Threat
*Katsudon: Consisting of rice and breaded pork ribs, katsudon is said to be Izuku’s favorite dish.
*Genkan: Traditional entrance to Japanese homes where they keep shoes.
- - -
The days in that house were extremely boring; he couldn’t complain, Todoroki was doing one hell of a favor on letting Izuku stay while he couldn’t keep himself going on his own, but he still needed to feel useful.
In the morning, when the bicolor left to work, the greenette went to search for jobs; he tried his luck on fashion companies, drugstores and even convenience stores, anything to sustain himself, but luck really didn’t seem to be on his side.
Back home after a tiring journey, Izuku still cooked and ate lunch by himself before cleaning at least a room of the huge mansion out of good will, all that as he waited for Todoroki to get back from work.
Sometimes it even felt like they were a couple, a thought that bothered Midoriya a bit, especially given the fact that Todoroki used to have a crush on him a while back; sometimes the greenette wondered if those feelings were still there, although his friend often brought strange women and men home or spent the night away, completely uncompromised.
As he waited for the bicolor to get home with the groceries for dinner and after a well-deserved shower, Izuku checked his phone to see a message that made him freeze.
Hi. Sorry, I checked the company’s records for your phone number, I don’t want to bother and show up there again. Have you thought about my offer?
Katsuki.
The message was sent early in the morning while he was looking for jobs around the city. As it seemed… Katsuki wouldn’t give up until having a reply.
The greenette sighed as he began to type.
Is okay and thank you for thinking of that. I just still don’t know if I can trust you to keep your word, you know?
It took less than what Izuku expected to receive a reply, Katsuki was soon typing on the other end of the line.
Of course, you have a right to it. In that case, I’ll be at a fashion show this week. Would you like to join me?
Izuku froze at the invitation; could Katsuki really be asking him out after everything? As if reading his mind, the blonde resumed typing.
As friends of course, or however you’d like to interpret that.
Izuku sighed exasperatedly; he didn’t understand why Kirishima and now even Katsuki insisted so much on that, even after all they went through. That was an unpleasant experience at the very least, but questioning them only brought vague replies and the greenette was tired of not understanding their reasons; despite that, he decided to spare himself of more interrogations.
I might confess I’m tempted to refuse it, but I’d really like to go…
I figured, it’s still your choice. I know how you like fashion so much, so I thought I could do that for you. Think about it.
The freckled one widened his eyes at the screen.
I didn’t know you remembered that.
Yeah, sorry about forgetting it, you didn’t deserve that, but I remembered it in the end, not that that’s an excuse…
I know… You’re really trying to make it up for me, aren’t you?
Of course, you deserve better. I told you I’m not doing this just for myself.
In that case, when’s the fashion show?
A moment of silence dragged by until Katsuki started to type again.
Friday at 6PM, are you available?
Yes, I am.
Great. Do you want me to pick you up, or do we meet there?
I prefer to meet you there.
Do you want me to send a chauffeur?
Wouldn’t that be a little too much?
It’s an eccentric place, go figure.
I guess I can ask Todoroki, then.
Silence… that was when Izuku noticed what he just said, only didn’t he have time to correct himself before Katsuki resumed typing.
If that’s what you prefer, I’ll look for the address for you. Just a moment…
No, wait.
If Todoroki goes, he’ll want to stay. Let’s do this just the two of us.
You sure?
You’re trying to redeem yourself and I support it. This doesn’t have to do with Todoroki and he may want to get himself into it, I won’t let him bother.
In that case, can I send you a chauffeur?
That’d be okay.
Great. Be ready at 5:30PM, don’t be late.
On it. Do you remember the address?
Yes, I do. See you later, Izuku.
That was weird, Izuku suddenly caught himself smiling at the phone screen, but then he frowned. He didn’t know if he should let Katsuki be so intimate to him or how he should refer to the blonde; he spent so much time thinking about how he should respond that he didn’t even notice Katsuki typing again on the other end.
I’m sorry, I didn’t ask if I can call you like that…
Izuku gulped before replying.
Is okay, I prefer.
