I kind of rushed the ending because I've been super busy and just wanted to hurry up and finish. I had also been getting some not-so-nice comments so I just wanted to get it over with. Sorry this wasn't my best work but I at least didn't want to leave it unfinished

Chapter 37

They were finally back in the city. Bakugou had missed the hustle and bustle. But the past five years in the countryside hadn't been wasted. It had taken a long time for Izuku's mind to stabilize. During that time, it was clear that he would never go back to his old self. The trauma he had endured had permanently broken his mind into two distinct halves—Izuku and Deku. Medications helped keep his Dissociative Identity Disorder in check, but it couldn't completely suppress Deku. Mrs. Midoriya had moved back to her old apartment with Eri and Izuku. Bakugou had found an apartment not far from their neighborhood. After retaking the licensing exam, Bakugou was back to hero duty. And his new apartment was a short commute to his agency. And despite being inactive for five years, they welcomed him back.

As a former villain, Midoriya possessed valuable information about the villains' activities and their goals. He couldn't be a hero like Bakugou, but he could work with police to take down the League of Villains. At first Katsuki had been wary. But as time went by, it was clear that Izuku's stubborn determination had returned. It reminded him of when they were in school—when Izuku had insisted on attending UA and becoming a hero. Back then it seemed like nothing would stop him. It was the same even now.

Midoriya struggled to return to "normalcy" as the two of them began life on a new slate, picking up where they left off. Their friends came by to offer their congratulations on Midoriya's recovery. But Bakugou knew nothing could completely fix Izuku's broken mind. Things were settling down once again. Eri had been accepted into UA. After her first day, she told them all about her new classmates and the friends she had made. There was even a boy in her class who Deku had saved years ago, just like her. Kouta, spurred by Deku's heroism all those years ago, had been inspired to join the hero academy. Everything was looking up.

When Bakugou returned to Auntie's house to check up on Izuku, the apartment was dark, illuminated only by the lights of the city that streamed in from the open window. Izuku sat by the window, his back to him. Auntie and Eri were out running errands, leaving them completely alone.

"Why are you sitting here in the dark?" Bakugou dropped his bag by the door.

"I never thought I'd be here," Izuku said. "To think I'd be working with the police to catch the people I once called comrades."

There was something off about the way Izuku was speaking. Bakugou cautiously approached him. He recognized the unfeeling, distant look reflected in Izuku's red, left eye.

"Been a long time since you showed yourself, Deku."

Deku smirked. "Long time no see, Kacchan."

"I could have gone longer without seeing you again."

"Don't be cold," Deku returned his attention to the window, gazing at the skyline. "You got what you wanted, didn't you?"

"Took a hell of a long time."

"You know, this isn't so bad." The lights outside glimmered like stars. "But you know? Sometimes I just want to choke the life out of you."

"Izuku'd never let you do that."

Deku smiled innocently. "You're right. He cares about you too much."

"Yeah. So why don't you get lost and give him back."

"That's mean, Kacchan. After I haven't seen you in so long, you already want me gone?" He smirked. "You know you can't have him without me."

"I know."

"So don't treat me so coldly and show me how you feel already."

"Shut up, damn nerd."

It had taken a long time to reconcile, even though their relationship was far from perfect, but it had been worth the wait. Katsuki was willing to put up with Deku if it meant he could keep Izuku close. Bakugou swore he would never let him go again. He had would support and protect him.

Forever.

Thanks for sticking with me! I hope you liked it despite its rushed nature