WELCOME!

you realized you were crying when the cool night breeze brushed against your damp cheeks.

"god this is stupid," you said to yourself, wiping your eyes with the sleeves of your hoodie.

"yknow, that's what I said when I came here?" a deep voice from behind you spoke suddenly. you knew who it was and you didn't, couldn't look at him.

"what do you want, katsuki?" you said, hoping your unsteady breathing wasn't too noticeable.

"I want to know what the fuck it wrong with ya’. What's turned ya’ into a crybaby all of a sudden?"

well, there goes the option of hiding...

"girl things. you wouldn't get it." you try and dismiss him as quick as possible. your knees come up to your chest and you wrap your arms around them, trying to appear as small as possible under his strong gaze.

"says who? I get a lot of things," he says plopping down in the seat next to you. you give him the side-eye.

"puss is definitely not one of those things..." you mutter not-so to yourself.

"hey, i came here out of the kindness of my heart to bully ya’ for crying, lose the 'tude." katsuki jokes. he expects to hear a snide remark or a humorless chuckle from you but gets nothing.

"if you're going to bully me, katsuki, please save it for later when I feel like fighting back," you say. he looks at you weirdly before huffing a sigh.

"alright, tell me what's wrong," katsuki says. you look at him incredulously.

"you can't be serious," you say. "you're the last person I can talk to about this. or anything."

"c'mon dumbass i'm not that bad."

"you just called me dumbass."

"i call everyone 'dumbass!'" katsuki throws his hands up.

you sigh and turn to him, legs crossed in front of you.

"you're one of my biggest rivals. you annoy me, you call me names, and always seem to rile me up out of nowhere. you make me so mad but..."

you look at him. him and his stupid eyes that are giving you his undivided attention, listening to every word coming out of your mouth. your eyes burn with the threat of more tears.

"I like you, Katsuki." you break from his gaze, staring at your hands in your lap through the blur of tears.

"i like you but i know you don't like me. i know how unattractive and annoying you find me. you remind me every time you call me 'ugly' or give me that look like you could just push me off a building. I know but I still like you. This bone-deep attraction I feel for you makes me want to kick myself in the ass but I can't help but want more."

it’s silent for a moment. the sound of your sniffling and quiet sobs in tune with the sound of traffic below reaching katsuki’s ears and shocking him. how could he find you anything less that beautiful? he knows he makes stupid quips about your looks and yes, sometimes he calls you ugly but he’s only ever joked about that. to him, you’re the most attractive person he’s ever met. you hold his attention so easily it scares him.

"pretty bold of ya’ to speak for me, huh?" He says lowly. He's still looking at you when you pick your head up. His eyes are clear, no ounce of disgust or mocking present in them.

"have ya’ ever been told in school that when someone picks on ya’, they like ya’?" You don't respond to his question, just looking at him with clueless, wet eyes.

"you of all people know I'm not the best with emotions and getting them across clearly. i don't think that you're unattractive nor do I want to push ya’ off of a building. me calling you ugly was just...a f-facade..or somethin’," he trailed off, a slight tint coloring his cheeks and ears.

"what are you saying?" you ask, not wanting to get your hopes up.

"i'm saying that i feel the same, dumbass. i have for a while now."

"you're not fucking with me?" you ask

"'m not." katsuki responds.

"you're not gonna make fun of me for all of this?" you ask again, itching to get your hands on him

"mm I'll think about it." katsuki chuckles. you deem that an okay-ish answer as you, gently, throw yourself at him, arms tight around his neck as his hand flattens against your back, pushing you into him. you both stay there for a while, breathing each other in before katsuki speaks

“i said i’d think about not making’ fun of ya’ but i think you’ll have to worry about the others,” his words come out slightly muffled from his face being buried in your shoulder. you don’t bother or move though.

“and why’s that?” you ask.

“…may have forgotten to close the balcony door.”

“oh my GOD. we’re finally being nice to one another and you just have to fuck something up!” you exclaim, pulling away from him and resting on his leg.

“karmas a bitch ain’t it? that’s what ya’ get for saying i get no puss!”

“sorry i don’t like lying to people, stupid!”

“ugh just shut up!”

this is so cliché and cheesy ik

katsuki pulls your face to his and presses his lips hard onto yours. the fight in you leaves in an instant at the contact. his warm hands holding your face, his lips moving in time with yours, and the smell of his cologne flooding your senses all at once.

you could hear the sound of hoots and hollers from inside the apartment but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. you were too busy kissing your enemy-turned-lover.

———

The smell of curry fills the house when Katsuki finally steps through the door, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. His stomach growls loudly.

“I’m home,” he calls out.

You rush to greet him like always—soft footsteps, bright smile, arms around his neck. He presses a tired kiss to your forehead before sniffing the air.

“…That smells good,” he admits.

“It’s not done yet!” you say quickly. “But you can taste it if you want.”

He raises an eyebrow but follows you into the kitchen anyway. He peers into the pot like a suspicious food critic—onions, carrots, potatoes, perfect color.

“…Huh.”

You scoop out a spoonful. What he doesn’t know is that you added a criminal amount of salt to his spoon.

For a split second, guilt hits you. He looks exhausted. Hungry. Vulnerable.

…But his reaction is worth much more.

“Here,” you say, fighting for your life to keep a straight face.

He leans in and shoves the entire spoon into his mouth.

Instant regret.

His face twists violently as he tries to swallow, jaw tightening like he’s chewing glass.

“Is something wrong?” you ask sweetly.

He freezes. You can see the internal battle—yell now, or spare your feelings?

He swallows.

“…So?” you press. “You haven’t said anything.”

He leans back against the counter, eyes softening for half a second, like he’s about to lie through his teeth—

Then he explodes.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” he bellows. “Are you trying to kill me?!”

You burst out laughing.

“THIS—this is exactly why I don’t let you cook!” he shouts, storming out of the kitchen. “I trust villains more than you!”

He keeps yelling as he stomps toward the living room, grabbing a stack of takeout menus. “Get me a damn glass of water—I think I just developed hypertension.”

“I-it was a prank!” you manage between fits of laughter, “The food’s normal! Don’t order anything!”

“Like hell I’m risking my life twice in one night,” he snaps.

———

…But after he cools off, he wanders back to the table anyway. Without a word, he ladles himself a bowl of curry.

You watch him carefully as he takes a bite.

He chews. Pauses. Scowls.

Then, quietly: “…It’s good.”

Not great. Not amazing. Just good.

From Katsuki Bakugo, that might as well have been a five-star review.

He pointed his spoon at you. “Don’t get cocky. You’re still banned from pranks and salt.”

As the months passed, Dabi grew more protective, making sure to keep you out of harm's way just in case anything happened to either of you. As much as it drove you crazy, you thought it was sweet; besides, he'd be talking about your pregnancy the entire time.

Who he thought the baby would look like. What colour hair would it have? What colour eyes? Would it inherit his quirk, yours or a combination?

He'd spend most of his time beside you, hand resting gently on your ever-growing tummy, taking in all the movements of your child. He'd also spend his time talking and reading, making sure his unborn child recognised his voice, a sure way for him to make sure his child felt safe from the moment they were born.

Truth be told, despite his past, he couldn't wait to welcome a child into the world with you. The one person who he loved more than life itself.

Gripping onto his hand, you squeezed your eyes closed and sucked in a breath, pushing down with the contraction you felt. What had started as a normal day for you both quickly turned on its head when you went into labour. "That's it, doll, you're doing great". Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on the top of your head after you finished pushing. "You're doing great, I can see your baby's head, so a few more pushes for me, okay. Just listen to your body and breathe when you need to".

Doing as you were told, you bore down a few more times until you cried out, a louder cry echoing along with you. "Congratulations, you have a beautiful, healthy baby". Turning your gaze, you looked at Dabi with tired eyes, panting for breath as you smiled wearily. "You've done it, my love. I'm so proud of you".