Good, I’m relieved.
How can I call you, then?
There was a moment before Katsuki resumed typing.
You can call me however you want, I let you pick.
The greenette expressed a tired smile; Katsuki sure was doing that against his will and as a way of making it up to him for calling him “Deku” for so long, but Izuku wasn’t exactly the revengeful kind. He thought for a bit before typing in a reply.
In that case, I’ll call you Kacchan!
He hoped he wasn’t crossing the line with that nickname, Katsuki took a bit before typing again, but Izuku was surprised by the answer.
What if I like it?
Then I guess it’s a win-win situation. :)
Yeah, I guess so. See you later, Izuku.
Yeah! See you later, Kacchan.
It was weird to think that but, for the first time, Izuku felt comfortable talking to Katsuki; he obviously still had to judge the blonde’s attitudes, forgiveness must be earned and actions speak louder than words, but it was nice to have a civilized conversation for a change.
Thus the week went by, and Katsuki always took the first step on texting the greenette, even if it was to say a plain “good morning”. They updated themselves on each other’s lives and found out more about the other. It was halfway through the week when Izuku got a call.
“Hello?” He answered out of curiosity.
“Izuku…? It’s me.”
“Kacchan?” Izuku said surprised; he didn’t have Katsuki’s number on his contact list and wasn’t expecting a call.
“The one himself.” It sounded like Katsuki wasn’t lying when he said he liked the nickname, the greenette could hear the smile in his tone. “Listen, I know it’s sudden, and sorry for calling you like this by the way.”
“Is okay! I was doing nothing anyway…” The greenette laughed awkwardly.
“Sure… Did you have lunch yet?”
“Hm… not yet, why?”
“We’ve been texting each other a lot, haven’t we? Wanna change that a bit? I can take you out for lunch, if you want.”
Izuku smiled tiredly. “I’m sorry, I can’t afford to go out for lunch at the moment.”
“Everything’s on me. I know you don’t like to live on anyone’s favor, but let me do this for you just this once.”
“Hm…” The greenette hummed thoughtfully. “Alright. In that case, where are we going?”
Izuku put on his best suit so that Kacchan’s chauffeur could drive him to the five star restaurant he never went to before; the greenette was nervous and anxious for receiving that afternoon of luxury from the blonde and he didn’t know what would come out of there, he was scared about what would happen, still, even though he felt out of place, he was also glad to receive such a treat and even be able to take that suit out of the closet.
Kacchan was already waiting for him when Izuku made it to the place; the greenette approached slowly with an awkward smile without knowing how to behave in front of him after everything, the blonde showed about the same expression.
“You look really good… Izuku.” He said almost inaudibly.
“I thought this didn’t have to be a date.” The greenette quirked a brow.
“It doesn’t, I just really wanted to mention it.” Kacchan replied in all seriousness, making Izuku blush. At least he wasn’t using his tone of flirt, that would only disappoint the greenette. “Let’s get going?”
Izuku followed the blonde into the place where they were guided to their table; they checked the menus under an awkward silence, not knowing how to speak to each other.
“So, uh…” Katsuki cleaned his throat. “What do you like to eat?”
“Katsudon*.” Izuku answered awkwardly. “But I guess it’s not on the menu.”
“We’re not in a Japanese restaurant.” Kacchan smiled softly.
“True that… So… what does Kacchan like?”
The blonde one eyed him curiously, Izuku was being kind and mutual, Katsuki didn’t expect to receive such a treatment, especially because he didn’t deserve it.
“I like spicy food.”
Not knowing what to respond, Izuku simply smiled, letting silence fall upon the table once more.
As they picked the dishes, Kacchan called the closest waiter who noted down the orders before leaving them alone with each other, not knowing what to say next.
“I hope you like the place I picked.” Kacchan mentioned uncomfortably.
“Well… I’ve never been to a five star restaurant before.” Izuku confessed.
“Oh…”
“But I like the choice! I always wanted to try the food of this place.”
Katsuki smiled in relief. “Good… I’m glad… You know… I never told you, but you were a huge difference for the company.”
