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Katsuki makes his way from the bedroom to the kitchen of his and Izuku’s apartment. The warm glow of the overhead light washes over the room, highlighting Izuku’s meticulous work at the counter. Izuku is arranging an assortment of finger foods for his game night, and focusing intensely on the placement of each snack. He is almost too beautiful to disturb. Katsuki pauses for a moment, taking in the scene. Izuku is dressed down for the evening, wearing sweats and one of Katsuki’s T-shirts. His green curls still damp from his shower. The aroma of freshly prepared food mingles with the faint scent of vanilla from a candle burning on the table.
“Nerd” Katsuki mutters, causing Izuku to swing around in delight. His emerald eyes immediately brighten with joy and he shifts his focus to his boyfriend who is standing at the other end of the kitchen island.
"Kacchan!" he calls out with glee, his voice filling the room. Katsuki smiles and crosses the space between them. Izuku instantly wraps his arms around Katsuki’s waist, hugging him tightly and burying his face into Katsuki’s chest. “Is that my shirt?” Katsuki asks, kissing the top of his head as he hugs back. “Kacchan you know it’s yours, stop teasing” he mumbles against the fabric of Katsuki’s chest, his words muffled “I wish you could stay and play with us” he continues and Katsuki lifts Izuku’s chin with a tender touch so that their eyes meet. Izuku’s eyes are soft, time has slightly faded the scar on his cheek and forehead. His curls trickle over his eyebrows now that his hair has grown out.
“I know” Katsuki says softly and feels a wave of comfort wash over him, making him rethink his plans for the night. All he wanted to do was grab Izuku and take him back to bed and cuddle on this cold winter evening. However, They both had plans they had to see through until the end.
Izuku leans back slightly, just enough to admire Katsuki’s appearance, the scar around his cheek also faded. Then a half smile spreads across Kacchan’s face. His attire—a black button-up shirt paired with black jeans.
“You look so handsome, Kacchan! Are you ready for a night out with your best friends?” he asks, his voice brimming with joy and a touch of wistfulness as he tilts his head. Katsuki rolls his eyes and can’t help but smirk at Izuku’s excitement. He gently ruffles Izuku’s hair, feeling the soft curly strands slip through his fingers.
“Are you nerds still playing D&D tonight? Or something new?” Katsuki avoids the question but then immediately regrets asking his own. An immense grin widens across Izuku’s round freckled cheeks, Katsuki knows he's about to launch into a ramble. Stepping back in order to make gestures with his hands, Izuku begins.
“We are not even close to finishing with D&D, hopefully not for a while though because I'm having so much fun Kacchan! Although I really wish you would join, so maybe when we are done you can join our next campaign, because even though you think it’s nerdy I know you will like it, especially since you were talking about the barbarian character you had in mind, which oddly reminds me of you, so I started sketchi-” Izuku is interrupted by a kiss, warm and sweet. Katsuki releases his lips, remaining locked in each other's gaze.
“you damn nerd” he says as he has so often but it’s calm and gentle this time. There is a knock at the door that startles both of them.
“That’s my cue,'' Katsuki says, giving him one last squeeze before stepping back. He strides confidently towards the front door, putting distance between himself and Izuku with each step. Just as he reaches for the doorknob, his wrist is suddenly jerked back. Startled, he looks down to see black whip gripping his wrist firmly, then immediately he glances over his shoulder to see Izuku grinning. Still in the Kitchen.
“The Hell!?” Katsuki says through his teeth.
“You were going to leave without kissing me?”
“I did,” he pleads.
“No Kachan! That was a shut up kiss” Another bang at the door.
“Just a minute!” Izuku yells as he begins tugging Katsuki back over to him.
“Those damn extras are right there” Katsuki hisses, reminding him that they can’t do anything too extreme. Katsuki feels his heart beat faster with each tug, caught off guard by the intensity in Izuku’s confidence.
He is now inches away from his face. Izuku’s vivid green eyes are wide and earnest, his expression a mix of lust and determination. Izuku releases black whip and begins to embrace Katsuki, wrapping his arms around him tightly. Katsuki was taken back by Izuku’s confidence. The room seems to fade away, leaving only the two of them.
