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“Penny for your thoughts, or whatever,” Katsuki muttered, his head resting on Dabi’s thigh. It was mid-afternoon in the height of summertime, and the two of them rested under a tree at the park. Dabi had insisted on a picnic, complete with blanket and all, because wasn’t that romantic? Katsuki had rolled his eyes, and made a long show of thinking it over before agreeing. Now Dabi’s lip curved in a smirk. “Oh, this is worth a lot more than that.” He combed Katsuki’s hair leisurely through his long fingers. “A dollar? Ten? Come on, tell me.” “Thinking about the thing your breath does right before you come.” Katsuki turned pink. “What do you mean?!” Dabi grinned at him, cleared his throat, and proceeded to demonstrate. “I don’t do that!” “You do. It’s my favorite sound.” Dabi made his breath hitch again. “Stop it,” Katsuki groaned, trying and failing to shove Dabi’s face away. “Aww, are you embarrassed, princess?” Katsuki sat up, flushed to his ears. “I get it. My fault for asking!” Dabi gripped his forearm playfully. “It’s not a penny thought.” “It’s not,” Katsuki agreed, not meeting his gaze. “I like watching your face too.” Katsuki went from pink to red. Dabi smirked at him. “Don’t look at me like that,” Katsuki muttered, sitting up. “Why not? You’re adorable when you’re all flustered.” “Shut up.” Katsuki’s phone chimed with a text. He gladly turned to it, aware as he did so of Dabi’s cerulean eyes on his face. He frowned. “Graduation party at Kirishima’s house next Saturday. He says you’re invited, too.” That took Dabi by surprise, although this Kirishima guy seemed like the type to extend social niceties. Then again, it would be their first social appearance together since they started dating. Was Katsuki even ready for that? The carnelian gaze flicked toward him and back down to the screen again. “Are we talking a rager, or what?” “I don’t know,” Katsuki answered honestly. “There’s a good chance his dad’s going to be home.” “Do you want me to go?” The blond shook his head. “Do whatever you want. Not sure I even wanna go.” Dabi tilted his head, jet black hair falling into his eyes. He smoothed it back. “Why not?” Katsuki shot him a pained glance.
Ah.
Dabi recalled a conversation they had had back around the time he admitted his feelings. What a strange day that was. Awkward. Vulnerable. Later, Katsuki confessed his doubts that he was good enough for Dabi. I’m not popular, not even close, he had said. I used to pick on this kid in my class a lot and I’m sure nobody has forgotten. I’m not the kind of person who belongs with the rest of them. You think I am? Dabi had countered. People only really approach me for two reasons. Either way, they just want something from me. “I’ll go if it makes you feel better,” Dabi said now, pulling leaf litter off the back of Katsuki’s t-shirt. “But I’m not much of a partier anymore.” “Fine,” Katsuki grunted, but he looked grateful.
---
“Oh, Fuyumi, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations!” Rei Todoroki said into the phone, her voice shaking with emotion. “When’s the wedding set for? Let me help you with the planning at least!” Shouto placed his headphone speaker back over his ear where he sat on the den’s couch. “Good Luck, Babe” blared through his headset, drowning out his mother’s voice. He really didn’t want to hear about the flowers, the guest book, the couples photographer, or any other shit for that matter because it meant making real what was now only an idea. The whole family would be expected to make an appearance. That meant dressing up. Group photos with the old man. Making nice for, god knows, three or four hours at least. Fuck. Touya was going to be pissed. Shouto picked up his mechanical pencil and started shading in All Might’s face – his favorite superhero ever since he could remember. He had spent well over six hundred hours banging out All Might portraits throughout the years – sometimes per request of his classmates, sometimes just to look busy when Endeavor came home. Enji Todoroki was something of a minor celebrity, nearly always going by his stage name. Shouto suspected it allowed him some measure of distance from the identity he had haphazardly shaped as a father and husband. Even their mother seldom called him by his real name, at least in front of people. With the school year over, and university classes several months away, most of his classmates were making summer vacation plans; some had already left on gap year trips. Which was fine. Shouto was fine. He had little structure these days and that was manageable. The more he told himself this, the more he hoped it would sink in. Endeavor had made it clear his children weren’t the sort to work service jobs. No, they had so much more to live for that grunt work. It would look bad, tarnish Endeavor's reputation. Set the bar for what the world could expect. And so Shouto had resigned himself to visiting the local library, spending time with Midoriya, and staying out of the way. Only in the evenings, when he could retire to the privacy of his bedroom, did Shouto let himself click through job descriptions, peruse art gallery forums where one could apply to have a showing. It was like window shopping, thinking about all the things he could be. Endless directions which were better than sitting here doing nothing. Being nothing, for now. Katsuki didn’t come by much anymore, not since he’d become so involved with Touya--Dabi. Shouto still wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about that – but it didn’t seem to matter. As long as they were happy, right? Life seemed to be moving for them just fine. Touya had texted him just a few days ago, but Shouto hadn’t felt like responding. What was the point? Touya knew where he lived, and if it was urgent enough he’d be here. Touya-Nii: Mom told me what you did. Here if you want to talk about it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The hum of rock and roll filled the ground level of the Kirishima family home. People spilled