Archive of Our Own

Shouto watched the snow fall, today had been all about him, he was finally the number one hero. Yet even with all the attention, Shouto still felt alone. People had been congratulating him over and over, but he was just doing his job, why did he need to be awarded for work? Shouto didn’t like all the attention, but by now he was used to it. He had surpassed his father, becoming Japan’s number one hero by earning it, not because the hero before him retired.

Shouto just wanted to go home, but heroes kept coming to congratulate him, he barely made it to the door so he could quietly slip away hoping nobody would notice him leave. But outside the large building stood reporters, paparazzi, and excited civilians and fans. Shouto watched as reporters and fangirls swarmed him as he tried to leave, camera flashes constantly momentarily blinding him. “Shouto, tell me is there someone important in your life, like a girlfriend?” A reporter stepped in front of him and asked. “How— How is that relevant?” He politely asked. She thought for a second she had asked a brilliant question seeing and Shouto avoided it, the fangirls leaned closer to hear his long awaited answer. “I’m single, and there’s nobody I’m interested in like that.” Shouto replied, not wanting to see rumours about him being spread around.

Eventually he got away from all the fans and reporters, he got into his small limo which was driven by his driver Takashi. He turned to out the window by the seat next to him, only to see the seat next to him wasn’t empty. “Bakugou.” He greeted, a huff of air escaping his mouth as a spoke. “We’re all having a party at my apartment, it was Eijiro’s idea to invite you so you should be thankful icy hot.” Katsuki was being as cold as ever, Shouto didn’t like the idea of a party, but before he could turn the invite down, Katsuki threw open the car door and got out. “Don’t be late, it’s at ten pm tonight.” Katsuki then slammed the door behind him, and his driver drove him home without Shouto even needing to ask him to drive. Takashi knew Shouto well, he had been Shouto’s driver for a few years now, before he had occasionally worked with Shouto’s father before becoming Shouto’s full time driver. It was easy driving Shouto’s around, he really only went three main places: his hero agency, the grocery store near his apartment, or back to his apartment.

Shouto brought a six pack of beer which was popular in Japan at the moment. He was about to knock on Katsuki’s door just eight minutes after ten, but he paused for a minute, wondering if going to this party was really the right idea. His hand was raised to knock on the door but Shouto stood frozen. He forced his hand to hit the door and let out the breath he didn’t even realize he was holding in. Eijiro came to the door, and once he opened it to let Shouto in, the loud music from the party rang out throughout the apartment hallway. “Todoroki, man, you made it.” Eijiro cheered, glancing down to Shouto’s hand, seeing the pack of beer. “And you brought beer, bro you’re a proper guest.” Eijiro smiled, Shouto was unsure of what to say so he only nodded.

The party was loud, many pro heroes were there, as the party was just starting nobody was that drunk yet. Shouto was surprised that there hadn’t been any noise complaints yet. Mina ran over to him. “Shouto you were lying right?” She questioned him, leaning forward into his personal space. “About what?” He asked. She sighed. “About being single, come on there’s gotta be someone, hot stuff like you.” She may or may not have had a few drinks before coming to this party. “There’s nobody, not even someone I’m romantically interested in.” Shouto explained. “Romantically interested in.” She mocked. “I guess that’s fine then.” Mina frowned, not getting the answers she wanted, but saw a friend of hers and ran over to them instead.

Almost an hour later, Shouto held a can of beer, it was open but Shouto hadn’t had any of it, he still stood in the apartment common room. Ochaco screeched and dashed over to the TV, all attention on her. “We’re gonna miss the show.” She shouted, turning on the TV from the buttons on the TV instead of the controller. She flipped through the channels until stopping on one and taking a few steps back to sit on the couch. The TV was currently playing commercials so Shouto looked down at his watch to see what time it was, trying to understand what was happening on the TV. It was almost eleven pm, Shouto wondered if it was some late night romcom Ochaco needed to see.

Shouto kept watching, then the screen went black. A fake news anchor came onto the screen, a headline on the bottom of the screen read ‘Late Nights Fake News Alert’. Shouto watched at the reporter spoke in Japanese about an American political debate, others around him laughed, and Shouto chucked here and there as he understood the jokes. Then a song started playing, a large theatre building which he recognized from a main prefecture in Tokyo was shown on TV. A female announcer started a voice over. “It’s Late Nights With Izuku Midoriya.” The camera panned around the large theatre, filled with cheering fans. The name of the episode was read out by the announcer and a band was shown playing. Shouto looked around the apartment, everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen, and when Shouto himself looked back at the screen a younger man with green hair, glasses, and a expensive suit stepped out on stage. Shouto had only seen this man for the first time tonight, but he felt something strange. He waved to the audience, a large smile on his face. The camera passed in front of him, he looked into the camera and waved again, then he turned to the band playing to his left. The music came to a loud finish, the crowd cheered, the host looked down to his suit and unbuttoned the top button on his jacket before buttoning it up again.

When the audience was quieter again, the host started speaking. “Hello, ladies and gentlemen, one and all, welcome to Late Nights, I am your host Izuku Midoriya. And tonight—“ He was cut off by the cheers of the audience, the happy people in the theatre applauded for the host. Shouto was drawn in by Izuku, he never really watched late night comedy shows or stand up comedy, but he came to realize that he would make an exception for this ‘Izuku Midoriya’. Shouto watched the screen, tuning out everything but Izuku, Shouto was mesmerized by Izuku, His looks, his voice, and his soft laugh after he made a joke.

Izuku brought up Shouto during his monologue. “Look at our new number one hero: Shouto.” Izuku started, the crowd cheering at the topic of Shouto. “Yeah seems like everyone here knows who I’m talking ‘bout.” Izuku joked, looking past the camera, to see the audience cheering about Shouto. Meanwhile Shouto stood unsure of how to react to Izuku bringing him up. “See now I’ve heard nonstop today that he’s really hot, half the staff here at Late Nights are in love with him, and I gotta agree, he certainly is hot.” The audience went wild. “I mean look at this picture here.” A picture of Shouto flashed across the screen. It was a picture of Shouto which had been taken of Shouto just after he was leaving his hero agency after being named Japan’s number one hero. Snow was falling around him, Shouto had to agree that the picture had been taken at a good angle. Some of the other heroes at the party cheered for Shouto as well, he smiled and nodded, glancing down to his feet and the beer he held in his hand.

Izuku’s opening monologue came to a close, Izuku told everyone to stay where they were and that he would be back after the commercials. Shouto didn’t feel like watching any commercials, but he stayed standing where he was towards the back of Katsuki and Eijiro’s apartment. He did exactly as Izuku had told him and everyone else watching and stayed there, barely moving, waiting for the commercials to be over. Once the commercials were over, Shouto continued to watch Izuku and quietly laughed along to the jokes Izuku made.

Three years later

Shouto practically ran down the hallways in his apartment building, it was thirty two minutes to eleven and he couldn’t miss even a minute of Izuku’s late night show. He left his hero agency as fast as he could after making sure it was a good time for him to go home. His driver Takashi knew Shouto liked to get home as soon as he could before eleven, but never really bothered to ask why. Shouto shoved the key in his door, but realized it was the wrong key after many failed attempts to unlock his door. There were seven keys on his key ring, so he shifted through keys until he found the right one and opened his door, closing and locking it behind him. Taking off his shoes and walking to his living room where he turned on his TV and the lights and stepped into his room to get changed and take a quick shower Not turning on any lights and just letting the light from the living room light up his room from the open door frame. He unzipped his hero suit, he had been wearing the same style hero suit since early high school. A dark blue fabric, which wasn’t as tight as his fans on Twitter would have wanted. He unbuckled the belt and slid the suit off his shoulders and down to the floor, where he kicked it off his feet and onto a nearby chair in his room. The TV still running in the background.

Shouto entered his bathroom, which was connected to his room, sliding his hand across the wall trying to find a light switch in the dark room. Once he managed to find the light switch, he turned on the lights. Shouto looked into the mirror, seeing the burn mark on his face his mother had left that he blamed his father for, his two toned hair and different coloured eyes. Shouto ignored his reflection and took off his boxers, throwing them back into his room somewhere, he got into his shower and turned on the water, he could use his quirk to heat up the water and himself so his water and heating bills were lower as he didn’t use much hot water or heating or air conditioning. Shouto even went as far as to just fill a glass with ice using his quirk and melt the ice with his quirk. He could pay his bills fine, he had the money to, but he liked saving money and training his quirk to be incorporated into his daily life.

Once Shouto was done his shower, he quickly dried himself off, using his quirk again, and found his way to his bedroom again. He grabbed a new pair of boxers as well as his pyjamas and put them on. He stumbled out of his room, pulling his shirt over his head, now in the living room, he walked by his couch and the TV which was still somehow running commercials. He prepared a small bowl of ramen noodles, he didn’t feel like spending any more time to make anything more. He only had 4 more minutes to spare, and couldn’t miss a single second of Izuku’s show. Shouto finished preparing his dinner, grabbed some chopsticks, and slumped down onto his couch, TV remote by his side, chopsticks and dinner in hand. He ate in silence, the sounds of the TV were drowned out, Shouto waited for Izuku while slurping up some noodles.

The screen went black, Shouto knew it was time for Izuku’s late night show to start. The first part of today’s episode was of a series of real reporters talking about one country’s former president, who had been sharing images online of his golf course, and himself playing golf. Shouto watched as stupid picture after picture of an older orange coloured man attempted to play golf and tennis.

The short skit at the beginning came to a close, and the theme song came on, Shouto hummed along to it, slurping up more of his ramen noodles. Shouto watched as Izuku walked out on stage, Shouto felt his heart pound in his chest, just seeing Izuku on his TV made Shouto feel the same way for the last three years, since the first time he saw him. Izuku smiled and waved at the audience, Shouto wished he could see Izuku live one day but never had the time to. As the camera turned to face the audience as it normally did, Shouto wanted to call out to his TV to show Izuku on screen again, but he held back and ate more of his noodles. Once the camera turned to face Izuku again, Shouto couldn’t help but smile, Shouto knew at this point he was probably in love with Izuku, but he wouldn’t ever end up acting on his feelings due to the low probability of them even meeting. Just watching Izuku’s show every night he could was enough for him, enough to get him through the long days.

“Welcome, one and all. Welcome to Late Nights, I am your host Izuku Midoriya. And—“ His iconic speech getting cut off as usual by the audience. “Hah, it’s always great to hear such a lively audience.” Izuku smiled, as he spoke, the angle of his glasses changed and light reflected off them every once and while. “Well tonight, the internet has been permanently scarred again after we all had to see one unnamed country’s former president showed everyone a picture of himself, and his golf course.” Izuku continued on his monologue, talking about many things, making jokes, which Shouto laughed along too. “Oh yes, today in Florida, we all know Florida.” Izuku joked, the audience laughed just hearing about Florida. In Japan, the US was often the topic of jokes. “In Florida, a man was arrested after he broke into a neighbour’s house to save their dog from a fire.” A few audience members awed and cheered. “Yeah it sounds great, he sounds like a great guy.” Izuku continued. “Until you find out that this man was actually so drugged up, he was only imagining the fire.” Izuku finished, the the many people in the theatre laughed as Izuku finished speaking.

His first monologue came to a close, commercials began playing, Shouto sighed, and put his empty bowl and chopsticks on the coffee table in front of him. He leaned back into his couch, waiting for the commercials to be over. After the commercials, Shouto kept watching Izuku’s show, up until the end. After the show, Shouto turned off his TV, and trudged off to bed. Another day gone by for Shouto. He looked out his window in his bedroom, seeing all the lights in the city, all the people still up and awake. Shouto closed his blinds, not wanting to be kept up by the bright city lights. His nightly routine had been the same for three years now, for Shouto the days blurred together, except for when he was up watching Izuku’s show. Shouto enjoyed the jokes Izuku made, and it was easier and not as intense as watching or reading the news.

Shouto lifted up the covers on his bed, and slipped under them. He laid in bed, trying to recall what he did today, he usually thought about his day to wind down and fall asleep faster, and it usually worked. Shouto drifted off to sleep, the last thought on his mind was ramen noodles and Izuku Midoriya.

The next day, he ran into Momo on the way to work. “Shouto.” She called out to him as he was walking up the steps to his hero agency. He turned to face her, and noticed the many paparazzi following close behind. She stepped up the few stairs to stand closer to him. “I’m having a party for a few of us from high school, at around ten pm—“ Shouto cut her off. “I’m busy, sorry.” He hoped his words weren’t as rude as he thought he came off as. “You’re always busy past eleven pm I’ve noticed, always skipping out on parties and get togethers. What is it that you always have planned? Because I don’t think you’re going straight to bed as soon as you get home after work.” She questioned. For a second Shouto forgot about the reporters around them and answered truthfully. “I’m up watching Late Nights.” He replied. “That show with the host named Midoriya?” She seemed puzzled, as this was the first time he had told anyone what he was up to. “Yeah.” Shouto didn’t see why she was so confused. “So you miss out on meeting new people, getting together with old friends, and going out for drinks all because you want to stay home and watch a late night show?” Shouto could tell Momo was confused for once. “Yeah.” Shouto nodded, then glanced around at all the reporters around the two of them, he had forgotten they were all there.

“Specifically Midoriya’s show?” Momo asked, Shouto took in a deep breath, looking down to his white boots, his lightly kicked his foot on the hard concrete. He looked up to face Momo. “Uh yeah, why— why don’t we take this conversation inside, I can make tea or something?” He suggested, eyeing the reporters he didn’t want to have a conversation in front of. “Ah yes, that sounds great.” Momo replied, understanding why he wanted to go inside.

Shouto and Momo walked in silence through Shouto’s hero agency. That was until Momo spoke up. “How long?” She asked, Shouto knew she was asking how long he had been watching Izuku’s show. “Around three years.” He muttered, looking in the opposite direction. “Three what?” She politely asked, thinking she didn’t hear Shouto correctly. “Years.” Shouto looked down at his white boots again as they walked. “Are you in love with him?”

Shouto choked on air, freezing in place. “What— What makes you say that?” Shouto awkwardly smiled, seeing as Momo herself stopped walking and turned to face Shouto. “Looks like you are.” Momo chuckled. “What? No, no I’m not Momo.” Shouto put his hands out in front of him and looked up at her, trying to act innocent and like he wasn’t lying. “Shouto, I can tell when your lying.” Momo scolded. “You sound like my mother, she thinks I’m in love with him too.” Shouto sighed. “Because you are.” Momo exclaimed. Shouto softy laughed, leaning on the wall of the hallway they had been walking through. “No Momo.” Shouto stopped, he sighed again. “Yes, fine, I am in love with Izuku Midoriya.”

Before Momo could celebrate, Shouto’s phone rang, Shouto pulled his phone out of his pocket. “It’s an unknown number.” Shouto informed her, trying to take the attention off what he had said prior to the phone call. Momo walked closer to him and pressed the phone to pick up the call. “Momo what are you doing?” Shouto whispered, but put the phone up to his ear anyway. “Hello.” He answered. “Hi, is this Shouto?” Shouto recognized the voice, he felt his heart speed up in his chest. “Yes, this is Shouto speaking.” Shouto glanced at Momo. “Well Shouto I’m not sure if you recognize my voice, but heh, it’s Izuku here. I was wondering if you would wanna be on my show sometime as the special guest.” Izuku suggested. “Oh yeah, I would love to be on your show.” Shouto smiled, Momo realized then Shouto was talking to Izuku.

Shouto hummed happily as he got into his car after work. His driver Takashi looked back at Shouto in the rear view mirror. “Something good happened Todoroki-sama?” Takashi inquired. Shouto covered his big smile with his hand as he leaned his arm on the car door. “Nothing much.” Shouto assured. Takashi started the car and began driving. “You came inside this car smiling like a school girl after confessing to their crush and not being rejected. So Todoroki-sama, doesn’t seem like nothing much to me.” Takashi joked. “And don’t you start squealing.” Shouto laughed. “It’s nothing, I just get to meet someone I’ve been longing to meet for years next week.” Shouto responded. “Ah well, congratulations, I hope their everything you thought they would be.” Takashi glanced back at Shouto through the rear view mirror, he smiled. “Thank you.” Shouto nodded.

Shouto followed the same routine as he had so many nights before when he got home again. He turned on his television, got undressed and got into his shower, then put on some pyjamas, made some small dinner, and sat down on his couch. Shouto waited again for Izuku’s show, he wondered what would be the topic of the opening skit today. The screen went black again, Shouto knew the show was starting. ‘Late Nights Fake News Alert’ was shown at the bottom of the screen. Then another caption popped up on screen. ‘Pro Hero Shouto Admits To Watching Popular Late Night Show.’ Shouto chuckled, he smiled seeing he was the topic of the little skit at the beginning. The video played on screen was one taken by one of the paparazzi that had been following Momo. It showed Shouto and Momo talking about Izuku’s show.

After the opening scene, the theme song began playing again, Shouto hummed along. The female VA said her line. “It’s Late Nights With Izuku Midoriya.” Shouto’s heart thumped in his chest, he watched blissfully as Izuku walked out on stage again. The audience as usual was cheering and clapping for Izuku. Once they quieted down Izuku spoke. “Welcome one and all, it’s great to see you all. This is Late Nights and I am your host Izuku Midoriya. Today—“ the audience shouted and applauded again for Izuku. Shouto found himself smiling again. “Thank you, thank you.” Izuku sighed, a wide smile on his face as well. “Today, we found out that our number one hero Shouto actually watches my show, which is very flattering.” Izuku looked around at the audience, then back at the camera. “Also Shouto if your watching this, it was nice talking to you today.” Izuku waved at the camera, Shouto almost choked on air again for the second time today. “He’ll be on the show next week as our special guest.” Izuku finished. As the audience heard Shouto would be a special guest, loud cheers were heard. Izuku turned to look at some of the staff on stage. “He’s gonna be here right? Yeah right over there next Thursday.” Izuku motioned to his desk and the seats next to it, his voice drowned out by the audience. Shouto just then realized he would be just 30 centimetres away from Izuku.

“Oh fuck.”

Three years ago

Izuku heard a knock at the door. “Five minutes until we’re live Midoriya.” A woman called to him through the door. “Right thank you.” He called back. Izuku had been closed up in his dressing room watching news videos on his phone of Japan’s new number one hero Shouto. Izuku sighed, he thought about inviting Shouto onto the show. “No I can’t do that, I would be too flustered.” Izuku thought out loud. “I hope he watches my show tonight, and every night from now on, I want him to notice me.” Izuku muttered, still thinking out loud. He leaned back in his chair and placed his arm over his face, it pushed down on his glasses. “I sound like a school girl wanting attention from her senpai.” Izuku sighed, then he stood up and prepared to go out on stage for his show.

Everything was going smoothly, Izuku walked out on stage fine, everything was fine Izuku told himself. That was until he had to make some comments about Shouto. He tried not to blush, but under all the stage lighting, he wondered if that was even possible. “Look at our new number one hero: Shouto.” Izuku took in a sharp breath, the audience cheered. “Yeah seems like everyone here knows who I’m talking about.” Izuku joked, trying to cover up his embarrassment, looking past the camera again. “See now I’ve heard nonstop today that he’s really hot, half the staff here at Late Nights are in love with him, and I gotta agree, he certainly is hot.” The audience went wild, Izuku regretted not reading the script over, his writing staff had snuck something in about Shouto, knowing he really liked Shouto. “I mean look at this picture here.” A picture of Shouto flashed across the screen. Izuku wondered if Shouto was watching him now, he shook the thought from his mind and continued with his monologue.

Present day

Izuku watched the news in a cab on his way to work, Shouto was talking to Momo about his show, Izuku felt pride well up in his chest. Shouto, the man Izuku had been crushing on for a few years, actually watched his show. He turned off his phone and held it close to his chest, smiling in a pleased way, he knew he must have been blushing madly by now as well.

Once Izuku got the the office, he checked the guest stars list for the next week, on Thursday night there was an opening. He could invite Shouto to come in that night, it was Wednesday today, but Izuku could wait a little longer to see Shouto. “Wait what?” Izuku quietly asked himself, placing his hand on his chest. “Shouto’s gonna be here, across from me?” Izuku looked back up at the board that showed up coming special quests. He awkwardly chuckled. “Oh good, I can’t wait.” Izuku tried to calm his nerves. “Shouto’s gonna be here, next to me, I get to talk to him, all his attention on me.” Izuku took in a sharp breath. “It’ll be fine, I will get through this, and I might never have to see him again.” Izuku muttered. “But I want him to ask me out.” Izuku sighed, stuck between never seeing Shouto again and ignoring his feelings forever after they meet, or trying to act confident enough to ask Shouto out. He had his number after asking his childhood friend Katsuki for it once, but he never got around to calling Shouto. Today he mustered up all his courage and called.

On tonight’s show, Izuku admitted it was nice talking to Shouto, and he told everyone Shouto would be on the show next week. Then after the show was over, so was his Wednesday, he took a cab home, took a shower, got into his pyjamas and crawled into bed. He held one of his other pillows close to his chest. He thought about being held by Shouto like this. “What am I thinking?” Izuku hissed under his breath, pushing the pillow away, before taking it back into his arms only a minute later. Izuku was surrounded each of passing day by people who loved him, but he still felt alone. Izuku held the pillow tighter, he missed the feeling when his mother would hold him close and tell him everything was going to be ok. He just wished Shouto was here to hold Izuku as he held his pillow, and Shouto would tell him all kinds of sweet words that Izuku longed to hear. Izuku thought about living his life with Shouto before drifting off to sleep.

Shouto woke up the next morning, not expecting much to happen today, a slow work day, slowly he go out of bed, poured himself a bowl of granola, and noticed he was out of milk. Once he closed the fridge door, the calendar stuck to his fridge door by magnet had many days crossed off. The small box with todays date, a Thursday, Shouto had written ‘day off’ in red pen. It took him a second to remember that today was he day off work this month, so he decided to go shopping because he was out of food. He turned back to his counter with his bowl of cereal and grabbed a spoon from a drawer near him. Shoving his spoon into the dry cereal, Shouto noticed it sounded like gravel being pushed around in his bowl. He ate quietly, leaning on his island counter top.

After his breakfast, Shouto put the bowl and spoon in the dishwasher and went back to his room to make his bed and get some new clothes for the day. Grabbing both bottom corners of his bedsheets, he lifted it up and swiftly pulled it back down, the bedsheets fell back to his bed in a more orderly fashion.

He covered half his face with a black mask, and he covered his iconic yet completely natural red and white hair with a black hat. He needed to cover his face and hair to prevent being swarmed by fans and reporters. After that he waited in the lobby of his apartment building for his driver Takashi come pick him up and drive him to the nearby super market.

His trip to and from the market was uneventful, Shouto bought everything he needed, and got home. With a whole day to spare, he got into more comfortable clothes and worked out for an hour before making himself instant ramen for lunch. Shouto wasn’t the best cook, he never had the time to learn from his sister.

He spent the rest of the day until eleven pm, reading news, scrolling through Twitter, and reading about Izuku on his couch. Around seven pm he had dinner, and continued to read news. Some of his old friends from high school had done interviews recently, he read about what some of his friends and now pro hero colleagues were up to. At eleven Shouto flipped through his TV channels from his couch. Not seeing Izuku’s show labeled as coming next on any of his channels, he moved closer to his TV now sitting in front of it.

Shouto frantically went through his TV channels, hoping he missed something. He sighed seeing as not only was it his day off, it was also Izuku’s. Shouto would have nothing to do tonight. He sadly turned off his TV and laid down on his couch, he stared at his apartment ceiling before deciding to find a better way to relax tonight. Shouto looked around for something to do, he looked down. One of his hands lifted his pyjamas bottoms by the waist band, he eyed his boxers for a few seconds, only to slip his other hand under his boxers. He lightly grabbed himself and moved his hand in an up and down motion. His head fell back into the pillows on his couch. Shouto took in a sharp breath and bit his bottom lip as he continued to stoke himself. He shut his eyes, furrowed his brows, and thought about Izuku naked underneath him, breathless, moaning Shouto’s name, and begging for more.

With thoughts of Izuku on his mind, Shouto came quite fast into his hand and boxers. He quietly moaned out as he came in his hand, and he pulled his hand out of his pants. “Fuck I gotta wash myself up again.” Shouto scowled, not wanting to take another shower. Eventually, after he cooled off a bit, he sat up and went to his washroom to clean himself up, after he got another pair of boxers and tucked himself into his bed.

This wasn’t the first night Shouto had jerked off to Izuku, Shouto was frustrated. As to be expected from the way he spent most of his life closed up in his father’s home. He day he finally got to move out was one of his best days, the day after when he woke up to his radio alarm clock instead of his father’s shouting was even better. The day he first got to watch Izuku’s show was another great day for him as he found someone to love, even if it was only from a distance. Shouto was fine without Izuku liking him back, as long as Shouto got to meet him at least once and got to see him every night.

The next morning Shouto woke up, and oddly enough, he remembered a dream he had. Izuku stood in front of Shouto’s oven, leaning slightly over a pot of ramen noodles and soup broth. Izuku wore a light green sweater, loose black jeans, and his usual glasses. Which he was now complaining about how they had fogged up. Izuku was making Shouto dinner, he felt happy, watching Izuku make dinner. Shouto and Izuku sat next to each other for dinner, talking and laughing together. Shouto remembered kissing Izuku in his dream, and after their dinner he remembered going off to bed with Izuku but was waken by his alarm clock before anything fun could happen in his dream.

He knew it was his second day off work, pro heroes occasionally got days off, and he managed to get three days in a row. As it was his second day off, he decided to actually plan to do something today. He checked Twitter for any ideas, and the first post he read was Izuku’s latest post. It read something along the lines of ‘Sorry for my absence last night, needed to take some time to write some new jokes with my writing crew. I’ll be live tonight, be sure to get tickets’. Shouto sat up in bed in a rush, this was it, he was going to go watch Izuku live. He clicked the link to get tickets. Izuku’s show was free, his main revenue was donations and commercials, but he was paid well, Izuku had a lot of money. Shouto had anonymously given Izuku thousands of yen by now, and it would all pay off as he secured one ticket to Izuku’s show.

Placing his phone back on his nightstand next to his bed after reading all the instructions on how to get into the theatre and when to arrive, he fell back into bed, holding his hands close to his chest. His heart pounded, he sighed softly, a huge smile on his face. He couldn’t wait, he felt the need to get out of bed and pace around his room with all this energy but he stayed in bed for a bit longer. He needed a second to get a grip on his situation. He was finally going to see Izuku’s show, after three years of longing. Today was Friday, there were only six more days till Shouto would get to sit next to Izuku, he planned on asking Izuku out for drinks after, but he wondered if the words would even leave his throat when he asked.

Shouto paced around his house, anxious for the night ahead of him, what felt like hours turns out to be only eighteen minutes or so. Shouto sighed, doing nothing but pacing around his apartment would do nothing but tire him out, waste time, and probably annoy the people living below him. Shouto stopped pacing and racked his brain for ideas on what to spend his time on today, looking around his apartment he came to notice that his apartment wasn’t the cleanest, a few dishes were left in the sink, clothes and magazines were scattered across the floor, and other trinkets left here and there. The few magazines Shouto had were about Izuku, or at least had a page or two about him. Shouto knew he was getting obsessive over a man he didn’t even know personally, he was just lonely and wished Izuku felt the same way.

Shouto decided upon cleaning his apartment, starting with the kitchen sink. He asked his HomePod to play a local radio station as he cleaned the dishes in the sink. It was a song he recognized, so he hummed along as he scrubbed hardened noodle bits off the bottom of a pot. After he cleaned the sink out he moved on to the kitchen counter, wiping bread crumbs off his counter. Shouto certainly had enough money to pay someone to clean his house but he never really liked strangers in his house, it was his personal space and he didn’t want anyone to invade his home like that.

Cleaning off the smaller bits of his kitchen, Shouto took a few steps back and smiled at kitchen, it was the cleanest it had been a quite a while. He turned to his living room, now seeing how messy it really was compared to his cleaned kitchen. Shouto got to work fast, collecting all the magazines, sorting through them and placing them on his TV stand. Next he folded all the scattered clothes, wiped down his coffee table and dusted around the furniture. He took his folded clothes and took them to his room, only to find more clothes around his room. He folded everything that was left discarded and neatly organized all his clothes in his walk in closet. As he started to walk out of his closet, he stopped in front of his hero suits, he had about six on some hooks in his closet, he needed extras in case one got ruined. He wondered what exactly it was people liked so much about his suit, he had heard Izuku call him hot a few times before, and mentioned his hero suit as well. Shouto didn’t get it.

Shouto had spent an hour and a half cleaning, he sat down at his kitchen island table and stared out the big windows his apartment had. Looking at all the nearby buildings, until he heard a soft growling, his stomach was asking for food. Shouto decided to be extra today and looked up a recipe for Izuku’s favourite food: katsudon. But knowing he can’t cook, he just got it delivered to his apartment instead. After that he took a few pictures for his Instagram, which he rarely used, really only to like his friends posts, and he ate lunch. He scrolled through his Instagram before posting a lunch pic. In a few seconds Shouto already had plenty of likes, he was a popular guy, but one notification made his heart race and a smile stretched across his face, Izuku liked his post. Of course all it took was Shouto posting a pic of Izuku’s favourite food, but Shouto was really ecstatic Izuku liked his post. He put his phone down onto his kitchen island table, screen facing down. Shouto ate, struggling to stop smiling, he wondered if his watch was ever going to tell him his heart beat was too high.