“I love you,” Izuku says, his voice soft but filled with intensity as he lays his hand on Katsuki’s scared cheek. His needy eyes look up at Katsuki, brimming with sincerity and longing. He’s irresistible. Katsuki's heart swells at the sight of Izuku’s influence, his heart beats slightly faster and he catches his breath, only for Izuku to smile and tiptoe into a gentle kiss.
Unable to resist, Katsuki leans into the kiss. Their lips meet, and the kiss quickly deepens, filled with passion. Katsuki's hands find their way to Izuku’s face, cupping his cheeks as he kisses him more fervently. He gently parts Izuku’s lips with his tongue, exploring the familiar warmth. The kiss is soft and perfect, a rush of emotion and sensation that leaves them both breathless.
After a moment that feels both infinite and too brief, Katsuki pulls back slightly, to admire Izuku's expression. He’s flustered, yet mesmerizing. They stay close, foreheads touching, sharing a quiet, intimate moment. Then another knock at the door.
"Fucking extras " Katsuki grumbles, pressing a gentle kiss on Izuku’s forehead. Izuku’s eyes flutter closed for a moment, savoring the tenderness, before Katsuki steps away. “Kacchan,” Izuku’s voice cracks, “have you thought anymore about what I wanted? Um, what I wanted to do?” Izuku has his gaze glued to the floor as he speaks, embarrassed. Katsuki is grabbing his wallet as he replies “I’m still thinking.” When he notices Izuku avoiding eye contact he reaches for Izuku’s chin and kisses him on the cheek “I love you” he says followed by a low “I love you more”
Katsuki slips on his jacket and scarf before opening the door, feeling Izuku hovering behind him with the biggest grin.
"Hi guys!" Izuku shouts enthusiastically as Katsuki opens the door to find Todoroki, Ochaco, Ida, and Asui, each holding bags that Katsuki is sure are filled with all sorts of nerd stuff. Pink Cheeks beams, balancing a plate of cupcakes decorated with intricate designs that look almost too good to eat. Todoroki’s expression is more subdued when his eyes meet Bakugou’s.
"Took you long enough," Todoroki says, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Katsuki narrows his eyes and mutters, “IcyHot” through clenched teeth and pushes past them. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of irritation and affection for them. Teammates, acquaintances, friends? Pushing past them, he makes his way to the elevator, trying to shake off the flustered feeling from his earlier moment with Izuku. Izuku, still glowing with happiness, welcomes his friends in, watching as his boyfriend walks down the hall with his hands in his pockets. Holding the door knob Izuku shouts down the hall
“Have fun Kacchan!” Katsuki raises one hand to signal goodbye.
He hears slight murmurs as their apartment fills with laughter and the comfortable chatter of friends as they begin to set up for their night of fun. Katsuki can’t help but feel grateful for these moments, knowing that Deku is surrounded by people who mean so much to him. Knowing that he is happy. That he is safe. That he is alive.
***
The night is crisp as tiny snowflakes begin to dance in the city lights. The world feels quiet and serene, but for Katsuki, winter is a season of discomfort. He hates how the wind cuts through his coat, burning his face with its icy sting, leaving his skin raw and his lips chapped. Each breath he takes feels harsh, the cold air searing his lungs and making him long for the warmth back in Izuku’s arms. He warms his hands with his quirk as he walks toward the train. The crunch of ice beneath his boots is an unwelcome sound, a constant reminder of the cold. The ground is unforgiving, each step a battle against the slick surfaces and hidden patches of black ice.
Katsuki caught the train downtown to meet up with Kirishima, Mina, Denki, and Sero. Mina had been eager to bring the group to a new arcade she’d discovered, so they all decided to gather there for a night of entertainment. The train reeked of rust and sickness, prompting him to cover his mouth and nose with his scarf. Katsuki stepped off the train quickly and walked alone through the cold evening, following the directions he’d been given. The chill in the air made him clutch his jacket tighter as a gust of wind whipped past him. According to the directions, he would reach the arcade in about seven minutes.
During his walk, Katsuki's mind wandered to Izuku. Living together had only amplified Izuku’s bravery and confidence in his eyes. The night before Izuku had mentioned he wanted to try something new, something with his quirk, something in bed. Katsuki could feel his cheeks and neck warm as he imagined Izuku restraining him with black whip. Giving in to Izuku’s command as he did whatever he pleased. Katsuki shook his head at the daydream, at one point he thought he would never see Izuku with his quirk ever again. But there he had been, in the kitchen as cocky as ever. Katsuki wanted him, needed him. But giving Izuku full control. Yes, maybe, he wasn’t sure.
