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Katsuki is just slipping on his watch when his phone buzzes. He sees Shouto’s name on the screen, and he scrambles to open the message as quickly as he can.
ShoSho: I wanna try things out again… can we? I’m free, if you wanna come over and talk…
Katsuki rushes out of the apartment as quickly as he could, practically booking it to his car to drive twenty minutes in the opposite direction of where he’s supposed to meet Deku for their date. It’s completely forgotten as Katsuki rushes to Shouto.
~~~~
“Ever since Kacchan and Shouto broke up, there’s been this tension between us. So, when he asked me out a few days ago, I said yes. I had a crush on him, and while I’ve started to get over it, I still have feelings for him and probably always will. So, I didn’t want to say no when he seemed to want it too.” explains Izuku softly as he pulls on a gray button down, tucking it into his black slacks.
“But what about your whole flirting thing with Hawks? And aren’t you even the slightest bit worried about Katsuki running back to Shouto? You know Shouto isn’t over him.” says Hitoshi with worry in his voice as he lays across Izuku’s bed looking at his best friend and roommate.
“Look, Kacchan and I are friends before anything. If he decides he wants to get back with Shouto, then he’ll tell me. And I’ll support it. Will it hurt? Yeah, of course it will because I have feelings for him.” replies Izuku with a soft, worried sigh of his own because he knows that Shouto isn’t happy about this whole date situation because he’d messaged him earlier about it. “So it’ll suck if he decides to go back to the ex that broke up with him to sleep with Ochako and Inasa. But I’ll live. And come on, Toshi, we both know Hawks flirts with everyone. I’m no one special when it comes to him.”
“I’m telling you, Hawks has a friggin’ crush on you. The man offered to wine and dine you and fly you around the city in his arms. He has feelings for you.” argues Hitoshi as he’s done for the past month since Hawks talked to Izuku in front of him while they were all off-duty.
“Toshi, stop. You don’t get to say anything to me about feelings when you took months to figure out Hanta and Denks had feelings for you.” replies Izuku with an exasperated tone as he double checks his hair in his mirror.
“Alright, alright, but you should be heading out. You’re gonna be running late if you don’t hurry.” sighs Hitoshi dejectedly, pouting as he pushes himself off of Izuku’s bed.
“Shoot! I’ll see you later, Toshi!” exclaims Izuku as he quickly rushes out of the room, grabbing his keys and wallet before rushing out of their shared apartment altogether.
It takes Izuku twenty minutes to get to the nice restaurant that Katsuki said he’d gotten a reservation at. Apparently they had the best Katsudon in town, and Izuku just had to try it. Izuku walks inside, tells the host that the reservation is under Bakugou, and gets taken to a booth table in the back of the restaurant. The candlelit atmosphere with soft melodic music in the background is so romantic that Izuku has butterflies in his stomach as he texts Katsuki to tell him that he’s there and so excited.
He waits until half an hour passes, then he messages Katsuki again to see where he’s at.
When it’s been an hour, he starts checking the news to see if something happened since Katsuki is on call.
After an hour and a half, he tries to call Katsuki three times and gets sent to voicemail each time.
When it’s been two and a half hours, he stands and heads for the bathroom. He spends ten minutes in the bathroom debating leaving or waiting a little bit longer as he splashes water on his face.
When it hits the three hour mark, his phone buzzes and tears slip down his cheeks at the notification he finds waiting there. It’s a message from Shouto.
It’s just a single picture that shows him lying on Katsuki’s chest, they’re obviously not clothed, and Katsuki is kissing his hair.
Izuku gets up and leaves the restaurant as tears fall down his cheeks, calling Hitoshi as soon as he gets to his car.
“He’s back with Shouto, Hitoshi. He went to Shouto and slept with him tonight instead of coming to me.” whimpers Izuku as he works his key into his car door to unlock it.
“Oh, Izu, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine, I should’ve-“ Izuku is bawling as he yanks his car door open.
“Izuku? What’re you doing here? And why are you crying?” The familiar dulcet tone of Keigo’s voice has Izuku flinching because he sounds mad and worried.
“I-I’m just heading home, Hawks.” replies Izuku quietly as he turns to look at the blonde man with those beautiful red wings spread out behind him.
“Kid, you can call me Keigo when we’re off the clock, I told you that. Now, what happened?” asks Keigo seriously as he looks at Izuku, eyes narrowed on the phone pressed to his ear for a moment before his thumb reaches out to wipe away a stray tear as it starts sliding down his cheek.
“It’s nothing, really, I just got stood up was all. I really should head home, Toshi is already there waiting with ice cream for me.” replies Izuku quietly, trying to hold back the hurt he feels because that’s what it really comes down to.
He’s hurt that Katsuki chose Shouto over him, but he’s more hurt that Katsuki didn’t bother to even message him telling him that he’d changed his mind. From Shouto, this makes sense because he’s always been a little touchier with Izuku’s friendship with Katsuki since they started dating. But for Katsuki to straight up stand him up and not bother texting him to cancel the plans, that hurts more than anything else does.
“I’m sorry, but whoever stood you up was an absolute dumbass.” says Keigo seriously as he looks at Izuku, eyes narrowing as he wipes more tears away with his thumbs, hands lightly cupping Izuku’s face. “You look amazing, even with tear streaks that should only be there from happiness, or pleasure… you’re too sweet to be left waiting. Give me a name, Izuku, and I’ll handle ‘em.”
