Archive of Our Own

Katsuki's body flexed in a limber stride as his feet hit the pavement, maintaining a steady pace. He had passed the point of discomfort. His body felt like it could continue forever, with each inhalation another rhythmic push forward. There was hardly a day that Katsuki didn't run. It was his sanctuary, his zone—a solitary place where he could unwind.

He was nearing the end of his circuit, and he began to transition to a cool down. Soon approaching his building, he slowed to a stop, and a light rush radiated from his chest up to his head.

After several deep breaths, his pounding heart slowly began to calm. He looked at his watch. Twelve kilometers in sixty-six minutes. It was hardly a record for him, but he didn't mind. His head felt clear, and that was all that mattered.

He paused at his building entrance, and engaged a few light stretches before taking the walk back to his apartment, his body a little more alert and energized as he moved through to the fourth floor.

"Hey, hey!" he grumbled, squeezing through a narrow crack in the door, where Lady All Mutt eagerly awaited his entry. "Calm down! Jeez." He nudged the scraggly mutt, her dull nails scratching at his exposed shins as he pushed past her. Their reunion was quickly interrupted, just as he began to squat to her level. Katsuki jolted backward, startled by the unexpected sound of a shrill cry.

The fuck?

His brow instinctively pulled tight as he tried to assess the unmistakable high-pitched wail only a baby could produce.

He nudged the dog from his knee, and without even removing his shoes, he was drawn into the living room to investigate further. Katsuki stopped in his tracks at the sight of Izuku, baby on hip, bouncing in an attempt to pacify a notably irritable infant.

"Sh-sh-shhh. It's okay," Izuku whispered gently.

"Izuku?" Katsuki stared forward in bewilderment, unblinking as he observed Izuku transfixed by the white-haired baby in his grasp.

"Oh! Hi, Kacchan." Izuku barely acknowledged his presence, and he continued to bob up and down, cooing a soothing hum to the tiny human at his side.

"Uh. Why are you holding a baby?" His gaze sharpened, tracking the slow, deliberate circles Izuku traced along the infant’s back. "Please don't tell me it was a 'stray' roaming around UA campus."

"Kacchan! Don't be absurd. It's a baby, not a dog!"

"Well, you have a history of bringing home lost souls…" Katsuki looked down at the mutt now trailing at his side.

"Bakugo. It's nice to see you!"

Katsuki spun around to find Todoroki's sister, Fuyumi. She made her way from the bathroom pulling her long hair into a ponytail in the process.

"Um. Hey?" Katsuki responded, glancing back and forth in an attempt to piece together a plausible scenario for the scene in front of him.

Fuyumi hurried over to Izuku. "I can take him—"

"It's alright, little one!" Izuku continued, his voice hushed and lilting. He switched his motion to more of a sway and the crying abruptly halted. "Yeah, that's right. You like Uncle Deku. Don't you!"

Fuyumi simply observed with a smile. It was clear to both that Izuku needed little help. "He certainly does like you! He can be fussy sometimes. But, you're clearly a natural!"

"Because you're too cute!" Izuku continued, nuzzling close to the baby, nearly grazing his button nose against his own. "Yes, you are!" He lifted him into the air, and the baby let out a slobbery giggle.

Katsuki shifted his weight back and forth, watching as Izuku continued to dote—repressing all his urges to roll his eyes at the cringe-worthy baby voice.

A natural…

He suddenly felt more parched than he had after the end of his run. The surprise of the baby threw him totally off guard, and he hadn't even bothered to rehydrate. He slipped off his sneakers and shoved them to the side before retrieving a glass of water.

"So…" Katsuki interjected after downing a half glass full. The water swished as he slammed the cup to the table. He was still uncertain how the three had ended up in their apartment while he was out.

"Oh. Yeah! Sorry, you're probably wondering why I'm in your home!"

"Well… Izuku never mentioned having guests… "

"Oh, yeah! We ran into each other at the park." Izuku explained, finally tearing his gaze from the infant.

"Yeah. We only just recently moved to Musutafu, so it was nice to run into a familiar face. Izuku offered some tea. And, well, here we are!"

Of course he offered tea.

Katsuki scanned the room, taking note of the two ceramic cups with just a few sips remaining.

"I don't know the last time I saw you, Bakugo. It must have certainly been before Yuki was born. Gosh, can't believe he's nearly six months already!"

"Probably Todoroki's surprise party?" Izuku offered.

Katsuki let out a slight chuckle, recalling the placid expression across Todoroki's face when the crowd jumped out. "Dude was hardly surprised," he scoffed.

"Well, you know Shoto!"

He shrugged and returned his attention to Izuku who was still fixated on the baby. Katsuki leaned slightly forward, and the baby suddenly stretched toward him, his face all eyes and plump cheeks. His small lips curled into a perfect smile—the kind of smile captured on jars of baby food, or posters with infants posed alongside bunnies and kittens.

Why Katsuki's heart rate suddenly increased in response was a jarring mystery to him. His lip twitched. What is… happening? His jaw tensed as he repressed the subtle smile that almost emerged.

"Bakugo, do you want to hold him?" Fuyumi suggested.

Katsuki's eyes widened, and he glanced between Izuku and Fuyumi who seemed to be all eyes on his every move. "Huh?"

"Yeah, Kacchan. Do you want to?" Izuku inched closer, tilting forward as if offering the infant as an enticing treat.

Katsuki stepped backward. "N-nah." He waved his hands in refusal. "You don't want me to do that!"

"Oh. You don't need to be so scared! He's not going to bite. Even Shoto picked it up pretty quickly."

"Tch. Not scared." He rolled his eyes at the notion of Todoroki outperforming him in anything, even infant handling.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he stared at the two watching him with seeming eagerness. "Fine," he relented and tentatively outstretched his arms. Izuku shifted his grasp for the transfer, and Katsuki hesitantly positioned his hands under his armpits. He froze for a moment, his arms outstretched stiff with the baby's legs dangling below.

"Kacchan. He's not a bomb!" Izuku took quick action and gently guided the baby closer to his chest, repositioning his arms to support him with one hand on his bottom and the other at his neck.

"See, this is a much better way to hold him."

Yuki felt heavy in his arms, not from the weight, but the uncertainty he felt in his grip. Was he holding him right? Was he going to fall out of his arms? Why was he wriggling?

Before he could barely gain his bearings, the baby began to squirm, and his face turned a noticeable tinge of red with his small brow clenched together. His breathing quivered and soon, a piercing cry started to emerge. Katsuki glared at Izuku, a panicked unspoken plea for assistance.

