Archive of Our Own ^beta

Izuku barely woke up before the sudden urge to vomit struck him. Of course, everyone has a memory of being sick as a child and waking up feeling nauseous. But Izuku had never experienced such an overwhelming full bodied revolt and weakness in his muscles. Scrambling for the bathroom, he nearly slipped on the tile but landed close enough he could expel the contents of last night’s dinner into the toilet. Perhaps he’d been expecting this at some point given how utterly crappy he’d felt for the last couple of weeks. His muscles ached, his chest was weirdly sore, he had a couple dizzy spells, but most notably, he’d been nauseous off and on and couldn’t stand the smell of cooking meat in the last few days.

All of that seemed to point to a flu in Izuku’s mind, so maybe he shouldn’t be so shocked at the sudden morning strike, but it still worried him. His mother, Inko, came rushing into the bathroom and quickly pulled his short green curls from his face.

“Izuku, sweetie, talk to me, are you okay?”

Izuku nodded, then promptly put his head back in the toilet to vomit once again, but only bile and saliva came up. He did, momentarily, feel better afterwards, and leaned against the wall with a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know, mom. Just… been off for a while.”

“Off how, dear?” Inko, being the loving mother she was, started to clean up the toilet and Izuku while her son just tried to catch his breath.

“Exhausted, sore, nauseous, kinda dizzy. I don’t know - a couple days ago I almost lost my lunch when you were cooking katsudon.”

That last bit of information, of all things, made Inko pause. She looked back at Izuku, to his face, then his stomach, then back to his face. She left the room with a purpose. That didn’t bode well. Izuku tried to pull himself off the ground, but failed and instead decided to wait and see what his mother was doing. When she returned, she had a small rectangular package in her hand which was thrust into Izuku’s. He turned it over, finding a pregnancy test. Izuku blinked.

“Mom - I’m-”

“I know. I know, Izuku. I know you’ve been on hormone blockers, I know you’re on testosterone. I know. But you- … you haven’t had the surgery yet. I had the exact same repulsion to meat when I was pregnant with you.”

“Fuck.” Izuku curled into his knees, trying desperately to disappear. “Graduation.” He mumbled.

“What?”

“Graduation a couple weeks ago. I-...but we- we used.. Fuck.”

Inko was quick to rub a hand over his back and make soft soothing sounds and rock them for a while. She quietly promised that it was okay, that she would be here every step of the way no matter what happened. Those reassurances he knew he needed, but he refused to believe were warranted. There was no possible way he actually ovulated while on all his medications and at the exact same time the condom failed - right?

Wrong.

Izuku glared at the stupidly pink stick laying on the bathroom counter with a smiley face and a short ‘Pregnant’ read out. There was no mistaking it, no misunderstanding it. For the first time in a very long time, Izuku broke down and sobbed. His legs wouldn’t hold him anymore and he sobbed on the bathroom floor until his mother found him and once again held him through it. Again she promised she would be there for him, every step of the way. She promised he wouldn’t have to give up any of his dreams - she hadn’t, and she would accept no less for her son.

Even with all the reassurances in the world, there were still doubts, questions. Of course, Inko was the first to voice some of these.

“Izuku?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you tell me who… who the- err - the other father is?”

“I-” He realized that if he did tell someone, if he did say that name - he’d be dooming them too. He’d be crushing not only his own dreams (despite his mother’s assurances he wasn’t) but theirs as well. “I don’t think I-”

“Sweetie, it’s okay. I don’t care if it was just some fling from high school or a boyfriend you haven’t told me about, it’s okay. But - you do understand they have a right to know, yes?”

“But mom - I can’t.”

“Sweetie…”

“No!” Izuku pushed away from her, shoving himself into a corner of his bed and clutching his stomach. There was no definition there, but he knew, he knew and it hurt and he was scared. “I can’t tell him. It will crush his dreams and ruin his plan. He’ll never leave, he’ll stay here and be a good father because we both know he would drop everything to do the right thing and take responsibility for it.” Izuku’s hands slapped over his mouth, realizing his mistake.

“Oh sweetie…” his mother scooted closer. She knew. “You need to tell him.”

“I can’t!” Izuku snapped again, huffing in frustration. “I-...I just can’t. I won’t be the cause of him losing his chance at that scholarship, or his education, or his career. I won’t.”

“Then do you want to have an abortion?”

“No!”

“Hey, hey, Izuku, take a breath. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just want you to know you have options. I will support you no matter what you decide.”

“Then will you support that I can’t destroy Kacchan’s life by telling him?”

Inko sighed as she rubbed a hand across her face. “Okay, sweetie. If that’s what you want. Then I support you, But know that you can’t keep it a secret forever. If he doesn’t get the scholarship and study abroad - you can’t hide it for long, and if he does leave- he’ll eventually come back. This is a temporary solution - at best - and the longer it goes the more upset he’ll be when he finds out.”

“I know, mom. But I just-...I can’t ruin the chance. If he stays, I’ll tell him.”

“Okay.”

Izuku pressed his hands flat against his stomach, trying to feel for the growing bean inside of him. It was still far too early, but the doctor had said everything looked healthy and safe, despite all the medical therapy he was on. Of course, he had to lower his doses and change a few medications while pregnant, but at least he wouldn’t have to forego his whole treatment plan entirely. That had been a huge fear, but at least it was assuaged for now.

As promised, Inko had been with him every single step of the way. So far, that had only been a couple appointments, but he knew his mother would support him without fail and that alone was a great relief. It didn’t stop him from wanting Katsuki to be there with him, with them, though. Still, he was waiting to hear about Katsuki’s scholarship.

This morning, Katsuki had sent him a text asking for a lunch date, and he had some news to share. Izuku knew this was it - the deciding moment. If Katsuki was refused the scholarship, Izuku would tell him the truth. If he was accepted, Izuku would walk away and never tell Katsuki about the baby.

Inko knocked on the doorframe, snapping Izuku out of his thoughts as he stood in front of the mirror. He was wearing an oversized t-shirt, which was normal, and some skinny jeans which were just a little too tight in the waist compared to their fit just a few weeks ago. It was only noticeable to Izuku.

“How are you feeling, sweetie?”

“Nervous. Terrible. Nauseous.”

“I felt the same when I was about to tell your father about you.” She walked over and pressed her hands on Izuku’s shoulders to smooth out the wrinkles in his shirt. “I don’t know what will happen today, but no matter what - remember I am here.”

Izuku sighed, clutching his hands over his mother’s. 

