Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fall... September.

"I just feel... hopeless and lost."

Clasping his hands together, Izuku tilted his head. "Given your situation, it's understandable, Kenzo. You're too young to be dealing with this. Have you tried reaching out to your mother?"

The young man, only seventeen, shook his head while furiously wiping at his eyes. He was adorned in worn and torn clothing, and his jet-black heart was thin and full of grime from not showering. It was clear he had been living on the streets for some time now, and Izuku was doing his best to get the young man to swallow his pride and accept placement at the shelter in the city.

After Katsuki was sworn into duty, they began to fall into an erratic schedule at first. They both knew it was going to happen given Katsuki's unwavering hours and Izuku going to school while also working at local shelters. Every once in a while, he'd venture over to Hawk's newest establishment and help out with bookkeeping just to earn a bit of extra money on the side for his tuition.

Katsuki had told him money wasn't an issue, they had plenty of savings between them. Yet, Izuku still did enjoy earning his own way while keeping busy. It kept his mind sharp and tightened his focus in class. He didn't feel burnt out or like he was dragging himself on the ground.

He felt... good. Healthier than he ever has. Especially with Katsuki waking him up at the crack of dawn, forcing the protesting greenette into running just to make sure they both stayed fit.

They had settled nicely into their home. Izuku spent a good majority of his time buying anything he felt would be an appealing addition to the house and Katsuki would just throw his hands in the air and let the other man have his way. He wasn't going to stop whatever gave Izuku joy.

The smaller man also tended to the gardening, not knowing whether or not he had inherited his mother's green thumb. He was more than pleased with himself when he noticed how much the florals and annuals were thriving.

As the months began falling away from them, their schedule didn't seem so complicated anymore. Katsuki was also attending school online in order to get a few years under his belt, seeing as his ultimate goal was to one day to become a detective. Izuku had no doubt he'd succeed, Katsuki was always tenacious that way. Once Katsuki had moved passed rookie status, his hours seemed to be less unpredictable and more routine. 

Their days were full, but their nights were together. Katsuki generally worked six days a week and was luckily home in time for dinner. Izuku's classes would run early in the morning, and then he'd venture over to the local youth centers for the rest of the day. They'd usually meet at home together and just bask in each other's company, tranquil and pleasantly tired from their days.

Izuku could say with certainty that he loved his life with Katsuki... it was everything he could have hoped for. 

And each day, it was only better. Especially when he was able to help others who reminded him so much of himself of his lover.

"Listen, I can't tell you what to do. I can only guide you. My suggestion, register here, please. This facility will give you every resource you'll need to help you on your feet again. Going back to your father's isn't an option if he's going to just come after you. They offer job assistance here, as well as housing. If you feel you need a therapist, that can be provided for you as well."

Kenzo's dark eyes rose, red and puffy. "Can't I just talk to you?"

"If that's what you want," Izuku clarified with a smile. "But the way you're living... it isn't healthy. You were arrested not long ago and I don't want that to happen to you again. Not all shelters are the same, but I can vouch for this one. They have the means to help you navigate your way until you figure out where you want to be in the future."

"I just... I feel like I've fucking failed at life. I just wanted to be free of hiding, and look where it got me. I should've just kept my damn mouth shut. I wouldn't have gotten my ass handed to me and had my things thrown out in the front yard."

Izuku frowned deeply, reaching out and grasping Kenzo's sticky hand. "It'll be okay. Please, just give this a try. If I've learned anything in my twenty-five years on this earth, it's that we can't always get through hardships alone. We need others to lean on. There are meetings twice a week here just to vent and meet other people in similar situations. Trust me, you're not alone."

Kenzo looked conflicted, his eyes downcasting for a few moments. "I... I can give it a shot. I don't think it'll save someone like me, though."

"Let me tell you something," Izuku began, adjusting his glasses. "I know someone who was once in your position emotionally. He didn't think he was worth saving. He's got a life he can be proud of now. It took a lot of work, and serious baby steps... but he was able to fight fate and change it. Don't ever think you're not worth saving, and don't give up. Try the programs, get yourself together, and reach out to your mother. From what you've told me, she sounds like she'll be very supportive of you."

Kenzo smiled softly, picking at the sleeve of his shirt.

