A/N: So... it's been a hot minute since I've written anything, huh? Sorry about that, I've been in the worst writer's block for the past few months and nothing much has been helping. I managed to finally finish this fic, but I'm still in a rut. Here's to hoping writing something brand new will help me out! Anyway, enjoy the last chapter of this fic!
We lose face in denial
Why not just accept the truth?
Why not take the risk?
We are intelligent, stupid creatures
"Mom?"
Kouya watched as Tatsuki's face scrunched up in puzzlement, and then concern.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Her voice sounded stilted and awkward and far too casual for his mother.
"Uh, yeah. It has." Kouya pilfered his pockets until he procured his key and threw it at Tatsuki. "Why did you call me?"
"What, a mother can't call her only son?" Izumi tried to laugh, but it died too fast.
Kouya watched as Tatsuki unlocked the apartment door and whispered something to Mr. Midoriya. "Not unless you're gonna ask me to come home again."
He heard a sigh from the phone. "How are you doing, son?"
Barely making it. "I'm doing fine, Mom."
"You sound tired. Are you really okay?"
She's never tired when she is worried. "Yeah. Just busy, is all." He caught a glare from Mr. Midoriya and waved it off.
"Work isn't overwhelming, is it?"
Maybe I just need to tell her the truth. Kouya shook his head. She'd hold it against me.
"Nah, it's the same."
"You know, you could still move back in with us."
There it was. There it always was.
"No," Kouya responded too quickly. "I'm not gonna do that."
Izumi chuckled again. "Well, it was with a try, wasn't it?"
"I guess so."
Silence. Kouya felt an air of tension thicken around him as he listened to the static of the phone. The white noise created a snowstorm around him when he waited.
"I was going to ask… can I come and visit you soon?" Izumi's voice was shaky.
Kouya grimaced. Backed into a corner. "No, sorry. You can't."
He heard a sigh from the other end. "Is it because you're busy? There's really no room in your schedule?"
Tatsuki poked his head out from the door. "Kouya, come on! We don't know where to start here!"
Kouya scowled and waved him away. Dammit.
"Is something going on with you?" Izumi's voice grew more concerned as her volume rose. "Do you need our help?"
Something in Kouya snapped, and he snarled. "Mom, I'm just moving into a friend's house! It's not a huge deal!"
God damn, I'm not a little kid anymore!
"You're moving to a friend's house?" Kouya struggled to hear her.
He took a breath. "Yeah, I am."
"Why?"
Kouya blinked. At least she isn't shouting.
"It's because I want to. It's a bigger place, and I won't be alone and I'll be closer to school." Kouya paused and frowned. "I'm not short on money, alright?" He shifted on his feet and set a hand on his hip.
He heard a laugh and a sniffle from the other side. "I understand… I just wish my baby would come home!" She started laughing some more and Kouya found himself cracking a small smile.
"You could not have chosen a worse time to call." Kouya rolled his eyes.
"I know, I'm sorry." Izumi's voice broke, and so did a piece of Kouya's heart. "Just be careful, okay? I love you."
Soft warmth blossomed in Kouya's chest. "Love you too, Mom."
"Before you go, hold on."
"Uh, yeah?"
Izumi sighed heavily. "You're going to have to talk to your father soon."
Kouya felt a weight settle on his body. "God, why?"
"Because he's going to want to know, and… he worries about you."
Kouya rolled his eyes. "Uh-huh."
"Please try to call him soon. For me, alright?" Izumi all but pleaded.
"Okay, fine! I'll think about it." Kouya threw his free hand in the air.
"Thank you."
She's still too much. "Yeah, sure."
There was another short bout of silence. "I should probably let you go, huh?"
Kouya tapped his foot on the ground. "Yeah, the guys are getting antsy to move."
"Alright. Be careful, okay?"
"I will. See you, Mom." Kouya smiled and hung up.
I'll talk to Dad sometime.
"Hey, Kouya! Let's go, we got packing to do!" Tatsuki shouted from the doorway.
"Okay, I'm coming!" Kouya walked towards his apartment with a grin on his face.
He entered his apartment and looked around at everything. There wasn't much in that one-room flat, but it was still enough to make him scratch his head.
Too many dudes in here.
"I've got my old moving boxes in the closet, I think." Kouya walked past his kitchenette and opened a closet door on the far wall.
He dug around his clothes and let out a cry of triumph as he dragged a bunch of folded boxes out of the corner of the closet. "Here we are!"
Tappei nodded and started unfolding the boxes. "These should do fine."
A thought popped into Kouya's head after that and he frowned. "What about my furniture? We can't fit that in the truck."
"Well… I can take some stuff on a second trip, but ya might need another car." Tappei smirked and Kouya sighed.
Tetsuya clapped Kouya on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it! I'll get the rest of your stuff with my own truck."
Kouya grinned. "Thanks, Tetsuya. You're a lifesaver."