Izuku did not hesitate, and quickly repositioned himself, taking the baby back to his possession. Fuyumi hovered closer, clearly ready to step in as needed. Katsuki exhaled a breath in relief.

"Sh-sh. Don't you worry, little man," Izuku whispered, gently rocking from side to side. The baby quickly halted his cry and his expression relaxed. "Don't worry. Uncle Deku's got you," he said in a singsong voice.

Uncle Deku. He's known this baby for all of two seconds and he's already assigned himself the role of uncle…

"Sorry, Bakugo. I hope you don't take it personally. He's had a long day," Fuyumi tried to reassure.

Katsuki exhaled. "It's whatever. I told you it wasn't a good idea." He shrugged and looked dismissively to the side. It was a relief to have the baby out of his arms.

At this point, both Fuyumi and Katsuki directed their full attention towards Izuku who seemed to have charmed the infant into a calm state. It wasn't surprising that Izuku was good around babies, but Katsuki had never seen it before. He seemed so confident, experienced.

Yuki's expression shifted, and his face scrunched with a subtle flush across his round cheeks. "Uh-oh?" Izuku chuckled. "Did you just make a poopy, little guy?" He lifted him up and sniffed near his diaper.

Seriously, a poopy? Katsuki squinted in aversion. And, did he just sniff his butt?

"Oh yeah. Most definitely," Izuku confirmed.

"Oh. I can take him, Midoriya."

"If you want, I can change him for you. I'm sure you're tired of changing a million diapers."

"That's nice but you don't have to—"

"No! I don't mind at all! I've changed many diapers before," Izuku insisted.

He's changed many diapers?

Katsuki knew he sometimes helped his neighbor when he was in university—as if Izuku could ever say no to an overtired single mother. Yet, for some reason, he’d never actually pictured the reality of diaper changes and bottle feedings. It was just some nebulous reference that never really sunk into his consciousness.

Should have paid more attention back then…

"Alright?" Fuyumi shrugged. "If you insist. I won't say no to changing one less diaper," she relented and shuffled to the stroller, retrieving the baby bag tucked in the lower basket.

Izuku laid Yuki down on a now unfurled changing mat. Lady All Mutt, suddenly curious about the unfamiliar activity, started to approach. Katsuki snapped his fingers and pointed to the ground in an attempt to beckon the dog to his side. She paused with one paw lifted, before returning to her investigation. "Stupid mutt," Katsuki scolded before scooping her up in one fell swoop.

He continued to hover above, observing as Izuku removed the little leggings, and unsnapped his onesie. The baby squirmed, but somehow Izuku seemed unflustered, drawing his ankles together with one hand as he removed the diaper with the other. Fuyumi handed him a fresh diaper and wipe, and he proceeded to finish the task with ease.

"That's much better now. Isn't it?" Izuku declared. The baby wiggled and kicked in response, releasing a full gummy smile.

"I love his one little tooth starting to come in!" Izuku commented as he continued to wrangle his squirmy legs back into the leggings.

"Yes. He's definitely started his teething era! He can be a bit of a nightmare when he's uncomfortable."

"Are you a little nightmare? The cutest little nightmare?" Izuku playfully tickled his tummy and the baby continued to giggle.

"Yeah. You say he's cute now!" Fuyumi joked with a light chuckle. "Thanks for changing him. You have a real way with babies!"

Katsuki continued to hold the dog, staring down at a beaming Izuku as he fussed playfully with the baby on the mat. His eyes were as round as the tiny gaze before him. Katsuki didn't know who was more enraptured, Izuku or the baby.

His breath suddenly halted, and he tried to stuff down the near panic that leapt into his chest.

Shit. Does Izuku want this kind of life?

"Well, I hate to tear you two away. But I think we have to get going. It's a bit later than I realized."

"Aww. Okay… Well, little man. I guess I have to let your mom take you back." He reluctantly unfurled the tiny hand that was clasped around his finger to allow Fuyumi to take over.

After a few moments of gathering their belongings and situating the baby in the stroller, they were ready. Izuku took the opportunity to steal one more glance from the adoring eyes he seemed to have grown so quickly attached to.

"Bye Yuki! Uncle Deku's gonna see you again real soon!" He turned his attention to Fuyumi. "Seriously, if you ever need a sitter. We'd be happy to help out!"

We? What the hell is he dragging me into this for?

Izuku closed the door behind and turned to face Katsuki, leaning against the closed door. His eyes squinted by the force of his broad smile. Was there a saccharine twinkle in his eye?

Fuck… he totally wants this.

————

The morning was notably warmer when he stepped out for his run. The onset of summer was near, and despite the early hour, he figured he would be drenched by the end. Still, he preferred the urban scenery to the sterile gym interior, not to mention the bad music and distracting bros that always seemed to take him out of his meditation.

A few days had passed since the unexpected reconnection with Fuyumi, and Katsuki couldn't contain a growing pit in his stomach. He needed this run.

Little moments kept appearing that all seemed to confirm Izuku wanted a baby. They were small moments, insignificant moments. Izuku striking a casual conversation with a stranger—only to seem more interested in the three-year-old at her feet. Izuku pausing at the window of a children's store to gawk at the impractically tiny shoes. Izuku confirming the offer for them to babysit.

Gotta get out of that one…

Katsuki continued along his regular route, jogging in place as he waited at the crossing. He finally made it to the riverside greenway. The dull gray-green expanse of the water was a soothing distraction, and for a moment, he fell into the rhythm of the run.

The trail was a popular spot for running and cycling. Yet, the day was unusually quiet, and he found himself mostly in solitude. This is what he needed, what he craved.

He passed the first landmark—a steel bridge stretching across the greenway and river, the same one Izuku dragged him over on long summer night dog walks. Two kilometers. He pushed forward to the second landmark—Izuku's latest obsession, a new matcha cafe he wouldn't shut up about. Three kilometers.

Suddenly ahead, a group of school children, no older than the age of six, came into focus. They all wore the same yellow brimmed hats and matching uniforms, each nearly swallowed by the backpacks far too large for their size. Katsuki slowed as he approached the raucous cluster of children, linking hands and arms as they prepared to cross the intersection. His heart jolted at the sight, pulling him completely out of his meditation.

His mind began to wander, even as he slipped beyond the group—only to find himself thrust back into the same spiral that had haunted him the last few days.

Who am I? Dunce Face? How can I be so oblivious?

He knew Izuku liked kids. He seemed to collect wayward children over the years as his adopted little 'siblings'. He was always comfortable around them. Yet, he never really bothered to think about the deeper implication. Of course Izuku would want children!