Izuku followed Shouto on Twitter and Instagram, Shouto had done the same for Izuku. He occasionally liked Shouto’s Instagram or Twitter posts, which at some point might give poor Shouto a heart attack. After finishing his lunch, Shouto cleaned everything up he had used. Shouto took about ten minutes to pause and watch the city from his apartment windows, taking in long deep breaths. After he scrolled through his phone a bit after sitting down on his couch, reading news stories, and finding out what his pro hero friends and colleagues were up to. After long hours of reading, he turned off his HomePod, it was finally time to leave, so he messaged his driver to come pick him up. Shouto had already picked out what he was going to wear. Shouto had to cover his face and hair to prevent being recognized, so he of course picked out another black baseball cap and mask. He wore a white shirt and pulled a white hoodie over top. The pants he wore were a basic pair of black cargo pants.

Shouto didn’t feel like standing out in the crowd, he didn’t like the attention much. He had been thrown into the public eye at a young age thanks to his father being an important hero, but Shouto never really wanted all that attention. Shouto liked his calm life tucked away in his apartment, which is why he overly enjoyed his days off, he had a couple days off every few months. Watching Izuku’s show got him through the days, but being reminded of his days off helped him get through the long weeks.

He locked the door to his apartment after grabbing his wallet, phone, and keys from his apartment. Shouto could feel his heart pounding as he walked to the elevator. Every step he took was a reminder of what he was getting closer too, what he had long to see with his own eyes and not through a TV screen; Izuku and his stand up comedy show. Shouto clicked the button to the elevator, pulling his hat over his hair and waited for the elevator. Once the elevator rang, and the doors opened, Shouto stepped in, he was alone in the elevator. He turned his head to the left to see his reflection in the elevator mirror, fixing his hat momentarily.

Shouto was feeling different lately, he hadn’t been this exuberant in a while. Shouto’s life for the last few years had been run on the same schedule, he didn’t change it much, although he wanted to, there wasn’t much he could do. He had been lonely, the only joy in his day was going home, watching Izuku and his show, and sleeping. He didn’t really want to be labeled as someone with depression so he brushed his feelings to the side and trudged on, everyday slowly passing. But today Shouto felt different, he took these feelings into consideration, he felt something he couldn’t explain. He finally changed his schedule after all these years, he got up and cleaned for once, got himself an actual lunch and not something that came out of a box or needed to be microwaved. He sat down and listened to music he liked for the first time in a while and watched the city below him from his apartment windows. Shouto normally would be rushing around the office, but today he took a moment to pause.

The elevator doors opened, snapping Shouto out of his thoughts. The apartment lobby was usually empty, people only going in and out who lived in the building. The lobby was furnished and looked much like a hotel lobby with a white marble aesthetic. A tired looking man behind the lobby counter nodded to Shouto as a greeting. “Good evening.” Shouto replied as he walked past the man and pushed open the glass doors. He walked down a few steps before stepping onto the street sidewalk. It was a half an hour till eleven pm, or the time Shouto now considered ‘Live Time’ as it was when Izuku went live. A small group of half drunk people laughed loudly on the other side of the street catching Shouto’s attention as he opens the door to his limo. His driver Takashi greeted him. “Todoroki-sama, getting a call from you was surprising, normally at this time you want to be home as fast as possible, yet your leaving now.” Takashi smiled, hearing Shouto close the back passenger door.

“Well Takashi, I’m going to see the show I normally watch now live instead.” Shouto replied. “That sound exciting, other than that, how has your day been?” Takashi asked, starting the car, and continuing to drive, they kept the conversation going until Takashi pulled up to the building. Bright lights displayed ‘Late Nights With Izuku Midoriya’. Shouto noticed there wasn’t much of a line yet so he thanked Takashi and got out of the car, closing the door behind him, and running to the end of the line. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and found the barcode for the ticket he had so he would be able to find his seat.

He watched Takashi drive away, and Shouto moved forward in the line, until his ticket was ready to be scanned. Shouto showed his ticket to the worker with the scanner and they scanned it, not paying attention to who he was. A beep was heard. “Ok just go right on ahead, and find any seat you want.” The worker muttered, obviously they had a long day. Shouto followed their instructions and walked through two large open double doors. The place was bigger than he expected, the TV seemed to have made everything smaller. Shouto managed to get a seat near the front, the second row from the stage right in the middle. Shouto couldn’t be happier with his seating.

As Shouto waited for Izuku to come onstage, he took the time to look around. There were more cameras there then Shouto expected. Once the show started, the beginning clip was played on a large TV on one of the walls to Shouto’s right, but Shouto’s kept his eyes on the large garage style door Izuku was due to come out from backstage through. The band onstage began playing the shows theme song, the audience began to stand up and clap, Shouto followed, loudly clapping his hands for Izuku as he walked out on stage. Izuku smiled and waved, leaving Shouto to wonder why he waited so long to see Izuku in person. His smile left Shouto in a trance, but as other people around him started to sit down, he followed.

“Ah welcome everyone, one and all, it’s amazing to see you all here. I am your host Izuku Midoriya—“ Izuku was as usual cut off as the audience and Shouto cheered for Izuku. After the crowd settled again Izuku continued, occasionally looking away from the camera onstage to the audience. “I don’t know if anyone really cared, but the Oscars were yesterday, who watched it?” He asked, only maybe five people cheered from the audience. Shouto was surprised the Oscars were yesterday. “Well I did, it took a turn.” Izuku chuckled. “Someone got slapped, which prompted me to get some popcorn and watch the rest of the show unfold.” Izuku finished, people in the audience laughed. “It was kinda a mess, which is too bad, The Oscars used to actually mean something.” He sighed.

After the first segment of the show, commercials were running so Izuku took the time to talk about the scrip off to the side with some crew members, the band to the right of Shouto on stage was playing for the audience. Izuku looked out to the audience, and waved to everyone, Izuku looked down to the two front rows, and noticed Shouto but wasn’t sure if it was him. Shouto had noticeably been staring at Izuku, and when Izuku looked his way Shouto looked over to the band playing on stage before glancing back to see if Izuku was still looking his way. Izuku was talking to his crew members again, Shouto looked down to his lap, lifting his right hand to pull the brim of his cap down to cover his face better, he could feel his face warming up. Shouto didn’t always trust his quirk when he got embarrassed, and he hoped he didn’t light up in flames or freeze the place now.

The show continued, but now Izuku took a seat the his desk onstage and welcomed a guest to interview, what Shouto would be doing in six days. He hadn’t checked who tonight’s guest was, so he was surprised to see Momo walk out onstage. Shouto realized now why she was probably so surprised to find out Shouto watched Izuku show, it was because she was going to be the special guest. Izuku stood up and greeted her as she walked onstage. She wore a long red dress, hair tied up into a bun. Once the crowd settled, Momo began to speak. “Thank you Midoriya for inviting me onto your show.” She shook his hand again. “Oh of course, meeting pro heroes is something I’m always happy to do, and please call me Izuku.” He replied, he adjusted his glasses momentarily as he spoke. Shouto felt jealous rise up within him, he always felt jealous when Izuku talked to a guest. Shouto wanted Izuku, but if Izuku wanted to be with someone else, if Izuku was happy, Shouto would just watch from the sidelines. Shouto was honestly wondering if he still agreed with that statement though. He wondered if he would really be ok with Izuku finding someone else, Shouto hated the idea of Izuku finding someone else. Shouto continued to watch, brushing off his feelings again so he could watch Izuku’s show live in peace.

“The other day, you met with our number one hero Shouto, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you two talk about? Everyone always wants to know about how Shouto’s doing.” Izuku asked, his script made him seem nosey. Momo chuckled, covering her smile with his hands momentarily. “We actually talked about you.” Momo smiled, the crowd softly gasped. Izuku pushed his glasses on his nose, attempting to cover his face in embarrassment. Shouto on the other hand was shocked Momo would bring up private conversations. “Oh well, the rest of that conversation is a secret, but you did call him right as we were talking.” Momo was good at getting the attention of the press, calling anything a secret was enough to make them crazy. “Yeah I called him to invite him to my show.” Izuku sheepishly replied, wondering exactly what Shouto had said about him, hoping it wasn’t bad. Momo caught the hint. “When we talked about you, it was all good, he enjoys watching your show, and I suppose just seeing you in general.” Momo assured. Izuku sighed. “At least it’s all good then.” Izuku softly laughed, before remembering the rest of what Momo said. “What do you mean by seeing me in general?” He leaned forward on his desk, a smile on his face. Momo laughed again, politely covering her open mouth.

As they talked, Shouto slumped down in his chair, not wanting to been seen. “Shouto just enjoys your personality I suppose, I mean I’ve known him for years, he’s very perceptive of people, I feel like he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to people. He always manages to see who’s… I guess the right words would be in the right or the wrong of a heroes point of view.” Momo tried to explain without saying Shouto was in love with Izuku. She wasn’t wrong though, Shouto, having spent years on the sidelines watching others, managed to be able to tell what people were like just by their movements. “Ah that sounds very interesting, I’ll have to ask him about that when he’s on next Thursday.” Izuku acknowledged, leaning back onto his chair.

“My last question for you tonight in Momo would be what I ask all my other hero guests; what is it like working with all those pro heroes?” Izuku inquired. Momo looked out at the audience for a second, thinking about her reply. “I think it’s wonderful.” Momo looked back at Izuku, he smiled and nodded, seeing as she was done. The crowd cheered for her, Shouto straightened up and clapped along with the audience. “Momo Yaoyorozu, our number six hero Creati.” Izuku shouted to his audience. “Stick around because right after commercials we have a special musical guest.” Izuku told everyone. He shook hands with Momo again, Shouto hoped he would be able to shake Izuku’s hand next Thursday. Commercials started on the TV while Izuku walked around his onstage desk to hold Momo’s hand to help her up, her beautiful long red dress swayed as she stood up, Shouto couldn’t hear what they were saying over the loud crowd but he could tell Izuku and Momo were talking. He noticed Izuku turn a light shade of red and began to use his left hand to fan his face as if to cool himself off after Momo asked him something. She patted his shoulder and told him something that make him calm down. Shouto sighed, wishing he could be up there with Izuku.

After commercials, Momo and Izuku were onstage, a younger man with a light coloured curly afro styled hair stood next to them. “And now, a special music performance from Vaundy.” Izuku spoke into the mic he held before handing it off to Vaundy. Shouto recognized the name, he knew Izuku had followed this artist for maybe a year now, Shouto never got around to actually listening to his songs other than on the radio when one of his songs came on. Shouto watched as Izuku and Momo walked to the side of the stage, where they and the rest of the audience watched the performance. Shouto noted the song had nice lyrics, it had a good beat, and it was an enjoyable performance. After he finished the song, he handed the mic back to Izuku as he stood next to Vaundy now. “Thank you one and all for watching, see you tomorrow night. Have a great night, stay safe, and good bye.” Izuku shouted with a cheery smile. The audience stood up and clapped louder, Shouto himself stood up and clapped. His heart continued to race in his chest, Shouto could feel a smile stretch across his face, this was probably one of his favourite days.

Shouto found his way to the lobby of the theatre, taking his phone out to call his driver Takashi so Shouto could get home on time. As he walked by many of the other people who were leaving as well, someone grabbed his arm. He whipped around to see Momo, but she had changed her outfit to be less recognizable by people around. She wore her hair down now, a white beret, long black dress pants and a chunky white sweater. Momo was about to say something when she noticed Takashi pull up in Shouto’s new Lincoln Continental. “Let’s take the conversation to your limo.” Momo suggested, smiling as she pulled Shouto along with him. Before he had the chance to argue, she was already sitting next to him in his car. Shouto sighed. “Takashi, we have to make a small detour and take Momo home too it seems.” Shouto told his driver. “Yes sir.” He responded, after Momo told him which way to go, the car started and Takashi began to drive.

“Shouto, you’ll never believe it.” She exclaimed. Shouto turned to face her. “Izuku and I were talking about you, and he basically admitted he likes you too.” Momo watched as Shouto’s face turned bright red, Takashi chuckled in the front seat after looking to see Shouto’s reaction through the rear view mirror. “What— what… makes you think that?” Shouto stuttered over his words. “We were talking up on stage, and I asked him what he thinks about you, and he was like I think Shouto’s a great hero, I really like him a lot. Then he kinda realized what he said and tried to cover up his embarrassment. You should have seen him, he kept trying to fan his face to cool down.” Momo explained. Shouto recalled seeing Izuku acting flustered onstage. “Well thank you for letting me know though.” Shouto attempted to hide his embarrassment by thanking Momo. “Yeah of course, you’ve been by yourself for so long, you deserve someone by your side.” Momo spoke in a sincere tone. Takashi silently nodded in the front seat. “Enough about me, how are things between you and Jirou?” Shouto changed the conversation topic.

After a while on conversation, Shouto finally dropped Momo off at her apartment. They said their goodbyes and Takashi began to drive Shouto home. He normally didn’t stay up this late as it was past one am now, the show had ended at midnight. It took a while to get to Momo’s apartment, but just a half an hour now and Shouto would be home. Now as tired as he was, his words were slightly slurred as he spoke, leaning back into his car seats, closed eyes, feeling the car make left and right turns occasionally. “Thanks for staying out so late today.” Shouto muttered, hoping Takashi heard. “Of course Todoroki-sama.” Shouto faintly heard.

Shouto woke up after Takashi pulled up to Shouto’s apartment. He thanked Takashi again and left. Shouto leaned on the elevator walls as he rode it up to his apartment, he couldn’t remember the last time he had been so tired like this, he could barely stay awake. “Thank god tomorrows just another day off.” Shouto thought out loud, something he rarely did. Upon getting into his apartment after locking the front door behind him, he got to his room, threw off all his clothes and fell down onto his bed, faintly hearing a spring rattle in his mattress.

Shouto woke up an hour later than normal. He pushed himself onto his back, still laying on his bed. He looked down to see nothing, not even covers on him. He noticed that he must have had some dream about Izuku as he slept because he was hard again between his legs. Shouto sighed and let his head fall back into the pillows he had on his bed. He remembered he hadn’t taken a shower the night before and got out of bed to go take a shower now, and hopefully managing to calm himself down before he got dressed.

By the time he finished cleaning himself off in the shower, he was still hard, and with nothing else to do he decided to jerk off to Izuku again. Taking a tight grip on his boner, he slid his hand up and down, holding on to the wall of the shower. Fantasizing about Izuku made his knees grow weak and he stopped momentarily to sit on the shower floor so we wouldn’t fall later. He continued to stoke himself, quietly moaning Izuku’s name, his eyes tightly shut as he imagined Izuku breathless underneath him in bed, whimpering as he felt Shouto inside him. Shouto’s climax came sooner than he expected, and sent shivers down his spine. He cleaned himself off, and spent an extra ten minutes in the shower, thinking about what he had just done. Shouto knew it was getting to be weird and obsessive, but if Izuku never found out he would probably be fine. Just as long as nobody ever found out, Shouto would take this to his grave.

After his shower he stepped out of his bathroom, drying his hair with a towel as he walked over the clothes on the floor from yesterday to his bedroom dresser. Shouto picked a loose grey t shirt, black shorts, and a fresh pair of boxers. He cleared the clothes off his floor from yesterday, wanting to keep his room cleaned after just cleaning it yesterday.

Shouto poured himself a bowl of cereal again, putting milk next, today was his last day off, meaning he would soon be returning to work. Shouto liked staying home, as most other people these days do, but as a hero there were rarely breaks, the city was always in some kind of danger. Shouto was prepared to face whatever came at him and the innocent people of Japan as the number one hero. His mind drifted to the show he would soon be attending as a special guest, only to remember what Momo had told him the night before. He could feel his heart speed up in his chest again, practically hearing the beating loudly in his ear. Izuku might actually like Shouto back, he had a slim chance of really being with Izuku and now just in a dream or fantasy. Shouto had a chance, and he was not going to let it slide.

Despite how tired going out late had made him feel yesterday, he sat down on his bed after picking his phone off his nightstand. Shouto didn’t care about how tired he would end up being tomorrow at work, he only cared about seeing Izuku again tonight. He wanted to get tickets but as he opened his phone, he noticed the date, today was a Saturday, Izuku was off on weekends. Shouto put his phone back on his nightstand and sighed. He was bored, but Shouto stood up off his bed, he had sudden motivation to go for a run, seeing as it was both healthy and a good way to pass time, Shouto grabbed his hat, and running shoes and headed for his door.

Shouto ran at a good pace for him, his watch recorded a run, Shouto passed people on the street. There was a park near his apartment so he was heading to the park. Shouto occasionally came to this park to watch ducks on his day off. There were many cherry blossom trees here as well, and he could see when they bloomed from his apartment. Shouto made a swift turn right and he was off the main sidewalk and now jogging through the park. He looked at the nature as he ran, Japan was just walls of concrete in most places so he was happy to live near such a open and beautiful park.

He stopped to take a short break and sat down on one of the wooden park benches, he sat near a small pond. Shouto could hear ducks quacking from the pond, Shouto smiled hearing them. He liked sitting with nature, and he certainly liked the ducks that lived in the ponds at this park. He wondered how life would be like if it were as easy as a duck’s. Impressing a love interest would be much easier, just flapping around a bit and hope for the best. Shouto took a deep breath, trying to take his mind off Izuku and love for just a few minutes. He was unsuccessful. Shouto wanted Izuku more than anything, but would he be able to express these feelings right? Shouto pondered this question, could he show Izuku he loved him without coming off as obsessed. Eventually he gave up second guessing himself, and just decided to zone out and watch the ducks, somehow Shouto had already spent almost a half an hour just sitting there, thinking about how to talk to Izuku. Now he stared at the ducks, some walked close to him as he hadn’t moved much so the ducks weren’t scared.

He stood up after another twenty minutes or so, feeling bad when he scared the ducks, but he continued on his run. Shouto was slightly stressed about going to work again tomorrow, the pressure of being the best hero was hard to deal with. Shouto ran till he couldn’t anymore, even then he kept pushing himself, hoping he would pass out and have a good excuse to not come to work for a few days. He jokingly asked himself if Izuku would come pamper him at Shouto’s apartment if he collapsed in the park. He kept running, ignoring how he felt again. His vision was blurring, but he kept pushing forward, without much of a reason to, he just kept going. He soon became unable to keep going, Shouto had tired himself out, he was dehydrated and ultimately passed out on one of the more hidden pathways.

When Shouto awoke, to his surprise he was still laying on the park sidewalk, dirt and gravel stuck to his face as he pushed himself off the ground. Shouto brushed off his dusty clothes with his hands, the sky was now a dark blue, mixed with purple, pink, orange, and red. He checked the time on his watch and it was past six. Shouto could hardly breathe, his throat was so dry, he just needed to get home. Izuku wouldn’t be live tonight so he would probably just end up taking a short shower and falling into bed right after he got home. Suddenly Shouto felt a sharp pain from his leg, looking down he noticed that when he collapsed, he scraped his knee, and had bled a bit, but after so many hours had passed, the blood was dry. Shouto raised his slightly shaking hands and wiped his face. Shouto needed a break, he didn’t want to go back to work, wanting to pass out instead of going to work probably wasn’t a good sign.

As Shouto walked home, a few people looked his way after seeing how beat up he looked, but after Shouto got home, he took a quick shower, then got to bed, falling asleep almost immediately. Although when he woke up, Shouto knew it was a work day, he felt very tense, and his scraped knees were aching. Reluctantly he got out of bed, checking the time on his alarm clock, it was earlier than he usually woke up, four in the morning. Shouto felt he couldn’t sleep anymore despite how tired he was, now he went to go have breakfast. Pushing himself up from sitting on his bed, his knees still aching. Shouto noticed it wasn’t just his knees in pain anymore, it felt like his whole body now, he guessed it was from the run yesterday. He was wishing now he just stayed with the ducks and thought about Izuku more instead of getting up and going for the rest of the run.

Shouto eventually got breakfast, and forced himself to get ready for the work day, he put on his hero suit. Shouto knew he wouldn’t have to got to work for at least an hour, Shouto thought he would get to work early today. Pulling on his white boots, he grabbed his keys and phone, locked his apartment door behind him and left for work. He told his driver earlier he needed to be driven, so Shouto got a ride to work again.

“Guess who was back at work today?” Izuku asked from the TV, Shouto was struggling to stay awake, he sat sprawled out on his couch half asleep. “Shouto was.” Izuku told the crowd, who cheered for Shouto. “There were so many villains out today, honestly Shouto deserves to take a few more days off.” Izuku continued to speak, adjusting the buttons on his suit, Shouto had closed his eyes by now, just listening to Izuku. Shouto had gone back to work yesterday, which was Sunday, and today, and with it being a Monday Izuku was finally live again. “Seeing heroes take down villains always reminds me of how I wanted to be a hero growing up.” Izuku took in a deep breath. “But being quirkless in today’s society means you have to take different paths, I settled for comedy.” Izuku came out about being quirkless on live television. The crowd gasped, Shouto opened one eye to see Izuku on his TV screen, smiling up at his audience again. Someone in the audience stood up. “Good for you.” They yelled, Izuku chuckled. “Well thank you.” Izuku took a little bow, the audience then burst into cheers and loud applause. Most quirkless civilians these days ended up sheltering themselves away in fear, but Izuku decided he wasn’t going to do that.

The reporters and paparazzi were going crazy over this news. People had spent years wondering what Izuku’s quirk was, if Izuku had been asked before, he just brushed off the question with a joke, like All Might had done in the past. Shouto slowly drifted off to sleep, while people everywhere were spreading the news of Izuku being quirkless. Shouto was abruptly woken up by a loud commercial, he checked his watch, he had only slept through ten minutes of the show. He grabbed his phone off the coffee table, opening it to read todays news. People were still talking about Izuku, in fact Shouto noticed Izuku was trending on Twitter. Shouto barely remembered what Izuku said, he had been half asleep at the time, and still was. Shouto remembered something along the lines of wanting to be a hero, and something about being quirkless, but after reading through the news he remembered it all. Izuku was quirkless, Shouto was quite surprised, but he had wondered himself if Izuku was quirkless before.

The next few days before Thursday went by at Shouto’s usual pace, short days which ended all the same. But today was finally the day where Shouto would finally meet Izuku. He was almost unable to sit still at work, taking down villains as fast as he could just to try and make the day go by. Shouto got off work early today, so he could get home and get a suit on. He took a short shower, put on some nice cologne for Izuku, found a appropriate suit to wear. A white collared shirt, and a navy blue suit with dress pants to match. He found shiny black shoes, and a light grey tie. Once he was dressed, he combed through his hair one last time, making sure he looked perfect for Izuku. Shouto thought his heart would be racing tonight, yet he felt calm, he felt he was ready to finally get to meet Izuku. After years of watching Izuku on his TV, today he could finally see him, not just through pixels on a screen, with that thought, he threw his comb back on his bathroom counter, he ran out of his bathroom, noticing the smile on his face from the mirror as he left.

After locking up his apartment, taking his phone with him as he left, he took the elevator down to the ground floor, nodding to the man at the apartment front desk. He pushed open the door, walking down the steps to the sidewalk. Paparazzi knew Shouto would be heading to Izuku’s show, so they had waited for him to leave his apartment to take photos and ask questions. One question took him by surprise. “Shouto, Shouto is there by any chance you have a girlfriend?” A woman shoved a microphone to Shouto’s face, the crowd quieted down awaiting his response after noticing Shouto stop to answer. “Haven’t you asked me that before? A year or two back?” Shouto felt he recognized the woman. “You remembered me? I asked you a similar question the day you became Japan’s number one hero.” She boasted. “Right.” Shouto awkwardly muttered, wondering why everyone was so invested in his love life. “I’m not interested in a girlfriend.” Shouto spoke. “Why’s that?” The reporter questioned. Without skipping a beat Shouto answered her question. “I’m gay.” He told everyone, with the paparazzi momentarily speechless, he took this moment to slip away into his car. “Takashi, please drive as fast as you can.” Shouto sighed, wanting to get away from the flashing lights of the paparazzi’s cameras. Slipping on his seatbelt as Takashi began to drive.

Shouto’s phone buzzed in his pocket, he struggled to take it from his pant pocket from the angle he was sitting, so he slouched slightly and managed to grab his phone. One he got it from his pocket, he straightened up again and looked down at his phone as the screen turned on. Momo had texted him, he opened her text to see she had texted him in behalf of her and her girlfriend Jirou, to say good luck. He replied a simple thank you to her and Jirou. He turned his phone off, putting back into his jacket pocket this time to save himself from the trouble of shoving it into his pant pockets.

There were more people waiting in line out front today then when Shouto had been at the theatre building last Friday. Staff escorted Shouto backstage to one of the extra dressing rooms used for guests. The room had a large red couch, a TV set to the channel Izuku’s show was on, many pictures on the white walls, and a small clothing rack in the corner. Between the couch and the wall mounted TV was a cocobolo wood coffee table, Izuku seemed to have a lot of cocobolo wood. His desk on stage was cocobolo wood as well.

Shouto sat down on the couch, a young man wearing a black shirt with the word staff written on the back of his shirt in white opened the door. “You’ll be on in about twenty five minutes, we’ll let you know exactly when. Before you go on, there will be a camera that will show you backstage, so be ready to smile and wave or whatever you’d like.” The man explained, he was reading over a clipboard as he spoke. “Great thanks.” Shouto nodded, taking in all this information. “Refreshments are over there.” The staff member pointed with a pen to a small mini fridge in the wall next to the TV, a small glass window on the door showed what was inside. “Nice.” Shouto responded, not sure what else to say.

The man closed the door behind him as he left Shouto alone, commercials were running on the TV in front of him, but Shouto patiently waited for Izuku to go live. Finally the commercials ended, there was a small opening scene which made Shouto chuckle. Then Shouto heard the opening music playing, a smile stretched across his face, his heart beat speeding up in his chest. He watched from the TV as Izuku walked out onstage, the camera followed close behind as Izuku waved to his audience. The crowd cheered for Izuku, who he himself looked extra excited to be live today. When the audience quieted down Izuku began, fiddling with his glasses momentarily. “One and all, welcome to Late Nights, I am your host Izuku Midoriya. Folks—“ As usual Izuku was cut off by another round of applause, even then he continued to talk. “Folks, tonight we have a very important guest.” By then everyone was quiet and listening to Izuku. “Our number one hero Shouto is going to be joining up tonight, in fact he’s back stage now.” Izuku informed everyone, knowing they all already knew. Someone stood up at the back and cheered. “Yeah someones excited to see Shouto.” Izuku pointed off to the man at the back. The crowd laughed.

Shouto sat and watched Izuku continued his monologue, until another staff member opened the door. “Shouto, it’s time to get ready.” Shouto nodded and stood up, following the young staff member around backstage. They stopped next to the stage, Shouto could see the back of the stage Izuku stood on, but he couldn’t see Izuku, he could hear him and the audience laughing with him. “You’ll be live in five minutes, the camera will be back her in one and a half.” The staff member explained. Three women ran up to Shouto carrying combs and makeup. “Any last minute fixes?” One of them asked, shoving a mirror closer to Shouto so he could see his face and hair. He glanced at his hair and face for a second before looking back at the girls. “Thank you but I think I’m good for now.” Shouto smiled. The three girls nodded and teetered away after talking to Shouto, they laughed and giggled with joy.

Shouto watched as staff members ran around backstage, commercials would be running in about thirty seconds, which meant Shouto would have to wave at a camera in about twenty five seconds. He turned towards the stage again knowing the camera would come from there. He heard Izuku say his last words before commercials. “Stay right there, we’ll be back with Shouto, you don’t want to miss it.” Izuku shouted to the cameras and his audience. Shouto watched as a camera headed backstage, Shouto nodded calmly as a greeting, he had seen thousands of other important guests wave to the camera from backstage when he watched at home, he was happy to finally be one of the people to be there now.

Commercials were running, staff members on the makeup team shuffled out on stage to check on Izuku. “Shouto.” Another staff member caught his attention. He turned to see an older man. “So we’ll let you know when it’s time to walk out on stage, you’ll probably hear Izuku mention you, but we’ll let you know when to get on stage.” He instructed. Shouto just nodded again, excited to finally meet Izuku. The commercials came to a close, loud cheering for Shouto began. Shouto could feel something of excitement rising up inside him, this was the moment he would meet the love of his life face to face. “Hey folks, thanks for waiting, my next guest is the man you know as our number one hero, probably the most important person to step foot onto this stage since All Might.” Izuku put his finger up to his mouth and winked. “Shh don’t tell the others.” Izuku joked, putting his hand back down to his desk. The staff members signalled to Shouto that he could walk out on stage then. “Please welcome for the first time to Late Nights; Shouto.” Izuku smiled, pointing to where Shouto would come from backstage.

Shouto walked out on stage, smiling and waving to the audience, hearing the deafening cheers. Izuku walked over to him, they shook hands, Shouto finally got to shake Izuku’s hand as he had wanted to. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” Shouto greeted, hoping Izuku would hear him over the audience. “It’s an honour to meet you too, Shouto.” Izuku smiled, they let go of each other’s hands and Izuku directed Shouto to his seat on stage. Izuku sat behind his desk as he usually did. Shouto couldn’t take his eyes off Izuku, watching him wave to his audience. As to not seem weird, Shouto turned his attention away from Izuku reluctantly and turned to the crowd. “Wow, what a lively audience tonight.” Shouto mentioned, copying what Izuku normally says. “Yeah.” Izuku replied. “Everyone, thank you, but we got a interview to do here.” Izuku chuckled, his hand on his chest as a gesture of appreciation. After the audience settled, Izuku began talking.

