Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bakugo Katsuki was well known. Afterall, he’s been a prodigy at the cello since he was a kid. Everyone who lived in the town of Kadk knew who he was. At just the age of nine, he had already won over 20 competitions and played in multiple youth orchestras. And in all of them he won first place and was always first chair. When he first started playing at the age of 6, he was what everyone expected out of a child. He was out of tune, had a screechy bow, and was playing simple pieces like dragon hunter and gauntlet. When he turned seven, he started getting good. At first it was idle talk, but then it started getting serious. When he got to middle school, he was getting into symphony orchestra in region as first chair. Now as a senior at Kadk High, he was already better than most professional players. During his free time in middle school, he would hang out with none other than Midoriya Izuku. He and Izuku were inseparable. They would always be together no matter what. That was until the rumors started.   

“Hey, did you hear? Apparently that Midoriya kid is gay. And he's always around Katsuki, do you think they're dating?”   

It spread like wildfire. And by the end of the day, over half of the school were talking about them. It was expected that Katsuki would eventually catch on. Then, the questions started coming.  

“Katsuki! Are you really dating that weird gay kid? Midoriya right? He’s so weird!”  

Katsuki tried ignoring these allegations, but it was inevitable that it would get to him.  

“Hey Izu, have you heard what they say about you and me?”  

 “Yeah, I just don't care.”  

“Okay, but are you actually gay?’  

“No, I'm bi.”  

“Wait so you like guys and girls?”   

“Yeah.”  

“So you are gay.”  

“It’s different Kacchan!”  

“Ew! Stay away from me from now on! You're weird!”  

“Wait, you aren’t serious are you?”  

“Yes, I am Izuku! Get away from me! They'll think I'm weird too!”  

“But we’re best friends Kacchan!!” Izuku reaches out.  

“Don’t touch me Deku!”  

“Deku?..”  

“Stay away from me from now on. Don't talk to me again.  

“Izuku!” A voice calls out. “Midoriya Izuku!” two snapping fingers suddenly appear in his field of vision. He blinks and takes a moment to come back to reality. “What are you staring off into?” Ochaco’s voice rings. “Sorry! I thought of something, I didn’t mean to ignore you.” he replies, looking back at his laptop to continue typing his assignment. “Geez, you really gotta stop doing that! Did you hear anything i said?” she asks, clearly annoyed. Izuku pauses. “uh... yeah?...” Uraraka rolls her eyes. “You clearly didn't.” she crosses her arms. “it's Kyoka's 18th birthday soon, we should start planning.” She takes a sip of her coffee and sits back in her chair. They were at NightEye’s, a small cafe near the school's campus. Izuku came here often, and he would sometimes bring a friend along with him. Today, that friend happened to be Uraraka.  

“Well, maybe we should get her that new guitar that she really wants?” Izuku suggests. “Y’know, the one she's been begging for?" he says, looking up at her. "hmm.. Yeah maybe. we can go to the mall sometime this week to check it out." She pulls out her phone to check her calendar. “Are you free this Saturday? Maybe at around 3?” she asks, looking up at Izuku. “Yeah, I think I'm free. Do you need me to pick you up?” he takes a sip of his boba tea. “ mhm. Oh, also, I think Tenya and Shoto are gonna come with us too. Is that okay??”  

“Yeah. I don't have a problem with that.” he puts his boba down. “Okay then, I think it's about time for us to head out.” she picks up her keys and throws away her coffee, waiting for Izuku to get up too. “Yeah, I still have lessons later today” he groans as he thinks about the violin lesson he’s going to have with Mr. Aizawa. Theres nothing wrong with him, it's just the man's intimidating demeaner. When Izuku first met him, he was immediately met by cold eyes that looked like they haven't slept in days. One look from him and it would send shivers down your spine. He’s actually a great teacher. Despite his looks, he's a kind man. 

Izuku stands up with Ochaco, and they make their way to the door. “Maybe we should go to Francescas to get her some-” he gets cut off as he trips and bumps into someone. “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!” he stumbles back and mumbles out a long apology while bowing.  

“Watch where your walking Deku.” a cold voice replied. He pauses. There was only one person in the world who called him Deku. He slowly looks up to see blonde hair and cold crimson eyes staring down at him. Oh great. It's none other than the Bakugo Katsuki. His face is sculpted in his usual scowl. 

“What're you staring at nerd? Get out of my way.” He shoves Izuku aside and stomps his way to the front counter. He’s rude sure, but he seems to be a little more sour today than usual. “Geez, who shit in his breakfast?” he says to Uraraka.  

“Just ignore him, you know how he is.” she replies as she helps Izuku catch his balance and walk out. “Well, I’ll catch you later then!” Ochaco yells as she steps into her car. “Okay! Text me if you need anything!” he screams back. She gives him a thumbs up before turning on her car. Izuku steps into his car before doing the same. He pulls his car into drive and pulls out of his parking spot and drives home. 

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The first thing Izuku does when he gets to his apartment is flop down on his bed. He doesn't even bother to change his clothes. It's currently 2:51 pm, and he has lessons at 5:30. He could take a shower and have a fat nap in that time period. Izuku groans as he forces himself up. He rubs his face and sits at the edge of his bed. Suddenly, he thinks about the encounter with Katsuki.  