from room to room, talking over punch, playing cards in the corner, laughing about some inside joke. Katsuki led the way through the open front door, a scattering of leaves blowing in, with the tall, dark figure in a hoodie following. They had been warmly pushed towards the snack table by Eijiro, who was in a deep conversation with Mina Ashido, her pink hair standing out in the crowd. “Hey, this is Dabi,” Katsuki told him as they broke away at the buffet line. “Ah, your friend, right? Shouto’s brother!” “Y-yeah,” Katsuki agreed. “Nice to meet you!” Eijiro almost yelled above the hubbub. Dabi nodded in response, not bothering to try to be heard. “Hi, Dabi!” Mina cried, her smile bright across her face. “Help yourselves,” Eijiro interrupted, “I don’t want to have to eat all the leftovers.” Dabi stood quietly behind Katsuki, one hand on his shoulder. Katsuki seemed to shrivel where he stood. “You good?” Dabi asked in his ear. “Fine,” was Katsuki’s tight-lipped response. “Hey, Kachaan! It’s good to see you again,” Midoriya waved, stepping towards them from out of nowhere. Uraraka stood a few feet behind him, giving a small wave as they approached. “Deku, I mean, Izuku. Hey.” “And Touya, right? Shouto’s brother.” “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Dabi explained, holding out his hand to the freckled young man. Midoriya took it staring maybe a little too much at Dabi’s hand piercings. “I’m Midoriya, Kachaan’s friend!” “Bakugou?” Midoriya nodded. “I’m right here, doofus,” Katsuki hissed. Then he paused, seemed to remember Dabi was there, and shook himself. “Good to see you too.” “Ah, you did tell me about him,” Dabi grinned. “The crybaby?” Midoriya blushed a little at that. “That’s me.” “And I’m Uraraka. Shouto's talked about you.” “Great, great, everyone’s met. Can you move over? You’re blocking the chips,” Katsuki griped. “You’re in a mood today,” Dabi commented. “Can you leave me alone for a minute?” Katsuki huffed. “I didn’t know you two were friends! I mean, you always walked home with Shouto, so I guess I could have figured that out,” Midoriya mumbled. “We are friends, huh, Katsuki?” Katsuki looked like he was going to have a stroke. “I mean, sure.” “Not the impression I had.” “Excuse me,” Uraraka interjected, leaning through them to the stack of paper cups. This was a bad idea, Katsuki thought. He could curse til next Monday about how much regret he had not to have anticipated this. Moron! “What do you mean by that?” Deku asked Dabi innocently. “I don’t know, because I just met you. Do you kiss your friends, Midoriya?” “W-what?” “Dabi, I’m leaving.” Katsuki took his plate and headed through the room to the sliding patio door. Dabi felt himself go cold. He looked down at Midoriya, Katsuki’s old foe. His punching bag. How could anyone in their right mind look at this kid and decide to torment him? His eyes were so big and green, ringed in lashes. His freckles sat like dusted stars across his cheeks. “Ask Bakugou when you see him,” Dabi said, walking in the direction Katsuki had. He found his lover standing by the barbeque grill, face to face with Shouto. “Well, hello,” Shouto greeted. “Hello yourself.” Shouto’s eyes traveled to Dabi as he emerged behind Katsuki. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said. “Having a good time?” Dabi asked. Shouto glanced at Katsuki and shrugged. “Not my choice of music, but yeah.” Dabi tilted his head toward Katsuki as he spoke next: “We don’t have to stay.” Katsuki ignored him, turning to Shouto. “What are you up to these days?” Shouto looked surprised at the question. “Not a lot,” he admitted. “I went to the museum with Midoriya last weekend.” “Ah, I see. How’s that whole thing going?” “I-I don’t know what you mean.” “Never mind. Art museum, or what?” “Natural History. Why are you asking me? What’s going on?” “I’m not entirely sure. Katsuki, can you clarify for us?” Dabi suggested, his face serious. Katsuki crossed his arms, glancing around them to the door. “This was a bad idea, okay? We shouldn’t have come,” he said to Dabi. “You guys fighting?” “Are we fighting, Katsuki?” “No,” Katsuki muttered. “Just trying to, I don’t know, be normal and socialize for once?” “I get it, it’s been such a long summer. And we’re not even half-way to next semester.” Shouto shook his head. “I hate having no structure.”
—
The car ride back home was quiet. Dabi had resigned himself to wait to see when Katsuki would admit to the situation. If he would. “Glad that’s over,” was all he said until they were in the elevator up to the apartment. Dabi pressed the four button and the doors slid shut. “I don’t know why I did that,” Katsuki admitted finally. “It was pretty shitty of you.” “Yeah. Sorry.” The power went out. They lurched to a halt, the sound of their breathing suddenly very loud. A strip of light between the doors glanced off Dabi’s forehead. “Motherfucker,” Katsuki spat. “Guess we can talk to pass the time.” Katsuki turned away, but Dabi stepped easily around him, both hands on Katsuki’s shoulders. “Is it about coming out?” Katsuki tried to take a deep inhale and let it out slowly. “Not really. I just, I don’t know. For some reason ‘boyfriend’ is hard to say.” “It’ll take practice. If that’s what you want to call me. But I refuse to just be your ‘friend’. You know what I want.” “I get it, okay?” “It’s okay if you don’t want to tell everybody right now. I just don’t want to feel… like you’re hiding me.” Katsuki leaned his forehead onto Dabi’s chest. “Are you kidding? I couldn’t hide you if I tried. Everyone’s either really intimidated by you or wants to fuck you.” Dabi let out a low chuckle. “You’re not denying it.” “Do you want me to?” He tilted Katsuki’s chin up so they were looking at each other in the dark. Katsuki let out a humorless laugh. “Maybe you need a little reminder of why you wanted to be mine in the first place."