Offering a tired "thanks", you shifted yourself on the bed slightly before your child was placed in your arms, wrapped in a blanket that Toga had somehow acquired. Cuddling the child close to your chest, you let it suckle, taking its first feed as you felt arms wrap around you, the weight of the bed shifting as Dabi joined you.

"My perfect little family. I'll always protect you". Looking at you, Dabi smiled softly, something only you ever got to see, before placing a gentle kiss on your lips, thumb rubbing your side.

For the first week of your new routine, Dabi took every bit of it in his stride. He'd help you in any way he could; no task was too much for him. You needed some sleep after getting up during the night to feed your baby? Dabi would take over, winding the child before holding them closer as you got rest.

Looking at the group gathered in front of the door from your place on the couch, you chewed your lip anxiously. Everyone except you and another small member of the league was heading out to prepare for the final war. You couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

Noticing your anxiety, Dabi rushed forward before kneeling in front of you. "I promise, we'll be back before you know it. Besides, I've got to tell this little one all about their daddy's adventures today, don't I?".

Looking over to the moses basket that stood a little way from you, he smiled slightly before placing a kiss on your lips, holding you close to him before he pulled back. Lips lingering as hot breath fanned over your own. "Come on, Dabi, we've got to go. You can let her go for a few hours".

Raising his hand, he stuck his middle finger up at Spinner before hugging you close. "I'll be careful, I promise". Letting you go, he walked over to where your child slept. Turquoise eyes looked over the baby's sleeping form, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

"You be good for your mammy. Daddy won't be long, okay. I love you". Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on the head of the small infant, fingers running across the chubby cheek of one half of his world.

Standing at the door, you sucked in a breath as you lifted your hand, waving off the group as they walked away. Not before shouting a quick "I love you", "Ditto" being the response you heard.

The ticking of the clock became louder with each passing second, almost taunting you. Bouncing your leg, you chewed on your thumb in a bid to try and calm the bubbling anxiety you felt. They should have been back by now. "Where are they?".

As if on cue, the door to the hideout swung open, groans filling the air as bodies filed in. Eyes widening, you looked them over, taking in their appearance. Bloody, battered and bruised didn't cover it. "What the?".

Standing up, you walked forward, mentally crossing each one off to make sure they were back safe. It was only when the number of people standing in the room with you didn't match the number that left, that you felt your heart drop.

Panic slowly set in as you counted again. He had to be caught up with a few stragglers, that's why he wasn't there. Yeah, that was right, he was caught up. Nervously laughing, you looked at Toga, who shook her head, her eyes casting down to the jacket she held in her hands. "I'm sorry, we tried...".

Staggering back, you let out another laugh, reaching for the jacket she held. Yanking it free with no resistance from her. "No no no, you're wrong. He's still out there, he's just caught up".

Feeling hands on your arms, you glanced at the blonde who gripped you, tears falling from her face as she shook her head. "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could to save him. He's, he's gone".

Gripping the jacket, you looked down as a scream echoed around you, your body falling to the floor as you sobbed. Your heart shattered into a million pieces as the air grew thick around you. Arms encased you as you gripped onto their top, lungs burning from the pain you felt.

The days that passed since then felt like a blur, everything blending into one long, messy day. You wanted to give up, to join him wherever he went, but you couldn't. You had a life depending on you to help keep the memory of their daddy alive.

"Here, you need to eat". Looking up from your child who was feeding, you glanced at the plate and shook your head. "I'm okay, thank you, Jin". Trying to move the plate out of your view, you were able to move it for a moment before being met with slight resistance. "Good, let her starve. Don't be ridiculous, she needs to eat for that baby".

Opening your mouth, you went to speak again, only to be interrupted. "He wouldn't want you to punish yourself like his now, would he?". Glancing to your side, bit your lip as you shook your head. Toga was right, but you couldn't bring yourself to do it.

You missed him so much that it made you physically sick. A small whimper passed your lips as you tried to hold back another sob. Arms wrapped around you as you felt yourself being pulled into a body, fingers running through your hair as they tried to comfort you. "We all miss him, you're not alone".

Glancing up, you tried to smile at Toga, only for her to shake her head. A subtle way of letting you know it was okay to feel this way. Gripping hold of her jumper, you gave in, tears falling from your eyes as you sobbed.

A few days later, you sat on the floor with your child on a play mat. Smiling gently at the young infant, you leeaned over and grabbed hold of a bag and began rummaging around. "You've got to be fucking kidding me". Groaning, you pushed the bag to one side and stood up, rubbing your temple. "I've run out of nappies, how did I not realise I was low?".

"Did you say you've just run out? Well, I've got good news for you!". Glancing at the door, you raised a brow just in time to see Toga skipping through the door, items in hand. "Toga, what on earth?".

The blonde grinned as she stopped beside you, arms outstretched, before she placed everything down. Leaning over, she gently picked up the sleeping infant, rocking them slightly as she cooed at them. "Surprise, I know you needed nappies, wipes and a few other things, so I've come bearing gifts".

Looking over everything she placed down, you blinked back tears. She'd managed to acquire just about everything you needed and more. "You didn't need to do this, you know". "I know, but I can't have my best friend and her baby going without, can I? I promised Dabi I'd protect and look after the pair of you for him".

Stepping forward, you wrapped your arms around her in a hug that lingered for a few minutes. "Thank you, we owe you". Pulling back, you moved your arms before Toga handed the baby to you. "Don't be silly, you're both practically my family".

Humming out, you placed a soft kiss on the infant's head before grabbing what you needed, turning on your heel as you walked to your room, not before looking over your shoulder. "You know where I am if you need me. Going to change and feed this little monster".

The clicking of your door sounded behind you as you walked over to your bed, gently placing down your baby. Cooing noises sounded as you changed them, placing them on your chest as you fed them.

White hair and turquoise eyes, they reminded you so much of the man you loved more than life itself. A painful reminder that he was no longer here to watch his child grow. "Your daddy loved you more than life itself. I won't ever let you forget that".

Not long after, you placed the sleeping infant in its basket, tucking it in gently before you placed a kiss on its head. "Sweet dreams, my little darling".

Grabbing hold of a box that you found the other day, you took it to your bed as you sat down, letting out a shaky breath as you opened the box. Inside were photos and trinkets of a life you'd spent with Dabi. Looking through the content, you sniffled as you recalled every memory associated with everything you saw.

When you neared the bottom of the box, you noticed a voice recorder as well as an envelope. Setting the pictures on your hand to the side, you took hold of the envelope and read the writing on the front.

DON'T OPEN UNTIL I'M GONE!

Raising a brow, you looked at the writing, instantly recognising it as Dabi's handwriting. Taking a moment, you closed your eyes, trying to summon the courage to open the envelope. Deciding it was now or never, you breathed out and opened the paper in your hand, pulling out the content, opening it to see more writing.

My dearest doll and little flame;

If you're reading this, it means I'm gone. Your world is quiet while everything around you moves on. By now, I've probably made the headlines, those pathetic heroes celebrating my downfall.

I never wanted this for you, or for our little flame. If I could, I'd turn back time, we'd run away and start a new life together. A happy little family, a family I finally deserved.

I don't know if a villain like me deserves to do this - but fuck it, I'm doing it anyway.

My little flame;

You're only a baby right now, not old enough to remember me or my voice, but one day, I know you'll grow into someone amazing. The world will try to tell you all the bad things about me - the deaths, the horror, everything.

Aside from your momma, you were my saving grace. You felt small in my arms, your body cuddling up to me despite the scars. You weren't afraid. The way your tiny hands held my heart made me feel like a new man.

I wish I had more time to be with you, to give you love and guidance which I never had, to be the father to you I wished he was.

Deep within you is a piece of me, that fire I know my blood will carry. I only hope and pray to whoever is out there that you don't hone in on that fire in rage, but in a bid to protect everything dear to you.

The world will still hate my name, but let them hate.

You were the one part of me I didn't hate from the moment we found out about you. You can ask your momma when you're older, but I never say the following words lightly.

I love you more than you will ever know, my little flame, don't ever let that fire go out.