“It’s really okay, Keigo, I promise. I’m just-”
“Hawks, flirty birdie, it was Katsuki Dynamight Bakugou!” Hitoshi practically screams through the phone, and with the way Keigo tenses all the way to his hands that he lifts off Izuku’s face, he heard him crystal clear. “Also, you should totally wine and dine the greenbean!”
“That angry Pomeranian stood you up?” asks Keigo in a dark tone, voice sounding like gravel as he speaks.
It should not be so hot to hear Keigo sound so angry, but Izuku feels the pure heat settling within at the graveled voice and protective tone anyways.
“It’s really not that big of a deal, he just decided to go back to Shouto is all.” replies Izuku sheepishly as Keigo looks at him, but the dark look in Keigo’s eyes has Izuku floundering until he starts to ramble. “And I guess I can’t be surprised since they’ve only been broken up for a month and a half, so it’s no surprise that he’d go running to Shouto the second Shouto called. Which is too likely in this situation since Shouto messaged me, and that’s how I found out he even had a reason to ditch me. They must’ve slept together since I didn’t see a shirt, and Kacchan must have been real into whatever was going on to ignore his phone considering how many times I called and texted him.”
“I’m going to kill that yipping brat, and then I’ll stop by your apartment to make sure you’re smiling again. See you soon, Zu.” Keigo sounds dangerously angry, but Izuku can’t say anything in time because Keigo shoots himself in the air and takes off.
“I’m pretty sure Keigo is going to kill Kacchan, and I don’t feel anything but heat at the thought of it… how fucked up am I that I think Keigo doing that is hot?” sighs Izuku as he climbs into his car, practically swooning as he speaks into his phone.
“You don’t think him going to kill Katsuki is hot, you think him being all protective and a little bit jealous is hot. And you got every right to because it is, it’s damn hot, and I fuckin’ told you he had feelings for you too!” Hitoshi sounds victorious even through the tinny speaker of the phone as Izuku starts his car and gets headed in the direction of their apartment.
“I told you that’s not right! He doesn’t! He’s just being- he’s just being protective-“ stutters Izuku defensively as he turns back to his car, almost shrieking in defense as he squeezes the phone in his hand.
“He’s being protective because he has feelings for you and you were mistreated by a jackass. Just admit it, Izu, your crush might like you back and you’re ecstatic that it’s a possibility even though it came at the cost of your feelings towards the loudmouth.” Hitoshi sounds so victorious that Izuku huffs as he climbs into his car, pouting as he locks the doors, but not before he finds a red feather tucking itself neatly against his rearview mirror.
“This man has heard fucking everything, he left a goddamn feather, probably to make it easier to track me down afterwards, and now he knows everything!” hisses Izuku seriously, a bit panicked as he reaches out to brush a finger along the spine of the feather, shocked that he was deemed important enough to be left with a feather from Keigo.
“Oh, that birdie has it down bad for you. I fucking’ told you. Can’t believe you’ve doubted me on this. I didn’t let anything stop me from getting my men when I figured out they wanted me.” Hitoshi is smug and proud, and Izuku can’t fault him for either thing because he did ensure he would get Denki and Hanta mere hours after figuring out they wanted him too. “Now, get your ass home so we can prepare for the imminent arrival of your red winged savior. Then I can leave you to the safety of his hands to go see my partners and tell ‘em how right I am! Denki will believe me, but Hanta will owe me a kink choice for our next night of sexy fun!”
“You three will never fail to amaze and disgust me at the same time. I did not need to know about that last bit and you know it. Now, while I am happy that you three are together, let’s not forget that Keigo does not see me the way I see him.” says Izuku a bit more harshly than he wanted as he puts his phone on speaker, setting it in his lap as he starts his car. He hears Hitoshi’s intake of breath, and quickly continues with his point before he can be talked over. “Let’s also not forget that I’m an adult, and you don’t have to babysit me, nobody does. If you wanna go see Hanta and Denki, then go see ‘em, no biggie. And Hawks does not have to come by to check on me for the sake of making sure I’m okay. I am a big boy, and I will be fine. This sucks, but it’s not like I can’t handle it by myself. Besides, I’m more hurt that he didn’t communicate than I am that he stood me up.”
“Bubs, I know you can take care of yourself. And I know better than most why you’re hurting. I went through the same with Neito just a few months before I got with Hanta and Denki.” Hitoshi’s voice is soft, full of understanding through the tinny speaker, and Izuku leans forward to press his forehead into the steering wheel. “You don’t need support, but you deserve support. You don’t need babysitting, but you do deserve shoulders to lean on. Nobody is trying to baby you, Zu, but we do want to be there for you if you need us. There’s no harm in letting us be there, just harm in not letting yourself feel everything. And that bird is, at the very least, protective of you. Let him be, and if your feelings are mutual, don’t be afraid to explore it. You’re allowed to explore your feelings, especially feelings you’ve had for six months when you’ve been mostly over Katsuki for three years since dating Rody and Mirio.”
