Countdown
*Go: Two-players abstract strategy board game which’s goal is to surround more territories than the opponent.
- - -
It was weird and Katsuki wouldn’t say it out loud, but the dinner at Todoroki’s place was pleasant in a way, seeing Izuku in that domestic environment, wearing an apron and cooking for him was also… surprising; he couldn’t help but think he’d like to see the greenette like that more often.
Pushing the intrusive thoughts aside, the Incubus unlocked the door to his apartment and went up to the living room, slumping on the couch where he sat; that whole soulmate nonsense was already making up his mind and he could no longer tell what he felt about that, his head told him “no”, but his heart screamed “yes”... but it was getting late to deny it that he was in fact falling in love for Izuku Midoriya.
On the days to follow, the cupid and his soulmate were getting closer by the moment, Izuku forgave Kacchan and it seemed like they were escalating to something more, however, it was still a matter of time for the Incubus.
“How have things been going with Midoriya, Katsubro?” Kirishima asked as he joined his friend on the couch with a glass of drink in hands. “You’ve been getting closer, that’s good!”
“Yeah, it is…” Katsuki replied slowly with a smile. “I didn’t think this day would come, but I guess I’m accepting the fact of having a soulmate.”
“Hm… Listen, did you two have…?”
“Ei.” Katsuki warned.
Eijirou sighed. “That’s serious, Katsuki, I can see in your face you’ve not been well. That abstinence will get you sick, or worse!”
The cupid paused to take a sip of his Vodka. “No, not yet… I’m waiting for the right moment, I need to take things slow with Izu.”
“And you’re not doing anything to relieve yourself?” Eijirou asked him worriedly.
“I’ve been masturbating as a placebo and eating a lot of red meat, if that tranquilizes you.” Katsuki rolled his eyes.
“A little, maybe… but… don’t you think that’s a bit dangerous? It’s been over a month, have you thought about finding someone else while-?”
“No fucking way!” The blonde cut him off, offended. “I won’t lower myself to the level of certain humans out there and cheat on Izuku. I’m trying to earn his trust, and am on the right way; I won’t ruin it all over again.”
“But you and Midoriya have nothing yet; if you keep this up, you’ll end up dead!”
“Then I’ll take the risk.” The Incubus replied in all seriousness.
“Katsu-!”
“You were the one who pushed me onto this soulmate stuff, Ei, and you’ve met yours… Do you not understand what I’m going through?”
Eijirou lowered his eyes, embarrassed. “I’m sorry… I just worry about you.”
“I know but, at the moment, earning Izuku’s trust back is more important for me.”
The redhead just nodded and took a sip of his Sake. He did understand what his friend felt, he really did but, now that Katsuki have ruined his relationship with Midoriya from start, he’d have to chase against the clock to fix everything before the worst happens; he was an Incubus after all, and the last thing Eijirou wants to happen is to watch his friend destroy himself like that, even that for a greater good.
- - -
“Thank you for breakfast, Kacchan.” Izuku said.
“No problem, you’ve not been in the best financial conditions, per se.” Katsuki replied with a sip of his double espresso.
“Oh-! Well…” The freckled one stuttered awkwardly.
“By the way, how’re the searches going?”
Izuku hesitated with a frown. “Not well… since I didn’t stay long in Ichiban, it’s been hard to pass the job interviews.”
Katsuki balled his fist tightly under the diner table. “I… am sorry about that.”
“D-don’t worry, Kacchan! I was the one who quit.”
“But only because I made your life hell; you were right about not wanting to put yourself through that anymore.”
The greenette went quiet; he couldn’t deny it that he had a point. “Listen, Kacchan… I haven’t said it yet, but the truth is that I don’t hold a grudge on you anymore.”
The Incubus widened his eyes in surprise. “Really…?”
“Yeah… After all you’ve been doing for me, I can only thank you for it. I really like having you in my life! You’re amazing.”
“Izuku…” Katsuki whispered as he set down the cup to take the greenette’s hand, who accepted the gesture willingly. “You know… I wanted to tell you before, but I didn’t want it to look like I’m pressuring you.”
“Huh?”
“You know I’m trying to make this work for us… that’s why I decided I won’t take the first step to try and start over. I want it to be on your own will.”
Izuku backed away hesitantly. “Oh… well-”
“Midoriya… Bakugou.” A woman’s voice called; looking up, they saw Toga staring at them.
Bakugou stiffened, piercing her with his gaze.
“Oh, Toga! Good morning.” Izuku greeted her.
“G-good morning.” The blonde woman said with an awkward smile.
“What do you want, Toga?” Katsuki questioned her sternly.
“Kacchan!” Izuku warned him, embarrassed.
The Succubus rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to, Bakugou, I’m here to apologize.”
They both eyed her in surprise. “Huh?” They said in unison.
