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A broken gauntlet and an aching back are all Katsuki has to show for after a long day of patrolling. That dull ache that pulsed through his body was the only thing keeping him conscious and aware, the blond’s fatigue only mounting as he trekked back toward his shared office.
His exhaustion must’ve been outwardly visible because Ochako, who was walking beside him, slowed, leaning closer to catch his eyes.
“Woah, looking kinda rough there.” She wiggled her fingers in front of him. “Want me to use my quirk on you?”
The brunette was looking a little worse for wear herself, grime and scratches all over her usually pristine, naturally flushed face.
He scoffed at her suggestion, waving her off without hesitation. “Tch. Worry about keeping yourself up.”
Ochako seemingly agreed, letting out a breath from puffed up cheeks. “…Working on it.”
It shouldn’t have been this surprising that they were both in such rough shape, after all they were explicitly warned about all that came with an internship at Mirko’s new agency.
Calls about bigger, stronger villains filled the hero dispatch at such a big agency, Mirko only taking on the most difficult and tough requests as per her reputation. Her trademark swiftness and strength was expected to be matched by her sidekicks and interns, the rabbit hero wanting only the best.
If you couldn’t keep up, you’d only get in the way.
It’s that mantra that Katsuki repeated through his head throughout the entire day, the blond pushing himself to his limit as he attempted to keep up with the rabbit hero’s effortlessly brisk pace.
He is silently grateful that he’s not the only one so worn out, the weary presence of the brunette beside him enough to assure him he’s not alone. They’re content to walk without much effort to even give the illusion of energy, slumped over and limping along.
Their drained nonchalance is interrupted by a loud voice behind them, the two of them freezing up as they immediately recognize that confident, deep tone. With twin stiff necks, they both turned toward the pro-hero behind them, taking a sharp inhale at her still cheerful countenance.
Having seemingly limitless energy, Mirko quickly bounded up to them, smirking at their roughed up appearance. “Lookin’ tired little heroes!” Shorter than both of them, she reached up to ruffle their hair, undeterred by Katsuki’s resistance.
The brunette shook her head with a forced, shaking smile. “Oh, n-no! We’re feeling perfectly fine!” She gave a faux punch. “Super energized!”
“You sure don’t look it!” Mirko commented, eyebrows raised.
She clicked her tongue as she inspected them longer. “Well, I’d get that broken gear repaired down at the support lab by tonight.” The rabbit hero rapidly tapped her foot on the ground as if impatient. “Wouldn’t want you two to be out of luck for patrol tomorrow morning!”
Ochako blinked quickly. “H-huh? Tomorrow morning?”
Ears perking up in excitement, Mirko merely smiled. “I call it intern initiation!”
“That’s gotta be some kind of labor law violation…” Katsuki can practically feel his eye twitch.
Within a mere moment the pro-hero is halfway down the hallway, letting out one last remark before turning the corner. “It isn’t! I checked!” With one final joyful wave she disappeared from their sight. “Good luck, little ones!”
“We’re gonna die, Katsuki…” Ochako’s voice was hoarse.
He doesn’t grant her a verbal agreement, but he doesn’t deny it either, lightly checking her shoulder with his own. “Just c’mon. Let’s fucking get our gear fixed so I can go the hell to sleep already.”
The little energy they had left was enough to carry them to the support lab, which was surprisingly still open despite how late it was. Without preamble, Ochako used her bodyweight to open the door, muscles apparently much too tired to put in any real effort into pushing.
Even with the lack of people milling around, their entrance didn’t catch anyone’s attention, the sound of cheery pop music much too loud to hear anything else. The song that grated at the blond’s nerves came from the only occupied bench in the back of the room, the two occupants completely focused on whatever they were working on.
A blonde girl with a hair bun on each side of her head sat contently on the workbench next to a guy with wavy, unruly green hair, swinging her legs as she sang contently to whatever song was playing.
They couldn’t see much of their faces due to the angle, but the two of them seemed happy in each other's presence, unbothered by the late hour.
Katsuki almost felt guilty about interrupting.
Wobbling where they stood, the two interning heroes awkwardly waited near the entrance, unsure of how to get their attention, but too tired to cause any type of disturbance.
The ending of the pop song granted them their opportunity as the blonde girl happened to glance their way, freezing and tapping on her phone to pause her playlist. “Uh oh, Izuku, I better go. I don’t want the heroes to think I’m slacking off…”
Their distance away and her low voice should’ve been enough to keep them from hearing her comment, but the emptiness of the room had the blond hearing most of it loud and clear, leaving him scoffing at her words.