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The pathway in Katsuki’s brain between anger and sex was a straight shot, especially where Dabi was concerned. It was a weakness that could be exploited with some finessing. Katsuki gasped as Dabi pinned him to the wall, the sound of the slam seeming to echo in the hollow chamber. His mouth was hot and heavy as Dabi kissed into it, sending sparks down his spine. It overwhelmed him in seconds, his blood boiling as Dabi slotted a knee between his legs. All he could focus on was the harsh pull of lips sucking his. Teeth biting. Katsuki gripped him hard in return, tearing into his shirt. Dabi’s body was all smooth muscle and soft pale skin. He easily trapped Katsuki’s hips against the wall, breathing into his ear. “Yeah, like that…” Dabi rolled against him a second time, and Katsuki let out a sharp huff of air. Dabi met his steady glare, pupils dilating. “You like this a little too much,” he observed. Katsuki moaned as he continued to grind. “Could turn back on any second now,” he warned. “The elevator.” “I don’t care. It’s your fault.” “You’re welcome.” Katsuki slid a palm between them, grabbing hold of Dabi’s crotch. “Take it off.” “Tryna boss me around huh?” Dabi scoffed. “It’s my turn. Show me your ass.” The belt took some work to unbuckle, but the zipper opened easily. Katsuki pulled down Dabi’s jeans, fingernails biting into Dabi’s upper thighs through his underwear. Dabi was breathing hard, in short bursts of air. Katsuki spat on his fingers, wetting them as he slid them under Dabi's waistband. He fingered his entrance. “Wait,” the latter breathed. “What? Feeling shy all of a sudden?” Katsuki asked impatiently. His skin was hot. He’d lost count of the nights spent imagining this moment. Dabi said nothing. Katsuki had to tilt his head up to read his face. “I’ll top.” “Not today, sucker.” Katsuki couldn’t keep the grin out of his voice as he circled the area again. Started to apply pressure. The next second, Dabi was pushing him away. “What the hell–” “It’s not about you, Katsuki.” It had been a long while since Dabi’s voice had said his name so seriously. “Show me how, then. I want to make you feel good. Come on, fuck.” Dabi’s hands pressed flat against his chest. His expression was doing that frustrating thing where it turned flat. Unreadable. “What did I do wrong? Seriously, please tell me.” “It wasn’t you.” The lights blinked back on, the motor whirring to life. The next moment they were rising once again, only to pause at the fourth floor as the doors shifted apart. “Sorry, I just can’t,” Dabi breathed. He wouldn’t look at Katsuki. Katsuki shook his head, feeling the heat in his face, his erection ignored. “I don’t get it,” he muttered under his breath. As they strode down the carpeted hallway to the front door, Dabi searched his brain for something to say. Something to eclipse the dull nausea that had crept up in him. He wasn’t convinced Katsuki would take it at face value. Dabi had been rightfully accused of sending mixed messages before. Katsuki unlocked the door, stalking inside without a word. The scent of bourbon came flooding back. Dabi tried to push it down. Focus on what was real here: Katsuki and his bright searing attention, the smell of the popcorn he’d cooked in the microwave that morning. “Wait a minute,” he tried. “You can say it, you know. You don’t want me.” “No–I do, I just–” “Dabi,” Katsuki growled. “I’m really not in the mood for this kind of game, whatever it is.” “I want you, just let me take the lead.” “But–” “Katsuki,” he said again, in a tone that went right to Bakugou’s heart. “I don’t…I’m not… I want to keep this feeling good, yeah?” Katsuki stared at him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to tell everybody what you are to me.” “That’s not it.” “Then what is ?” Dabi’s mouth felt very dry. His words were stuck.
Give it to me. You love me, right, Touya?
“I’m going to bed.” Katsuki turned on his heel, face burning. Dabi watched him go, sinking down onto a chair, his ex’s words lingering in his mind. That wouldn’t do. He turned on some music, cranked it up, not loud enough to invite Katsuki’s wrath. He would figure it out in the morning. Sleep on it, find the words, and try again. Katsuki was probably just pent up and nervous about the whole “out in public” thing. He could be a good listener, Dabi knew. Just focus on the music. He could wash this night away. --- Shouto slept fitfully, his dreams interrupted now and then with the indisputable feeling of dread. Like anticipating a test or something. He hadn’t even set his alarm. Their father was yelling and raising his fists, and Shouto was small again, hiding under the table cloth as Touya intercepted. Tried to talk the old man down. Make him reconsider. “He has to learn what it means to be a man,” their father had said. Or was it Shouto’s mind fabricating the contents of his threat? The sound of blows. Touya doubling over, his breath staggered in his lungs. Their mother calling them to dinner. Shouto peeking out from under the linen, grasping the fabric of Touya’s shirt. Being told it was fine, don’t worry about me. The thing that finally jolted him awake was Shouto’s cell phone ringing. “Hello?” he mumbled now, voice groggy with disuse. “Todoroki-kun, sorry, did I wake you up?” It was Midoriya. “It’s okay.” “I just wanted to confirm we’re still on for this afternoon.” Shouto managed to sound more awake this time. “One-thirty, right?” “Yeah! Good, I look forward to it. Let me buy you popcorn this time, it’s my treat!” “See you then.” Click. Shouto looked over at the clock on the wall. It was nearly eleven. Well, if that wasn’t a perfect summary of his summer, what was? The hours stretched emptily by. Once he found the denim button-down he was looking for, Shouto combed his hair, brushed his teeth, and tried to feel purposeful as he descended the stairs. His mom was in the kitchen, preparing lunch. Steamed buns. “Look who’s finally up! Did you sleep well?” “Yeah,” he lied. “Good! It’ll be another ten minutes before they’re done, so please set the table for me.” He did so with little feeling, bits and pieces of dreams fading in and out. What day was it again? Saturday? Sunday? He barely