“I know I’ve been unpleasant to you, Midoriya, I shouldn’t have tried to push onto something that wasn’t supposed to be. You too, Bakugou, you were right… I should’ve accepted Tenko from the beginning.”
“What do you mean-?” Izuku cut himself off when he saw the pretty silver ring on the lady’s left hand. “Wait- you and Shimura are getting married?!” He exclaimed loud enough to call the attention of everyone in the place, he then whispered an apology, embarrassed.
Toga smiled. “The ceremony will be in the next Fall… you two are invited, if you want.”
“That’d be great! Right, Kacchan?” Izuku smiled brightly at the Incubus in front of him.
“Yeah…” Katsuki replied slowly.
Himiko leaned towards the blonde man. “By the way, Bakugou… have you told him?”
He made a face. “I trust Izuku, but I don’t trust you, I told you.”
“Wait, what’re you talking about?” The greenette asked them, confused.
Katsuki turned embarrassed to him and Himiko simply smiled.
“I’ll leave you guys alone…” Was all the Succubus said before leaving.
An awkward silence hovered in the air as Bakugou hesitated and Midoriya eyed him confusedly.
“Kacchan… do you have something to tell me?” The greenette insisted.
The blonde one hesitated for another moment before opening his mouth. “I’m sorry, Izuku… truth is… there’s something I’ve been keeping from you. Shimura contacted me, when he found out you quit… he liked your enthusiasm and wants you at Reborn.”
Izuku took a moment to let the information sink in. “Huh…?”
“I’m sorry! I just-”
“When did you think of telling me?” He couldn’t make it more explicit, the disappointment in the greenette’s voice was clear.
“When Toga was no longer a threat.”
“What are you talking about?” Izuku laughed indignantly.
“You’ve seen the way she looked at you, right…? I was scared of letting you two get too close. I was jealous, is that what you want me to say?”
The greenette hesitated. “I don’t know what to think of this, Kacchan… we weren’t actually involved when that offer came up, you didn’t have a right to control who I went out with before you… Besides, I feel nothing for Toga, you should know that.”
“I know! I just… I don’t trust her.”
“But do you trust me?”
“Of course I do.” Bakugou confessed in all seriousness. “But it’s more complicated than that.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll find that out at the right time.” It was all he said before taking a last sip of coffee and standing up, Izuku followed him out of bad will.
“Why can’t you tell me about that? Sometimes I feel like you, Kirishima and even Todoroki have been keeping secrets from me and I’m tired of not understanding.”
“You’ll understand it at the right time, some secrets are meant to protect you. I promise to tell you when I can, just be patient, okay?”
The greenette sighed. “So, what about Shimura’s deal?”
“I’ll give him your number, if you want to take the offer.”
“Of course I do!”
“I figured… I’m just relieved that Toga can’t bother you anymore.”
Izuku didn’t reply, he just smiled tiredly. He didn’t understand what Kacchan was trying to protect him from, he could defend himself but, in a way, he even felt a bit awkward to know that Katsuki Bakugou was jealous of him.
“Do I drive you to Todoroki’s place?” Kacchan’s voice snapped him out of his train of thought as they made it to the car.
“Oh- sure!”
They drove in silence for a while until Izuku opened his mouth. “Hey, Kacchan… I’ve been noticing that you look a bit off and tired lately… have you been resting well?”
Bakugou nodded. “I’m fine, Izuku, you don’t have to worry.”
“Are you really sure? If you need anything, you can tell me.”
The Incubus smirked. “I won’t abuse of your goodwill but, if you insist, I’ll think of what you can do for me.”
The greenette smiled.
Making it to Todoroki’s house, Izuku unfastened the seatbelt and turned to the blonde. “Thanks for today, Kacchan.”
“Of course.”
“You know… I’ve been thinking of what you told me at the diner.”
Katsuki hesitated worriedly. “About what?”
“About wanting me to take the first step.”
The blonde sighed, not all that relieved. “Oh…”
“Thank you for thinking that way… I just wanted you to have told me sooner.”
“Huh?”
He barely had time to react, Izuku leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek, then drew back slowly; Bakugou eyed him shocked with a slightly flushed face.
“Let’s start off with this… only because you kept a secret from me.” Izuku joked, lolling his tongue.
Katsuki touched his cheek lightly and smiled softly as he watched the greenette leaving the car and entering the Oriental mansion. That was a start.
- - -
Things were finally taking a turn for better, Izuku’s life was much easier now with a guaranteed job and no annoyances; he would be able to sustain himself and go back home as he wanted this whole time, it’s even ironic to think how the reason of his burdens was exactly who helped him back up.
He now was at Reborn enterprise walking towards mister Shimura’s office; his job was pretty much settled, but he still wouldn’t risk to leave a bad impression.