“I know, Toshi, I know. I just- I don’t know. My main problem is that I- I don’t think I’m really hurt from Kacchan standing me up. I don’t. But my hurt comes from him not telling me Shouto had messaged him about trying again or whatever, from Shouto sending me a picture of them together after clearly fucking, and not a single ounce of communication.” Izuku lets himself rant as he gets his car on the road, anger sparking through him like OFA as he drives, being careful to not speed because he’s not supposed to despite the urge to just go. He rants as his phone is held in one hand, while the feather lies motionless against his rearview mirror, and Izuku lets it all out. “I supported him getting with Shouto, I was there for him when Shouto broke things off, and now- now I want to beat his ass for being so stupid, for hurting me so carelessly, but I also wanna scream at him because we both know Shouto isn’t going to stop sleeping with Ochako. I mean he broke up her relationship with Tenya just because they were sleeping together during it. He was just with her two nights ago on a date according to the media. I just- I don’t want my idiot friend to get hurt, but I also want him to because of how he’s hurt me. I hate feeling like this Toshi, I just hate it.”
“You want the best for everyone, even when they hurt you, and that’s why I am so protective of you. That’s why Mei is so protective of you, Momo too. Because you want the best for everyone no matter how much it hurts you in the process, you want them happy. Be mad at that bastard and the other one too, be mad at them, Izu. Let them both stew in your anger, ignore them, avoid them, be professional only when you have to and give them the cold shoulder when you don’t.” Hitoshi’s voice is soft and understanding, but knowing and serious at the same time. His words reach Izu through the anger and the hurt, and they wriggle some sense of dejavu along with them. Izuku reaches the apartment, but doesn’t go to the parking lot just yet. Hitoshi keeps talking in that steady stream of understanding and care. “You’re allowed to be upset about this, and you’re allowed to avoid and ignore both of them for as long as you want. It’s okay to be there for yourself for a little while, and that’s something you told me after what happened with Neito. I’ll let you drive, let you chill a bit, circle the apartment twice, then come on in okay? Get the anger out in the car, then get the hurt out in here with me. I’ll see you in a few, bubs.”
“See you in a few, Toshi.” whispers Izuku before the call ends, and he’s driving around the block.
Izuku lets himself get angry, lets it swell inside him until he feels sick with it, and then he lets himself cry as he rounds the apartment three times before finding the parking lot and tucking his car away in it. He shuts the car off and stares at the feather, finger reaching out to brush along the spine of it again.
“I’m home, Hawks, and I’ll take your feather inside if you want me to. But you really don’t have to come check on me, and I’m sorry you had to see me like that too.” says Izuku softly, opening the car door and slipping out, waiting to see what the feather will do.
When the feather doesn’t move from its perch, Izuku leans in and lightly brings it out, letting it lie on his palm and waiting again. Nothing happens, so he locks the car, shuts the door, and heads for his apartment building.
When Izuku finally gets to his apartment, Hitoshi is waiting in the doorway, smirking. The feather wriggles free and darts into the apartment, and Izuku’s eyes go wide as he stares at Hitoshi.
“Got here a few minutes ago, and apparently, his feathers and wings are sensitive, Zu.” whispers Hitoshi with a wink before twisting around to go back into the apartment, and Izuku shivers in anticipation or fear he’s not sure. “So, Hawksie, what’d you do to the bastard and his bitch?”
“Well, let’s just say I’ve got some burn marks on my wings, and he’s got some nice bruises on his face as well as the Todoroki kid getting some too.” replies Keigo sheepishly, not looking up as he holds his feather in his hands, twirling it between his fingers. “Although, he did say he was going to message an apology for not communicating with you about the sudden change of plans.”
“And I will be telling him to shove his apology up his ass because I deserved better than being stood up with no communication. I would’ve understood if he’d told me what was going on, I would’ve said he was a dumbass, but I would’ve understood.” huffs Izuku as he pulls out his phone, stepping further into the apartment and slipping his shoes off, seeing three messages from Katsuki. “Oh great, three messages.”
Kacchan: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Shouto needing to see me, and Shouto told me he’d sent you a picture as well. I’m sorry, that was uncalled for and inappropriate. I’ve already made my distaste for his choice known.
Kacchan: And we’re not getting back together. I told him as much when he told me why he messaged you and had me come over.
Kacchan: Can we try again? I know I don’t deserve it for how I dealt with things today, but I’d really like to do this with you, Izuku.
“What’d he say, Zu?” asks Hitoshi curiously, voice soft and ready to turn judgemental.
“He’s asking to try again because apparently he and Shouto aren’t going to get back together.” sighs Izuku with a shake of his head as he starts typing out a response. “He’s also pissed about Shouto sending me that picture. Guess I haven’t completely lost my idiot friend.”
“Well, I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and clearly, you’re in good hands. I should be heading out though.” says Keigo quietly as he clears his throat, confident smile looking a bit dim as he winks at Izuku.
“Wait, birdie, don’t you think you should ask Izuku something?” asks Hitoshi teasingly as Keigo makes his way to the door, keeping space between himself and Izuku.
“Oh, did you need something else, Keigo?” asks Izuku softly, tilting his head to the side as he turns to Keigo after sending his messages.
Izuku: We are friends, Kacchan. I gave you a chance tonight because I’ve had feelings for you for ages. But I deserved so much better than this, and I told you that Shouto didn’t like me being around you back when you two were together.
Izuku: I forgive you for tonight, and I appreciate the apologies. However, I want someone else, and I’m going to give myself a chance at something good now.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, but I wish you and the blond explosive luck. I really do gotta go, but I’ll see you later, kid.” replies Keigo quickly, smiling tensely as he gives Izuku a two-finger salute before opening the door.
“I hope, for the sake of my burning question, that the luck you just wished me and Kacchan has to do with our agency and continued professional partnership.” Izuku wants to shut down the assumption that he thinks he’s getting from Keigo right now.