remembered eating and collecting his things. The next clear moment was lining up for entry for the matinee showing of Strangers, a drama set in 1930s Britain, which Midoriya had been talking about for weeks. “I read the book, too, so I’m curious to see what they kept in the adaptation,” he was saying, handing the ticketing agent his phone so the woman could scan the QR code. “Don’t worry, though, I won’t share any spoilers.” They grabbed a large popcorn and two fountain drinks and headed into theater seven, which was mostly empty except for a middle aged couple and their two children. “Is this spot okay? We can move a row back if you want.” Shouto made some small show of agreement, watching as Midoriya’s eyes lit up. He sat down excitedly at the place they had selected, propped the popcorn on the armrest between them, and launched into an in-depth summary of the actors in the movie. Shouto found himself nodding along, though he was unfamiliar with most of the names. It was just nice to witness Midoriya’s interest, hear how his voice ticked up in excitement and watch his eyes crease with a smile. It didn’t matter much what he talked about, just that he kept talking. The previews ended and the theater faded into darkness.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The film was bad, there was no sugarcoating it. Still, there were small moments there in the dark beside Midoriya that felt worth it. Like how his eyes had grown wide in excitement when the protagonist suddenly appeared and saved the day; his hand had found Shouto’s and squeezed it tight. “Ah, I loved that part in the book!” he whispered, jostling the popcorn a little. When the credits finally rolled and the lights came on, Midoriya was wiping his eyes. “Wow,” he murmured, turning toward Shouto. “Strong soundtrack,” Todoroki commented. That, at least, was true. “I’m so glad you came and saw it with me! Want to get out of here and get some dinner?” “Sure.” He waited in the hall for Midoriya to use the bathroom, blue and grey eyes scanning the floor-to-ceiling posters of feature films. His phone buzzed. Touya-Nii: Ignoring me? Shouto slid it back into his back pocket, sighing to himself. He wasn’t ready to get chewed out just yet. Was there anything he could say to get Touya off his back? Something believable enough to buy him some time? He wasn’t proud of what he’d done. It was very un-Todoroki-like to even consider it. That’s what happened, he supposed, if one suffocated too long under the pressure of being perfect. It had begun honestly enough. Katsuki had been picked to collect all the tests of their final exam. History. He had been in such a mood that day, not looking where he was going, so when Shouto handed him the stack of papers at the end of the row of desks, he wasn’t surprised when Katsuki dropped them. The blond let out a growl, his face flushing as everyone turned in their seats at the noise. Tests flew everywhere, sliding under chairs. Katsuki glared at Shouto, who quickly bent over to try and help collect them. Iida and Midoriya got up and joined in. “I’ve got it,” Katsuki snapped, the tips of his ears red with embarrassment. “Do you?” Shouto muttered under his breath. Unfortunately, Bakugou’s hearing was excellent. “Fuck off, scarface, I wouldn’t have dropped them to begin with if you hadn’t–” “Boys, break it up. I’m sure we all want to get out of here,” the proctor called. By this point most of the papers had been recovered. Katsuki shuffled them in alignment, looking like a thundercloud. Without another word, he strolled up to the front of the room and dropped the pile down onto the desk with a smack . The bell rang. There followed the scraping of chairs and zipping of bags as the seniors got up to leave. Shouto sat still at his desk, his jaw tight, his planner empty. Summer break, yipee. Kirishima was talking about taking a camping trip to the forest a couple hours away, Uraraka suggesting to her friends they should have a girls weekend. Midoriya was monologuing about where his parents would go to celebrate their anniversary, they hadn’t decided between Kyushu and Hakone, but wasn’t that nice? Shouto sat, feeling his sense of direction crumbling away. Everyone had plans, it seemed, except for him. A triangle of white caught his eye as his classmates trickled out of the room, parts of conversations carrying in the din. Slowly, Shouto touched it with the edge of his shoe, slid it out from under the cabinet. It was a test. Katsuki Bakugou was written in the upper right hand margin. He took it, folded it in half, and slipped it into his backpack.
Katsuki liked his showers scalding hot. So hot he felt like he was burning, so hot that steam filled the room, making it hard to see clearly. He had forgotten to shower before bed last night, and was too proud to emerge from the bedroom he’d stomped into. Now that Dabi was out on an errand, he could relax in full privacy. Living with his boyfriend was a lot more complicated than he’d expected. For one, Dabi often ordered takeout, but hated when the discarded boxes started to stink up the trash. Katsuki was on garbage duty, they’d decided, and if he wasn’t quick enough, Dabi would comment on smells. Which made Katsuki feel inadequate. It wasn’t a big apartment, by any means. How Dabi had expected to accommodate Shouto-–should he ever move out of their parents’ house–-Katsuki never knew. On another note, Katsuki was horny a lot more often –-he blamed it on teenage hormones–-and that meant frustration if Dabi wasn’t in the mood. He could be persuaded, of course. Katsuki let the water sear his back as he stood, eyes closed, letting his mind wander. Dabi’s heated expressions, sharp blue irises. The rough drag of his cock along Katsuki’s walls. The cold metal piercing. His labored breathing, the glint of sweat on his skin as he lost composure. The smell of his arousal. The taste. Katsuki touched himself to the thought, but it wasn’t the same. He wanted to be filled. Fuck. He wanted Dabi to do it. What was wrong with that?
Sorry, I just can’t.
