drops his head back down to the crook of Katsuki's neck, moaning into the skin. It’s fucking heavenly and Katsuki grits his teeth, groaning with each thrust and beginning to quicken the pace. He uses one hand to reach forward, wrapping loosely around Deku’s cock and pumping it slowly. 

“Kacchan, oh god.” Deku hums out, moaning so loud Katsuki is almost afraid the old fucks nextdoor may complain. Not that he cares. “So good, Kacchan is so big.” He babbles out, lifting his head to look at Katsuki with a fucked-out expression. 

The blonde sneers, “Feels good, nerd?” He grumbles, half groaning and pistons his hips quicker, swiping his thumb over the drooling tip of Izuku’s cock. 

“Feels so so good. Best ever.” He nods and when Katsuki groans, angling his hips to slam into the man’s prostate, Deku gasps, his fingers bruise into Katsuki’s shoulder, nails raking downwards. “Gonna cum, Kacchan. So close.” 

It’s nothing but a mix of skin slapping, loud moans and groans and heavy breaths in Katsuki’s house. The dishes in the sink are long forgotten, as well as the clothes strewn all over. Katsuki can feel himself inching closer to the orgasm that’s been tantalizing him the whole time and he quickens his pace, both with his hips and the hand gliding along Deku’s girthy length. 

“Shit. Fuck, ‘Zuku. You’re so fuckin’ tight,”Katsuki growls as he feels the man clamp down on him. “C’mon, go ahead and cum, baby.” He groans, unsure if the other man can even hear his words over the sound of his own moans. 

It’s only a moment later that Deku tenses, his legs shaking as an orgasm wrecks his body, cum spilling out onto Katsuki’s chest, dick throbbing in his hand, as he lets out a long, lewd moan. 

“That’s it, fuck yeah.” Katsuki rambles on, completely intoxicated by the way Deku’s whimpering and moaning as he continues to thrust into him at a mind-numbing pace. “So good, you’re fuckin’ heavenly.” Katsuki leans down, biting onto Izuku’s shoulder as his own orgasm begins flushing over. His cock twitches, pulsating inside the man before spilling out what little he has left from his last orgasm. 

As Katsuki’s pace comes to a slow, their breaths mix, heavy and fast. The blonde flutters his eyes shut, exhaustion making his eyelids heavy and his hands settle on Deku’s waist, lazily grabbing at the soft skin. 

Deku shudders against Katsuki, his forehead sweaty and sat against the blonde’s chest. 

After a moment, Katsuki forces his eyes open and he shifts, earning a small moan from Izuku. “You alright?” He murmurs into the viridian man’s ear. 

“More than alright. Just sensitive.” Deku mutters back, voice hoarse. He lifts his head and gives his signature lopsided grin, only this time his cheeks are red, a few tears streaked down his face and Katsuki’s breath catches in his throat from how utterly gorgeous he looks. 

With a small chuckle, Katsuki lifts his hand, wiping a few lose hairs from in front of the nerds eyes. “Stay here, gonna get a towel.”  He orders, gently lifting Deku off of him. They both inhale sharply as Katsuki pulls out, his cock overworked and sensitive. 

He sets Deku on the soft carefully and the man gives him a tired nod. “Ok, Kacchan.” he agrees, leaning his head against the side of the couch. 

As he stands, Katsuki takes one last look at the veterinarian slumped against his couch and he bites his inner cheek. Shit - did he actually just fuck Izuku? A grin curls onto his lips, satisfaction creeping up his spine. Hell yeah, he did. And now, he’s gonna give the damn nerd the best aftercare of his life.

He collects a towel from the bathroom, wetting it with warm water and wipes his chest clean of Deku’s cum before heading back to the living room. He picks up their shedded clothes, tossing them over his shoulder and when he rounds the couch, Deku is running a hand through his hair, sitting with flushed cheeks. 

“Here, turn over.” Katsuki instructs, placing their clothes in a pile on the coffee table. Deku gives him a shy look and the blonde snorts. “Don’t get bashful on me now, Deku.” He teases with a smirk. 

The pine-haired man laughs quietly, “Thanks, Kacchan.” He murmurs, doing as he’s told and rolls over on the couch. When Katsuki’s eyes land on his ass, the skin is red and tender and the sight makes Katsuki’s heart hammer in his chest. Gently, he cleans the cum that’d started leaking out and onto his plush thighs. 

When he’s finished, he tosses the towel into the washer with precision and Deku turns back over still blushing. 

It’s silent as they dress once more, Katsuki decides to ignore the fact Deku’s clothes are dry in the dryer and watches him pull on the lended clothes. Now, however, Katsuki isn’t sure what to say, his mind racing with ways to get the veterinarian to stay longer and not leave like some one night stand. 

Clearing his throat, Katsuki feels his face heat up as he speaks. “Do you wanna stay?” 

Deku’s eyes flick up to Katsuki’s wide and he gives a toothy grin. “Do you want me to, Kacchan?” He asks, forever a pain in the ass. 

Katsuki rolls his eyes, “No shit. I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want you to, nerd.” He crosses his arms over his chest as Izuku slips the burgundy sweater over his head. “We can watch a movie or sleep or whatever the fuck. You decide.” 

“A movie sounds delightful, Kacchan.” He hums, scooting to the side to give the blonde room to sit. 

With a satisfied expression, Katsuki grabs a blanket from the basket beside him and plops down onto the couch, spreading the soft fabric across both of them. As he grabs the remote, Deku pulls his legs into the couch and his torso leans against the blonde. 

“What do you wanna watch?” Katsuki asks, settling his free hand on Deku’s shoulder. It’s comfortable, natural. Izuku fits into his side like a puzzle piece that’s been missing, his warmth seeping onto Katsuki. 

“You already know my answer.” Deku gives a sheepish smile. 

“All right, new All Might series it is.”