My dearest doll;

I know you're going to be pissed that I'm dead, that I left you alone with our child to raise by yourself with the rest of the psychos in here. But I want you to know I didn't want this to happen, I never planned on leaving you like this.

I dragged you through hell and back with me, not caring who got hurt. You chose to stay by my side, loving me when I couldn't love myself. No matter how many times I told you to run, to go away, you didn't. Part of me is glad you were just as fucking stubborn as me.

From the moment I found out you were pregnant, I watched in awe as your body changed to help keep my child safe. I fell more in love with you than I thought possible. I believed all those romance stories from when I was a child.

You helped me create the one thing that was perfect in this fucked up world. A chance at a happy life, remembering the one dream I had when I was younger.

I'll miss the sound of your voice, the way your lips felt against mine. How your body felt against mine when I held you, how I'd have you writhing underneath me.

I know you're wanting to wallow, to give up, but don't. Our child needs you, needs your help to guide them towards the future we both know they deserve.

I won't get to see our future play out, my perfect little family, but maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll meet you again in another life.

Another life where we'll live how we wanted, where I'll always be around to make you both smile. Our perfect little family.

Doll, don't ever forget how much I craved and loved you.

Forever yours, Dabi.

p.s. now it's time to listen to the voice recorder.

Holding the paper to your chest, you sobbed quietly. Even when he was preparing for the final war, he made sure to leave you with something just in case the worst thing happened. You loved him with all your soul, and this made it hurt more.

The overwhelming feeling that he was gone was slowly creeping back.

Wiping the tears that ran down your cheeks with your hand, you sniffled softly, placing the papers back in the envelope before setting it down beside you. All that was left was the voice recorder.

Reaching for it, you lifted it out of the box and brought it up in front of you. It was now or never. Part of you didn't want to listen to what was on there, but the logical part of you did.

Pressing the button before it was too late, you were met with static. A sound that made you nearly turn it off after a moment, before you heard some rustling, wind blowing, caught by the mic. Then came a voice. A tired, rough, low voice.

"Is this thing even on?".

That voice, oh, how you missed that voice.

"Doll, little flame. If you're hearing this, I've finally left this fucked up world. I'll miss you both more than anyone would think possible.

I'm sorry to you both, but thank you for saving me when I needed it the most.

Doll, keep this safe. Whenever you need to hear my voice, I'll be right here. I love you, even if it took me a while to finally accept that someone could love me.

Little flame, grow up, be strong. Just know you were the best part of me, given in love. Grow up to be someone who brings something just as meaningful to your family name.

I know you'll grow up to do the Todoroki name proud.

I'm going now, but know I loved you both until my final breath".

Clicking the recording off, you dropped in front of you, letting out a scream that rose from the depths of your soul. The sound startled your child awake with a loud cry of their own.

Shifting from your position, you walked over and picked them up. Mumbling a small apology as you rocked with the infant in your arms.

The weight of the world hanging on your shoulders, but for a moment, you felt peace. The smallest flicker as you looked down on your child. He tried, and that's all you could ask for.

He left a piece of himself, alongside the truth and how he felt. A soft smile tugged at your lips as you ran your fingers over the cheeks of your child. "You would have been an amazing daddy, Touya. If people thought you were scary now, they wouldn't know what hit them if they dared to put our little flame in harm's way".

A warming feeling surrounded you as you continued to watch your child. A warm feeling that was Dabi's spirit, wrapping his arms around you both.

His final goodbye in every sense.

It’s selfish, you know, to ask him to come to you at a moment’s notice. He has a job, the world on his back. 

“Y’know I can’t do that. Talk to me, baby, what do you need?” His voice is mellow, and you briefly wonder whether the other heroes in the room snicker behind their hands. It hurts to admit—the embarrassment flushing up your nape, where it suffocates. 

“I’m doing really bad, like, really bad, Kats. I’m scared.” You don’t wanna say it, as if giving it a name makes it come true. You think about the volume your boyfriend answers his phone with, the other people in his room. You think about Dynamight’s dignity. 

“I don’t know what I’m gonna do, but I just want you to be here.” 

Briefly, you feel shame clawing at the back of your throat. Begging doesn’t come easily. It’s pulling the curtains open to show him everything entirely. And you don’t think you can do that. 

“I can send Denki over, if you want. There’s an emergency downtown, and they need me.” He says. You feel his tone dip into finality, like he knows you’ll accept and move on. 

“They need you but not Denki?” The thought of stopping, and to be rational, ends when the first tear falls, and like many, it is silent, and Katsuki doesn’t know. 

“Come on, you know that’s not what I mean. Just the nature of the compromised facility doesn’t exactly bode well with electricity. Are you home? I’ll send him your address, okay?” 

You feel yourself break at the hero-speak, like he’s trying to utilise the same command to make you listen to him.  

He sighs. 

Are you like a kid? Immature and childish and just another burden on his plate?

“I don’t want him. I want you. You always tell me to give you a call when I need you, I do now.” You thought you wouldn’t pull this card, as dirty a trick as it is, it doesn’t even work. 

“These are very urgent circumstances, you know that—no, that’s a bad idea, get someone else to track the parameters—I’m not trying to leave you. But right now there are several hostages in critical condition, which I need to get to because I’m on call. I’ll make it fast, okay? I’ll be there before you know it.” 

You want to tell him that you’re in critical condition, too. 

You can barely hear what he’s saying. This means that he’s outside now, where all the sirens are, where reporters are hounding like dogs. You don’t turn on the television, because then you’ll see your boyfriend, a big and hulking symbol of victory who’s for everyone but you. 

The rational part of you knows that this is normal. This is what you signed up for when you decided to date a public servant. He has to fulfil his oath and do his job. It’s what he warned you about. 

“Please,” you sob, and you thought you could stoop no lower, “I need you right now. Katsuki, not Dynamight.” 

Bakugou feels the fight within him, stretched taut with responsibility and worry. He wants to pull out of this job. There are other heroes in this neighbourhood, but there’s only one him. 

“It’s not fair for me to weigh your life with others, but they will die if I don’t get there.” He says, hesitant. 

“I’m sorry.” 

When he hangs up, he has to force his hand to stay put; to not call you again. He’ll never know what you’re going through at this moment, alone after he’s abandoned you. He has faith in you—he always does. When no one believed in your recovery, he did. 

His heart is heavy. It manifests in the way he moves, how he rescues the hostages. They’re humans—middle-aged salarymen, mothers, children. They cry and sniffle over his costume as their arms clutch onto his body like a lifeline. Here, he is a saviour. But, as unprofessional as it is, he spends this entire time thinking about you, whether you’re alright, whether Denki has received his text yet, and whether he’s on his way to you. 

Dynamight sticks to his promise. The entire mission is over in one hour, paramedics and police officers still mill about the area, but his job is done. He’s completed the heavy lifting and he’s going to leave. Pushing aside those who wish to check on his injuries, he heads straight to your apartment. There’s still dirt on his face, but that’s never stopped you from kissing him. 

When he pulls out his phone, his stomach drops. 

we’re over, no need to bother coming over

Cold, indifference—they somehow seep from his phone screen and into his head. There is no human emotion attached to this text, just the strict promise of resolution. 

He is stationary in the middle of the street. It’s half past one, his muscles ache from the rescue, his hair is sticky, and he’s dehydrated. All he thought about was going to you. He wants to get angry, to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. He wants to hate you. 

His phone is vibrating at his side, with the ringtone that you set for him. 

“What do you want, Dunce Face?” The way he speaks leaves no room for questions, a declaration.

Things didn’t improve all that much as he grew older, but he did get a little better. At least he no longer threw tantrums over not getting ice cream after school or every time he was told “no.” And he no longer sought praise for merely breathing. He preferred to truly earn his title as “the best” at whatever he decided to do—even if that meant knocking some other kids down to get there faster. A minor improvement, but his selfish nature was still wildly out of control. Even when he did recognize it, he didn’t care enough to fix it. He was already seen as an asshole, what was the point in trying to change the minds of people he saw as below him?