He knows what he wants, and he gave Katsuki his chance before he put feelers out for Keigo. It’s time to go after the one he’s wanted for the past year.
“Ah, well, good luck for that too, but no, I was meaning- where did Shinsou go?” Keigo’s eyes flit around the room as he cuts himself off.
“To his boyfriends’ place probably. Hanta and Denki were expecting him for a quick visit before patrol, but he probably wanted to give us space because he knows that I’m not giving Kacchan a second chance in the romance department.” replies Izuku softly, cocking a brow at him as he crosses his arms over his chest and waits for Keigo to try to argue with him.
“Oh right, I forgot he was dating both of them now. Well, I’m sorry you and blondie aren’t going to try again. But uh, I still don’t think I need to be here.” says Keigo as he runs the back of his neck with his hand, hesitant as his eyes continue to flit everywhere except for Izuku.
“Keigo Takami, are you really trying to tell me you want me to try to go on a date with Kacchan after he stood me up for his ex tonight?” asks Izuku amusedly as he gives Keigo a half smile. That smile turns into an almost cocky smirk as he steps forward until he’s inches away from the blonde. “After telling me just last month that you wanted to fly me around and wine and dine me, you want me to give him a second chance?”
“It’s not that I want to, but I can’t exactly tell you not to either. Besides, it’s your life, and you’re going to do as you please. I just- I don’t want to see you give him a second chance, but I also don’t want you to think I’m being a dick.” Keigo’s nervous, eyes wide with panic flitting through golden orbs as he lightly holds his hands up and waves them.
“I’m not giving him a second chance because while I have feelings for him, they’re not as intense or distracting as they used to be since I moved on from them. Call him a first love, if you want, but I’ve had feelings for someone else since a year ago.” replies Izuku seriously, emphasizing that it’s not happening between him and Kacchan while also dropping the hint of someone else. When Keigo’s golden eyes fill with glitters of hope, he steps forward and decides to just say it. “And while they caught me off guard coming so soon after the break-up with Rody, they were super easy to sink into because I think you deserve the want and desire I feel for you, and I’d love to go on a date with you, birdie.”
Izuku smiles genuinely, reassuringly, as Keigo gives him an “are you serious” look as the words process. He’s got hope, disbelief, and want written all over his handsome face. Izuku waits, hoping that this wasn’t a big mistake because while the signs right now say Keigo wants this too, it wouldn’t surprise him if he’s rejected.
“If you’re serious about that date, then I’d love to take you to Sapphire sometime this week, schedules willing. Get you all dolled up for a private booth date in a private restaurant meant for Pro Hero privacy. That, or, we can have a dinner date at mines. I can make us Katsudon, and we can eat on my balcony.” The way Keigo’s eyes light up as he rambles has butterflies fluttering in Izuku’s stomach, even more so when he processes the different date plans. Excitement curdles sweetly through him as he smiles shyly at the man. “And then we can do a flight around the city… if you’re up for it. But only an hour after dinner to make sure the food’s settled.”
“That sounds perfect, either sound perfect.” sighs Izuku a bit dreamily as he takes in the grin on Keigo’s face. Then he shakes his head at the sound of a soft chuckle and his face goes red as he clears his throat. “I mean, that sounds like a plan. I know I’m patrolling morning shift all week with Tuesday and Thursday being my office days and Friday being half-patrol and half-office because of some meetings. But I’ll be done by four all week, so you can pick what day, which option, and the time.”
“That blush and dreamy look was too adorable.” says Keigo amusedly as he lifts a hand to brush the back of his fingers across a still flushed freckled cheek. “I think we can do my place this time, fairly casual because we deserve comfort. I can make Katsudon, and you can drop by around 6:30-7:00 for dinner, then we can do the flight around like nine. I can drop you at home myself, if you want to catch a cab or quirk your way over here instead of driving.”
“I’m down for all of that, but what day do you wanna do that? Depending on the day, I might have a ride from Hitoshi.” replies Izuku excitedly, feeling his lips curve into a bright, stretched smile as he arches a brow at Keigo.
“Probably Wednesday because it’s the only day I’m not running a night patrol this week. The other option is Friday because I have the half-day in the office and instead of patrol, I’m going to be doing a UA visit for the last half of the day.” explains Keigo with a soft smile as he tilts his head to the side, leaving the choice open for Izuku as his wings flutter slightly, feathers flying off for a moment to suspend in the air before coming back and settling again.
“Wednesday sounds perfect, and maybe on Friday we can just hang out and watch some documentaries or a movie?” offers Izuku softly, curious as he rocks back and forth on his feet.
“Sounds perfect to me, freckles. I will make sure to get everything ready and stocked early. You gonna have a ride?” replies Keigo as he takes a half-step forward, not quite lining up with himself as he gets closer to Izuku.
“Yeah, Toshi is off Wednesday, so he’s gonna be going to Hanta and Denki’s after he helps out at UA for the afternoon. He’ll be home around the same time I will, and they live in an apartment complex about twenty minutes past your agency.” explains Izuku slyly as he steps forward until they’re inches away, looking up at the man with big, emerald eyes. “I’ll have a ride, pretty Kei, and then it’ll just be me and you.”
“It’s going to be harder on Wednesday than it is right now if you come to my place.” mumbles Keigo under his breath as he turns his head to the side, closing his eyes like he needs to get it under control.
Izuku takes a second to look at him, but then he’s stepping back and giving a small smile.