The white hot excitement was slipping away, and despite his best efforts to increase the stimulation, it would not return. Katsuki punched the wall. That was a mistake. “Goddammit,” he cursed, massaging his knuckles. That was definitely going to bruise. Through the rush of water, he heard the distant sound of a door opening. It was too soon. Maybe he could just stay here a while longer. Feel as vividly as he could. Eventually he turned the water off, threw open the curtain, and enveloped himself with a towel. The temperature had done its job to calm him down a bit, relax his muscles. A knock on the door. “I got you coffee.” “Out in a minute,” Katsuki called back. He took his time drying off, toweling his spiky hair. Once he was satisfied, he tucked the towel around his hips, turned the fan on, and opened the door. Dabi glanced up from the couch, his brilliant gaze catching on Katsuki’s bare chest, his abdomen. “It’s uh, on the counter,” he mumbled. “Okay.” Katsuki marched into the bedroom and rummaged around in the side table Dabi had picked out for him. It was a painted dark navy and real wood. He tried and failed to ignore the racing of his heart as he dressed. The cup on the counter was still hot when he picked it up. The scent of chocolate swirled out. “I got your favorite.” “Thanks,” Katsuki conceded. Dabi patted the sofa cushion beside him. Katsuki sat. “About yesterday,” the older man started, “I didn’t expect to–to put you in that situation.” Katsuki took a sip of his drink. “Remember how I told you about how I had a boyfriend once?” Slowly, the blond nodded. “There were uh, let’s say, a few good reasons that didn’t work out.” “This have to do with me?” Katsuki deadpanned. Dabi looked uncomfortable– not an expression Katsuki was used to seeing on him. His dark brows knitted together, thick lashes turned downward as he studied his hands. “It’s more to do with–what you were trying to do,” he managed. Katsuki frowned. “Get inside of you?” “Yeah.” “I don’t understand.” Dabi shrugged. “It just made me remember something. I don’t know how much Sho’s told you… but I used to… try to make myself forget it. Using other people.” “Your ex do something to you?” Dabi bit his lower lip, steeling himself to answer. Katsuki waited. “Do we…have to talk about this?” “You tell me. You’re the one who froze up all of a sudden. But—you don’t have to say it.” “Good.” Katsuki hesitated, then took Dabi’s hand. Dabi tilted his head back a little and let out a shaky breath. “I don’t want to make you feel unsafe,” Katsuki told him. “I know.” Dabi swallowed. “Thanks.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They didn’t talk about it again for another week; Dabi seemed intent to leave his clammy moment behind, hoping Katsuki would just forget it. Katsuki followed his lead – he was busy anyway playing phone tag with UA. His last exam paper had finally shown up, but much, much later than expected. There were accusations of cheating, of course. Why else would a student smuggle a test into the teachers’ office after it had been conspicuously absent? At first Katsuki was livid; then he simmered down into an altogether unconvincing display of apathy. Whatever it took to avoid having to talk to his mother. “I swear to god, I turned it in with everyone else,” he muttered into the telephone. Dabi raised an eyebrow, but Katsuki waved him away. “I know,” he said for the umpteenth time. “I didn’t forge the date. Please, let me graduate. I passed, didn’t I?” The academic advisor suggested he testify in front of the high school council. “Bullshit,” Katsuki whispered under his breath. He slammed the phone down and stalked out of the room. Dabi called Shouto. “ Hi, I’m not here right now. Please leave a message.” BEEP. “You have until tomorrow, and then I’m telling him. I didn’t want it to come to this, I just wanted to understand why. Call me back. Or don’t.” He hung up, grabbed a packet of Pocky and proceeded to track down his boyfriend, who was shirtless and facedown in the silky black bed sheets. He groaned as Dabi traced the small of his back with a cool finger. Dabi smoothed his palms against Katsuki’s hips. “It’s going to be okay,” he intoned. Katsuki let out a loud huff of air. Shook his head. Dabi pulled him to the edge of the mattress so Katsuki’s ass pressed against his groin. “Want me to make you feel better?” “Mmmphh…” Dabi ground solidly against him and Katsuki moaned. The Pocky slid to the floor, forgotten. “You’re so hot like this.” Dabi’s voice was all smoke, low and gravely. The tone reserved purely to get under Katsuki’s skin, rile him up. Katsuki said something that sounded like “my diploma.” “We’ll make sure you get it.” Dabi rolled his hips again. “F-fuck, do that again.” “Sure. Now help me take your pants off.” Katsuki complied, sliding back on the balls of his feet and bracing with his forearms as Dabi reached around his front and popped his button, slid open the zipper. He tugged the jeans down easily, leaving them folded around Katsuki’s shapely calves. “Good kitty,” Dabi murmured in his ear, relishing how it made the blond melt. He wasted no time running a hand under the thin fabric between them, brushing the skin sinfully. Katsuki’s breathing changed. He pressed back into Dabi. “You’re so warm.” “More,” Katsuki gasped, arching into the touch. He stilled as a Dabi fisted his spiky hair, slipping out of his sweats, cock twitching with attention. “It’s okay for you, like this?” Katsuki asked. “Don’t worry about me, doll. Just focus on how it feels.” A hand gripped the meat of his ass, hard. Katsuki’s ears were turning pink. His body was heating up noticeably under Dabi’s palm. “H-hard.” “Pardon?’ “F-fuck me hard.” “Anything you want, princess.” SMACK! Katsuki jolted with the sting of the slap across his ass cheek. A sound escaped him, sharp and wanting. He panted for a moment there, savoring the lingering sensation while Dabi opened a drawer. Then he was back, pulling Katsuki’s underwear down, fondling his dick. A lubed slim finger massaged his entrance, then squeezed in. “Y-yes–Dabi, fuck…” He needed to be full, he ached for it. As the digit made further progress, his legs began to quiver. “Wish you could see yourself falling apart for me. So fucking hot.” A second finger joined the first, stretching him open. Katsuki arched back for more. His face burned into the sheets. Dabi paused, a smirk creeping onto his face, and though Katsuki couldn’t see it, he sure as hell heard it. “Looking for…this?” He nailed the spot expertly. A wanton moan burst from Katsuki’s lips, much louder than either anticipated. His knuckles were white against the sheets as Dabi worked in and out, applying pressure to the same place each time. “Th-there…ah, ah, ah, GOD!” Dabi jammed it harder. Katsuki’s toes curled. Fuck, it felt so good. Really fucking good. As a molten heat rolled though Katsuki, Dabi withdrew his hand entirely, slicking himself up with the other. Blood pumping mercilessly through him, he picked up Katsuki’s hips and heaved him further up the bed, Katsuki gasping in surprise. “Face down,” Dabi instructed. Katsuki did as he was told without a word, the quiet betraying his single-pointed arousal. His shallow breathing grew faster as Dabi adjusted himself behind, knees spread apart. “Ready?” “Please,” Katsuki breathed. The word went straight to Dabi’s cock, fully hard now, a bead of semen dripping off the red tip. Dabi spanked him again, watching unabashedly as Katsuki’s ass jiggled. He felt like the luckiest man alive. Katsuki let out a measured exhale as Dabi pressed in, slow at first, then with more force. The stretch was wonderful. “Oh my god,” Dabi breathed, steeling himself against the wave of pleasure. He was so wet. Fuck, Katsuki had missed this. It felt like it had been so long. He could feel the drag of Dabi’s piercing against him with every inch, leaving a burning trail deep into his gut. Dabi rocked forward until his hips met Katsuki’s. Achingly slow, he withdrew. And he then slammed in. “Shit!” Katsuki gasped into the mattress. Dabi slammed him again. “SHIT!” He was so deep at this angle. Almost too deep. Dabi thrust into him so hard Katsuki saw stars. With every impact, Dabi’s nails bit into his hips. Yet Katsuki was painless. Bodiless. Less Bakugou and more pleasure. “AH! AH! AH! AH!” Spurred on by the noise, Dabi drove his hips faster, until he was shuddering and dripping with sweat. Katsuki was sobbing. Finally Dabi slowed, wrapping an arm around his lover and pulling him upright. The kid leaned back weakly, his head falling onto Dabi’s chest. Dabi kissed Katsuki’s temple softly, listening to his ragged breathing. Cum was splattered thickly over his abdomen. “Still with me, doll?” Katsuki whimpered in reply, his eyelids fluttering. “I love you,” Dabi whispered. He wasn’t sure if Katsuki heard.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Why the fuck would you do that?” Katsuki demanded, fists clenched at his sides. He was facing Shouto, who shrugged, standing awkwardly against the wall. Dabi lounged behind them on the sofa, his eyes half-lidded, though it was obvious he was paying keen attention. “I got sick of your attitude, I guess. I wasn’t really thinking it through.” Shouto traced the seam of his jacket absentmindedly, his eyes downcast. “Everyone had left, the proctor had taken the tests already…” “Bullshit, you wanted to trip me up. Fucking selfish of you, Mr. Goody-two-shoes.” Shouto grimaced. “Don’t call me that.” Katsuki glared. “Why not? Isn’t that what you pretend to be in front of everybody? Daddy’s prodigy?” Shouto shook his head. “You’re still a bully, you know? Midoriya was right.” Katsuki grabbed the front of Shouto’s jacket, jerking him away from the wall. In a flash, Dabi was standing between them, his hand on Katsuki’s forearm. Wordlessly, he pried his boyfriend off his brother as they stared at one another. Katsuki ripped his arm out of Dabi’s grip and turned away, still addressing Shouto as he folded his arms: “Well, great, you can go tell the UA council for me. They were threatening to hold me back, like a pathetic loser. I hope you’re happy with yourself.” Shouto let out a deep breath. “Can I go now?” he asked Dabi. Dabi surveyed him for a moment. Shouto was tall, but Dabi was taller. His electric blue gaze felt like it was burning a hole through the back of Bakugou’s head. “I think you should apologize,” Dabi said. Katsuki whirled around. “Me?! For what? I didn’t frame him for anything.” “Both of you.” There was a tense beat. Neither Shouto nor Katsuki said anything. After this became painfully apparent, Dabi sighed, rolled his eyes and left the room. “I’m not a bully,” Katsuki spat. “Don’t behave like one, then.” Katsuki gritted his teeth. Shouto watched his vein jump. “I’m sorry about your test,” the latter conceded finally. “I’ll tell UA tomorrow.” “Good.” Katsuki’s eyes flicked to Shouto’s face. He really was quite handsome, unfortunately, with many of the same features Dabi was blessed with. “Did he talk to you about our sister’s wedding?” “Yeah.” Katsuki frowned. “Why?” “I just—were you planning to go, or?” “What, for the sake of decency? No way.” Shouto nodded. “Okay, well, if he’s suddenly really withdrawn and distant, you’ll know why.”