Gosh, what was up with him today? He’s more arrogant than usual today. Izuku thinks to himself. Sure, he’s rude, but he normally doesn't even bat an eye at Izuku. He would just ignore him. But he actually talked to him today.  

Izuku shakes his thoughts off and gets back to what he needs to do. He stands up and reaches into his closet for a clean towel. He finds one and drags himself into the bathroom and turns on the shower. He strips down and looks ats himself in the mirror. Izuku’s been going to the gym often, so he has a pretty decent body figure. The mirror starts to fog up, so Izuku decides to finally take his shower. 

Izuku finds a clean pair of clothes and puts them on. He picks up his phone and checks the time. 3:45 pm. He flops down on his bed and sets a timer to wake him up at 5. He sighs and he thinks about what he could do for Jiro’s birthday. Maybe i could get her some drumsticks, she been complaining about Her's being splintered. Izuku thinks to himself. His thoughts slowly disperse, and he drifts off to sleep.  

“It's not that hard Izuku!” Katsuki's baby voice calls out. 

“Yes, it is Kacchan! You're saying that because you've been playing for like two years now!” Izuku pouts. 

“Sure, but holding a bow correctly isn't even hard.” Katsuki crosses his arms.  

“Look, you make a little bunny with your hands and then just place it on the frog.” He demonstrates to Izuku. 

“Okay now your turn!” Kacchans voice calls out. 

“Okay fine!” Izuku takes the bow and does as he’s been shown.  

“Look Kacchan! I did it!” Izuku exclaims with excitement when he finally does it. 

“See! Told you it was easy!” kacchan says proudly, puffing out his little chest. 

“Yeah yeah, whatever you say Kacchan.” 

Izuku wakes up to an alarm blaring in his ear. He searches for his phone and eventually finds it and turns the alarm off. He yawns and rubs his eyes sleepily. What the hell was that dream?? Why am I dreaming of Kacchan now? He shakes his thoughts off. He has 30 minutes before he has to go to Aizawa's place. “ughh....” he says as he gets up and goes to the bathroom again. He brushes out his hair and washes his face. He looks down at his outfit. A Blue shirt and black shorts. Eh, could be worse, he thinks to himself. He checks the time, 5:16. About time to go. He grabs his violin, music, and stand and heads out.  

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“Hey Mr. Aizawa.” He greets him as Aizawa lets him into his house. “Good afternoon, Midoriya.” a deep voice greets back. If you looked at him, you would have never guessed he was a teacher. He had shaggy, long, black hair and yellow eyes. He’s always wearing a pair of black sweatshirts and black sweatpants. If you looked at him, you would think he kidnapped children instead of teaching them. “Oh, I forgot to mention, we will have another student join us today.” Mr. Aizawa says, leading Izuku down his hallway. “Another student?” Izuku asks, intrigued. Mr. Aizawa almost never has another student. Not unless they're really, really, good. “Who is it? What instrument do they play??” Izuku asks and they head into the living room where they usually have their lessons. “Do I know who they ar-” Izuku stops dead in his tracks. There are three chairs in Aizawa's Livingroom. And sitting in one of them, is none other than Bakugo Katsuki. 

Katsuki groans when he sees Izuku. “Why is this nerd here.” he scowls. Mr. Aizawa raises an eyebrow. “Oh, do you two know each other?” he asks, looking between the two boys. “Well, you could say that I guess...” Izuku replies, not meeting the blondes nor Aizawa's eyes. Katsuki lets out a tsk. “I see.” Mr. Aizawa looks between the two and understands what's going on. “Nonother the less, we will still be having lessons. I can't just tell Bakugo to leave because of your past issues.” Izuku lets out a defeated sigh. “Yes sir.”  

Izuku sits on the opposite side of where Bakugo is sitting and starts unpacking his violin. He can feel Katsuki's gaze on him, watching him like a hawk stalking his prey. “Oi nerd, since when did you play violin?” Bakugo asks, annoyance with a hint of curiosity staining his voice. “What's it to you?” Izuku shoots back while pulling out his music and putting his shoulder rest on. “Gosh, do you have to be so ignorant all the time? I'm trying to ask you a fucking question here.” he replies, rolling his eyes. “Me? Ignorant? Your certainly one to talk.” Izuku shoots him a glare. Katsuki opens his mouth but gets cut off by Aizawa. “That's enough, both of you. I'm here to give you two lessons, not get in in the way of your past issues. Put it aside and please try not to argue.”  

“Yes sir.” 

“Whatever.” 

“Alright. Thats it for today. You guys know your spots on where to practice right?” Aizawa asks the two, with both nod their heads a yes. “Alright then. I also wanted to say that there's another competition coming up, and I want both of you to participate. As a pair.” Izuku chokes on his own spit and Bakugo nearly drops his cello. 

“HUH?!?” They both scream simultaneously.  