He then grabbed a box and walked over to his bed, where he quickly took out a number of… adult magazines and threw them back into the box. He glanced around. Hope nobody saw that.
"Wanna share those racy magazines with me, Kouya?" Tatsuki dropped down to sit next to him with a laugh.
Nevermind.
Kouya's face caught fire and he looked away. "Those are private, dude!"
"I know, I'm just messing with ya!" Tatsuki laughed harder and ruffled his hair.
"Can you just help me pack?" Kouya frowned and put some music magazines over the other ones.
He nodded. "Yeah, of course! Just wanted to let you know you have good taste." Tatsuki winked and Kouya felt his heart stop.
"Uh, thanks." His brows scrunched together as he rolled his thoughts around in his headspace.
"Oh, hey. One more question."
Is it about those magazines? "What's up?"
"Why's your motorcycle in here?" Tatsuki pointed to the bike in the corner of the apartment.
"Don't want it to get stolen." Kouya shrugged and looked back down at his box.
"Oh... Right."
"I won't have to do that at your place though!" Kouya looked back up to see Tatsuki smile that beautiful smile.
"Yeah, you're right!"
Kouya put the rest of his magazines in the box and closed it before he grabbed a marker and labeled it. "That's one thing done... Jeez, there's a lot of junk here."
Tatsuki walled over to the dresser beside the bed. "I'll get started on yer clothes, then!"
Kouya shrugged and looked around his apartment. Tappei and Tetsuya were emptying the fridge, and Chuukichi and Nikaidou were packing up his dishes. He found himself smiling as he watched them.
I've got new friends.
Someone flicked him from the side. He jumped and turned to see a giggling Tatsuki holding up a pair of his underwear.
"Bikini briefs? That's what you wear?"
Kouya wanted to jump off of a bridge and swim away. His mind raced to come up with something, anything!
"Y-yeah? Well… says a lot coming from the guy who wears fundoshis!" Kouya shot back.
"Hey, I…" Tatsuki trailed off as he blushed. "Alright, ya got me there."
So he's not invincible!
Kouya laughed. "Can't make fun of me for that."
They continued to pack Kouya's clothes into a few suitcases he found in that same closet in a comfortable silence after that. Kouya found himself humming and smiling as he put his clothes away.
Strange.
Kouya filled up his suitcase and looked over at Tatsuki, who was trying to push the top down and failing to a spectacular degree.
"You need some help, dude?" Kouya snickered as he watched.
"No, just gotta- ugh!" Tatsuki tried shoving the top down, but it just flung right back up. "Come on!"
"Man, this is pathetic." Kouya shooed Tatsuki out of the way. "Here, just let me."
He moved some of the clothes around and tucked them in as best as he could before he shut the top and flipped the latches down. Too easy.
"What? You must be magic, dude!" Tatsuki gawked at the closed suitcase.
Kouya laughed and took the suitcases to a pile of boxes that had accumulated by the apartment entrance. "You've never packed clothes before, have you?"
Tatsuki grinned and looked away. "Not really…"
Kouya rolled his eyes. "Come on, dork. We gotta finish packing." He paused and furrowed his brow. "Or attempt to, I guess."
Tatsuki stuck his tongue out at Kouya before they got back to packing. There wasn't much left to do except the furniture and some knick-knacks, which they managed to finish pretty easily.
It was a few hours later when everything was packed away. Kouya stood around the place with hands on his hips and a frown on his lips after everyone else had walked outside.
"Well… guess this is it, huh?" He looked around the apartment as a pang of longing hit him. The boxes that couldn't be taken yet were piled next to the door.
So many good memories here… bad ones too, but mostly great.
Another pang in his chest, this time of a different emotion. Kouya wasn't sure which one it was, but it hurt.
Time to go.
Kouya turned around and walked out of the apartment with the last thing there: his motorcycle. As he closed the door and locked it, he felt something inside of him shift. It was like something lifted off of his chest… but something else took its place. It's probably not a bad thing, he hoped.
Tatsuki and the others were waiting for him by the now-full truck.
"I don't think the truck can fit us all now," Tappei remarked.
"That's okay!" An idea popped into Kouya's head. "Tatsuki, do you want to hitch a ride?"
A faint blush spread across Tatsuki's cheeks as he nodded. "Y- yeah! Yes!"
Wow, that worked. Okay.
"Be back home in time for dinner, you two." Tappei winked at Kouya and he found himself blushing as well.
"Thank you, Mr. Midoriya!" Kouya waved Tatsuki over and got on his motorcycle. He handed Tatsuki the helmet and started the engine.
"You're not gonna wear one?" Tatsuki wrapped his arms around Kouya and rested against him.
Oh crap, he's warm. "I uh… there's only one. More concerned about you."
"Oh, so I'm clumsy?" Tatsuki's voice didn't hold any venom to it, and he only tightened his grip.
"I'd rather not answer that." Kouya chuckled. "Let's go!"
He revved the engine for a second and then they were off back towards the town with nothing but an open road and clear skies around them.