"Alright... I'll do it." Sighing shakily, the younger man gave Izuku a strange look. "That person you were talking about... are you guys close?"

Izuku chuckled, already reaching for a few packets of paperwork for enrollment and other means. "You could say that. We're actually dating and living together now."

Kenzo's eyes widened. "Seriously? How did that end up happening?"

Izuku glanced up at the ceiling for a moment. "It's an incredibly long story. Talk about it next time you come in?"

"Oh, definitely. I wanna hear this!" Kenzo jumped up and grabbed the paperwork from Izuku with a small smile of relief. "Thank you... for pushing me to do better."

"That's what I'm here for. When you're done with those, bring them to the front office and they'll find a room for you. Keep in touch, alright? And stay positive."

As Kenzo sauntered out of the office, Izuku leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He felt tears welling up behind his eyes and he closed them momentarily, exhaling slowly. Seeing these teenagers and kids so lost and broken from a world that didn't accept them was heartbreaking and yet, Izuku was so grateful he and Katsuki had such supportive parents.

There were some vicious and cruel people out there in the world and all Izuku wanted to do was make the tiniest difference in someone's perspective so they could find the courage to keep moving forward.

Izuku felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket and he quickly wiped his eyes, pulling out his smartphone and glancing at it with a smile. 

[Kacchan][3:07pm] you almost done for the day?

[3:08pm] Yep! Just finishing up. Aren't you working a late shift tonight?

[Kacchan][3:10pm] nah. my patrols done for the day and if i have to sit in the car with inasa for another second i'm going to strangle him.

Izuku rolled his eyes fondly. 

[3:11pm] You can't strangle your partner. Anyway, what's the plan tonight? I wouldn't mind ordering from that new place up the street. Yagi told me it's pretty good and huge portions.

[Kacchan][3:12pm] you've got me at large portions, but i actually have to drive out to my parent's house to help them move a few things into the shed. my dads back is out right now and i wasn't gonna say no. 

Izuku pouted, but understood.

[3:12pm] Ah, okay. I'm sorry to hear that! We'll just do that another night then.

[Kacchan][3:13pm] wanna come with me? my mom misses the hell outta you. i wouldn't mind the company, either.

[3:13pm] Of course, I'll come with you. It's been a while since we've been back in town. Maybe we can see the gang.

[Kacchan] [3:14pm] yeah maybe. i'll be home the latest five. i love you.

Izuku smiled as he stood up, gathering his things while simultaneously responding to Katsuki's message.

[3:16pm] I love you, too. Stay safe. <3

As Izuku made his way out of the shared office of the many counselors that worked at the facility known as New Horizons, he was greeted by many smiles as he waved his goodbyes. "Have a great day, everyone!"

Many friendly faces worked at the shelter and Izuku was pleased that it wasn't overrun by dishonest and uncaring people. He took pride in what he did and was happy to be around others who felt the same. He held even more anticipation for when he would be licensed and do more than just give friendly advice. Right now though, he felt he was making a difference. To Izuku, that was all that mattered and it was honest work.

"You too, Zuku! See ya tomorrow!" Sato calls out with a bright smile.

Katsuki grinned like a moron at the screen of the phone, his fingers tapping to his home screen where he was greeted with a picture of him and Izuku, kissing deeply as his display.

He leaned back in the seat of the police cruiser, his free hand rising and resting against the steering wheel. He tapped lightly as his mind spun for a few moments, thankful Izuku had fallen for that excuse so easily.

He hated lying to his lover, but he wasn't going to let anything ruin what he had planned tonight.

Ruby eyes averted to the side when his partner came rushing back to the car, two coffees in hand. "Sorry, there was a huge line in there."

"All good," Katsuki said, grabbing the hot beverage and sipping on it tentatively. "It's been a slow day. Chief gave me the go ahead to leave early. Got some shit I gotta do."

Inasa smirked and Katsuki felt his skin crawl. "Oh yeah? Would it have anything to do with whatever you keep randomly rubbing in your side pocket?"

Katsuki's eyes widened, his hand frozen mid-sip.

"Pervert," the ash-blonde hissed, and the brunette laughed heartily.

"If I wasn't observant, I wouldn't be good at my job. Plus, you don't really know how to keep your mouth shut. Word travels around the precinct. You're proposing tonight, aren't you?"