“You heard me. Both of you are good enough to qualify, and i think playing a duet will give you a higher chance of winning and getting first place or at least making it to the top three.” Aizawa replies, not even blinking at the response they both let out. “I have the music already; I've been looking for a pair like you guys for a while now.” Mr. Aizawa reaches into his music drawer and pulls out sheet music. Theres ten pages total, five for each person. The title, “held by no bounds” composed by Yagi A. Toshinori. “Woah! we’re gonna play a piece by all might?!?” Izuku exclaims with excitement and forgetting all about who he’s going to be playing with. “Once a nerd always a nerd.” Bakugo scoffs at Izuku reaction. Izuku shoots him a glare as he remembers that he’s going to be playing this piece as a duet, and with Katsuki. “isn't there anyway I can play with another cellist? Or maybe a different instrument?” izuku suggests, trying any possible way he can to avoid being paired with Bakugo. “I will take no excuses. You are playing with him and that's final.” Aizawa replies handing both of them the music before walking out, leaving the two of them alone.  

“Well, isn't this just great.” Bakugo groans and picks up his instrument. 

“Look, you're not the only one who is unsatisfied by the paring. I don't want to have this turn into a fight, so let's both just learn the song and get it over with, okay?” Izuku blurts out a little too fast and catches Bakugo by surprise.  

“Yeah whatever.” And just like that, Bakugo makes his way out and disappears from Izuku's sight, leaving him alone with his racing thoughts. “You still here kid?” he hears Aizawa's voice echo. “Yeah... Still here.” he replies, a bit uneasy. Aizawa's figure suddenly appears in the doorway. “Look kiddo, i paired you two up for a reason. I know you are capable of doing it, and I believe in you. So don't stress over it okay?” Aizawa's once cold voice turning soft. “Yes sir.” Izuku replies once more, feeling a bit more reassured by his teacher's words. And with that, he grabs his stuff and makes his way to his car and back home. 

Chapter Text

The feeling of unease sat in Izuku's stomach. He was going to play a duet with Kacchan. Bakugou Katsuki. Kacchan. Oh god, He hasn't talked to Kacchan in years. He can't even look at the man, and he’s got to play a duet with him?? Oh yeah, he was done for. Izuku pulls into the parking spot Infront of his apartment and locks the car. He reaches into his pocket for his phone as he opens his phone and scrolls through his contacts. The door opens with a click. As soon as Izuku stepped into his apartment, he flops down on the couch and calls none other than Uraraka Ochako. A few beeps go by.

“Hello? Izuku? What's up?” Her voice is filled with obvious concern. Whenever Izuku calls her, it usually isn't good. So, she naturally is worried for him. Izuku sighs, “Ochako... I went to my lessons, right?? And guess who was there. Kacchan! I haven't seen him for years, and he showed to up my lesson??” He shouts, rubbing the sides of his temple. “Yikes... Why was he even there though??” Ochako asks, narrowing her eyes at the thought of Bakugou with Izuku.

He had told her about what happened with him, and she did not take it lightly. Izuku basically had to strangle her so she wouldn't march up to Bakugou and punch him. “Well, he plays the cello and Mr. Aizawa thought that it would be good to pair us up together to play a duet for the upcoming competition, and he decided Kacchan would be the best to pair up with me.” Izuku explains, moving his free hand to make random gestures. Hes picked that habit up from Iida recently.

“Couldn't you ask for a different partner?? One that isn't Bakugo??” She had said Bakugo’s name like it was venom. She really did not like him. “I tried to convince him, but he wouldn't let me. Its like he wants me to suffer.” Izuku groans as he pulls on his face. “Well, I guess you’ll just have to deal with it then... just tell me if anything happens, okay?? You know I care about you.”  Her voice softened. Izuku smiles. “Yeah.. I know. I care about you too. But i think ill be fine. I'll tell you of anything bad happens.” “You better. Crap, i gotta go now. Himiko’s calling me.” 

Himikos’s voice rang in the background. Something about choosing what dress to wear on their date. Izuku smiles to himself. “M’kay, ill talk to you later then, bye I love you!” “Bye i love you too!” The phone beeps as he hung up. Uraraka and Toga Himiko have been dating since freshman year of high school. They were really cute, and both are planning to move in together after they graduate.

Izuku gets up from the couch and decides to practice a bit. He reaches for his music, violin, and stand and sets up. “Ugh…” Izuku says as he thinks about the duet he has to play. This world is really against him isn’t it?? “Well no use complaining I guess..” he picks up the music. I should probably listen to this piece.. Izuku thinks as he opens up YouTube and puts the name of the piece in the search bar. His username is dekumighto715. Yeah he really likes All Might… he scrolls until he finds the piece, then he clicks play.

The piece starts out immediately aggressive, but there’s a different feeling to it too and Izuku can’t seem place his finger on it… Then it switches to a slightly slower tempo, and a melancholy feeling to it. The piece then slows down significantly. It feels light, Then tempo speeds up again, and it’s back to being fast, but this time, it wasn’t as aggressive, but it was still not exactly calming either. It then comes to a stop with a fermata. There was a deeper meaning behind the piece, Izuku knew. After all, it was composed by All Might, and everything that the man writes has a deeper story tied to it. But this time, Izuku has having a hard time trying to find out what it was. I don’t really need to know the story anyways. I just have to play the piece with Kacchan and it’ll be over. He thinks as he decides to finally start playing.