Ochako on the other hand didn’t seem to be processing anything at all, her body completely frozen as she stared at the blonde haired girl.
He felt a tug on his costume as the brunette tried to get his attention, attempting her own version of a whisper that he hopes the others can’t hear. “...Katsuki, be honest, are we dead? Did our patrol kill us?”
Katsuki could only frown confusedly, looking down at the other hero in concern. “What the hell are you talking about?”
With stars in her eyes, she doesn’t even look back, her gaze still on the other girl. “Because I’m pretty sure that I see an angel in front of me.”
His lip raises slightly to curl in disgust at the cheesiness of her statement, but their murmuring has caught the attention of the green-haired guy in the corner, the other turning around with a curious, excited look in his eyes.
Any pushback that he was about to give Uraraka dies immediately on his tongue, his expression going stiff as he gets his first glimpse of the other guy's face.
Round, bright green eyes stared right back at him, a pretty wide smile breaking out across his face as he called out in greeting. His expression only made his other features stand out more, those soft, biteable freckled cheeks raising as he beamed. Even his hair that seemed unruly before, suited him well, framing his face and eyes perfectly.
Before him sat the full package, and, holy shit, he was calling to him.
The two heroes stood stunned at the sights in front of them, mouths dry and brains shut down. Awkward silence filled the room as they stood frozen, practically unaware of the concerned looks they were now receiving from the two new objects of their affection.
The blonde girl turned toward Izuku, if Katsuki remembered correctly, with a grimace. “I think Mirko really does work her interns too hard.”
Taking off some type of safety gloves, the green-haired inventor waved in an attempt to get their attention. “Um, excuse me, did you two need something…?”
Izuku’s voice was enough to remind Ochako where she was, but it wasn’t enough to knock any sense into her, and she was quick to fix her hair, desperately trying to make herself look presentable.
“Oh yes!” She was speaking to him, but her eyes were on the blonde. “We need our gear fixed. We had a long day, you know, being heroes and all…”
It was obvious she was trying to impress the other girl, yet it didn’t seem to have much effect, the blonde haired girl simply watching concernedly. “Uhh Uravity, your nose is bleeding.”
Panicked hands shot up to verify, her suddenly bloodied fingers enough to confirm she was telling the truth. “Wh- Oh, y-yeah I guess it is!” Ochako seemingly thought of something else, eyes widening in a way that nearly looked excited. “Wait, you know who I am?”
The blonde nodded her head hard enough to have her bangs shaking. “Mhm, I’m required to know every hero that works here as one of the on-site medics for the agency.” She licked her sharp canines. “I know your blood type too.”
Katsuki doesn’t understand how Ochako didn’t find that gesture somewhat creepy, but it didn’t seem to phase her, her cheeks reddening even further. “That’s really… cool.”
Not acknowledging the brunette’s comment, the medic turned towards Katsuki, a slight grin on her face. “I know you too, but not for the reason you think-”
“-Himiko!” The green-haired angel called from across the room. “S-Shouldn’t you go and help Uravity with her nosebleed?”
With a shrug the medic seemingly conceded. “Sure. Go ahead and leave your broken gear with Izuku, Uravity.” She smiled sharply. “I can help you at the medic station.”
Practically still in a trance, Ochako simply nodded, following without question. She was aware enough to at least wave bye to Katsuki, giving him a non-subtle thumbs up.
Before they could both exit, however, Himiko let out one last parting phrase, her voice cheerful yet still holding an underlying tone of mischievousness. “Have fun with that explosion hero you’re always talking about, Izuku!”
“H-Himiko!” The inventor cried out to no avail, the door closing behind Himiko and Uraraka with a reverberating thud.
There was a brief silence that held in the air before Izuku was turning toward the blond hero with a quickly pinkening face. “I-Ignore her! She just likes to tease me!” He extended a hand outward. “I can take your gear, I-I’m sure you’re probably tired-!”
“-You talk about me?” Katsuki said the only thing that he could think about.
Those round cheeks turned even redder as he fidgeted, looking down bashfully as he played with his hands. “Well, um, m-maybe a little…?” He smiled nervously. “You’re more popular than you think, even for a rookie.”
Katsuki could only grin, leaning in with interest. “Oh yeah? Are you a fan?”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Izuku seemed a little more comfortable, smiling a little brighter as the blond began to hand over his broken support items. “I’ve been watching since your sports festival days. You’re an amazing hero.”
He grabbed Katsuki’s gear gratefully, running a thumb over the indents on one of the grenade-shaped gauntlets. “...It might be a little weird, but one of my first gear prototypes was based on your quirk.”