The current secretary let Izuku in and he was received right away.
“Excuse me, mister Shimura.” He said awkwardly as he entered the office.
“Good morning, Midoriya! You finally made it.” The man greeted him.
“Yes… I’m sorry about Kacch- Katsuki.” The greenette said as he took a seat in front of his desk.
“No problem, I know it wasn’t your fault, even though I don’t blame Bakugou completely. Now that we’re on the subject, I see you’ve graduated in fashion design, is that correct?” Shimura asked as he turned to the computer by his side.
“Yes! Exactly.”
“Well, having you as a designer in my company would be great, you do seem to understand about the subject, but I must confess that I have a lack of secretaries.”
Izuku eyed him confusedly. “What do you mean, sir?”
“Himiko told me she met you these past few days… didn’t she tell you?”
“Oh- sure! Congratulations, by the way.” The freckled one said cheerfully.
“Thanks, but that’s exactly why I need to fulfill her position. Since we’re getting married, Himiko will basically inherit half of what’s mine, I can’t have my future wife working by my side after all.”
“I see… so you were thinking of me?” The greenette risked to ask.
“Of course, who would be better than you? You look like someone who’s trustworthy and passionate about the job, besides, Bakugou told me great things about you.”
Izuku eyed him with his mouth agape and then smiled brightly. “Sure! I’ll give it my best!”
“That’s what I like to hear. See you tomorrow?” Tenko stood up and offered his hand to the small one.
“Count on me, mister Shimura. Thank you for the opportunity!” Izuku hopped off the chair and shook the hand offered to him, closing the deal.
The first thing he did as he left the building was pull out his cellphone to tell Kacchan the news, but he was surprised with a message from the blonde himself even before he could contact him.
So, how did it go?
Izuku smiled at the screen and typed a reply.
Hi, Kacchan! It went well, Shimura wants me as his secretary.
A bit after sending the message, his phone was buzzing with a call from the one himself.
“Kacchan?” The greenette answered.
“Hi, Izuku.” The blonde’s voice replied from the other end.
“Shouldn’t you be at work, right now?” Izuku smiled suggestively.
“I’m on lunch break, I came out of the restaurant to call you.”
“Oh- damnit! I didn’t see time go by.” Izuku cursed himself.
“You can’t skip lunch, eat something whenever you can.”
“Sure, of course…” The small one laughed awkwardly.
“So? Shimura hired you as his secretary?”
“Mhm, looks like he needed to fulfill Toga’s position.”
A brief silence dragged by on the other end. “So she wasn’t lying… At least I can stop worrying about that… I think. Either way, that’s not what we agreed on, do you wanna do it?”
“I won’t lie that I’ve been passionate about fashion and drawing, being a designer at Reborn would be like a dream come true, but it’d still be an honor to work beside mister Shimura.”
Bakugou paused on the other end and bit the inside of his cheek; Izuku definitely didn’t think that when working by his side, so the Incubus couldn’t help but feel jealous of Shimura for having that special treatment, although Katsuki did nothing to earn it.
“That’s great… If it makes you happy, that's all that matters, right?”
Izuku sighed, he knew what went through Kacchan’s head from his tone, but he decided not to comment on the subject and make it worse.
“Yeah.” Was all he said in reply.
“In that case, now that you finally made it, we must as well celebrate.”
“Y-you don’t have to!”
“Yes, I do, you deserve at least that. Games night at my place, tonight?”
Izuku smiled. “That’d be nice. Thanks, Kacchan.”
“No need. See you there.”
“See you.”
Hanging up, the greenette took the subway back home. Sometimes Kacchan spoiled him a bit too much, but he couldn’t complain, life finally seemed to be smiling at him.
Later, Katsuki gathered his friends in his apartment to play videogames, cards and board games; they set the games and snacks as they waited for the greenette to arrive. When the doorbell rang, Bakugou turned to his friends.
“I want you to behave around him this time, you hear?” He warned.
They all nodded, despite thinking that the boot also fits him.
Answering the door, the blonde was surprised to see the bicolored figure beside the small one.
“Hi, Kacchan!” Izuku greeted him cheerfully.
“Good evening, Bakugou.” Todoroki added with a smile.
The cupid was confused. “Todoroki…?” He said, looking from Shouto to Izuku.
“I invited him, I hope that’s okay.” The freckled one announced.
“Sure, I just wanted you to have warned me beforehand.” Katsuki said.
“Sorry about that!” Izuku said awkwardly.
“No problem. Come on in.” Bakugou invited as he gave them both space to walk through the door before closing it behind them.
As they entered the living room, Shouto was surprised to see the group of Succubi he met the last time; they were all shocked by that reencounter, nobody knew what to say in the middle of that silence.