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“Ugh…” Izuku rubs his eye. “What time is it?..” he asks himself as he blinks. Izuku’s on the floor, with his violin next to him and his stand and music still set up. “I fell asleep??” he says as he reaches for his phone and checks the time. 8:06 am. “Crap!!” Izuku says as he jumps up from the floor. The bus comes at 8:20 and he has to leave his house at 8:15. Izuku scurry’s to pack his stuff up and get dressed as a fast as he can.

He runs to the bathroom to brush his teeth and brush his hair. To his avail, it was no use. His curls just wouldn’t obey. Ugh, whatever I can’t be late!! He thinks as he bolts out his apartment and runs to the bus stop. When he gets there, it’s 8:19. On time, but he’s panting and heaving with beads of sweat running down his face and back. “Okay… I made…. It…” hey says between huffs. The bus rolls around the corner and he gets on.

The bus drive to school was quiet, and Laufey was playing on full volume in his ear as he was taking notes in his notebook. It was titled “music analysis 38”. He had always loved music since he was small. Izuku used to beg Kacchan to play so Izuku could listen to the songs with sparkles in his eyes. In his notebooks, it was filled with his favorite composers and musicians.

His favorite composer was obviously All Might, followed up by Hawks, Mirko, and Nina. And a few others. It seemed like a boring thing to do, and some people might have found it to be like homework, but it was a hobby that Izuku enjoyed doing. The bus comes to a stop, and Izuku stand up. “Have a nice day!” He chirps to the bus driver with a huge smile on his face. Izuku walks off the bus and suddenly, he hears a voice from behind. “Izukuuuuuu!” As he turns around, someone flings themselves at him, almost making him lose his balance. That someone was Uraraka.

“You look like shit.” She blurts. “Well morning to you too I guess.” Izuku rubbed his eyes. “Did you sleep at all? Shit, you look almost like Mr. Aizawa himself Zuku.” She jokes, and revives a shove. “I slept, but not well. I was practicing and I fell asleep and woke up on the floor.” Izuku gorans while practically using her as a cane. “Gosh Zuku, im gonna start tucking you into bed and read a bedtime story for you if you don’t sleep better.” Uraraka threatens. Izuku lets out a chuckle at this as they approach Kadk high.

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“-and then she had the audacity to ask for more when all my food was gone!! I’m literally gonna starve today!!” Izuku yells, agitated. “well it wouldn’t help to lose some weight. You look like you need it.” Uraraka says teasingly. The whole table chuckles, but one person stands out. Their usually monotone friend Shoto, smiled. “You should smile more Sho! The ladies would die if they saw that smile.” Uraraka beats. Todoroki eyes widen.“If I smile, they’ll die?…” He stops eating and looks up completely flabbergasted. The table is silent before Izuku, Uraraka, and Himiko burst out laughing. “Please keep your composure!” Iida commands, hands moving in a robotic way. Izuku had made his small group of friends when he came to Highschool. Uraraka was the first person to approach Izuku on the first day of high school in lunch.

“Hey!! Sorry to bother, but I wanted to talk to you a bit! I’m Uraraka Ochako, and this is Toga Himiko!!” She smiles wide and gestures to the Blonde woman standing next to her, who also waves and lets out a huge smile. It’s adorable, he thinks to himself. “Oh, um. Hey.” Izuku replies awkwardly. No one has made an effort to talk to him since his sexuality got out. They stand there for a moment before talking again. “You looked kinda lonely, so we thought we would come and talk to you! You seem like a really cool person and we would love to be friends with you!!” Toga says, jumping up and down. Izuku is stunned, no one ever wanted to be friends with him. “Hey are you okay??” Uraraka asks after Izuku doesn’t reply and started down at the ground. He snaps back into reality. “Oh uh, y-yeah I would love to be friends with you guys! My name is Midoriya Izuku!” He gives them a smile.

“Great! We’ll introduce you to a few more people!!” Uraraka exclaims, dragging Izuku and Himiko by the sleeves to a different lunch table. “Hey guys!! Look who I brought! His names Midoriya Izuku!!” Uraraka halts to a stop. “Introduce yourselves!!” Toga smiles while shifting her weight on one foot to another. “I’m Todoroki Shoto.” A monotone voice calls out, and Izuku turns his head to the half white and half red hair. He has a huge scar on his right side. Izuku wonders how he got it, but didn’t want to make things uncomfortable. “And I’m Iida Tenya!” A loud and stern voice cuts through on his left. He has blue hair and red eyes, and is rapidly moving his arms in random motions. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Midoriya!” Iida shouts and bows down. “O-oh you don’t have to do that!! It’s a pleasure to meet you too!”

Izuku smiles at the memory. “IZUKU!” A Agitated voice screams again. “Gosh, you really don’t listen do you?? You like zoned out for like 5 minutes!” Uraraka says, scolding. “Ah! Sorry Ochako!! What were yall talking about?”lunch goes by in a blur, but he could feel Kacchan glaring daggers at him. Right… the competition… he thinks to himself. He should probably ask him to practice together.. it’s a duet after all. But he and Kacchan aren’t on that level. Was he supposed to match up and ask him?? What would he even say?? “Hey I think we should practice together for the competition so you should come over!” Nope. That won’t do. But I’ll have to approach him soon…

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Last period rolls around, and Izuku has to go talk to Kacchan. It’s now or never. He’s spent the whole day contemplating if he actually should do it, or if he should just fail instead. Mr. Aizawa will beat my ass if I don’t… plus Kacchan doesn’t like to lose. “Ughhh..” he says as the bell rings, which means he has to find Kacchan. Izuku jumps up from his seat and runs after Katsuki, who just exited the door. “Kacchan! Wait!” Izuku yells as he chases after Katsuki.