"Where do you wanna go?" Kouya shouted over the noise.
"Lunch sounds great right now! Stomach is growlin'!"
Kouya nodded. The Raimon it is, then.
The countryside turned back into a town as the grass shrunk into cracks and corners between old buildings. Kouya slowed the motorcycle to a crawl as they drove through Minasoto.
"Man, it's really gotten hot!" Tatsuki's whining was much clearer now.
"Well… it's summer." Kouya raised a brow and shook his head.
"It's September!"
Kouya laughed. "Guess you'll just have to deal with climate change, big guy."
"Climate change is lame, then!"
"You're telling me, man."
Kouya turned a street corner. As he drove, two familiar figures caught his eye on the sidewalk.
Oh, is that… it is!
Kouya waved at Shun and Soutarou who were walking side by side with some popsicles in hand. "Hey, guys!" He shouted.
Tatsuki waved as well and the other two waved back, Shun with a goofy grin on his face. Kouya smiled back before they drove off towards the Raimon.
"They've been hanging out a lot more, haven't they?" Tatsuki asked.
Kouya nodded. "Soutarou's finally making good friends." He smiled.
Guess the group isn't drifting off after all.
The Raimon finally came into view on the side of the street, and Kouya parked the motorcycle on one of the spaces in front of the building. When Tatsuki let go, he almost felt cold there in the blazing heat.
"That was a great ride, Kouya!" Tatsuki punched Kouya's shoulder. "We should do it again!"
Before Kouya could stop himself he said, "I would love to."
He wasn't sure what was wrong with him for saying so much without thinking.
But Tatsuki just grinned and walked into the Raimon. Kouya sighed and followed with another burning face.
Have patience in life
But don't wait forever
Sometimes you have to jump
Or you'll be in unknown waters forever
"You didn't have to pay for me, you know."
Kouya held open the door for Tatsuki, who shrugged at him. "I wanted to, don't worry about it."
Kouya frowned. "Is it because-"
Tatsuki shook his head. "Course not! I'm just trying to be nice!"
Fine, I'll believe you this time. "Thanks."
"You're welcome!" Tatsuki beamed.
Kouya cracked a smile and got on his motorcycle. Tatsuki clambered on behind him and put the helmet on before they drove off back through the town.
"Did you have a good time?" Kouya asked over his shoulder.
"Being with you is always a good time!" Tatsuki patted Kouya's stomach as he spoke.
Did he just..? Or am I reading into it too much?
Kouya just kept his mouth shut and focused on the road instead. It was easier to ignore the wonderful warmth wrapped around him that way.
I think that's all I've been doing… I've got no chance.
The ride back to Tatsuki's house was silent, but Kouya found himself relaxed. The surroundings calmed and comforted his heart even with Tatsuki pressed up against him.
The calming scenery did nothing to stem the endless thoughts circling his brain like a cyclone, though.
Everything is about him now. How did I fall so deep so fast?
He growled under his breath.
It doesn't make sense, even if it's really nice!
Kouya turned a corner and the trees parted to reveal his new… home?
Kouya parked the bike beside Tappei's truck and turned it off before getting up. He looked over and saw that the truck bed was empty.
"Guess they already moved my stuff in."
"Yeah, but they'll get the rest tomorrow." Tatsuki snuck an arm around Kouya's shoulders. His fingers brushed Kouya's arm and sent shivers down his spine.
"Y- yeah." Kouya smiled and walked towards the house while he took a few deep breaths.
Tatsuki stepped ahead of him and held the door open. "After you, my good wolf friend."
Kouya smacked Tatsuki's arm on the way inside. "You know I'm a damn husky!"
Tatsuki snickered from behind him, and Kouya sighed. "Ass."
"I'm a dragon, not a donkey!"
Kouya turned around and hit him harder. Tatsuki yelped and held his arms close to his body. "That's what you get, smartass," Kouya shot back.
"Hey, I said I was a-" Tatsuki cut himself off when Kouya turned around with the most menacing glare he could muster.
You're such a dork.
Kouya nodded and turned away from Tatsuki long enough to get out of the cramped doorway and into a very, very crowded living room.
"They're back!" Chuukichi exclaimed from his spot on the couch.
"What, did you guys decide to wait for us?" Tatsuki crossed his arms.
Tetsuya shrugged. "Just taking a break from moving Kouya's stuff is all."
Kouya's ears perked. "Oh, did you finish?"
Tappei nodded. "Yeah, the boxes are all in Tatsuki's room. I'll get the rest tomorrow, do you have a spare key?"
Kouya reached into his pockets and pulled out a key before throwing it to Tappei. "Thanks, Mr. Midoriya."
"Is there enough room for all his stuff and mine?" Tatsuki interjected.
Oh, didn't consider that.
"Yeah, and I'm givin' the kid an extra room for his music shit." Tappei turned to face Kouya. "You can put yer extra stuff in there too."