Sighing rather loudly and indulging his partner, Katsuki shrugged. "Yeah, I'm going to propose to him. Happy? Not that it's any of your business. I see your creepy eyes on him every chance you get. Do yourself a favor and get laid before I poke your fucking eyes out."

Inasa's shoulder shook as he chuckled, and Katsuki found himself grinning as well. 

"You two complement each other very well. I wish you the best of luck on the next chapter of your journey."

Katsuki was surprised by Inasa's words. The two of them may have bickered and messed around, but they held mutual respect for each other. Katsuki had his moments where he couldn't handle just how intense the other man was but who was he to judge? Katsuki knew he, himself, has a tendency to lose his cool every now and again.

"Thanks. Appreciate it. So, I'm gonna—"

Suddenly, their radio blared but neither of them flinched.

"All available units, we've got a 10-80 in progress at 572 Megeru River. Please respond."

Katsuki quickly snatched the microphone, clicking the side of it while holding it a few inches away from his face. "This is unit two nineteen responding. 10-17, over."

"So much for getting out early, huh?" Inasa buckled himself in, taking his coffee and tossing it right out the window and into a nearby trashcan. 

"Shits getting in the way of my fucking plans," Katsuki growled, flicking the vehicle's emergency lights on. "Whatever, let's get this over with."

As those words left his mouth, Katsuki floored the gas pedal and made haste to the scene.

They pulled up to what appeared to be a very well, maintained ranch. As they did so, Katsuki's eyes narrowed as he noted there was a man standing in the front yard, grabbing rocks and any other objects he could and throwing them against the front door.

He could see there was a middle-aged woman and a small boy through the window as they were peering out, and Katsuki huffed and gazed at his partner.

"Ready?"

Inasa nodded and both of them stepped out of the car, both of their hands on their weapons.

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to stop what you're doing right now. We've gotten several calls about a disturbance here and we want to resolve this as quickly as possible."

Inasa was always direct and to the point, but it seemed his words weren't ringing clearly to the other man. Katsuki's eyes shifted and he noticed that the woman who was frantically watching from inside had blood dripping from her bottom lip. She must have called first. Both she and their son looked terrified.

It made a twinge of familiar memories bubble to the surface of his mind, but he squandered them fast.

"Unit two nineteen, please be advised the suspect's name is Hasuko Musa. There is a restraining order from his ex-wife, who owns that current residence."

Katsuki clicked his radio on the side of his uniform. "Copy. She appears to be injured. 10-53, just as a precaution."

"Copy. "

"Hey! We're talking to you, man. Stop what you're doing or we're gonna have to call for backup. You really don't want us to do that if we can deal with this right now."

The frenzied man seemed to slow down just a bit, enough to turn around and acknowledge Katsuki and Inasa.

"What the hell do you want? Did you seriously call the cops on me, you bitch!"

Katsuki stepped forward carefully, his hand still on his weapon. "Listen... Hasuko, right?"

Hasuko appeared surprised, his body stiffening. He nodded numbly and his hands were trembling at his sides. He was wearing a simple tank top and a shaggy pair of jeans. He couldn't have been much older than Katsuki, perhaps in his early thirties. His brown hair was messy and unkept, and his eyes were blown wide. 

This guy was definitely tweaking out. Katsuki could recognize it.

"Look... I think it's best you just come with us, alright? There is a restraining order against you and being here is considered trespassing at this point. We're going to have to take you in just for that violation alone."

"Fuck off! Not until that stupid bitch lets me see my damn son!" he screeches, and Katsuki makes a face. "Also, trespassing? I bought this fucking house! Gave all my good years to this stupid woman and what? I smack her one fucking time and she overreacts like she always does!"

Inasa was peering up at the window, silently urging the woman and child to step away so they wouldn't be in the line of sight anymore. As Inasa did this, Hasuko turned around and began to positively seethe. "Hey, we weren't done talkin' yet—"

"Sir! We have first responders on the way to assess your ex-wife and kid, but right now, you're going to have to come with us. I'm not asking."

Furious eyes stared into Katsuki's red ones, and the ash-blonde's hand was inching closer to his weapon. Something wasn't sitting well in his gut, and Katsuki was rarely wrong. Inasa was good at sensing Katsuki's intuition and kept his guard up as well.