“Thank you for coming to check on me and being protective. I’m sorry you had to deal with that, and that you ended up getting hurt because of it.” says Izuku quietly, cheeks burning red with embarrassment and a hot feeling of shame for getting so close when it was clear Keigo must’ve been uncomfortable with it and the little sweet name too. “I should probably go change, but um.. thank you for-“
knock.knock.knock.
Izuku looks past Keigo’s wing with furrowed brows.
“Who is it?” calls Izuku in confusion as he carefully slips between Keigo and the door, glancing out of the peephole.
“Who the fuck else, nerd? Let me in! I need to fuckin’ talk to you!” snaps Katsuki as he glares at the door, but the way his hands are hidden in his pockets and his shoulders are drawn inwards has Izuku worried.
“If I open this door and you try anything on Keigo or myself, I am going to wrap you up in black whip.” calls Izuku through the wooden door, watching Katsuki’s irritation flare across his face in response. “I am not going to let you in here if you’re going to be a dick. Keigo and I were discussing our date, and I won’t have you hurting him again, Kacchan.”
“He hurt me too, stupid nerd! Got fuckin bruises on my damn face and stomach cause of his ass!” growls Katsuki through the door, getting closer as his anger ramps up. “The fuck are you going on a date with birdbrain for anyways? I can treat you better than his ass can!”
Izuku yanks the door open and glares at Katsuki as he sneers, “You went to your ex’s place to fuck him instead of coming to the date you asked for jackass. So, how the hell can you treat me better? He was there, he came here, sent a feather with me, and he even tried to get me to give you a second chance despite also having feelings for me. He offered a sweet, romantic and intimate date, and I am really looking forward to being treated properly instead of stood up for a date I was asked on.”
“Come on, Izuku, what was I supposed to do when Sho texted me? Not go see him? Not see if I could save the relationship with the man I love? Of course, I went to him and things happened because we’re very much in love!” argues Katsuki harshly as he glared at Keigo over Izuku’s shoulder, not even giving him the attention his voice is.
“If you’re so in love with each other, then why the hell are you here asking for another chance, Katsuki?” asks Izuku quietly, arms wrapping around himself as he feels tears build in his eyes. “You know what? I think you need to leave, and I think we need a break from running patrols together. I’ll put you with Kiri, and we will separate our meetings until we decide if it’s worth continuing as partners in the field. But I don’t want to speak to you until you apologize for being an absolute dick for no reason.”
“Wha- Izuku! I didn’t do anything, and of course I’m not getting back together with Sho after what he sent to you out of pettiness to hurt you! I didn’t want to hurt you with this! And yes, I love Sho, but I have feelings for you too that I want to explore because we’ve known each other our entire lives. We’re going to be perfect together, and Sho won’t have another chance to mess it up, even if it upsets him.” rants Katsuki seriously as he focuses his eyes back on Izuku, almost pleading with those Scarlett orbs that used to make Izuku feel happy and butterflies swarmed in his stomach when they locked on him. “Come on, Izuku, we’re each other’s competition in the best of ways to push each other to be better. We fit together like me and Sho could never.”
“It’s not happening. You stood me up to fuck your ex, didn’t answer my calls or texts, and then you tried to ask for another chance while showing up and glaring at my guest. You tried asking for another chance while talking about how in love you are with Shouto Todoroki. You know why he did that? Sent me that picture?” asks Izuku harshly as he steps forward, glaring through teary eyes at the man he calls his hero partner, his agency co-owner, his best friend from childhood. Anger and hurt battle through him like a bulldozer, knocking everything over until it all melds into pain and heartbreak. “Because he knew I had feelings for you at UA, and he swooped in and made sure you were never alone with me again outside of classes because I was going to ask you out. Because I loved you. You were my first love, Katsuki, but you will not be more than something that could’ve been. And the reason why is because of your own actions, I started getting over you a long time ago, but I still wanted to try because I still have feelings for you. I deserve better than how I’ve been treated by you tonight, and if you don’t leave, I’m going to walk you out wrapped in black whip and call for Hitoshi and Zawa.”
“Zuku, come on, I didn’t- I-“
“He asked you to leave, and I really suggest you do so before he makes good on that last sentence.” Keigo interrupts Katsuki coldly, his wing wraps around Izuku’s shoulder carefully, just barely touching him in case it’s not wanted.
Izuku reaches his hand back to bring the wing around more, leaning into Keigo when he steps closer as he turns to look at him and give him a watery, but grateful, smile.
“You don’t deserve him either, birdbrain! You’re just a flirt who wants to get into everybody’s pants now that you’re free from the grips of the goddamn commission! You’re targeting Izuku because of how good he is and how big his heart is! I bet you don’t even know what his favorite food is or what piece of his all might collection he’s missing!” Katsuki steps forward, his hands sparking as he yanks them out of his pocket and glowers at the other blonde, angry and definitely looking for a fight as he throws out accusations.
“Katsuki, that’s enough!” snaps Izuku harshly as he looks at Katsuki disappointedly.
“Favorite food is Katsudon, though I know he’s started to enjoy Hana’s lightly spicy Ramen from the Noodle Shop between our agencies. The All Might Collectible item he’s missing is actually just the limited edition onesie which he has already found and ordered for himself as an early birthday present for next year. He’s even sent it to his mom’s so that he wouldn’t be tempted to wear it beforehand. It would’ve been the signed Nighteye poster with All Might, but he got that two weeks ago from Mirio.” Keigo’s voice is beyond confident, and Izuku covers his smile with his hand as he looks at Keigo to see him giving Katsuki a challenging look, blonde brow arched as he looks at Katsuki.