“Thanks, mom. I honestly don’t think I’d make it out the other side without you.”

“Oh that’s silly. We both know you’re far stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Izuku chuckled and kissed his mother’s forehead as he made his way out of his room and then their apartment.

There was nothing quite as horrifying as walking towards an unknown. In any situation, the fear of not knowing the outcome, of not knowing what your own decision will need to be before you hear some unknown news, could make a person freeze. It was like trying to make a split second decision in a car crash when you were blind. Terror made his hands shake but he was trying his absolute best to keep them still. He made it to the coffee shop on time and found Katsuki already at their usual table, scrolling through his phone.

“Hey, Kacchan.” Izuku greeted, forcing the nerves out of his voice.

“Hey, nerd!” Katsuki jumped up and hugged him tightly.

Izuku almost panicked, but reminded himself that there’s no way Katsuki would feel it yet. There was no bump yet. Not yet. “It’s so good to see you, it’s been since graduation, hasn’t it? I’ve been so busy with interviews, sorry.”

Izuku twitched slightly at the mention of graduation but recovered quickly.

“Yeah.. I uhh - I’ve been busy, too. Been a little under the weather. Sorry I haven’t reached out, either.”

“Oh, well, you look better now. Actually, you look really good.”

Izuku silently prayed to himself Don’t say ‘glowing’. Don’t say ‘glowing’. He’d heard that stupid phrase enough from the nurses and doctors and even his mother. He was tired of hearing it. He didn’t feel glowing, he felt gross. He felt tired.

“I’m better, yeah. Uhm - what was the news you wanted to tell me?”

“Oh! Right.” He quickly pulled an envelope from his pocket and slid it across the table. The blonde was practically vibrating with excitement.

That’s the moment when Izuku knew, without even seeing the letter, that Katsuki had been accepted. He was going to Oxford, to the UK. So, Izuku knew he’d have to walk away today without telling Katsuki about the baby - their baby.

Offering a small smile, to feign excitement, he grabbed the letter and released it from the already opened envelope. He didn’t read any further than ‘We are pleased to inform you that…’ before he strapped on his best excited smile, his brightest one, and bounced in his seat. 

“You got accepted! The scholarship?!”

“Yep! Full ride with a work study and internship opportunity.”

“Kacchan, that’s fantastic!”

They were speaking excitedly but keeping their voices low enough not to bother the other patrons in the coffee shop.

“It’s my dream, Izuku. I can make a real difference with the right training and education. I’m so excited, Zu. I already started packing. My parents are already looking at school merch, it’s insane.”

Izuku smiled, a small but genuine thing, “You’ve really earned it, Katsuki. You worked yourself to the bone to get this scholarship. I’m so proud of you.”

“But what about you, nerd? You never told me if you got into your college of choice.”

“Oh. uhh, I did, actually. But I took a delayed entrance, so I’ll start next fall.”

“You’re taking a year off? You were so excited to start your degree.”

“Uhh, yeah, I know. But you know, things change. There’s a few family members who need some help getting affairs in order and mom wants some help finding a new place in the near future. Just a lot going on. But it’s fine,” He had to cut himself off before he started to ramble on about it being totally fine and nothing to worry about, which would only make Katsuki suspicious.

“Mhm.” He did not sound like he believed Izuku at all, but he didn’t argue the point. “Well, that means you’ll be a year behind me - but somehow I feel you’ll graduate first.”

“When have you ever known me to slack off academically, Kacchan?”

“Never, nerd. I expect nothing less than perfection from you.”

“Good, and same from you. You better become the best neurosurgeon in the world, number one, or I’ll beat you into next Tuesday.”

“Mhmm, sure you will.” Katsuki rolled his eyes and stood up, offering a hug.

Izuku happily accepted it this time, hugging himself close and praying Katsuki wouldn’t feel the slowly growing heartbeat in his stomach. Or maybe, just maybe, a secret part of him wished Katsuki would feel it - and stay here with them.

The pair said their goodbyes with Katsuki promising to send Izuku the details of his flight so they could say a final parting at the airport in a week. A week - the last chance for Izuku to change his mind. He knew he wouldn’t, but the extra time to think it over didn’t hurt.

When Izuku got home, he sank himself into bed and buried into the blankets while curled into a tight ball around himself. His mother left him alone for a few hours, which he was thankful for, but eventually she came in to check on him.

“Izuku? Can I come in?”

He hummed in response, not feeling the effort to verbally reply. She understood and sat herself down on the bed. After a moment of silence, he felt a hand gently caress his back. It was comforting enough that he closed his eyes and tried to clear his head.

“I’m pretty sure I know what happened judging by your reaction.”

Izuku hummed again.

“That being said - you cannot do this.”

The hand on Izuku’s back stopped then grabbed his shoulder to roll him over so they could face each other.

“Izuku listen to me. You cannot shut down. You made a choice, do not wallow in it, thrive in it. You are no longer thinking of your own interests, you have a whole other human being to think about. It’s hard, Gods know I know how hard this is. But you have to. You have to get up, keep going. You cannot shut down.”

Inko’s words were harsh, but they were exactly what Izuku needed to hear. He needed to be told that even if his choice might be wrong - he had made it, and he had to keep pushing through it. Izuku’s eyes hardened and he sat upright and took his mother’s hands. It was the hardest thing he’d done in a while, but he found his voice.

“Okay, mom.”

“Good. There’s my strong young man. You are going to be a great parent, and even if you make mistakes - I will be right there to help you.”

“Thank you.” Izuku hugged his mother tightly, knowing she was a balm to all his wounds and every pain in his body. He could do this, with her help - and maybe he could convince a few of his friends, too. Maybe he really could do this.

A week later, Izuku stood at the gate to the plane that would take Katsuki off to the UK. This was Izuku’s last chance to say anything, to give any hint.

“Hey, what’s on your mind, nerd?” Katsuki’s voice drew Izuku’s eyes from the window, from the plane.

“Hmm? Nothing - just thinking I’ll miss you.”

Katsuki frowned. “Zu - you know how I feel about you, you know I’ll miss you, too.”

“I know, Kacchan. I know. But you’re still leaving.”

“I-... I thought we went over this during graduation. I want to stay, I do. I want to be here with you but I-”

“You have goals. I get it. I’m not angry, Kacchan. I promise. I’m just… I don’t know, sad.”

“I know there’s great schools here, but Oxford is my dream, they have an amazing medical degree path and it’s all I’ve worked towards for the last four years of my life.”

“Katsuki - you don’t need to justify it again. I get it. I have my own dreams.”