Kouya couldn't keep the stupid smile from his face while his tail wagged behind him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Midoriya! That means a lot!"
Tappei held up a hand. "Don't thank me, boy. Just don't have yer band practice too late at night." He winked.
"I- I won't." Kouya cleared his throat and took a breath. "Thank you."
"Lemme just tell you a couple more rules to the house while we're here." Tappei leaned forward in the chair and clasped his hands together.
He better not turn out to be some psycho with them.
"Look, they're really easy to follow. Even my son can do them… sometimes."
Kouya snickered and hid a grin behind his hands. Tatsuki just huffed and crossed his arms.
Tappei cleared his throat. "All ya gotta do is help with any chores my wife asks, and most importantly… keep out of the way when me and the boys are workin', alright?" His voice was laced with venom as he spoke the second rule.
"Crystal clear, Mr. Midoriya." Kouya gave him a thumbs up. Jeez, someone's serious about their work.
"Great! That's all I had, boy; you can relax for a while now."
Kouya's shoulders relaxed as he nodded. "Thanks."
Tatsuki then grabbed Kouya's hand and began to lead him out of the living room. "C'mon, let's go unpack!"
It's not that exciting, he wanted to say. Instead he said, "Alright, sure."
Tatsuki led Kouya back down the maze of halls and stopped in front of his door once again. They were still holding hands, but Kouya didn't say anything. He just basked in the moment of bliss.
Maybe... Maybe this can be something?
"Let's see what we have here- oh."
Tatsuki opened the door and came face to face with a bunch of huge boxes stacked in the center of the room.
Jesus, that's a lot.
"Uh, yeah. Oh," Kouya scratched his head. "Let's try to figure this out…"
"Your clothes first, right? I've got a spare drawer in my dresser."
"Yeah." Kouya moved the boxes around until he found the one marked 'clothes.' He pulled it out and opened it up.
Tatsuki walked over to his dresser by the window and opened an empty drawer. "So do you want your briefs on the left corner or the right one?" A mischievous glint appeared in his eye as Kouya blushed.
"I hate you." He looked away and crossed his arms.
"Nah, you love me!" Tatsuki winked at him.
Why do you have to be right? "…I'll put them on the right side," he muttered.
Tatsuki laughed and picked up a handful of clothes from the box. Only a few short moments later, Kouya's clothes were put away as well as his embarrassing underwear. Of course, I gotta prefer something weird.
"Alright, what's next?"
Kouya hummed. "I'll put my music stuff in that spare room later."
Tatsuki crossed his arms and made a noise that sounded almost like a deflating balloon. "I never got a spare room for my art."
"Maybe it's because Mr. Midoriya likes me more than you." Kouya winked.
"That really wouldn't surprise me." Tatsuki sighed.
Kouya's ears drooped and his heart fell as he watched Tatsuki. "Hey, I was just joking! That's not true."
Tatsuki shrugged. "Who knows?" He sat down on the floor.
Aw man, poor guy. Kouya sat next to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I know it isn't true." He smiled. "Least your dad supports you."
Tatsuki's eyes lit up in worry. "Sorry, I shouldn't have complained about my dad!"
Kouya shook his head. "Nah, you've got every right to. This isn't a competition."
"Okay." Tatsuki smiled back, and Kouya felt something warm flutter in his stomach. He reached over and touched Tatsuki's hand.
"We've both got problems, but I'm sure your dad loves you. It might just not be… conventional." Kouya shrugged.
"If you say so." Tatsuki took Kouya's hand in his own. "Thanks, though! That really helped."
"I'm glad something got through that thick skull of yours." Kouya knocked on Tatsuki's forehead lightly.
"I'll listen to you, of course!"
"And your parents?"
"Well, they don't make sense like you." Tatsuki's voice got much softer as he looked into Kouya's eyes.
Oh my God, okay. Kouya's heart just wasn't working properly anymore. He swallowed hard. Damn. Damn, Tatsuki.
Kouya looked away and coughed. "Let's uh. See what else we can put away, okay?"
"Oh, alright." Kouya swore he caught disappointment in Tatsuki's voice.
He's into me, isn't he?
Kouya opened a box full of dishes and shook his head. Nah. He closed the box back up.
Tatsuki gestured to a few boxes in a corner of the pile. "This is all of your music stuff. Do we really need to unpack anything else?" His pleading eyes were just too cute.
"Nah, I guess not." Kouya patted his shoulder. "Already done a lot of moving today."
"Can I ask you something about that?"
Kouya raised a brow. "What's up?"
"Does this feel like it's going to be your home?" Tatsuki held his arm and looked to the side.
"I mean, it's all still new." Tatsuki's tail hit the floor and he sighed as Kouya spoke. "But that doesn't mean it won't feel like it soon!"
A small grin came to Tatsuki's face. "You're serious?"
"Course! I wouldn't lie about that." Kouya wandered over to Tatsuki's easel and looked out the window at the sun hanging low from its precipice in the sky. "This is all just complicated."