His overall sincerity and horribly frustrating cuteness had the blond blanking at his words, his tongue heavy in his mouth as he fought to regain a coherent thought. Katsuki’s heart sped up in his chest as the silence began to stretch, panic setting in quickly at his lack of response.
In a desperate attempt to get anything out, to end the growing awkward silence, he simply said the first thing that he could piece together, borrowing a few of Izuku’s own words.
“Yeah, I guess that is kinda weird.”
Fuck.
He wants to punch himself in the face as soon as he registers what came out of his mouth, the utterance of it into the room the only thing making him aware of its existence. No coherent thought passed through his mind when he decided to speak, the words coming as a complete surprise to himself.
His guilt only worsens when that sincere, bright little smile becomes forced, the look of pure mortification present in those glowing, green eyes.
Fuck!
Katsuki opens his mouth to try to salvage whatever disaster is unfolding in front of him, but Izuku is already speaking, his words hurried and overly polite. “Y-You’re totally right! Sorry, I shouldn’t of said that, that’s- super weird.” He laughed awkwardly. “But, uh, I’ll get started on your gear right away! So sorry for keeping you so late!”
He’s moving toward a door near the back of the room, an equipment storage by the looks of it, before the blond hero can even get a word out. With one last smile, overdone as it was, Izuku gave one last parting phrase.
“Have a good night! I look forward to working with you!”
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Katsuki to stew in the quiet of the now empty lab. With nothing to distract he could only stand there, shame and embarrassment leaving his mind buzzing.
The need for sleep that weighs his body down is the only thing that keeps him from standing here all night in humiliation, a part of him hoping to just forget about all of his daily fuck-ups.
The delusional part of him just hopes Izuku forgets too.
His prayers are answered when he arrives at his office the following morning, ready to suit up for his morning patrol. Sitting on his desk is a box with the agency’s branding, a small note placed on top with care.
Hurriedly, he slides the box heavy with his gear toward him, scanning every word penned in endearing and scratchy handwriting.
It was a pleasure to repair your gear! Please feel free to come back anytime!
- Your fan, Izuku :)
The note nearly has him yelling in elation, but he stifles it in an attempt to preserve his reputation, the noise of Ochako moving around in her own office making him aware of other peoples’ presence.
Instead, he preened to himself in silence, the smiley face alone enough to have a satisfied grin breaking out across his face.
Oh, Izuku was so into him, too.
His embarrassing slip up from the night before is almost entirely forgotten, satisfaction now taking the place of his shame. The pleasant feeling suddenly has him pumped for even the earliest of shifts, the blond putting on his newly repaired gear with gusto.
He hoped Izuku was serious about him being able to visit at any time, because he was sure he’d be seeing a lot more of the blond hero very soon.
--
Katsuki knows he had to find some reason to visit Izuku often, but right now he’s starting to feel a little guilty.
In front of him sat his sixth box of repaired support gear within a month, the gauntlets inside looking pristine and polished. Their overall quality was never surprising, after all, Izuku always did an amazing job, his attention to detail and overall passion making every one of his projects close to perfect.
It was a shame that Katsuki would have to purposely ruin all of the inventor’s handiwork.
As much as the small part of his brain was advising against it, the blond hero was already thinking of ways to break his gauntlets on his upcoming patrol. Sure, maybe they were built to withstand a lot of damage, but he’d wear them down over time.
It was a pathetic plan really, purposely destroying the object of his affection’s hard work, yet every time he gets the blessing to see that pretty, smart inventor, he can’t seem to remember what exactly he was doing wrong.
He blames the fact that things have been going so well between the two of them for fueling his apathy. In his personal opinion, he’d almost consider them friends.
Luckily for him, Izuku seemed to fully move past their first meeting blunder, welcoming him into the lab with excitement and kindness. With each subsequent visit, whether it was to request a repair or check the progress, the nervous energy between them seemed to dissipate, the interactions more akin to friendly check-ins.
The green-haired inventor was thrilled to work so closely with a hero, especially one he had apparently admired for years, and he never hesitated to show him his work all while inquiring about the everyday occurrences for someone like Katsuki.
A hero nerd and fanatic is what the blond would describe him as, always curious to learn more and practically swooning at the answer. He seemed to take great pleasure in chatting about all things heroic, his bias implicit.
The career that drew Izuku to him in the first place soon became secondary, however, the inventor quickly warming up to the person that was behind the costume. In no time at all their relationship was no longer based on their positions within the agency, but instead simply Izuku and Katsuki.