"I told you I ain't going anywhere!" As he shouted this, he reached into a deep pocket on the side of his jeans and produced a pistol, and immediately, Katsuki's heart lurched in his chest and both of them drew their guns.

"Put down the gun!" Inasa commanded, his hands steady as he locked his sights. 

Katsuki quickly radioed in, his eyes sharp and trained on Hasuko and his hand steady on the trigger. "10-33, suspect is armed. I repeat suspect is armed. Send backup out here right the fuck now."

Hasuko was flailing his weapon around and Katsuki knelt down with one eye closing, keeping steady with his aim.

"Alright, dumbass, I'm tired of being cordial with you. We've got two other units coming here right now to arrest your stupid ass. I'm going to tell you one thing right now; if you even think about pulling that trigger, you're never going to see your son again. I mean, for fucks sake, he's watching you right now through that window. Do you really think he wants to see his dad like this; waving a gun around and beating on his mother? Think this through carefully."

To Katsuki's surprise, Hasuko began to sob. 

"You don't understand! I made one fuck up. Just one and my entire world went to shit! I lost my wife and son, I lost my damn job, my home... I've lost everything. So, what does it matter if you were to shoot me down right now? I'd probably be better off."

Katsuki sighed heavily. Double fucking hell.

"Listen... it doesn't have to be like this. You're the only one responsible for what the outcome of your life will be. Life ain't fair and you're going to have to learn to accept that. We learn from our mistakes or we point fingers at everyone else but ourselves and keep screwing things up to the point they can't be fixed."

Sirens were heard down the street but Hasuko's eyes were trained on Katsuki. 

"It isn't too late to fix this. Do the right thing here; drop your weapon and surrender. Don't make your kid see this and don't fall through the cracks as another lost cause. If you care about your son, you'll man the fuck up and get some help. Obey the law. Get your shit together."

Inasa was peering over at Katsuki for a few seconds and his shoulders were tense and ready. Katsuki, on the other hand, was looking at the suspect pleadingly.

"Please."

Katsuki let out a stuttering breath of relief as Hasuko lowered his gun, letting it drop into the grass. Inasa didn't waste a second running over and kicking the weapon away, grabbing the other brunette and quickly bringing his arms behind his back and pushing him onto the ground.

"Stay down, please. Don't resist."

Hasuko nodded numbly, and the front door suddenly opened. A tearful woman stood on the stoop of the home, her son hanging onto her sundress. 

"Hasuko..." she murmured, her voice watery. "Please... get some help. I'm begging you. I do love you, you know. We both do."

Once the suspect was secured, Katsuki holstered his weapon with a sigh. The other patrol units pulled up along with an ambulance to assess Hasuko's ex-wife.

Hasuko dropped his head while murmuring, "I'm sorry."

Katsuki watched as he was brought to his feet and escorted to one of the other cruisers, his eyes softening as he turned away and quickly made his way over to the car.

Shit, that could've been him...

What a fucking thought.

This is why he did what he did, to stop people from falling into the depths of violence, greed, and despair. He gave his briefing to his fellow officers, not skimming over a single detail as it could potentially save the man's life as well as his family's. You never know what someone is capable of, whether it's something brilliant like change or as destructive as killing.

"Not the way you wanted to end your day, huh?" Inasa asked once he passed off the suspect, both of them now slipping into the car. 

Putting the car into drive, Katsuki's eyes narrowed. "My day isn't over yet. Besides, I'm not letting that idiot ruin my plans."

Inasa grinned, holding onto the side handle. "You did good back there, talking him down."

Katsuki shrugged while saying, "You did too. Also, believe it or not, I understand what it's like to think you've lost everything."

Izuku sat inside Katsuki's truck, watching the gorgeous yellows and oranges pass by as the leaves were beginning their changes. It was such a stunning sight and even though he found such clarity living in Hosu City, nothing would ever compare to the vast foliage that surrounded Green Haven. It was still his home, after all. 

It was nearing sunset when they arrived in town and Izuku's eyes slid over and took in Katsuki's appearance. He looked gorgeous as always, sporting a white t-shirt and a striped, zip-up sweater that held dark green, gray, and black.