In all the years he pined for Izuku, dreamt of Izuku, finally to be with Izuku, even moving in together—he had never thought to imagine children. He never even paused to realize that parenthood was the most obvious eventual step Izuku would want in life.

It was only now that some dumb baby decided to appear out of nowhere and shine a light on such a blatant reality. Had he pushed the idea aside for a decade or more because, deep down, he knew he couldn't provide that for him?

Because, deep down, he always knew what they shared was at risk of falling apart.

It was different seeing him with an infant. He had never witnessed anything more than a passing encounter or a quick fan interaction. He certainly never witnessed anything like Izuku changing diapers. He seemed so self-assured, and his eyes lit up with an excitement that was… terrifying. Yet, it was also nauseatingly endearing, in a way that made him feel all his teeth might rot right out of his mouth.

No. He didn't want children. He couldn't possibly want children, could he? What kind of father would he even be?

He found his legs propelling faster, breathing in and out in a staccato rhythm. He was nearly at a sprint, as if the quicker he moved the further from reality he could distance himself. It was not a sustainable pace, and eventually, the heat hit him like fire in his lungs. He came to an abrupt stop.

He hunched over his legs to catch his breath, sweaty palms pressed against his knees. After a moment he moved to the shade of a large zelkova tree and leaned against the trunk. He brought the hem of his shirt up to his face to absorb the perspiration now rolling down his cheek.

His fingers, swollen from the heat, tensed into a fist as he knocked against the bumpy ridges of the trunk. "Damn it," he muttered quietly. He closed his eyes and waited for his heavy breathing to subside. After a moment, he reluctantly forced himself from the tree, returning to his run at a gradual pace. He just needed to keep moving.

————

Katsuki was in bed, half slouched against the pillows with Lady All Mutt positioned at his feet. Her small paws wiggled in a dream twitch, as though she were running, and Katsuki was brought back from the depths of his thought spiral. He was suddenly aware that the phone he was staring at had slumped forward, and his eyes were pointed far into the distance. He shifted on the bed to observe Izuku, buried in his screen, shaking his head in some unknown amusement.

"What's so funny," Katsuki questioned, watching Izuku's lips curl as he let out a quiet chuckle.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just Todoroki," he explained, continuing to stare into the screen.

Katsuki exhaled and rolled his eyes. "Better not be more media attention for the 'golden boy' and his new ranking?"

"No. It's just this." Izuku turned the phone to Katsuki and showed a photo of Todoroki with his nephew. The baby was standing on his lap tugging at a red clump of hair.

Katsuki's eyes widened.

Are you fucking kidding me! More baby shit?

It was now a week since this growing anxiety had hooked a thorny spine into him—caught in a bramble of uncertainty. Despite his best attempts, his thoughts circled back to Izuku, diapers, and crying infants. Just when it finally felt a bit normal again, there he was, all smiles and round eyes at the sight of that damn baby!

"Look how cute he is! I love when babies just get in your face. It's so silly!"

Of course he loves that.

"Well, Icy Hot looks unamused," Katsuki responded.

"You know that's just how he looks in photos! I'm sure he's laughing on the inside."

Katsuki clenched his jaw, attempting to repress the lingering unease building in his chest. "Sure…" he said with sarcasm. "So all these years, he's just laughing on the inside."

Izuku shrugged. "I always assume so?"

"Well, I assumed he didn't know what humor was…"

"Don't be so mean, Kacchan. Of course he knows humor! He can be quite funny sometimes—in a subtle, dry sort of way."

Katsuki raised an eyebrow. He hated thinking of Todoroki making Izuku laugh. Or, that Izuku was gawking at him with his silly nephew. He probably wasn't even that good with kids anyway. He thought back to high school where they had to entertain a classroom of disrespectful tweens. Todoroki wasn't exactly the most natural. Still, he couldn't help but feel a weird sensation imagining Izuku bonding with him and his new favorite baby.

"Well, he knew we saw his nephew recently. Forced him to send me some photos of Yuki."

"Jeez, you're obsessed with that freaking baby." Katsuki couldn't help but let a tinge of irritation slip out in his tone.

"I'm not?" Izuku tried to deny, only to be met with an unconvinced glare from Katsuki. "Well, you can't deny he has the cutest, roundest little cheeks!"

"I don't know. Just a baby." Katsuki shrugged.

"Yeah. I guess, I never expected you to care much about that sort of thing." There was no disappointment or sarcasm in his voice, just simple facts.

A new message notification popped up. "Awww. Look!"

He turned the phone to Katsuki and displayed an image of the whole Todoroki family, Endeavor near the center with the baby in his lap.

"Surprised they trust him with an infant," Katsuki sneered.

"Yeah. I mean, he's been trying to make up for all the damage for years. I think he's hoping the baby could be a fresh start."

"Still the same stoic expression," Katsuki scoffed and shifted slightly on the mattress.

"Hmmm. Familiar?"

"Huh?" His brow tensed slightly together.

"I mean, I can count on one hand the number of pictures I have where you're smiling!" Izuku nudged against his shoulder.

"Are you? Uh. Comparing me to Endeavor?" His gaze drifted to meet Izuku's eyes in a side glance.

"No! I mean. Just your expression," he tried to reframe.

Katsuki didn't love the comparison to Endeavor, not that it was the first he heard it.

"I'm sorry, Kacchan. I didn't mean anything. It's just. You just don't smile much in photos?" The bridge of his nose crinkled in regret.

"Relax, nerd. No need for all the guilt." His brow softened and he nudged him with his shoulder. "I'm a goddamn ray of sunshine, and you know it."

Izuku shook his head and let out a light chuckle in relief. "Well, I know how to make you smile." He dropped the phone to his lap and pressed his fingers to his cheeks, pushing his lips upward. "Are you smiling yet?"

"You're such a dork!" He mumbled, his voice distorted from the unnatural pull of his skin.

Izuku loosened the tension in his fingertips but kept his hands in place. Their eyes rested for a moment before he pulled Katsuki closer, drawing their lips together into an easy kiss. He eventually released his grasp, and the corner of Katsuki's lips hitched upright into a near-visible smirk. "See! A hint of a smile!" Izuku beamed as he pulled back.

"Shut up," Katsuki shook his head with a subtle huff before Izuku was again on his lips. He tried to settle into his touch and be present, following Izuku's tempo.

Izuku pulled back suddenly. "Kacchan?" he interrupted, searching Katsuki's expression as if he was a book requiring close reading.