“So Shouto, just about an hour ago, you told the press something huge.” Izuku started, Shouto nodded. “I’m not sure if everyone’s seen it, but we have the clip, so can we roll the clip.” Izuku turned to his staff behind the camera, Shouto knew what he was talking about, he honestly hadn’t even meant to have said it, but he was in a rush and blurted it out by accident. He never really wanted to tell the press about his sexuality, but at least Izuku knew now. After the clip rolled, Shouto spoke first, he felt awkward discussing such a topic, not knowing how the whole country would react, so he made a joke. He shrugged. “Hey, I mean I can’t get anyone pregnant.” Shouto leaned back onto the couch, crossing his arms, after making a satirical joke. Izuku took in a sharp breath before laughing, he covered his face with his hands, his glasses overlapping his hands, he didn’t expect Shouto to make a joke. The audience hollered and laughed along with Izuku. “Shouto I didn’t know you had a sense of humour.” Izuku continued to laugh.

Once Izuku stopped laughing he took a second to think about what he would say next. “Well Shouto, seems we have something in common.” Izuku started, Shouto hoped he knew where Izuku was going with this, he hoped Izuku was gay too. “You know, I’m pretty gay too.” Izuku announced, then a loud uproar of cheering and applause came from the audience. But Izuku didn’t take his eyes off Shouto, he just smiled, as did Shouto. He was overjoyed at the idea that him and Izuku might just have a chance. “Let’s make a deal.” Izuku chuckled, the audience quieted to hear Izuku. “I’m twenty six, and you’re..?” Izuku started. “I’m twenty five, almost twenty six though.” Shouto told Izuku. “Let’s see, if neither of us are married in thirty years, wanna get married?” Izuku suggested. Shouto found himself chuckling at Izuku suggestion, he hoped he would marry Izuku within five years, but just as a joke he would go along with Izuku’s plan. “Haha sounds like a plan.” Shouto glanced at the crowd as he heard laughter. “Shake on it?” Izuku stuck his hand out, struggling not to laugh. Shouto put his hand out and shook Izuku’s hand. They put their hands down, the audience laughing and cheering along with Izuku’s laughter. Shouto didn’t like all the attention on him normally, but now he liked the attention Izuku was giving him.

Izuku thought of his next question, adjusting his glasses before taking his question card into hand. Momentarily reading it over before asking Shouto another question. “So Shouto, why come out now?” Izuku asked. Shouto thought you an answer. “Well honestly, in that moment I kinda blurted it out, I’ve never been as good with press as some of my coworkers, sometimes in the spotlight I just start talking and don’t listen to what I’m saying, and I had a lot on my mind, so I just told the truth instead of coming up with a lie on the spot.” Shouto explained. He continued, explaining himself to Izuku, not wanting to lie. “I just never thought about telling the press before, I was unsure of how this country— not just our country, but the world would react to me being gay.” Shouto knew Izuku would probably understand. Izuku nodded along with Shouto, not taking their eyes off each other, as if they were the only two people in the theatre. “Yeah, Shouto I get that.” Izuku acknowledged.

“I know you probably get asked this all the time, but I’ll ask a different way. Is there any guy your interested in?” Izuku questioned, raising one eyebrow as smirking as a joke, Shouto hadn’t been asked that version of the question before, he had mainly be asked about girls. Shouto knew he couldn’t just tell Izuku he was in love with him on live TV, so Shouto just answered the question in a simple way. “Yeah, there’s this guy I’ve liked for a few years, but… we just never had a chance?” Shouto sighed, tapping his fingers on the desk, avoiding Izuku’s gaze. The audience awed in sympathy for Shouto. “I’m sure it will work out eventually though.” Izuku spoke in a sympathetic tone as well. Shouto sighed, thinking only two words: ‘I wish’.

After they moved on to the next questions. “Oh Momo brought up something interesting when she was here Friday.” Izuku mentioned. “Yes I remember, I was here that day.” Shouto stated. “I thought that was you.” Izuku exclaimed. “You had that black hat right?” Izuku remembered. “Yes.” Shouto nodded, speaking calmly compared to Izuku, but he was surprised Izuku remembered him out of everyone else in the audience. “That’s awesome, thank you for being here Shouto.” Izuku thanked Shouto. “Well on the topic of what Momo said.” Izuku continued. “She mentioned the other night that you’re very good at seeing exactly who’s in the right and who’s in the wrong I suppose I could ask you how manage that?” Izuku pondered. Shouto took in a deep breath. “Well I’ve been on the sidelines for most of my life or at least like the beginning of my life, so from the side I noticed you can see a lot in peoples stances movements and facial expressions and I suppose it’s a skill I’ve had all my life.” Shouto explained more to Izuku.

“Well stick around because we’ll be right back after commercials.” Izuku finished just as commercials started playing again. The band on stage played for the audience. Soft conversations were heard from the audience. “Izuku, I can call you that right?” Shouto asked, pausing to see Izuku’s reaction, he nodded. “I was wondering if you wanted to come over to my place tonight? For drinks, and we can order food, I can’t cook well, so we would have to order take out? As a thank you for inviting me to your show.” Shouto wondered if Izuku could hear that sound of his heart beat over the other sounds in the theatre. “I can try to cook something.” Izuku blurted out. His face reddened in embarrassment, he fanned his hand in front of his face. “I mean I could, if you don’t feel confident about your cooking, we can go shopping or something together and I could cook for you, as a thank you for protecting this country.” Izuku spoke fast, he glanced all around, he didn’t expect Shouto to ask him to go over to his apartment for dinner.

After commercials, Izuku welcomed everyone back. “Hey everyone.” Izuku spoke to the camera. “Welcome back, where we continue with Shouto.” Izuku gestured to Shouto who sat next to him. “Now Shouto, anything else you want to talk about, nows the time to express yourself.” Izuku joked. “Well…” Shouto paused again to think, he thought about what Izuku just told him, about protecting this country. He thought about being a hero, then remembered Izuku mentioning he wanted to be on growing up. “I guess I could say, being a hero can be tough.” He began, looking at Izuku as he talked, Izuku paying attention to Shouto. “I didn’t have the best childhood, growing up was hard, and now I’ve got a whole country to watch out for, I’ve been suicidal in years past.” Shouto opened up about a deep topic, Izuku’s eyes widened and he straightened up. “It reminds me of something Ochaco Uraraka once asked. ‘Who will save the heroes when they need help?’ And I’ve been asking myself that for years.” Shouto paused. “That’s where people like you come in.” Izuku’s eyes lit up after Shouto mentioned him.

“You said you wanted to be a hero growing up, and I consider you one. Without you and your show, I’m not sure where I’d be.” Shouto smiled, he only added the part about Izuku’s show as to not make it seem like he was obsessed with Izuku. “I needed some kind of fun in my life, and getting to watch your show every night gave me something to laugh along with and look forward to. I don’t think I’d be able to get through a day at work sometimes if I didn’t have something to look forward to, I just hadn’t found anything else.” Shouto tapped his pointer finger on Izuku’s desk as he spoke, noticing his hands were slightly shaking as he opened up about his life. “I… I never really wanted to go see a therapist, because I’m a hero, I’m supposed to save people from their problems, not add to them. There’s constant pressure on us all as heroes, the need to be perfect, my coworkers— my friends, we’re all occasionally struggling with something, it comes with our jobs. They all have people to confide in, but I suppose I just never met someone I could really connect with.” Shouto wanted to say more about how he felt he thought he could connect with Izuku, but kept that part to himself. By now Shouto’s gaze had moved to his lap, his hands slightly shaking and his heart pounding.

“I enjoy watching you and this show because it helps me take my mind off everything, it’s an hour of your jokes, most other comedians I’ve seen over the years just don’t make me laugh as much as you and your writers do I suppose. And some are stressful to watch.” Shouto took the attention off such a deep topic, now looking back up as Izuku, he felt calm as he smiled, Izuku made him feel warm, and it wasn’t even his quirk that was warming him up. He noticed the expression on Izuku’s face, it was one of sympathy, mixed with surprise. “Shouto…” Izuku muttered, he spoke quietly, the mic barely picking up on his words. He unsure of what to say to Shouto now. “I just wanted to thank you, and everyone here, but sorry I feel like I killed the mood here.” Shouto apologized, speaking in a sheepish tone, looking back out at the crowd before back at Izuku. “Don’t apologize, you brought up something so many people were just purposely ignoring, the mental health of our heroes is important, not something to apologize for.” Izuku stated. Shouto felt an odd feeling that someone was finally understanding him. Shouto found himself staring at Izuku, but he didn’t look away.

“I think we should spend more time talking about the mental and physical health of our heroes.” Izuku turned away from Shouto, turning his attention to the camera and the audience. “This is something we can’t just ignore, our heroes are people themselves. Everyone goes through things, why can’t our heroes have ups and downs too?” Izuku was asking important questions, Shouto noted that he had probably never seen Izuku this intent on fixing something. He had only ever seen Izuku joking around and having light and easy conversations, something was different now, Shouto had brought up something important for Izuku as well. “It’s an important thing to see, nobody can be perfect, our heroes included, they can’t save everyone, even though that’s the job description, which is why it’s hard for some of our heroes to understand they can’t do everything. Heroes are always pushed to be the best, how far will we as a society push these heroes for greatness until we realize what we’ve done to them on the inside?” Izuku sighed, noticing how worked up he was getting, he tapped on his leg from under the desk. “My step father, who’s hero name was All Might, he struggled a lot, I noticed it throughout my high school years, even into my adult life, after he retired, it still wasn’t any better. Our society needs to do better.” Izuku was starting down at his desk by the end of his sentence. He noticed the time on a screen in his desk, commercials would start any second now.

The world was left in shock, commercials were running on the TVs, but the theatre was quiet, like nobody was there. First Shouto had told everyone about the problems that came with being a hero, then Izuku admitted to All Might being his step father. Izuku stared down at his desk, watching the countdown till commercials were over on the little screen in his desk. With another minute to go, he glanced sideways at Shouto, who noticed Izuku’s gaze. “Are you ok?” Shouto asked, not loud enough for anyone else but Izuku to hear. He nodded. “What about you Shouto?” Izuku lifted his head up from the desk, giving Shouto his full attention. “I’m getting by.” Shouto shrugged, lifting his hand off the desk as he shrugged, before placing it on the desk again. Shouto smiled at Izuku, trying his best to change the stiff atmosphere in the auditorium.

Commercials came to an end, Izuku faced the cameras. “Well, I’ve only got another minute or so left here for Shouto before the musical guest.” Izuku paused, turning his focus back to Shouto. “My last question tonight would have to be: what’s it like working with all these other pro heroes?” Izuku’s tone was slightly different from before when he asked Shouto, before he seemed more lively and joyful, now he was simply asking a question. Izuku couldn’t bring himself to act all happy after such a topic before. Shouto appreciated this, he would have to mention it later. “Well I think it’s great that I occasionally get to work with everyone I’ve known since high school, there’s a few new faces once and a while, but it’s really great.” Shouto answered. Izuku nodded, he checked with the people working behind stage, looking at everyone’s response. The interview seemed to be over. Shouto would probably reluctantly leave, but at least he would finally get to taste some of Izuku’s cooking later, which Izuku talked about on his show from time to time.

“Well everyone, I believe that’s it for this interview with our number one hero Shouto. One more quick commercial break and we’ll be right back with our musical guest—“ Shouto tuned out, the band was beginning to play in the background, people in the audience cheered for Shouto and Izuku, and Shouto didn’t care much for a musical guest. He liked the guest that came on Friday, occasionally listening to his songs, but this musical guest Shouto didn’t like as much. He was a huge influencer for Shouto’s father Enji, often incorporating a thank you to Endeavour in his songs. Commercials ran again, people running about setting up for the musical guest.

Shouto watched Izuku stand up, Shouto followed. “Thank you for inviting me to your show.” Shouto thanked Izuku again, reaching his hand to shake Izuku’s again. “Well it really was an honour to have you here.” Izuku shook Shouto’s hand. “Still up for later though, do you think we’d need to stop at a grocery store before I cook at your place?” Izuku asked politely, not sure if Shouto still wanted Izuku over. “We might have to stop somewhere, I’ll pay for it all so no worries, pick up whatever you need. It’s been a week since I’ve been shopping anyways so I might grab some stuff to.” Shouto admitted. Izuku chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve cooked at anyone else’s place before, I feel like some kind of resident chef.” Izuku joked. They hesitantly let go of each other’s hand, both internally really excited for after the show. Shouto was thankful he cleaned up his apartment recently, now that Izuku would finally be over he needed it in the best shape. He even washed all the covers and sheets on his bed, failing to convince himself it wasn’t because he hoped him and Izuku would have a little bit of fun after dinner.

After the musical guest, Izuku stood in the middle of the stage, said his final words and goodbyes, then he joined Shouto on the side of the stage. “Give me like ten minutes, then we can go.” Izuku walked by Shouto fast, but as he walked by his hand brushed Shouto’s chest, as to assure Shouto they would leaving soon. Shouto felt like he just had a mini heart attack, his heart beating faster than he wished it would. He turned to watch Izuku go backstage, he couldn’t help but steal a glance at Izuku’s ass as he walked. Shouto felt like he could just stare at all of Izuku for hours, maybe one day he’d get the chance to see Izuku without clothes as he had already spent hours staring at Izuku with his clothes on. Izuku turned around a corner, Shouto felt a tinge of sadness as he couldn’t stare at Izuku anymore, so he looked around for someone to tell him what to do, but everyone else seemed to be busy with something else onstage.

Shouto didn’t like attention, but for once he wished someone was there to explain what to do next. He felt a light tap on his shoulder and turned to see Izuku smiling up at him. “Ok so I think I’ve done everything so far, gave my mic to someone and— don’t you still have your set on you?” Izuku looked Shouto up and down, noticing he still had the microphone attached to his suit. Not sparing any time, Izuku delicately pulled it off Shouto’s suit jacket. Shouto paused as he felt how close Izuku was to him. He managed to piece a sentence together that would get them moving along. “Oh thank you.” He paused, taking in another shallow breath. “And I’ve got a car waiting downstairs, would you like to go now?” Shouto suggested.

Izuku and Shouto both had similar hats and masks to wear out in public to prevent being recognized, they both put on their own on the elevator ride down to the ground floor. Izuku chuckled quietly under his mask, only to be replaced by a scowl. “My glasses are fogging up again.” Izuku angrily muttered. After the elevator made it to the ground floor, they stepped out almost in perfect sync. Surrounded by other people in the lobby, Izuku thought it would be a good idea to hold Shouto’s hand as to not lose each other. Shouto nearly froze the place, he turned back to see Izuku holding his other arm close to his chest. “I don’t like big crowds and I didn’t want to lose you in this crowd.” Izuku explained his reasoning for grabbing Shouto’s hand. Seeing as Izuku seemed uncomfortable around all these people, Shouto pulled him along out to where Takashi had parked. He opened the door, Izuku hopped in, Shouto followed and closed the door beside him.

Izuku explained what grocery store to go to that was still open and had everything he would need and Takashi followed Izuku’s instructions. Shouto sat next to Izuku, watching as his hands moved as he spoke, Shouto was seriously fighting a lot of urges right now. He mainly just wanted to kiss Izuku, but he held back, he wasn’t even sure how long he would last until he started flirting with Izuku.

Izuku and Shouto stepped out into the almost empty corner store parking lot. It was a smaller store, but Izuku explained it had everything he needed, he often came here after work as it was open 24/7. Shouto told Takashi to wait, and that they would be right back. Shouto and Izuku walked together to the store doors. “Oh I forgot to ask, is your car still in the parking lot at your workplace?” Shouto asked, wondering if would be odd if Izuku’s car was in the lot all night, that’s if he stayed with Shouto all night. “No actually, I have someone who drives me around like you do, I let him know to take the night off— well like—“ Izuku struggled to explain to Shouto why he thought his driver would take the night off. “Actually that’s a good idea, you should stay the night.” Shouto started opening the door for Izuku, questioning himself, not exactly thinking about what he was saying. “Thank you.” Izuku muttered. “It’s late, you can take my bed, I’ll sleep on the couch. And tomorrow I can have Takashi drive you to work.” Shouto suggested.

He followed Izuku into the store, the door closing behind them. “Thank you, but I can’t just steal your bed from you, I can sleep on your couch.” Izuku assured, walking down an isle after grabbing a handheld basket from beside the main doors. “And what do you feel about sushi?” Izuku asked, taking a package of seaweed. “It’s been a while since I’ve had sushi, that sounds nice for tonight.” Shouto agreed. “And I can’t just force you to sleep on my couch. You’re my guest today, you can stay in my bed, I just washed the sheets recently anyways.” Shouto insisted. “Sushi it is.” Izuku talked to himself, looking now for rice and salmon. “Shouto, I’ll be fine on the couch, end of story.” Izuku walked fast, knowing his way around, finding supplies faster then Shouto expected. “We could always just share my bed.” Shouto joked, he mustered up a lot of courage to say that, he had to remember to laugh along with his words as to assure Izuku he was just joking.

Izuku was thankful he was facing away from Shouto and faced towards the shelves. He could feel his face heat up. He made in impulsive decision. “Fine, that sounds fine.” Izuku instantly regretted saying that, knowing that Shouto was just joking. “Well, aren’t I lucky man?” Shouto smiled, both him and Izuku were extremely happy about what this night could become. Izuku trudged on, grabbing everything he needed, they headed to the register, argued momentarily about who would pay before Shouto distracted Izuku long enough to tab his card on the card machine. Izuku took the two plastic bags and raced Shouto out of the store, laughing as he ran back to Shouto’s car. “I can’t believe you distracted me with something as simple as a magazine, with your face on it too.” Izuku exclaimed, Shouto wondered from how many kilometres away Izuku could be heard from. “I have my charms.” Shouto boasted.

“You sound like you were popular in high school.” Izuku concluded from Shouto’s words as he opened the passenger door for Izuku. “I suppose I was, never really got the hype about me though?” Shouto remembered his high school days. He closed the door, swiftly walking around the back to the other side of the car. He got inside, told Takashi to take them home, and they were off. “Yeah, I’ve heard plenty of things from your high school days.” Izuku admitted. Shouto was slightly surprised Izuku had actually spent time learning anything about his high school days. “Really?” Shouto asked. “Oh yeah, everyone said you were the quiet kid at the back of the class, and I heard that valentines day was something all your teachers dreaded because so many of the girls and a few guys were interrupting class to confess, or someone had sent a gift to you.” Izuku went on about Shouto.

Shouto laughed. “Haha Valentine’s Day, you won’t believe some of the stuff people sent me. I got once one of those huge stuffed bears, it was bigger than me. I forgot what I did with it or how I got it home, but I think I donated it, never had a need for it.” Shouto explained, laughing as he spoke. “Oh I’ve always wanted one of those, they look so comfy.” Izuku sighed, imagining falling onto one after a long day. “Yeah it certainly was comfy. Kinda regretted getting rid of it, but I’m sure it went somewhere good, to someone who wanted it more than me.” Shouto nodded, glancing at Izuku, who was still smiling.

They finally got to Shouto’s apartment building, he told Takashi to take the rest of the night off, and thanked him. Izuku and Shouto took the food up the elevator to Shouto’s floor. Shouto unlocked the door to his apartment, they both took off their shoes, hats, and masks once they entered the door. Shouto took his and Izuku’s coat and hung the coats up in a closet beside the door.

Izuku was slightly surprised to see Shouto’s apartment was a modern yet rustic style apartment, with two doors off to the side for what Izuku guessed were a bathroom and bedroom. The kitchen was next to the door after a short hallway. Huge windows lined the walls, it was a corner apartment with great views. “You seem surprised?” Shouto asked, questioning why Izuku’s expression was one of surprise. “I expected a huge apartment, but I guess you’re more the time who doesn’t need such a huge place, though this place is bigger then mine.” Izuku went on chuckling, walking by Shouto who was placing the ingredients Izuku got on the counter, he walked up to the windows, looking down on the city below. “Wow Shouto, this view… it’s beautiful.” Izuku mentioned.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Shouto quietly blurted out as he unpacked everything from the bags they had. Izuku heard what Shouto said, but when he turned to look at Shouto he could tell by how red Shouto’s face was he probably wasn’t supposed to hear him. “Should I start making dinner now? It’s quite late and I’m getting hungry.” Izuku smiled, pushing his glasses up on his nose again. “Yeah go ahead, and let me know if you need anything or any help.” Shouto gestured for Izuku to come take his pick from the ingredients on his kitchen counter. “Right, thank you Shouto.” Izuku walked over to the counter and began opening packages. Shouto leaned back on his counter watching Izuku put together ingredients. Shouto was still ecstatic about being on Izuku’s show, now he had Izuku alone with him in his apartment making him dinner.

Shouto wondered if he was dreaming, and if he was was he hoped it would be a very long coma he was stuck in. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with Izuku, yet it was past one am, they both had work tomorrow and would have to wake up early as usual. Shouto knew they wouldn’t be able to stay up all night together, but he knew they would wake up next to each other in the morning. He wanted to hold Izuku close throughout the night, if Izuku asked why he wouldn’t make up the excuse he was sleeping or something. Shouto decided to snap out of his daydreaming and stop staring at Izuku, he pushed himself off his counter. Shouto grabbed two plates, two sets of chopsticks, and set up everything on the bar counter. Two stools were already set up, Izuku would just have to place the sushi on the plates and reach over to the counter and place the plates in front of where they would sit.

“What do you want to drink? I have water, wine, beer, a can or two of pop?” Shouto suggested, looking into his open fridge. “I’ll just have water.” Izuku nodded, so Shouto grabbed two glasses from his cupboards after closing his fridge and filled the two glasses with water from the tap on the fridge door. He placed the two glasses next to the chopsticks, and sat down on one of the stools, waiting for Izuku to join him and sit next to him. Izuku finished making the sushi, he placed it neatly on Shouto’s plates once he was happy with the outcome of the sushi.

Izuku and Shouto sat next to each other, chatting and eating sushi. “This sushi you made is perfect.” Shouto exclaimed. Izuku blushed in embarrassment, fanning his face trying to cool down after getting a compliment from Shouto. “Well Shouto nothing’s perfect.” Izuku chuckled. Shouto placed his chopsticks down, and leaned his head against his hand which was propped up by his elbow on the counter. He stared at Izuku again. “I’d say some things are.” He admitted. Izuku’s face only got hotter from Shouto’s comments, he paused, he placed his hand down on the counter. Izuku immediately changed the conversation topic, not believing Shouto was talking about him or even liked him for that matter.

“Have you seen our lord and Saviour, and king Explosion Murder Bakugou?” Izuku mocked Katsuki’s hero name. The smile faded from Shouto’s face, thinking Izuku was bringing up Katsuki because he liked him. “He’s kinda stupid, like his hero name can help anyone reach a thousand words for their essay after a sentence or two.” Izuku went on, making fun of Katsuki, which Shouto came to realize Izuku didn’t have a crush on Katsuki. “I think he’s a furry, I’m about ninety percent sure Red Riot has a collar for Bakugou.” Shouto told Izuku in the most nonchalant tone. Izuku snorted, and nearly choked, Izuku covered his face as he laughed. “Oh gosh Shouto, how can you say that so calmly?” Izuku practically shouted between laughs. “I’m a personal enjoyer of making fun of Bakugou, he can be a real ass sometimes, so it’s great to joke about him.” Shouto shrugged. “Yeah that’s true.” Izuku agreed, still laughing about Katsuki having a collar.

“I mean there’s nothing wrong with being a furry, but he brings his kinks to work and practically barks and growls at everyone.” Shouto sighed, remembering the few times Katsuki barked at him. “He seriously barks at people? I thought that was just a rumour.” Izuku snickered. “Yeah of course he does, why would I lie to you?” Shouto concluded, he smiled at Izuku. “Ah that’s so funny.” Izuku continued softly laughing.

“So what time tomorrow morning should I get Takashi to drive you to work or your apartment?” Shouto asked. “I’ll probably need to head back to my apartment and change around nine am, and I’ll probably head to work around nine thirty but I can get my own driver to drive me there, no reason to bother Takashi.” Izuku stared down at his almost empty plate of sushi as he thought about his morning plans. “Yeah I’ll have to get up at around six tomorrow, and I’ll leave at quarter to eight or so. Your welcome to sleep in as long as you need.” Shouto told Izuku. “Well thank you, but I’ll probably wake up around then too, maybe I could make breakfast, depending on what you have.” Izuku mentioned.

Shouto finished dinner first, then Izuku, Shouto washed the dishes after showing Izuku to his shower. He lent Izuku a towel, and some older shirts he had laying around in his drawers for Izuku to wear as pyjamas. He washed the dishes quietly as he heard the water running from his bathroom. Shouto hummed as he thought about what Izuku would look like taking a shower, but he shook the thought from his mind as fast as it came to him. He sighed, placing the clean plates down on a rack to dry, then leaned on his counter top. Shouto was slightly confused by how this night had played out. It started with him going to Izuku’s show, then they went to a corner store, Izuku made Shouto dinner, now Izuku’s taking a shower in Shouto’s bathroom, and next they would be sleeping in the same bed. “This has got to slow down.” Shouto thought out loud.

As much as Shouto wanted to sleep next to Izuku he didn’t want to lose control or wake up hard after having a dream about Izuku. He didn’t exactly know if he called out Izuku’s name as he slept, and he definitely didn’t want Izuku to be the one to tell him he did. Pushing himself away from his counter, he turned off all the lights in his kitchen and headed towards his room, still hearing the shower running faintly. He rummaged through some of his black drawers to find a suitable outfit for him to wear as pyjamas. Normally Shouto wore just boxers, nothing at all, or was far to lazy after work to change from his hero suit. When he didn’t change from his hero suit, that was mostly weekends when Izuku’s show wasn’t on and he had nothing to do when he got home after work. He sat on his bed and scrolled through his phone. Opening Twitter to see what was new.

The main topic that was trending was actually him and Izuku. He clicked on the tag and scrolled a bit more. He read through most of the tweets as he continued to scroll. Most were about his mental health, a few were about Izuku’s step father being All Might. Some tweets were about them being gay, but he came across one that made his face heat up and his heart pound. Someone had tweeted a theory that the man Shouto talked about liking was Izuku, and that they would end up dating soon, if they weren’t already. He started to imagine him and Izuku dating again, but was startled by the shower turning off. He looked up at the door, seeing a shadow move from the crack under the door. It lit up the room, Shouto sat in the dark now after turning off his phone and placing it on his nightstand. The only other light source in the room was the large windows on the wall behind him, but he kept the blinds closed normally.

Izuku had dried himself off, and now wore Shouto’s clothes as he stepped out of the bathroom. “Those clothes are quite big on you.” Shouto noticed, enjoying the sight of Izuku wearing his clothes, even if it was very baggy on Izuku who was shorter than Shouto and not as built as him either. Izuku seemed surprised to see Shouto, one hand held the door frame, while the other was head close to his chest. “Oh, sorry for startling you.” Shouto apologized, standing up and grabbing his clothes off his bed. “No it’s fine, I’ve always been a bit jumpy.” Izuku replied sheepishly. “Which side of the bed is mine for tonight?” Izuku asked, quieter than he meant to ask due to embarrassment. “The side closer to the window, and furthest from you now.” Shouto gestured to the other side of the bed from where he had been sitting. “Can I open the blinds?” Izuku asked, noticing the window. “Sure, if you’d like to.” Shouto agreed, slipping by Izuku to go take his shower, Izuku walked past him, carrying his clothes with him to his side of the bed. “I’ll be right out.” Shouto assured Izuku and closed the door behind him.

Izuku heard the shower start, he sat down on the bed before standing back up to put his clothes on the drawer top neatly, taking his phone from his pants pocket. He walked over to the windows and opened the blinds to reveal another similar yet beautiful view like the one he saw from the living room. He pressed his hand and nose against the glass to look out, but it soon fogged up the window. The air outside must have been a cool night breeze as the windows were cold and fogged easily. Izuku took a step back, before turning to the bed and getting under the covers. He held his phone and lifted his arms above the covers, then let them rest at his sides, his phone resting on his chest. Izuku straightened up slightly and leaned on the headboard. He turned on his phone and read the news stories. One paparazzis article intrigued him. It was about who they thought Shouto was dating. Izuku read in a few paragraphs before reading his name as the most likely person Shouto was with. Izuku could practically feel the steam evaporating from his body. Izuku was embarrassed to say the least, but he couldn’t help but imagine Shouto and him dating in that moment.

Izuku imagined coming home from work at or around the same time Shouto did, greeting each other at the door, Shouto’s place was a bit bigger than Izuku’s so he would probably move in with Shouto, he hoped. Then he wondered if Shouto would be in the audience for his show every night. Izuku imagined being with Shouto, holding his phone close to his chest, he smiled giddily as he stared at the ceiling, not paying attention to anything that was real for a moment, just what he could imagine. Izuku would have to keep dreaming because the sound of the shower turning off snapped him out of his day dream, he turned to the bathroom door, seeing Shouto’s shadow moving from under the door. He placed his phone on the nightstand next to him, he took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes with one hand, and placed his glasses on top of his phone. He used both his hands to tuck himself into Shouto’s bed, and laid down in Shouto’s bed. He waited for Shouto to come out of the bathroom, hoping they could talk for a bit before sleep despite how tired he was.

Shouto stepped out of his bathroom, wearing a lose yet fitting white shirt with longer black shorts. He dried his dripping hair with a towel with one hand. Izuku watched Shouto from where he was laying, feeling himself heat up again, Shouto could turn Izuku on so easily and Izuku didn’t like how easy it was. Izuku shifted a bit in bed, trying to turn away from Shouto. “Oh Izuku, I didn’t know if you were still awake.” Shouto muttered, flipping the bathroom light switch off after folding his towel and placing it on his counter. He got into his bed, leaving an awkward silence between the two of them. They just met a few hours ago, now they were sleeping in the same bed.