It wasn’t until he broke free of his ass-kissing, follower friends and met you, Eijirou, and the other friends "extras" from UA that he finally began to really see and care about his selfish ways—especially how they affected the people he truly respected and cared about. Katsuki wasn’t devoid of a heart, despite what many people believed. He wasn’t incapable of feeling remorse for his actions and of learning how to be a better person. He just never had the proper tools or guidance to be able to grow into the person that he, deep down, wanted to be.

That, and he didn’t have the same motivation before as he suddenly did when you and Eijirou stepped into his life. You pushed him to be better, just by being yourselves. Katsuki was inspired by you from the moment he met you. The way you carried yourselves and the way you managed to handle him and all that came with being his friend. It only made him respect you more. And as he inevitably began to fall for you, he felt the desire to be a better person for you grow even stronger. He wanted to prove to you that he was worth keeping around, even if he wasn’t always “the best” at everything. The last thing he wanted was to lose you over his problematic ways.

To his luck, you and Eijirou were some of the most tolerant people he had ever met. That didn’t mean you never called him out on his shit, though. Katsuki deeply valued you for that. He had grown to be more open and accepting of critical feedback, specifically if it came from you and Eijirou. How could he become a great hero, never mind a great man, if he refused any and all feedback that wasn’t positive?

That said, it still wasn’t easy for him to so easily accept when he was wrong. And it was even more difficult for him to push past his pride enough to apologize for it. But all it took was one look from you or Eijirou to make him give in and do just that. How you managed to gain such power over him, he’d never understand. If he wasn’t so damn in love with you, he’d hate you for it.

He still hated you for it. But in a “fuck you for making me love you so much” kind of way.

If it wasn't for his internal commitment to be a better person—one that you could be proud to know—he would have given into his selfish urges, stolen your hearts, and marked his claim on them a long time ago.

Katsuki had quickly come to learn that being a good person sucks.

“Oh, Eiji texted. He said he’ll be here soon! I invited him. Figured you wouldn’t mind. He said he needs all the help he can get for this upcoming exam,” you said as you began typing a message back to him.

“Fucking hell.”

“Huh?”

You looked up at Katsuki after hearing him grumble something unintelligible under his breath. His eyes met yours for only a brief moment before he averted his gaze, gesturing to the open books in front of you.

“Nothing. Get back to studying! Do you wanna pass that exam, or what?”

You threw your head back as you groaned. “Can’t we just take a little break? Eiji’s not even here yet and we have so much time left to work on this!”

Katsuki pointed his pen at you. “You might have time, but I don’t. You’re lucky I’m even using my spare time to help you idiots with this!”

You rolled your eyes. “You wanted to study for this test too. And you’re the one always preaching about how it’s important to take breaks!”

Before he could respond, you shut your book and looked at him inquisitively.

“So…what were you thinking about before? You looked…more annoyed than usual. Am I annoying you?”

“What the hell do you mean? I don’t look like anything!”

He could see you trying to stifle a laugh, though behind it was a glint of concern in your eyes.

“You look like something is really bothering you, is all.”

“Yeah. You are! Shut up and get back to work,” he growled, though you felt no real malice behind it. You had quickly learned long ago not to take the hotheaded blonde’s rude attitude seriously, often times finding it to be more of a protective shield than anything else.

“Okay, whatever you say,” you said, holding your hands up defensively with a slightly amused smirk on your face. Katsuki huffed in response as he looked away.

Giggling at his strange, yet all too familiar behavior, you opened your textbook again, only to be distracted less than a minute later by another ding from your phone. Katsuki could already tell it was another text from Eijirou by the way you smiled at your screen when you read it. You only ever smiled like that when reading the redhead’s messages, much to Katsuki’s chagrin.

“Fuck you,” Katsuki thought as he stared at you from across the table, frustration and hurt bubbling within his chest.

The truth was, you had the strange ability to make his heart flutter and his stomach do flips and his hands sweaty and fill his brain with so many thoughts of you, it couldn’t focus on anything else. You did all this just by existing as your stupidly beautiful, perfect self.

You even made him feel this way when you looked your “worst”. Beaten up after a bad fight, sleep deprived with bags under your eyes, after—very ungracefully—shoving a giant serving of food into your mouth, just waking up with messy hair and crusty eyes and morning breath, sick with snot constantly leaking out of your nose. All of this and he was still head over heels, swooning over you like a fool. And dammit, did it piss him off.

Even worse, he knew you had feelings for your redheaded friend and not him. He couldn’t blame you for this. He also found himself feeling similarly towards Eijirou, as he did you. He was a damn lovable idiot. A good guy, all around. The kind of man Katsuki wished he could be more like.

He couldn’t blame Eijirou for loving you either. As far as Katsuki was concerned, how could anyone not fall for either of you?

Katsuki loved your entire personality -even the parts that frustrated him most. Especially those parts. On top of that, you were absolutely gorgeous. When he begrudgingly thought of you and Eijirou together, without him, he couldn’t deny that the two of you would make an amazing couple—looks-wise and personality-wise.

It infuriated him to no end. He wanted to hate you both, push you away, relocate somewhere far away so that he’d no longer have to bear the pain of seeing the two of you flirting together, holding hands, laughing at each other’s jokes, hugging one another, and inevitably doing all the things that couples do. All the things that Katsuki wanted so desperately to do with you both.

But he couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried. There was no way he could bring himself to not only truly hate you, but to go on living life without you both. He would likely never admit it, but you had become so interwoven in his life and his heart, that an existence without you just seemed so bleak and empty.

So, as much as it pained him to sit through hangouts and study sessions and the like, all while bearing witness to how close, how touchy, how obviously in love, you and Eijirou were with one another and not him, he chose to stick around and keep his mouth shut. He made a solemn promise to himself not to utter a word about his feelings to either of you, ever.

For once, he saw exactly what he wanted, right in front of him, and he chose not to take it. He chose not to ruin whatever closeness he did have with the two of you. But more importantly, he chose not to ruin you and Eijirou’s chances at finding the happiness that you both deserved, far more than he did.

It was the most selfless thing he’d ever done. And it was the hardest thing he’d ever done too. He felt his heart break every time he saw the affectionate way you treated one another, but he bit his tongue. He tried to shove his feelings down deeper and deeper, but they kept coming back up, tightening around his throat like a noose until he choked.

The truth became quite apparent to him at one point. Loving you both from afar would be his undoing. And maybe he deserved it? Maybe this was his punishment for being an asshole and tearing others down for his own benefit for all those years.

He’d take his punishment. Just so long as he could continue to know you, even if he wanted to know you so much more.

God, he fucking loved hated you.

After the previous day’s study session, Katsuki needed a break from the two of you. He planned to spend most of the day training and holed up in his dorm, just to avoid you both as much as possible; to set his mind straight and get his feelings back where they belonged—locked away in a dark unlabeled box in his mind, along with all of his other unwanted thoughts and feelings. He was starting to lose his composure around you, and when that happened, he always tried to stay out of your way for a few days until he was “fine” again.

“Fine” had lost all its meaning months ago, and yet, he found himself saying it all too often.

“You okay, Kats? You’re not really on your A game today,” you said as you walked over to help him off the ground for the second time that day.

Katsuki scoffed, a low growl brewing in his throat as he spoke. “I’m fuckin’ fine. Wasn’t planning on having you idiots around, distracting me.”

You and Eijirou seemed to have the same idea about working out and training that day. Katsuki ran into you both on his way to the gym. Almost turned around and booked it back to the dorms, but you happened to see him and waved him over to join you. Both of you smiled happily as you greeted him. It pissed him off so much, but he couldn’t say no to you when you both looked so damn cute, asking him to join you with those sharp teeth and pretty eyes sparkling as you looked up at him.

He wanted to curse you both out. Tell you to fuck off and leave him alone.