"Hmm?"

"You seem…distracted."

Was he? Perhaps he was a little more stiff than usual, less engaged and reciprocal. He loosened his posture, letting his shoulders relax.

Fuck. Be normal.

He attempted a restart.

"Does this…" Katsuki began, bringing Izuku back into him, letting his tongue slip into his mouth. "Seem…" he managed to squeeze out between breaths, before falling back into their kiss. "Distracted?" he finished, slowly trailing at his lower lip as he pulled back.

Izuku's eyes hazily fluttered open with a grin. "I think I need more convincing!"

Katsuki allowed a rare full smile and leaned in to oblige his request. Yet, before they could fully fall into a rhythm, Izuku's phone buzzed. Their lips slowed as they recalibrated from the distraction until they were again interrupted by a notification—followed by another.

Izuku retreated from Katsuki at the third buzz.

"It's fine," Katsuki rolled his eyes. "What's your boyfriend want now?"

Izuku knocked his shoulder with the back of his hand.

"Fine. Your husband. Is that more accurate?" Katsuki goaded.

"You're insufferable."

Katsuki glanced at the phone as Izuku quickly revealed the text message.

Yep. More freaking baby photos.

Katsuki scanned the image across the screen of Endeavor and Fuyumi with Yuki. It was a candid moment, the baby leaning out of Fuyumi's arms with one tiny palm pressed against Endeavor's face. Endeavor wore the same unflinching expression, while the baby was all smiles with a hint of chaos. Below the image, Todoroki's commentary.

Todoroki: baby vs. endeavor.

Todoroki: baby: 1 | endeavor: 0

"See. Humor!" Izuku highlighted.

"If you say so…" Katsuki shifted slightly on the mattress. He puffed a slight exhale, and found his gaze drifting again to the distance.

Fucking baby.

Fucking Half and Half.

Fucking Endeavor.

He couldn't get the image of Izuku and that child out of his mind. Then, the image of Endeavor. He didn't know why it bothered him as much as it did.

"Hey. Are you okay, Kacchan?"

"Huh?" He suddenly shook back to the spatial reality of the room, the dog at his feet, his head awkwardly half tilted on the pillow, Izuku twisted on his side, staring at him.

"You just seem… I don't know. Somewhere."

"It's…. Nothing," he shrugged.

"You sure?"

"Yeah?" He looked over to Izuku, who was staring at him, his gaze attempting to pierce past the surface. "I'm fine, Deku. Just… tired."

Izuku squinted but didn't press any further. "Okay, Kacchan."

Izuku's fingertips drifted across his hairline, and Katsuki felt the tension in his brow ease with a pleasant hum beneath his skin. He let his eyes fall shut for a moment. He really was tired all of the sudden, as Izuku continued to lightly brush his hair, and Katsuki nearly dozed off under his wandering fingers.

"Kacchan?"

"Mmm?"

"Let's get you all tucked in."

Katsuki hazily blinked his eyes open, realizing he still had too many layers on, and shifted upright to take off his clothes. He tossed his shirt and pants into the laundry bin and slipped beneath the comforter.

"You staying up?" Katsuki asked, watching Izuku retreat from the bed and fix the pants that were half draped into the bin.

"You know me..."

"Yeah. You're gonna stay up too late researching some dumb nerd shit and then drink ten cups of coffee tomorrow…"

"Hey, I cut myself off after two cups!"

"Lies…." he muttered, his eyes falling back to near slits.

Izuku shook his head. "Night, Kacchan."

"Mmm. Night," he managed to exhale as Izuku turned off the light, closing the door to a small crack as he exited.

Katsuki could feel himself nearly drifting from consciousness but was still unsettled. He tossed to his side and tried to let go of the thoughts that kept resurfacing.

Come on, idiot. Just sleep.

—————

Katsuki was running, or at least it seemed like he was running. The familiar route, the same concrete beneath his feet. Yet, everything was a little off. It felt like he was running in a murky lake, his body in slow motion as he launched himself off the pavement. Was he even moving forward?

Suddenly, Izuku was by his side, running alongside him.

"Hi, Kacchan!" he beamed, as he bounced next to him, his green hair flopping with each step.

Was he running faster? It was hard to say. His pace seemed to match his, but his own body felt like he was barely in motion. It was as if his legs were lead, weighed down with every propulsion forward.

He turned his head to observe Izuku again.

He was giggling as he continued running at his side.

What is so damn funny? he thought and returned his attention to the rhythm of his breathing, the sensation of his legs dragging like sludge.

He turned his gaze to Izuku at the sound of his laughter. Was there a baby at his hip? It was Yuki, with his unmistakable white hair and plump cheeks. Izuku continued running effortlessly, his arm wrapped around the infant, cooing stupid little phrases of delight.

"You like Uncle Deku, don't you?"

Katsuki watched in horror. "Where the fuck did that baby come from?"

"What baby?"

"The baby you're holding!"

"You mean the baby you're holding?"

Suddenly, he looked down to find Yuki in his arms—his gray eyes wide and unblinking staring back at him. His mouth gaped open to expose his one tiny tooth, and a shattering cry bellowed from his lungs. He looked back to Izuku, his arms now free and running in perfect form.

Katsuki was still moving, he supposed, only evident by the fact that his legs had the appearance of motion. The crying infant at his waist only further weighed him down, and it abruptly occurred to him that he could stop.

He came to a halt, and Izuku continued ahead. "Kacchan, don't stop now. We have to keep moving forward!"

He could barely hear Izuku over the shrieking infant. "Then why don't you take this damn baby!"

"What baby?" he questioned with narrowed eyes, as he kept moving forward, the distance between them expanding by the second.

Katsuki looked down and the baby was gone. He twisted from side to side, his arms half extended outward as he searched for the vanished baby that was just there, nearly feeling the residual imprint from his presence.

The weight had finally lifted, and Katsuki launched forward to catch up with Izuku, who had sprinted so far ahead that he was no longer in sight. At least, he could move freely again, and his legs now launched forward with ease.

His eyes widened as Izuku came into focus, Yuki's tiny white mop of hair nestled against his shoulder, a stark contrast to his own tousled green hair.

Shit. Inescapable.

Yuki was no longer fussy, and Katsuki took in Izuku's peaceful expression as he stood in place with the infant tight in his arms.

"Izuku?"

"Sh-sh. He's sleeping!"