“That you’re putting on hold.”

“It’s only a gap year. I’m already accepted into the school and enrolled for next year. It’s not like I’m giving up anything for this.”

“For what?”

Shit. 

“Nothing. I mean family stuff.”

“Right. Just - try and remember that you matter, too, Izuku. Your dreams matter, too.”

Izuku had to bite his tongue, hard, to keep from speaking. If he didn’t, he’d lose all composure and spill everything. He knew Katsuki far too well - they grew up together. They were best friends. Katsuki was the only peer their age who stuck by his side when Izuku came out as trans, when he started transitioning to male. He was the only one who protected Izuku from the bullies, the hate, the public shame. They’d been through everything at each other’s sides. He knew, without one single ounce of doubt, that Katsuki would stay here and raise their child together.

Katsuki would drop everything, every bit of his life, if Izuku asked him to.

But Izuku never asked, so Katsuki wasn’t staying.

Katsuki was suddenly hugging him, and Izuku realized he might have missed something the blonde said while lost in thought. He didn’t miss the whispered ‘I love you’ that Katsuki likely didn’t want him hearing. Despite how openly they admitted to their love through actions, they’d never verbally expressed it. This was the first time Katsuki had said it in so many words. It left Izuku speechless.

“You better surpass me before I come to visit, nerd, you hear me?”

Izuku cleared his throat and nodded, “Always, Kacchan.”

“Good. Keep that head up and don’t let anyone knock you down.”

Izuku put on his best smile, in a failed attempt to stop the tears. The PA system announced boarding and after one last hug, Katsuki was off towards the gate. Izuku watched him in the line, waiting until he made it to the attendant before looking down and wrapping his hands around his stomach. He missed Katsuki looking back before he walked back out of the airport to meet his mother’s waiting car.

“You’ll meet him one day, little bean. I promise. But right now, he has to go be a brave doctor first.”

“No way!” Ochako screeched. “There is no way we are letting you pick out clothes anymore. Why would you put your baby in mustard yellow, Izuku?!”

Izuku chuckled and put the onesie he picked out back on the rack. Okay, admittedly, maybe mustard yellow was a poor choice, but they didn’t know the gender yet - it was hard to pick out clothes when he had no idea what his baby would even be like.

“Hey, Izuku, what’s wrong?”

“I just don’t know what to pick when I have no idea what the baby will look like or what their gender is or what they might want to wear.”

“Well, slow down - they won’t be old enough to pick out clothing for a few years. When they’re that age, it doesn’t really matter what they wear. So pick out what you like. Color doesn’t matter - so long as it’s not an ugly mustard yellow or puke green. Who cares about gender and conforming to the norms - right?”

Izuku immediately felt stupid. Of course it would take his friends reminding him that it didn’t matter in the end before he remembered he was a living embodiment of that breaking of the norms.

“Okay.” He chuckled. “No dark yellow or puke green but I do want some forest green and… maybe some sunset orange?”

“Hmm, is there any reason you might want those colors, Zuku?”

“What?!” Izuku waved his hands in front of himself then clutched his still rather tiny belly. The doctors said the baby was healthy, but small. It was likely a result of Izuku himself being small, but also the lack of estrogen in the early days of pregnancy. He was on supplements and injections now, which was really messing with his body but he couldn’t risk losing the baby over something as shallow as his appearance, right? Even if it hurt to see his edges softening and his muscle losing definition. He could regain it, he could. He was trying so hard not to worry yet.

“Oh come on, Izuku - you can’t possibly think we don’t all know - I mean… we heard .”

Izuku’s face broke into the darkest blush. They’d all been in a dorm building for high school and didn’t leave until the day after graduation. Of course the whole damn dorm had heard the drunken escapades of every other student that evening. He’d been far too gone to realize it, of course, but the next morning, there was more than just Izuku and Katsuki paired up coming out of their rooms. They were all over eighteen, of course, the rules were out the window once they graduated, but still. It was embarrassing!

“Uraraka! I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Izuku, it’s okay - none of us care who you get freaky with. We’re just… wondering why Katsuki … why he chose not to stay with you when he found out-”

“He didn’t.”

“What?”

“He doesn’t know.”

“He. Doesn’t. Know.”

“No.”

“Why would you-”

“Because I know him.” Izuku was being terribly rude to cut her off so much, but he didn’t want to defend himself to everyone over and over. He wanted this out and done with. “Because I know too damn well that he’d suck up his disappointment and shove it in a closet and he’d stay and he’d be the best father. He would throw all of his dreams out the window if I asked him to. He would. I know he would. But I won’t ask. I refuse. I will not be the cause of a lifelong resentment because he gave up his scholarship, his internship, his job, his career. I won’t be the cause of that.”

Izuku took her hands and gripped them tightly, “I want you to make it clear to anyone in our class, in our friend group, no one is allowed to tell Katsuki about the baby. No one. I didn’t want any of you to even know, but I guess I’m not as subtle as I’d like. But this is my body, and my baby. If Katsuki chooses to come back into our lives, then I will run into his arms - but I will not take away his life.” He was exhausted and almost panting when he finished his rant. He was exhausted already, and they’d only been shopping for an hour.

“Okay.” Ochako quickly wrapped him up in a hug, taking more of his weight than he was willing to admit. She knew he was tired, and that was a lot of emotion to just throw in her face, “I’ll make it clear, Izuku, I promise. But can you promise me something?”

“What’s that?”

“If he doesn’t come back after graduation, can you please let him go and let your heart heal? We’re all so tired of seeing you two dance around each other when it’s so painfully obvious you’re in love. But if he doesn’t come back, I can’t watch you let that love die overseas when you could find happiness here.”

Izuku sighed, stepping away to look at another rack of clothing. This rack was full of tiny t-shirts and of course he found one that said ‘Baby Shirt’ in kanji. He tucked it over his arm while thinking.

“Izuku.” She prompted.

“I’ll think about it, Uraraka. But it’s hard to think about just… finding someone new - when I’m literally going to look at his child every day.”

“I know. But I want you to find happiness.”

“I am happy, Uraraka.”

“If you say so.” She sighed, and returned to the racks like Izuku. After a few moments she lightly hip checked him and they both laughed, letting idle yet cheerful chit chat fill their conversation for a while.

“Insert part A and B into slot C and use the allen wrench to tighten screw part F in the holes at each end.”

“Why is this so complicated?” Izuku groaned, trying to find the right parts as Todoroki read over the instructions. “I should have gotten the ‘expert assembly’ when I bought this.”