Izuku’s back faced Shouto as he didn’t need to face Shouto and risk being so turned on by him he would get hard. Izuku was embarrassed laying next to him, he wondered if tonight would be another one of those nights were he had a dream about Shouto and he would wake up Shouto by calling out his name in his sleep. Izuku decided to say one final thing. “Uh well good night, and thanks again for letting me stay.” Izuku slowly shut his eyes. “Yeah, and it was nice meeting you today, you’re welcome to stay over anytime too.” Shouto started. “Good night Izuku.” Shouto shut his own eyes too, drifting off to sleep before Izuku did.

Izuku noticed Shouto’s breathing slowed, and turned his head to see Shouto sleeping. He noticed Shouto rolled on his side to face Izuku, who then felt Shouto’s arm pulling him closer. Izuku opened his mouth to say something but was unable to speak, his mind seemed blank and fuzzy now. Shouto was holding Izuku close, and he didn’t expect that. Izuku could hear Shouto’s breaths, and could feel him breathing on the back of Izuku’s neck. Izuku was mentally screaming, but eventually felt more happy than surprised and cuddled up closer to Shouto. Once he finally did fall asleep, they cuddled close for the rest of the night.

Izuku woke up first, surprised to find Shouto still holding him close. Izuku sat up, only to be pushed back down and pulled close again by a half asleep Shouto. “Shouto.” Izuku whispered, noticing the time, it was almost seven and Shouto said he needed to be up at seven. “Don’t you need to wake up now?” Izuku asked. “Just five more minutes Izuku.” Shouto groggily replied, nuzzling his face up against Izuku’s and putting one leg over Izuku’s lower body, leaving him trapped. Izuku awkwardly glanced around the room, seeing the lights from the city brightening the room. He lifted his hands to his face, covering his face until he felt calm enough to face Shouto. He enjoyed being so close to Shouto, and noticed now that he actually had a great sleep. Normally when he woke up in the morning he was grumpy and not excited for the day ahead of him. Yet today Izuku was ready to face the day, he had plenty of energy. “Shouto, we should wake up.” Izuku tried to convince Shouto. “No.” He sternly muttered, Izuku couldn’t help but chuckle, Shouto sounded almost like a stubborn child. “Don’t laugh at me.” Shouto grumbled, which only made Izuku laugh harder.

Shouto lifted his head to see his alarm clock, he would have to wake up now. He looked down to see Izuku smiling up at him. He realized the position they were in. “Oh Izuku, I, I’m sorry.” He stuttered and pulled away, sitting up in bed. “No, no it was nice.” Izuku admitted, pulling the covers slightly to cover most of his face while he glanced away from Shouto. “You liked cuddling with me then?” Shouto seemed surprised, he looked down at a noticeably embarrassed Izuku. He threw the covers off himself and jumped out of Shouto’s bed. “What’s for breakfast, I can make something, or we could order something?” Izuku spoke fast, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he went on. “Or maybe—“ Izuku was cut off. “Izuku.” Shouto called his name. “Sorry I ramble sometimes.” Izuku muttered, looking down at his feet, which he shifted around on. “No worries.” Shouto began. “Want cereal and coffee for breakfast?” Shouto asked. “Sounds nice and easy.” Izuku nodded, glancing at Shouto occasionally.

They leaned against Shouto’s kitchen counter, eating cereal. “So you plan on going to work today?” Izuku asked between mouthfuls. “Why wouldn’t I go?” Shouto questioned. “Hmm thought you would want a break, you could come to my workplace today.” Izuku offered. “Thank you for the offer.” Shouto started. “But I have a duty to uphold for the people of Japan.” Shouto sighed, poking at the few pieces of cereal left in his bowl with his spoon. “Yeah, I suppose that’s more important.” Izuku agreed. “But.” Shouto swallowed any feelings of embarrassment for the moment, needing to say one last thing to Izuku. “I want to see you again sometime.”

“Izuku would you like to have dinner with me again?” Shouto then realized that maybe Izuku could be busy so he wanted to give Izuku more options. “Or— or breakfast, or lunch, or whatever you want, but can I see you again?” Shouto stuttered over his words at the beginning there, he hoped Izuku wouldn’t turn him down because of his occasional stutter. “Are you asking me out on a date?” Izuku’s face reddened, hoping he was taking on the right signals and not asking the wrong thing. “Yeah, Izuku, I want to have a relationship with you, I’m really interesting in you, I want to know more about you, I want to be with you more.” Shouto admitted, glancing down at the floor and avoiding Izuku’s gaze, really hoping now that Izuku couldn’t hear his heart beat pounding, or turn him down. “Yes Shouto, oh gosh yes, I’ve been waiting— hoping you’d ask me out.” Izuku chuckled, Shouto looked up from the floor in surprise. “Really?” He spoke quieter then he had meant to, he wondered if Izuku heard him. “Really?” He said louder, a smile stretching across his face seeing Izuku nod. His posture had been slouched, but he straightened up.

They talked about their schedules hoping to find a day were they were both off, after no luck, Shouto suggested doing something similar to what they had done last night. He could invite Izuku over after work, Izuku could bring groceries and make something, and if it was late, Izuku was welcome to stay over. They planned tomorrow night, as Izuku would be off tomorrow leaving more time for him to gather groceries for dinner, and he could sleep in the next day as he was always off for the weekends and today was Friday. Shouto knew he would be home before eleven pm, and decided eleven thirty pm would be a good time for them as he would need a bit to set up.

Izuku came to a sudden realization. “So you would want to do everything that a relationship comes with, and you’d do that with me?” Izuku quietly asked. “I would want to do everything I can with you.” Shouto explained, not exactly understanding what Izuku was asking. “Including like— including s-sex?” Izuku’s face turned a deeper shade of pink as he asked, his voice louder than he meant it as he was embarrassed. “I— I do want to eventually— but only if you want to as well.” Shouto awkwardly replied. He knew couples were supposed to have deep conversations, he just didn’t expect some to be awkward like this. “I would like to sometime as well, maybe after a few dates.” Izuku suggested, now speaking in a hushed tone out of embarrassment.

Another important conversation Izuku and Shouto had was about the press. “Izuku, as we’re going to go on more dates, what would you want the press to know?” He started, sipping some coffee before he went to get ready for work. “Because I honestly don’t think they need to know anything, that would just make things harder for us right? I’ve seen relationships between heroes work better when press isn’t involved.” Shouto thought back to Momo and Jirou’s relationship. “Yeah, I think I’ll just deny everything they ask, I don’t like the press all up in my business.” Izuku agreed. “But it would be fun to tease the press, I might say I’m dating someone if they bring it up.” Izuku chuckled.

Shouto changed to his hero suit, Izuku couldn’t help but stare as he came out of his closet in his hero suit. Shouto headed off to work, saying his goodbyes to Izuku, and let him know when Takashi would be available to pick him up. After Shouto got to work, he noticed another familiar face; Ashido Mina. “Mina.” Shouto greeted, walking up the steps to his hero agency. “Shouto, Shouto.” She called, bounding over to him. “Tell me, are you dating anyone?” Mina liked asking this question as it wasn’t the first time she asked. “No.” Shouto lied, well partially, but he avoided Mina’s gaze. “What about Midoriya Izuku?” Mina asked another question. “You remind me of paparazzi.” Shouto mentioned, opening the door to his agency. He stepped in, Mina followed. “You’re not dating anyone.” She sighed, following him as he walked to his office. He was glad Mina moved on from that topic as she asked him how he was next.

“And Mina how have you been?” Shouto eventually got to ask, Mina was now wandering around Shouto’s office, looking at the the picture frames on the shelves. “Oh I’ve been great.” She smiled. “My blog where I openly expose everyone is going great. The people want to know about you though.” Mina explained, Shouto realized that’s why Mina was there. In high school she started a blog under her own name, eventually people found it. She shamelessly leaked secrets, but in a vague way. Momo had allowed her to tell everyone she was dating someone, but said she couldn’t record that it was Jirou. Mina followed this instructions and created a long paragraph, which in short explained Momo wasn’t single, but Mina wouldn’t tell anyone who Momo was dating. The press went ballistic, Shouto remembered that month well, he was almost always being asked about who Momo was dating when press came around. Still the secret remains a secret, the press still don’t know who Momo is with, as she wanted. Mina was a good secret keeper and also knew how to excite the people.

“You can tell the people I’ve got a date coming up with someone, but that’s it.” Shouto sighed, knowing Mina would continue to press him for information until he gave something up. Shouto didn’t have the time to watch Mina pretend to be a private investigator as she rummaged around his office and decided to tell her something to save time. Mina swiftly turned, Shouto thought she might break her neck if she were to continue whipping her head around like that. “What?” Mina obviously wanted more information from the tone of her voice. “I’m not going to tell you anymore.” Shouto stood up from his office chair. “It’s time for me to go on patrol of the area.” Shouto ignored her need to know more, and headed out, Mina followed him, but was typing on her phone. “I’m gonna tell everyone who reads my blog your going on dates with some guy.” She nodded slightly, steadily typing on her phone while walking behind Shouto. “Sure.” Shouto clicked the button on the floor elevator to take them down to the ground floor. Staff members passed by, nodding to and greeting Shouto: their boss.

Mina said her goodbyes to Shouto, hugging him, leaving Shouto surprised and didn’t know how to react. Mina let him go before he really had to react, Shouto said goodbye, and Mina got in a taxi a bit down the street. Shouto turned the other way on the street and started to walk around the nearby area. “Shouto. Do you have the chance to talk?” A small group of what looked to be high school students approached him. “Oh, yeah sure I suppose I’ve got time.” He responded. The group pulled out their phones almost simultaneously, opening voice memos to record Shouto. “What prompted you to become a hero, we’re aiming to be heroes too.” One asked. Shouto didn’t really have much of an answer other then his father forced him into the career. “My family and I decided it would be best if I followed a good path in life.” He came up with the easiest response he could on the spot. “And best of luck to you, I hope to see you all achieve your goals to become heroes.” Shouto thought that would be the best thing to say as well, but didn’t really want to force hero ideals onto young people as his father had done to him.

The interview was over soon after that, Shouto signed a few autographs before continuing to watch over his area of the city. He was getting impatient, he wanted it to be tomorrow: Saturday night already. That was his first real date with Izuku, but his second night. Izuku would probably stay over again, meaning Shouto had another chance with Izuku in bed, but thought that just cuddling was enough now. After their talk in the morning, they both agreed that after a few dates, and when they were ready they would consider having that kind of late night fun. He had to admit though, seeing Izuku flustered face almost all the time this morning was cute, he smiled thinking about how cute Izuku looked when he was flustered.

Not much happened at work, when he went home, Shouto was excited to see Izuku’s show again, even if it was just from his couch. He took a shower, got into the same pyjamas as yesterday, briefly pulling his shirt up to his nose and faintly smelling Izuku on it. Shouto hoped his bed would still smell like Izuku, he smelt like lavender and roses, Shouto didn’t realize how much he liked that smell until he noticed it was what Izuku smelt like.

Shouto slumped down onto his couch, waiting for the show to begin with another instant ramen pack in his hand, warming his palm. Using the chopsticks he had, he slurped up some of the noodles. The show began, a short clip playing at the beginning making Shouto chuckle. When the theme music started, Shouto hummed along as usual. Izuku walked up on stage, Shouto’s heart raced in his chest, he couldn’t help it, he was just so in love with Izuku. His main monologue began as usual, then he talked about tonights guest.

“I’m talking to one pro hero after another, yesterday I talked with Shouto.” Izuku started, a few cheers were heard from the audience. “Tonight I’ve got a good friend of mine on. We have actually been friends for a good five or six years. My guest tonight is Ochaco Uraraka, she’ll be on later.” Izuku told his excited audience, they cheered from Ochaco. Shouto scowled hearing she would be on, he knew she was dating Asui, but she occasionally flirted with the people around her, he didn’t like the idea of anyone flirting with Izuku. Shouto wasn’t going to be there to tell Ochaco not to flirt with his future husband, so he had to trust Izuku wouldn’t take it seriously. If they had been friends for that many years, he knew Izuku would probably understand Ochaco didn’t mean any of her flirty words. And he trusted Izuku enough, which was odd considering they basically just met, but Shouto felt he could tell Izuku anything and Izuku would keep it all safe. Shouto felt open and vulnerable around him, but yet, he kind of liked the feeling of being open with Izuku.

Shouto watched on his TV as Izuku and Ochaco talked, feeling almost angry, but he didn’t understand why. He thought it was because of how Ochaco was talking to Izuku, the flirty looks she gave him too, yet he knew she was dating Asui. Even with this knowledge, he wanted Izuku, he came to a realization that he wasn’t only weird about his feelings for Izuku after knowing he’s jerked off to him and watched Izuku every night on the Tv, now he was getting possessive. Shouto sighed.

Shouto noticed Izuku reacted differently with Ochaco when she flirted compared to when Shouto made attempts. Izuku seemed to laugh and brush it off with Ochaco, while with Shouto he seemed embarrassed, Shouto thought seeing Izuku’s flustered face was cute, but began to wonder if he was only embarrassed because he was uncomfortable. Shouto’s mind wandered and he questioned if Izuku really liked him or if Izuku was uncomfortable being around Shouto. He decided to ask Izuku next time he saw him, which would be tomorrow night: Saturday evening.

Izuku got on the stage after the show, he saw Ochaco and waved, watching as she came over to him. “Izuku.” She cheered, leaping into a hug. Izuku awkwardly chuckled, patting her back, unsure of what to do in that moment. She pulled away, Izuku remembered what he had to say. “Ochaco, I thought I told you to do less flirting this interview.” Izuku muttered, but Ochaco could still hear what he said. “What’s wrong with it, you’re normally fine with it?” She seemed a bit surprised. “I think it's funny sometimes.” Izuku started, waving his hands in front of his face in reassurance. “And I get you’re just joking and this isn’t the first interview I invited you for where you jokingly flirted, and, and the public—“ Izuku would have continued to ramble on if Ochaco hadn’t cut him off. “Izuku, are you seeing someone?” She questioned.

“What?” Izuku shouted louder then he meant, making some of his staff turn to look at him. “You just don't want to seem like you’re cheating.” She pieced together. “No, no, no, no.” Izuku sighed. “Who is he?” Ochaco asked, Izuku knew she could keep secrets, and trusted her greatly, and wondered if telling her would probably be ok. “I can only tell you I’m starting to see someone.” He rubbed his forearm, looking down at his shoes, which were shiny enough to reflect plenty of the stage lights. “Just got into this relationship then? You just recently met Shouto, are you two going—“ Izuku cut her off— loudly. “No no, we’re not dating.” He hollered, which prompted a questioning look from Ochaco and the stage staff were now starring at him, all interested in what sparked Izuku’s shout. Izuku’s face was deep red, his hands covering his face. Ochaco knew her answer now, she didn’t need to press Izuku for anything more.

“Hey, I’m gonna invite some heroes out for drinks, wanna come with me as the special guest?” Ochaco suggested with a playful wink. Izuku opened his mouth to speak, but paused. “You know I don’t like crowds.” He started. “Is Shouto going to be there?” Izuku finally asked.

Shouto was turning off his TV, only to get a notification on his phone. It was Ochaco, she was asking about going out for drinks. Shouto questioned if going out for drinks would be good, he didn’t want to be tired when he was with Izuku tomorrow. But Ochaco mentioned Izuku would be with her as the special guest. Shouto sighed, and for once he agreed to go, she told him that all the other heroes from their calls would be there, and where the bar was. He set his phone down, he was still wearing work clothes as he had come home late and didn’t have time to shower as he couldn’t miss Izuku’s show. Ochaco had told him where she and Izuku were headed, it was only a five minute walk from his apartment, he slipped on a navy blue button down, and simple black pants.

He got to the bar in only eight or so minutes, and was called over to a few tables at the back by Ochaco right after he got inside. Ochaco and Izuku were sitting together at a table. There were only three chairs, so he took the last open one. “Hey.” He greeted them, sitting down. “Shouto, nice to see you again.” Izuku smiled, Shouto nodded. Ochaco was watching them both, waiting for it to get really awkward between both boys. She had known Izuku for years, and knew he always seemed to get nervous around the topic of Shouto, which lead her to understand he had a crush on Shouto. On the other hand, she knew Shouto wasn’t the best socially, and when she talked about Izuku occasionally Shouto seemed to get a little red. Both boys now seemed a little nervous to be around the other, yet they seemed almost comfortable. She watched them both slip into a conversation, watching as Shouto seemed calm and interested, a his lips slightly upturned in a smile. Izuku went on about something, but she wasn’t paying attention. She was happy that both her friends had finally found each other.

“Hey, before I go, lets take a pic for my instagram.” Ochaco suggested to Izuku and Shouto. “What do you mean leave?” Izuku seemed slightly sad she was leaving. “You two get some alone time.” Ochaco pulled her phone out. “I thought you invited more people?” Shouto questioned. “Nope.” Ochaco shuffled closer to Izuku and Shouto. Pulling up her phone and taking the picture. Both Izuku and Shouto were looking at her in confusion, while she smiled up at her phone with a smile. It was a funny picture, and she captioned it ‘Out with friends’, and tagged Izuku and Shouto.

After that she simply ran away, leaving the two of them alone. Shouto turned back to see Izuku, fidgeting, a bright red colouring dusted his face. Now that it was just him and Izuku, Shouto noticed Izuku seemed different. “Do I make you uncomfortable, you seem very flustered with me?” He asked. Izuku looked up at Shouto, their eyes meeting, Shouto could feel himself heating up. “No, no you don’t, I’m just flustered around you because..” Izuku trailed off. “Because?” Shouto watched Izuku’s face lower, as Izuku looked back to the table. “Because I really like you.” Izuku muttered, Shouto could hear him even though Izuku was talking in such a hushed tone. Shouto could see Izuku was tapping on the table, he took Izuku’s hand. “I’m glad, because I really like you too.” Shouto smiled, Izuku looked up at him again, a smile on his face too. Shouto wanted to kiss Izuku, but decided against it as they didn’t know each other well enough to yet.

“Any more plans for the night?” Shouto asked, wanting to make conversation. Izuku nodded. “I was going to go home and cook dinner, and, this might be weird of me to ask, but want to come over for dinner?” Izuku asked, Shouto didn’t think his night could get any better now, spending a second dinner in a row with Izuku. “Sure, I’d love to.” Shouto responded. “And I suppose, uhm.” Izuku looked down again, noticing that Shouto was still holding his hand. “You’re welcome to stay the night if you’d like to, I want to return the favour.” Izuku finished talking. “I’ll take you up on that.” Shouto chuckled. “I really did enjoy your cooking yesterday, I’m excited to see what you make today.” He continued. Izuku nodded, still to embarrassed to face Shouto, but was overjoyed that Shouto liked what he could cook. “Thank you Shouto.” Izuku smiled.

Shouto could feel his heart racing once again, he was following Izuku down a bright hallway to Izuku’s apartment. Izuku fumbled around with his keychain until he found his key and stopped in front of one of the light grey doors. After unlocking his apartment, he welcomed Shouto inside. Shouto took a look around noticing the more modern look of the apartment, it was smaller than his apartment though, so he would probably have Izuku move in with him. Izuku showed Shouto the kitchen. “You have an amazing apartment.” Shouto mentioned. “Thank you.” Izuku acknowledged.

Izuku made dinner, they ate, and had a few conversations along the way. Shouto felt happy with Izuku, he wanted to spend more time with Izuku but it was late, they would have to get to bed now. He helped clean things up in the kitchen before Izuku gave him a towel and spare clothes and practically shoved Shouto into his bathroom. Izuku didn’t want to spend the time thinking about Shouto using his shower, the hot steam from the hot water, and the fact that Shouto wouldn’t be wearing any clothes in Izuku’s apartment. He went back to the kitchen to clean, but accidentally splashed water on his face while cleaning a spoon, he wondered if that was what he got for his naughty thoughts.

He dried his face, and faintly heard the shower turn on. His mind drifted back to the thoughts of Shouto, Izuku wondered what it would be like if Shouto pushed him down into bed. Izuku leaned against his kitchen counter, wondering if Shouto’s hair was split all the way down too, and if his lips would be half hot half cold. Izuku thought he would have to muster up a whole lot of courage and eventually ask. Izuku couldn’t stop having these thoughts, wondering about Shouto on top of him, or what it would feel like with Shouto inside of him. Izuku bit his lip, trying not to think to hard about that. He didn’t want Shouto to come out of the shower and see Izuku hard or jerking off.

Izuku slapped both sides of his face with both hands, sighing. The question he had asked this morning was about if Shouto wanted to fuck him, and Shouto seemed to be fine with it, Izuku questioned if he would have to make the first move, they hadn’t even kissed yet, but it made sense, they hadn’t had an official date yet. Izuku wanted ask if they could call these two dinners as dates, so he could pretend this was their second date, perhaps that would speed things up. He wasn’t sure of what Shouto was comfortable with yet, but they had already slept in the same bed, Izuku hoped that would also count for something.

Izuku had zoned out for a while and didn’t even realize, he only noticed when the shower turned off. His bathroom was connected to his room like in Shouto’s apartment so Izuku ran over to his room. He didn’t even know why but something compelled him to run over to his room. He wanted to see Shouto again, last time Shouto came out of the shower, Izuku thought it was hot how easy he just stepped out, water dipping from his hair as he dried it with a towel in one hand. Izuku might have wanted to see Shouto looking all hot as usual again.

Shouto opened the bathroom door, wearing Izuku’s clothes which were a few sizes too big for Izuku but seemed to fit Shouto well, he smiled down at Izuku. “So were will I be sleeping?” He asked. “In my bed.” Izuku blurted out without thinking, pointing at his bed. “Works for me.” Shouto agrees, it takes Izuku a second to realize what he said but by the time he understands the situation Shouto’s already climbing under the covers on one side of Izuku’s bed. He placed his phone on the nightstand next to him as it had been in his pocket before. His clothes from the day went on the floor next to where he was going to sleep. “Are you gonna take a shower, or are you gonna join me now?” Shouto questioned, leaving Izuku confused by the meaning of join him. Without wanting to think about all the possibilities of what could happen if Izuku joined Shouto now, he knew he had to take a shower first.

“I’ll go shower, then I’ll be right back.” Izuku shuffled away to his bathroom, but before he closed the door, Shouto said something. “To bad we didn’t shower together, we could have saved water, hmm well enjoy your shower.” Shouto reached for his phone on the nightstand, Izuku leaned into his door, closing it. Izuku puffed out a breath of air, one he hadn’t realized he was holding in until he shut the bathroom door. He was internally screaming now, stuck with thoughts of showering with Shouto circling his mind. It was obvious by Shouto’s tone he wasn’t joking around, and Izuku was too quick to assume things.

Izuku took a quick shower, he wanted to know what Shouto would want to do after Izuku joined him in bed. Izuku was partly excited and yet also embarrassed, he didn’t know why Shouto wanted him, to be with him, to date him, but Izuku was happy to know Shouto liked him the way Izuku had liked Shouto for years. Just thinking about dating Shouto, and not just dreaming up a relationship made him delightful, and Izuku’s heart sped in his chest. After turning off the shower, he stepped out and grabbed his towel, and his clothes. He dried off and got into his pyjamas, his hand rested on the door handle momentarily as he hesitated to face Shouto after all these thoughts he had been having.

Izuku took in a sharp breath and opened the door, Shouto looked up from his phone, which had been the only light in the room before Izuku opened the bathroom door and the bathroom light flooded his room. “Izuku.” Shouto softly greeted. Izuku felt his body grow weak seeing Shouto’s smile and hearing Shouto call out Izuku’s name. He turned off the bathroom light, Shouto looked down to his phone, noticing it had turned off as the room wasn’t lit up by the screen light anymore. Ignoring his phone, he placed it back on the nightstand next to him, and looked back up to Izuku. Shouto watched Izuku lift the corner of the other side of the bed. Izuku slid under the covers, placing his glasses on the nightstand, he moved closer to Shouto than he had been yesterday. “Good night.” Shouto smiled, Izuku only nodded.

Izuku sighed, he was still sitting upright, he looked away from Shouto and looked around his room, he lost focus on his room when he felt Shouto’s hand trailing up his back. “You should get some sleep too, it’s late, and we have our first official date tomorrow.” Shouto reminded. “Can’t we call yesterday and today our first and second date?” Izuku asked, turning to look down at Shouto, his face warm from the contact Shouto had made and the question he asked. “Really? I get bragging right then, that I’ve been on two whole dates with you.” Shouto answered, moving his hand on Izuku’s back, seeing Izuku’s reaction, thinking it was cute.

Izuku laughed, making Shouto’s heart throb, Izuku continued laughing. “Bragging rights? What are you, five? And ‘whole dates’?” Izuku asked, his voice loud and high as he continued laughing. Shouto was really struggling now to hold himself back, his hand was placed on Izuku’s back, but he wanted to go further, Izuku’s laughter made him smile though, so his thoughts were on Izuku’s smile now. Izuku’s hand fell to Shouto’s chest, as he continued laughing at Shouto’s weird words. Shouto noticed Izuku’s hand, and couldn’t take it anymore, he pulled Izuku close, straddling Izuku on top of him, and connected their lips. Izuku’s mind went blank, he could only understand that Shouto had pulled him in for a kiss, Shouto’s hand still on Izuku’s back, but he lowered it to hold Izuku by the waist. Izuku’s hand was still pressed against Shouto’s chest.

Izuku pulled away to think for a second, his eyes met Shouto’s, Shouto smiled up at Izuku, and Izuku kissed Shouto again. This time they didn’t break apart as fast as they had before, Izuku enjoyed the moment, and so did Shouto, neither wanted to part. Shouto’s free hand brushed Izuku’s thigh, he placed his hand on Izuku’s thigh then. Izuku pulled away again, surprised by both his and Shouto’s actions. “Shouto, I, I..” Izuku couldn’t piece the words together, but he could tell by Shouto’s expression that he was interested in what Izuku wanted to say. “I don’t think I’m quite ready for what might come next.” Izuku muttered, glancing down, his head lowering to Shouto’s chest. “That’s fine Izuku, we probably are moving a bit fast, I’ll wait for you as long as you need. I just want to hold you right now if that’s ok.” Shouto agreed, Izuku nodded, he gripped Shouto’s shirt, glad Shouto understood. “Thank you Shouto.” Izuku smiled into Shouto’s chest. Shouto raised his hand from Izuku’s thigh to play with the curls in Izuku’s hair. “Your hair’s really fluffy.” Shouto noted. Izuku snickered softly. “Yeah.” Izuku sighed, feeling comfortable with Shouto, he just had his first kiss too.

“Shouto, you were my first kiss.” Izuku admitted. “Really? You happened to by my first kiss as well.” Shouto told Izuku. “Thank you for everything Shouto.” Izuku started. “I know we’ve only known each other a few days but you’ve been really amazing to me.” Izuku thought back to how people had treated him throughout middle and high school, he felt a huge difference with Shouto now. Shouto ran his hand through Izuku hair, kissing the top of his head. “Of course Izuku, I’m really enjoying my time with you too.” Shouto felt calm with Izuku here now. “Yeah me too.” Izuku muttered, he was drifting off to sleep, as was Shouto.

Izuku woke up, still straddled on top of Shouto, he glanced around his room, noticing Shouto was still asleep, he grabbed his glasses on his nightstand and he noticed the time as well. It was past 10 in the morning, meaning both of Izuku and Shouto were late, it took Izuku a moment to realized after he started that he was off work on weekends. But Shouto wasn’t off work today, so Izuku took it upon himself to wake Shouto up. He sat up on top of Shouto and shook Shouto awake. “Shouto you’re running late for work.” Izuku spoke quieter then he had meant to, Shouto softly groaned, not wanting to wake up. “I don’t want to go to work today.” Shouto scowled, his arms reaching up to hold Izuku. “Shouto, shouldn’t you at least tell someone you're not going to be at work today?” Izuku asked. “And Shouto, you’re welcome to stay here with me all day.” Izuku welcomed Shouto to stay with him. “No, Izuku I would love to stay with you but I have to uphold my duty as a hero.” Shouto opened his eyes to look at as Izuku and smiled. Izuku noticed that Shouto repeated the same words as the day before, as if the only thing he had to bring himself to go to work was a memorized script.

Izuku made Shouto a simple breakfast of pancakes, and him and Shouto ate breakfast before Shouto would have to get ready to go for work. “So Izuku, do you still want to come over for dinner tonight?” Shouto asked, he was putting on his shoes near Izuku’s apartment door. “Yeah I would love to.” Izuku nodded. “It would be better for me to come over you your place because you might be tired after work and coming all the way over here to my apartment might not be the best.” Izuku thought about Shouto. “Thank you Izuku, I’m excited to see you again tonight.” Shouto straightened up, and stepped toward Izuku. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. “Can I, uhm.” Shouto started, struggling to put words together again. “Can I kiss you?” Shouto asked, both their faces turning red, Izuku’s face noticeably redder then Shouto. Izuku nodded quickly, not wanting to waste any time. Shouto pulled Izuku close, pressing their lips together, Shouto held Izuku close for a few moments before pulling away. “Ill see you tonight then.” Shouto smiled warmly, Izuku felt like melting being held so close to Shouto.

Shouto’s work day was slow as usual, his day was slower than usual, but he thought it was just because he wanted the day to be over to he could go have dinner with Izuku. He rushed through his patrols, his excitement to see Izuku was coming out as walking faster. Shouto made sure everyone in his patrol area was safe before retiring to his office, he asked a few of his sidekicks, who were currently on their lunch breaks, what was new with them. His sidekicks seemed slightly surprised he was making conversation, but Shouto decided if he could be more open with Izuku, he could try to be more open with his friends and coworkers.