He also wore a pair of jeans that were torn at the knees, which added to the appeal of his combat boots. He looked undeniably sexy and Izuku wanted to mentally smack himself for gawking. Even though he did earn the right to.

Izuku was sure he'd be helping Katsuki with whatever task Mitsuki would give him, so he decided to wear a short-sleeved white shirt adorned with a light, green jacket. He didn't think jeans would appreciate if he was going to be moving around so he settled for a pair of black leggings and sneakers to match. Izuku flushed when Katsuki kept stealing glances at him as well, but, something seemed off.

Katsuki, for most of the hour's drive, was quiet. He seemed deep in thought and every time Izuku would ask a question, he'd get a curt and quick response.

It made Izuku uncomfortable.

"Hey... are you alright?"

"Hah? Oh. Yeah... Yeah, I'm alright. Just focusing on the drive."

Izuku pursed his lips. "You could do this drive with your eyes closed."

Katsuki shrugged. "Really, I'm fine. Had a rough end to my day I guess."

"Are you okay? What happened?"

Izuku's voice was dripping with genuine concern, and it made it hard for Katsuki to ignore the velvet, small box in his pocket. 

"We had a domestic call... the guy was throwing shit at his ex-wife's house with their kid there. She looked rattled. The guy was tweaking out and had a fucking gun—"

"What?!" Izuku squeaked, the color draining from his face. While Izuku knew the dangers of what Katsuki signed up for, it still didn't make hearing things like this easier for him. It's one of the reasons both of them tried to keep their work away from home. It would just cause strain and worry on both sides. Yet, they thrived on their honesty with each other. It was difficult either way, but they were good at working around obstacles. "Did he... I mean are you..."

"I'm fine, he didn't even do anything with it. Just waved it around like an idiot. He just... I guess he was just lost. We talked him down and he didn't resist. I think he just needed someone who had the sense to talk to him like a person and not some crazed criminal."

Izuku sighed in relief, leaning back. "I'm glad. Sorry I freaked out. I know you're good at what you do, but it doesn't mean I don't worry."

Katsuki shot Izuku a small grin. "I worry about you too, you know. You deal with some wobbly fucking characters sometimes."

Izuku appeared thoughtful. "Not always. Today I saw Kenzo again. He's still a mess, but he's finally going to be staying at the facility."

"Got through to him, hah?"

"Hopefully I can continue to. He isn't the only one I see struggling. I guess in our line of work, we're always going to witness suffering no matter how hard we try to pretend it's not around us."

"I don't pretend. I know it's there. I just try hard to focus on making it better."

Izuku smiled fondly at Katsuki. "I do, too. I guess we've always had that in common, huh?"

Katsuki chuckled, but he didn't answer. Instead, he suddenly made a right turn and it caused Izuku to glance back through the rear window. "Um..." he began. "Your house is the other way."

"Yeah, I'm aware."

Izuku whipped his head back and stared at Katsuki, perplexed.

"Okay..." he continued, unsurely. Katsuki ended up steering them off the pavement and down an old, familiar dirt road. Izuku grabbed onto the handle above the door but his green orbs remained on Katsuki. He wasn't saying anything and for some reason, Izuku wasn't buying that that was the reason the ash-blonde was acting so strangely.

"Where are we going?" Izuku had to ask, his voice dripping with curiosity.

Katsuki didn't answer immediately and just continued to navigate through the rough road ahead. His crimson eyes were narrowed and his hands were tight against the steering wheel.

"Kacchan," Izuku tried again. "Are you... are you bringing me out here to kill me or something?"

His lover nearly swerved into a tree and he shot Izuku an incredulous look. "Are you fucking kidding me right now? Why do you say shit like that?"

"At least I got some kind of reaction out of you! You're giving me the silent treatment right now."

Sighing heavily, Katsuki returned his focus ahead. "Look, just trust me, alright?"

Izuku was still bewildered by Katsuki's actions, but he simply nodded. He trusted Katsuki with his life. "Fine."

Katsuki drummed his fingers against the steering wheel and his leg was bouncing, and Izuku realized his lover was nervous. The greenette was about to say something when a familiar sight caught his eye.