Izuku lowered his eyes uncomfortably. “Hm…”
“Not that I’m trying to convince you to go back! I just… was trying to make a compliment.” The blonde confessed to his surprise. “I know it was all because of me… you always had to push yourself over the edge to beat my expectations after all, and I’ve always been ungrateful… I’m sorry about that, okay? And thank you… I never said it aloud because of my damn pride, but the truth is that you overcame my expectations.”
Izuku widened his eyes at Katsuki. “Really…?”
“Yeah… I just… I guess I was a little jealous of your potential.”
His green eyes shot everywhere before he smiled genuinely. “So you weren’t lying…”
“I know I said it out of bad will the first time…! I can’t apologize enough for that, but…”
Katsuki paused, it looked like he was trying to find the right words and Izuku gets that, he then smiled in understanding.
“Is okay-”
“It’s not okay-!”
“No! Look… I’m really thankful for you trying to make it up for me… Truth is, even after all we went through… I guess I couldn’t get over you.”
Katsuki widened his eyes in regret. “I know… I couldn’t have been more of a douche than that, could I?”
Izuku shook his head. “I won’t lie and say you weren’t, but that’s not what I meant… Truth is… I hoped that we could’ve worked out. It may sound weird but, ever since I met you, I can’t imagine a world without you… I learned to admire you in a way and I’m really thankful that you’re trying to make it up for me.”
Katsuki smiled softly. “I know it’s sudden but, if that’s the case, do you think someday we could start over?”
“We’re in the process.” The greenette said to his relief; that was more than Katsuki needed, more than he deserved, and he knew that all too well.
Lunch went by under an occasional conversation, the kind you have when you’re in the process of forgiving someone, at least Izuku appreciated his efforts. It was almost a relief for the both of them to empty their plates and have Katsuki pay for the bill so that they could tell their goodbyes; forgiveness is a tough, slow process, so none of them wanted to push on to something that should be natural.
“Thank you for lunch, Kacchan.” Izuku said on their way out of the restaurant.
Katsuki nodded. “No problem, I hope you liked it.”
“Of course I did!” Izuku confirmed with a smile.
“Good.” Katsuki said in relief. “Are you going back home? I could call my chauffeur to drive you.”
“You promised only lunch.”
“I know you don’t like to live on anyone’s favor, but that’s not a problem for me. Are you sure?”
“I can take the subway.”
“In that expensive suit?”
Izuku looked down and checked his outfit, at least he was right about that.
“I didn’t know you noticed it…” He mentioned slowly.
“How couldn’t I?” Katsuki smiled softly.
Izuku blushed slightly at the compliment. “Well… I guess that would be safer, wouldn’t it? Thank you.”
“No need, sometimes you should also respect yourself some more, Izuku; you let people take advantage of you, that isn’t good for anyone.” Katsuki mentioned as he pulled out his phone to call the chauffeur.
Izuku widened his eyes in surprise; he couldn’t tell if Kacchan was being honest or plain trying to “score” with the greenette, at least he appreciated the thought.
“He’ll be here in a bit. Want me to keep you company until then?” The blonde asked.
“Oh- alright.”
They remained silent as they waited for the car, that was when Izuku noticed several eyes upon him; not specifically on himself, they were all looking at Katsuki. He also noticed a few stares in the restaurant, but on the outside the attention seemed to have doubled.
“Are you nervous about something?” He heard the blonde call to him.
“Nothing! It’s just…” He paused to search for the right words. “Don’t you feel bothered by people staring at you all the time?”
Katsuki shrugged. “I eventually learned to ignore it, ‘don’t mind that anymore.”
“Sure… That makes sense, since you own such a prestigious company.”
“I do what I can, but thank you for recognizing it.” He smiled.
“I’m not the only one to recognize it.” Izuku raised a brow with a smile.
“Well, I guess you’re right about that, aren’t you?”
Suddenly, a blueish atmosphere froze time around them, paralyzing everyone, including an arrow in mid air that was about to hit Izuku. Katsuki, who was immune to the effects, reached out for the arrow and snapped it in his hand, making it blow in several particles that floated in the air until fading completely, that was when the blonde Succubus flew down to his level, wielding a pink-colored bow.