‘How are you doing, Dynamight?’ soon became ‘Are you doing okay, Katsuki?’ and the blond couldn’t help but feel thrilled every time, as if he earned some right of passage to have him comfortable enough to use his first name.
With comfortability came the inventor’s more unfiltered personality, the blond hero soon learned. Despite what one would expect, there wasn’t much of a change between Izuku as a stranger or a friend.
His always present traits whether it be his kindness, his chattiness, or even his worry only increased in intensity, as if becoming someone’s friend gave him the clearance to meddle and interact as much as he secretly always wanted to.
Izuku may not be a medic like that blonde friend of his, but it never stopped him from fussing over the hero, constantly checking for any scratches or bruises, those wide eyes staring up at him in concern.
The gesture was endearing enough to have Katsuki complying, loving the feeling of the other’s hands as he scrutinized every smear of dirt or scratch on his face, a wipe or All Might branded bandage smoothing over any mark.
Maybe it was rather childish, but the blond hero still wore it with pride, the thought that Izuku cared enough about him to worry like this causing his reservations to dissipate.
But if the gestures kind and cute enough to have his heart squeeze were a blessing, then the pairs’ most recent development was just the cherry on top. It shouldn’t have been anything life changing, but it stood out in such a way that it had Katsuki all out of sorts in the best way possible.
Izuku gave him a nickname.
He doesn’t want to obsess over it like a giddy schoolgirl, yet with the note in front of him as a present, constant reminder, he is nearly overwhelmed with a pleased feeling, expelling that energy by drumming his fingers on his desk.
Hope you have a great patrol, Kacchan! Stay safe <3!
The familiar nickname has Katsuki feeling like all of his efforts are worth it, any thought of guilt disappearing. If this is what breaking his gear gets him, who is he to stop?
The blond hero is too busy fondly looking over the note that contained the use of that beloved nickname to recognize that Ochako is standing in his office, the only thing alerting him to her presence being the grossed out groan she made.
Looking up he finds the brunette staring at him with a disappointed look, her hand on her hip as she frowns knowingly. “Ugh, you still haven’t made a move on that cute inventor guy you’re obsessed with?”
Her attitude was nearly smug, moving closer to his desk to gauge his reaction. “Kinda lame if you ask me.”
Surprisingly, her statement didn’t spark any fight in him, his own secret disappointment toward himself making itself known. Instead of rebuking her claim, Katsuki simply sighs, attempting to hide the pout that was undoubtedly showing on his face.
He doesn’t outright confirm it verbally, but he is essentially agreeing with her, leaving the other hero practically in shock, her posture sagging as she leaned to get a better look at his face. It was obvious she was perplexed by his silence, her small frown almost leaning toward pity.
She blinked in surprise. “...You’re not gonna yell at me?”
Katsuki could only look at her in disbelief, confused at her demeanor. “Shouldn’t you be glad I fucking didn’t? I mean- did you want me to?”
Ochako simply crossed her arms, pouting childishly. “I’m disappointed you didn’t even defend yourself!” The brunette scoffed. “Have some confidence!”
The blond hero grimaced. “You cannot be serious. You’re worried about my confidence?”
She seemed to sense that Katsuki wasn’t completely convinced, avoiding eye contact as she pursed her lips, expression bordering guilt. “...Well, partly!” Ochako mumbled her next words under her breath. “Maybe I was also hoping my comment would set off a few of your explosions…”
“Hah?!”
The brunette raised her hands in a placating gesture, shrugging like her statement was the easiest thing to understand in the world. “A little explosion could do me some good, you know? Sure maybe I would have to see a medic for a checkup or something, but-”
Her rambling explanation suddenly made everything click, the blond reeling from the realization.
God, they were both pathetic.
Rubbing at his eyes tiredly, Katsuki let out a deep sigh, stopping Ochako’s ongoing ramble in its tracks. “...You’re-?”
“-Doing the same thing as you?” The brunette nodded with a shamed look on her face. “Yeah, it’s like- really embarrassing.”
Feeling somewhat comforted by the fact that he’s not the only absolutely insane coward standing in his office, he shook his head in chagrin. “Fuckin’ tell me about it.” He glanced at the gear still sitting on his desk. “Guess you’re just as pathetic with buns as I am with Izuku, huh?”
Ochako gasped offendedly at his comment. “First of all, her name is Himiko Toga!” She turned away with a huff. “And second, I know for a fact I’ve made way more progress than you!”
“What? How the hell do you know that?”
“Because no one who has made a move or plans on making a move stares so longingly at sticky note like that.” She leaned over his desk to stare at the handwritten note. “You act like earning a nickname is the biggest accomplishment of your life, Kacchan.”