Ahead of them was a familiar sight of a gorgeous cliff overlooking Lake Green, and Izuku was bombarded by memories of their last visit there. He could recall getting stoned for the first time in years, laughing and dancing like a fool while Katsuki was doubling over hysterically. He remembered at that moment, the bond that was severed between them began to mend itself somehow. This place held a beautiful memory, and Izuku was stunned as to why they were there.

While they had originally come during the dead of winter, this time, the entire skyline before them was littered with gold from the season leaves. It reflected beautifully off the water below and it was almost like the entire area around them was bright with golden flames. The grass swayed in the wind and there was a cool, comforting breeze. 

Katsuki reversed his truck right near the cliff and put it into park. He turned off the ignition but didn't move right away. Izuku stared at him; befuddled and unsure. 

Finally, though, Katsuki opened the driver's side door and said, "Come out and sit with me."

Izuku followed Katsuki wordlessly, many questions just ready to tumble from his mouth. He remained silent though as he watched his partner lay out a blanket in the bed of the truck and jump up. Once he was settled, he patted the spot next to him while softly saying, "Up here."

Izuku bit his lip but did as he was told. He hopped up with Katsuki grabbing his hand and the two of them sat down, their gazes looking at the sun and gleaming sunset. Katsuki leaned his back against the opposite end of the truck, sighing softly but his eyes remained ahead.

"You know it's been two years since you've come back?"

Izuku tilted his head. "Yes...?"

Katsuki chuckled, throwing an arm over his knee. He looked dangerously handsome and Izuku swallowed heavily.

"When you stepped into that bar, fuck, I think my heart lodged into my throat. I couldn't breathe. All I kept thinking was... he's here. He's actually here. He came back."

Red eyes downcast, gazing at the golden grass that you'd only find in Green Haven during this time of year. 

"I thought you hated me. I was terrified of trying to get close to you again. You actually fucking scared me, because even though we weren't even considered friends at that point, I found comfort in knowing you were near me again."

Izuku shuffled around a bit, his attention drifting to Katsuki and not the brilliant sky. 

Flexing his hands, Katsuki continued, "You've always had such a good heart, though. You had your fucking guard up, rightfully so, but little by little you let it down. I spent years trying to reevaluate everything in my life that went wrong and it all began falling apart when I pushed you aside. I didn't realize it back then, but that's what I did. I used your feelings as a way to escape my own. I was afraid of fucking up everything because I didn't know how to love you."

Izuku's expression was changing into concern, and he reached out and grabbed Katsuki's hand.

"Where... is this coming from right now?" he asked.

Katsuki shook his head, meeting Izuku's gaze. "Just... let me. You don't understand. Everything that led up to this point; your mother passing away, Touya, Camie, my pride, your own mental battles... we somehow, together, overcame all of that bullshit."

Katsuki's eyes began to sting and Izuku felt alarm pulse through him when he noticed the ash-blonde quickly wipe away any tears before they could even form. "And I'm so fucking glad we did, Izuku, because when I lost you I thought I was capable of living without you."

Izuku felt a hand against his cheek, warm and strong. The greenette hadn't even realized his own eyes were beginning to tear up. His chest felt like it was being constricted. 

"I wasn't, and I did everything I could to fix what was broken inside of me because of you. You pushed me to be better, even when you weren't around. It took me so long to realize I can't do this crazy fucking thing called life without you there."

Izuku's lips trembled and Katsuki brought him close, their faces brushing together. "I look at where we are now and can't help but thank whatever God there is up there because this is all I've ever wanted. This life, with you. To make you happy. To make you smile. To make you laugh. To annoy the shit out of you. To memorize your body like it's a map and kiss every inch of it. To try new things and explore everything together. To make you feel safe and secure. Shit, Izuku, all I want is you."

"Kacchan..." Izuku whispered, his voice wavering. "You already know you have me. I don't understand—"

"We're fucking solid together, and it took losing you to realize that. You're perfect to me. You're perfect for me. You once told me you saw the good in me when others didn't... and that really struck me. It stayed with me, even to this day. I want you to know that I've always seen the good in you, too. You have so much of it. You have so much love inside of you and I'm a selfish prick because I want it all for myself. Everyday. For the rest of our lives."

Izuku's eyes widened in realization as Katsuki produced a small, dark box in his hand. The greenette's heart stuttered, his breath hitched, and his body stiffened. 