Katsuki gapes at Keigo, jaw dropped in pure surprise as Izuku manages to pull himself together long enough to uncover his mouth.
“Alright, enough with your petty challenges, Katsuki. He answered you with ease, got it right, and now, I’m ready to escort you out of my building with black whip while getting ahold of Toshi and Zawa.” says Izuku after he clears his throat and steps forward to garner Katsuki’s attention, irritation in emerald eyes as they lock on crimson.
“But he’s just playing with your heart, Deku! He’d never actually-“
“I’d greatly appreciate it if you didn’t speak for me like an asshole to try to ruin something I’ve wanted for the last year and a half. I’ve been patient, and I haven’t pushed my luck too much because I didn’t think he’d ever be interested in me for the same stupid reasons you're spouting to try to mess this up. But if you’re going to talk about Shouto’s move to send that picture to Izuku and ruin everything, maybe you should ask yourself why you’re doing the exact same thing. You didn’t know what the hell you wanted, and that’s on you. But I knew, I’ve known for almost two years, and I have kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want to risk my own fucking heart and the professionalism that we have out there. Clearly, I should’ve at least tried to show how serious I was before because you swooped in and hurt him. That’s something I could never do because it would tear me apart.” Keigo’s chest is heaving when he’s done, he’s pulled in on himself, tucking his wings into his back, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He’s blank, but so serious it’s unmistakable, yet he’s looking directly at Katsuki, not at Izuku, not anywhere else. He’s put everything out there because Katsuki wanted him to, he played into the game, and he’s pissed that he did, but at least his intentions are out there entirely now. “I’ll leave you two alone, enjoy your talk.”
Keigo turns and walks to the balcony, slipping outside, spreading his wings, and taking off before Izuku can pull the balcony door back open to stop him.
“KEIGO!” Izuku screams for him, but Keigo’s almost invisible now, moving too rapidly for Izuku’s voice to carry. Izuku’s anger ramps up higher as he pulls his phone out and sends the Kacchan 9-1-1 message to Hitoshi and Aizawa, then he turns to Katsuki. His blank look turns murderous at the sight of Katsuki’s smirk. “Do you think you did something good there? Forcing him to completely out his feelings like that? Baiting him like that? He has been through a hell neither of us could ever understand, and you shoved him into a corner until he had to break himself out by giving you what you wanted. Do you think this is going to change things? Do you think I’m going to forget about him and run into your arms like a fucking helpless man? Huh, Katsuki? Do you? Because you are sorely fucking mistaken if you think this puts you higher than him on any fucking list. I’m going to stay here until you’re handled, then I’m going after him. I don’t give a fuck about what you want or think, and you’re not going to stop me.”
“Come on, Deku, you know he was just-” Katsuki looks annoyed as he points in the direction of the balcony, trying to talk, but then Blackwhip wraps around his face, covering his mouth as Izuku steps towards him.
“You’re going to shut the fuck up and wait for Zawa and Toshi because I am done with you, Bakugou. Done. I don’t want to have shit to do with you any fucking more because all you’ve done is ruin something that I was really trying to make happen. I’m going to make sure we have nothing to do with each other anymore, even if it means I have to give up the agency. I’m done.” sneers Izuku as he glares at Katsuki, blackwhip coming out in waves to hold onto Katsuki, ensuring his quirk can’t be activated and he can’t move. “This is your bed now, and you’re going to fucking lay in it.”
“Problem child, don’t kill him. I don’t want to have to arrest you.” sighs Aizawa as he slips in from the balcony, Hitoshi coming in right behind him.
“Go get your man, Zu, we can handle him, and I’ll help you deal with the aftermath of this situation later. I heard he was going in for a fight down by the agency, and Shouto was going in too according to the scanner dad has in his pocket.” says Hitoshi darkly, lightly hugging Izuku while Shota shuts down Katsuki’s quirk and wraps him in the capture weapon. “We got him, you go.”
“Thank you, both of you. I promise I’ll explain later, but for the moment… I need to go get Keigo.” murmurs Izuku, voice filled with gratefulness as he looks at them, but then he’s rushing out of the apartment through the balcony doors, quirk activated to fly through the air.
He uses blackwhip and float to bring him to the spot where Keigo is handing someone in cuffs off to an officer.
Izuku touches down in time to see Shouto forcefully pull Keigo into a kiss, but Keigo flies backwards out of it the moment their lips touch, gagging as he lifts slightly into the air a few meters away.
“Shouto Hoedoroki, I suggest you get the fuck away from him before I kick your ass.” calls Izuku as he jogs over to them, watching Shouto try to step closer to Keigo who keeps pulling back, barely restraining himself as anger curls darkly through his chest.
“Wha- what are you doing here, Deku?” asks Keigo in surprise as he looks at him, eyes wide with worry and confusion.
“Coming to find you, of course, pretty bird.” replies Izuku sweetly as he steps between Shouto and Keigo, his back to Shouto.
“He’s not interested in you, Midoriya. Didn’t you see him kiss me? Nobody likes you, so why would you ever think anyone could want you romantically?” asks Shouto harshly from behind them, and Izuku closes his eyes as Blackwhip stretches out and wraps around him tightly. “Let me go!”
