Chapter Text
Friday night. Time to finally… relax.
Izuku hummed a random tune as he walked into the convenience store. He greeted the shop owner like he usually does before heading straight to the dairy section. His eyes scanned the shelves before honing in on the 6 pack brown egg package. He delicately opened the lid and inspected for any unseen cracks.
Can’t make the same mistake as last time.
After checking for the third time, Izuku neatly tucked the eggs underneath his arm. Before heading towards check out, Izuku perused around the isles. Even though inventory seldom changed, he enjoyed walking through the familiar territory. After all, he was in no rush. Ahh pocky is on sale today. Wait, green tea? is that a new flavor?
Beep. Izuku reached into his sweatpants’s pocket and retrieved his cell phone. With a finger swipe he was greeted by a new message.
Kaachan: Where the fuck are you? Are you taking your time at that dumbass grocery store again? Get your head out of your ass and get over here ASAP. ╭∩╮
Izuku chuckled as he made his way towards the cash register. Guess I am in a rush.
“Took you fucking long enough. Now get inside,” Kaachan grunted at Izuku before making his way to the kitchen.
“Nice to see you too Kaachan. Oh, here are the no-crack-almost-perfect-eggs Mr. Chef!” Izuku placed the plastic bag on the kitchen counter before making his way towards the couch. He was greeted by Shouto who was sitting on the floor with his back against the wall.
Katsuki glared at Izuku. “I told you stop calling me that fucking name Deku.”
Izuku smiled. “I’ll stop when you stop calling me Deku.” Katsuki mumbled something unintelligible before cracking some eggs into a bowl.
“Shouto, why do you always sit on the floor? I can guarantee you that this couch is much more comfortable,” Izuku said as his body melted into the cushion. He let out a content sigh and rolled his head back.
“Izuku, I have told you this and will tell you again- I hate resting upon soft objects,” Shouto stated. His voice was monotonous, with a slight hint of annoyance.
Izuku smirked. “Well, if you ever change your mind-”
“It wont-”
“There will always be a place for you here,” Izuku joked as he patted the cushion next to him. Shouto stared at him blankly before turning his attention towards the kitchen.
“Katsuki, what dish will you be making tonight?”
“YOU’LL KNOW WHEN IT’S DONE. DON’T BOTHER ME TAMPON HEAD,” shouted Katsuki. Shouto paid no attention to his tone of voice. Him and Izuku were used to their friend’s mannerisms.
“Izuku, did you decide on eggs again this week?” Shouto questioned.
“Well, they’re just so cheap… and I really like eggs,” Izuku twiddled his thumbs.
“Wasn’t it your idea that every Friday one of us would pick the main ingredient for Katsuki to cook for us to enjoy?”
“I’M NOT YOUR COOK.”
“Well, yes Shouto, but eggs are convenient, cheap, and there’s so much you can do with them,” Izuku defended.
“YOU BETTER PICK SOMETHING OTHER THAN EGGS NEXT TIME OR I’LL STEAM YOUR ASS.”
Shouto continued to ignore Katsuki’s protests. “Izuku, if it’s money, I don’t think you should worry. Haven’t you been doing well with work lately?”
Izuku shrugged. “Yeah, but you know I’ve been saving money. Even if things are secure, it just doesn’t… feel right to spend money, especially if it’s on myself.”
Shouto raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Izuku, is everything alright with-”
“Alright bitches, dinner’s ready. Stop freeloading and help set up.”
“Damn, Kaachan, you did it again!” Izuku exclaimed.
In the middle of the table lied three bowls of rice, covered with scallions and eggs. However, gold cubes scattered each of the dishes, creating a beautiful contrast against the white grains.
Izuku inhaled its aroma. His stomach growled in response as the golden cubes began to melt.
“Hey, what do we say before we eat?” Katsuki asked.
As if they both practiced, Shouto and Izuku shouted, “Thank you Katsuki for blessing us with this meal. We are stupid. You are great.”
“Music to my ears… You may now eat,” Katsuki gestured grandly.
Izuku and Shouto happily obliged. Even if he didn’t show it, Katsuki was happy to feed his friends. Food was truly never enjoyed alone.
“Honestly Kaachan, still can’t believe you didn’t follow through with becoming a chef. The culinary world is missing out on you,” Izuku raved in between bites. Shouto silently agreed.