Katsuki came to a full stop. He was breathless as he scanned the image of Izuku in full form. Yuki was cradled against his chest with a rosy cheek propped against his shoulder. His eyes were closed, and the stillness was only interrupted by the slight rocking of Izuku's hips. His hand rested on the baby's back, with his thumb gently stroking against his cotton jumper.

Was that a hum? Katsuki approached the pair quietly. Izuku's eyes were closed with an unidentifiable tune buzzing softly from his closed lips. He looked so at ease, so utterly absorbed in their closeness.

Katsuki rested in their image, a faint tingle in his chest. It was warm and cloyingly sweet. Suddenly, he felt a pang in his mouth, and to his astonishment, a molar loosened as he ran his tongue against the inside of his teeth. He touched it, and it wiggled right out of his gum. He stared with shock at the tooth now free in his palm.

He looked over to Izuku but stopped himself short of interrupting their embrace. He felt inside his mouth at the newly formed gap, and another molar fell out at the slightest touch. He spat the tooth into his palm, and his eyes widened at the sight, mortified by the blood-tinged teeth in his grasp.

He looked up, and suddenly they were no longer alone. Izuku, still lost in the gentle embrace of the baby, was now amidst the whole Todoroki family, surrounded as if he was one of their flock. Katsuki remained on the outside, clutching the teeth in his palm. His fingers flexed tighter as he observed Todoroki lean in closer, resting his hand on Izuku's back as if he belonged at his side.

Endeavor looked up from the scene, and their eyes caught hold of each other in a prolonged exchange.

What are you looking at, old man?

Katsuki's eyes snapped open.

"Bastard!" he gasped and jolted upright, the cold weight of Endeavor's gaze still lingering heavy before him.

He grasped his jaw and traced his teeth with his tongue. All accounted for.

Only a dream.

Izuku shifted beneath the sheets and slinked closer. "Are you okay, Kacchan?" He blearily mumbled with his eyes still closed.

"Yeah. Just a dream."

"Were you naked again?"

Katsuki exhaled at the sudden reminder of more dreams he would happily forget forever. "Um. Just weird teeth stuff… and…" He stopped short and let out a deep sigh. "Yeah. Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep."

"Okay, Kacchan. I love you," he rolled to his side and wrapped his arms around Katsuki. "And your teeth," he slurred, half-conscious and barely audible.

Katsuki dropped his head to the pillow and tried to push the strange images out of his mind. He hated dreams.

He glanced at Izuku, whose breathing had deepened. He had clearly drifted back into slumber. Katsuki never understood how he could fall in and out of sleep so easily.

He tried to refocus, distracting himself with the rise and fall of Izuku's chest. "Love you," he whispered.

————

A thin cloud of mist released as Katsuki emerged from the bathroom, leaving the towel behind on the wall hook before returning to the bedroom for his clothes. He threw on a t-shirt and a pair of charcoal shorts. It was progressively warm all week, and he was prepared for the day to match the trend.

The aroma of coffee wafted through the apartment along with the sound of Izuku shuffling in the kitchen and muttering to the dog. Katsuki had awoken later than usual, groggy after his difficult night's sleep. The dream was still a shadow in his mind. He paused at the sight of Izuku ambling about his morning routine and attempted his best impression of normalcy.

He snuck behind Izuku, who was adding a splash of cream into the freshly poured mug of coffee—his second cup, Katsuki assumed. Izuku jerked, seemingly startled as he wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Morning," he whispered into Izuku's ear, his voice a low hum. He grazed his teeth along the base of his neck, and Izuku shuddered to the chill of his light touch.

"Kacchan! That tickles!" Izuku placed the mug on the quartz surface with a clink, the coffee sloshing near over the rim in the process.

"What are you gonna do about it?" he persisted and continued another teasing nibble.

Izuku squirmed and spun around to face him. "Remind me why I love you?"

Katsuki's lip twitched before he leaned in to greet Izuku's mouth, the earthy smell of coffee lingering on his breath. He landed firmly against him, briefly softening into the cushion of his lips.

"Because I'm so kind and charming," Katsuki commented as he released back from their kiss.

"You're so dumb!" His eyes rolled upward, and his head shook with a mild exasperation.

Katsuki unfurled himself from Izuku and rifled through the cupboard to retrieve a mug of his own. Without too much thought, he grabbed one of the many bearing All Might's image.

"Oh. Sorry. I didn't make much," Izuku warned.

"It's fine," Katsuki replied, his voice still a little weary. "It's not like I need much anyway."

"Tired?" Izuku asked, scanning him as he rationed himself the last of the coffee.

"Uh. Yeah. I guess." He brought the mug to his lips and took a sip. The roast was more acidic than Katsuki was used to, and his lips puckered at the bright, fruity notes. In his early career, he nearly developed a minor caffeine habit after the continuous night work and extra shifts he took to save money. Yet, these days, it was often Izuku alone that managed to consume the weekly supply of coffee.

"Just didn't sleep great," Katsuki further explained.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, weird dreams… I told you about it last night?"

"Sorry! I must have been half asleep. I don't actually remember."

Of course. Lucky bastard.

"Well, what was it about?" Izuku pressed, drawing another sip with a sharp slurp.

"Uh. Just some…" Katsuki's jaw tensed and he tried to repress the visceral images from the night, tonguing his teeth almost to reassure himself of their presence. "I don't know. I don't want to think about it…"

He threw back one more large swig of coffee and placed the nearly empty mug back on the counter. Perhaps the caffeine was a mistake. Despite the persistent drowsiness, his heart already felt squeezed as he tried to forget the dream that still clung to the edges of his mind.

Izuku continued to take a few more small sips. "Do you want to join us for a walk?" Izuku gestured to the dog, who immediately jolted into a prance at the mere mention of the word.

He rolled his neck, trying to expel the lingering tension, and redirected his focus back to the present moment. "Do I have a say in the matter?"

"Not really."

"Fine, stupid mutt. You win again," Katsuki relented, directing his commentary towards the excitable mess circling at their feet.

"Don't lie. You love it."

Katsuki shrugged dismissively, though he knew it wasn't an exaggeration. It was rare they both had a free moment to wander the neighborhood together.

"Come on Lady, Daddy is going to take you for a walk," he said, now ruffling her fur as she continued to lift her paws in an excited dance.

Katsuki winced at his tone. "Fuck, Deku. Do you have to call yourself Daddy?"

"What?"

"It just sounds… weird," he scoffed.

"Don't listen to him," he said in a baby voice that made Katsuki recoil. "He's just mad I won't call him Daddy."

"Tch. Whatever," Katsuki grumbled. "I mentioned that once! And, I fully take it back. I never want you to use that word again." His shoulders shuddered in an exaggerated display of repulsion.