“Gross, never call me that again. Sounds disgusting coming from you.” He sneered at her words. “But since you’re so proud, remind me again what you’ve done that makes you so far ahead?”
The brunette smiled happily to herself. “I have her phone number.”
Ignoring that she had, in fact, made more progress than Katsuki, he simply deflected, the fire of pettiness burning in his chest. “If you have her phone number, why do you have to injure yourself just to see her? Does she ignore your texts?”
“No!” She stomped her feet petulantly, heels clicking loudly against the floor. “I just don’t wanna seem clingy!”
“Right… just showing up at her work randomly all the time is much better.” Katsuki clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth disapprovingly.
“Well, whenever you actually get the guts to ask her out, let me know.” He smiled in such a way that it was nearly patronizing. “Then I might actually be impressed.”
Ochako simply flipped her hair over her shoulder, unbothered by the blond’s spitefulness. “Hmph! I bet I could do it faster than you!”
At her declaration, they immediately locked eyes, a challenge evident in each of their gazes. The feeling of competitiveness burned at both of their chests, neither willing to back down from the proposition.
“So, first to go out on an official date wins?”
“You shouldn’t make bets you can’t win, you know…”
She smiled widely. “Oh, trust me, I know.”
The brunette’s confidence should’ve stung at his nerves, that unbothered smile displaying a cockiness almost equivalent to his own, yet there was no doubt in Katsuki’s mind.
He wouldn’t lose.
--
Unbeknownst to Katsuki, a burst of sudden courage spurred on by competitive fueled determination wasn’t the only thing you needed to successfully ask out the person you’ve been crushing on for way too long.
Apparently, another important thing you needed was the person in question to not be so damn oblivious.
No matter how much the blond tried to convey his interest, the other would take it as simply platonic, figuring it a joke or a friendly compliment. Izuku’s denseness was close to criminal, even his pleased, overly-friendly smile became a frustrating sight for Katsuki, practically taunting him.
How was he supposed to make progress if he couldn’t get through to him?
Attempt after attempt, Katsuki finally reached a breakthrough. He managed to convince Izuku to let him take him out for lunch.
It wasn’t exactly novel, or even ideal considering Izuku likely assumed it was a friendly outing, but he’d take any small victory. Sure, it wouldn’t win him the bet, he made sure to ask, yet it was still an opportunity to step up his game.
He only needed one lunch to show the other just how he felt.
So here he stood in the hero locker room showers, aggressively freshening up after a morning shift, desperately attempting to rid himself of the sweat and grime that built with a long patrol. The blond sneered at how it was easier said than done, his sweat dependent quirk making everything much harder.
He’s drying off and dabbing madly at his underarms when he hears his phone buzz from where he threw it on the nearby bench. In no time at all, the blond is practically tripping over his feet to get to it, convinced it was Izuku.
After a small silent prayer that the green-haired inventor didn’t cancel on him, he glanced at the text that graced his phone, grimacing at the text from Ochako instead.
Round Face: im proud you’re actually taking him out
Round Face: but don’t forget! it doesn’t count until he agrees that you went on a date <3
There was no real time to give her attempt at riling him up any energy, the blond simply disliking the message and sending a middle finger emoji for good measure. With only twenty minutes left he’s quick to start getting dressed, hurrying to make it to Izuku’s workshop while still managing to look put together.
A Dynamight-branded tank top to show off his muscular arms, black loose cargo pants, boots, and a few rings were Katsuki’s attempt at a casual, good-looking outfit, hoping it was enough to impress but not overwhelm.
With one final once over in the mirror and a spritz of cologne, Katsuki deems himself ready to head out, putting extra effort into keeping his cool to combat the sweat that was waiting beneath the surface.
Clearing his mind, he quickly made his way to the support lab without much issue. A deep breath was all he needed before he swung the door open, plastering an overly confident smile on his face as he called out into the room.
That smile melts off his face like water when he realizes the room is empty, all of the other employees likely already out for lunch. It didn’t bother him about the other people’s absence, but the lack of Izuku had his expression souring, disappointment evident on his face.
He doesn’t have to spend too much time worrying about the idea that the green-haired inventor was having second thoughts because a door in the back of the room opened without fanfare, revealing the pleased and relieved face of the one person he wanted to see most.
“Ah, Kacchan!” He smiled warmly, tucking a stray, wavy strand of hair behind his ear. “I’m happy you came!”