After having a good conversation with his sidekicks, he had to go out for another patrol to ensure the streets were safe in this area of Tokyo. But eventually Shouto got off work at ten thirty in the evening, his date with Izuku would only be an hour from now. Shouto rushed to his car, where Takashi then drove him to his apartment. He thanked Takashi and closed his car door, running up the steps to his apartment and into the lobby. Nodded to the young man at the desk which he was still yet to actually meet, he rushed to the elevator doors, clicking the button more times then needed. “You don’t need to press it that much.” Someone called from behind Shouto. He turned to see the man at the desk looking at him. “Right.” Shouto muttered, glancing back to the elevator doors opening and back to the man at the desk. “I’m really sorry.” Shouto apologized, walking backwards into the elevator, the doors closed as he pressed the button for his floor, only pressing it once as to not anger anyone else.

Shouto admitted that maybe he got off work a bit early, but he wanted to be ready for his date. Once the doors opened to his floor hallway, he dashed through the halls, not letting even a single minute go to waste. Fumbling around with his keys in front of his door, he finally found the right key and opened the door to his apartment. Throwing open the door, Shouto closed it after he walked in. He tossed his keys down on the small table by the door, he pulled off his shoes, placing them neatly off to the side, and walked to his room to get undressed and take a shower.

After a shower Shouto found a white long sleeve crewneck top and beige long pants, Shouto really wanted to find something easy going yet slightly more classy, but he wasn’t a fashion expert. Shouto then moved on to the kitchen, he washed a few dishes and cleaned up some lose items on the counter, shoving the important things into a drawer full of things without proper placement. Shouto made a few final adjustments before taking a step back, thinking about what was going to happen in less than twenty minutes. He was going to be having what they decided was their third date. Him and Izuku. His brows furrowed as he remembered something Momo told him about what a third date once in high school when Mina made a joke about the third date. The stereotypical meaning of the third date usually meant sex, and he didn’t know if Izuku would want that now after what he had said the night before. Shouto would be happy as long as he got to spend some time with Izuku, not wanting to force him into anything.

Shouto knew he had a habit of occasionally pacing around his apartment, or wherever he found himself, he noticed he was pacing around his kitchen now. Shouto couldn’t wait for Izuku, he waited for a knock on his door. When he finally did hear a knock though, he ran to his door, hesitating for only a second before opening the door and greeting Izuku at the door. “Izuku.” Shouto started. “How are you?” Shouto motioned for Izuku to come inside his apartment, opening the door wider for Izuku. Izuku stepped in. “Im good, thanks for asking Shouto.” He lifted a small shopping bag. “I brought a few things over for dinner.” Izuku smiled. “And how are you?” Izuku asked, letting his hand drop back to his side, Shouto closed his apartment door and turned back to Izuku. “I’m doing much better now that you’re here again.” Shouto’s lips curled to form a small smile.

It didn’t take long for Izuku to make dinner, he made some onigiri and ramen. Shouto helped Izuku fix up dinner, the best he could. Shouto admitted to not being able to cook well, he even told Izuku his sister could cook well, but he never had the opportunity to learn from her. Once they sat down on the bar stools which were under the overhanging countertop. Izuku and Shouto chatted for a bit. “Shouto did you hear a rich American billionaire bought twitter?” Izuku mentioned. Shouto hadn’t been reading into much American news lately, so he shook his head, he had a mouthful of ramen at the moment. “This eccentric billionaire bought twitter for probably around 4.4 trillion yen.” Izuku exclaimed, Shouto almost choked on his food, but he swallowed the food he had been eating. “What?” Shouto was as confused as Izuku seemed to be. “There’s literally a trillion other things that money could have been good for.” Shouto commented. “Yeah, but he just had to have twitter.” Izuku sighed. “I’ve heard rumours he’s planning on allowing that former president back on after he got banned.” Izuku complained.

Izuku stayed the night with Shouto, and when he was back at work on Monday he addressed the photo Ochaco had posted to her instagram. “The context was that she convinced Shouto and I to go to a bar with her, pretending that she invited more than just us.” Izuku explained, laughing along with the crowd. Now Izuku was coming over to Shouto’s apartment almost every night now, he would help make dinner, they would have a great time, then head to bed. The most they had done was make out so far, they were taking it at their own pace, which both Shouto and Izuku were happy with. Soon it had been months since they first met, and tonight would be the night that Shouto would ask Izuku to move in with him. Shouto just had to get through patrol first.

Shouto was stuck facing a villain though, and he was waiting for backup, so he was currently alone, it wouldn’t be hard, and he would take down the villain before his side kicks got there too. The villain he was facing now could use his finger tips like guns, shooting out electricity like bullets. Although it couldn’t really penetrate his ice walls, Shouto had already been hit, it wasn’t life threatening, he had only been hit in the upper arm. Shouto took down the villain easily, freezing him in a block of ice, now he only had to wait for police to show up, and once they did, the villain was taken into custody. Shouto looked over to his arm. “Damn I got blood on my suit.” He muttered. “And how will I explain this to Izuku without giving him a heart attack.” Shouto sighed. He felt dizzy and confused, he was losing blood so he was rushed to a hospital nearby after the ambulance arrived at the scene.

Izuku on the other hand, found out about what happened from a hugely over exaggerated tweet, and Izuku was so struck he didn’t quite understand what to believe in that moment. Izuku called Shouto, asking what was going on, Shouto gave a much simpler answer, Izuku didn’t even realize he had been crying until Shouto told Izuku he would be fine. Shouto explained what happened, how it was one shot, and it wasn’t fatal, the bullet had even come out the other side so it wouldn’t be suck in his arm. Izuku still couldn’t get over the fact that Shouto had been shot. He ran down the hallways of his workplace after calling his driver, Shouto told Izuku what hospital he was at, which is where Izuku was headed now.

He got to the front desk of the hospital, frantically asking for Shouto’s room number, once the nurse told him Shouto’s room was, Izuku dashed off till he found the room. He was carrying his coat in one hand, the other he used to open the hospital room door.

“Shouto I came as soon—“ He paused seeing as there were many other pro heroes in the room, Izuku also occasionally felt nervous around crowds, he uncomfortably pushed his glasses up on his nose. Shouto’s heart rate noticeably rose as soon as he saw Izuku. “Shouto your heart rate is quite high are you ok?” Izuku asked, he was still struggling to make sense of what was going on around him. Katsuki snickered, and Denki tried to hold in a laugh too, Momo even covered her smile with her hand. “Izuku, I can’t believe you don’t get it.” Ochaco tried to cover her laugh by fake coughing. “I’m fine Izuku, but thank you.” Shouto assured Izuku again. “It’s your fault his heart is beating so fast.” Katsuki explained, not wanting to deal with Izuku’s misunderstanding. Izuku tensed up and his face flushed a light colour of pink. “Oh my gosh, you two are dating, Shouto why didn’t you tell me you were dating Izuku Midoriya.” Mina shouts. Shouto adjusts the way he’s sitting in the hospital bed and awkwardly coughs. “Can we get a doctor up in this bitch please, I don’t think they patched me up properly, and I need more drugs to deal with all of you.” Shouto joked, his head down but he glanced around the room, trying to take the attention off him and Izuku.

Izuku didn’t realize Shouto was joking and ran off to find a doctor. “I was joking.” Shouto called to Izuku, but he was long gone. The eyes turned from the room door back to Shouto. Denki couldn’t handle holding in his laughter and burst out laughing. “Shouto, you really have some explaining to do.” Mina scowled. “We’ve been dating for months.” Shouto flat out explained. “I’ll go find Izuku.” Ochaco muttered, already knowing how long Izuku and Shouto had been dating. She easily slid away, while Shouto had to sit in the hospital bed awkwardly. “I knew it.” Mina stared at Shouto, she muttered quietly. “I knew it.” She hollered. She leaned closer, wanting to know everything. “You two done it yet?” Shouto knew what she was implying and shook his head. “No.” He glanced away from her, Shouto felt like Mina was staring into his soul.

“I would have figured you two would have already had sex.” Mina told Shouto, Denki was still snickering. Shouto turned to Denki. “I’m sorry, why are you here again? Just to laugh at me?” Shouto wasn’t too happy with the reaction he was getting from Denki, who had stopped laughing and uncomfortably straightened up. “Shouto, don’t be rude.” Momo smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. Izuku opened the door again, Ochaco followed, Izuku noticed Momo’s hand on Shouto’s shoulder, he felt uneasy with the closeness those two often displayed. The hospital room door closed, and Momo had pulled her hand away. “I think I’ll be leaving.” Katsuki huffed, leaving the room after everyone said goodbye. Slowly everyone else left after seeing that Shouto would be ok, Izuku stayed with Shouto.

Now it was just the two of them alone, Izuku pulled up a chair to sit next to Shouto. “I’m glad you’re ok.” Izuku smiled, reaching forward and gripping Shouto’s hand, glancing up to meet Shouto’s gaze. He turned to look at the heart monitor next to the hospital bed. Izuku remembered what Katsuki said, he decided to ask about it, he couldn’t shake the feeling of Shouto liking Momo more then him yet. “Is that how you feel about me?” Izuku pointed to the monitor by gesturing with a small head nod towards the monitor. “Every day Izuku, every day for the last three years, that’s how you’ve always made me feel.” He started. “I suppose you excited me, Izuku.” Shouto joked, hoping this time Izuku would understand that joke, but he knew that he wasn’t entirely joking. Shouto did get excited about Izuku, in a few contexts.

Izuku seemed to have understood the joke now, and chuckled. “If I was hooked up to one of these machines around you.” Izuku looked back to Shouto. “I think doctors would wonder how I hadn’t had a heart attack yet.” Izuku smiled at Shouto. “What would I do without you then?” Shouto went along with Izuku’s jokes. “I don’t really know how you survived without me around, I mean you can’t really cook anything but instant noodles and cereal.” Izuku laughed, Shouto pretended to act offended, placing his hand on his chest and taking a audible deep breath. “Instant ramen has kept me alive long enough until I got the chance to meet you. Im glad for my instant ramen.” Shouto announced. “Hah yeah I should be thankful that you were alive long enough for us to meet, even if you only survived on noodles.” Izuku sighed.

Izuku spent the night with Shouto at the hospital, Shouto had to stay but would likely get to leave tomorrow. Shouto had wanted to ask Izuku to move in with him, but probably couldn’t now, he would ask tomorrow. Izuku felt asleep, his head resting on Shouto’s arm, he sat on the chair next to the bed. Shouto ran his hand through Izuku’s hair, before he too fell asleep. Shouto and Izuku had both had a long day, but with today being a weekday, Izuku missed work. Shouto being hospitalized, and Izuku missing work was bound to start rumours, but right now all Izuku was worried about was Shouto, not the paparazzi and conspiracy theorists.

Izuku and Shouto woke up at a similar time, Shouto woke up at seven every morning, it had become a routine for the both of them. Izuku went and got Shouto breakfast from the cafeteria after making sure he was ok. Izuku spent some time complaining about the quality of the food being served in this hospital. Shouto had eaten instant ramen for years, he really had no right to comment on what’s good and bad, but he liked telling Izuku the food Izuku cooked was amazing. Shouto could tell Izuku really liked to be complimented. Thinking about complements made him remember some kind of praise kink, he wondered why he had been reminded of that now. He only knew about that because Mina would from time to time bring up something she read in manga, doujinshi, fanfiction, or the whole list of strange things Shouto remembered she went on about in their high school years. Mina had explained a great deal of odd things to that class, and once she found out Shouto, the so called ‘clueless pretty boy’ of the class, didn’t understand most of the things she mentioned, she practically tutored him as a joke with the help of some of the other girls.

Later a doctor came to check up on Shouto, he recognized Izuku but didn’t say much about Izuku being there. He prescribed Shouto painkillers and anti infection medication, handing him a slip of paper with a scribble for a signature. Shouto changed back into his hero suit as it was the only clothes he had with him at the time. Izuku noticed the dried blood on Shouto’s arm where he had been shot, only making Izuku more worried for Shouto. After picking up the right medication for Shouto, they got driven back to Shouto’s place by Takashi. After getting into the apartment lobby, both Izuku and Shouto nodded a greeting to the man at the front desk, he nodded back. The man the the desk had gotten used to seeing two important celebrities almost every night, so he nodded back to them.

Shouto and Izuku took the elevator up to Shouto’s apartment floor. Shouto found his keys in his hero suit pocket, he struggled move his arm the proper way to take his keys from his pocket, so Izuku took the keys from Shouto’s pocket without hesitation. “Really?” Shouto chuckled. “What?” Izuku innocently asked, unlocking Shouto’s apartment door. Shouto sighed seeing his apartment. “It’s good to be home.” Shouto mentioned, Izuku nodded. Shouto closed the door, locking it behind him. Izuku and Shouto took off their shoes neatly, Shouto couldn’t use his wounded arm well so he was really only using one hand at the moment. “Im glad you were able to come home another day after work.” Izuku smiled up at Shouto. He lifted his good arm and ruffled Izuku’s fluffy hair. “Yeah, Im glad I could come home to you.” Shouto started, Izuku seemed interested to hear what Shouto would say next. “I wanted to ask.” Shouto glanced off to the side. “But then I got shot.” He sheepishly continued. “I was going to ask yesterday after work if you wanted to move in with me?” Shouto met Izuku’s eyes, noticing Izuku’s face light up with joy. “Absolutely Shouto. “ Izuku exclaimed, he felt ecstatic, pulling himself closer to Shouto for a hug, Shouto put his arms around Izuku as well.

Izuku stayed with Shouto for the night, he made breakfast for the two of them in the morning, Izuku told Shouto to sleep in, which was like music to Shouto’s ears. That was until Izuku said he would have go to work today. Shouto got up after about ten minutes, he found the extra key to the apartment and handed it off to Izuku. Shouto noticed Izuku held the key close momentarily like gold before pulling out a ring for keys. Izuku only had three keys on his key ring, the key for the apartment he would now share with Shouto would be the fourth key before he gave the key for his apartment back to the landlord. Izuku made lunch for Shouto and put it in the fridge for later, realizing the fridge seemed a bit bare, he planned to go shopping later. Shouto had been holding on to Izuku by the waist from the back the whole time, resting his head on Izuku’s shoulder. When it was time for Izuku to leave he could hear complaints being uttered by Shouto, which made Izuku snicker for a moment. He turned to face Shouto and hugged him back. “I’ll be back tonight Shouto. Be safe here.” Izuku said his goodbyes. Shouto pressed a kiss on Izuku’s forehead. “You stay safe too, I’ll see you later.” Shouto mumbled, he was still half asleep, holding onto Izuku.

Izuku was driven to work by his driver, and when he got to work he continued on as usual, but today he called Shouto a few times to make sure Shouto was still ok at home. He spent some time thinking about what he would move to the apartment he would share with Shouto. Izuku had some furniture, but he could probably give some to charity, Shouto had an almost empty guest room in the apartment so Izuku might move a few of his desks in there, they could use it as an office. Izuku had a few other awards, he knew Shouto had a few laying around too, so he could put that extra guest room to good use. Izuku noted that a few people had asked about his absence yesterday, he would have to come up with some lie for tonight’s show. The paparazzi had come up with rumours which were spreading like wildfire, Izuku needed to put a stop to the rumours before they got too out of hand.

“People have been asking me about my absence yesterday, the truth is, my mother wanted to have dinner with me. I can’t just turn her down.” Izuku smiled, he liked being up on stage, all the lights on him, but he didn’t like the idea of being stuck in the audience with all those people around him. Izuku wasn’t a big fan of being around more than one or two people at once, within a meter or two. He struggled to go places sometimes and hated being swarmed by paparazzi. He always felt his chest tighten around large groups of people. When he was leaving with Shouto the night they first met, Izuku greatly appreciated Shouto noticing and pulling Izuku outside with him, he got to hold Shouto’s hand as a plus. Izuku tried to solve this problem by going to almost empty shops and travelling via car almost everywhere he could. He really lucked out with Shouto, as he understood that Izuku didn’t like crowds much, Shouto never made fun of him about things like that. Shouto would occasionally tease him about other things though, as would Izuku. He enjoyed their playful bantering almost all the time.

People seemed to understand why Izuku was absent, it was an odd coincidence for everyone. Izuku continued on with his show, knowing that Shouto was at home watching Izuku make all his jokes. Izuku talked more, but in the back of his mind he couldn’t stop thinking about how he would get to go home to Shouto tonight. The special guest for todays show was an actor, Izuku didn’t know much about this actor, he mainly played in English films, which made him more money with the broader audience. Izuku knew enough English to enjoy a three or so minute song and understand most of it, but he didn’t feel confident enough to watch movies in full English. The actor was easy to talk to until he wouldn’t shut up about himself. Izuku knew it was an interview, but he wasn’t even letting Izuku ask anything. When Izuku got home, and later in bed, he mocked the man while Shouto listened to Izuku ramble on about how strange the interview was as Izuku tapped on his own leg as he spoke.

Over the course of a week or so, Shouto did was he could to help Izuku move in, his shot arm was getting better. Izuku turned the spare guest room into an office workspace area, with an extra bed. Saturday night he was finally done, both him and Shouto would have tomorrow off, so he was excited for a break tomorrow. Monday him and Shouto would have to return to work. Shouto had a week and a half or so off work, he knew he would have to continue his job.

Izuku and Shouto were laying in bed together, Shouto had his phone in his hand but found himself staring at Izuku again. Izuku was reading on his phone, but took his glasses off and placed his phone on the nightstand, turning to Shouto. “Can’t you just take another week off work?” Izuku started. “We’ve talked about this.” Shouto sighed, slightly frowning, leaving his phone on the nightstand too. “Just come to my workplace for a few days, keep me company.” Izuku suggested. Shouto liked the idea of keeping Izuku company. “Izuku I would love to, but—“ Shouto was cut off by Izuku. “But what Shouto? There’s other people who can fill in for you for just a few days. Everyone understands you were injured, just rest for a little longer.” Izuku went on. “Stay with me for a few more days.” Izuku shuffled closer to Shouto. “I feel like I can’t say no to you anymore.” Shouto smiled, kissing Izuku.

Shouto pulled away from Izuku. “Right now though Izuku.” Shouto kissed Izuku again. “Let’s just relax.” Shouto held Izuku close, cuddling up to Izuku. “Shouto don’t you think we could do something more than cuddle? Something fun?” Izuku bit his lip, avoiding eye contact, by glancing up to the ceiling. “Hmm? Like what?” Shouto teased, knowing what Izuku meant, he rolled on top of Izuku to meet his gaze. Izuku could tell Shouto was smirking, even in the dark of the room. The only light was from the window, through the closed blinds. The city was bright enough to light up the room well even at night. “Shouto, don’t make me explain” Izuku pleaded. “What? You can’t use your own words?” Shouto spoke in a bemused tone, but still managed to tease Izuku. “Shouto, come on, you know what I mean.” Izuku covered his face with his hands in embarrassment. “Did you want to play board games? Is that your definition of fun right now?” Shouto joked. “Shouto, I want to have sex.” Izuku blurted out. Shouto pried Izuku’s hands off his face. “Why didn’t you say so sooner.” Shouto leaned down and kissed Izuku.

Shouto’s hands moved from holding Izuku’s to holding Izuku’s back and waist. Izuku wrapped his arms around the back of Shouto’s neck, running his fingers through Shouto’s two toned hair. Shouto tugged off Izuku’s shirt, before pulling his own shirt off too. Shouto looked down at Izuku, who was all hot and embarrassed under Shouto. Shouto had seen Izuku shirtless before, the first time make him feel like all his prayers has been answered, but now Shouto knew he would be able to do more then just stare at Izuku’s body. “So Izuku are you sure you want to do this with me now?” Shouto made sure Izuku wasn’t having second thoughts. Izuku squirmed under Shouto. He locked eyes with Shouto and nodded. “Yes.” Izuku smiled. Shouto’s lips brushed Izuku’s as he tugged on the waistband on Izuku’s shorts.

Shouto could feel his heartbeat, and Izuku’s against his chest. He had been crazy about finally having sex with Izuku, craving it so badly he found himself hard just thinking thinking about Izuku in this position he was in now. Izuku was sprawled out on the bed underneath Shouto, both of them were hard already. Shouto could feel Izuku poking Shouto’s leg, but he didn’t mind much when he shifted his leg on accident and Izuku let out a breathy moan. Izuku probably didn’t know he could make sounds like that and apologized. “Ah I’m sorry.” Izuku exclaimed. “Don’t apologize Izuku. I liked hearing that.” Shouto assured, laying soft kissed along Izuku’s neck, now to his collar bone.

Shouto managed to finally take off both his and Izuku’s shorts, leaving them in only their boxers. Shouto hesitated for a second, he remembered he would have to grab the lube that was in his nightstand drawer, he he leaned off to the side to grab it, pulling open the drawer, taking what he needed, and closing it. Shouto pried off Izuku’s boxers next, he paused to look at Izuku. Shouto just couldn’t get enough of what he was seeing now. Izuku could feel Shouto’s eyes on him, he pulled his legs together and bit his lip again. “Shouto, don’t look at me like that.” Izuku whined quietly. “Oh but come on, you’re beautiful, not looking at you would be a waste.” Shouto complained, placing his hand on Izuku’s thigh. Izuku liked what he heard, trying his best not to show it though. He loosened up and let Shouto continue.

Shouto opened the bottle of lube, putting some on his palm. He only knew what to do after he fell down a rabbit hole of really smutty fanfiction for a week or two in high school. Shouto coated the lube onto his three fingers, from pointer to ring finger. “Let me know if it hurts to much, I can stop if you want.” Shouto started. “Just tell me to stop if you need anything.” Shouto explained, trying to pleasure Izuku in the best way possible for both of them. Izuku nodded, mouthing a silent ‘thank you’ to Shouto.

Izuku felt his heart flutter, he pleasantly gasped, feeling Shouto push the first finger inside Izuku. “Are you ok Izuku.” Shouto asked, wanting to know if he can add another finger. “I’m— it’s— feels good—“ Izuku stuttered incoherently, he was nervous about satisfying Shouto the in same way Izuku felt now. Hearing as Izuku seemed ok, Shouto put a second finger in, Izuku wasn’t used to such a feeling, Shouto moved his fingers in a scissoring motion to prep Izuku. After he put the third finger in and felt Izuku was ready, he pulled his fingers out of Izuku and took off his own boxers. Izuku glanced down to look at Shouto, he swallowed. “Like what you see?” Shouto joked, lining himself up with Izuku. He nodded, just as Shouto put just the tip in, Izuku’s back arched upwards slightly, he let out a small whimper, which turned into a audible moan. Shouto wrapped his arms around Izuku again, liking how Izuku’s body fit perfectly against his own.

With almost Shouto’s entire length inside Izuku, Shouto waited for Izuku to adjust. “You let me know when I can continue.” Shouto brushed his face against Izuku’s, whispering into Izuku’s ear. When Izuku told Shouto he could continue, he did. At first their rhythm was awkward, but together they managed to make it work, their hips rolling together. Izuku hooked one leg around Shouto to pull him closer. Izuku felt like he was melting, he couldn’t hold back his moans. Shouto was leaving kisses along Izuku neck as he continued to thrust into Izuku. They held each other tightly, fearing if they let go of the other that they would lose each other. Shouto pressed his forehead against Izuku’s. The friction between their bodies, the desire to hold each other, the pleasure they felt, it was beyond anything Izuku and Shouto had felt before. Shouto felt something of a fire burning deep inside him, he was breathless just from seeing Izuku.

Izuku cried out, his climax came fast with Shouto. He felt like he was seeing stars, like nothing he had ever felt before. Shouto breathed heavily against Izuku’s neck, he pulled himself out and kissed Izuku on the lips, Izuku struggled to get a grip on reality for a moment, he took deep breaths, failing to hold back a smiled, and fanning himself with his hand. “Wow, Shouto that— that was amazing.” Izuku mentioned, he couldn’t tell if he was speaking aloud or not though. “That really was. And you were perfect.” Shouto sighed in pure bliss, as he laid down next to Izuku, pulling him close. “Thank you.” Izuku felt pride well up in his chest, he was pleased he could pleasure Shouto. “You’re washing the sheets.” Later Izuku mumbled into Shouto’s heaving chest. “Fine.” Shouto playfully scowled. Izuku was tired out from their light night fun, and he fell asleep fast, feeling all the sexual tension that was bubbling up between him and Shouto had disappeared.

The morning after, Izuku woke up, he remembered the night before, a smile stretched across his face. He remembered once Ochaco told him that he might have trouble walking the morning after, but since they hadn’t really been rough, Izuku felt fine. Shouto was still asleep, and Izuku couldn’t exactly hold himself back, he peaked under the covers, to catch another glimpse of Shouto, which Izuku had wanted to see for years.

Izuku hummed as he made breakfast, he put on some fresh clothes after picking up all the clothes thrown around their room the night before, and he grabbed his glasses too. Izuku let Shouto sleep in, knowing he needed rest. Izuku was making pancakes this morning, he flipped on on the pan, setting the pan back down onto the stove top. “Mornin’ Izuku.” Shouto called from behind Izuku. He turned to see Shouto and his dishevelled bed head. Izuku covered his smile with his hand. “Hey Shouto.” Izuku responded, trying not to laugh. This was probably the worst Izuku had ever seen Shouto’s hair. Izuku looked Shouto up and down, he still wasn’t wearing any clothes. Izuku felt his face warm up. “Can’t you get some clothes on, and join me for breakfast.” Izuku motioned towards the stack of pancakes. “I thought you liked it when I didn’t have any clothes on.” Shouto questioned, smirking. Izuku sighed. “Now that I’ve seen it, I definitely do, but come on.” Izuku paused. “It’s breakfast.” Izuku chuckled.

After Shouto finally found some clothes, he joined Izuku for breakfast, and watched him douse his pancakes in maple syrup. Today was their last day off, Izuku decided to explain what his work is like for when Shouto joined him tomorrow. “So it’s just a lot of reading the news, and making up a funny script.” Izuku began, Shouto listened in. “And we have to make sure it’s appropriate to say on live television, and we have to make up the best jokes.” Izuku went on. Shouto started to understand just how hard Izuku’s job was, he struggled to make up jokes on the spot occasionally too, so he was impressed even more by Izuku.

Monday morning Izuku put on a light grey suit, with a blue tie, and white collared shirt. Shouto wore a simple deep red button down, and another pair of black pants. He noticed that Izuku wore lighter colours, Shouto preferred to wear darker coloured clothing. Shouto grabbed his car coat off the coat rack, Izuku put on his shoes. Izuku watched Shouto pull on his coat and shoes next to the door. Izuku was going to show Shouto his workplace, he was thrilled to show Shouto an important part of his life. Takashi drove them both to the large theatre Izuku worked at, Shouto followed Izuku inside. There was a security check, Shouto went through that the night he had gone to see Izuku’s show, but now that he was with Izuku walking in, they didn’t have to go through any checks. Izuku walked through long hallways, people greeted him, Izuku said hello to other people. Shouto watched from behind Izuku as he greeted his staff, knowing almost all of them by name.

Izuku hummed along to the elevator music, Shouto stood next to Izuku, he felt lucky to be able to stand next to Izuku, to be able to come home to Izuku, to be able to hold and kiss him. Shouto didn’t even believe it himself sometimes, but seeing Izuku next to him made him realize every time that Izuku was with him now, Shouto knew he was falling in love with Izuku. Shouto glanced around the elevator. “This is a nice elevator.” Shouto mentioned, Izuku let out a small laugh. “What an odd observation Shouto.” Izuku covered his smile with a hand, Shouto looked down at Izuku, seeing light reflecting off Izuku’s glasses. Shouto felt a smile stretch across his face, like Izuku’s happiness was contagious. The elevator rang and the doors opened.

Shouto followed Izuku down another bright hallway, greeting more staff members. Izuku found his office, opening the door and motioning Shouto inside. Shouto stepped in, noticing yet another cocobolo wood desk. Izuku’s office was a large room, pictures of him and guests were hung up on the wall from over the years, as well as awards were on some shelves along with a few books. “Another cocobolo desk.” Shouto pointed at the desk, turning to Izuku, seeing Izuku close the door to his office behind him. Izuku glanced sideways. “This character from a tv show I enjoyed seemed obsessed with cocobolo for a few seasons, so I decided to get one too.” Izuku replied sheepishly. “Oh wow, that’s cool.” Shouto nodded, noticing Izuku’s face light up as Shouto seemed interested. “I was really wondering why you had so many desks of the same wood.” Shouto turned back to the room, looking around a bit more, and moving to the centre of the office.

“I usually sit around and read news before a member of the writing team comes and asks me to go over the script they’ve started.” Izuku explained, walking to the other side of his desk, facing Shouto. Izuku looked surprised for a moment. “I forgot to show you something.” Izuku turned around and opened the blinds behind his desk. Shouto hadn’t even noticed the blinds, but now that the blinds were open, Izuku stood in front off a large window with a great view. Shouto and Izuku had left early in the morning, the sun was rising, Shouto realized what he was seeing now was like a painting. A cityscape, a rising sun, and a beautiful man standing in front of the window. Shouto took a few steps to stand next to Izuku, but he wasn’t looking down at the city like Izuku was, Shouto found himself staring at Izuku yet again. He leaned in, kissing Izuku on the cheek. Shouto pulled away, Izuku looked up at Shouto, he smiled. “You can do better then that Shouto.” Izuku leaned closer to Shouto. “Oh look at you, taking charge again.” Shouto mumbled, he leaned closer to Izuku, his eyes closing as he pressed his lips against Izuku’s.