With one week left before the start of term at UA University, Katsuki finally received his diploma in the mail. He was surprised by the visceral relief that filled him upon seeing it at last, and was in such a good mood, he was actually excited to go on the camping trip Kirishima had planned. Dabi politely declined his invitation to attend, but dropped Katsuki off anyway. From there, Katsuki, Eijiro, Denki, Sero, Shouto and Midoriya piled into a van. It was a two hour long ride to the national forest. Sero and Denki took turns DJing while Shouto and Midoriya read manga in the back beside Katsuki, who kept the window rolled down halfway. He watched the city sidewalks turn to gravel and dirt roads as they climbed higher among the hills, the air growing crisp with the scent of pine. The sun had just disappeared behind the tree line when Eijiro pulled into the campsite, a shaded hollow surrounded by dandelions and complete with fire pit and outdoor toilet. “Let’s go, boys!” Denki yelled, unbuckling himself and leaping out of the passenger seat to start unloading their stuff. As the others joined him, Katsuki heard a distant screeching. Midoriya paused also, commenting, “I hear there are a lot of hawks in this area.” Shouto said something in reply, which Katsuki didn’t catch. Sero and Denki had the tents erected in under ten minutes, with Eijiro, Katsuki and Denki in one, and Shouto, Midoriya and Sero in the other. As Denki hammered the final stake into the ground, Eijiro lit the fire and passed around a twelve-pack. “Glad we made it!” Sero exclaimed, stretching to his full height before taking a seat on one of the many logs around the fire. “To college, and whatever else life brings us next!” Denki cheered, holding up his can of Sapporo to Katsuki’s. Shouto and Midoriya had prepared chili dogs for everyone, which they gratefully tore into as the sky faded to twilight. Crickets began to chirp in the deep gray of evening. “Alright, who wants to play a game?” Katsuki asked, glad he had brought sweats now that the air was cool. “Hell yeah, bro!” “Fuck, marry, kill,” Denki suggested to a variety of reactions. “What’s that one?” Midoriya asked. Katsuki couldn’t help but snicker. “Easy, you pick three people and have to decide out of them who you’d fuck, marry or kill. Pretty self-explanatory,” Sero told him. “B-but I don’t want to kill anyone.” “It’s just a game, Deku.” Shouto shot Katsuki a look. “Okay, fine. I’ll go first,” Eijiro offered. “Give me three people.” Denki grinned. “Iida, Bakugou, Momo.” Eijiro shook his head. “You’re ridiculous. Well, okay, I suppose I’d fuck Momo, marry Bakugou, kill Iida? Don’t tell him I said that, though. He’s a good guy.” “You’d marry me?” Katsuki asked, the beer already getting to him. “You’re my bro!” Denki laughed, then pointed to Shouto. “Bakugou, myself, Midoriya.” Shouto turned a slight shade of pink, sipped his drink, and considered. “Fuck Bakugou, marry Midoriya, kill you, I guess.” Denki fell back in fake shock, as Sero caught and fanned him dramatically. Katsuki felt the heat rise in his face, but that was probably the fire. “Your turn,” Shouto told him. “Me, Dabi…and Kirishima.” Katsuki blinked. Was he seriously doing this now? “This is supposed to be fun, guys,” Midoriya piped up. “Isn’t it, Bakugou?” Shouto asked, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. Katsuki drained his can and Denki passed him another one. “Fuck Dabi, marry Kirishima, kill you.” “Oooooh,” Sero murmured, while Eijiro simultaneously exclaimed, “Bro!” “Big surprise,” Shouto muttered. “Midoriya, do you want to go next?” Deku glanced at Katsuki, who perhaps for the first time ever, felt rather grateful for him. The freckled kid nodded slowly. “Uraraka, Sero and Bakugou.” Midoriya scratched his head. “I feel like there should be more options than just the three.” “That’s how the game works, dude,” Denki replied. “Oh, alright, well then… If I marry Uraraka, then… but I don’t want to kill either of you guys.” “No hard feelings,” Sero said. “What about Shouto?” someone whispered. “He wasn’t an option.” “Who’d you rather fuck?” Katsuki asked loudly. Eijiro elbowed him in the ribs. “What?” “I-I don’t really...” “That’s okay,” Shouto said. “We could use celebrities or characters or play something else altogether.” “Okay, yeah, let's do that.” Denki produced a fat deck of UNO cards from nowhere as Sero passed the drinks around again. The fire crackled, sending smoke up toward the stars. Katsuki threw Shouto a pointed look. What was that bastard playing at? Shouto shrugged. Once everyone had a hand of cards, all hell broke loose, concluding in the most ferocious round of UNO Katsuki had ever played. A good forty minutes later, Sero was declared the winner. He insisted they play a second round, then a third, and before they knew it, Katsuki had passed out in the hammock. Eijiro yawned and headed to bed, Sero and Denki following. Then it was just Shouto and Midoriya and the softly glowing embers. “You really cleaned house,” Shouto praised, referring to the final UNO game. Midoriya blushed at this, shaking his head, although he was clearly pleased. “I’m just glad everyone could have this trip. It might be the last time we're all available at the same time. So many of us are going to university.” “I can’t wait, honestly.” “It’s been a long summer for you, hasn’t it?” Shouto nodded, watching the slow fade of the orange among the coals. “You’ve really been there for me. Even though I’ve been such a mess.” “That’s okay! It’s hard, feeling left behind.” “What I mean to say is, thanks, Izuku.” Midoriya turned toward him, taken aback by the intimacy of hearing his first name. “Of-of course.” Shouto lay a hand softly on his friend’s shoulder, not looking at him. “I’m kind of tipsy, but you know, I really care about you.” “Do you need some water?” Shouto shook his head and continued: “Nobody else waits for me while I tie my shoes. Nobody else notices when I’m triggered. You’re truly a kind person. I like you a lot. And I um, I didn’t want summer to end without telling you.” A pause, during which Midoriya’s head came to rest on his shoulder. “Thanks, Shouto,” he mumbled sleepily.