"Complicated how?" Tatsuki walked over and stood beside him.
"Making all of these decisions for myself at seventeen. Most other teenagers are worried about how they look, or something."
"Hey, that's alright! Not everyone can be the same."
Kouya shook his head. "Yeah, well I shouldn't have to act like an adult right now."
It was Tatsuki's turn to pat Kouya's shoulder. "Hey, ya won't have to now! You're livin' with us!"
Kouya's ears perked up. "That's true. No more bills!"
"There ya go! That's the Kouya I know." Tatsuki winked and set Kouya's nerves ablaze.
Kouya shuffled a little closer to Tatsuki, but only to get a better view out of the window. He certainly wasn't enjoying the intense heat Tatsuki radiated at all.
"Just makes me miss bein' tiny. We were so free back then!"
"Didn't we reminisce about this yesterday?" Kouya snickered and elbowed Tatsuki.
"Yeah, but it's so easy to think about. About what we had."
"We've gotta think about what we've got in the present now. Past won't ever come back."
"Alright, alright. I'll still cherish the memories though!" Tatsuki elbowed him back.
"That's the idea!"
The sun cut a glare into the room and bathed everything in a fiery glow. It reflected off of Tatsuki's eyes in a picture straight out of a book, and it took Kouya's breath away.
Tatsuki looked over and grinned. "What's with the look?"
Aw shit, I'm staring! "Uh, nothing. Sorry." Kouya looked away as the sun burned his face. Complications always seemed to arise from the simplest views.
"Well come on, then! Dinner is gonna be ready in a few!" Tatsuki started to walk for the door.
"Alright." Kouya followed him out of the room while his tail wagged behind him.
They walked back through the maze of a house and came upon the living room once more, which was now only populated by Tetsuya and Tappei, who were talking quietly to each other.
"Hey Dad, what's for dinner?" Tatsuki asked.
"Ask your mother, she's cookin'." Tappei pointed in the direction of the kitchen. Tatsuki shrugged and walked to the kitchen.
Kouya stepped into the kitchen behind Tatsuki and became enveloped in an intoxicating aroma that swept him away into melancholy. Memories of when he was little flooded his mind as he inhaled.
"Whatcha cooking, Mom?"
Mrs. Midoriya looked up from the massive pot she was stirring on the stove and smiled. "Ramen."
Tatsuki pumped a fist into the air. "Awesome! You're the best, Mom!"
Mrs. Midoriya shrugged. "So I'm only the best when I cook something that you like?" She raised a brow while she glared at him.
Tatsuki's eyes widened as he held up his hands. "Wait, that's not what I meant!"
Mrs. Midoriya laughed. "I'm just kidding, Tatsuki. Go sit down; dinner is almost ready."
Tatsuki chuckled and scratched his neck. "Alright, alright."
She's a lot more aggressive than my mom. Kouya smiled to himself as he sat at the empty table. Tatsuki sat right next to him and drew an arm around his shoulder.
"Ya like ramen, right?" Tatsuki leaned in close, and Kouya nodded. His heart was pounding in his throat.
"Course! It's like, the cheapest thing I can eat a lot." Oh, how Kouya just wanted to lean in and kiss Tatsuki's stupid face.
"That three-minute stuff ain't anything like Mom's!" Tatsuki grinned and Kouya found himself grinning back as his tail wagged.
"You've got a great family, Tatsuki." Kouya's mood started to sink, but then Tatsuki punched his shoulder.
"Hey, you're a part of it now! That makes it even better!"
"Tatsuki…" Kouya found himself at a loss for words, but Tatsuki seemed to have plenty to spare. Does he really mean that?
"I'm being serious, I promise!"
"Th- thank you, Tatsuki." Kouya found Tatsuki's hand and touched it.
"No need to thank me, dummy!" Tatsuki just laughed.
Well, I gotta somehow. Maybe a song?
"What's he thanking you for, Tatsuki?" Tetsuya asked as he entered the dining room.
"Aw, nothing much. Just a favor I did." Tatsuki winked at Kouya before he scooted away a small bit.
Kouya already felt colder, but that wink paralyzed his nerves.
Tetsuya nodded. "How's the progress on unpacking?"
Kouya shrugged. "Most of it might just have to go into storage. Don't want my silverware and stuff to get mixed up with yours."
"Hmm… you could put it in that new music room of yours." Tetsuya rubbed his chin as he spoke.
Kouya shook his head. "Nah, that'll ruin the acoustics. Is there another spare room or something?"
"It's either that room or the attic," Tatsuki replied.
Kouya grimaced. "I'll find a place for it in the music room." Don't want any creepy bugs getting into my stuff!
Tetsuya chuckled. "Well alrighty then."
"Speaking of, I was gonna move all that stuff in tomorrow."
"No problem, I'll help after work," Tatsuki said.
"Oh yeah. What's work like for you?" Kouya sat up and rested his chin on a hand while he looked at Tatsuki.