Izuku showed Shouto around after that, there was a cafeteria, Izuku explained what lunch and snacks he would get from time to time. Then they made their way to the writers offices. Izuku told Shouto that it can be a bit hectic, the writers were creative when coming up with scrips. Izuku opened the door, peaking his head in to see what was going on. He pushed the door fully open to reveal a bunch of adults frozen in place, mid pillow fight. Izuku took off his glasses, handing them to Shouto, he then silently took a pillow and lightly hit the closest staff member to him. Izuku laughed, a few others cheered and everyone continued with their pillow fight, feathers littered the floor, along with candy wrappers, blank papers, and a few more miscellaneous objects. Izuku ran over to Shouto, throwing a pillow at him, Shouto had been standing in the door frame and wasn’t sure if he was included. He had never participated in a pillow fight, and most things that hit his face weren’t as soft as a pillow so he was surprised by the impact of the pillow. He watched it fall to the floor, then looked up at Izuku. He was smiling again, a while toothy grin as usual. Shouto chuckled. “Really Izuku?” Shouto angled his head to the side slightly as he spoke. “Come on Shouto, join us.” Izuku pleaded, taking back his glasses from Shouto’s grasp, putting them back on.

“In the writers offices today, we had a pillow fight.” Izuku stood up on stage, reminiscing about the fun. “Shouto joined in eventually after a bit of convincing.” Izuku continued. “I invited Shouto to hang out with me today, he told me he was bored at home with no work. After he was shot he had to rest.” Izuku explained. Shouto sat in the audience, wearing another hat and mask, to prevent him from being noticed. “From what I heard, he’ll be back soon. I’m glad he’s getting rest.” Shouto thought about just how much rest he was getting, just last night they had stayed up pretty late. Shouto’s mind wandered to their night, Shouto felt oddly giddy. Izuku went on, Shouto watched from his seat, finding himself lost in the thoughts of how happy Izuku made him. Izuku was easy to talk too, and knew what Shouto was thinking somehow, maybe Shouto was easy to read, but he loved spending time with Izuku.

Shouto couldn’t help but be annoyed. “Stick around till after the break, my next guest is an old friend of mine and our number two hero Dynamight.” Izuku called to his audience and the cameras. Shouto wasn’t excited to see Katsuki or see how he might harass Izuku about something, but was surprised to find out that Izuku was friends with him. Katsuki made it his mission or something to harass everyone he sees, like a little angry pomeranian. But after the commercial break, there he was on stage, walking past Izuku. He had gone to shake Katsuki’s hand, but he walked right past him. Katsuki was wearing his hero costume too, just to make sure everyone knew who he was. Izuku kept on smiling, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. Shouto noticed Izuku tapped on hand on the side of his leg, Shouto remembered he only did that if he was tapping along to the beat of a song or if he was angry about something.

Izuku sat down at his desk, Katsuki watched the cheering crowd. “I’m getting more cheering than you.” Katsuki pointed out, the audience laughed as they all sat down. “Haha, yeah.” Izuku shuffled in his seat, his hand tapping on one leg. Shouto humorously watched Izuku hide his anger about Katsuki being stuck up. Izuku opened his mouth to speak, but Katsuki beat him to it. “How long have you been dating that Icy-hot?” Katsuki asked, staring directly at Izuku, who’s only response was to lean back slightly. Everyone knew that Katsuki referred to Shouto as Icy-hot, so everyone was surprised to find out the rumours of Izuku and Shouto dating were true. Shouto sighed, he heard the audience gasp, Shouto could see himself in the near future punching Katsuki. “We— we aren’t—“ Izuku was cut off. “Don’t lie, you came to visit him in the hospital, and we all saw his heartbeat rise on the monitor. And he said it himself that you two were dating.” Katsuki pointed out. “If you aren’t dating, then you’re painfully oblivious.” He scoffed.

Shouto burned hot with embarrassment, he still felt embarrassed about how easy it was to spot his love for Izuku thanks to electronics. “And he won’t shut up about you.” Katsuki recalled. Shouto knew that was only a few times after he got drunk when out drinking on a weekend when Izuku wasn’t live. “He talks about me?” Izuku avoided Katsuki’s first question, but he leaned forward, happy to hear Shouto talks about him to the other heroes. “It’s annoying to listen to, how in love with you he is.” Katsuki crossed his arms complaining, Izuku glanced to Shouto before back to Katsuki.

Shouto was surprised to see how calm Izuku was, he guessed it was the fact that Izuku knew he was live. Shouto felt anger burning up inside himself though, how Katsuki was telling the world about his private life on live television. The whole world knew about his relationship now, he decided to stay off Twitter for a few days in the moment. Katsuki continued blabbing on about Shouto’s personal life before pausing. Then Katsuki switched it up completely as he usually did to talk about himself all night. Shouto felt a wave of relief wash over him when Izuku told everyone they had to take a break for commercials.

Izuku stood up, leaving Katsuki alone at the desk, Izuku pushed his glasses up on his nose, tapping on his leg as he walked offstage, which he hadn’t done during commercials before. Katsuki glanced around the stage, obviously bored, Shouto scoffed, wondering if he should go find Izuku. Instead he chose to call Izuku, he didn’t want the hassle of being questioned about his need to head backstage. He was worried about Izuku, and every ring from his phone almost made him feel like it was mocking him for worrying about his boyfriend. Finally Izuku picked up, and Shouto started to talk. “Hey are you ok?” He asked, without skipping a beat. “Yeah, Bakugou is just being a fucking bitch.” Izuku scoffed, Shouto wasn’t used to hearing Izuku swear, in fact he wondered if he had ever heard Izuku swear before.

Shouto took in a deep breath. “You still have to get through this interview, just ignore everything Bakugou says, and you can rant about him later at home.” Shouto suggested. He heard Izuku chuckle on the other end of the line. “I’ll go on for hours.” Izuku playfully whined as a joke. “You’ve been talking to him for ten minutes or less, and you already have hours worth of things to complain about?” Shouto laughed. “Oh you know I do.” Izuku proudly replied. “Listen I should get back on stage, so I’ll talk to you in a bit.” Izuku explained, Shouto nodded, forgetting Izuku couldn’t see him. “Oh, right, ok, talk in a bit.” Shouto remembered Izuku couldn’t see him nodding and answered Izuku.

Izuku came back on stage, the audience was happy to see him, and he waved to everyone. He sat down at his desk, Katsuki watched Izuku sit down, only to see him nod to an audience member. Katsuki noticed in the front row sat Shouto, which made him laugh. Katsuki didn’t say anything about it yet, but he definitely would when the cameras were rolling. Izuku knew that the commercials were just about over, so he turned to the supervisors onstage. Staff were running to place, and a silent count down came from the camera man. His fingers counted down from five and soon Izuku was live again. “Hey everyone.” Izuku called to the audience and the cameras. “We’re back now with our number two hero Dynamight.” Izuku motioned to Katsuki, the cameras adjusted to get both Izuku and Katsuki in one shot. The audience cheered in their seats. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice before.” Katsuki started after the audience calmed. “What is it?” Izuku questioned, turning his attention to Katsuki. “Damn Icy-hot is here today, in the audience.” Katsuki nodded to Shouto. “Why don’t you join us up here?” Katsuki suggested.

Not only was the audience surprised by the latest development, so was Shouto. He was surprised that Katsuki would so willingly turn the spotlight on Shouto. The audience notably gasped, while Izuku sat at his desk, looking at Shouto, wondering what his next move would be. There were two couches next to Izuku’s desk, so Shouto took Katsuki up on his suggestion. He took his mask and hat off, standing up from his seat, the audience cheered once they all recognized him. Without saying anything he walked alongside the stage to the steps and headed up the to the stage. “Bakugou, great to see you again.” Shouto greeted, but his words were filled with anger. He didn’t exactly like coming up on stage to be mocked by Katsuki, or how Katsuki was sharing all his personal life with everyone. He sat down, disliking how he was seated next to Katsuki instead to Izuku. “Shouto.” Katsuki mocked Shouto and his hero name as he spoke. “How long have you two been dating?” Katsuki smirked, knowing how angry Shouto must have been under the cover of a smile on his face. “I can’t see why you need to know.” Shouto responded. Katsuki snickered before starting to guess. “Before you were on Izuku’s show as a guest?” Katsuki watched for any reaction from Shouto, after not getting one he took another guess. “So after you were a guest then?” Katsuki laughed. “Why don’t you stay out of our personal lives. I don’t see a reason for me not to just tell everyone who you’re dating?” Shouto mentioned, the smile left Katsuki’s face. He sighed, turning to the audience. “It’s all a joke, these two.” Katsuki pointed to both Izuku and Shouto. “They aren’t dating.” Katsuki nodded.

“Can you believe that bitch?” Izuku ranted on the ride home. “He thinks he can just dig up whatever he wants from peoples personal lives and tell the world.” Izuku scowled. Shouto noticed Takashi nodding as he drove them up to the apartment building they lived in. “I think I’ll punch him tomorrow when I get back to work.” Shouto felt almost sick thinking about work, and all the pressure that came with it, but he couldn’t just leave his work. Izuku laughed. “Shouto you can’t just— I mean you can— but you can’t go around punching Dynamight.” Izuku laughed along with his words. “The only think that could stop me is you.” Shouto joked.

Shouto starred up at his ceiling, unable to sleep. His mind raced with thoughts of work. Shouto was tired, it was late, but the idea of being back at work in the morning kept him up. It was already past two in the morning. He had been overwhelmed and overthinking since he got back home at past midnight. Shouto tried to calm himself down by listening to his own breathing before he turned to see Izuku next to him. Izuku had fallen asleep over an hour ago, leaving just Shouto awake. He instead focussed on Izuku’s breathing, it was irregular to his, Shouto felt just a little bit better seeing the calm look on Izuku’s face. Shouto knew that people could sleep just as well as Izuku tonight thanks to Shouto’s work as a hero. He couldn’t stop thinking about work. Shouto was overwhelmed, he was beginning to feel physically sick, his own body was rejecting the idea of Shouto going to work in the morning.

Shouto sat up in bed, doing his best not to wake Izuku when he got out of bed and stood up on the cold hardwood flooring. Shouto stumbled a bit as he walked around his bed to the bathroom. Shouto grabbed the doorframe for support once he reached the bathroom, he clutched his stomach before having to cover his mouth. Shouto closed the door slightly to not wake Izuku when he turned the lights on in the bathroom. Shouto saw himself in the mirror briefly, he looked terribly pale and tired.

Shouto flushed the toilet, he felt worse than he had before he threw up. Shouto turned on the tap, cupping his hands and watching as his hands filled with water. Shouto brought his hands up to his face, washing his face with the water. Then he rinsed his mouth, Shouto looked at the mirror as he noticed the door open. Shouto turned to the door to see Izuku standing in the door frame, his face lit up by the bathroom lights. When he saw Shouto leaning on the counter, tired and sickly, his expression turned to one of worry. “Shouto, are you alright?” Izuku rushed to Shouto’s side. “I’m fine, just stressed about work.” Shouto avoided eye contact, feeling that his problems weren’t that big and that he should just keep his worries to himself. “Do you want to talk about anything with me?” Izuku asked. Shouto shook his head, he felt sheepish, his problems weren’t that big of a deal, he’s a hero, he can’t bring people down with his personal problems. “It doesn’t matter right now Izuku.” Shouto concluded. “Shouto, you matter to me, so won’t you talk to me?” Izuku tried to convince Shouto to talk.

“I just can’t deal with all the pressure of work right now, but if I keep avoiding work it’ll only get worse.” Shouto paused. “But it’s not a big deal.” Shouto didn’t want to worry Izuku. “What do you mean it’s not a big deal, Shouto, please trust me enough to talk to me.” Izuku pleaded. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, because I do.” Shouto sighed, walking away from Izuku to go lay down in bed. Izuku hit the light switch in the bathroom, turning off the lights. “Then why won’t you talk to me Shouto?” Izuku watched Shouto sit down on the edge of the bed, his back facing Izuku. Shouto looked out the window, noticing they had forgotten to close the blinds. “Because I don’t want to weigh you down with something I’m making a big deal out of.” Shouto admitted. Izuku sat down next to Shouto, placing his hand on Shouto’s shoulder. “I want to be here for you Shouto, I really do, and I want you to be able to talk to me without worrying about me.” Izuku paused. “I’m always going to be here for you, here to listen, no matter how big or small the problem.” Izuku assured. Shouto felt the tears running down his face, he hadn’t meant to cry, but he wasn’t used to the kindness Izuku was always showing him. “Thank you Izuku.” Shouto smiled, looking down to his hands which were in his lap.

“Being a hero takes so much.” Shouto started. “Not just physical strength, but mental too.” He took in a deep breath, remembering the hard decisions he’s made. “Sometimes I have to choose who to save, who might live, and who might die.” Shouto felt Izuku lean closer to him, Shouto liked how Izuku was staying by his side as he opened up. “I don’t want to have to choose, I don’t like being a hero.” Shouto blurted out, he was perhaps too comfortable with Izuku that he told him what he was thinking. “My father forced me into the job, and I never really wanted to be relied upon like he was. I hate the feeling that I’m letting everyone down when I’m not on duty.” Shouto felt his tears drop to his hands, but another hand covered his, Izuku held Shouto’s hand as he told Izuku his feelings. “I find myself sometimes up all night, worrying about the day ahead, thinking about who I might let down, who I might not be able to save.” Shouto took in another deep breath. “I think about staying home, but I feel that would only make things worse, I would live knowing I wasn’t able to save anyone that day because I was too selfish, I just had to stay home that day.”

Shouto was talking from experience. There was one day when he had stayed home, he was just as sick and tired as he felt now. But that day there was a huge villain attack, Shouto wasn’t there to save anyone. Izuku remembered what Shouto was talking about. “Izuku, I can’t be a hero anymore, but I know I have to.” Shouto finished speaking. Izuku thought up a reply. “Shouto I would like to know how I can help.” Izuku started. “I want to help you, because I know that you are really amazing, you don’t deserve to have to play god, and to have to decide who lives and dies and to have to live with it.” Izuku thought of how his mother used to talk to him when he struggled to accept he was quirkless. “There are so many other heroes out there though, it’s not only you. Shouto you don’t have to carry everything by yourself.” Izuku continued. “I can see you need rest, I know you do, and you deserve it too.” Izuku thought of what to say next again. “Why not take a break, I’ll stay with you, I’ll show you that you’re not the only hero in Japan.” Izuku pulled Shouto closer. “You really are one of the best heroes, but even the best must take a break, take a pause to see your surroundings, to see where you are.” Izuku held back his own tears. It hurt him to see Shouto in a dark place like this. He know he would never truly even begin to understand what Shouto was going through, and he didn’t want to have to.

“There will always be other heroes, place your faith in them, but you deserve to have a break.” Izuku pulled away slightly, looking Shouto in the eyes. “You have done so much for Japan, for the people who live here. They will understand that you need some time off.” Izuku closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against Shouto’s. “I’ll stay with you, every step of they way, I want to be here for you.” Izuku spoke softly, assuring Shouto of what he knew Shouto needed to hear. “Thank you Izuku.” Shouto mumbled, being in the comfort of Izuku’s arms made Shouto begin to fall asleep. He hugged Izuku, pulling himself closer to Izuku. He decided then and there, in Izuku’s arms, two things. The first was that he would take a break from being a hero, and the second was he loved Izuku, and wanted to marry him, and probably soon. But he would have to talk to Momo about all things marriage, proposal, and falling in love. All his other thoughts soon dissolved, he could only think about holding Izuku close as he drifted off to a much needed sleep. He had been tired, and he felt at home being in Izuku’s arms.

When Izuku realized Shouto had fallen asleep, he laid Shouto down to sleep on their bed. Izuku tucked Shouto in, and joined Shouto in bed. He cuddled up with Shouto, wiping a few last tears from Shouto’s face before he too fell asleep in Shouto’s arms. In the morning, Izuku woke up first, when normally Shouto woke up first, Izuku noted that Shouto had been sleeping in the past few days. Izuku got to see Shouto’s messy bed hair, and his calm face as he slept. Izuku nuzzled his face into Shouto’s chest, wanting to get as close as he could to Shouto, he even noticed their legs were intertwined. Izuku sighed in bliss, he knew Shouto would be taking a break from his work, so Izuku could spend hours, days in fact with Shouto, just the two of them. Before they were dating, the idea of just the two of them alone was daunting to Izuku, but now he welcomed it. It was a Tuesday morning, meaning Izuku would have to head to work today, Shouto would be welcome to join him again.

Shouto shifted in bed slightly, he was waking up at his own pace. Izuku still held himself close to Shouto, while Shouto yawned, then he turned his attention to Izuku. “Mornin’ Izuku.” Shouto greeted. “Morning.” Izuku responded. After a few minutes of chatting in the morning, Izuku remembered something. “Remember when he first met?” Izuku started. “How could I forget.” Shouto snickered. “When I asked if there was a guy you liked, you said there was, but you never thought you had a chance, look at us now.” Izuku gushed, a huge smile stretching across his face yet again.

Shouto and Izuku talked over breakfast about how Shouto would tell everyone about his break. They decided to take it to Twitter, and Izuku mentioned that Shouto should call it a mental health break, there was no need to lie. Together they created a message to tell Japan, one that sounded like Shouto and not from some book. Shouto read it aloud one last time to Izuku to make sure everything was good. “I would like to take a moment to explain a major development. I have decided to take a mental health break, meaning I will not be fulfilling my duty as a hero for the duration of this hiatus. I’m not sure when I’ll be back to work at the moment, but I’m still going to be Todoroki Shouto, I just won’t be your pro hero until I feel ready to be. I understand if some people won’t agree with my need for a break, I understand that heroes are supposed to fight through anything, but at this time there’s not much left in me to fight. Instead putting my own life at a greater risk by being unable to properly function as a hero, I believe it is better for me to take a break.” Shouto took in sharp breaths as he spoke, reading out loud like this reminded him of high school. Izuku nodded. “Now it’s up to you to tell everyone.” Izuku told Shouto, giving Shouto the final options. Without hesitation Shouto sent the Tweet, feeling as if all his worries were gone. Shouto sighed. “Thank you Izuku, I feel so much better now.” Shouto leaned on his elbows against the table, eyeing his waffles instead of making eye contact. He put his phone down beside him on the table.

Shouto stayed home today, he spent most of the day napping on the couch, Izuku was off at work. While Shouto was awake though, he thought about retirement, he knew that if he didn’t want to go back to being a hero he could always retire, he certainly had enough money to live well. He remembered his some of his high school teachers, many of whom had left the front lines and took up teaching at UA. Shouto chuckled at the idea of becoming a teacher, his father always seemed to frown upon the UA staff, but Shouto had always thought teaching was an interesting and important career choice. Hours went by, Shouto napped, woke up once and a while and got a snack, before napping again. Shouto was really enjoying his day off, even if he wasn’t doing anything. Some point during the day he asked his HomePod to set an alarm for ten thirty tonight, as well as to play him some music. Shouto slept through the day, and about a half and hour before Izuku went live Shouto turned on his television. Commercials were running, he tried to think about what came before Izuku’s show. Before he knew, the commercials ended, but next he realized was a new show. It was one of those shows with a few hosts that really went into the daily lives of famous people. It wasn’t long before Shouto heard his name. The two female cohosts chatted about Shouto’s choice to leave, saying they fully supported him, but they went on to talk about what Katsuki had said the other night.

Shouto listened in as they talked about what happened at the Late Nights With Izuku Midoriya. They went on about how him and Izuku were definitely dating, and how they wanted all the hot and steamy insider news about it. Shouto felt uncomfortable listening in, he didn’t want to have to share his personal life, and definitely not his sex life with anyone else in Japan. He knew there were plenty of people in Japan who certainly did want in on all aspects of his life, but he wouldn’t let anyone know about his relationship with Izuku willingly unless he trusted them. Shouto sighed, putting his tv on mute and just listening to the music that was still playing. Shouto hadn’t eaten all day, so he headed to the fridge for the leftovers Izuku had made him.

Shouto ate on the couch, one foot on top of the coffee table, the other on the ground as he slumped down on his couch. As Izuku’s show started, again he found himself humming along with the open music. When Shouto watched Izuku walk onstage, watching him wave to the audience and the cameras, Shouto felt the same way as he always did to see Izuku. Shouto could hear the cheering for Izuku from the TV. “Hey, Hey, one and all.” Izuku started once the audience quieted down. “Thank you all for coming, and I am your host Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku would continue speaking but he was as usual cut off by the audience cheering. “Today folks, we start on a more serious topic.” Izuku spoke after the audience calmed down again. “So I know I have Twitter, I think everyone knows that.” Izuku joked, a few people laughed, remembering all the times Izuku made comments about stuff on Twitter. “But today we all received a message from Shouto, which whether or not you use Twitter, I’m sure you’ve heard about it.” Izuku continued on, Shouto knew Izuku wouldn’t joke around about this too much, Shouto took a few more bites of the spaghetti Izuku made him. “Shouto has decided to take a mental health break from being a hero, and I fully support him.” Izuku paused.

“When Shouto and I first met, we talked about the mental health of heroes, only at that time he brought it up to make his words of appreciation for us here at Late Nights meaningful.” Izuku thought back to the interview he first had with Shouto. “But nonetheless he brought up a good point, our heroes deserve more from us.” Izuku took in a deep breath. “I’ve talked to Shouto recently, he knows that we as a society don’t mean to force our heroes to think of everyone but themselves, but this is just whats happened.” Izuku knew what his script said, he was having a hard time reading it out though. “If Shouto returns to work or not is up to him, and only him, but for now we need to fix our society enough to ensure Shouto can come back to work without feeling like he needs to take a break.” Izuku finished his speech, looking to the side of the stage to the stage manager. He looked back to the audience and the cameras. “On the topic of heroes, I feel the need to address yesterday’s interview.” Izuku sighed, remembering Katsuki’s interview. “There isn’t too much to say, but I suppose that Katsuki didn’t get an interview that was just about him, so I’ll probably have to get him to come on again.” Izuku explained, not really wanting to see Katsuki again.

Izuku got home a little later then usual, he went shopping for groceries at the small corner store he usually went to. Izuku came home to find Shouto asleep on the couch, the TV still running and the plate he had was rising and falling on his chest with every breath Shouto took. Izuku finished putting away all the groceries, just to be spooked by Shouto coming up behind him in the kitchen to put his plate on the counter. “Shouto, you nearly gave me a heart attack.” Izuku placed his hand in his chest, laughing. “Hmm Sorry.” Shouto mumbled, pulling Izuku into a hug from behind, resting his head on Izuku’s shoulder. Izuku placed his hands against Shouto’s, holding him. “Shouto, you seem tired.” Izuku chuckled. “I’ve been napping all day, and I’m still half asleep now.” Shouto groggily spoke, tightening his hold on Izuku, he lifted his head slightly, lightly brushing his lips on Izuku’s neck. Izuku snickered, feeling like he was being tickled. “Shoutoooo.” Izuku whined, half laughing. “That tickles.” Izuku felt Shouto’s hands move to his side. Shouto ran his hands along Izuku’s side, earning more laughter from Izuku. “Didn’t expect you to be ticklish.” Shouto mentioned, continuing to tickle Izuku as he kissed him along the side of his neck. “Well you know I am now.” Izuku paused, he laughed between the words he spoke. “You can stop now.” Izuku took in a deep breath, only to burst out laughing again. “Never.” Shouto joked. “Plus I love hearing you laugh.” Shouto mentioned.

Izuku and Shouto were laying in bed, Izuku scrolled through Twitter, there was so much about him and Shouto. Izuku read multiple different conspiracies about himself and Shouto, some were funny, while others were almost disturbingly accurate. “Izuku, how was your day at work?” Shouto spoke softly, he was drifting in and out of sleep. Izuku was happy to see Shouto relaxing like this all day. “It was good, spent all day thinking about you though.” Izuku responded. “That’s good.” Shouto paused, Izuku noticed that Shouto didn’t even have his eyes open at the time. “And all good things I hope.” Shouto smiled. “Yeah.” Izuku sighed in bliss. He watched Shouto fall asleep, Izuku took of his glasses, placing them on the nightstand next to his phone. Izuku looked back to Shouto, and suddenly he thought of saying ‘I love you’. This sudden realization made Izuku froze he had been reaching over to run his hands through Shouto’s hair, which surprisingly also changed temperature along with the two sides of Shouto’s body. Izuku quickly tried to ignore his other thoughts, reminding himself of Shouto’s quirk, and wondered if Shouto could make popsicles tomorrow, he even bought popsicle sticks earlier. Then his mind wandered back to the thought of how he was so in love with Shouto, but again Izuku tried miserably to ignore his feelings. Izuku questioned if eating a popsicle that Shouto made is like drinking up Shouto’s fluids, Izuku snickered at the thought.

When Izuku laid back in bed, he couldn’t shake the thought of being in love with Shouto. Izuku hoped this wouldn’t keep him up all night, but the little insecurities were getting to him, like what if Shouto didn’t love him back, or what if he wasn’t enough for Shouto, what if Shouto found someone better. Izuku knew Shouto was just friends with Momo yet they seemed so close, he saw in the hospital room, Momo was placing her hand on Shouto’s shoulder. Izuku knew he was just being stupid, he knew he was just making things up in his head, yet despite being made up thoughts, it still hurt to think about. Izuku pulled himself close to Shouto, who hummed softly, a small smile on his face once he felt Izuku cuddling up to him. Any doubts of Shouto’s feelings were forgotten, Izuku chuckled at the cute reaction, and eventually he fell asleep too.

Shouto woke up to the smell of something cooking, and Izuku wasn’t in bed with him. Shouto sat up, and slid off his bed. After all these years he still hadn’t gotten used to the feeling of the cold hardwood in the morning. Shouto made his way to the kitchen, Izuku stood above a pan, something sizzling on top. “Morning Shouto.” Izuku greeted, not taking his eyes off the pan. “Good morning Izuku.” Shouto replied, stepping over to the stove top. “What are you cooking?” Shouto asked, looking down at the pan, not recognizing anything on the pan. “You don’t know?” Izuku asked. “You’ve never had bacon before?” Izuku theatrically gasped. “I’ve heard of it, but never actually had any, my father told us it was a food we were banned from.” Shouto admitted. “But it smells good.” Shouto noticed. “Well get ready to try some real bacon, imported from Canada.” Izuku exclaimed, flipping a few pieces of bacon one last time before turning off the stove.

Shouto recognized the set up of breakfast, he was used to seeing it in western movies, bacon, eggs, and toast. Shouto wasn’t sure if he needed silverware for the bacon so he looked to Izuku, only to find him munching down on his last piece of bacon. “Izuku, you had five of those.” Shouto laughed, but he knew that bacon was to be eaten as finger food. Izuku didn’t respond, he was shovelling the last bit of bacon into his mouth. Shouto picked one of his pieces up from his plate. Shouto tried a bit, and he was surprised by how good it was, he understood why Izuku had eaten it all in seconds. “It’s really good.” Shouto mentioned, noticing that Izuku had been waiting for a reaction. “It is, isn’t it.” Izuku exclaimed, Izuku was really excited about the bacon.

Shouto decided to stay home again today, Izuku had gone off to work by now, but Shouto got to watch Izuku get dressed, so he was reminiscing about that. He saw Izuku in just his boxers again, and while thinking about that, Shouto hummed along to a song stuck in his head, he stirred a cup of tea with his spoon. Shouto wondered if he would get the chance to have sex with Izuku again sometime, but a notification from his phone shook him from his thoughts, and he noticed that he had still be stirring his tea. He paused and looked to his phone. The notification was from the pro hero group chat, which had previously been the Class 1-a group chat. Shouto didn’t spend much time on there, but his phone kept receiving notifications, he turned it on to see what was important.

Katsuki and Eijiro were engaged, and planning on throwing a party. Shouto sent a congratulations on getting engaged message, just as his old classmates were doing now. Mina went on a whole rant about why she should know how it happened, and who proposed to who, but Katsuki threatened what Shouto guessed was her life because she seemed to quiet down after that. It was hard to understand Katsuki sometimes through all the swearing. Eijiro took charge and invited everyone to a big dining hall a week from today at around nine pm, he said press might show, but none would be aloud inside. Next Wednesday Shouto didn’t think he had anything to do, so he and many of his friends agreed to go. Katsuki let everyone take a plus one, which Denki joked about Izuku showing up, Shouto didn’t feel like saying anything else, so he set his phone down after turning it off. He left to go charge his phone later.

He wondered if Izuku would want to go with him. Shouto of course wanted Izuku to go with him to places, he really loved Izuku. Shouto paused, questioning himself about what he just thought. Shouto decided to ask Momo a few questions next time he saw her, which would probably be at the party, Momo always knew the answer to love related questions and he trusted her. Shouto leaned back in his couch, he had turned on the TV earlier and got sucked into some random show that was playing, he forgot all about his tea for about an hour. Taking a sip of tea, then only to spit it back into the cup he had. Not only did Shouto fail to cook, he couldn’t even make proper tasting tea. Shouto placed the cup on a coaster on the coffee table. Shouto knew he hadn’t been on any social media for the purpose of just mindlessly scrolling, so he found his phone on the nightstand, took it off the wireless charging pad, and returned to his seat in the living room.