Get out of his fucking head, already! Stop torturing him with those fucking adorable smiles that made his heart clench in his chest! Stop being so fucking nice to him!

But he bit his tongue, salvaged whatever little composure and willpower he had left, and joined you both to train.

And he fucking sucked the whole time. It only added to his inner turmoil even more. He was too distracted. Too focused on you and Eijirou and the way you both looked so fucking good when you were focused, when you had sweat dripping down your skin, when you were looking at him with those determined eyes while sparring, when you didn’t hold back against him.

At least the two of you were more focused on him than each other, at the moment. Katsuki had insisted that you both took turns going against him until he kicked both of your asses. He was on round three, at this point. He had lost to you both a total of three times in a row.

He knew that you and Eijirou were starting to question his strange behavior lately. He practically stormed out of his own dorm the day prior during your study session together. He didn’t say a word. Just got up and left.

Why?

Because you and Eijirou. That’s why.

When he came back, things were awkward as the two of you tried to ask him about it. He didn’t look at either of you when he told you to leave, not wanting you to see his red, glossy eyes.

It was embarrassing, to feel this weak.

Eijirou knocked on his door later that evening to talk to him. He didn’t answer.

Now the two of you were obviously trying to pretend that everything was normal, for his sake, trying to gently coax whatever was bothering him out of his system in hopes that he’d come around and get out of whatever shitty headspace he was in. You were being good friends, like usual. Always so attentive and thoughtful and caring.

He wanted to scream.

This time, he managed to defeat Eijirou, but he could tell his moves were slightly slower. He was going fucking easy on him. The redhead giving him a pity win only managed to send Katsuki over the edge.

By the time it was your turn, he wasn’t even fully present in his body anymore. All he was focused on was winning one round. Just one solid win was all he needed.

He moved on autopilot, blocking and countering all your attacks swiftly as they came. Thankfully, you weren’t holding back. For a moment, he felt like he was finally winning at something. The suffocating feelings began to dissipate as the adrenaline high began to kick in, filling him with a sense of power and control.

Until you called for a pause.

“What the fuck! Why?!” he barked, smoke wafting off of his hot hands.

Eijirou held a hand out at him, signaling him to back off as he ran towards you. “Chill the fuck out man, they're hurt!”

“Huh?”

It was only then that he realized you were holding your weight on one leg, struggling to keep yourself balanced as you tried to stand on your own. Eijirou was quick to catch you before you fell.

You had an ugly burn on your leg from one of his explosions. He thought he had released it far enough away from you to dodge it. He was clearly wrong.

Katsuki’s head was fuzzy as he stared at you, frozen in place. Eijirou inspected your wound, offering you sweet words of comfort and praise as he carefully wrapped it with gauze.

Damn it.

Katsuki could barely breathe now. The noose growing tight around his throat again.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you to Recovery Girl.” Eijirou lifted you up into his arms with ease, carrying you out of sight.

Your little whimper of pain shot straight through his heart.

Fuck.

“Come on, Katsuki!” Eijirou called out to him, slight urgency in his voice.

Katsuki remained frozen where he stood, hands clenched and chest heaving as he tried to fight back the tears that were building in his eyes. A million thoughts and feelings swirled inside of him, threatening to burst through the seams of his being.

“Kats?” Your voice sounded distant. It echoed in the background of his mind before it fully reached him.

“Go on without me,” was all he could say. He cringed at the way his voice wavered when he said it.

“Come on, man. You should-”

“Go!” Katsuki yelled, interrupting Eijirou’s attempt to change his mind.

All he heard after that was the sound of Eijirou’s footsteps as they faded away.

You and Eijirou had tried to reach out to Katsuki for four days. He somehow managed to avoid the two of you at every turn. He mostly stayed locked up in his dorm when school wasn’t in session. All calls went to voicemail. All texts left on read.

The two of you even went as far as to try to get Sero or Mina to check in on him. Denki offered to give it a shot, but you declined. You both knew he’d probably only aggravate him more, despite his best intentions.

Every plan of yours failed.

At one point, you couldn’t take it anymore and ended up crying to sleep in Eijirou’s arms one night. He shed a few tears himself as he tried to soothe your sadness and worry; all the while, he was struggling just as much.

You both missed your best friend. And despite your reassuring comments to each other that he would come back soon, that he just needed some space, you were both starting to crumble under the fear that maybe he wouldn’t. He had been acting strange lately, even before the most recent event occurred.

What if you had upset him? What if he was tired of being your friend? What if you were holding him back somehow?

Your thoughts spun in circles in your mind until you began to feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. After tossing and turning for hours that night, you headed down to the kitchen to make yourself some tea in hopes that it’d finally help you quiet your mind enough to allow you to get some much-needed sleep.

Thankfully, it did, because by the time Katsuki walked into the room to get some water after he couldn’t sleep, you were passed out with your head on the table, your hair sprawled out messily around you and your half-empty mug of cold tea.

You looked beautiful.

“Fuck you,” Katsuki cursed you in his head as he stared down at your hunched over, sleeping form.

The common room was so quiet this late at night, he could clearly hear your little breaths with every rise and fall of your chest. He spotted drool slightly dripping out of one side of your parted lips.

The sight made his heart flutter.

On your feet, he spotted those cute fluffy bunny slippers that him and Eijirou picked out for you one day at the mall. He remembered that day with fondness, how you all worked together in teams to find a pair of slippers for each other. In the end, Eijriou was happy to receive shark slippers and Katsuki was surprised with Grumpy Cat slippers. He could still hear both of your laughs as you made a comment about how his face matched his slippers perfectly.

Dammit, he missed your laughs so much.

He huffed in a mixture of sadness and frustration as he turned to walk away, only to stop himself in his tracks after a few steps. He took one look back at you over his shoulder before sighing in defeat.

Walking closer, he worked up the courage to wake you and subsequently face you for the first time in four days. What came out was much more aggressive than he intended.

“Oi!”

You jumped and his heart clenched slightly. He bit the inside of his cheek as you looked up at him, sleepy and confused.

“Ka’ski?” your sweet voice, thick with sleep, filled his ears. He clenched his fists, the bitter taste of blood filling his mouth.

“Go to your dorm. You’re gonna end up with a fucked up neck and back sleeping like that, idiot.”

He began to walk away after that, heading towards the elevator at the end of the room. He didn’t get far, though. The unpleasant screech of a chair on the hard floor, followed by the far more pleasant feeling of your hand wrapped around his wrist stopped him right in his tracks.

“Wait!”

“Go to bed, Y/N,” Katsuki warned. The last thing he wanted was to have whatever conversation you were attempting to start with him.

“No. I can’t sleep, anyway. I just keep worrying about you. Please. Just tell me what’s wrong and what I can do to fix it,” you implored.

Katsuki was tense under your grip, but he didn’t try to pull away, even as he let out a loud huff of frustration.

“Just fuck off, okay? There’s nothing you can do.”

You stared at the back of his head with so much pain and sadness in your eyes. Katsuki could feel your gaze on him. He knew better than to look back at you. That look alone would break his heart more than anything else could.

“I won’t ever stop trying, Katsuki. And neither will Eiji. We care about you so much. We miss you so badly. Please, just talk to me. If not me, then Eiji.” Your voice was starting to waver slightly as you spoke. Katsuki hated himself for being the reason behind your sadness and tears.

Even still, he couldn’t let you in on this. Neither you, nor Eijirou, could know. He just needed more time to sort out his feelings and lock them away, where they belonged. But after four days, he was still struggling to get himself back in order. All of it was starting to consume him, distract him, make him perform badly as a student and a hero in training. That part only encouraged him to avoid the two of you even more. He wasn’t going to let stupid feelings ruin everything he had worked so hard for.

His silence only pushed you to speak again.

“Katsuki?”

“No.” He pulled away from your grip, but you reached out to grab him again.

“Katsuki, please!”

He spun around to face you, eyes brimming with tears as he yelled in your face.

“What?! You just can't leave shit alone, can you?! Just fuck off, already!”