He still longed for a night with him, but recognized that a night with their friends was important too. Besides, Katsuki had something important he wanted to share with his friends tonight. His best friends , as Izuku had called them.
Finally, Katsuki arrived at the arcade. Amid the throng of people, he quickly spotted Kirishima's bright red hair, which stood out like a beacon. As he made his way through the crowd, Kirishima noticed him as well.
“There he is! Bakugou, over here!” Kirishima shouted, waving his arm enthusiastically.
“Shitty hair,” Katsuki muttered under his breath, “I already see you.”
When he reached the group, Denki gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder. “We’ve been waiting for you, slow poke” he said with a grin. Katsuki shrugged off Denki's hand, nudging him to signal he didn’t want to be touched.
“Great, now that everyone’s here, let’s go bowling first,” Mina suggested, her excitement evident as she clasps her hands together. She led the way to the counter where they could get their bowling shoes, and no one objected. As they walked over, the group fell into easy conversation, teasing and laughing. Katsuki couldn’t help but enjoy the camaraderie they shared. The game started out slow but once Denki started giving witty remarks on everyone's moves the game started turning into a competition, immediately followed by bets and shouting.
“Alright last round!” Sero mentions to the group as he makes his way back to the table “Kirishima and I are tied, so if we get a strike one of us could win the game!”
“Oh shut up, I need one more Strike and can beat both of you extras, even with my fucked up arm” Bakugo explains.
“Again with the extras , you know you love us” Denki says as cheerful as ever, getting up and taking his turn after Sero. Bakugou rolls his eyes.
“I challenge the winner to Dance Dance Revolution!” Mina declares.
The game ended quickly after that, with Sero coming out as champion.
“It’s all in the elbows” he says gloating past a heated Bakugou. Kirishima slides in between them, resting his hands on each of their shoulders.
“Yeah sure bro, but now you got to face off Mina. So good luck with that” He says pointing to an eager and excited Mina. Sero makes his way over to her as she sets up the game.
“You up for some skee ball? Or are you still pouty about bowling?” Kirishima suggests half smiling with his teeth peaking out.
“You're on Shitty hair!” Bakugo grins and they make their way towards the skee ball section. “Wait for me!” Denki shouts from behind as he follows.
The night continues with friendly competition. The group plays a little of everything and Mina even manages to get the group into a photo booth. At the end of the night Bakugou traded all his tickets in for an All Might Keychain he planned on giving Izuku for his already massive collection.
“I’m hungry,” Denki announces, rubbing his stomach.
“I could definitely go for some food right now,” Sero adds.
“There is a restaurant right next door, it’s open pretty late, we should go” Mina mentions.
The idea of food starts to sound more appealing to Bakugou as well; he can feel the hunger gnawing at him, growing more insistent by the minute. The night was late but he knew if he went home now and avoided the announcement he wanted to share with his friends then he would just be interrupting Izuku’s DND. The prospect of a late-night meal sounds like a good plan to everyone. They all turn their attention to Bakugou, silently waiting for his response.
“Let's go,” he mumbles, giving in to the hunger pangs. And the group makes their way to the restaurant, eager to fill their empty stomachs.
They end up sitting in a corner booth just well enough to fit everyone comfortably. A light conversation starts up of how everyone enjoyed the arcade and they definitely wouldn't mind going again. The waiter brings them some menus and Kirishima orders an appetizer for everyone.
“Drinks on me” Bakugou announces to treat the group to drinks elicits a collective gasp of surprise and appreciation.
“Ok Mr Explosion Boom Dynamite Killer ” Denki teases.
“I'll take it back, Dunce Face'' Bakugou threatens. “ and the names Great Explosion Murder God Dynamite, why can’t you idiots get it right!”
Denki playfully shrugs as he promptly places his drink order.
“Thanks man, we just like messing with you” Kirishima voices his gratitude with his iconic smile, followed by Mina and Sero expressing their thanks as well. Kirishima, following Bakugou's lead, decides to order a drink for himself, curious about the reason behind this unexpected treat.