“Izuku, that was an extra twenty-six thousand yen (200 USD). There’s no reason we can’t figure this out - we’re intelligent men.”

“You’re intelligent. I’m hormonal.”

To his credit, Todoroki suppressed a laugh by biting his lips and looking away. Izuku nudged the peppermint haired man with his shoulder and pointed at the direction again.

“Come on, Shouto, we can figure this out.”

It took at least three hours, but thankfully they were on the floor the whole time so Izuku didn’t exhaust himself as much as he thought he would. He was starting to show, finally, and about halfway through his second trimester. He’d finally decided he was going to leave the gender as a surprise and only his mother knew - a small piece of paper in an envelope in case he changed his mind. So - Izuku and Inko had decided on a pretty neutral nursery set up. For now, the crib was in Izuku’s room, which was split down the middle between his stuff and the baby’s.

Inko had put herself on the waiting list for an open apartment in their building but that might take a year or two before one could become available. But until the baby needed more space, they would be fine sharing for now.

When they finished the crib, Izuku and Todoroki went and made some lunch while Inko was out shopping for yet more baby things, and chatted amicably over the stove.

“Have you picked out any names yet?”

“Oh.” Izuku put a lid on the pan while waiting for the veggies to roast. “Uhm, yeah - if it’s a girl, I think I want to name her Kasami, with the kanji for ‘soothing’ - and if it’s a boy I was thinking Itsuki, with the kanji for ‘forest’.”

“I like both.”

They fell into silence until lunch was ready and they settled down to eat. Izuku was more than happy to relax with one of his best friends and just enjoy the time in silence. But of course, Shouto- wouldn’t know tact if it hit him in the face -Todoroki had to shove his face right into the wall.

“Are you going to keep this from him forever?”

Izuku sighed and set his chopsticks down. A gentle hand caressed over the growing roundness at his belly, soothing himself before he got upset. Izuku knew Ochko made it clear that this was to be kept far away from Katsuki, and she’d made it clear why . Izuku had valid reasons, and some of their friends had even come to him right after and said they understood and agreed with his choice. But he also knew that Katsuki did have a right to know.

“No. But I don’t plan to tell him before he graduates.”

“Izuku.” Todoroki followed Izuku’s example and set his chopsticks down. “That’s four years from now.”

“I know that.”

“I understand your argument. Uraraka made it transparently clear to us all, but I can’t help but think you’re taking this too far.”

“Am I, Shouto? Tell me something - if Hanta’s dreams had taken him overseas and you couldn’t follow him, would you have the strength to beg him to stay no matter how valid the reasons might be for staying?”

Todoroki took a moment to truly think about it and Izuku was thankful for that, it meant he wasn’t speaking without at least a little bit of genuine debate in his own mind.

“No. I wouldn’t even think to ask him to stay. I’d want him to accomplish everything he strives for.”

“Exactly. Even if I was dying of cancer, I couldn’t bring myself to ask Katsuki to forgo his dreams to stay. Even knowing he could accomplish it later in life. I can’t bear the thought that he might resent me or his family for losing that time.”

“I think I understand better now. I’m sorry for assuming you didn’t think this through.”

Izuku smiled, patting a hand over Todoroki’s to reassure him they were fine and Izuku wasn’t at all upset with him or his comments.

The door unlatched and Inko wandered back in with two large bags, one on each arm.

“Alright, boys, who wants to help me unpack all this stuff?”

Todoroki picked up their empty dishes and Izuku went to help his mom unpack her shopping bags.

By the time Izuku was just about due, he was mostly on bed rest. He was constantly exhausted, and with how sore his feet were getting, he’d pretty much just relied on his mom helping with everything. She was so devoted, and proud of his decision to keep the baby and they routinely cried together when they realized how real it was. Granted, that wasn’t much of a surprise, given how many tears ran in their family, but it still meant something to Izuku that Inko was there for him through the madness of pregnancy.

All of his friends were checking on him hourly as he relaxed at home. At some point, he realized he hadn’t seen his mother in a long while and decided to look for her. He had a burst of energy anyway, so he got up and knocked on her bedroom door.

“Mom? Are you here?”

“Yes, sweetie!” She called. Izuku heard something crinkle and the distinct stretch of tape before the door opened a moment later. “Sorry, I was finishing your gift.”

“My what?”

“Here!”

Izuku blinked as a small wrapped present was offered to him. It was a simple brown paper wrapped package with a couple bows, one blue and one pink. Izuku couldn’t help but smile, and immediately ripped the paper open. What he found inside was the softest knit blanket. It was stark white and silky. It was perfect. Izuku practically tackled his mother, sobbing into her shoulder.

“It’s so beautiful mom! Did you make this?”

“I did. Taught myself to crochet. I wanted something that you could pass down, you know? Something that would last.”

“I love it, and I know the baby will, too. Thank you!”

Inko pressed a kiss to the top of his head and they hugged each other in the hallway for a while before moving to the couch so Izuku could rest.

Of course, that didn’t last long when the contractions started. Inko had it all handled though, counting them and keeping all of Izuku’s friends updated with the process.

Around eight in the evening, when his water finally broke and Izuku panicked, pure unadulterated hysterics. But Inko had things well in hand and kept him absolutely calm to the best of her ability.

They made it to the hospital not long after and they were met there by Ochako, Hitoshi, and Todoroki. Tenya would have come, but he was stuck in another prefecture at school and couldn’t get transport back. As expected, he was on video chat with them the whole time. Only Ochako and his mother were in the delivery room with him as he was very much not prepared for his male friends to know anything as intimate as this and how his body functioned, nope. They were all more than happy to stay in the waiting room, the video chat being transferred to Shouto’s care while Ochako was busy.

When Izuku woke hours after delivery, it was to the lovely sight of his mother holding her grandchild and pointing out the window to show the bright eyed little girl the world she was going to learn about soon. Izuku smiled so brightly it hurt his face. His mom noticed him shortly after and brought the baby over.

“She’s beautiful, Zuzu.” Izuku hadn’t heard the cute nickname from his mother since he was a child, and somehow, it comforted him dearly.

“My little Kasami.” Izuku opened his arms and his mom placed the infant all swaddled up into them. “Hi there, little bean, look at you. You have your father’s eyes.” They were ruby red and wide, looking at everything and never once missing any details.

“I can even see some green fluff, I think she’ll have your hair.”

“Mhm, a cute mix. I’m so happy.”

“Do you feel up to seeing your friends? They’re still here.”