The blond stops and turns around crimson eyes narrowing at the sight of Izuku. “What do you want Deku.” His voice is cold. “W-well, we have to practice for the competition Kacchan” Katsuki groans. “Whatever shitty Deku.” He starts to turn around and Izuku calls back. “Wait! Where are we gonna practice??” Katsuki scoffs. “Just come to my house or something nerd. I know your creepy ass still remembers where I live” Izuku feels a blush creep up his neck. I do not. Oh but he does. And with that, Katsuki spins on his heels and walks away. After he disappears from Izuku’s sight, his jaw drops like a fish out of water.

Crap. What did he just get himself into??? He’s going to katsuki’s house?? By himself? Oh yeah he’s done for. Izuku starts panicking and runs away as fast as he can to the bathroom and quickly dials the one and only, you guessed it, Uraraka. The phone rings for a few moments before he hears a beep. “Yes, Izuku?? What happened?” She always seems to know something happened. Well, maybe cause his calls are never good, but whatever. “Ihavetogotokacchanshousetopractictheduetwithhim” he blurts out all at once. “Hold on- huh??”

“I have to go to Kacchan’s house to practice the duet with him.” He repeats, slower this time. “And how did that happen?” Uraraka asks. “W-well I were playing a duet so i figured we had to practice at one point, so I asked him. I thought maybe we were gonna go to like I don’t know, a practice room or something, but he said to go to his house!” Izuku yells. “Okay- just, calm down first. You have to go to Bakugo’s house. It can’t be that bad.” Uraraka states, even though it’s most definitely not true. “Ura, he literally bullied me for years cause I was gay.” He groans. “I’m just trying to cheer you up!! Also, do you even know when you’re going??”

Izuku’s eyes widen. “Crap! I forgot to ask” he covers his face with his hands. “Dude! Well go ask now!!” Uraraka yells. “I don’t have his number! And he left already. How am I supposed to ask?” He says, defeated. “Well ask Kirishima or something! he has football practice so he’ll still be here!” Izuku’s face lights up. “Oh my gosh, okay thanks for telling me I’m going now, bye I love you!” He jumps up from where he was and starts bolting to the gymnasium.

“Kirishima!!” Izuku yells as he pushes open the gym doors and runs in. The football team stops their warm up and looks up. “Oh it’s you Midoriya!” Kirishima says, as cheerful as ever. He was really outgoing, and he makes friends wherever he goes. “Hey sorry to bother you, but I need Kacchans number.” Izuku says in between heaves. “Oh, sure! But can I ask why? Also everyone keep warming up!” Kirishima yells as he runs to where his backpack is. “Mr. Aizawa paired us up together to play a duet, and he said I can come to his house, but I forgot to ask when I should go.” He explains, following the spiky red head.

Kirishimas hair was red, not a natural red, but a bright, vibrant red that you could spot from anywhere. “Okay here, I wrote his number down. I might get murdered, but that’s alright!” He hands the paper to Izuku with a offering smile. “Thank you so much Kirishima!” Izuku exclaims as he bows and mutters out a million thanks and apologies. “No problem Midobro!! Tell me if you need anything else!” Kirishima beams, and he runs back to his team to continue warm up. Izuku takes the paper and makes his way to the door to leave. He has Kacchans number now, texting him is next. “Easier said than done..” he mutters to himself. Kacchan gets mad when I even try to talk to him.. There’s no way he won’t be mad if I text him. Izuku makes his way out the school and to the nearest bus stop. And with that, he gets on the bus and rides home.

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Izuku gets home and puts his stuff near the door and walk to his room and flops down on the bed. “Ugh…” he says against his pillow. I have to change, shower, and text Kacchan. Izuku thinks to himself as he forces himself upright on his bed. Objectively, it would be easier to text the blond first, then go do his stuff. He slides over to his nightstand to reach for his phone and gets the little sheet of paper containing Katsuki’s number.

He unfolds the paper and makes his way to the bed and sits on the edge of it. “I guess I better get it over with…” Izuku sighs as he types the number into the phone. He pulls up a chat box and starts typing.

(Izuku): Hey Kacchan, it’s Izuku.

(Izuku): Kirishima gave me your number, please don’t be mad at him, but you never told me when I should come over for the duet. (･_･;

He presses sends the messages and gets up to take the shower when he suddenly hears a ding from his phone. Izuku picks up up to see who it is.

(Unknown): Just come over today.

Huh. He replies pretty fast. Izuku thinks to himself.

(Izuku): Okay! What time? o(^▽^)o

(Kacchan): 7:00.