You looked at him with heartbroken eyes, biting your lower lip to suppress its quivering as tears began to fall down your face.

Fuck.

Katsuki inhaled sharply as his broken and battered heart shattered to pieces in his chest. Both of you were silent as you stared at one another, unsure of how to progress the conversation without breaking into a fit of tears.

“Fuck, I’m…I’m sorry,” Katsuki mumbled, voice just audible as he looked down at the ground between you. “Just leave me alone, okay? You and Ei are better off without me, anyway.”

He pulled away from your grip and this time, you didn’t reach for him again. However, your voice still followed him as he walked further away from you.

“How could you say that? You mean the world to us, Kats! We’re fucking lost without you! We need you. If this is about the other day, just forget about it. I’m fine. All is forgiven-”

“It’s not just about that.” He stopped in his tracks once more, back facing you.

“Then what is it about? Are you mad at me or Eijirou?”

Katsuki shook his head. Your confusion and desperation drew you closer to him. His feet remained glued to the floor.

“You’re not mad?”

“I-“ Katsuki stopped himself. “Just fuck off, Y/N. I’m not going to talk about it.”

“Why not?”

“Because!”

“Katsuki!”

"BECAUSE I- ugh!" he growled, "because it would be selfish of me to tell you! It’d only make things worse! I'm trying to be...fucking better than that."

You opened your mouth to speak, but he continued.

“It was selfish of me to stick around as long as I did. I should’ve just left the two of you be a long time ago. I thought I could-” He sighed. “Never mind. Point is, it’s gone too far. You even got hurt because of my stupid bullshit.”

“What has gone too far? Katsuki, stop talking like this. You’re not going anywhere. Let’s go wake Eiji and we’ll talk this out.” There was a clear presence of fear in your tone as you reached out to grab his left hand that was clenched in a tight fist at his side.

He ripped himself away from you. “No. This conversation is over.”

The way he spoke, his voice quiet, lacking any of his usual attitude, made your stomach twist in knots. He sounded so sad, so weak, completely defeated. It was completely unlike him, and it scared the shit out of you.

“I give you full permission to be selfish! Just fucking look at me! Tell me what’s wrong!” you begged.

At this point, you were seconds away from getting on your knees just to get his attention, or at the very least, pity. You couldn’t let him walk out of this room. You knew the chances of getting him to open up to you again after this were slim to none. This was it. You had to fight harder; show him you weren’t giving up on him, no matter how hard he pushed you away.

Katsuki was silent, but you could see the way his hands trembled at his sides; his head hung low, his chest heaving. You waited with bated breath behind him, praying he wouldn’t walk away.

Surprisingly, after what felt like a millennium, he turned to face you, his head still facing the floor.

You were scared to make the wrong move, as if you were faced with a small, wounded animal that could scurry off if you so much as breathed the wrong way.

“Kats?” you whispered softly. “It’s okay.”

He shook his head. “No. It’s not.”

“Why do you say that? Katsuki, look at me.” You stepped forward and raised your hand, gently lifting his chin up so you could finally meet his eyes. What you saw broke your heart.

Red eyes glossed over with tears, lower lip quivering as he tried and failed to stifle the emotions that seemed to overtake him. Your eyes only filled with more tears of your own as you stared back at him sadly.

“I don’t want to see you happy without me,” he whispered, breaking the silence between the two of you.

Your brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”

“I want to be the reason you are happy. I want to give you everything you deserve and more. Both of you.”

“Katsuki…You do make us happy. If anything, we are the least happy when you’re not around,” you said, fingers tracing down his wrist and giving his hand a small squeeze once he allowed you to grasp it. He only seemed to grow more upset at this as he looked down at your interlocked hands.

“But you don’t want me, you want each other.”

“What are you talking about? Of course, we wa-” You froze as realization hit you. “Wait…”

Katsuki made a tsk sound. "Looks like you finally got it. Took you long enough."

You blinked at him. "I- Kats, if you have something to tell me, you better say it now."

"I think you know. Why don't you tell me?"

He was too scared to say it and you knew it.

"Katsuki-"

"Tell me."

You sighed, suddenly growing nervous as you began to second-guess if what you were about to say was actually correct. Katsuki's hold on your hand grew tighter as he awaited your answer. If he wasn't so focused on what you were about to say, he'd be embarrassed about the growing dampness between your palms.

"I...do you....do you have...feelings....for me and Eiji?"

Katsuki’s silence was all the confirmation you needed. You let out a breath of relief.

“Kats-”

“Do you?” he asked, before clarifying. “Have feelings for me? If the answer is ‘no’, say it now and we’ll never speak about it again.”

You stepped closer to him, slippers touching his as you looked at him with soft eyes.

"What if the answer is ‘yes’?" you whispered.

For a moment, you both exchanged glances between eyes and lips, your hearts racing as you awaited the other’s move.

Finally, Katsuki spoke.

"Do I still have permission to be selfish?"

You nodded, and before you knew it, his hands were on either side of your face, and his lips were crashing against yours.

He pushed you against the nearby wall, never breaking his lips from yours, as he kissed you hungrily, desperately, lovingly. You ran your fingernails up the nape of his neck, weaving your fingers through his messy blond locks and earning a groan from him as he pulled you closer by your hips and deepened the kiss even more.

By the time he came up for air, you were both panting heavily. His grip on your hips didn’t loosen and neither did yours around his neck as you stared at each other speechlessly.

After a moment, your lips formed into a smile.

“We’ve been wanting to tell you,” you confessed.

Katsuki’s soft smile quickly faded into a bewildered frown. “Hah?”

“Eijirou and I, we want you, Katsuki. As far more than a friend.”

Katsuki visibly stopped breathing for a brief moment. You nervously continued to speak.

“But there’s no pressure or anything! We just wanted to talk to you about how we feel, not just for each other, but for you. Every time we’d try, you stormed off, or were clearly out of it, so we were too nervous to bring it up.”

“How long?”

Now it was your turn to look confused.

“What?”

“How long have you and Eijirou been talking about this?”

“Well, we confessed to each other almost two weeks ago-”

“Two weeks?! Fuck you!” he cursed.

You gasped. “Hey! Watch it, mister!”

“Fuck you for ruining my life by making me love you so goddamn much! And fuck both of you for not telling me sooner and letting me suffer! Do you have any idea how painful it has been watching the two of you idiots and your stupid cutesy, touchy, flirty bullshit, every single day?” he ranted, obviously frustrated, but not truly directed at you.

“Aw, Kats…We didn’t realize-”

“’Course you didn’t! You were too wrapped up in each other! I always thought you’d never return my feelings because it was obvious you two were obsessed with each other.”

This time, he sounded sad. You cupped his face with your hands, gently running your thumbs over his soft cheeks.

“We have always been obsessed with you too, Kats. It’s not that we didn’t want to be that way with you too. We were just never quite sure about your feelings for us and we didn’t want to cross any lines or make you uncomfortable,” you explained.

He let out a sigh, eyes closing as he relaxed into your touch.

“We should talk with Ei tomorrow,” you said.

He nodded in agreement, soaking up the feeling of your touch; something he had dreamed of and desperately craved for so long. Finally, his dreams were coming true. He was melting between the palms of your hands, and he couldn't have been happier about it.

Now that he'd had a taste, he'd be damned if he were to ever let you go.

“You’re mine now. Got it?” he said, his hands slightly squeezing your hips as he looked into your eyes.

You smirked amusingly at him. “Woah there, don’t get too selfish now. You gotta share.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "I know, I know. I don't mind sharing. So long as it's with Shitty Hair, I can manage. That doesn’t mean you’re not mine, though!”

You giggled, pulling him in for another kiss, to which he happily obliged. This time, he kissed you back tenderly, savoring every second of your soft lips on his. You melted into him completely, allowing him to pull you even closer against him, his strong arms keeping you locked in place.

You placed a hand on his chest at one point, signaling that you needed air. He grunted before reluctantly pulling away.

He pressed his forehead against yours, smirking at the way you grew visibly flustered under his intensely loving gaze.