“What? Oh God, yeah, send them in so they can meet the little bean and then get some well needed rest.”

Inko chuckled as she went for the door, “They wanted to make sure you were okay before they left, I think Tenya fell asleep on the video chat.”

Izuku rolled his eyes and hugged Kasami to his chest when his mom left.

“Hi there, little bean.” He greeted. With Inko gone, Kasami looked at him with curiosity, having nothing else to inspect for the moment. “I’ll tell you a secret. I’m your Papa. I made you, we made you. You’re so beautiful. Your Daddy is going to love you so much one day - when he’s ready to meet you.”

Izuku was nearly zapped of energy when his friends came back in with his mom. They were so excited to see the little bean, and meet her. Izuku was apprehensive to let them hold her, or rather - he was apprehensive about letting her out of his arms for even a second, but it turned out okay. Tenya even woke up when they all shouted at him in tandem. The baby giggled at the shouting and the poor tired Tenya was more than happy to wave and wiggle his fingers at her over video chat.

Ochako’s smile was so beautiful Izuku knew she’d likely be the next parent, just as soon as they could get Tenya to come back and finally marry her. Everyone knew they were waiting for graduation, but no one believed they would make it that long before tying the knot. After seeing her with Kasami, Izuku was sure they wouldn’t last.

(He was right, of course, they got married at a courthouse not six months later and were subsequently expecting their first baby shortly after that.)

Hitoshi wasn’t the parental type but he still cradled the infant like a pro. He held her up while Shouto played with her tiny fingers and toes, making the infant giggle happily.

“Hanta and I are talking about adoption in a few years.”

“Oh?” Izuku asked, rubbing his tired eyes.

“Yeah, but it’s hard to get approved as a gay couple these days.”

“Hmm, well, I don’t plan to get reassignment surgery so - if you want a surrogate, just ask.”

“What?” Everyone in the room stopped and stared at Izuku. Even his mother seemed surprised.

“Yeah, I mean - I had wanted it a while back, and I’m not going back on the fact that I know I’m male. But, I love Kasami more than I love life already. I don’t want to take a part of myself away that made her, you know?” Izuku shrugged. “If it’s for my closest friends, I would be willing to be a surrogate, since I know you guys might have a big struggle adopting or finding a surrogate otherwise.”

“Izuku.” Shouto bolted over to the bed and hugged him (after having handed Kasami to Inko), putting thankful brotherly kisses on the crown of his head. “Hanta is going to be so excited! But don’t worry, we’re waiting until we’re both settled into our careers, maybe another few years or something, but thank you, thank you.”

Izuku had to laugh happily, that was the most chaotic he’d ever heard Shouto speak.

“She’s beautiful, Izuku.” Hitoshi mumbled. “Denki and I have already agreed we don’t want to be parents ourselves, but you should know we’re more than willing to babysit.”

“Mhm, well, Kasami will need some crazy uncles.”

“Obviously.”

Izuku held his arms out and once the baby was back in them, he felt more at peace with the situation, visibly relaxing.

“Alright, everyone.” Inko clapped lightly. “You all need rest. It’s been a very long day. I’ll drive you all home so everyone can finally get some sleep. Tenya, you better get some rest before your classes today, go to sleep.” She promptly hung up the video chat and ushered everyone out of the room after telling Izuku she would be back as soon as she could.

A nurse came in not long after and took Kasami to get her ready for bed. Izuku was given a short introduction on feeding. Sadly, it’d have to be bottle fed since Izuku had top surgery years ago and couldn’t produce his own milk. They did have some milk donated by a new mother in the wing who heard about Izuku not being able to make his own and he vowed to say thank you before he left the hospital.

Before he passed out, he watched the nurse settle a sleepy Kasami into the little mobile bed  with the clear walls they only ever used in hospitals. It was locked to the bed so Izuku could have his baby right by his side while sleeping. Izuku passed out happy and peaceful while watching his daughter drift into her first dreams.

“Mom!” Izuku cried, “Get your phone! Mimi’s walking!”

“What?!” Inko came running through the apartment, her phone already in hand and camera recording. “Oh my god!”

Izuku giggled, holding his hands out as Kasami stumbled around the playpen they had set up in the living room covered in pillows and blankets and soft toys. She’d been crawling and flopping a lot lately and they were sure she was about to take her first steps soon. Izuku was keeping a careful eye on everything to make sure she didn’t get hurt, he was ever the protective, doting parent. 

Today, Kasami had taken the initiative to stumble herself up, using a squishy footstool as a helping hand as she hauled her body upright and stood. There was pride in her bright red eyes as she looked at the world from a whole new perspective. Izuku could tell she liked it. There was no way she’d go back to crawling after this. Right as she got herself upright, he’d called for his mother and just as she came running, Kasami took her first steps, using the stool to help stabilize herself as she stumbled towards Izuku and fell right into his lap.

“I’m so proud of you!” She was growing so fast, and her progress was right on track. Izuku was sure to keep track in one of his journals and compare it to medical norms, making sure he was encouraging her independence and growth at the same time. He'd been worried with how small she was and the lack of estrogen early on in his pregnancy - but the doctors had assured him she was healthy and growing as expected.

Inko wiped a tear from her eye and sat down next to Izuku. “She’s growing so fast, it’s already been a year. I can’t believe it.”

“I know. I just wish she’d take after her explosive father and start talking already. I’m so worried she won’t-”

“Pa-pa.”

Izuku snapped back around to the infant at his feet, still grabbing his bare toes playfully. 

“What?” He asked. “Again?”

“Papa!”

Inko absolutely squealed. Kasami copied the sound and they all laughed.

Izuku bounced Kasami on his hip as he dished out some lunch. She was being fussy from teething and chewing angrily on a chilled teething ring.

“Hey, I can do that, see if you can settle Mimi.”

“Thanks, Toshi. I’m sorry, she’s just not happy about her teeth coming in.”

“I can imagine. I’m sure it hurts.” Hitoshi brushed a hand over the girl’s already curly green hair before going back to dishing out the food Izuku had been trying to plate. “But, it will be over soon, yeah? Your Papa’s got you.”

Izuku smiled and went for the kitchen door, only to stop himself and turn back. He watched Hitoshi for a moment and made soft shushing sounds as Mimi kept whining. He quickly got her a freshly chilled teething ring from the fridge and that seemed to help.

“Toshi?”

“Yeah?”

He was focused on plating food. They were having a huge birthday party, but at two years old, it was more for the adults than for Kasami. She was also far too upset about her painful teeth to bother enjoying a party she was too young to even understand.