The green-haired inventor was wearing a pair of green shorts over a pair of leggings, the black sweatshirt he wore on top large enough to have only his fingers peeking out of the sleeves. It was such an effortlessly cute look that it elicited a smile from Katsuki all on its own, warmth burning at his ears at the sight.
“Thought I wouldn’t?” The blond questioned, head swimming a little.
Izuku averted his eyes, the high of his cheekbones dusted with pink. “No, I’m just- happy we can hang out like this!” He fiddled with the ends of his sleeves. “It’s different.”
“Good kind of different, right?”
“Well, duh!” With a light laugh, the green-haired inventor pushed him playfully. “Lunch with a hero? I’m feeling very lucky, Kacchan.”
“Right, hero lunch… known for being so much different from regular lunch.” Katsuki leaned in a little closer as he teased. “It’ll really blow you away, nerd.”
Izuku took his teasing in stride, fondness and challenge evident in his eyes. “It better, hero.”
At that comment, the blond was spurred into taking the initiative, leading the two of them through the agency and onto the street with ease, the restaurant he chose within walking distance.
Katsuki couldn’t help but feel content as they simply walked with each other, the casual clothing having them feeling less like colleagues and more like friends, both resembling that of equals.
For a moment, he almost considers that Izuku feels similarly, his gestures and actions becoming more touchy and intimate. They had only been walking for a moment before Izuku placed a hand on his bicep to get his attention, those green eyes looking up questioningly.
“You’re not cold?” He looked concernedly at his sleeveless top. “It’s a little windy.”
Pointedly avoiding mentioning that his quirk can have him running a little hot, Katsuki simply shakes his head, grinning down at him. “I’m strong, Izuku. A little wind isn’t gonna hurt me.”
“Just because you’re strong doesn’t mean you’re not cold!” Suddenly, the blond feels a new warmth against his right side, the green-haired inventor leaning into his space and pressing up against him with a content smile. “I’ll try and keep you warm, Kacchan.”
Normally, Katsuki would be bothered by someone forcing their way into his personal space without much thought, but somehow when Izuku does it he can’t seem to mind at all, his heart speeding up a little at the action.
Maybe the more hopeful part of his brain wishes it could be like this everyday, that persistent weight against arm possibly even complemented with the interlocking of their hands.
So instead of interjecting he merely huffs fondly, shoving his hands into his pocket with a smile as he expresses his gratitude. “...Yeah, thanks, nerd.”
He doesn’t get to indulge in the feeling of the green-haired inventor against him for long, their arrival at their destination taking precedence instead. Katsuki feels a slight bit of nervousness as they step into the restaurant together, hoping he made the right choice for both of them.
While the food and atmosphere were enough to keep him coming back, he was more focused on picking a place where Izuku would find something he liked, the inventor mentioning his favorite foods in passing.
When a mere glance at the menu revealed options of katsudon and desserts made to resemble All Might, Katsuki knew he made the right choice. The thought of Izuku’s excitement has him shaking his leg to dispel his pleased energy, eagerly awaiting that bright smile.
Throughout the rest of their lunch, he gets exactly what he wanted and more, Izuku’s level of excitement and happiness beyond what he had expected for their first lunch together.
It was a weird feeling, to be so immediately comfortable with another person, their easy-flowing conversation and banter akin to those who had known each other their whole lives. Izuku may have only seen this outing as friendly, but it still brought satisfaction to the blond, appreciating their relationship in any capacity.
With how much he was enjoying himself, it’s no surprise when lunch passed by in a blink, the green-haired inventor’s mouth dropping open in shock as he looked at the time on his phone. It could’ve been wishful thinking, but Katsuki swears he looks a little disappointed.
When they return to the agency, however, Izuku is eager to prove his theory right, the inventor accepting the blond hero’s invitation back to his office with ease. Their combined displeasure at letting their time together end early has Katsuki showing him around his work area with enthusiasm, the other hanging onto every word with a giddy smile and wide eyes.
The view from his office window that he was showing Izuku was nice, but the view of the inventor sitting on his desk was nicer, the blond unable to take his eyes off of his mouth as he sipped on his iced milk tea through an All Might straw.
Izuku’s attention is completely occupied by Katsuki, the way the blond likes it, until his hand brushes over something on the desk he’s sitting on. He perks up a bit at the touch, looking down to be more careful on where he places his hand.
A small interested hum signifies the inventor’s interest in whatever he’s seen on the desk, and he shifts his sitting position to better look, placing his drink to the side to pull it into his lap.
“Ah, your new gear, Kacchan!” He smiles, clicking open the case with gentle hands. Those eyes flick to him, head tilted questioningly. “How are you liking it so far? Did they hold up during patrol this morning?”