"Marry me," Katsuki exhaled, his voice carrying through the breeze. "Deku. Izuku."

Izuku's hands trembled and he was blind from tears. God, he couldn't fucking stop. He reached for Katsuki his legs wrapping around his waist as his lover's hands steadied him. This was a dream. This had to of been a dream. 

Izuku spent so much time overthinking and overanalyzing everything in his life, he didn't anticipate Katsuki wanting to marry him. 

"Katsuki... I..." Sniffling and wiping soggy tears, Izuku tried to get himself together. Katsuki just smiled, rubbing his thumb and catching every tear. "Me? You want to marry me?"

"You think after everything we've been through, I wouldn't? I'd be damn proud to call you my husband. Shit, I'm already proud. Just because I got my shit together doesn't mean I don't carry my pride when it counts."

"But why?" Izuku couldn't help but ask.

"Because you helped me grow," he started. "You helped me remember what it feels like to be whole again. You literally taught me how to love."

Izuku's eyes were bright and glossy, a tearful smile forming.

Katsuki took a moment before grinning and adding, "Because you're also the only person on this planet I can picture growing into an old, crusty man with. Is that good enough?"

Izuku started laughing, flinging his legs closer and bringing a hand to caress Katsuki's cheek. He threw his arms around Katsuki's neck and kissed him soundly; deeply. Katsuki's arms wound around his back and pulled him impossibly close; as close as he was able.

While words may have failed them, their lips spoke what couldn't be said. Izuku pulled back, his eyes shining with the sun above. Katsuki's were burning bright like embers.

"Yes," Izuku breathed against his lips, a smile lifting. "Yes, yes, yes..."

Katsuki popped the velvet box open and revealed a stunning, white gold band. The taller man guided Izuku's hand into his, slipping the ring onto his finger. It fit perfectly, and it didn't surprise Izuku in the least that Katsuki was able to either figure out his size or somehow sneak that information. Izuku looked down at his left hand in awe, his lips splitting without realizing it. 

Katsuki's lips sought his again and Izuku didn't feel like he was drowning anymore, he felt like he was soaring. His hands dug into the ash-blonde's hair and Kasuki's hands lovingly traced every inch of his form. There were no more tears, there was no more uncertainty, there was only them. 

"I love you more than I think I'll ever be able to say," Izuku stated, adjusting his glasses so they wouldn't fall off.

Katsuki smiled genuinely, his hand reaching to brush some curls behind Izuku's ear. "I love you, too, and I ain't got a damn problem reminding you every day just how much."

"I'll hold you to that."

They sat there for hours, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars above were so vivid and dazzling, it was almost as if Izuku could reach out and touch them. Katsuki gazed upward, following Izuku's line of vision. 

"Here's to our new beginning," Katsuki uttered softly.

Izuku glanced his way, smiling with certainty. 

"No," Izuku corrected. Katsuki appeared confused but groaned softly as Izuku's lips met his. "We had our beginning. Now, here's to our future."

Izuku smiled against his fiance's lips, his words resounding and unshakable. Katsuki gathered him into his arms, laying him against the bed of the truck. They stripped each down and the heat of their skin was enough the ground each other from the cooling air. Their bodies moved together beneath the stars and Izuku was in absolute reverence at how brightly they were shining for them.

"To our future," the other man echoed huskily against his lips, a smile forming against them. Izuku moaned in sheer delight when he and Katsuki couldn't seem to get close enough, and the sound of their fervor rose in the air like wisps.

Emerald eyes gazed up lovingly into deep ruby, nothing but pure elation and warmth in their depths. 

Izuku wasn't wrong. They had their beginning, meeting as toddlers and exploring their youth together.

They had their medial, stepping into the unknown of both their feelings and love. They had their climax, which held so many points to their story that Katsuki wasn't even sure where to begin.

They found their resolution when Katsuki was finally able to give Izuku the love he deserved, and Izuku received it without reservations or qualms.

They worked toward their conclusion, making their dreams and future become a reality by working through every aspect of their life together. Yet, their story wasn't even close to being finished yet. 

This was just another part of their story. Their story of how they rose above adversity and loss by the sheer tenacity of the bond they shared; a bond even fate couldn't sever. 

And nothing ever would. 

Because their hearts had collided the moment that they met.