Once the waiter leaves, Kirishima, unable to contain his curiosity, inquires about the occasion prompting Bakugou to grin slyly. Feeling a sense of contentment and ease, Bakugou looks around at his friends, and realizes that he is truly happy at this moment.
“I wasn't sure I wanted to share this, at first” he moves his hands in his lap and looks down, trying to avoid eye contact as he can feel everyone's eyes on him. “but I guess now is as good of a time as any” he pauses, still avoiding eye contact. “ I wanted to propose to Izuku, probably soon, I don’t kn-”
“It’s about time!” Mina erupts, and he immediately looks up with both Kirishima and Sero gripping both his shoulders.
“Yeah man that's great! What did you have in mind?” Kirishima's voice rings in his ear.
“Yeah” Sero agrees “we've been waiting”
The clammy touch of his friends’ hands sends an uncomfortable shiver through him, adding to his growing sense of unease. The overwhelming noise of the restaurant—a chaotic mix of clattering dishes, loud conversations, and the hum of background music—seems to press in on him from all sides. And now, the heat in the room is becoming unbearable. His palms are sticky with sweat, his clothes clinging to him uncomfortably. The air seems thick, and every breath feels like an effort, as though he’s slowly suffocating. He wants to ignite or desperately escape.
Bakugo shrugs his shoulders slightly, a subtle motion that his friends immediately pick up on. Understanding his discomfort, they quickly release their grip, giving him the breathing room he so desperately needs. As the pressure eases, he closes his eyes, trying to center himself amidst the chaos. He lets his thoughts drift to Izuku—imagining the soft, reassuring touch of his hands, his constant muttering that used to make his skin crawl, and the sweet praises of his voice that never fails to soothe him. The memory brings a sense of calmness, allowing the tension in his body to slowly unravel.
He’s vaguely aware of the waiter arriving at the table, setting down plates of appetizers and drinks, but he remains still, lost in the comforting thoughts of Izuku’s freckles and deep green eyes. The noise around him fades into the background as he takes a deep breath, the familiar scent of the restaurant mingling with the imagined fragrance of Izuku’s scent. The air doesn’t feel as thick now, and he begins to feel like he can manage the situation somewhat better.
Finally, with the waiter gone, he opens his eyes, the calming effect of his thoughts lingering. As his vision focuses, he immediately locks eyes with Denki, whose mouth is full but he's mumbling with his thumbs up to show gratitude.
“This was a mistake, chew your food dumb ass!” Bakugo declares.
“Chew your food Kaminari” Mina informs, “and Bakugo, be nice, we’re just happy for you that's all” She is right, why was he so nervous to announce that? Bakugo takes a sip of his drink and then takes another deep breath “sorry,” he says, now more calm. “I’m happy you all approve”
“Well Duh!” Kaminari says, now eager to join the conversation. “You guys have been flirting since high school, it was so not unexpected when you guys moved in together after graduation, and now we have just been waiting”
“Can you show us the ring?” Mina chimes in. Right then the waiter comes with their meals. And Katsuki scrolls his phone to show them the picture. When the waiter leaves Katsuki finds the image he was searching for and passes his phone around as he explains. It’s a simple white gold band on the outside and an abstract green design on the inside. The image on the phone doesn’t give it much justice. Regardless, it is beautiful.
“It’s safely put away at home, somewhere Izuku will never find it. I've had it for a while, but I'm trying to think of the right time." He trails off as he hears "oohs " and "ahhs" from his friends, making him feel accomplished in his choice.
“Where did you have in mind?” Kirishima asks curiously. And Bakugou’s phone is now passed back to him as he sets it on the table.
“Well there is this stream we use to play at when we were kids, I was thinking I would take him there and purpose” Katsuki pauses “Fuck, if he even remembers”
“I'm sure he will,” Mina replies.
“Yeah, just remind him about it,” Sero adds.
“Yeah man, I'm sure Midoriya will like anything you do,” Kirishima says before taking a bite of his food. Denki is scribbling away something on a napkin, when Sero asks,
“Where did you get a pen?”
“Yeah and what are you writing?” Mina questions. Denki doesn’t look up to respond.
“This is good stuff Bakugo, I need to take Jiro somewhere special, she seems to be distant these days. Keep it going, how is your sex life?”