“It’s late. W-We should get to bed.”

He hummed in response. “Fine.”

Taking your hand, he walked you over to the elevator across the room, both of you still silently processing all that had just happened until you finally reached the large metal doorway.

You stepped inside the elevator, bidding him goodnight.

“Night,” he said, turning around and beginning to walk away.

His feet came to a halt when he felt a sudden, familiar urge take over him, and this time, he didn’t fight it. Before he knew it, he had his arm between the metal doors, forcing them to reopen.

“Kats-”

He interrupted you by crashing his lips against yours once more, cradling your face in his hands as he kissed you with everything he had. Every skipped beat of his heart, every pang in his stomach, every moment of longing, every loving thought he’d ever had of you flashed through his mind. For once, he wasn’t concerned about ruining anything, of hurting anyone, of losing you. All he cared about was satisfying the insufferable itch of longing and desire he’d carried for you all this time.

Finally, the noose was gone, the bad feelings dissipating while the others became one with his being. He could breathe again.

When he pulled away, he was smiling. He was happy.

And you were too. Happy because of him. Happy with him.

“You should be selfish more often,” you said, still trying to catch your breath.

Katsuki stopped the doors from closing in on him, his eyes still locked on you as he let out a chuckle.

“That’s a first. Be careful what you wish for, sweetheart.”

He backed out of the elevator, finally allowing the doors to close. You stared at him as heat rushed to your face, capturing a glimpse of his growing smirk until he was no longer in sight.

Katsuki Bakugou was a selfish man.

And oh, did you love every bit of him.

*The next day*

"Mannn...I can't believe you guys kissed for the first time and I wasn't even there for it!" Eijirou whined, an adorable pout on his face as he looked between the two of you.

"Are you jealous, Eiji?" you teased, lightly nudging him with your elbow.

"Yes! Do you know how long I've been waiting to kiss you both? It's been torture holding out from kissing you while waiting for Katsuki to get on board, and now I've come to find out that you two were making out for the first time without me?!"

Katsuki shrugged, nodding towards you. "They gave me permission. Blame them."

Eijirou scoffed. "I sure hope they did!"

"He means, I gave him permission to be selfish. I didn't know he was going to kiss me when I said that," you clarified.

"Oh, you knew, and you sure as hell didn't stop me."

"Well, of course not!" you said.

Katsuki smirked at you and you felt heat rush to your face. A brief knowing look was shared between the two of you as you recalled the events of the previous night.

Eijirou watched your silent interaction, his pout increasing as he whined. "I wanna kiss you both too!"

"You snooze, you lose," Katsuki said, breaking his stare away from you and taking a sip of his coffee.

Eijirou narrowed his eyes at him. "Scratch that. I definitely don't wanna kiss you right now."

"Hey!" Katsuki barked, looking at the redhead offendedly.

You giggled at them both, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks.

"Both of you, hush. We have plenty of time for kissing later. Now, let's get to work! We can't fail this exam!"

Katsuki rolled his eyes, trying to fight off the growing redness on his cheeks. "Now look who's all ready to study, for once."

"Well, we gotta make sure we all pass! I'm not being left in the dust by the two of you just because of one stupid failed exam!" you said.

Eijirou’s eyes softened as he looked at you. "Aw, hun, we would never."

Katsuki nodded in agreement. "Damn straight. I'll make sure both of you idiots pass, even if I have to jam all the information into your heads myself."

"That always works with me! Right, Kats?" Eijirou flashed his sharp toothy smile.

Katsuki hummed, growing even more flustered over how cute the redhead looked when he smiled at him like that. Thankfully, you managed to draw the attention away from him long enough for him to hide his fond smile. He couldn't let either of you know just how soft he was for you, yet.

A giggle fell past your lips as you spoke. "Good for you, Eiji. But I'd like to refrain from developing a concussion the day before the exam."

Katsuki’s attention moved back to you, a cocky smirk growing on his face. "I could always kiss the information into you."

Eijirou gasped. "What?! No fair!"

"Both of you, be quiet and focus! Or no kisses at all!”

. . .

That shut them right up.

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Other than his appearance, you notice how he isn’t making a sound. He’s walking, but his strides are smooth, almost like he’s gliding. As comical as it sounds, his aura isn’t normal. Not like all your other customers, at least. There is something cool about him and yet graceful. 

  He smiles awkwardly. “Hello.” His voice is a smooth baritone, something unexpected. You work in customer service and have been introduced to different kinds of people, rarely do any of them make your knees weak. This one, however, is an exception. 

  “Having a good night?”

“It’s getting better.”

He goes into the aisles and looks around. You take a deep breath and open your sketchbook to your latest drawing. The lines are slightly raised from the heavy pressing of the crayons. Mindlessly, you drift off and color, letting your creativity take hold while your customer shops. 

  “It’s beautiful.” You nearly jump out of your seat. The handsome man places a water bottle and a nicely made rice ball on the counter. You scramble to move things out of the way so you can ring him up. “Can I have another look?”

   “S-sure.” You open the book up again and turn it to him. His eyes, one grey and the other a sharp blue, scan over the paper. 

“How long did it take you to make this?”

“A couple of minutes.” You didn’t overthink it, hence why it was so easy. 

“Amazing. I can barely draw a stick figure.” He laughs at his own expense. You can’t help but smile. Usually, you don’t let people look at your artwork. Your mother, sure, but no one else. 

“Thank you.”

“I’d like to buy it, if you don’t mind.”

Your eyes are about to come out of their sockets. “What?”

“I’d like to buy it.”

“I used crayons, sir.” Well, damn. You would’ve pulled out some pastels or something if he wanted an artwork commissioned. But no, he wants a crayon drawing.

  “It makes it all the more special. An original.”

“Um…a dollar.”

He scoffs. “Oh, come on, now.” He opens his wallet and hands you a hundred ten, the big bill for you, and the ten for his snack.

  “Sign, please.” He pushes the page to you. You nod and sign your name and the date. Carefully, you tear out the page and hand it to him. “If you could make it out to me.”

  “What’s your name?”

“Shouto Todoroki.” 

  You write his name down. Suddenly, it hits you. Moonlight. That’s what he reminds you of. 

  A song comes on. It’s slower and alternative, a love song in the name of Lugosi, the original Dracula. Todoroki’s eyebrow raises. He looks at the speaker above your head. 

  “Lugosi, Dracula, right?”

You hum in affirmation. 

“The tale isn’t entirely accurate. But closer than Twilight.”

  You hand Todoroki his art. He holds it in his hands to look at him. He says, “A couple dancing.” 

  “I felt like drawing it.”

“Maybe one day, this’ll be us in the night.”

--

“Ma!” The second he left you called your mother. 

Her groggy voice asks, “Why are you calling me?” You feel a slight sting but choose to ignore it in exchange for your excitement. What just happened is worth more. For the first time in a long time, if not ever, you feel worthy. Is that how you should put it? Flattered, proud, whatever the word is that describes what you're feeling. Shouto's approval, acceptance, compliments, all of it makes you feel special. 

“I just sold something!” You withhold his flirtatious remark about dancing. She’d get too excited and then scold you for not pursuing him. You’ve worked in customer service enough to experience flirting. However, Shouto Todoroki is the finest you’ve ever seen and it was very flattering when he did it. But that isn't what did it for you.

She’s quiet but you can hear her breathing. “I’m gonna beat your ass.”

“What?!”

“You called me for that? At three in the morning, you called to tell me that you sold something? You work at a damn gas station. You’re supposed to sell stuff.”

  You should’ve rephrased it. 

“It’s two forty-five.” You correct. “Ma, I sold some art. A guy–the finest man I’ve ever seen in my life–came in and wanted a drawing. A hundred bucks!”

  Her tone turns into one of pride. “Well look at you!”

“I tried to sell it for a dollar but he handed me a hundred! He wanted me to sign it and everything!” You’re jumping up and down. As childish as it seems, you want to run into her arms and hug her, sharing your excitement.