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Flowers lined the aisle in every shade of pink, with silky white bows tied to individual stackable chairs. Above them, lanterns hung from the venue rafters, flickering soft light over a live band. Fuyumi had gone all out. Katsuki entered before Dabi, wearing a deep red tie and matching slacks in stark contrast to Dabi’s head-to-toe-black. The latter walked silently a pace behind, looking and acting like a shadow. The Todoroki family were exchanging formalities in a line beside the heavy embroidered tablecloth that adorned the check in table. Rei offered her hand politely to Katsuki from her place beside Shouto, Natsuo, and their patriarch. Endeavor’s eyes seemed to pierce through Katsuki as he approached, gliding from him reluctantly onto the eldest son. “Thanks so much for coming,” Rei told them, smiling warmly. Shouto nodded at Katsuki and shook his hand next. His palm was cool to the touch, though his face gave nothing away. He really did resemble Dabi sometimes, Katsuki thought. Then Natsuo clapped Katsuki on the back, muttering, “Good to see you.” A flash of distaste crossed Endeavor’s features as he shook his hand next. The young man expected him to say something. He did not. “Fuyumi is in the back getting ready,” Katsuki heard Natsuo explain to Dabi. “Oh, and make sure to sign the guest book when you get a chance.” “I will,” Dabi murmured, his low tone almost inaudible. “Touya,” Endeavor acknowledged. Katsuki felt the air thicken with the weight of the name. “Enji,” Dabi replied coolly. Natsuo exchanged a look with Shouto. Endeavor’s lip curled. “Ran out of people your own age to screw?” Katsuki spun around. Dabi ignored him, standing eye-to-eye with his father. “I’m here for Fuyumi. So I’d appreciate it if you kept your disappointment to yourself, Enji. ” “Dad,” Natsuo warned. “Enjoy the wedding,” Endeavor told Katsuki, his smile not reaching his eyes. Katsuki pulled Dabi away. “Fuck , I need a hit,” the latter said when they were across the room. He pushed open one of the french doors leading onto the balcony, not meeting Katsuki’s eyes. His own were dark and unreadable, thick lashes framing downturned blue. Katsuki followed him to the railing as Dabi lit up, not sure what to say. Dabi exhaled a slippery trail of smoke, closing his eyes. “I can’t believe they just stood there,” Katsuki managed at last. “Tip of the iceberg, doll.” “He’s–he’s terrible.” After a beat during which no reply came, Katsuki shook his head and continued. “We don’t have to stay. Why not just wish Fuyumi well and get the hell out of here?” Dabi looked at him, his eyelids half-closed. He didn’t seem angry in the slightest, just tired. Katsuki reached up and cupped his face with one hand. He could feel the faint pulse drumming away to a melancholy beat. “You want?” Dabi asked him, offering the joint. “That’s okay.” Dabi closed his eyes again as he took another hit. He gently covered Katsuki’s hand with his own and held it. “I’m not leaving until we get some of the damn cake.” Katsuki let out a dry chuckle.
The ceremony itself was a peaceful affair. Fuyumi gleamed in a rose-gold gown, making for a handsome couple with the man she stood beside. The chaplain's comments were sincere and concise, the vows heartfelt. Dabi’s hand rested on Katsuki’s thigh. Katsuki snuck a glance in his direction as the bride and groom kissed, then the band played and everyone clapped. Fuyumi and her new husband seemed to float arm in arm down the aisle into the reception room. “I can’t believe it!” Somebody’s relative said tearfully. Dabi turned to Katsuki when Natsuo emerged from the sidelines. “I’d line up for food now, before it’s a circus,” he suggested. “Enough said,” Katsuki agreed, standing with Dabi. Natsuo wrinkled his nose, patted his older brother’s shoulder and muttered, “Please don’t let mom catch you smelling like weed. For my sake.” Dabi granted him a blithe smile and turned toward the buffet, which boasted five different entrees including grilled lamb rib, fresh sashimi and rice, pulled pork sandwiches, kobe beef with vegetables and a seafood broth. Endeavor definitely approved of Fuyumi’s choice of husband, Katsuki decided. There was no way the young couple had afforded this extent of luxury. As they ate, the rumbling of several hundred people filled the dining hall. The Best Man and Maid of Honor had their toasts, and people began to dance. “Shall we?” Dabi offered, nodding toward the open floor. The erhu player and violinist were putting on quite a show, mixing eastern and western classical tunes. Bakugou took his hand, glancing around a little self-consciously. “They don’t get to ruin this,” Dabi said. “Look at me, Katsuki.” He did, and soon they were moving together, Dabi leading. He was an excellent dancer—how had this never come up before? It felt easy, natural even, and before he knew it, Katsuki was really enjoying himself. They stepped in tandem to the swooping melody, turning together in a sea of party goers as the lights dimmed. Several people ooohed and ahhhed as a slow song colored the air. “Kachaan?” Katsuki’s heart sank. He turned toward the voice he knew too well, to the curious curls and freckles. Deku. “What are you doing here?” “I’m Shouto’s plus one. It’s a great wedding, isn’t it? Hi, Dabi.” “Midoriya,” Dabi greeted, his arms still around Katsuki. There were too many things Katsuki wanted to say at that moment. He wanted to hide, wanted to deny the interaction from progressing further. To make some excuse to avoid probing questions as to why he was here with Dabi. He also wanted to know what Midoriya had told Shouto about him being a bully. Was he a bully, after all this time? Did Deku really still think so? Instead, Katsuki just said, “Yeah, it’s been nice.” “Nice,” Midoriya echoed. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, are you two…?” Dabi seemed to stiffen under his grip. A long moment. “Yeah,” Katsuki said simply. “He’s my–my boyfriend.” “Oh!” Midoriya seemed to flush, glancing from Dabi’s face to Katsuki’s. “Congrats, then.” “Uh…thanks.” “Have a good time,” Dabi added. Midoriya fortunately picked up the cue and waved shyly at them before disappearing into the crowd. The slow song was coming to a close. “Couldn’t hide you if I tried,” Katsuki breathed in Dabi’s ear. “I never wanted to.” “All yours,” Dabi whispered back. They danced late into the night in a world entirely theirs, and the stars glittered on.