“Would you consider being Mimi’s godfather?”

The spoon in Hitoshi’s hand clattered to the counter as he turned around quickly and stared at Izuku with a confused yet amazed look.

“You- you’re serious?”

“Of course.”

“But.. wouldn’t Shouto be a better fit or-”

“Shouto is an amazing friend, and I love him dearly, but you and I have a… hmm, better connection.” He was referring to their similar childhoods. Hitoshi was non-binary and he’d been bullied in his younger years just like Izuku. “We understand each other. I want someone who will be… hmm - sensitive to my daughter’s situation as the child of two men, one of which birthed her.”

Hitoshi winced, but not in a way that made one think he was insulted. No, it was a wince of understanding. He knew exactly what Izuku meant, and felt it deeply.

“Of course I’ll be Mimi’s godfather, Izuku. I would be honored. You know I’ll always be here for you both. But don’t come crying to me when Kat freaks out that you picked me.”

Izuku laughed. “He’ll survive, I’m sure. Thanks, Toshi.”

Graduation was hard without Katsuki there. He wanted nothing more than to see his best friend, his lover, the father of his child. But Katsuki was busy with his internship. He did manage to sneak away for a few minutes and video call right after Izuku had walked across the stage to get his diploma.

“Hey nerd! Look at you! I’m so proud. I’m sorry I can’t be there in person.”

“Kacchan! It’s so great to see you, you look fantastic. I hope you're keeping your grades up. I’m sorry it’s so noisy here.” He was having to shout over the din of the crowd. He was searching for his mom and Mimi while he spoke, craning his neck over all the heads in the way as he sifted through the crowd.

“Of course, nerd. You know I’m top of my class! How’s Auntie Inko?”

“She’s great-oh! There they are! Mom!” He called, waving a hand over a few heads until his mother spotted him and waved back. She was weaving through the crowd with Kasami on her hip. She had already found Hitoshi and his family, he was the only one from their high school class also attending the same college as Izuku. They both graduated today and Inko was the absolute proudest mother, Izuku could see it in her sparkling eyes. Both Izuku and Hitoshi had earned placement in advanced tracks, so they were graduating early. Izuku with a degree in social work and Hitoshi with a degree in computer programming.

Hitoshi had been adopted by their high school teacher, Shouta Aizawa, when he was just a kid. Shouta was lagging behind the group with his husband, Hizashi Yamada, and their daughter, Eri. Eri and Mimi had become great friends and were holding hands across the gap between Inko and Hizashi. Eri was a good big sister, which really fit since they were unofficial cousins after Izuku had elected Hitoshi as Mimi’s godfather.

It was then that he realized he couldn’t exactly show off his graduation family pack without also showing Mimi to Katsuki - which would be pretty bad right now. He was absolutely not ready. The look of horror that crossed his face made Hitoshi start racing towards him.

“Izuku? Hey, nerd - what’s going on?” Shit, Katsuki had seen the look on his face, too.

“What? Oh, nothing. Sorry, I just watched Eri take a nosedive, she’s fine. Zashi is consoling her. Just a scraped knee.”

It was the fastest lie he could think of, and thankfully, Katsuki bought it.

“Give her a hug for me, okay? I’m really sorry I can’t be there. But don’t be shy, okay? Text me, yeah?”

“I will! Promise. I gotta go. Eri needs hugs! I’ll send Auntie and Uncle your love!”

He hung up right as his family pack arrived.

“What was that look, Zu?” Hitoshi asked, checking him over.

“Kacchan… he video called me. I… it took me way too long to realize I couldn’t exactly… show him.. Everyone.”

“Izuku..” His mother cradled a hand over Mimi’s head. She was getting tired and clutching Eri’s hand to her chest. Eri didn’t seem to mind.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I want to tell him, but I’m not ready yet.”

“You’re setting yourself up for hurt, kid.” Shouta sighed. He looked as tired as ever. 

“Shou, don’t make everyone have your grim outlook on life. The listener has got to live his life his own way.”

“I know that, Zashi - I’m honestly shocked no one has caved and told the explosive blonde yet, though. Even Eijirou hasn’t snapped yet. It’s been three years. That’s impressive - but you know Katsuki is going to be pissed when he finds out.”

“I know.” Everyone looked at Izuku. Carefully, he took Mimi from his mother’s arms. The toddler finally released Eri’s hand and curled up with her arms around Izuku’s neck. “But I’m just not ready, yet. I want to see his dreams come true before then.”

“They already have, Izuku.” Toshi insisted. “He’s graduating in a year and he’s on track to be valedictorian. Just keep in mind that eventually, he’ll find out.”

“Yeah.”

No one brought the subject back up as they left. Izuku did explain the lie he’d told Katsuki and offered Eri a hug. She patted his head and told him not to lie again. Shouta rolled his eyes and ruffled his hair. Zashi gave him the biggest hug ever. Shinsou knocked their heads together, and hugged Mimi before leaving with his family.

“Sweetie.” 

“Yeah, mom?”

“Remember, I’m on your side, always. I know this is a tough situation, but I love you, always.”

“I love you, too, mom.”

“I love you, Papa!”

Izuku giggled, “I love you too, Mimi. Your Daddy loves you too, I just talked to him. He sends all his love and hugs.”

“Daddy? Is Daddy coming?”

“Soon, sweetie, soon.”

He knew at some point, he’d have to stop telling her ‘soon’ because eventually she’ll learn the real meaning of ‘soon’ and realize that soon had already come and gone. But Izuku refused to lose hope that Katsuki would come back to Japan, that he would come home to be a part of their little family. He couldn’t deny that hope was so deeply rooted in his heart that there was no way he could ever hope to hold to the promise Ochako tried to make him take a few years ago. He’d never be able to give up on Katsuki.

In the end, he accepted that that was okay, because he didn’t want to give up - and he refused to let Mimi be without the other half of her parentage for the rest of her life.

“Mom!” Izuku called from the living room. “Where’s Mimi’s sippy cup? She can’t find it.”

“I’ve got it. Sorry, I was refilling her apple juice.”

“Appie juice!” A small green streak flew by Izuku’s legs, making him giggle as his daughter ran for the kitchen, towards her grandmother and the beloved juice. Izuku followed shortly after.

“Here you go, dear.” Izuku watched Mimi wait patiently for Inko to put the lid back on and hand her the juice cup, which she took and carried back to the living room so she could continue playing. Izuku sighed contentedly and leaned on the kitchen door frame.