"Daddy…" he persisted with a cheeky grin. "Is gonna get changed now."

"I swear to god, Deku!" He called to Izuku, now retreating to the bedroom with the dog following nearly underfoot.

Katsuki rolled his eyes, grabbing Izuku's mug to finish the last vestiges of coffee. After a few minutes of preparation, Izuku was finally ready for the excursion. The click-clack of excitable paws against hard floors suddenly brought Katsuki back to reality, realizing he must have drifted off somewhere distant while he waited.

After navigating through the familiar corridors, they were greeted with hot, thick air as they emerged to the entry. Even as it was barely mid-morning, the heat immediately clung to them, sticky against their skin.

"Fuck, it's much more humid today!" Katsuki groaned, his body shrinking inward at the oppressive, muggy atmosphere.

"Yeah. I think the nice spring weather is officially over," Izuku lamented, trailing behind Lady All Mutt, who had slowly sauntered to her favorite tree at the edge of the sidewalk.

"Goddamn. Well, I guess running season is over," Katsuki complained.

"Gym season isn't so bad?" Izuku tried to reassure.

"Eh. It's never the same."

For Katsuki, there were only two seasons— 'running season' and 'gym season'. One was always preferable to the other. He never stopped running, even when he had to migrate to the inferior indoor treadmills. Yet, without the feel of the sun on his skin, the air in his lungs, the river at his side, he hardly considered it running.

Sure, there were always days here and there when the rain came and Katsuki would retreat inside. During running season, those days were few and far between. It was always an adjustment when the summer swelter settled in, and the unpredictable torrential downpours washed through the city.

Katsuki was already disgruntled that he awoke tired and later than usual. Now it was clear a trip to the gym was his only hope for an outlet.

They had slowly wandered beyond their building. With the positioning of the sun, the katsura trees along the street did little to alleviate their discomfort. Continuing in a sluggish stroll, their bodies were already damp beneath their clothes.

"Man, an ice quirk must come in handy on days like this," Izuku noted, already wiping a bead of perspiration from his brow.

Katsuki inhaled a slow breath at the thought of the Todorokis. If Izuku mentioned that family one more time, he felt he might snap.

"I was thinking last night. So Yuki's dad…"

Fuck!

His fingers instinctively flexed into fists as he repressed the frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"His quirk works with electromagnetism."

"Okay? What of it?" Katsuki grumbled.

"Well I started to look into magnetic fields, and apparently they can have a weak effect on water," Izuku began.

"So?" Katsuki tried to dismiss, knowing this could easily lead into a long rambling of quirk analytics he was not in the mood to discuss.

"Well, if he inherits both quirks, perhaps there might be an interaction at a molecular level? Perhaps, the formation of ice particles may be disrupted or weakened. Or—"

"Deku!" Katsuki harshly interrupted. "He's just a baby. Don't even know which quirk will manifest, or if it will be something completely different. Could get a fire quirk for all we know, with his genes."

"I know, I know. But the implication could be fascinating!" Izuku persisted with a growing enthusiasm. "Perhaps the ice actually could be manipulated through the control of magnetic fields! If he can emit a magnetic force field, maybe the ice would make the invisible, visible—"

"Or, maybe it doesn't matter, because he's a literal fucking infant."

"Or, what if it interacts in such a way that the ice breaks apart more easily," Izuku continued, each phrase coming a little quicker than the last. "Perhaps it would almost be an explosion of ice particles? Or maybe—"

"Fuck! Deku!" Katsuki abruptly interjected. "What's the point of speculation? Can we talk about something else? Anything else, really?"

"Um. Okay… I don't know why you're being so reactive?" Izuku slowed his gait, his brow pulled together.

"I'm not being reactive," Katsuki denied, folding his arms as he redirected his gaze away from Izuku. He heaved a sigh and let his arms fall back to his side. Of course he was being reactive. "Sorry. I don't know," he tried to soften his tone. "I just think it's fucking dumb to speculate on quirks when he's just a baby. Like their whole family is so fucked up from all that kind of stuff."

"Gosh, Kacchan! I didn't mean it like that." Izuku's eyes narrowed, clearly taken aback by the comment. "You make it seem like I'm some sort of supporter of quirk marriages…"

"You know that's not what I meant," Katsuki tried to reframe. "It's just. I don't know…" His voice softened as he trailed off. He knew he wasn't being fair.

"Well, people talk about this stuff all the time, you know," Izuku further justified, glancing at Katsuki from the side. "In the same way people wonder if he will be tall, or musically inclined."

From the look in Izuku's eyes, it was clear he had been unnecessarily callous.

"Look. I'm sorry. The heat is just getting to me today. And, I haven't gone for a run yet…" Katsuki tried to rationalize, though he knew the excuse was thin.

Izuku only shrugged, and he continued fiddling with the leash as they ambled in silence. "It's okay, I guess," he eventually responded, his voice still low and dull.

Katsuki's face scrunched, and he exhaled a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, Izuku. Just my dumbass speaking without thinking…"

Izuku's shoulders slouched. "It's alright, Kacchan." He turned his attention towards the dog who had continued her slow meandering, pausing at short intervals for another sniff. "You didn't mean it."

Katsuki hated when he let his mouth run faster than his brain. He hated it more when Izuku forgave him too easily. "You can be mad… I get it."

Izuku remained quiet but inched closer to Katsuki and gently brushed the tips of his fingers, testing the way one dips a toe in cool water. Katsuki curled his knuckles in reciprocation, allowing their fingers to interlace. Their hands were warm and clammy in each other's grasp. Yet, it was comforting—even as he felt Izuku's forgiveness was unearned.

They continued in silence, matching the dog's languorous pace as she maintained her unhurried investigation of the streetscape. They finally finished their circular route and arrived back at the building entry. Lady All Mutt paused for a final sniff at the communal marking shrub where all the building's dogs had left their scent.

"Enough, Lady." Izuku tugged at her leash with a slight jerk, releasing his hand from Katsuki's grasp to fumble for the key. Katsuki wiped his sweaty fingers against his shorts, his palm nearly on the edge of combustion.

The cool of the interior was a welcome relief. "Thank god for AC," Izuku gasped as they entered the mercifully cool lobby.

"I honestly don't know how you lived in that shitty apartment those years with just one tiny window AC."

"It was more surviving than living," Izuku admitted. "But, I mostly stayed with you that one summer anyways."