"It's carpentry, so lots of cutting wood." Tatsuki shrugged.
"C'mon! You know I want more info than that!" Kouya stuck his tongue out and shoved Tatsuki.
"Okay, sorry!" Tatsuki chuckled. "We're usually working on commissions from people around town. Dad trains us when we aren't doing that, as well."
Kouya frowned. "Oh. That doesn't sound bad."
Tatsuki snorted and Tetsuya shook his head. "No, it's a ton of work."
Tetsuya hummed. "Always too exhausted to do anything but nap right after it!"
Kouya blinked. "So… you don't like it?"
Tatsuki snorted again. Well geez, make up your mind here!
"I really like it! Helps keep me in shape, and it's preparing me for the real world and stuff." Tatsuki gestured towards the open window in the kitchen while he spoke.
"Then that's great, dude." Kouya gave him a thumbs up. Speaking of, when do I work next?
"Well, how's your job treatin' ya?" Tatsuki raised a brow.
Kouya smiled. "I love working at the music shop. Making pretty good money, and I get to use the back for band practice."
"Sounds awesome too!"
"Thanks." Kouya leaned back in the chair while his tail wagged behind him.
They lapsed into silence for a few blissful moments before the rest of the family came barging into the dining room. Well, besides Nikaidou.
And to think my nuclear family was all proper and quiet at the table. This is way better.
"Alright, boys! Food is served!" Mrs. Midoriya exclaimed as she set a massive pot of ramen on the table and set out plates and chopsticks for everyone. She disappeared back into the kitchen and brought out glasses of water for everyone as well.
Kouya couldn't keep himself from salivating as he laid eyes upon the masterpiece of a feast in front of him. The smell brought those old memories right back to him again.
"This looks so great…" Kouya murmured.
Tatsuki stood up and began pouring out huge servings for everyone. Kouya tried to ask for a smaller portion, but Tatsuki just shook his head and insisted that he needed to gain more weight.
"Alright, that's everyone." Tatsuki sat back down with a grunt and looked down at his steaming bowl. "But before we eat, I wanna make a toast."
Chuukichi raised a brow from where he sat across the table. "A toast?"
Tatsuki nodded and raised a glass. "A toast to Kouya. I wanna make a toast to him becomin' the newest member of our family!"
Kouya watched with widened eyes as everyone raised a glass and exclaimed, "Cheers!" A warm and fuzzy feeling enveloped him while everyone congratulated and accepted him.
"Tatsuki, you didn't have to-"
"Naw, but I wanted to!" Tatsuki winked at him.
Swear I've had this conversation already. "Okay, thank you."
"No thanks necessary either!"
Kouya huffed and rolled his eyes. "Fine, you dork. Cheers!" Another round of exclamation from everyone with it.
"Alright, let's eat!" Tatsuki dug into his ramen with gusto, and Kouya stared at him with a sigh.
I don't think he knows any table manners! He looked back down at his ramen and shook his head.
Kouya grabbed his chopsticks and pulled a steaming clump of noodles out. His mouth started watering and so he shoved the whole thing in his mouth… and then almost spat out the burning food.
"Ah, shhmph!" Kouya did his best to keep eating despite the pain.
Oh, it's getting better now. And- holy shit.
"Thish ish 'mazin!" Kouya swallowed and went back for more.
Tatsuki looked over at him and guffawed. "I told you it was great food!"
This stuff is just as good as Mom's!
"The best!" Kouya replied between mouthfuls. "Thank you so much Mrs. Midoriya!"
Mrs. Midoriya chuckled from across the table. "Of course! Help yourself to as much as you can eat, dear!"
Kouya inhaled more noodles and nodded. Tatsuki was already halfway through his second bowl by the time Kouya managed to finish his first.
"How much of this can you eat?" Kouya stared at Tatsuki's mouth as he refilled his bowl.
Tatsuki held up a hand as he swallowed. "Probably four bowls, maybe five."
Kouya ran a hand through his hair and snorted. "I shouldn't be surprised."
Tatsuki laughed again. "I'm a growing boy!"
Kouya narrowed his eyes. "You're bigger than most men." In a lot of areas I bet…
"I am not!"
"Dude, you're taller than your dad."
Tatsuki opened his mouth and then looked away. "Okay, fine." He continued eating.
Kouya rolled his eyes and smiled.
The rest of dinner passed by without too many complications. Kouya pushed his empty bowl away and leaned back in his chair with a sigh as he patted his stomach.
"That was amazing; thanks Mrs. Midoriya!" Kouya exclaimed.
"Anytime dear. I'll put the rest away for leftovers in the fridge." Mrs. Midoriya stood up and took the pot with her back into the kitchen.
Tatsuki groaned and rubbed his stomach. "I ate too much…"
Kouya raised a brow. "And how many bowls would that be?"
Tatsuki sighed. "I had five."
Kouya rubbed a hand down the side of his face. "You're so hopeless dude."
"What can I say? I was hungry."