  “I’m so proud of you, baby. You’re a better artist than you think.”

You feel like crying. “Oh my goodness…” you take a deep breath. “Okay, ma. That’s all I wanted.”

  She chuckles, still sounding sleepy. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  You bid each other goodnight. The mood has certainly lifted. Where there was once a heavy feeling of failure is now an encouraging grace. You wipe the counters with a smile, a real one, and restock the merchandise with an easy flow. Shouto may not know it, but he helped you in a way you cannot put into verbal words. Of course, this feeling will pass and the ocean of ambition, insecurity, and ultimately, misery, will return. But for once, you bask in Shouto’s light. You want more for yourself and have no idea or the means to do so. And in one instant, Shouto peeled back the dark curtain and showed you a heavenly light of a future–of movement. Something different from the stagnant existence you have. 

  Reality will soon set in. Despite that, you are welcoming a beautiful grace of possibilities.

  It sets in at three AM, the witching hour. The lights flicker again. You make a mental note to tell your boss to fix it lest someone has a seizure.

  It is the same man from before. Not Shouto, the other one. Average height and build, with hazel eyes and dark curls. He’s good looking, now that you’re paying attention. But he isn’t Todoroki. 

  “May I help you?”

“Of course you can, my darling.” Being called darling, sweetheart, honey, dear, etc., isn’t unusual when working customer service. Compared to what you’ve been called, you prefer it even though it toes the line of creepy. 

  “With what?”

“Don’t scream.” The lights flicker again then shut off. The building is getting colder. The lights outside highlight his build. He wasn’t this imposing before. His charisma and friendly demeanor have gone out the window. "Do you want to see a magic trick?"

  You quietly reach for the button under the counter. He smiles broadly.

“They won’t make it, dear.”

“I gotta try.”

“Wasted energy.”

Right as your finger touches the button, he’s on top of you. You didn’t get to press it. 

  Your eyes are as big as saucers. His once hazel eyes have morphed into pitch black. His orbital veins have turned black as well, showing vibrantly against his pale skin. The man’s drool drips to your cheek, his cold hands clasp around your arms firmly, pinning you to the floor. 

  “Don’t worry, my dear. It’ll pinch at first.” He opens his mouth to show large fangs. “Ah-ah, don’t move around. I’ll nick an artery if you do. Don’t want you to die too quickly.”

  You must’ve hit your head. There is no way this is happening. Yes, you wanted excitement, something moving. Not this, though! 

 He kisses your neck. “D-don’t.” You whisper. 

You can feel his lips part to a smile against your skin. “Shh, don’t worry.” His teeth graze your flesh. A tear slips from your eye. 

Forgive me. Goodbye, goodbye…

"Sako!"

Right when you close your eyes, his weight is lifted off of you. Immediately, you open them, briefly thinking that it was all a dream. Alas, that is not what is in store. The ruckus is loud. Things are falling, fists are pounding, and there is a loud, pained, shout. Hesitantly, you peek above the counter. In front of you is Shouto with his back toward you. The man who attacked you lays on the ground and then, amazingly, burns. It is a quick flash of heat resulting in black dust on the floor. There isn’t a scorch mark left, either. Just ash. 

  “Are you okay?”

You whimper and nod.

He bends down to your level. “Do not welcome anyone inside your house at night. Especially at three A.M. I don’t care if they said they broke down, whether they’re hurt–nothing! Do not let them in.”

“This isn’t my house.”

“I know. He was desperate. They all are.” He turns to look at you. “Come on. I’m taking you home.”

  “What–oh, okay.” You get up and get your things, ready to clock out. Your head hurts from hitting the linoleum harshly, and from the sharp fragrance of something burnt. You clock out and lock the gas station. Your boss is going to be ticked at the state of it.

  He walks beside you silently. You notice that his footsteps don’t make a sound. His long legs take graceful strides next to you. You gulp, suddenly feeling uneasy. What has taken place is finally settling in. 

  Some random person just attacked you. That same person had large fangs and demonic eyes. He wanted to bite your neck. Just before he could, Shouto came out of nowhere and killed him somehow. The corpse burned by itself. The killer is walking you home after telling you that you shouldn’t let anyone inside at night, especially at three A.M. Does this include him, too?

  You finally make your way to your place. You walk up the steps, noting that Shouto is behind you. Even the key working the lock is louder than Shouto has been. 

  “Thank you for walking me home.” 

“Goodnight, little one.”

Oh. Oh. 

    He kisses your hand. His lips are cold against your knuckles. Everything about him is unnatural and yet you didn’t see it before. The man kissing your knuckles like an old time gentleman is just that. 

  “Thanks for everything.” You say with a blank stare as your reality begins to bend with the events of this morning before the sun has even risen. Shouto Todoroki, a stranger with a strange presence, isn't alive. He's tangible, so he isn't a ghost. No, he's something a bit scarier. What's that quote?

'Throughout the shady world of ghosts and demons, there is no figure so terrible, no figure so dreaded and abhorred...' 

  “You can repay me with a dance one night.” He kisses your knuckles again. His lips linger there. You can feel his breath on them. 

You nod, sealing something hidden in the night, where Shouto reigns. 

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

How would it feel to have them pressed against your own? To have your fingers laced together as you dragged each other around doing whatever you were doing for the day?

How would his hands feel wrapped around your neck, squeezing until your breath was burning your lungs, until your vision blurred and tears began slipping down your cheeks?

How would his fingers feel buried deep in your cunt, stretching you wide and preparing you for his cock while his thumb worked your clit? How hard would those zaps of pleasure spread throughout your body as he tapped that sweet spot deep within your core?

How would it feel to come apart thanks to his fingers and hands, as well as other things?

It didn't take you long before you found out.

A small whine passed your lips as your back arches off the mattress. Two of Dabi's slender fingers were buried deep in your cunt, purposefully pressing against that sweet spot as his tongue flicked over your clit, jolts of pleasure zapping up your spine and throughout your body. "Dabi, fuck, please. I can't, hah, take any more".

A deep chuckle sounded as hot breath fanned over your thigh, a hard kiss pressed to the skin. "Oh, little doll, you'll have to beg better than that if you want me to stretch you open on my cock".

His fingers slipped from your cunt as you whined out at the loss, shuffling your body to try and calm the overwhelming desire you felt in every fibre of your being. Letting your head fall back, you closed your eyes, chest heaving. "Dabi, please, I need to feel you properly. I need to fall apart on your cock".

The heat creeping throughout your core increased as you felt a weight above you. Opening your eyes, you glanced into those turquoise ones you loved as you reached out, cupping Dabi's cheek with your hand. "I know you can do better than that, doll, but I'm too impatient to make you beg any more".

As a smile tugged at your lips, you pulled his face closer to yours, lips a breath apart, before you moaned loudly. The feeling of being filled took over your senses as you felt the walls of your pussy being stretched open to accommodate the cock now buried deep in you. "Fuck, doll, you grip me beautifully".

You could only nod your head as you felt Dabi pull his hips back before slamming harshly back into you. The sensation caused a loud moan of his name to rip from your throat as you felt yourself become wetter with each hard thrust. "Yes, yes, yes, oh fuck, yes".

Each snap of his hips made your body contort, trying to push yourself closer than possible to the blue flame villain until you felt the telltale sign you were nearing your euphoria. "Can feel the way you're squeezing my cock, doll, let go for me".

You didn't need to be told twice, as you felt Dabi's hand slip between your bodies, the pad of his finger pressing against your clit as he rubbed the small bundle of nerves.

That's all it took for your back to arch beautifully as your walls clamped down, helping milk him to his euphoria. Heat flooded your core as he filled you with his cum.

That's all it took for you to feel his hand snake around your throat and squeeze slightly as he moved his hips again, cock growing harder as he drove his seed deeper within you.

That's all it took for Dabi to rip broken cry after broken cry of his name from your throat until your legs shook, eyes were glassy and wet and body littered with marks only he'd ever be able to give you.