Katsuki thought back to that year as they entered the elevator. It was a few months into their relationship, and the summer heat was pervasive. One night turned into two, then two into three, until, before he knew it, summer had slipped by with Izuku stealing nearly every moment in Katsuki's far superior, cool apartment. Why it still took many more months before Izuku officially moved in was almost humorous.

That summer seemed like a pleasant dream—a dream, for once, he would gleefully return to. Back then, everything was fresh and unencumbered by the future. It had only been three years since they all but barricaded themselves in Katsuki's bedroom, indulging in a blissful three-month retreat from the world. But, somehow it felt like decades had passed, time sprawling ahead without his consent. He wanted to slow down, turn back time. Or, speed up and run full throttle—somewhere… anywhere.

With the ding of the elevator, Katsuki's wandering mind snapped back to focus—Izuku, Lady All Mutt, the familiar corridor. He didn't want to run away from this, but he didn't want to run forward either.

They had finally made it back to their apartment, and they removed their shoes at the door. Izuku released Lady All Mutt from her leash and harness, and she quickly scurried to find her dish of water.

The dog seemed to be onto something smart, and Katsuki made his way to the kitchen to get something cool to drink. Izuku was close behind him, and he brought a second glass down from the cabinet.

"Here," Katsuki handed Izuku a glass of ice water before taking several large gulps from his own cup. He exhaled in relief.

"Izuku?" Katsuki started, circling the rim of his glass in an unconscious repetition. "Uh. Nevermind."

"Kacchan? Is everything alright?"

No, nothing was alright. He could feel the words tugging beneath the surface, nearly emerging from his lips. Yet, instead, he retreated, pivoting to the first thought that came to mind.

"Yeah. I was just going to see if maybe you wanted to go to that classic horror fest thing tonight?"

"Kacchan, you know I don't like horror."

"Yeah. Figured."

"Also, I thought I told you that Fuyumi wanted to get together. She's still new here and doesn't really have a lot of connections that aren't a long train ride away."

Katsuki's eyes widened at the mention of Fuyumi. "Uh. Nope. Didn't know you had plans." Izuku had most certainly not mentioned this detail.

"You'd be welcome to join if you want."

"Uh. I think that's more of a you type of thing."

"Okay. Well. If you change your mind."

Katsuki looked at his phone and made some thin excuse to find a charger, sneaking off to the bedroom. He dropped onto the mattress and fell backward, his feet still planted on the ground. He didn't know why every conversation over the last week had somehow curved back to the insufferable Todorokis. It was like a living nightmare he couldn't escape.

Izuku was not far behind, and was soon next to him on the bed, gazing at him from above as he brushed across the tips of his unruly, sweat-tinged hair.

"Kacchan. You don't seem okay."

"I'm fine, Deku."

"Kacchan…" he prompted, his tone prying at the door Katsuki kept shutting between them. "I know something is bothering you."

Katsuki rolled to his side, grunting in reluctance as he burrowed his face into the pillow. Izuku crawled closer, pulling him back to face him.

"It's just. I don't. I can't…" he hesitated, the words halting and choppy. He pressed his fingers firmly against his forehead. "I don't want kids! Alright?" he finally blurted forcefully in exasperation.

"W-what are you talking about?" Izuku squinted, forcing exaggerated wrinkles along his forehead.

"I know you want a baby." He turned to meet Izuku's unblinking, round eyes. "I know you want to… one day. You know. Be a dad?"

They paused for a moment, and the weight of his implication slowly washed over Izuku. Katsuki found it almost painful to maintain eye contact, and he soon averted his gaze, sitting upright against the headboard.

"I uh." Izuku clasped the back of his neck, and his fingers wandered across his skull in an instinctive self-soothing massage. "Where is this coming from?"

Katsuki shrugged, and his head relaxed backward against the wall with a thud.

"Uh. I don't want a baby?" Izuku clarified, almost as a question.

"Of course you do!" Katsuki reacted. "You have been obsessed with that damn Todoroki baby all week… and—"

"I think obsessed is a little bit of an exaggeration," Izuku dismissed.

Katsuki raised his eyebrows in disbelief, prodding Izuku for a deeper self-reflection.

"Okay. Maybe I have been a little overly enthusiastic," Izuku admitted. "I like kids. But, that doesn't mean I want a baby?"

"Sure," he scoffed and folded his arms. "You say that now…"

"Kacchan. What has gotten into you? When have I ever mentioned wanting kids?"

"You don't have to say anything. It's obvious, just watching you this week… I can tell you want it."

Izuku twisted his position and leaned back into the headboard. The words were simple but seemed to hit him like the first rays of light at dawn, illuminating a whole world hidden beneath the shadows.

"I guess. I never really thought about it," Izuku admitted.

"You're telling me you never thought about it?"

Katsuki found the idea hard to believe. And yet, he too had somehow avoided the topic for years, happy to remain blissfully ignorant under the moonlit cloak of darkness.

"Well. Honestly, I always assumed you wouldn't want kids. And, life's so busy. A dog is hard enough to manage," Izuku explained, thumbing at the edges of the comforter as he spoke.

"Well. Yeah. I don't want kids," Katsuki confirmed, his voice firm and certain. "They are always screaming and leaving sticky trails of food everywhere." He shook his head with a shudder. "Always sneezing in your face. Like, don't turn towards me, for fucks sake." His shoulders slumped and he turned back to Izuku. "But… I think you do… want all of that."

"I uh. I don't know…" Izuku paused with his attention fixed forward, staring at the horizontal slats of the closet doors. "We are still pretty young. I mean we are twenty-six."

"Twenty-seven," Katsuki clarified.

"Fine. You're twenty-seven, Kacchan," Izuku corrected. "It's still young! Do we really need to have everything all figured out right now?"

Katsuki shrugged and looked at the worn All Might clock at the bedside table. The minute of the digital display advanced forward, and he was suddenly reminded of the unwelcome pull of time.

"Well, one day. We won't be twenty-seven. We'll be thirty-seven. And then what? What will you say?"

"I uh," Izuku hesitated.

"And then where are we?"

Izuku slouched backward, slumping next to Katsuki. A stillness unfolded, and they both stared forward, each falling into a trance. Izuku tilted his head onto Katsuki's shoulder. They continued to sit, no words exchanged—only the quiet that enveloped the space between them.

"Kacchan?" Izuku finally attempted to bridge the silence.

"Mmm?"

"I choose you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Katsuki questioned.

"It means, I choose you. And if you don't want kids. Well, I don't want kids," Izuku declared, his tone resolute.

How can he be so certain?