“That’s not fun.” She said indifferently.
“That’s against the rules, Himiko.” Katsuki warned.
“No need to remind me, I know.” She mocked.
“Why don’t you go back to your soulmate? He must be waiting.”
“I told you, I don’t want Tenko…” Himiko stretched out her hand and pointed at the greenette. “I want him.”
Katsuki scoffed. “I think you want a bit too much, don’t you?”
“Well, wasn’t it you who said you don’t care for Izu?”
The Incubus glared offended at her. “What did you just call him?!”
“What? Have you changed your mind?”
“So what if I did? I may not have a right to have that much intimacy with him, but you much less!”
“Come on, Katsuki, no one changes that fast; you just don’t want to feel the effects of the curse, do you?” Her comment seemed to have gotten under the Incubus’ skin. “It is, isn’t it? We both know it’s not fun to feel the pain of every heart we broke, but don’t you think it’s kind of selfish to take advantage of your soulmate over such a selfish reason?”
“I don’t have to explain myself to you. What happens between me and Izuku is none of your business!”
“I’m just saying that… maybe he wants someone who knows how to respect him as he is.” Himiko shrugged.
Katsuki scoffed again. “You really seem to like those humans, huh?”
“Not exactly, but there’re a few exceptions… I just think that some of them deserve respect, which is not quite what you’re offering.”
“That’s what you think, huh? If you’re finished yapping, you can go. You’re just wasting my time!”
Himiko smirked with a piercing gaze. “Huuuh? Do you want to solve things the hard way?”
“Ugh… give me strengths.” The Incubus held his nose bridge.
“Come on, Katsuki! You don’t even want your soulmate… and I won’t give up until having him for m-”
The blonde man quirked a brow, Himiko bent her body in pain; it was clear to him what that was about.
“I see you’re on the period.” He said apathetically.
“Bite me!” The Succubus exclaimed difficultly.
“If you’re done, I don’t plan on wasting more of my time with you.”
Katsuki then unfroze time and checked his phone; moments later, the chauffeur arrived at the restaurant even before the Incubus could notify him, he then quickly walked Izuku up to the vehicle.
“Thanks for today, Kacchan… see you later.” The greenette said as he sat on the back seat.
“Of course, see you on the show.” Katsuki smiled.
“Oh- sure! See you Friday, then!”
“Bye.” He said as he shut the door for him and the car drove off right after.
“How cute.” Himiko spoke in the middle of her fit, which looked like was about to finish. “You invited him to the fashion show as well?”
Katsuki eyed her boredly and headed towards the restaurant’s parking lot.
“Not that that’s your business.” He replied to Himiko almost inaudibly, the Succubus followed him.
“If you wanna fake to care about him, then why didn’t you take Tenko’s offer?”
“I trust him… I just don’t trust you.”
“What? Are you saying you don’t want me to take him from you?” She mocked.
“So what if it is?” The Incubus said at last as he unlocked the car and drove back to his apartment, leaving Himiko behind.
That afternoon couldn’t have a worse closure; with the Succubus on their backs, Katsuki would have to take more extreme measures.
Crossing the genkan* into the living room, the blonde thought it best to call someone of trust. “Hey, Ei, I’m back… I guess it was fine, but that’s not why I called you… I want you to go back to Todoroki’s and keep an eye on Izuku until that douchebag is back… Some issues with that ‘Himiko’ bitch… Alright, call me if you see something suspicious.”
Turning off his phone, the Incubus practically threw himself on the living room couch and sighed heavily; it’s been some time he didn’t “feed”, so he checked his contacts, browsing through the list of women to pick for who would be the best date for that very afternoon, until he held himself back before calling the chosen one. He was trying to win over Izuku’s trust, even if he kept it a secret, the nerd would find that out through magazines or news articles.
Great, now Katsuki was definitely stuck to him, only did the Incubus hope it wouldn't be as unbearable as he expected.
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