Kouya stood up and stretched. "Come on, let's get going."
Tatsuki straightened up. "Yeah, it's bathtime now!"
"Uh, sure?" Kouya's heart jumped at the thought. Are we gonna share again?
Tatsuki waved to his dad and started walking out, followed by Kouya. "I'll be really quick tonight, we don't have to share."
Kouya's hopes sunk, but he forced his ears to stay up. "Alright. I'll be in your room."
Tatsuki smiled. "You can call it our room, you know."
"Seriously?" Kouya's tail started wagging.
"You are living here, aren't ya?"
"I suppose I am, yeah."
Tatsuki punched Kouya's arm. "Well, go relax! I won't take long."
Kouya left him at the bathroom door and kept going to their bedroom. He went inside and laid on the floor with a grunt as thoughts began to swarm around his head.
Our room. It's our room. Not just his.
Kouya grinned.
My home. Our home.
His tail thumped against the floor as he giggled. He actually giggled!
Kouya looked around the room after he finished laughing, and his gaze came to rest upon the mountain of boxes.
Yeah, I'll just shove em in the music room.
He smoothed his hair and laid back down. His music room in their home. Damn, can't believe this all happened.
The events of the past few days played over and over in his head, but what stuck out the most to him was Tatsuki. Tatsuki was always the focus, no matter where they were.
How did that happen so fast?
Kouya shut his eyes and tried to think further back. There were flashes of want and of longing. Moments where he wanted them to be alone at school. Moments where he pushed Tatsuki away.
"I'm such an idiot," he whispered.
As long as I never push him away again…
Kouya rolled over on his stomach as he thought. Why did I start pushing everyone out? It really didn't make any sense.
He could only point a finger at himself for everything. Whatever it was, it was making his stomach drop while he curled up into a ball on his side.
Maybe it was because of my band? Maybe because... I moved out?
Everything clicked into place and Kouya groaned.
I need to reconnect better with the guys. Already got Tatsuki, but what about the others? Haven't talked to them since Hiro visited.
He nodded to himself. I'll do it. I'll talk to them.
A knock on the door threw Kouya from his introspection. "Come in!"
"Hope I didn't make you wait too long." Tatsuki walked in wearing his clothes from before, but his scales were much shinier. He was glowing in the low light of the room; Kouya felt his heart stutter.
"No, I kept myself occupied." He swallowed and rubbed his neck. "You ready to turn in for the night?"
Tatsuki hummed. "There's still some time left." His voice grew softer. "Wanna head up to the roof?"
"Sure." Kouya got up and made for the door, but Tatsuki laughed and shook his head.
"We can just go through my window!" Tatsuki opened the window and motioned for Kouya to go through.
Kouya crawled through it and came out on the roof, wind hitting against his face. Tatsuki barely squeezed through behind him and stood up with a grunt.
"Come on, let's go all the way up." He jumped up and scrambled to the top of the roof with Kouya not far behind him.
They sat on the slanted tile and looked up at the endless sky that blanketed the ground. Every single little star winked down at him as if they knew all of his problems.
"Gorgeous night, eh?" Tatsuki elbowed Kouya and grinned.
"Yeah," Kouya breathed. He laid down and raised a hand towards the expanse above. "Beautiful."
"You should've seen the meteor shower from up here; it was like you could reach up and grab one!"
"Sounds like I missed out!" Kouya grinned.
Tatsuki shook his head. "Nah..." his demeanor turned quiet. He blushed and looked away. "It's not the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, anyway."
Kouya raised a brow and sat up. "Oh yeah?"
What's this about, huh?
Tatsuki groaned and covered his eyes. "Uh, nothing! Nevermind!"
"You've gotta tell me now, man!" Kouya scooted closer and leaned in.
Tatsuki's blush deepened. "I can't!"
"Why not? It's only something you saw, isn't it?"
"W-well yeah! But I can't tell you!" Tatsuki shook his head, and Kouya's frustration only grew.
"Why wouldn't you be able to…" Kouya stopped as the pieces clicked together. "Oh."
Tatsuki is a total cheeseball. Can't believe he likes someone! Something in his chest sunk. He likes someone…
Tatsuki swallowed while his eyes widened. "So you figured it out, huh?"
"It was pretty obvious, you know." Kouya snickered. "You suck at hiding things."
"Yeah." Tatsuki chuckled. His hands were shaking from where they grasped at nothing in the air. "Guess the jury's out!"
He looked up at the sky. "I was gonna tell you!" His starlit gaze moved to meet Kouya's. "But now you already know I'm in love with ya, huh?"
Kouya's train of thought derailed as he stared at Tatsuki. He… me… what? How?
"Uh, Kouya? You okay?"
Kouya couldn't even smile. The shock still froze him solid. "You like me?"
"Well, yeah? Didn't you just figure that out?"
Kouya shook his head. "I- I thought you liked someone else." Everything still felt numb.
"Oh." Tatsuki's expression was blank. He turned away. "Well, dammit. Guess I'm the idiot again."
