defendure | Noctium Inbox

Don't hound me on that shit.

[Stupid nurse. Fucking injuries. That guy's dead when he sees him next!]

What about it?

If your attacker was a gembonded, it might be possible to find him through that, which would make gathering any more information easier?

[ Not like everyone has profiles. Izuku's pretty sure most people from their world specifically don't, but... ]

He was. Purple gem. I don't know where it's located on his real body, but I saw it on the replicas.

[He doubts this guy has a profile. Someone who stalks like that wouldn't go public with much of anything.]

[ Honestly, depends on the audacity level, but Izuku just nods as he thinks. ]

Amethyst then...

The guy ran away at the end.

[A coward who reigns supreme when things go his way, but runs like a fucking rabbit pissing itself when faced with something that can kill it.]

Ah...sorry.

[ He quiets down, but doesn't stop thinking; just stops sharing his train of thought aloud, working through the steps mentally as he debates. ]

The hell are you apologizing for?

[Katsuki's not going to say it, but considering the fight, he's betting the flee was a false assumption on the opponent's part. That guy probably could've killed him... likely would've if he'd shown anything but confidence in fighting back.]

Huh? I guess just not being very helpful.

[ Or offering bad suggestions? ]

There's nothing we can do right now but hypothesize.

[It wasn't a bad suggestion?]

I know. I'm just...well, I guess I just want to help.

[ Katsuki doesn't often come to him for anything, even if this is mostly "keep tabs on Deku". ]

... you are helping.

[He was there. He's sitting in front of him. Katsuki's not an idiot enough to think he can keep Deku safely shackled up and sitting pretty on the shelf out of harm's way. Wouldn't even want to do something that fucking stupid.

But seeing his concern and determination and planning, his readiness...]

You're reminding me that I can count on you.

I'm...really glad you're okay, Kacchan.

[ Stitches or no. ]

I'm not dying over some shit like that.

[He won't be killed by anyone!]

Do you have to be offended by that...?

[ He wasn't insulting you! ]

Who the fuck said I was offended?!

[He's reaffirming what they both already know! But it feels important to say because he's sitting here with fucking bandages on.]

Just - I know you won't die easily, okay, but that doesn't mean I'm not glad you weren't hurt worse.

[ If those injuries had been in more vital spots... ]

... why do you think I called you?

[He didn't want Deku to worry about him.]

I thought you were worried about me going home or running into him.

[ To be frank. ]

That was one reason.

[There were multiple reasons.]

[ He quiets down to consider that. Izuku's gotten through pretty much all of his meal, so he sets it aside and considers Katsuki.

Honestly...

He almost starts to talk, but stops himself again as he works through it. Sometimes it's really hard to be sure of himself. ]

Because you care about me.

[There are so many things he could say. There are still so many shields and barriers he can put up. So many lies and excuses he can stay behind.

But in the end, after months and weeks and experiences, when hatred and self-disgust finally reveal the real reason, it's impossible to deny the truth at the core.]

Yeah.

[ There are a lot of layers to any truth, and that simple admission leaves a lot unasked, unanswered, and unsaid. Even so...it's more than Izuku's ever gotten before. Even when Izuku was so close in childhood when they were still friends, Katsuki never really said it. He'd go out of his way to deny it every time.

It almost makes him want to cry. ]

I care about you, too, Kacchan.

[ Probably always more than he should or more than Katsuki would like...but he doesn't have to specify that part either. ]

[Your body doesn't move on its own to block someone from damage if you hate them. You don't go out of your way to pay attention to someone's feelings if you hate them. You don't spend weeks on end training with someone to hone their abilities if you hate them. It's a truth he's had to face over and over.

Only a matter of time before Katsuki has to bend and accept it so he doesn't break by denying it any further. Won't change shit between them, but...]

I know.

[Don't fucking cry, you wuss. You already knew too.]

[ He hoped, you mean. Izuku always wanted that, but years of Katsuki insisting the opposite still sometimes linger.

If it helps, he's TRYING not to cry. Which means his eyes are glassy but not watering.

But he does have to do something to let off the emotional steam, so he gets a knee up on the bed and leans in for a kiss. Cheek if he can't get lips. ]

[Katsuki's merely watching him despite wanting to look anywhere but him. Most of the time he doesn't look when saying something more vulnerable. But sometimes, he'll get the guts up and resolve to face it head on. Like now.

Meaning he sees the glassy eyes. And he sees the attempt Izuku makes towards getting on his bed and leaning in close. Shouldn't let him cause he's fucking injured and shit.

But... he lets him.]

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