His question opens the door for Katsuki to openly compliment, and he does so without hesitation, sliding up to the inventor with a pleased grin. “Of course they did. I only come to the best, nerd.”
Those wide, sincere eyes softened as he continued to look up at him. “I’m glad, Kacchan.”
For a moment, the blond hero can see that his thoughts drift somewhere else, his expression changing minutely. He doesn’t say anything immediately, however, his gaze flickering down to the gear in his lap, fingers brushing back and forth over the gauntlets’ grooves.
The motion was nearly self-soothing, as if he was unsure of himself, words catching in his throat as the silence enveloped them.
His fingers halt when he does decide to speak, voice soft and slightly hesitant. “You’re, um, not gonna try to break them on purpose again are you…?”
Katsuki immediately feels lightheaded at his words, placing his own hand onto his desk to keep himself upright. The question hit him like a punch to the stomach, the force stronger than any villain he’s ever faced.
He’s so mortified at his transparency that he can’t seem to form a response, suddenly able to do nothing more than stare at Izuku with wide eyes.
“I looked at your gear record history, Kacchan.” The inventor looked a little sheepish. “A three-hundred percent increase in repairs is pretty uncommon for you…”
He didn’t take his eyes off the gauntlets in his hands, staring as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. “At first, I thought you were just doing it to mess with me, you know, since we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot when we first met-”
Izuku scratched at his face nervously. “-But Himiko suggested something to me that I didn’t really consider…”
For the first time since dropping his first bombshell, he looked up at the blond hero, his cheeks a deep red as he gently placed his hand on top of Katsuki’s. “Did you break your gear just so you could visit me?”
Katsuki’s hand is sweating profusely beneath Izuku’s, his ears burning with embarrassment. He swallows heavily to respond, voice deep and rough. “If I did, what would you say?”
Those green eyes widened in shock as if he wasn’t expecting the blond to agree, and he looked down shyly, unable to maintain eye contact. “I would say that it makes me really happy to hear that.” He squeezed the hand he was holding gently. “I want to see Kacchan too.”
The blond hero laughed in disbelief. “...Holy shit, you really are weird.”
That was enough to spark humored outrage in Izuku, the green-haired inventor bursting into disbelieving laughter. “I’m weird?! Says the guy who ruined all my hardwork just to talk to me!”
“It worked out for me didn’t it?” Man, Katsuki didn’t realize how close they were. “I get to hang out with the cutest inventor I know.”
Izuku’s mouth stuttered open as his face turned red again. “Y-You think-? Are- are you-?”
“Interested in you romantically?” The blond said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and, really, it should be. “Yeah. I really fucking am.”
The other seemed conflicted, silence stretching while he bit nervously at his lip. Those eyes met his, searching for something, leaving the blond hoping he would find what he was looking for.
The scrutiny was scary, and it had him speaking out, working to soothe both of their nerves. “Is that okay? It’s okay if it’s not.”
“Y-Yes, of course it’s okay!” His panicked insistence turned into quiet reservation. “I feel the same way, but… are you sure? You could have anyone, why would-?”
“-Shut up.” As much as Katsuki hated that unsure look on Izuku’s face, he was still beautiful, the sincerity of that gaze and parted lips calling to him. “Can I kiss you, Izuku?”
Too flustered to respond verbally, the only indication that he was allowing it was the feeling of soft hands cupping his face and pulling him down. With little resistance, Katsuki is pulled to crowd in between Izuku’s legs, their eyes fluttering shut as the inventor moves to connect their lips.
Normally, considering this was technically not a date, the blond hero would’ve expected their first kiss to be chaste, even awkward, but Izuku’s eagerness has it intensifying quickly, his thighs locking around Katsuki’s hips.
The small whimpers the other let out only spurred the hero on further, licking into his mouth to pull out more of those noises, chasing the sweet taste of milk tea on his tongue. The feeling was dizzying, the contrast of their past concealed feelings to their current unabashed desire having him uninterested in stopping.
Izuku seemed regretful to pull away too, whining that nickname against his lips when they briefly separated for air. Never one to disappoint, Katsuki simply continued where they left off, his rationality and patience being left behind some time ago.
The hot, continuous slide of their mouths only stuttered when the blond’s phone vibrated loudly against his desk, the repetitive rumble signaling that of a phone call. Figuring the call more important, Izuku minimally backed away, lightly whining worriedly against Katsuki’s lips to get him to pull back.
Growling in annoyance at the unending ring, Katsuki spoke in the space between their barely separated lips. “Ignore it.”