Katsuki gives him a spiteful glare like he is about to jump over the table and kill him. Mina and Kirishima almost choke on their drink. And Sero hides a laugh behind his arm. Katsuki is trying really hard to contain himself with his fist clenched, holding his quirk back.
Mina speaks first “oh my god Kaminari we have been over this, you guys are not even dating anymore?”
“Well, we’re just on a break” Denki ponders now, tapping the pen on his chin. And Mina rolls her eyes.
“Ok” she says, “where is Jiro now?”
“I believe she said she's with Yaoyorozu '' he says, still tapping his chin with the pen “something about a girls night” Mina slams her hand on her forehead. “Ok we will continue this conversation, because you are obviously not taking the hint” and Denki is left perplexed. Bakugo is still fuming but trying to contain himself. Kirishima tries to calm him but he doesn't exactly help as he starts to speak.
“I bet Bakugo likes to bottom. Which is totally manly, hell Mina and I-” Right then Mina jabs his side.
“Wow!” she states, “I will be joining girls night next time.”
“First of all Fuckers!” Bakugou decides to finally speak up, still clenching his fist.
“Deku is the one who prefers to bottom, and fuck you guys, as if I would actually want to talk to you extras about any of that.”
For a moment Katsuki’s mind wanders to Izuku the night before on the couch together. Katsuki had always taken the initiative in bed. Always gave Izuku what he needed, what he deserved. Izuku laid his head in Katsuki’s lap as he played with his curls.
“Kacchan” he had said “I want to try something different my quirk”
Katsuki just listened, before Izuku began to stumble over his words.
“I just want to be the one, you know, show you, I can make you feel good, I can use black whip, maybe-”
“ ‘Zu” Katsuki put his hands over Izuku’s lips, “let’s sleep on it” and that was it, they had not had the time to talk on it again. Katsuki wanted time to think about it anyway so much that he avoided it when it was brought up again. Thinking of those black tendrils all around him, consuming him, it was intimidating. He wasn’t sure his heart could take it. Katsuki brought himself back to the conversation.
“Deku’s being a little freak anyway” Katsuki huffs.
“Freak how?” Mina inquires.
“I don’t know, I guess he wants to tie me down or some weird shit” Katsuki continues, already regretting having this conversation.
“Like with his quirk?” Kirishima nods “ I knew it!” Bakugou shoots him a displeased look. Meanwhile Denki is scribbling down on his napkin.
“Stop writing that shit down!” Bakugou screams and some other guests glance in their direction. “I'm just writing quirk pla-”
“SHHHHhhhhhhhhh Shut up!!!” Mina grinds her teeth as she scolds her friends. After a moment the glances are gone and Sero decides to speak. “ I doubt anyone wants to be electrocuted during…well you know. Sorry Denki”
“Fair” he nods. And Sero continues, this time looking at Bakugou.
“you know Bakugou, this may be TMI, but I use my tape for bondage too, and coming from Midoriya's perspective I think maybe he just wants to try something different and as long as you have safe words, you may actually like it” for the first time Bakugou is listening. He appreciated the encouragement and advice. Therefore Sero continues “You do trust him, don't you? I mean you want to marry him. I think you should give it a try, at least once. ‘Roki was hesitant at first too but he-”
“Ahhh Fuck! You ruined it! The last thing I want to know about is IcyHot’s..fuck!” Bakugo clasps his hands over his ears trying to shake the thought from his mind.
The group erupts into laughter, the sound cutting through Bakugo’s internal struggle. The laughter is loud, boisterous, and infectious, filling the air around their table. It’s the kind of laughter that’s impossible to ignore, echoing through the restaurant and drawing the attention of nearby guests. Bakugo looks around, feeling relief as his friends’ joy pulls him slightly out of his own head. A waiter comes over to tell them to lower their voices. The group nods in agreement, exchanging amused glances and mouthing apologies to the staff.
As the laughter subsides, Kirishima raises a glass. “Alright, alright,” he says, his voice now more subdued but still heavy with camaraderie. “Let's toast to friendship!” The clinking of glasses follows, “And to Kacchan and Midoriya,” Denki chimes in, grinning widely, “for his upcoming proposal! And whatever freaking thing they're into, We’re all rooting for you, man.” and he winks.