“She reminds me of you as a toddler, Izuku.”

“Really?”

“Well, besides her wild streak that reminds me of Katsuki. I swear that boy could have torn down a house even at four years old and Mimi takes right after her father.”

Izuku frowned a little. He knew Kasami was a lot like the both of them in so many ways, but it hurt that she’d only ever known her father from pictures and videos. Even if that meant she recognized his face and voice, she never truly got to meet him, know him. Even if he did choose to come back from the UK - would Izuku have the strength to tell him the truth? Mitsuki and Masaru had found out not long ago, at a Christmas dinner when no one realized they’d invited Mimi’s other grandparents over and entirely forgot they didn’t know about her at all. They were upset, obviously, until Izuku explained. After that, they agreed to his wishes. Izuku just wasn’t sure if he’d ever actually find the right time to tell Katsuki the truth.

Katsuki had just graduated the night before. Everyone (minus Mimi who was put to bed early) had gotten together to watch the live footage from his school's website. Izuku had video chatted with him afterwards and recorded it so Mimi could watch later, he also recorded the live feed of the whole ceremony. He wanted her to know everything about her father. Even if it was only from a distance.

Katsuki had yet to show any sign of his motives to either stay in the UK or move back home. Even Mitsuki and Masaru had been worried last night when he didn't make mention of it.

Inko had gone back to making lunch while Izuku got lost in thought, but Mimi didn’t forget he was there. She came running over with her arms up and a bright smile on her face.

“Papa! Up!”

“Hmm?” Izuku crouched down to pick her up easily, settling Mimi on his hip. Izuku brushed a curly strand of green hair from her face, watching those beautiful ruby eyes search around the room. Her face looked so much like Katsuki.

“Come play, please?” 

“Of course, little bean-” The doorbell rang just then. Izuku stopped mid-step towards the living room. “Looks like we might have some mail.” It was the right time of day, and they weren’t expecting anyone. Mimi wiggled in his arms but seemed plenty excited to see who was at the door anyway. Izuku kept his eyes on the door and his daughter while opening it, to make sure she didn’t jump down or bolt outside.

“Daddy!” Mimi shouted, stretching herself towards whoever was on the other side of the door. Izuku’s eyes snapped up to the entryway only to find, of all people, Katsuki Bakugo. “Daddy!” She called again, her arms stretching and her face getting crumpled with annoyance that she was being ignored. Or rather, both men were too busy staring dumbfounded to register she was upset. Izuku was staring at Katsuki and Katsuki was staring at Kasami.

“Mom!” Izuku finally found his voice, though it cracked. “Mom.” He called again. Inko came around the corner quickly, but stopped short when she caught sight of the blonde at the door. “Mom, I need you to take Mimi, please.”

Inko nodded and quickly took the wiggling toddler from his arms. The girl was fussing and continually reaching for Katsuki as Inko hauled her back into the apartment and away from them. Izuku finally turned back to Katsuki, only to find the blonde’s eyes were intensely staring at him. Those red eyes bore into him, in a way Izuku had forgotten was possible. He’d seen Mimi manage some menacing glares, of course, but it was nothing compared to her father’s.

Izuku took a deep breath and stepped outside, pulling the door shut behind him.

“Explain.” Izuku winced at the sharp tone Katsuki used. He knew the blonde was upset without even looking at him, that tone was all he needed.

“Graduation night.”

“But we used-”

“It broke.”

“Fucking hell, Izuku. You-” Katsuki started to pace, “You just… you kept this from me - for four years?! Four years?! I-... holy fuck, I have a kid??”

“We have a child, yes.”

“How can you say that so calmly?”

“I’m not- Katsuki, please take a breath.”

“Take a breath? Izuku, I got you pregnant, You choose not to tell me, then four years later I come home to find out. How can you expect me to just take a breath? Why, Izuku, why did you keep this from me? You must have known, right? Before I left. That lunch at the coffee shop, at the airport. You knew, and you didn’t tell me.”

Izuku could see he was pleading for an answer, for any sort of explanation. Izuku didn’t know if the truth would satisfy him, but it’s all Izuku had to give, so he offered it anyway.

“I knew, yes. Two weeks before you got your acceptance letter. But Kacchan, you had dreams. You deserved to achieve them. Mine were easy to achieve - even with a child. But you got a full scholarship to Oxford, your dreams had come true - what did you expect me to do? Tell you? Break your heart and shatter all your dreams? We both know if I had told you, you would have done the honorable thing. Because deep down, under all that asshole bravado - we both know you wouldn’t have walked away from me, from her. You would have stayed and been a damn good father, and we both would have been proud but you - you’d have resented us for taking your dreams away. I know that. I’m not stupid, Kacchan. Don’t tell me I’m wrong, you can’t.”

Katsuki opened his mouth as if to speak but nothing came out. He sighed so deeply Izuku swore he was suffocating. The blonde started to pace the walkway, grabbing the balcony railing as he tried to get a grip on whatever reality was crashing down around him. But he knew Katsuki couldn’t deny what Izuku said. Because that’s who Katsuki was at heart, a good man.

“I can’t.” Katsuki finally whispered. “I can’t say you’re wrong but.. But damnit, Izuku, damnit. This is… this is.. I’ve missed four years of my daughter’s life. I feel like the worst father in the universe and yet somehow, she still looked at me like I held the world in my hands when she saw me.”

“Probably because I tell her you do.”

Katsuki snorted, finally turning back to Izuku. “Is that so?”

“Of course. I’ve shown her every picture and video I have of you. I’ve told her your name, whispered it in her ear as she fell asleep - that Daddy will come home one day. I always hoped you would, but I didn’t know for sure.”

“Can you stop being so… self-sacrificial for one second, Izuku?”

“What?” 

“You took all of this on yourself, for me. You held this huge secret from me and - did you even tell my parents? I know you have Auntie Inko, but you did all of this on your own because you only considered my dreams. What about yours?”

“I reached mine, too. You saw me graduate. I got my social services license and I’ve been working at a local office of child services. I didn’t give up my dreams for this, but-”

“But you gave me up instead.”

“Yeah. You wanted to save lives and who was I to deny that dream? You made it, you became a neurosurgeon, you graduated with honors - Katsuki, I’m so proud of you.”

“But what if your life was the only one I ever wanted to save?”

Izuku blinked. “What?” 