Shouto turned off his TV, not wanting to listen to any more of the pointless bickering of the two best friends having an argument this episode. He opened Twitter, only to find there were hundreds of new notifications. Suddenly Shouto didn’t feel like scrolling through Twitter, realizing there would be many Tweets about himself. Shouto didn’t want to be left in the dark about any other news so he finally started scrolling to see what was new. What he was finding were mainly arguments about things he didn’t understand, as usual, and he found a few things about himself after a few seconds. Mainly people were saying that they hoped only the best for him, he chuckled at the fact someone already had a bot set up to automatically count how many days Shouto had been off, it was only day two. Even if he only announced his break yesterday, there were thousands of people following the bot account, there were thousands of tweets when he finally did look himself up, and people were really talking about him. Then he saw the first Tweet about Monday’s interview with Katsuki. Shouto thought now was a great time to put his phone down and walk away.

While Shouto was bored at home, Izuku was helping to write tonight’s script for the show. Izuku pondered on each word he would say next in the script, he worked closely with his writing staff. Some of which were currently watching one of those talk show type news about all the important people. Izuku was listening it, but not giving it his full attention until his name was mentioned right after Shouto’s. Although Izuku would have given it his full attention once he heard just Shouto’s name. Izuku looked up to see his staff huddled around the flatscreen TV on the wall, some looked back at him, and others Izuku knew weren’t even script staff. Izuku found himself standing in front of the TV in a moment, listening as the two cohosts went on about how him and Shouto had been seen out together, and somehow for the public, the two of them being gay and friends meant they were dating. They were dating, but the only solid evidence for the public was simply that, they were gay and friends. Izuku sighed, feeling all the eyes on him in this room. He turned away from the TV, but paused, hearing something about new information. Paparazzi had seen Izuku leaving the same apartment building that Shouto lived in, and they said they have months worth of proof. Izuku scoffed, thinking how far people needed to connect the dots here. Izuku returned to the table were everyone was brainstorming the script.

After the hosts moved on to the next story, staff members returned to their work, but all of them really wanted to know if Izuku really was dating Shouto. It would explain why Shouto occasionally showed up with Izuku, but that wasn’t enough proof for the writing team. They knew what solid proof meant, they all wrote about fake and real news all day. Finding out what Izuku was to Shouto was now their main side mission.

Now Shouto on the other hand was making some interesting decisions. Being in his twenties, stuck at home alone, with nothing to do, Shouto took it upon himself to get drunk. His only reasoning for this was he was bored, and last time he was drunk was the high school graduation party. There were cans of beer in the fridge, so Shouto grabbed a couple. Izuku would have a weird scene to come home to tonight. Shouto felt like he could do whatever he wanted to, and the sound of the beer can popping opened only fuelled his impulsive attitude.

Around a half an hour to live time, Izuku got a notification from Shouto. He texted Izuku a ‘Hey baby’ text. Izuku felt his face flush red. He got another text, which he guessed was meant to say ‘how are you’ but somehow there were plenty of mistakes. Izuku sighed, and he called Shouto, who picked up quite fast. “Shouto, are you alright?” Izuku asked, wondering what was up with Shouto. Over the phone Izuku heard quiet laughter. “Izuku, baby, I’m having the time of my life here.” Shouto paused, snickering. “Sure I may have gotten a bit drunk, but it’s great, I feel so free.” Shouto burst out laughing, only to suddenly stop. “Wanna fuck?” Shouto asked.

“What?” Izuku exclaimed, still dealing with the fact that Shouto was drunk only to be asked if he wanted to have sex. “Oh shit.” Izuku heard on the phone, followed by a thud or two. “Shouto?” Izuku called out. “I fell off the chair, give me a second.” Shouto replied, starting to laugh again. “Hey there’s change under the couch.” Izuku faintly heard. Izuku watched as staff members hurried past him. “Shouto, Shouto you there?” Izuku spoke into the phone. “Definitely, always’ll be there for you baby.” Shouto’s words slurred together. “I gotta go live soon, but don’t do anything stupid.” Izuku sighed, hoping Shouto would listen to him. “Mhmm, mhmm.” Shouto hummed in agreement, before mumbling to himself. “These coins are cool, very shiny, and— fuck I dropped it.” Izuku could hear the coin his the table and roll around. “When you get back home, wanna fuck then?” Shouto asked again. Izuku chuckled, deciding to go along with drunk Shouto. “Sure, sure why not.” Izuku looked down to his shoes, crossing his other arm under his arm holding the phone up to his ear. “Yes, fuck, yes.” Izuku heard Shouto shouting, he had to pull the phone away from his ear while Shouto continued to shout profanities and other words of excitement. He heard Shouto pick the phone up off the counter. “See you when you get home babe, now I gotta find more beer.” Shouto could be heard rummaging through the fridge. Izuku said his goodbyes, laughing at his drunk boyfriend as he ended the call.

Izuku got onstage, hearing the loud cheering from his audience tonight. But Izuku had his mind on other things, or rather other people. Shouto was off at home, drunk, and Izuku couldn’t stop thinking about all the ways this could go wrong. Yet he was some what excited to go home, there was a chance he would get to have sex with Shouto again, although he was drunk, so maybe it wasn’t the best idea. Izuku started his monologue, going on about political jokes, and other news stories worth poking fun at. After the interview, tonights show was over, and Izuku would get to see how the rest of his night would unfold. He got into his car, without having to say anything his driver drove off. He got home to the apartment building he lived in with Shouto. Looking up at the glass building, he noted nothing was on fire, and people weren’t running and screaming from the building, which was a good sign. After taking the elevator up, he made his way to the apartment door. When he unlocked the door, took a few steps inside and closed the door behind him, he realized there wasn’t much different except for the many beer cans across the kitchen bar, one had spilled, and coins were next to a few cans. Then he watched Shouto poke his head up from behind the couch he had been laying on.

Izuku covered his mouth as he laughed softly, Shouto’s hair was messy, his hair was nowhere near split down the middle now. He squinted his eyes. “Izuku, can you shut off all the lights.” Shouto paused. “I couldn’t find the switch.” He complained. “I might have to take the day off tomorrow, to care for you.” Izuku chuckled. “Nooo.” Shouto exclaimed, eyes widening. He fell back on the couch once the lights were off. “Why not?“ Izuku questioned. “Because, because I’ll have to watch a rerun, and every night you weren’t on.” Shouto coughed, Izuku listened to Shouto from the kitchen, standing near the light switch. “Every weeknight you weren’t on, mostly during the nights with repeats, and occasionally weekends, I would ways jerk off to you.” Shouto admitted. Izuku again felt all hot and embarrassed. “I kinda maybe jerked off to you earlier, and I maybe kinda got a little dirty.” Shouto went on. Izuku was just frozen, taking in all this information that he wouldn’t have known unless Shouto got drunk. “I’m sorry, but you’re just so beautiful, and handsome, and perfect, and—.” Shouto listed a few great things about Izuku, only to pause, but he continued. “Oh but don’t worry, I took a shower, which was so strange because I didn’t expect to see a cloud raining on me along with the shower head.” Shouto rambled. “And I changed clothes, I’m all clean and so ready to head to bed with you. I wanna stay up all night with you. We might end up getting dirty again though.” Shouto added.

Izuku came out of the shower, which he had to convince Shouto he would take one alone. He needed a moment to think about everything Shouto had told him today, he was surprised, yet at the same time expected Shouto to have had jerked off to him. Izuku struggles to admit it, but he’s done the same. Izuku dried himself off, brushed his teeth, and everything else he had to do and got dressed. He opened the door to then bathroom, seeing Shouto sprawled on the bed. When he heard the door open, he quickly turned to Izuku. He motioned for Izuku to join him. “Come on, come on, Izuku I wanna hold you all night.” Shouto called to Izuku, who turned off the bathroom light and headed to bed. He took off his glasses, putting them on the nightstand, then he laid down next to Shouto. Izuku could smell the beer off Shouto’s breath when he exhaled. Shouto ran his fingers along Izuku’s chest. “Shouto, you should rest. You need rest.” Izuku tried to ignore Shouto’s hands on his chest. “You know what I want to do? I wanna cuddle all night, and talk to you, and kiss you, and maybe we could fuck a bit too, more then just a bit if you wanted, and then go back to cuddling.” Shouto went on about his plans. Izuku felt his heart racing, Shouto would eventually give poor Izuku a heart attack. “Shouto.” Izuku began to protest. “You need to sleep, you aren’t even thinking straight right now.” Izuku sighed.

“That’s right, because you make me think so gay.” Shouto concluded. Izuku snorted out a laugh. “Oh gosh, Shouto I hope you remember all this tomorrow morning.” Izuku laughed. “I’ll have quite the story to tell if you don’t.” Izuku nodded, turning to the side to be closer to Shouto. “I think you’re so handsome.” Shouto spoke softly, he was falling asleep just staring into Izuku’s eyes, which was a blessing for him any night. “Goodnight Izuku.” Shouto held Izuku close as he finally drifted off to sleep again, Izuku soon followed.

Shouto woke up with a pounding headache, he groaned and rolled onto his back. “Oh your hangover is gonna be horrible.” Izuku joked, Shouto could tell Izuku was still in bed next to him. “It’s not funny.” Shouto scowled quietly, fuelling Izuku’s laughter even more. “I don’t even remember much after taking the beer from the fridge, there was something about change under the couch, shiny coins, a raincloud in the shower, and.” Shouto paused. “I think was talking about thinking gay?” Shouto tried to piece his night together. “Oh, haha Shouto there was so much more then that, and I wasn’t even around for the first few hours.” Izuku kept laughing. “Ugh, yet I have no regrets, the only thing I do remember was having fun.” Shouto chuckled along with Izuku. “I have a story for you then.” Izuku exclaimed. “Nooo I don’t wanna hear about what I was like.” Shouto complained, rolling on top of Izuku to hold him down. Shouto would have napped there, but Izuku kept talking. “Shouto I gotta get up from work.” Izuku whined. “No. Not any more.” Shouto felt Izuku squirm underneath him. “I’m hungry.” Izuku went on. “I don’t think so.” Shouto challenged. “Why do you get to decide that?” Izuku’s laughter echoed. “Shouto it’s time to wake up.” Izuku smiled, but Shouto managed to fall back asleep. Izuku had to push Shouto back, and he slid under and away from Shouto’s grip, only to be pulled back into a hug from behind before he could get away.

It took Izuku an extra half an hour to get out of bed today, and when he was leaving for work, Shouto still hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. Izuku was glad to see Shouto getting some much needed rest, in fact when Izuku was saying his goodbyes, he was pretty sure Shouto was still asleep, he even managed to sneak in a little kiss on Shouto’s forehead. Although it was normal for Shouto to just hum in response, so he couldn’t really tell if Shouto was sleeping. Izuku held his phone in his hand, and looked down to see the flash on again. Izuku sighed, turning off the flashlight from the lock screen. Suddenly he came up with a joke though, so he ran through the best possible ways to say it as he headed to the writing team rooms.

The bed softly creaked as Shouto restlessly rolled around to find a good place to sleep in an attempt to fall back asleep. After being unsuccessful to sleep away his hangover, he pushed himself up in bed. Shouto decided on instead of his inability to sleep, it was the open blinds that were bothering him. He wanted to stay awake in darkness at least. Shouto shuffled off the bed, and took a few unsteady steps to the blinds, closing them, then stumbling back into bed. He fell face first into his bed, but he obviously didn’t care enough because he managed to fall asleep in the total darkness now.

Izuku and a few of his staff rolled around on the wheely chairs, racing through the halls. Izuku cheered as he continued to push himself faster, the halls were cleared except for everyone on the chairs and a few others who followed close behind. Izuku was currently in close second, but he didn’t want to lose today. The finish line was marked by two staff standing across from each other, both holding extra poles from backstage. Izuku could feel his glasses just waiting to fall, so he quickly grabbed them and shoved them in his pocket, which slowed him down, but he sped up fast, nearly catching up to the person ahead of him. But alas he came second, he managed to nearly catch up to late. Instead of being angry, sad, or annoyed over his loss, he laughed along with his staff members, a few shook hands, but another race was on. They had to push their chairs back to the writing offices. Izuku ran first, and eventually everyone’s loud footsteps followed as they all ran.

This Thursday was starting completely different for both Izuku and Shouto. Izuku was running around with his staff, while Shouto was still sleeping. Shouto was more only half asleep at this time though, it was past one pm, he knew it was time to get up and have lunch. He was excited to see what lunch Izuku had prepared for him, his favourite things now were getting to see Izuku after a long day at work, watching Izuku’s show, cuddling with Izuku, basically anything with Izuku, and then eating whatever tasty food Izuku made. Shouto couldn’t cook well at all, and Izuku made only the best, seemingly unable to ruin anything. Even if Izuku added a bit too much of something, or the recipe went sideways, Shouto was jealous about his Izuku could always fix it into something better.

Shouto opened the fridge to find no leftovers, but plenty of ingredients. “Izuku, fuck, I’m gonna starve.” Shouto theatrically sighed. Izuku found himself sneezing mid sentence, wondering if Shouto was talking about him. He finished talking and checking the time, it was around when he guessed Shouto would have lunch. His eyes widened as he stared at his watch when he remembered that because Shouto kept him in bed longer, Izuku hadn’t made anything for Shouto’s lunch or dinner. “He’s gonna starve.” Izuku snickered while he muttered to himself. “Who’s going to starve?” Someone next to him asked. Without thinking, Izuku answered. “My boyfriend.” Izuku took his eyes off his watch and to the person next to him. He heard the writing crew cheer. “Izuku’s got a boyfriend.” Someone shouted.

Izuku watched his writing staff run out of the office space, looking for the nearest person to tell about the latest developments. Izuku shifted in his chair, leaning onto the desk, he sighed, wondering what he was going to do next. He could rush home and make Shouto something, that would aid him in his escape from the office where he would be questioned about his love life. But he knew what time it was, there would be plenty of traffic, and his lunch break wouldn’t be long enough. Izuku also knew that Shouto would find a way to keep him at home longer, which if Izuku didn’t have work, he would love. Izuku liked Shouto’s cuddles, and the hugs too, and as a sudden side note Izuku thought he really enjoyed that one time they had sex. Izuku stood up from his chair, going to go find his writing staff to finish tonights script.

Izuku successfully rounded up all of the writing team. Surprisingly they didn’t ask about who his boyfriend was, they seemed to excited about the fact that Izuku was dating someone right now. They got to work, finishing the script earlier then usual, the crew’s excitement had been channeled into their work, and there was a few hours before they went live. Izuku told everyone to relax, and he rushed out after calling his driver to pick him up. Izuku got home to find Shouto snacking on flakes of cereal, eating handfuls from the box as if it were a bag of chips. “Shouto, what are you doing?” Izuku giggled, snatching the box. “You’re home.” Shouto noted. “Welcome home Izuku.” Shouto smiled. Izuku felt comfortable hearing Shouto say that, he loved hearing Shouto tell him he’s home, there wasn’t any other place he would call home without Shouto.

Izuku stood above the stove, it become a habit of his to scowl when he cooked as his glasses fogged up. And Shouto held Izuku from behind, Izuku felt like he was being weighed down by a clingy cat, Shouto even rested his head on Izuku’s shoulder. Izuku made a simple spaghetti and tomato sauce dinner for Shouto, but he didn’t want Izuku to leave yet. Izuku had predicted this, making him chuckle. Izuku squirmed in Shouto’s hug to turn and face him. Izuku placed his arms over Shouto’s shoulders, leaning towards him for a kiss. Shouto understood, pressing their lips together as he smiled. Izuku backed up to lean against the counter, Shouto deepened the kiss, his tongue finding its way into Izuku’s mouth. Shouto pressed up against Izuku, as Izuku ran his hands through Shouto’s hair, pulling him closer. Izuku pulled away slightly, Shouto leaned forward a bit, frowning with the loss of contact. “Shouto, I have work.” Izuku mumbled, kissing Shouto back, obviously not worrying much about his work. “Stop making excuses.” Shouto muttered, slipping his tongue back into Izuku’s mouth as they kissed.

Shouto pulled Izuku up to sit him on the counter, holding Izuku’s ass, another hand pulling Izuku closer by his back. Izuku’s legs were spread on the counter, while Shouto stood comfortably in between them. Shouto moved his hand from Izuku’s ass to his inner thigh, stroking it with his thumb lightly. This got Shouto a breathy moan from Izuku. Shouto smirked, but pulled away, a string of saliva still connecting their lips. “Shouto, I have work, you’ll love to see tonight’s show.” Izuku spoke softly, his face brushed against Shouto’s as he spoke into Shouto’s ear. “Izuku.” Shouto protested, but he knew Izuku was right, Izuku did have to leave, by the time he got back to work people would be lining up for seats. Izuku sighed, not wanting their moment to end. “But do I really have to go?” Izuku quietly asked. “If you don’t want to, we can stay here and cuddle.” Shouto responded. Izuku wished he hadn’t asked for any other options, because he knew he needed to go to work, but Shouto was presenting to him such a great reason not to go.

After plenty of mental persuasion, Izuku got back to work, of course he heard Shouto’s protests, but once he remembered he would get to see Izuku’s show, he let him return to work. Tonight’s show was easy to do, he joked a bit, adding in his joke that he thought of earlier that was about how apple really needed to move the flash button on new phones, talked with a special guest, chatted with his audience, and returned home to Shouto. “Shouto I’m home.” Izuku called, hearing Shouto’s footsteps getting closer. “Welcome home.” Shouto greeted, a smile on his face, they locked eyes, Izuku and Shouto immediately wanted to continue where they left off. Shouto pulled Izuku in, kissing him lightly. “Can we—“ he paused, kissing Izuku again. “Continue where we left off?” He asked, feeling Izuku pull him closer before answering. “Please.” Izuku glanced down to Shouto’s lips before back up into his eyes.

Eventually neither of them were wearing any clothes, and they had found their way to bed. Izuku rolled his hips with each of Shouto’s thrusts as they spent the night together, Shouto found a way to kiss Izuku almost every second, and Izuku loved every one. While the sheets were washing after, both Izuku and Shouto took a shower together to clean up, which proved to be unproductive when they just ended up having some steamy shower fun, Shouto teased Izuku about how loud he was occasionally. Izuku teased Shouto about being unable to cook, Shouto snickered at his own failures, Izuku laughed along with him. After they were able to properly clean up after their fun, they got out, dried off, finished up a few more things, remade the bed, and cuddled in bed till they feel asleep.

Izuku woke up with a yawn, his eyes fluttering open, he sat up, noticing he fell asleep with Shouto naked. It was Friday. “Finally.” Izuku sighed out softly. “Finally what?” Izuku heard a voice next to him, he looked down next to him. “It’s Friday Shouto.” Izuku explained. “Were you watching me sleep again?” Izuku chuckled. He grabbed the covers and threw them off Shouto. “Hey, Izuku it’s cold now.” Shouto complained, but he noticed that Izuku couldn’t help but stare. “Use your quirk, I’m looking at an indescribable masterpiece right now.” Izuku retorted. “You kept staring last night too, you know I’m not some untouchable painting.” Shouto held Izuku’s hand and lightly kissed it before placing it against his chest. Izuku felt the steady beat of Shouto’s heart under the rise and fall from his breath. Izuku hummed, leaning down to give Shouto a peck on the lips.

Over breakfast, Shouto remembered the party he had been invited to, and decided to ask Izuku about joining him now. “Hey Izuku, can I talk to you about something?” Shouto started, watching Izuku lather his bread with butter. “Sure Shouto, what’s up?” Izuku asked, placing the knife back next to the butter. “Bakugou got engaged—“ Izuku cut him off. “To what? His ego?” Izuku snickered, Shouto chuckled. “Well I was invited to the party with Wednesday, and the whole plus one thing was offered.” Shouto explained, trying his best. Izuku nodded. “I’d be glad to go with you if that’s what your asking.” Izuku smiled. Shouto though he had something of a sixth sense, turns out Izuku was able to read minds. “Mind reader.” Shouto playfully scowled. Izuku laughed. They ate the rest of their breakfasts while chatting a bit, before Izuku had to prepare for work.

Shouto watched Izuku strip out of the clothing he had picked just to eat breakfast with from their bed, he sat calmly. Izuku could feel Shouto’s eyes on his bare body, but enjoyed it. “You’re getting a whole show this morning.” Izuku joked. “And I love it.” Shouto sighed, making Izuku blush. He rummaged through his closet until he found a good suit paring. Izuku was about to get dressed, but Shouto made a comment. “Can’t you let me enjoy the show a bit longer.” Shouto complained to his boyfriend. “Sho—Shouto.” Izuku stuttered, chuckling. “You didn’t get enough last night?” Izuku questioned. “Last night I was more focused on making you cum, and listening to you scream my name.” Shouto paused, watching Izuku turn red. “And I was focused on different parts of you, like all the ways I could mark your neck.” He motioned to the many marks Shouto left on Izuku’s neck. “And I really liked looking at your dick, but now I get to see all of you, from all these angles.” Shouto finished speaking, though he wasn’t sure if Izuku had even been conscious to hear him. “Izuku? Well just thought I’d let you know I love every part of you.” Shouto watched as Izuku failed to piece together words.

Izuku got dressed after Shouto finally let him, then he headed off to work, wondering what he would come home to today. He had made sure to cook Shouto a lunch and dinner so he wouldn’t have to worry about Shouto’s attempts to cook. Izuku was pleased to see Shouto doing so well since he left work on a break, and the city was still safe. Shouto had made a different in the city, he kept it safe, but now he could relax for a while as his sidekicks could take charge. He fumbled around with his glasses in his hands, being careful not to muck up the glass before putting his glasses back on. Izuku leaned back in his seat, watching the cars drive by, and the people going about their day. But his mind continued to return to the thought of Shouto. There wasn’t anything Izuku didn’t like about his boyfriend, he couldn’t seem to find anything that wasn’t perfect. Only to remember that Shouto couldn’t cook well, Izuku chuckled at the thought, he thought back to the time Shouto managed to burn water. He wasn’t sure what happened but the water turned brown and almost crispy looking in the pot before catching fire.

Izuku got to work in good time, and started writing the script with his staff, each adding a special part of their own to the script. Izuku loved this part of backstage, though it was really the only thing he could help with, he loved to write the script. He had tried to help with other things backstage, but there was way to much to learn about the stage controls, leading to a new respect for his backstage workers. Once the script was ready and prepared, Izuku was ready to go on a break, but noticed that his writing staff were surrounding the TV on the wall. He faintly heard his name, and a few glanced at him. Izuku pushed his glasses up slightly, taking a few steps towards the TV. It was another one of those celebrity news shows. Izuku read the headline and froze. It read ‘Number One Pro Hero Shouto Dating Late Night Host Izuku Midoriya Confirmed’. Izuku shuffled back slightly as he watched pictures of him leaving the apartment where he and Shouto lived together flashed across the screen. Izuku couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as he realized someone had been taking pictures of him leaving were he lived.

Izuku locked himself in his office, pacing around as he patted his leg, Izuku was confused and yet angry. He knew he would have to call Shouto eventually, but he didn’t want to stress Shouto out anymore, so he paced around trying to come up with a plan. When he was walking to his office, he could hear everyones chatter about his relationship, and he knew everyone else had probably heard about their relationship by now. Izuku knew he wanted to be with Shouto, but he didn’t need the world to know that too, they kept it secret to keep the press and paparazzi out of their lives. “Shit, shit, shit.” Izuku swore under his breath, he took a few deep breaths, looking out at the city view from his office, attempting to calm himself. He would go live in less than an hour, he needed to prepare himself, thinking of how he would say nothing about the latest developments and just get home and talk to Shouto face to face about their next moves.

Izuku took a deep breath, he walked out on stage, waving to his audience, a smile across his face. His audience cheered for him, he watched the camera pan around him and the audience. Shouto watched from home, he hadn’t seen any of the news about him and Izuku yet, but he had a strange feeling that something was going on. He ate dinner on the couch as usual, listening to Izuku’s jokes, he could never get bored of watching Izuku and his show. Shouto knew he was lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend, he wanted to be with Izuku for the rest of his life. Shouto felt selfish again as the thought of keeping all of Izuku to himself crossed his mind. He sighed, wondering when Izuku would be home, so he could hug, kiss, and cuddle Izuku. Shouto could barely wait to get to hold Izuku again, he was feeling clingy, Shouto had been in a more clingy mood recently, maybe it was because he was dealing with being left at home alone all day. He chuckled at the thought of being like a dog, until he realized he was practically already acted like one. Izuku had to make him food, and set it aside for him for later, he greeted Izuku at the door almost every night after waiting all day for Izuku to return, and he cuddled up to Izuku whenever he could.

Izuku arrived home, and just as he expected, Shouto was waiting for him, pulling him into a hug before Izuku even got the door closed. “Oh Shouto.” Izuku gasped, then giggled, hugging Shouto back with one hand, and closed the door behind him, locking it, with the other hand. Izuku felt Shouto’s half cold half hot lips against his neck. Izuku buried his face into Shouto’s shoulder as Shouto kissed Izuku’s neck. “I’m glad you’re home.” Shouto whispered softly into Izuku’s ear, he pulled Izuku in tighter. Izuku nodded slightly against Shouto’s shoulder. “Yeah, I’m glad to be home.” Izuku agreed.

Shouto and Izuku cuddled on the couch, watching movies on the random cable channels that were playing throwback movies until they fell asleep on the couch. The voices of old actors still speaking from the TV as they slept. Izuku was resting against Shouto’s chest, the sound of his heartbeat had lulled Izuku to sleep, he felt Shouto’s breaths from his chest as well. Shouto had one arm wrapped around Izuku, the other loosely gripping the TV remote.

Izuku didn’t want to wake up this morning, and the realization it was a weekend nearly made him jump and laugh, but he couldn’t just yet. He woke up to find Shouto peacefully sleeping again, Izuku just wouldn’t ever want to wake up Shouto. He knew this weekend would be a very easygoing weekend, Shouto didn’t have work, neither did Izuku, they would either end up cuddling, or well having sex all weekend. Izuku expected probably a bit of both, and decided to sneak in the probability of teaching Shouto how to cook something this weekend too. Izuku wondered if the attempt to teach Shouto how to cook a small meal would be futile, and if Shouto would just end up getting Izuku to cook everything for him anyways, but he wanted to try.

Shouto woke up not long after, but instead of getting up for breakfast, Shouto playfully pushed Izuku down on the couch, kissing him across the face while Izuku squirmed and laughed loudly. “Shoutooo.” Izuku complained, not really wanting Shouto to stop though. But he did, and found himself staring down at Izuku. “Good morning.” Shouto smiled, Izuku saw as Shouto’s face softened from the usual resting face to a smile. Izuku also felt his face warm, he was definitely blushing now. Izuku grabbed Shouto’s shirt, pulling him into another kiss, their lips connected, both of them unable to hold back their smiles. If this was how this weekend would play out, neither Izuku or Shouto wanted it to end.

“Ok Shouto, I’m gonna leave you here to cook the noodles, and it’s all going to work out.” Izuku assured, taking a few steps back to monitor Shouto’s cooking from afar. Shouto poked at the bubbling water with the large wooden spoon. Izuku turned to his phone, looking for things to make with noodles. The second he turned back to Shouto, the pot was on fire, Shouto didn’t seem to care, thinking that this was how noodles were made. “Shouto, oh— use your quirk.” Izuku shouted. “You’re not supposed to cook noodles like this?” Shouto asked, freezing the pot and the stovetop. “You’re hopeless.” Izuku chuckled, eyeing the frozen stovetop. “I think it’s best if I just stay away from the kitchen.” Shouto suggested. Izuku laughed louder now. “Shouto, I think you’re right.” Izuku smiled. “In my defence, I was left unsupervised.” Shouto melted the frozen counter. “I was practically right next to you.” Izuku snickered as he spoke. “Stop laughing at me.” Shouto playfully complained.

The weekend went by, Izuku had forgotten completely about talking to Shouto about the leak of their relationship. Wednesday rolled around, Shouto was at home while Izuku had gone off to work, though he wouldn’t be long, Izuku just had to let everyone go home early as there would be no show tonight. He knew he needed to talk to Momo later at the party, so he called her now. He put it on speakerphone and leaned back on the couch. He listened to his phone ring until Momo picked up. “Shouto, oh how are you doing?” She asked into the phone. “I’ve been doing better, happier, you know.” He responded. “That’s good.” She sighed.

They talked for a while, Momo eventually asked why Shouto called. “Well I called today because I needed to ask, you’re going to be at the party tonight right?” He questioned. “Yes, yes I am, any reason why?” She told Shouto. “I needed to ask you some questions, and you know more about love then I do, so I needed some advice I suppose?” Shouto felt embarrassed asking for love advice. “Haha, sure Shouto, I’ll help you out, see you tonight then.” They said their goodbyes and Shouto hung up the phone, then he went to go find lunch. He waited for Izuku to come home. He noticed his hair had gotten longer, he hadn’t really had a haircut since before he formally met Izuku, so he played around with it, only to leave it in a bun for now, leaving just his bangs in front of his face.

Izuku got home at just after twelve. “Welcome back Izuku.” Shouto greeted as usual. Izuku noticed Shouto’s hair immediately. “Wow, Shouto, your hair.” Izuku mentioned. “Oh yeah, I forgot that I was playing around with it earlier.” He paused, seeing Izuku’s surprised expression. “Do you not like it?” Shouto questioned, raising one hand to pull the band out of his hair. Izuku grabbed Shouto’s hand, stopping him. “I think it looks great, it’s an awesome choice Shouto.” Izuku smiled, leaning forward for his welcome home kiss, Shouto happily obliged.