“How about you shut the fuck up and then I will.” sneers Izuku as he turns around and steps towards him, uncaring at the flashing cameras and the reporter who is calling out to them. “You want Katsuki? Go ahead and get him. You want Uraraka? Go ahead and get her. You want Keigo? Not a goddamn chance in hell. You forced a kiss on him, not one that he wanted at all, and he pushed away instantly. He doesn’t want you, whether or not he wants me is a discussion between him and I. But let’s get one thing straight, you are NOT winning the little game you’re playing with my love life.”
“I’m not playing a game, Midoriya. I’m just making sure you know that nobody can ever want you without wanting Ocha and I first. You’re pretty plain, you know, and it just doesn’t make sense why people like Katsuki and Keigo would ever want you when they can have us.” replies Shouto cruelly as he struggles within the blackwhip trap he’s found himself in, wiggling as though that will help him get free. “Let me go! Some hero you are, trapping another hero in your quirk like this is so not hero-like!”
“I’m not trying to be hero-like, Shouto, though we both know I don’t have to work as hard at it as you do.” replies Izuku shortly as he looks at the man who used to be his best friend.
“Izuku, sweetheart, I need you to stop using your quirk on him before people get the wrong idea.” murmurs Keigo from behind him, soft and sweet as his voice melts over Izuku like molasses. “We can go and talk, but you gotta let the Endeavor twin go.”
“I am not Endeavor’s twin! I cannot believe you would insult me like that when I’m just trying to show you how much I want you!” exclaims Shouto loudly, sounding really offended as he stares at Keigo.
“And I told you to leave me the hell alone when you showed up out of nowhere despite not being on call. Honestly, how could I be interested in you when Izuku Midoriya is around?” replies Keigo with an eye roll as Izuku turns to look at him with awe in his eyes, a blush high on his cheeks.
“But Keigo, come on, I’m so much better than him. Katsuki knew it! Why do you think he came to my apartment earlier instead of that restaurant with him? Because I’m better.” says Shouto seriously, proudly as he looks at Keigo, not caring in the slightest that he’s telling the world how he stole Katsuki from Izuku on purpose while cutting Izuku off.
“So, you admit that you made Katsuki miss the date he asked me for, on purpose?” asks Izuku, tugging Shouto around with blackwhip while still maintaining distance so he doesn’t have to completely look away from the golden eyes that are searching his face.
“Of course I did! I wasn’t going to let you have him even though I’m done with him! You don’t get to have good things, you don’t deserve them, and you’re not good enough for them!” snaps Shouto as he attempts to use his quirk within blackwhip, but Izuku lets him go in time for him to burn himself on his ice side. “Fuck! You did that on purpose you asshole!”
“No, I just decided that I was done listening to you be a jealous prick. Keigo was right, you’re nothing more than a mini Endeavor, and I’m done giving you the time of day.” replies Izuku in a bored tone as he rolls his eyes at him over Keigo’s shoulder before he lets his eyes wander back to gold eyes, smiling uncertainly. “Do you- Do you think that we could go somewhere and talk, Keigo? I- I’d really like to fix the mess that Bakugou caused, and maybe- uh- maybe salvage that date plan that we made.”
“I really want to kiss you right now, but sure, we can go somewhere and talk about the date that I am absolutely still hoping we can go on.” replies Keigo with a soft smirk, gold eyes alight with mirth and something that makes Izuku think of love as he looks at him.
Izuku feels his cheeks heat up, but then he’s lifting his hands to Keigo’s shoulders, letting his hands curve to hook together around his neck and play with blonde hair as he leans up, whispering, “I’d love a kiss, and then, maybe we can do the flying part of our date right now.”
Keigo’s lips curve into a soft, surprised smile, before he’s leaning in, and then Izuku is meeting him in the middle, their lips brushing in a soft kiss as Shouto yells behind them. Izuku pushes closer to Keigo, slotting their lips together more firmly as he sighs through his nose. Then his feet leave the ground, and he pulls away to stutter only to find them both floating in the air, Keigo’s wings flapping lightly behind him.
“So, you float when you’re happy, Freckles?” asks Keigo amusedly as he looks at him, their noses bumping when he tilts his face forward again. “That’s pretty cute, ya know?”
“Stupid quirk always giving me away.” mutters Izuku as he ducks his head forward and hides his face between his arm and Keigo’s neck.
“Hey now, Freckles, I told you it’s pretty cute. What’re you hiding for? I wanted another kiss, sweetheart.” says Keigo amusedly as he leans his head back, trying to force Izuku from his hiding spot. “Come on, baby, I wanna kiss you again, wanna bite that soft bottom lip of yours.”
Izuku whimpers into Keigo’s neck before pressing a soft kiss against the skin, smiling when Keigo shivers, then he lets his hands separate, one going up into blonde hair while the other reaches out timidly to brush against a feathered wing as he leans back to look at Keigo.
“You can do that after the first date, pretty birdie, but you can have another kiss cause I really want one too.” replies Izuku teasingly before leaning in to brush their lips together again.
It’s short and sweet, but it’s perfect and has Izuku’s quirk floating him further in the air as Keigo’s wings flap a bit harder to help keep them together.
“Freckles, why don’t you wrap your legs around my waist, and I’ll get you home before you lose control of float some more.” offers Keigo with a chuckle as Izuku hides his face and groans again.
“Fine, but if this happens during our date, I’m gonna be pissed.” mumbles Izuku as he gets his legs wrapped around Keigo’s waist, adjusting himself to make himself lighter.