Bakugo feels a mix of emotions flood through him— irritation, pride, nerves, and a deep appreciation for the friends who are sharing this moment with him. And how he wants to choke Denki, but he lifts his glass, trying to suppress sparks from his sweat, and clinks it gently against the others. The group takes a collective sip, savoring the moment of unity.
Bakugo allows himself to enjoy the food the waiter brings them, feeling the warmth of the meal spread through him, grounding him further in the present moment. With every bite, the earlier tension fades a little more, replaced by the simple pleasure of good food and good company. The group continues to chat and joke, the earlier loudness replaced by a more comfortable, intimate buzz of conversation.
Standing outside the restaurant, Katsuki feels the bitter cold of the late night air biting at his skin. The freezing wind cuts through his jacket, making him shiver uncontrollably as he pulls it tighter around himself, trying in vain to keep warm. Despite the hour, this part of the city is still alive with activity. The streets are filled with the sounds of laughter, distant music, and the hum of traffic, creating a chaotic energy that only seems to intensify his exhaustion.
Katsuki glances around, watching as groups of people pass by, their faces flushed with the chill or the remnants of laughter. He appreciates the company of his friends, their breath visible in the cold night air as they talk and laugh. They’ve been his support, his companions through so much, and tonight meant a lot to him. But now, the evening has stretched on too long, and all Katsuki can think about is how drained he feels, the cold sapping the last of his energy.
Katsuki takes a deep breath, the icy air sharp in his lungs, and turns back to his friends. He gives them a tired but genuine smile, silently thanking them for the evening. But there’s a distant look in his eyes now, a clear signal that his heart is already somewhere else, wrapped up in thoughts of home and the one waiting for him there.
“I think I’m gonna head out,” he says, his voice a little strained from the cold.
“Me as well” Sero adds as he replies to a text on his phone, then everyone chimes in with their goodbyes, their voices mingling with the night as they disperse. Katsuki doesn’t linger, turning quickly on his heels, each step bringing him closer to the warmth he craves, and the person he’s most eager to see.
On the train his thoughts drift away from the noise and the crowd, he imagines the warmth of his apartment, the familiar scent of Deku’s favorite vanilla scented candle he always lights. But most of all, he thinks of Izuku. The thought of slipping beneath the soft, warm blankets and feeling Izuku’s body pressed against his, is almost enough to make him forget the chill that’s seeping into his core.
Now, walking distance to the apartment Katsuki smiles to himself, his breath forming small clouds in the frosty air. He pictures Izuku’s goofy grin, and the warmth in his eyes when he sees Katsuki come through the door. Oh, how he hopes Izuku’s campaign is over by now. His social battery is completely drained and the last thing he needs is any of Deku’s friends even looking in his direction.
Coming up the elevator he thinks of holding Izuku close, of feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest as they lay intertwined, fills Katsuki with a deep yearning. It’s all he wants right now—a quiet, intimate moment away from the noise and chaos, just the two of them in their own little world. Finally he pulls out his key to unlock the door, hearing complete silence as he presses in. Thankfully, it’s quiet and it’s dark except for the oven overhead light. The scent of Vanilla lingers but Katsuki notices the candle is not lit as he hangs his coat and takes off his boots.
“Izuku” he calls into the darkness. He’s probably sleeping, Katsuki thinks. Katsuki locks the front door and then examines the kitchen on his way to their bedroom. Good, Izuku cleaned up after himself and his company.
From the doorway of their bedroom, Katsuki’s eyes immediately find the familiar shape of a bump beneath the blankets on the bed. The soft glow of moonlight filters through the window, casting a blue light across the room, enough to highlight the tousled green hair that peeks out from the edge of the covers. The sight brings a smile to Katsuki’s face, a sense of peace washing over him. Finally.
He steps into the room quietly, not wanting to disturb or wake Izuku just yet. The air in the room is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the freezing night as he approaches the bed. His movements are slow and deliberate, savoring this quiet moment as he begins to shed his clothes, leaving only his black boxers.
As he draws closer, he hears a soft sound—murmuring, barely audible but unmistakable. Katsuki’s smile deepens as he realizes what it is. Izuku is sleep-talking again, something he’s always found both endearing and amusing. He carefully lowers himself to sit on the edge of the bed, leaning in slightly to listen more closely, curiosity piqued by the incoherent mumbling.