(Izuku): Okay, I’ll see you there Kacchan!!٩(˃̶͈̀௰˂̶͈́)و

Read 5:47

Izuku sighs. I guess I’m going at seven. He gets a towel from his laundry basket, he could care less if it’s dirty, and makes his way to the shower. Izuku quickly undresses and hops in. His tense muscles relax as the water droplets hit his skin. Izuku stands there just a bit longer, grounding himself with the sensation. Then, he reaches over to grab his shampoo, and puts a generous amount in his hand, and puts it in his curls. Izuku scratches the top of his head with his nails. His mind drifts off, and stops at Katsuki. What am I gonna do when I get there?? There’s no way we’re not gonna argue. He thinks to himself as he rinses the soap off and gets out of the shower.

Izuku grabs his towel, drys himself and ties it around his waist and walks out of the bathroom. “What do I wear??” Izuku ponders on that question. Most of his clothes are either too small, or they were all All Might merch. He picks out something decent. A plain white T-shirt with black shorts and a blue zip up jacket. Good enough. Izuku thinks to himself. He then checks the time. 6:47 pm. “I should probably leave now.” He grabs his necessities and goes to his car and drives out.

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Izuku pulls into the drive way of the fanciest two story house he’s ever seen, with flowers leading up to a walkway. “Well that’s what you get when you have two award winning fashion designers…” he mutters as he walk to the front door. Izuku forces himself to swallow the butterflies in his stomach. The whole drive here, he was contemplating if he should actually go. Maybe he could just take the failing grade… No! Mr. Aizawa would be disappointed. Izuku takes a deep breath as he rings the doorbell.

He hears footsteps walking to the door, and which in turn he hold his breath and straightens his back. A moment later he hears the door unlock. “Hello what is it-” The sentence is cut off as someone looking Strangely similar to Katsuki appears. “Oh my gosh it’s you Izuku!! I haven’t seen you in so long! Come give your aunt a hug!” The woman says as she pulls him in. It’s Bakugo’s mom. Mitsuki Bakugo. It’s insane how similar they look, from the spiked blonde hair to the red crimson eyes. “Oh!- hey auntie!” Izuku manages to squeak out in the rib-crushing hug. “So, what are you doing here? You haven’t stopped by in years, Izuku.” She huffs, puffing out her chest a little bit. Izuku shrinks back a little, all the memories of bullying coming back to him. “Well, Me and Kacchan got paired up for a duet, and he said I could come over to practice.” He fidgets with the hem of his shirt. “B-but! I don’t think he told you, so I can just go back if you want!! I don’t want to bother!” He mutters out, taking a step back.

“No, come inside! You and Katsuki haven’t interacted since you were little brats,  come eat dinner with us!” She says as she grabs Izuku by the shoulders and practically drags him inside, slamming the door. “You can do that practice thing later, come eat first.” Mitsuki demands, pushing him to the dinner table. “I- oh, y-you don’t have too!-“ he stutters fighting her grasp. “Hush child! You haven’t been here for years, listen to your aunt!” She protests, pushing him to the diner table, and suddenly, Izuku feels a pair of eyes burning into him. He looks over, emerald green meeting crimson red.

Katsuki scoffs, looking back at his food and muttering curses under his breath. “Take a seat next to Katsuki! You brats haven’t interacted in years.” She says, pushing Izuku to sit down in the chair before he could even get the chance to protest. “Oh- uh,” he tenses in his chair, back straight, and gripping his shorts. “I can just sit over there, there’s no need to sit here.” He points to a seat across the dining table, trying to get away from the situation. “Get him away from me old hag.” Bakugo interrupts, voice spitting flames. Mitsuki scoffs. “Don’t call your mother that. And he’s sitting there’s and that’s final.” She demands, leaving no space for argument.

“Whatever.”

“O-okay.”

The whole dinner, Izuku tries his best to relax and forget about the fiery blonde next to him. But to his avail, it was no good. He could feel narrowing crimson eyes burning holes into him every time he moved to get something in his platter. “Wow auntie, this Ma po tofu is great!” Izuku exclaims, shoving another bite of it along with some rice into his mouth. “Thank you Izuku.” She lets out a proud grin. He nods furiously as he tries all the other dishes laid out. By the time he’s finished, he’s stuffed full like a plush from Build-a-Bear.

He groans, having eaten the best meal he’s had in a while, almost getting close to his own mother’s cooking. God, his mother. How Izuku has missed her. Ever since he got his own apartment and was living alone, he barely had a chance to see her. It’s been over two months since the last time they’ve met up. Izuku misses her, he really does. But their schedules, it just hasn’t had a chance to work out.

Izuku sighs as he thinks of his mother and gets up from the dinner table looking over at Katsuki, who was already glaring at him. “Uh, do you wanna practice now or?. I mean I could always go home and we could practice another day, I’m not trying to force it on you or anything! It’s just that Aizawa would kill me if I didn’t and I know you don’t like losing so I figured it would be a good time but-“ “Shut it Deku.” Katsuki cuts him off. “Just hurry your slow ass up we can practice already. Get your shit and come to my room.” Katsuki groans and gets up from the table, making his way to the stairs and disappears from Izuku’s view. Izuku lets out a breath he hadn’t realize he was holding.