Kouya snapped out of his stupor. "Hey, you're not an idiot!" That numbness was being replaced by something hot and alive under his skin.
"Oh yeah? What genius thinks they would have a chance with a guy as amazing as you?"
Now's my chance! "Well… it would be the same genius that I have a crush on." Kouya winked at Tatsuki, and somehow his voice didn't shake.
Tatsuki's eyes went wide for a moment before his face lit up. "Wh- really?"
Kouya smiled. "You're no idiot, Tatsuki Midoriya. Maybe a tiny bit dense, but you're not stupid."
Kouya's heart was pounding in his ears as he watched a slew of emotions spread across Tatsuki's face.
"You like me too?" His voice was small, and it sent shockwaves through Kouya's heart and mind.
"I wanted to tell you, but you beat me to it!" Kouya wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He was shaking as if it was freezing outside.
"I guess I did!" Tatsuki barked out a nervous laugh before leaning into Kouya's touch. "So much for the romantic moment."
Kouya shrugged. "That shit is overplayed anyway."
"Maybe a little."
They went silent, but the night was still brimming with the song of nature. Kouya felt a new feeling bloom in his chest as he looked over at Tatsuki. He touched Tatsuki's hand, and there was no push for him to go.
Kouya swallowed and grasped Tatsuki's hand. It was smooth and soft, yet heavy and firm. His grip was fragile, but then Tatsuki laced their fingers together and held tight.
"Here's a question," Kouya murmured. Tatsuki tilted his head. "How long have you liked me, big guy?"
"Aw geez, uh… a year? Longer than that?" He shrugged. "Long enough for me to forget how it started."
Kouya blinked. "Really? You've liked me for so long…"
Damn, if only I had figured myself out sooner! Maybe he wouldn't have had to wait…
"Well, of course! You're the hottest guy I've ever seen!" Tatsuki winked at him. "Who wouldn't like you?"
"What a charmer." Kouya's cheeks burned as he squeezed Tatsuki's hand tight. "Sorry I didn't realize."
Tatsuki shrugged. "Eh, we've all been so busy with stuff. No time for all that."
"Least we got time now?" Kouya cocked his head and Tatsuki nodded.
"Plenty of time." They both looked down at their joined hands. Kouya's hand was so small compared to Tatsuki's, so oddly fragile in the giant green palm.
"Tatsuki?"
"What's up?"
Eyes flicked up to the sky. "Can… can I kiss you?"
A snicker. "Well, I was waitin' for it to happen!"
Kouya snaked his arms around Tatsuki's neck. "It would've been rude to do it without permission."
The look in Tatsuki's eyes grew heated. "I've never been much for manners, have I?"
Kouya rolled his eyes. "Nah, guess not."
Then he leaned in and kissed that stupid grin off of Tatsuki's face.
Explosions rattled throughout Kouya's nervous system as his eyes closed and he sunk further into the kiss. He felt like he was floating in the air, but sinking into the ground. Everything felt so wonderful and scary and new.
Best first kiss I've ever had.
Kouya's mood only improved when Tatsuki wrapped his arms around him and drew them flush together.
More explosions and more white-hot joy.
He wasn't sure how long they were like that, be it a few seconds or hours. It didn't matter; it was perfect anyway.
Kouya pulled back and gasped for breath as he stared at Tatsuki. They both started laughing, and Tatsuki pressed their foreheads against each other.
"How are we doin'?" Tatsuki asked.
Kouya laughed again. "Pretty damn good, man." He kissed Tatsuki once more for a moment and saw stars again.
God, what a day. What a week!
"So… we boyfriends now?" Tatsuki blushed.
Kouya rolled his eyes and hugged him. "Of course, you dork."
"Hey, I had ta ask!"
"I know." Kouya pulled back and smiled. He laid down on the roof and stared up at the sky, and Tatsuki joined him.
Kouya scooted a little closer and leaned up against Tatsuki. "Probably the weirdest few days I've had in a while." Kouya nodded to himself as he spoke. "But some of the best, too." He nudged Tatsuki.
"Aww, thanks!" He wrapped an arm around Kouya the best he could. "I agree with ya."
Kouya rested his head against the other man's chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. He yawned and shut his eyes.
"Ready to go back inside?" Tatsuki asked.
"No, no. Let's stay here a while longer." Kouya cuddled even closer and held to Tatsuki tighter. Let's just stay like this.
Better to stay in the moment as long as you can before reality sets in once more.
Kouya hummed as another thought popped into his head. This really is a new chapter of my life. His heart warmed and he grew giddy.
I've got a boyfriend and a new home to start it with.
Tatsuki pressed a kiss to the top of Kouya's head.
Kouya's shoulders finally fell and all the tension seeped away from his body. Everything just fell away and left the two of them alone under the starlight.
It's all gonna be fine. We're gonna be fine.
The stars were bright, the cicadas were buzzing, and the night was cool and beautiful.