The green-haired inventor made a surprised noise when he reconnected their lips, melting into it for a moment before furrowing his eyebrows regretfully. With a sigh, he placed a firm hand onto the blond hero’s chest, keeping him in place as he pulled away.
He looked disappointed, but those eyes were serious. “You should answer.” He fondly brushed his fingers over Katsuki’s cheek. “What if they need you, hero?”
With what was certainly not a pout, he grabbed his phone, not checking the caller ID and instead just placing it against his ear, his greeting gruff as he answered. “Hello?”
“I hate to say it, Katsuki, but I think you just lost the bet.” The sing-song voice of Ochako almost has him hanging up immediately, but her confidence is so laughable that he can’t bear to miss whatever she’s about to say.
The call isn’t on speaker, but the room is quiet enough for Izuku to hear, his eyebrows raising at the brunette’s words. His head tilts questioningly, intrigued by the situation.
Katsuki is unbothered by the other hero’s claim, grinning widely. “Oh yeah, what makes you say that?”
“Well-” He can hear Ochako messing around with something. “-I’m currently doing my makeup for my date with Himiko, so I think that’s a pretty good reason, no?”
The green-haired inventor was now definitely invested, eyes widening and mouth dropping open in shock. He scoots closer to better hear, looking up at the blond hero while he curiously awaits his response.
“Ah, yeah. It’s too late for that.” His tone sounded nearly disappointed.
“...What?” The small beat of silence nearly had Katsuki laughing. “No way! You actually took him on a date?! Officially?!”
“One second.” The blond removed the phone from his ear, turning toward Izuku with a questioning look. “Hey, Izuku, was this a date?”
The inventor flushed deeply at that, laughing sheepishly and looking down. “We just made out on your desk for like five minutes… if this wasn’t a date I’d be pretty disappointed.”
Katsuki smiled like he just won the lottery, placing the phone back to his ear. “Yeah, he says it was a date.”
“Ugh, fuck off, Katsuki! You shouldn’t be so smug, you didn’t even win until like one second ago!” She groaned extendedly to herself. “Put me on speaker.”
Rolling his eyes, he reluctantly obliged, facing the phone’s microphone toward Izuku. “Ochako wants to talk to you.”
“Um, hi, Uravity…?”
“Izuku! Sweetheart, are you sure you wanna go on a date with this guy?” She brought her tone down to a whisper. “He’s kinda a jerk, you know…”
Izuku giggled at that, whispering back. “But I really like him, Uravity…” He looked at Katsuki. “He’s kinda cute.”
Ochako made a sound like she was in pain. “Shit! You’re too cute, Izuku, I’m sorry!” The brunette sighed deeply. “Fine, Katsuki really did win. Just don’t let it get to his head too much, okay?”
“Don’t worry I won’t!” He smiled slyly up at the blond before looking back down. “Good luck on your date with Himiko! Her favorite flowers are spider lilies, just so you know.”
“Holy shit, you are so much better than Katsuki!” The noises coming from her end got more frantic, the sound of keys jingling grabbing their attention. “Thank you, sweetheart! I gotta go, but I hope you enjoy your date too!”
“Bye, Uravity!”
Katsuki turned the phone back toward him. “Bye, loser.”
“Ugh. Bye, jerk.” The second Katsuki heard the beep signifying the call’s end he threw his phone onto the desk, turning his full attention toward Izuku who was looking at him curiously from his spot on the desk.
“A bet, huh?” He leaned forward a little, eyebrows raised expectantly.
The blond placed his arms on either side of him, effectively caging him in. “Hell yeah.” He kissed his nose. “I won, baby.”
Izuku humoredly rolled his eyes, a huff of laughter escaping him. “What’d you win, Kacchan?”
The hero blinked for a moment as if just realizing. “...Bragging rights?”
The blank, disappointed look on the inventor’s face told him that it was the wrong thing to say, Katsuki scrambling to find the right words. Quickly, he said the first thing he could think of, willing to do anything to get rid of that frown.
“Well, I got a boyfriend, didn’t I?”
“Mhm, that’s right, you do have me now.” That smile returned, eyes fond and heady. “Anytime you want. No broken gear required, okay?”
He knows Izuku is warning him against his methods, but when it worked out this well, how could Katsuki regret it?
“I’m serious, Kacchan…”
The blond hero leaned in to peck him on the lips. “Sure thing, baby.”
Sure, he meant it, his boyfriend’s happiness came first, after all, but if he kept his strategy as a secret weapon for when he was missing his nerd’s attention? Well, only he needed to know that.