“You don’t gotta be light, baby, I can hold you.” whispers Keigo hotly in his ear, and Izuku has to bite his bottom lip to keep from whining at the words as they send a searing heat through him.
Izuku stops using his quirk, grinning when Keigo’s hands tighten on his thighs, and then he’s left with some very inappropriate thoughts as Keigo easily starts flying in the direction of his apartment while holding him up like he weighs nothing. He keeps his head on straight for the entire flight, then he’s hiding his face in Keigo’s chest when he settles himself on his balcony in front of Keigo.
“Freckles, we’re here, and I gotta go handle some paperwork after that whole thing. But if we’re still on for our date, then not only will you see me during work, but after work soon enough.” says Keigo softly, voice taking on a honey sweet tone that makes Izuku melt against him.
Izuku pulls back with a soft sigh and he smiles shyly at the hero in front of him as he says, “I can’t wait for our date, but I hope this means you won’t just use my number for hero things now.”
“Oh, Freckles, you want more than hero texts? I can give you more than hero texts. I just didn’t wanna overstep before, but if you want me to text you regularly, sweetheart, I will.” replies Keigo with a smirk that’s sweet and so him that Izuku has to lean up and kiss him again, short and sweet, but he has to. “What was that for, sweetheart?”
“Aside from the sweetness of the names you’re using for me and the adoration shining in those pretty golden eyes, that was for you being so sweet. I just had to kiss you because you were being yourself, sweet and confident and everything.” explains Izuku a bit shyly as he steps back, smiling as a blush rises across Keigo’s cheeks in real time.
“Fuck, you’re too sweet. Makin’ me not wanna go do my job right now, sweetheart.” groans Keigo as he tilts his head back to stare at the bottom of the balcony above Izuku’s, but then he’s looking at him again with a soft smile. “I’ll see you during patrol, and for our date, soon, Freckles, but I’ll text you sooner.”
“See you soon, and I’ll be awaiting your text, Pretty Keigo.” replies Izuku sweetly as Keigo’s wings flutter before he takes to the sky with a wink.
Izuku walks into his apartment, shutting the balcony door behind him, and he sits himself on the couch with a dreamy smile on his lips. It takes two seconds for him to grab a pillow and lay on his side on the couch while he squeals into the pillow.
Sure, things went beyond sideways tonight, and he definitely just lost Katsuki. But it also went so right that he almost can’t believe it.
He pulls out his phone to text Hitoshi when a message comes through from Keigo.
Keigo: At the station now, Freckles, but I gotta ask… how bad is it that I just wanna make tonight date night despite knowing we both have early mornings?
Izuku smiles as he stares at the text, and he makes his decision in a split second.
Izuku: I kinda really wanna have that date night happen tonight now too… So, if you wanna, I can order dinner, and it should be here fairly quickly…
Keigo: See you in twenty minutes, sweetheart, and pick out a documentary to watch.
Izuku: See you in twenty, Pretty Kei.
Izuku is quick to order some ramen from the noodle shop, and get a mutation quirk documentary put into the DVD player while texting Hitoshi that he’s gonna have his date with Keigo tonight instead of Wednesday and he’s got tea to share later.
Sleepy Toshi: I’ll give you the apartment then, just remember to wrap it and clean up after it!
BunZu: Fuck off, Toshi, we’re not gonna do all that! And besides, you say wrap it when we both know you guys don’t.
Sleepy Toshi: This is true, this is true… Don’t do anything I wouldn’t doooo!!
BunZu: We both know the answer to that is nothing… except for Shouto, Katsuki, and Tetsu.
Sleepy Toshi: Exactly! Have fun!
“Hey, Freckles, I thought you would’ve locked this behind you.”
Izuku turns to see Keigo slipping into his apartment just as a knock sounds on his door, and he grins, calling over his shoulder, “Perfect timing, Kei.”
Izuku takes the bag from the delivery guy before grabbing his wallet and passing over the cash for the food and the tip for delivering it, then he’s shutting the door and grinning at Keigo.
“Let’s eat, watch a documentary, and then maybe we can do a late-night flight, sweetheart.” says Keigo softly as he settles on the couch, pulling out everything from the bag.
Izuku leans over and kisses him on the cheek, surprising him, and says, “I really fuckin’ like you, Keigo Takami.”
“I really fuckin’ like you too, Izuku Midoriya.” replies Keigo with a chuckle as he turns to him, cupping his face with his hands. “And I’m really glad you gave me a chance.”
“So am I, Keigo.” whispers Izuku as he presses their foreheads together lightly, breathing them in.
Keigo tilts his head and brushes their lips together in a soft kiss before pulling away and saying, “Alright, sweetheart, as much as I’d love to kiss you until we’re both breathless, we got dinner and a documentary to watch.”
“I guess the breathless kissing can wait until our next date, but only because I wanna cuddle you while we eat and watch this documentary.” replies Izuku softly, happy as he gets his ramen bowl, breaking open his chopsticks, and settles firmly back in his seat.
Keigo chuckles as he presses play on the remote and settles himself back against the couch, letting his arm wrap around Izuku so they can cuddle while they eat.
And if Hitoshi finds them sleeping together with Izuku laid on Keigo while Keigo’s wings drape along the back of the couch and on the floor, then only Izuku, Keigo, Hanta, Denki, and Hitoshi will know about the photos taken that morning.