Katsuki avoided eye contact as he ate. “Well, dreams die Deku. We all would know that best.”
The statement hung over them for the remainder of the meal. Neither of them could disagree. But, neither of them could bring themselves to continue the subject.
“Alright everyone… it’s time to check rankings.” Katsuki grinned mischievously.
“God not again,” moaned Izuku.
“Shut up Deku, you know damn well it’s fucking tradition. Now, stop being a pussy and pull out your phone,” barked Katsuki.
“I don’t think I’ll ever understand your disdain towards this Izuku. Especially because you do so—”
Izuku quickly placed both his fingers into his ears. “Ahh, no no, spare me Shouto. Let’s just get this over with.”
The three men pulled out their phones simultaneously and tapped on the same icon.
Things were only quiet for a small amount of time before Katsuki said, “Fuck yes, number one dipshits!” He triumphantly fist-bumped the air to a soundless track.
“Hmm, number two again,” mused Shouto. He leaned back in his chair, his shoulders slightly slumped.
“Yeah, isn’t your middle name 'Ni'?” mocked Katsuki.
Shouto cocked an eyebrow. “Katsuki, you know I don’t have a middle name. But, considering you’ve been in the second spot for the past couple of weeks… perhaps you should adopt that name.”
Katsuki narrowed his eyes. A murderous aura propagated around him. “Do you wanna take this outside Scarface? ‘Cuz I’m fuckin’ ready.” He cracked his knuckles menacingly.
Although Izuku never cared much for their ‘tradition,’ he always enjoyed the banter that followed immediately after it. It also helped that he usually stayed on the sidelines and well out of Katsuki’s line of fire.
Unfazed, Shouto continued. “Also, you’re only number one in overall revenue. But when it comes to personality… I believe you didn’t even break top 10. Perhaps you should take pointers from Izuku. Oh, by the way, congrats on being number 1 again Izuku.”
Well, heaven can’t last forever. Izuku waved off the compliment. “Eh, Shouto, you gotta stop bringing that up. Now, why don’t we move on to—”
“It’s not my fault I’m not fucking feminine like Deku!”
“It’s not about being feminine Katsuki. According to the comments, he’s a good listener. Maybe you should take notes.”
“I’m gonna bash your skull Wine Stain.”
“I’d like to see you—”
BANG. Izuku’s fists were clenched and sitting firmly upon the dining table. The vibrations alone were enough to cease all conversation.
“Sorry Izuku,” apologized Shouto.
“Don’t bang on my shit like that,” Katsuki mumbled.
With a sigh, Izuku removed himself from the table and walked towards the kitchen. Katsuki and Shouto shared a glance with one another. Shouto mouthed ‘sorry’ to Katsuki. Katsuki clicked his tongue at him before turning away.
Izuku swiftly returned back with three open beer bottles.
“Are those…?” Shouto picked up the beer and inspected its label. The words PLUS ULTRA spanned the width of the bottle, before ending with a demonic green rabbit sporting a toothy grin.
“God, when’s the last time we’ve had this?” Katsuki grabbed a bottle for himself.
“I’d say… first year of college? I think it was our first dorm hall party,” Izuku remembered.
“What’s the occasion?” Shouto enquired.
“Well, as I was trying to say before… today’s June 25th. Ring any bells?” Izuku scanned his friends’ for any recognition. Sadly, he was met with confused stares.
Izuku sighed. “It’s… our five year anniversary,” Izuku muttered. He looked up again and saw the gears beginning to turn.
“Five years… wow. It’s really been that long,” Shouto contemplated.
“Damn Deku, only you’d give a shit about this,” teased Katsuki.
“Look, I know it’s corny. And it’s weird. But… it felt weird to not do anything either,” Izuku revealed. Although their circumstances weren’t ideal, Izuku couldn’t bring himself to forget. And he knew they both felt the same.
“In a way… I understand. Well, Izuku, it’s only right if you begin the toast.” The edges of Shouto’s lips were slightly curved upwards.
“Just fucking start it already,” Katsuki grumbled in a low voice.
Izuku cleared his throat. His sweaty palms grabbed the lone beer bottle before him. He slowly raised his arm.
“Cheers to…” Can’t believe we’ve done this for so long.
“Five years…” We were only 21.
“Of being…” Was there ever another way?
“Escorts.”