At around eight, Shouto was sent the location for the party, it was a large hall he had been to for other engagement and wedding parties in the past. Him and Izuku got dressed in suits. Shouto wore a deep red suit, a black collar shirt underneath, ignoring a tie, his hair still up in a simple man bun style. Izuku decided on a lighter blue suit, with a dark blue with white striped tie, and a white collared shirt. It took them about a half hour to finally be fully dressed, after Shouto kept teasing Izuku, but he didn’t complain, in fact Izuku liked a lot of Shouto’s teasing tonight. The car ride was short, and they got there on time.

There wasn’t any press around, they hadn’t gotten word of any party here yet. Izuku and Shouto were escorted together to the hall, where many guests already were. Izuku recognized many people there, Shouto did too, there were teachers from UA like Aizawa, who was chatting with All Might. “My step father is here, I wonder if my mother is here too.” Izuku motioned over to All Might. He looked over to near the entrance where Izuku and Shouto were standing. He said something to Aizawa before heading over to Izuku.

“Izuku my boy, how are you?” All Might greeted, pulling Izuku in for a hug. “Dad, hey it’s been a while.” Izuku chuckled, hugging his father back. “Is Inko here tonight?” Izuku asked, as they pulled away from the hug. “Unfortunately she decided to stay home, I’ll be joining her soon, just decided to come out and show my support for young Bakugou and Kirishima.” All Might explained. Shouto stood next to Izuku, feeling slightly guilty he was just listening in on their conversation. All Might turned to Shouto. “Ah and young Todoroki, so the rumours are true.” He smiled, looking back and forth from Izuku and Shouto. “What rumours?” Shouto questioned.

“Oh, I’m sorry for assuming—“ All Might started. “No dad we are dating, Shouto just wasn’t caught up in the whole mess online right now.” Izuku assured. Shouto glanced at Izuku, what exactly had he missed. “I just forgot to tell you Shouto.” Izuku chuckled sheepishly. “We we’re just busy on the weekend, and I forgot.” Izuku rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s ok Izuku.” Shouto smiled. “Well I’ll let you two settle in, I’m going to find young Bakugou or young Kirishima and congratulate them before I leave.” All Might told the two. “Have a good night dad, and tell mom hi for me, and tell him I’m going well.” Izuku started his goodbyes. “Yes I will, alright goodbye Izuku, and I hope to see you sometime soon young Todoroki. The best of luck to you two.” All Might begin to walk away. Izuku waved goodbye, as did Shouto.

Shouto and Izuku walked away from near the doors, finding a nice place to talk, that wasn’t too close to the crowds of heroes and family friends. “So what rumours are spreading about us?” Shouto remembered what All Might had brought up. Izuku groaned. “I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you, we were having such a great weekend, all the cuddling and everything.” Izuku started. “So there was some paparazzi or someone who had taken a picture of me leaving our apartment, and since I moved in with you, it was your apartment to begin with, and people connected the dots.” Izuku rambled, and Shouto listened in. “I see, well it makes sense why people would assume that, especially after that whole thing with Bakugou on live television.” Shouto chuckled. Izuku scowled. “I still hate him for that, because now I can’t even leave my own home without thinking someone is going to be taking pictures of me just because I’m living with you.” Izuku sighed. “Let’s just enjoy the party for now.” Izuku decided. “I enjoy everything I do with you.” Shouto smiled down at Izuku.

“What was the inspiration for your hair?” Izuku motioned to Shouto’s hair. “Well it was getting to long, and I was bored, but it was better then getting drunk like last time.” Shouto chuckled as he responded. Before anything else could be said, Momo ran over to Shouto. “Shouto.” She called, both Izuku and Shouto turned to look as she ran over. She grabbed Shouto’s hand. “I just want to congratulate you two, I hope all the best, I love what you’ve done with you hair, now come on Shouto, we have things to talk about.” She pulled him away. “Uh— well I’ll be right back Izuku.” Shouto quickly spoke, being pulled away from a very excited Momo, she wanted to hear all about Shouto’s love problems, and she wanted to help him. Izuku didn’t understand, and was left standing alone at the party. Izuku’s thoughts wandered, connecting things he knew were wrong. He knew Shouto was gay, but was Shouto cheating on him, lying about his sexuality just to use him for his body, while he was running off to be with Momo. Izuku had to admit, Momo was a beautiful woman, she had much better features then he did, no wonder Shouto was going off with Momo. He remembered the time in the hospital, Momo seemed a little too close then too, just how long had they been together, was it even before him and Shouto got together? Izuku couldn’t hold back all the thoughts racing through his mind.

A voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Oi, Midoriya.” Bakugou called, Izuku was glad he finally dropped that nickname Deku from when they were kids. “Bakugou, uhm— congratulations on your engagement.” Izuku mustered up a smile. “Where’s Icy Hot?” Bakugou ignored Izuku’s words. “I’m not sure.” Izuku looked down to his shoes, the smile faded from his face. He pushed his glasses up on his nose. “I saw he ran off with Momo, they’re always together it seems.” Bakugou smirked, trying to get into Izuku’s head. “Since high school, and there’s always rumours of them being together. The rumours about you and Icy Hot were true, who‘s to say the ones about those two aren’t.” Bakugou watched as Izuku held back tears, his eyes fixated on the ground as he tried his hardest not to cry. “You haven’t changed, you’re still the same whiny little child you’ve always been, I can’t imagine in what other way then sex that you’ve managed to satisfy Icy Hot. Well I’ll see you around Deku, thanks for coming.” Bakugou walked away from Izuku, leaving him alone again. Izuku bit his bottom lip, wiping the tears from his eyes before they rolled down his face. Izuku kept his head down.

Shouto finally pulled away from Momo, they had gone off to one of the more quiet hallways outside from the party. “So tell me everything.” Momo nearly squealed, reminding him of Mina. “I’m not sure where to start.” Shouto paused. “I’ve wanted to be with Izuku for years, you know that right? But what if I make a mistake it’s all over, all my wishes would be for nothing. And— And what if I’m not good enough, what if he finds someone better? What then Momo? For the first time I feel lost, I’m lost.” Shouto paused, he spoke fast, and needed to take a breath of air. “And how do I tell him I love him, and when? How should I properly propose, and when’s the right time to you know pop the question?” Shouto asked. “This is my first major relationship, my first relationship with someone who wasn’t just family. How do— how can I be the best boyfriend for Izuku, and hopefully the best husband?” Shouto had finally slowed down his speech, he took in a deep breath, finally done with his questions so far.

“Wow, that’s a lot to take in.” Momo pondered what to say next. “I’d say your doing a great job already, you obviously care so much, and you’ve been together for months so far.” Momo started. “I think you should just continue being you, despite how cliche that might sound, it’s working so far I think.” Momo suggested. Shouto sighed in relief, realizing that he was doing a good job for Izuku as a boyfriend in Momo’s eyes. She continued to explain more about planning a proposal, Shouto tried to understand it all.

Shouto found his way back to Izuku, but Shouto could feel something was off, even before he said goodbye to Momo. “Izuku, are you alright?” Shouto noticed Izuku kept his head down, but he could see that Izuku’s eyes were slightly puffy. Izuku didn’t meet Shouto’s gaze as he responded. “Yeah, I’m ok, can we go home, or do you need to stay?” Izuku quietly asked. “I have no reason to be here, let’s go home now.” Shouto tried to comfort Izuku but placing a hand on Izuku’s arm, but he moved away. “Do you have fun with Momo?” Izuku muttered, walking past Shouto to the doors. Shouto didn’t understand what he had done wrong, but he felt stupid and worthless now that Izuku was walking away from him. He felt a pain in his chest, and he remembered he couldn’t cry in public, so he followed close behind Izuku. He watched Izuku from behind, racking his mind to try and understand how he fucked up. He felt his whole world fall apart, and he felt like there was nothing he could do.

The drive home was tense, Shouto noticed that Izuku was patting on his leg, which usually meant he was angry. “Izuku, what’s wrong.” Shouto softly asked. “Nothing Shouto.” Izuku replied in a strong tone, one Shouto wasn’t used to hearing from his boyfriend. “Izuku, you can always talk to me.” Shouto tried to reason with Izuku. “There’s nothing to talk about, let’s just get home.” Izuku responded. Izuku got out of the car once they got to the apartment, slamming the door shut behind him in Shouto’s face. Shouto glanced at Takashi, who made eye contact with Shouto from the rear view mirror, but he looked away immediately. “He reminds me of my wife right now.” Takashi sympathized. “Just let him come to you, it’s much easier then prying.” He suggested. Shouto didn’t have the patience to wait for Izuku to come to him, how ever long that might take. “Thanks.” He sighed. Shouto opened the door, closing it behind him.

Izuku had already gotten into the elevator, Shouto watched the doors close, Izuku didn’t even try to hold it open from him. Shouto waited until the elevator was back at the ground floor, he got in and rode up to his floor. When he got home, locking the door behind him, he found Izuku pacing around their room. “Izuku was going on with you? If you didn’t want to go to the party why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Shouto took a few steps over to the window to stand next to Izuku, who moved away from Shouto, over to near the bedroom door. “It’s not the party.” Izuku started. “Are you cheating on me with Momo? Was there ever really an us? Did you really just want me for sex? I can’t believe I thought this was real.” Izuku shouted, Shouto was taken aback by the question. “What the fuck Izuku? No of course not, I would never cheat on you. I needed to ask her questions tonight, I— I will never cheat on you Izuku. I needed to ask her how to be a better boyfriend for you and hopefully someday a better husband. This is my first relationship and I needed to get some advice.” Shouto explained himself, realizing his anger about Izuku’s question was making him unconsciously raise his voice.

“Izuku I love you, I love you so much, I want to marry you one day, I want to try all the things you can cook, I want to be able to stay up watching movies with you, and I want to be able to watch you and your show every night knowing you’ll come home to me. And for years, I wished you were mine, every fucking day for the last three— almost four years. You mean more then the whole world to me, Izuku. I can’t— I can’t lose you. And I know that you deserve so much more than me, but I hope that one day I can be enough for you.” Shouto expressed how he felt. “I love you Izuku.” Shouto looked Izuku in the eyes as he spoke, noticing that Izuku had teared up while he had been speaking. Shouto walked up to Izuku, pulling him into a hug, letting Izuku cry onto his shoulder. “I’m sorry Shouto.” Izuku hiccuped. “Bakugou was telling me all this shit tonight, and I let it get to my head, I’m so so sorry, Shouto I love you too.” Izuku grabbed onto Shouto’s suit jacket, wanting to hold Shouto close. Shouto kissed Izuku’s forehead, feeling so much relief that Izuku felt the same way about him as he did about Izuku. Hearing the words ‘I love you’ from Izuku made him feel something he could never explain with the right words no matter how hard he tired.

“F-f-f- fuck, Shouto I love you so much.” Izuku shouted between moans as he felt his climax, he ran his hands through Shouto’s longer hair, he had lost the hair tie a while ago, but didn’t care. Shouto kissed Izuku’s chest as he came along with Izuku. He sighed, glad that everything that happened tonight had been fixed, glad he still got to spend the night with Izuku, the love of his life. “I love you too, Izuku.” Shouto brushed his cheek against Izuku’s, before kissing Izuku on the side of his face. He slowly pulled out of Izuku, hearing Izuku quietly moan again. Shouto tighten his hold on Izuku, hugging him. He listened to Izuku’s breath, he inhaled and exhaled next to Shouto’s ear. There wasn’t much dialogue needed between them to get the message across, the both loved each other and they both knew it now. All that was left was for Shouto to propose, which was a whole other task that Shouto had to plan.

Izuku fell asleep in Shouto’s arms, not wanting to have it any other way, he knew he had to go back to work in the morning, but for now he just wanted to stay in this moment with Shouto. He still felt guilt after accusing Shouto of cheating, after thinking it over now he realized how stupid it was of him to even believe Katsuki for a second. When he woke up, he felt Shouto shift slightly on top of him. “Mornin’ Izuku.” Shouto whispered. “Do you know how suffocating this is.” Izuku wheezed out a laugh. “When did you get so heavy?” Izuku asked, chucking. “You’re just really comfy to lay on Izuku, let me sleep.” Shouto sighed. “I have work, Shouto you always love to cuddle with me just when I have to leave.” Izuku laughed. Shouto lifted his head to look down at Izuku, a soft look on his face. “I’m going to marry you some day.” Izuku felt his face heat up, blush spreading across his face. “But for now I think I’m just going to kiss all your freckles.” Shouto leaned in, leaving kisses all across Izuku’s face, listening to Izuku’s loud laughter. “Shouto.” Izuku squealed, squirming under Shouto. “Stop that, it tickles.” Izuku kept chucking, feeling Shouto’s hands move to Izuku’s sides, running his fingers along Izuku’s sides. Izuku cheered out in a fit of laughter, unable to hold himself back. “Sh— Shouto, I can’t— I can’t—“ Izuku paused to laugh more. “I can’t breath.” Izuku exhaled loudly, only to continue to laugh. Shouto ruffled Izuku’s fluffy hair as they headed off to breakfast.

After their shower that Izuku insisted they take after complaining about feeling sticky, Izuku was going to work, Shouto washed the sheets again, also a task Izuku insisted on Shouto doing. Shouto sat around at home, thinking of a reasonable way Katsuki could suddenly die, he thought of him just randomly dying after fighting a villain, or some other death, which Shouto would totally have no part in. Shouto was angry at Katsuki for fucking up his love life, and he had plenty of time to be home alone, but another idea struck him, what is he going to do about work, he couldn’t just avoid it forever.

He remembered what Izuku’s step father All Might had done, and what had pissed his father off so much, All Might retired and left to teach at UA. Shouto thought of no better way to piss off Katsuki then to make him number one hero by default instead of actually earning his spot, his father had hated All Might for it. First Shouto would just need to secure a job at UA, meaning he needed a résumé. But as Shouto had only really applied for one job, and that was creating his own hero agency, he really didn’t know how to make a résumé. He would have to ask Izuku about it later, hopefully Izuku would enjoy the idea of Shouto getting a job he would like, Shouto knew Izuku would support him. Shouto had wanted to teach for years, the idea of helping others to achieve and accomplish more made him feel whole, which was another reason why he always picked as many students as he could from the sports festival at UA. Shouto had plenty of sidekicks working at his agency, he had helped so many, and working at UA would only make things easier for him to help.

Becoming a hero was his fathers dream for Shouto, his envision of how Shouto would help Japan, but Shouto never truly wanted any of that. He followed his own path, another reason why he chose his own name as his hero name, to show that he was his own person. And he was about to make to drastic but important changes. He wasn’t just going to bum around all day, he was going to make something of his life, use his skills with his quirk for the better. The idea of teaching didn’t stress him out at all compared to imagining himself heading back to hero work today. Shouto wouldn’t have the easiest job, but it was one he was happier to take on, and one that wouldn’t drive him insane with stress. And he knew that Izuku would love and support him on this decision, Shouto had waited long enough to follow his own dreams, and make his own rules for how he was going to live. His father would have to find out about this change from the news rather then his own son, another blow to his father’s ego. Shouto could practically hear his father shouting his name now, if he wasn’t already after the rumours of Shouto dating Izuku and being gay.

Shouto tried his hand at cooking noodles again, filling a pot with water, then he waited for it to boil after turning the stove off. When the water finally did boil, Shouto carefully put the noodles into the water. Fire consumed the pot in seconds, but Shouto froze it all before it could get worse. “I’m cursed, that’s it, I’m cursed, I’m— Im some kind of pot burner.” Shouto sighed, chuckling softly. Shouto backed away from the stove, eyeing his mess on the stove, he would have to clean it up before Izuku came home from work. It was almost time for Izuku to go live and Shouto wanted to be around to see all of Izuku’s show, so he rushed to clean it all.

Izuku came out on stage, and started his monologue, Shouto listened closely. “One and all, welcome back to Late Nights, and I am your host.” Izuku paused, hearing more cheers from his audience. “I want to start todays show on a different note, last night I met an old friend of mine, he knows who he is, so I won’t call him out on live television. He tried to convince me that my boyfriend was cheating on me, and that he only had me around for sex.” Izuku sighed, several audience members booed. “I know it’s horrible.” Izuku chuckled. “Anyways I didn’t get the chance to say anything in response, so whether or not he’s listening in now, I have a little message for you.” Izuku paused. “*bleep* you, my boyfriend loves me very much, definitely more then your fiancé loves you.” Shouto caught himself laughing out loud as he heard the beep from his TV censoring Izuku’s swear. He knew exactly who he was directing that to. “Oh and you haven’t changed either.” Izuku shot back Bakugou’s words, the audience cheered for him as Izuku went off. Izuku continued his monologue as normal after that, not mentioning it again.

When Izuku got home, instead of words welcoming him home as usual, Shouto wrapped his arms around Izuku’s waist and lifted him off the ground slightly, pulling him in for a long kiss. Izuku pulled away first, but reconnected their lips within seconds. Izuku held on to Shouto tightly, Shouto muttered a few words. “Welcome home Izuku.” Their lips not parting as Shouto spoke. Izuku didn’t say anything back, he didn’t have to, he was happy to be home, to be with Shouto, and Shouto knew it too.

Izuku and Shouto cuddled in bed. “Izuku, can I ask you something?” Shouto started, Izuku shifted around in Shouto’s hold to get a better look at Shouto’s face. “Sure what’s up?” Izuku asked. “Let’s say, hypothetically, I didn’t want to be a hero anymore, and I did something similar to All Might where I started teaching at UA, what would you think.” Shouto explained. Izuku pondered for a second before understanding. “Oh you want to work at UA? Shouto that’s so exciting, hey do you think you’ll have teacher privileges and you can bring people there? Can you bring me there sometime? I’ve always wanted to see UA, my father never got the chance.” Izuku rambled on, a huge smile across his face. “I guess you understand that I’m not being hypothetical, I would like to work there.” Shouto told Izuku. “So what did you need my help with?” Izuku looked to Shouto for the next move. “This weekend can you help me make a résumé? I’ve never made one, so I’m unsure on what to do.” Shouto sighed. “Aw that’s cute, my hero boyfriend can’t cook or make a résumé.” Izuku poked fun at Shouto. “Do you need a reminder on what a can do?” Shouto smirked. “What can you do?” Izuku felt Shouto push him down in the bed, now laying on top of him. “I can make you scream my name, and keep you coming all night.” Shouto watched Izuku’s face redden. “I can make you laugh, and I know you love my cuddles.” Shouto continued. “I think anyone would love your cuddles.” Izuku mentioned. “But you’re the only person I want to cuddle with.” Shouto told Izuku. “I don’t think I’ll let you cuddle with anyone else.” Izuku mentioned.

The next day was Friday, tomorrow was their weekend. This morning, while Izuku waited for Shouto’s lunch and dinner to be done, he rushed over to see Shouto fiddling around with his longer hair. Izuku decided to help, finding a hair tie, Shouto smiled seeing Izuku behind him from the mirror. “Hey Izuku.” Shouto greeted. “Shouto, if your going to have long hair, shouldn’t you know how to manage it?” Izuku teased. “Izuku this is a learning experience for all of us.” Shouto joked, feeling Izuku pull his hair together at the back make it into a ponytail before folding it under the elastic again to make it into a bun. “I’m gonna have to do this every morning, aren’t I?” Izuku chuckled, taking a step forward to stand next to Shouto. “Oh fantastic, extra time with you in the morning.” Shouto hummed, leaning towards Izuku, kissing him lightly, he pulled away soon after. “Hey, should I set the rumours straight tonight on my show? About us?” Izuku asked. “Can I be there for that, we can talk about it during your second monologue, after the first commercials.” Shouto suggested. “Well then looks like your coming into work with me again today.” Izuku liked Shouto’s idea, both of them up there together, telling the world together.

Izuku wore another suit, while Shouto opted for a more casual outfit. He wore a greyish long sleeve collared shirt, with another pair of black pants. “So my plan is.” Shouto started, they walked up the stairs to Izuku’s work. “I’ll tell everyone that I’m quitting my job.” Izuku nodded, listening to Shouto. “I’m glad you’re doing something you want to do.” Izuku smiled, walking in the door after Shouto opened it for him, he mouthed a quick ‘thank you’. “Yeah, I’ve wanted to teach since I was young, it’s how I wanted to help the future of Japan, my father wanted the hero life for me, but it’s time to rebel.” Shouto joked about being a rebel. “Haha radio rebel.” Izuku mumbled, snicking to himself after making a reference Shouto didn’t quite get, but he nodded anyways. “Then after that, together we can tell the world just what we mean to each other.” Shouto held his head high as he spoke. Lifting his head in almost a sardonic way, Izuku laughed at Shouto and his strange jokes. A few of the staff members arriving at the same time eyed Shouto and Izuku together, whispering to each other about the two.

Izuku told his writing staff that they would only have to write one monologue tonight, the time between after the first round of commercials and the special guest was about ten minutes, that would be enough for Izuku and Shouto. They planned out what would be said, and soon the plan was in place. Izuku kept it a secret, most of the writing team didn’t even know why Shouto had been with Izuku today. The plan for Shouto was to come out on stage quietly from the side where all the staff were rather then where all the special guests appeared from. Izuku showed Shouto exactly where to be, and they decided when Shouto would walk out on stage. His staff had no problems with Shouto being there, in fact many were excited to see what Izuku had been planning.

The first round of commercials were running, Shouto felt his heart pounding, he felt strangely relieved at the same time. Shouto would be saying goodbye to working as a hero on live television, he was ecstatic, then he would get to tell the world what Izuku really meant to him. Shouto hadn’t expected today to turn out so well when he woke up, but he realized a long time ago that any day with Izuku would most likely shape up to be amazing. No matter the situation, or the weather, or any other problems, Shouto was glad to have Izuku by his side any day. The commercials were coming to a close, Izuku made eye contact with Shouto and nodded, Shouto nodded back. He stepped aside as backstage crew ran by him, making sure all the cameras and lights were ready to go. One camera man counted down on his fingers from three. The commercials were over, the cameras closed in on Izuku, now really none of the knew what was happening next.

“Hey everyone, welcome back to those of you at home.” Izuku greeted. “Now this next segment is completely unscripted, as all of my interviews go, but tonight, not even my staff really know what’s going on, and neither do I.” Izuku joked. “So tonight we have an extra surprise guest.” Izuku turned to the side, looking not to where his guests normally come on stage from, but to where all the staff were. Shouto, knowing his cue, stepped into the spotlight, the crowd spotted Shouto, cheering and screaming erupted from the crowd. He stepped into the view of the cameras, and sat next to Izuku in the guest chairs. He had sat there months ago, before he had been dating Izuku. It felt odd to be back, but not in a bad way, it was nostalgic, at that time he couldn’t even have imagined that his life would play out like this. At that time he could never have even begun to understand what it was like to truly love someone, or what it really felt like, he still had no words that could truly every capture the full feeling. He smiled and waved to the crowd, Shouto hadn’t been seen by many other members of the public for over a few weeks now, everyone always loved to see him. Izuku turned to his audience, watching them, as excited as they were to see Shouto on stage with Izuku. “Haha, wow, you guys are lively tonight, seems you all love surprises.” Izuku chuckled, the audience soon quieted to listen to Izuku and Shouto. “It’s great to be back here on this stage.” Shouto mentioned. “So I guess I’ll go first.” Shouto started, looking away from Izuku and back to the audience.

“I’m grateful that you have all cared so much about me and my mental health, thank you for all the well wishes.” Shouto addressed everyone, hearing scattered applause from the audience. “But I have come here today to talk about my future in the line of hero work. I know it is my time to finally tell everyone the truth.” Shouto paused, glancing at Izuku for assurance, Izuku nodded, a smile on his face, a wave of relief washed over Shouto. “The dream of being a hero was my father’s, and he wished for me to follow in his footsteps, but I never really wanted to be a hero. This passion of my father’s has only brought me problems, so I’ve decided I’m going to pursue my own goals and ideals now. From this moment forth I will no longer be Japan’s number one hero, but a man, living the life he wants to.” Shouto heard the silence in the auditorium, but it faded fast as the audience stood up and clapped for Shouto, they cheered. Shouto turned to Izuku. “Much better response then I expected.” Shouto joked, barely able to hear himself over the audience.

After the audience sat back down, Izuku continued. “The second reason Shouto is here with me tonight, is to set the rumours about us to the side. Many of you want to know if we’re together or not, to the point where I can’t even leave an apartment building without someone taking pictures of me.” Izuku scoffed. “So enough of that please, you’ll hear it from the source, right here, right now.” Izuku glanced at Shouto, seeing him nod to Izuku. “We are dating.” They said in almost perfect unison. Again the audience cheered and screamed. Izuku laughed. “It feels kinda good to get stuff off your chest like this.” He admitted, Shouto had a hard time hearing over the audience again.

“So what do you all think of Shouto’s hair? I have to tie it up for him, but isn’t it cool?” Izuku asked the audience during the commercials, Shouto would have to get off stage soon, another guest would be coming on. Izuku scrolled through Twitter, hearing his audience agree with him. “Everyone on Twitter seems to like it too.” Izuku mentioned, Shouto chuckled. “Really?” Shouto leaned onto Izuku’s desk, trying to get a better view of Izuku’s phone. Izuku moved closed to Shouto, their shoulders brushing up against the others. Izuku faintly heard someones phone camera click, he didn’t mind if pictures of him and Shouto were posted to Twitter anymore, at this point he wanted the whole world to know he belonged to Shouto, Izuku was happy with Shouto, happier than he ever had been.

Shouto watched from the sidelines as Izuku talked with another guest after the commercial break. Soon after the show was over for the night, Izuku and Shouto headed home. “We should get some champagne to celebrate.” Shouto suggested, then the made a stop at a local beer, wine, and spirits store, Shouto bought a bottle of champagne both him and Izuku liked. They got home and popped it open. With tall glasses, they tapped them together, the clink ringing through the air. “I hope the whole worlds knows that I love you now.” Shouto spoke as he lifted the glass to his lips, taking a sip. “I hope so too.” Izuku smiled, taking a drink too.

Over the weekend, Izuku called his step father for Shouto, asking about everything Shouto would need to know to work at UA. All Might still worked at UA, but he would be retiring soon, but he decided to help Shouto any way he could while he was still on the staff board. He knew Shouto could make it at UA, he was a perfect candidate. Apparently the other teachers thought so too, they had previously taught Shouto. When All Might brought up the idea of Shouto working at UA, it was unanimously agreed upon that Shouto could earn his way into a job position.

Shouto spent part of his weekend cleaning up loose ends at his hero agency. A sidekick that had been working along side Shouto for years was given the opportunity to take over, which they took Shouto up on. They had already been running the place during Shouto’s absence, so he had no worries about the future of his agency.

After being through many interviews, Shouto had been accepted as a teacher at UA High. Izuku and Shouto popped open yet another champagne bottle, but it was left half full on the counter that night after Izuku and Shouto’s excitement landed them together in bed, clothes thrown around the apartment. Shouto never could have expected such a life, one of love and caring, one he couldn’t fit into words, one that he knew would make him happy, and he knew he was enough for Izuku. He could always count on Izuku, as Izuku could count on him, but maybe Izuku should really count on himself when it came to cooking. Shouto could barely wait to see what Izuku would cook for breakfast tomorrow. It was another weekend, and they would have the time all to themselves, Shouto decided to plan the proposal, while he wasn’t cuddling with Izuku. He very obviously loved Shouto’s cuddles, Shouto was more than happy to cuddle up to Izuku for more then a while. It was easy, living together, it was a routine, Izuku woke up with Shouto, he fixed up Shouto’s hair and made some extra food for Shouto during the day, Izuku would go off to work, Shouto would stay home and watch Izuku’s show, then he would greet Izuku at the door, every day. Izuku loved hearing the words ‘welcome home’ because he knew he was home, home with Shouto.

During Shouto’s tour of UA, he noticed Aizawa’s many grey hairs. Aizawa had still been working at UA, although Shouto hadn’t been gone for long. Shouto seemed to have been feeling nostalgic lately, he was feeling it again now, the halls where he had spent years of his life, free from his father’s oppressive parenting skills. He felt great to be back. Shouto started working full time again, at UA, once the new school years started, which hadn’t been a long wait, now following his dreams, and dating the man of his dreams, it felt like nothing could go wrong, and nothing did. Shouto planned a proposal, with the help of Momo, Mina, and few other of his old classmates. He only hoped Izuku would say yes, though it was pretty obvious that Izuku would say yes. Somehow his students caught wind of his plans, probably thanks to Mina, she had been talking to many of them. He students loved to hear about his life for some reason, perhaps it was just to skip lessons by getting him to talk about his life, or perhaps they just liked to hear about his life, either way Shouto occasionally talked about his life. They were all really interested in how Izuku and Shouto eventually got together, thinking it was funny how Shouto invited Izuku to sleep in his bed after they had just met.

“I do.” Shouto smiled, holding Izuku’s hands at their wedding. After Shouto had proposed to Izuku under a waterfall as fireflies flew by, fireworks in the distance up in northern Japan, they were finally getting married. Shouto struggled to hold back his tears of joy. Shouto remembered thinking about how it would be so satisfying to just rip Izuku’s white suit off after the wedding when he saw him coming down the isle. He faintly heard the someone ask Izuku something. “I do.” Izuku responded. Without skipping a beat, before anyone even said Shouto could kiss Izuku yet, he pulled Izuku in a connected their lips. The people they invited to the wedding were close friends and family, they cheered for both Izuku and Shouto, who finally got married. He got married to Izuku within two years, faster then the five year plan he had before they met, and he had no complaints.

When Shouto returned to work after his honeymoon, his students all gather round to congratulate him, making him chuckle. He indeed had a great honeymoon, and he knew his future was full of mystery, but before he met Izuku had had been scared of the future. But now, standing next to the man he loved, he was ready to face it head on, knowing that with Izuku he was ready to face anything.