Right my stuff. He makes his way over to the front door where he dropped his stuff down and struggles to pick it all up. “Christ, I can never get a break can I?” He mutters under his breath. Slowly, Izuku makes his way up the stairs, trying not to drop anything as he nears Katsuki’s door. He takes a deep breath in, and exhaling slowly. Inhale for 4, hold 7, exhale for 8. He finds himself repeating. “Better get it done sooner than later I guess..” he knocks on the door, and hears shuffling inside before it opens up, revealing an ever so pleasing glare from the blond.

Katsuki opens the door wider, allowing Izuku space to step in. “Why the hell did you bring so much. I have extra stands.” Katsuki says as he sits down in his chair, cello and music already set up. “Well uh, I didn’t really know that and I wanted to come prepared so..” Izuku quietly mutters. Katsuki scoffs. “Yeah whatever hurry up and set up already shitty nerd.” Katsuki picks up his cello and starts flipping over to his music. Izuku nods as he picks up his case to pull out his stuff and sets up. After a minute or two, he’s finished. “Took you long enough.” Katsuki huffs. Izuku rolls his eyes. “Let’s just play. Measure 86 is where I need to practice the most.” Izuku flips to the second page. “Yeah yeah.” Katsuki replies, doing the same as Izuku. “Ready?” Izuku asks. “Just start.” The blond replies, displeased. Izuku ignores the comment and gives a cue as they start playing.

Things were going relatively well, Izuku played on time with Katsuki, no argument has arisen yet. But Izuku’s luck isn’t that good. “That’s staccato idiot!” Katsuki yells as he points to the music. “That’s like the third time you’ve missed it!” “Okay well I told you I’m bad at that part!!” Izuku yells back. “You should have fixed it by now! What kind of a shitty player are you deku?? Or is it your violin? It sounds so fucking bad.” Katsuki rolls his eyes.

“Shut the hell up.” Izuku snaps coldly. “What?” Katsuki replies, put off guard at the sudden change. “I said shut up. You can comment on me all that you want, but don’t comment on my violin.” It was the last thing he had of a someone before they passed. Something he held onto, something special. “What the hell is wrong?? It’s just a violin.” Katsuki snaps back, clearly unknowing of what had originally happened.

“Happy birthday Izuku!!” A high pitched voice called out before opening the door and jumping on Izuku.

“Ah- Kiyoshi, I almost fell!” Izuku sends him a fake glare, which turns into a smile as he sees the boy smiling manically at him.

“I got you something Zuku!! I think you’ll like it!” Kiyoshi exclaims, bouncing up and down while handing him a huge box.

“You didn’t have to Kiyo.” Izuku smiles as as takes the present.

“Open it! Open it!” Kiyoshi hovers around him.

“I think you’re more excited than I am” Izuku giggles at his best friend who currently cannot stand still and is all over the place.

“Just open it alreadyyy!” Kiyoshi groans, growing more impatient by the second.

“Okay,okay I’ll open it.” Izuku laughs and carefully unwraps the paper to reveal a black case.

“Do you like it?” Kiyoshi lets out a huge grin.

“Is it what I think it is?..” Izuku unzips the black case to reveal a violin. He sits there, unmoving.

“Do you like it Izu?? I can get you something else, I just thought you would like it since you’ve been talking about it so much. I can get you something-“

“I love it kiyo. Thank you so much.” Izuku looks up, eyes watering and a wobbly smile. Kiyoshi lights up.

“I’ll learn it and impress you one day I promise!”

The flashback hit him like a brick. Tears springing into Izuku’s eyes. “What the- why the fuck are you crying??” Katsuki asks, scoffing. “I’m leaving.” Izuku stands up and starts getting his case. “What?- you can’t just fucking leave over something so small-” “Can you just stop?!” Izuku snaps. The blond pauses. Deep breathes Izuku.. “look, I’m not gonna sit here and argue about something sensitive with you, so I’m leaving.” Izuku puts his violin up. “What the hell deku?? Just-“

“Can you just drop it??” Izuku cuts him off, picking all of his stuff up. They both stare at each other, glossy green meeting narrowing crimson, before Izuku finally moves to the door. “Bye Kacchan.” He says before shutting the door and making his was downstairs. Izuku pats his cheeks and wipes his eyes, trying his best to look out together when he’s really trying not to break down. “Are you okay brat? I heard yelling.” Mitsuki’s voice makes Izuku jump. “Y-yeah! Don’t worry about it auntie, I’m going home now.” He tries his best to put on a convincing smile. “Alright then, safe driving Izuku.” She replies, still looking worried. Izuku walks to the front dorr and to his car, where he finally lets it out. God, what Kiyoshi think of this?? He thinks before pulling out the driveway and onto the road.

“C’mon Kiyoshi!! We’re not far from here!!” Izuku yells, dragging Kiyoshi by the sleeve.

“Wha- where are we going Zuku??” Kiyoshi replies, a bit reluctant.

“I wanna play hide and seek!!” Izuku says proudly before coming to a stop in the forest.

“Do you know where we are??” Kiyoshi asks, hesitant.

“Don’t worry Kiyo, I come here all the time! Let’s go! You hide I seek!!” Izuku points to the forest. “You can go hide, but don’t go too far okay?” He looks at Kiyoshi.

“Alright.” Kiyoshi says before running off. “No peeking Zuku!!” He yells.