Izuku lies on his stomach, his voice is faint, the words slurred and jumbled, caught somewhere between dreams and consciousness. Katsuki catches random bits of dialogue that don’t quite make sense but are delivered with such earnestness that he can’t help but be captivated. Izuku’s brow furrows slightly in his sleep, his lips moving in a way that suggests he’s deep in some kind of dream.
Katsuki leans in closer, careful not to wake him, wanting to catch every word. There’s something incredibly tender about this—witnessing Izuku in such a vulnerable, unguarded state. He can hear fragments of what sounds like a conversation, bits of phrases like, "…must be careful…" and "…in trouble…," mixed with names of people he doesn’t recognize, perhaps characters from Izuku’s DND he loves so much.
Katsuki chuckles softly to himself, wondering what kind of adventure Izuku is dreaming about. He can almost picture it—Izuku, with that determined expression he gets when he’s really focused, leading a group of heroes through some epic quest. He feels a surge of affection swell in his chest.
Reaching out, he gently brushes a strand of green hair away from his face, his touch light as a feather. Izuku stirs slightly, his mumbling pausing for a moment as if he senses Katsuki’s presence even in sleep. But he doesn’t wake, simply turning his head to nuzzle deeper into the pillow, letting out a soft sigh. Then he hears his name. “Kacchan…no…don’t go…”
Katsuki's eyes widened. “No” he mutters back “I'm here” as he slowly pulls back the covers. Izuku shutters from the air and Katsuki gently wraps his arms underneath him, pulling him close from behind as he lay on top of him. Izuku instinctively shifts in his sleep, moving closer, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. Katsuki nuzzles his nose in the back of Izuku’s ear and neck. He shivers underneath him and then Katsuki presses a soft kiss to the back of Izuku’s head, the scent of his shampoo still lingering faintly in his hair. “I’m here,” Katsuki whispers.
“Kacchan” Izuku mumbles faintly, his voice riddled with sleep.
“I'm here” Katsuki repeats.
“Kacchan” Izuku squeaks “you're cold!”
Katsuki smirks in response, his breath against Izuku’s neck as he pulls him closer. “And you’re warm,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble, “so be still.”
Izuku doesn't listen. Instead, he squirms beneath him, his body restless and wriggling as he tries to turn over. The chill from Katsuki’s skin has startled him fully awake, and he’s not about to just lie there without acknowledging him.
“Kacchan” Izuku whines, the sound more insistent now as he struggles to turn over, his muscles tensing as he tries to break free from Katsuki’s embrace. Sensing his determination, Katsuki lifts himself slightly, giving Izuku just enough room to adjust. He watches as Izuku shifts in frustration and sleepy clumsiness. When Izuku finally settles on his back, the moonlight from the window washes over his expression, highlighting his features in a soft glow. His usually bright eyes are heavy with lingering sleep, and his lips, now slightly pouty, form an adorable yet irritable expression. He’s clearly trying to look upset, but the effect is almost comical, as if he’s too tired to fully commit to the emotion.
Katsuki can’t help but smirk at the sight. The way Izuku’s brow furrows, the way his lips press together in a mock frown. Without thinking, he leans in and presses a faint kiss to the tip of Izuku’s nose, letting his lips brush over the light dusting of freckles that scatter across his face.
Izuku huffs, his irritation melting away at the gentle gesture. He can never stay upset with his amazing Kacchan for long, especially when he’s being so affectionate. But just as he’s about to relax, he feels a sudden shock of cold as Katsuki’s hands slip under his shirt, pressing against his bare skin. Izuku’s breath catches in his throat, and he gasps, his body instinctively recoiling from the icy touch.
“Kacchan!” he yelps, his teeth beginning to chatter as the chill spreads through him. He squirms again, this time more forcefully, trying to escape the freezing hands that are now roaming his sides. Enjoying the playful struggle as Katsuki pulls his boyfriend closer he chuckles. “Stop squirming,” Katsuki teases, his voice light with amusement. “I can always use my quirk to warm you.”
Izuku’s pout deepens with frustration. Despite the cold, he can’t help but feel a warm flutter in his chest at the way Kacchan is holding him, the way he’s so effortlessly affectionate, even when he’s teasing. It’s moments like these that make Izuku feel completely at ease, knowing that no matter what, Kacchan is there, holding him close, keeping him safe.