The bicolor smiled. “Good evening. I’m Shouto Todoroki, nice to meet you.” He said with a bow.
“Of course, Midoriya’s roommate, right? I’m Eijirou Kirishima, nice to meet you! These are Denki Kaminari, Mina Ashido, Hanta Sero and Kyouka Jirou.” The redhead pointed at each of his friends who waved back awkwardly.
“Now that everyone’s here, we can start, right?” Katsuki announced as he joined the group in the living room.
“Great! What do we play first?” Eijirou asked everyone.
“I wanna start with go*.” Hanta said.
“We’re not voting this time. We’re celebrating Izuku’s new job, he gets to pick the first game.”
They all turned to the greenette, making him feel pressured.
“Uh… I-I like Crash Bandicoot.” He confessed embarrassedly.
“But isn’t that a single player game?” Mina pointed out.
“We could take turns.” Hanta suggested.
“But we also have Crash Team Racing and Crash of the Titans, what do you prefer, Midoriya?” Denki asked.
“Um… Crash Team Racing…?” The small one said uncertainly.
“You heard it, Katsuki, time to undig the PS1.” Denki provoked.
They then took different turns on the matches, the loser handed the joystick out to the next player. The first match was Izuku against Katsuki, who won and played the next match with Todoroki, the others watched the game and talked amongst themselves; for the first time, Izuku was having fun with Kacchan’s friends.
At some point, they switched the videogames for a board game and Eijirou got up in the middle of the match.
“Looks like we’re running out of snacks, I’ll go get some more.” He announced.
The group went back to the subject when, suddenly, the redhead was calling from the kitchen. “Hey, can someone help me here?”
“Let me do it.” Midoriya offered.
“You don’t have to, we’re here for you.” Katsuki said in the middle of a match with Hanta.
“It's alright, Kacchan, it’s no biggie.” The greenette reasoned.
The blonde didn’t push it and let Izuku do whatever; at the moment he saw his chance, Todoroki turned to the cupid.
“Hey, Bakugou… you look very tired from the last time I saw you.”
The group was surprised by the sudden comment, Denki even choked on the Doritos he chewed on.
“Yes, everyone noticed it.” The Incubus retorted sarcastically.
“I’m saying because I worry about you. I know you need to take things slow with Midoriya but, at this rhythm, you know what could happen.” The bicolor mentioned.
Bakugou sighed exasperatedly. “It’s not like I could control it, besides, if it’s for Izuku, I prefer to take the risk.”
“I’m glad you think that way now, but is it really worth it to destroy yourself like that, even that for a greater good? Midoriya seems to really like you, if you let it happen, that won’t only be bad for you, but for him as well.” Todoroki reasoned.
The cupid fell silent, deep in thought after what he just heard, however, that talk made him remember something else.
“Hey, Midoriya… Katsuki told me you’re starting over.” Kirishima mentioned as he prepared the snacks and Izuku fetched more drinks.
“Oh, yeah… We’re taking things slow, I think it’s better this way.” The greenette said awkwardly as he set the bottles on the counter.
Kirishima fell in a worried silence; at that pace, he’d lose his friend and Midoriya wouldn’t even know it would be his fault.
“Look… I don’t want to pressure you, I also think that a little patience may be good even, but Katsuki’s a little intense, you know it.” The redhead mentioned.
“Yes… I noticed.” Izuku said slowly.
“So… don’t you think you could take things just a bit faster…? For him?”
The freckled one quirked a brow at him. “When we met, I let him do what he wanted to me right on the first night and regretted it.”
“I know, but it’s not like that…! Katsuki’s been putting a lot of effort into regaining your trust and I’m happy he managed to do so but, now that that’s settled, don’t you think you guys could make it to a midterm?”
“He said it himself he wants me to take the first step.”
“He said that because he doesn’t want to push you into anything, but don’t you think you could do something in return?”
Izuku went quiet, surprised by the taller one’s insistence; did Kirishima even listen to himself? There wasn’t enough time to think of an answer for that, they heard someone coming up to the kitchen door and turned to Katsuki.
“Kacchan.” The greenette called.
“Go back to the living room, Izuku, let me help Ei.” The cupid said coldly.
The small one could only comply, looking behind, he worried about what could come out of there.
“Katsuki-”
“I don’t wanna know about you all worrying about me anymore, Ei.” The blonde cut him off. “I don’t have a right to push Izuku into anything, you much less.”
Kirishima watched silently as his cupid friend grabbed the bottles from the counter and took them to the living room; he could’ve kept quiet and not ruined the night. He just wanted to help his friend, but came out as the bad guy of the story; maybe he gave Midoriya the wrong idea with his speech, he’s a human after all, he didn’t know the reasons behind the redhead’s request.
Author's Note
Who doesn’t remember Crash Bandicoot, had an unhappy childhood 😔
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