“Alright!! I’m counting now! One, two, three, four..” Izuku counts to 60. “Ready or not here I come!!” Izuku turns around from the tree he was at. “I’m gonna get you!” Izuku yells into the forest, hearing an echo come back as he wanders looking for his best friend. A few minutes go by, nothing. “Okay, I give up! You can come out now!” He yells into the forest. Nothing.

“Kiyoshi??” Izuku yells a bit louder. “Kiyoshi!!” He screams. “This isn’t funny come out now!!” He says, frantically running around looking for him now. He runs to the river, the one with a walkway to the other side in the middle to find a piece of Kiyoshi’s  shirt on a beach connecting to the walkway.

“Kiyoshi?…” he walks to it, peering down beneath him to see churning water at least 10 feet deep. It had recently rained hard, so it was slippery and the current was strong. “Kiyoshi!!” He screams into the river, hoping that hugs best friend would be there, piping his head up and saying ‘boo!’ But it never came. Izuku looked around the water, and his eye caught on something close to the more shallow spot. Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi’s body. Unconscious and floating unmoving. Izuku freezes. He wants to run away, to pray that this isn’t real. That his best friend isn’t dead. He cautiously walks to the body.

“Kiyoshi?….” No response. “Kiyoshi please, respond!” Izuku walks to him and tilts him up. Blue lips and eyes that look dead. The usual shimmer in Kiyoshi’s eyes were gone. “No, no, no, no…. Please no!! Kiyoshi get up!!” He shakes his shoulder and his neck rolls to the side in an unnatural way. “No you have to get up Kiyoshi!! Please” Izuku begs, laying him down flat to do CPR. “Kiyoshi please get up!!” He begs. He does CPR until he can’t. It may have benn minutes? Hours? He doesn’t know. By the time his arms give out, The sun was setting. He picks Kiyoshi out and hugs him, the usually warm boy now cold. “Kiyo please.. this can’t be happening.” Izuku sobs onto his shoulder. “I’m so sorry Kiyoshi.” Izuku’s frail body shakes from sobs.

“Izuku? Izuku!” A high voice calls out. A worried woman with green hair like Izuku suddenly appears. “Oh Izuku there you are I thought you were lost-“ she pauses. “Izuku dear?… is that.. Kiyoshi?..” her eyes widen as she takes in the scenes infront of her. Izuku’s sitting up, gripping Kiyoshi like a life support system. “Mom?…” Izuku looks up, eyes bloodshot and puffy from crying. “Mom, Kiyoshi.. he’s dead.” Izuku manages to force out. “What??” She replies, unable to think. “He’s dead mom, and it’s all my fault.” He hugs the other tighter.

Inko takes a minute to process the information before softening her eyes. “Izuku dear… it’s not your fault.” He reaches over to hug him. And almost instantaneously, he jumps onto her and sobs. “Yes it is, I took him to play hide and seek and now.. look at him mom. I killed him.” Izuku grips into her tighter. “Izuku honey, you were not responsible for this. You only wanted to play hide and seek, it wasn’t your fault.” She replies softly, rubbing circles into his back. “It feels like it’s my fault.” He mutters into his shirt. She doesn’t hear it. “We have to go Izuku, we can take Kiyoshi with us, we have to inform his parents.” She pulls away a little to see the other boy laid out on the floor. Izuku nods, unable to look at the sight.

“Here lies the body of Shimizu Kiyoshi.” Izuku walks up to the coffin. Eyes pouring tears again. “Kiyo… I’m so, so sorry what happened at the river.” He whispers so no one but Kiyoshi can hear. “I didn’t want you to die, I just wanted to be with you. But look at what I caused. It’s my fault you’re dead Kiyo.” He shakes his dead, wiping at his tears. “You became my friend when I had no friends. When Kacchan and everyone else avoided me, you can up to me and made me feel needed. You never left my side even though you knew I was bi, and never once had you judged me for it. I’m so thankful I knew someone like you.” He gives up, letting the tears slide onto his cheeks.

“I’m so sorry for what I did, and you know that violin you got me?? I’ll make sure I learn it for you. Maybe one day I could play it for you too.” He pauses before continuing. “Anyway, this is taking a bit now, I’ll have to go soon. If you can hear me, please know that I’m so sorry, and that I love you so much. I’ll get great at the violin, and I’ll play for you one day. I promise. Goodbye Kiyoshi.” He sets his flowers down and closing his eyes before finally sitting down, wiping tears. His best friend was gone now thanks to him, and he has a promise to keep. He won’t let Kiyoshi down ever again.

Izuku speed up, tears blocking his sight of the road. He goes quickly drives back home and curls up in his bed and calls Uraraka. “Yes Izuku?? It’s 11:36 what do you need?”

Her sleepy voice rings through the phone. “Ura..” he chokes out, trying not to break down. “Izuku?? Did something happen?? Why’re you crying??” He can hear her sip up and mutter something to Himiko before getting up and going to a different room. “Katsuki said something and..” he drifts off, the memory or Kiyoshi nagging him again. “Kiyoshi.” He finishes. “Oh honey…” her voice softens.

“Kiyoshi’s dead and it’s all my fault.”