With a resigned sigh, Izuku gives up the fight and snuggles deeper into Kacchan’s embrace, his body slowly acclimating to the cold as he adjusts. “Yet you won’t let me use mine on you” he mumbles, his voice muffled against Kacchan’s bare chest, instantly regretting what he had spoken. Katsuki leans back, releasing his grip on Izuku to hold himself up and study his expression.
“I’m sorry” Izuku breathes, his voice is quieter than usual, tinged with a broken softness. He avoids eye contact, staring instead at his hands as they fidget restlessly, clenching and unclenching as if they’re trying to grasp something just out of reach. Katsuki tilts his head as he examines Izuku closer. His movement is slow, almost hesitant, as though he’s second-guessing even the smallest actions. Katsuki believes he should be the one apologizing. All Izuku had asked to do was to be a little kinky. But he was making him feel almost shameful. He knew he would never hurt him, he never had. So why was he so hesitant to give in? Was his heart ready for this? Surely he could take whatever Izuku wanted to give.
Sero’s voice echoes in Katsuki's head from their earlier conversation “ You do trust him, don't you? I mean you want to marry him.” Katsuki smiles softly, pressing another gentle kiss to the top of Izuku’s head. The tender gesture is meant to reassure all the unspoken words he struggles to say aloud. His heart swells with affection, a protective instinct rising within him as he holds Izuku close.
“Don’t apologize. I’ll let you do your freaky shit” Katsuki murmurs. Izuku looks up, his emerald eyes wide with surprise as they meet Kacchan’s intense ruby gaze. For a moment, he’s taken aback by the kind smile that softens his lover's usually stern expression. A shade of pink engulfs across his cheeks that Izuku can barely view through the dark. It’s a look that’s rare, reserved for these quiet moments between them. Izuku’s heart skips a beat as he takes in the sincerity in Kacchan’s eyes and the blush on his face. It’s as if all the doubt and uncertainty he’s been feeling melts away under the warmth of that gaze. Slowly, almost tentatively, Izuku reaches up, his hand trembling slightly as he cups Kacchan's cheek. The skin beneath his fingers is warm to the touch.
“Really?” Izuku asks, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he’s afraid to break the delicate moment between them. There’s a mix of hope and disbelief in his tone, as though he’s still trying to wrap his mind around the idea that Katsuki truly will let him have his way. Kacchan's smile widens just a fraction, his hand coming up to cover Izuku’s, holding it gently against his cheek. “Don’t make it weird,” he affirms, his voice steady.
Izuku’s lips curve into a small, shy smile of his own, his eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper, something that tugs at his heartstrings and makes him want to pull Katsuki even closer. Something black whip could easily do. Izuku’s smile grows a little wider, a little more sinister as the last remnants of hesitation fall away.
Katsuki catches the determination in Izuku’s eyes, the same stare he gives when he's ready to jump into action. Izuku’s hands roughly grasp his biceps now.
“Izuku!” Katsuki speaks quickly and firmly, causing Izuku to jolt his gaze from Kacchan’s chest to his face. “Tomorrow”
“But…” Izuku pouts as he tries to protest.
“I’m tired, its fucking cold, It’s way past my bedtime, and I just want to sleep curled up next to my boyfriend” he replies confidently, his tone softening as he holds Izuku even tighter.
Izuku can’t argue with that. Despite the teasing, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. Wrapped up in Katsuki’s arms, with the moonlight casting a gentle glow over them, he feels completely content. They settle into the warmth of each other, their breathing slowly syncing as sleep begins to creep back in.
Izuku closes his eyes, with Kacchan’s arms around him, he feels safe, loved, and warm in a way that no amount of blankets could ever provide. As he drifts off, he imagines all the fun he wants to have with Katsuki tomorrow. He began to feel Kacchan’s steady heartbeat beneath him, a comforting rhythm that lulls him into a peaceful slumber, knowing that when he wakes, Kacchan will still be there, holding him close. Or perhaps Kacchan will wake to Izuku holding him down until he is close to coming undone. Izuku smiles against Katsuki’s now warm skin as he mutters.
“Mmm…tomorrow”
Katsuki holds him close, sleep consuming him. He loves his flustered and freaky nerd, he would let him do anything to him. Everything would be fine, he trusted him after all. He loved him. And he was going to marry him.