"Izuku," Katsuki responded, shaking his head with vigor. If Katsuki knew anything about Izuku, it was that he always considered everyone else first. This didn't sit right. "That feels like you're making some sort of sacrifice? For me?"

"Uh. No. I mean. I don't know," Izuku murmured.

"You were holding that baby," Katsuki reflected. "And it was like a light was lit. Like I saw something in you that I hadn't seen before. Like you wanted this. Like. Like…" The words felt jumbled in his mouth, and he paused for a moment. "Like, you're not being honest with yourself right now," he finally managed to exhale.

"Well. You're sort of asking for the impossible. To know for certain what I will want in ten years' time!"

He had a point. He was demanding an unreasonable request. But, he knew deep down it wasn't as simple as just defaulting to whatever he wanted.

"The thing is. I actually don't think I want kids. Right now, all I can imagine is being there for my students. Building upon the relationships I already have. Hero work. Lady." Izuku reached for Katsuki's fingers, trailing a soft dance against his skin. "I think this is what I want. I want what we have now."

"But…"

"There's no but."

Katsuki glanced at him with uncertainty.

"Well. I don't know," Izuku finally responded. "I guess, the idea of never being able to change my mind…" Izuku trailed off. "How do you know for certain you wouldn't change your mind?"

"Deku. I mean, you really think I'm father material?" Katsuki scoffed.

"Well. Sure if you want that?"

"Tch. You said it yourself. I'm a lot like Endeavor."

"Wait. Is that what this is about? I never said you were a lot like Endeavor?" Izuku lifted himself forward.

"Well. I'm not an idiot. I know my limitations. And, well—"

"Kacchan!" He repositioned himself on the bed to face Katsuki, his fingers gently at his jaw, coaxing him into a shared gaze. "You are not Endeavor," Izuku emphasized.

"Tch." Katsuki shook himself free from Izuku's light grasp.

"Okay. You're… rough around the edges sometimes. But, when are you going to see the kindness I see in you?"

Katsuki rolled his eyes, exhaling a puff through his nostrils.

"I'm being serious, Kacchan. You are actually the most responsible person I know. The most loyal and protective." He traced the profile of his cheek with his index finger. "I see you, even when you don't see yourself."

It was comforting, and uncomfortable all at once, and Katsuki froze under the soft caress of his fingers. Izuku always saw the best in people—brought out the best in people… in him.

Izuku… He'd be the best fucking parent.

A little part of him wondered if he could ever want that. The sleepless nights, messy diapers, and tantrums. The homework help, and playdates. The teenage angst and awkward first dates. The lifelong responsibility for another human—for not fucking them up more than the crazy world already would.

No. He liked things just as they were. He exhaled a sigh of relief at the thought of his freedom intact. And yet, his stomach churned at the vision of Izuku holding Yuki in his arms, his eyes smiling in the warmth of their embrace.

A hazy glimpse of a possible future lingered in his mind—the laughter, tears, frustration… love, all blurred together in one confusing tangle. His eyes fell shut as he contemplated the hurt of taking that away from Izuku—taking that away from himself.

He felt a slight pull at his chest at the sudden memory of Izuku positioning Yuki against him, the calm comfort of his tender assurance. Perhaps he wasn't as resolved as he thought.

Could I want that?

He shook his head with a little more apprehension than he knew how to process.

"But… What if… I never want kids?" His eyes opened wider than usual as he awaited an honest response.

"Then you don't want kids."

"And us?"

"Right now. I stand by my answer," Izuku said with a confidence that made Katsuki uneasy. "I choose you."

"But—"

"I choose you because life can take so many different paths," Izuku interrupted. "Because there are so many ways to fill that life. Because I honestly can't imagine a life without you. Here. Next to me. Always."

His hand, resting on his thigh, crept slowly to meet his fingers.

"And besides, maybe I don't mind being just Uncle."

"Just Uncle? Sounds like a compromise. Like I'm holding you back. Like—"

"Kacchan!" Izuku interrupted before Katsuki could finish his protest. He launched forward, drawing him into a brief kiss. "Will you shut up for a second?"

He fell back to his lips, slowing his rhythm as he dipped his tongue into his mouth. Katsuki, felt the stiffness in his body begin to relax, and he leaned in closer, reaching his arms around his waist. They continued, Izuku's fingers at his cheeks, letting their lips and tongues mingle in a gentle dance. For a moment, everything melted away—the past, the future, babies, Endeavor. They could rest in the solace of each other.

"Kacchan," Izuku whispered, as he released his lips, letting his forehead fall against Katsuki's. "You don't have to worry so much about me." His hands drifted to the base of his neck, gently stroking beneath his hair.

"All we can know is this moment," Izuku continued, still strumming his fingers along his scalp. "And, in this moment, I'm happy with our little family." He unfurled from Katsuki, and leaned back, as if to drink in his gaze, savoring every drop. "It's scary to not know the future. I like children. But I also like teaching and hero work… and dogs," his hand drifted back to his cheek. "And… You."

Katsuki paused in the weight of his words, allowing Izuku to see him fully. It was always uncomfortable when Izuku pushed past his carefully constructed walls. But, his green eyes were revitalizing, like a deep forest breathing oxygen into his lungs. He inhaled deeply as if catching his breath after a hard-fought sprint. He didn't want to run away from this. He wanted to linger in his presence, even as the discomfort of unknowing continued to claw at the cracks and crevices of his mind.

"Well fuck, Izuku. I just—" He cut himself short, no longer able to contain himself, and launched forward to meet Izuku's mouth. Taking his jaw in a firm grasp, he relinquished his residual restraint, kissing him with a messy fervor. It was a satisfying relief, and his tempo slowed into a gentle rhythm. He eventually pulled back in a slow release, absorbing every last trace of Izuku's touch.

"I fucking love you!" he declared with assertive confidence. "And, the thought of this falling apart… It scares the shit out of me!"

Izuku nodded and squeezed his thigh in an unspoken solidarity. "I know, Kacchan. It scares me too."

"So what does this all mean?"

"Maybe. That we just follow what we know today? And that today, what I want is you. And us. In whatever way that looks."

Katsuki felt reassured. But also, that they circled back to where they started. However, this time he was no longer running, just sitting in the messy uncertainty of life. Izuku curled next to him, nuzzling onto his shoulder.

"I love you, Kacchan."

Katsuki wrapped his arm around Izuku's waist, the weight of his body against his own was a grounding reminder that he did not carry this burden alone. He continued to graze his torso with the tips of his fingers. He wasn't going to let go.

He could never let go.