“You, Izuku. Just you. I spent so long overseas wondering why I felt so damn empty. Why I felt so alone. I had friends, I even dated a few times - or tried to. But nothing filled the void, nothing. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize it was you that I was missing. The other half of my soul. I left it here, with you - and with that little girl, apparently. Maybe some part of me knew, and refused to believe it. But the day we said goodbye at the airport, you put a hand over your stomach. I didn’t think about it then, but now I know. I realize that was my chance, and maybe I’ve missed it now.”

“Kacchan.” Izuku grabbed both of the blonde’s hands and squeezed them tightly, “I would never keep you from our daughter. Never. You haven’t missed your chance to be her father. I’ve wanted nothing more than for you to come back and meet her, I just didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t think it was fair to shatter your world like that.”

“Shatter it? Izuku, no.” His hands yanked free from Izuku’s but before he could panic, they cupped his face and gently pressed their lips together. Izuku wasn’t afraid to admit to the low whine that escaped his lips. “This didn’t shatter my world - it broadened my horizons. Don’t you get it, you stupid nerd? I came back for you.”  He mumbled as their foreheads bumped together.

“For…me?” Izuku whispered, his voice still confused.

“Yes.” One hand left his face and when Izuku opened his eyes to search for it, he found a small box at eye level. It was deep forest green and velvet. When Katsuki opened it, a delicate gold band sat inside with an inlaid green gem at the center and two smaller orange gems on each side. Tears sprung to his eyes against his will and a sob bubbled over his lips. “I was so stupid to think I could live my life without you. You’re my other half - or maybe, now my other third, with that little girl in there completing the circle.”

Izuku’s hand closed around the box as he dove against Katsuki in a tight hug.

“Kacchan!” He squeaked. “Kacchan, are you serious?”

“Of course, nerd - when do I ever say shit I don’t mean? Now is that a yes?”

“Yes!” Izuku covered the blonde’s face in kisses as Katsuki busied himself with putting the ring on his left hand. “I’ve missed you so much. I’ve kept so many pictures I’ve wanted to send you of Mimi. So many cute videos. There’s so much you need to see.”

“Can I meet the little tike first?”

“Oh my God. I’m sorry. Yes. I- uhm… this is.. A lot, I don’t know where to- I wasn’t expecting this right now, the day after you graduate-”

“Nerd.” Izuku stopped his ramble. “Breathe. We have the rest of our lives to sort this out. Start with telling me her name, yeah?”

“Kasami. We didn’t uhm - we didn’t fill in a last name because we weren’t sure.”

“Well, I hope you can figure that out now.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I can.”

“You called her Mimi?”

“Yeah, it’s her nickname.”

“Cute.”

Izuku smiled and took Katsuki's hand as he opened the apartment door and led him back inside. It wasn’t even a second later the little four year old came barreling down the hallway, screaming.

“Papa! Daddy! Daddy’s here!” The little girl slammed right into Katsukis leg, nearly toppling him over, but Izuku steadied them.

“Sorry, she got your strength and wears her heart on her sleeve like I do.”

As if to emphasize his point, when Mimi looked up, her eyes were full of tears.

“I see that.” Katsuki picked her right up and cradled her in his arms. “Hi Mimi, your Papa tells me you’ve been waiting a long time to meet me, is that true?”

“Yes!” She was bouncing in his arms.

Izuku looked back to the living room to find Inko wearing the smuggest grin Izuku had ever seen. Izuku rolled his eyes and smiled right back, then held out his hand with the ring. Inko’s eyes went wide as she dove for the phone - most likely to go tell Auntie Mitsuki.

“Hey, nerd.”

Izuku looked back to find Mimi practically passed out against Katsuki’s shoulder. It was actually time for her afternoon nap, he was shocked she’d lasted this long.

“We should lay her down for her nap. I think mom is calling Auntie Mitsuki, I showed her the ring.”

“Well, then we should maybe get ready for the old hag to burst through the door and beat me senseless for not telling her first.”

“ Kacchan! ” Izuku whisper-shouted in an effort not to wake the sleeping child. “You didn’t tell your parents before proposing to me?!”

“Nope. I came here straight from the airport - they don’t even know I’m back in town - hell they didn't even know I booked a flight. They'll figure it out shortly, my luggage should arrive at their place any second now.”

Izuku stared at him, open-mouthed in shock. Katsuki only offered a devious grin while rubbing his hand along Mimi’s back to soothe her to sleep. After a moment, the blonde shrugged and walked off into the apartment, he went directly for what used to be Izuku’s room, and was now the nursery. Katsuki paused at the door.

“Where-”

“Mom moved into an apartment upstairs that opened up last year - and we turned my old room into the nursery and I took the master bedroom.”

“Oh. So you live alone?”

“Well, no - I have my daugh- our daughter. Sorry, that’s going to take some getting used to.”

“It’s okay, Zu.”

Izuku leaned on the door frame while he watched Katsuki settle his daughter into the crib. She was almost four and Izuku had sized up the crib so it was more suited to her, but he was still worried about her falling off in her sleep so he hadn’t yet switched to a toddler bed. She was a restless sleeper, much like Katsuki. 

Katsuki hummed something while he tucked Mimi into her blankets and piles of pillows. Izuku couldn’t place the song but he was so sure he’d heard it before, somewhere. Once he was done, Katsuki walked back over to Izuku and wrapped his hands around the man’s waist, leaning them both on the door. A single finger drew Izuku’s chin so he was looking at Katsuki instead of the room.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this? Me just…walking back into your life and-”

“Kacchan stop. You don’t even know how many times Shouto has tried to convince me to date other people, or how many times Ochako has said I should give up and let my heart heal from you. But I refused. Because all I’ve ever wanted was you - and I knew you wanted me. But sometimes it’s not the right place or time and so it doesn’t work. You needed to achieve your dreams, to find yourself, to find what you wanted in life.”

“I want you.”

Izuku pressed a soft kiss to Katsuki’s lips and whispered; “I know. I want you, too.”

“Good. Because you’re stuck with me. I don’t think the little bean is going to let me go.”

“No.” Izuku chuckled. “No, she inherited your stubbornness quite well. Like a bull, that one.”

“Are you calling me bull headed?”

Izuku pressed their foreheads together, suppressing a hearty laugh in an effort not to wake their daughter. “Maybe a little.”

“You damn nerd.” Katsuki mumbled, peppering his face with kisses. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Katsuki Bakugo! ” The voice of Mitsuki came from the entryway hall. It was a quiet shout. Izuku had to think his mother for telling Mitsuki the toddler in the house was napping before the raging blonde mother came over. “How dare you show back up in the country, without telling your own parents, then propose to the parent of your child - which you didn’t know about - without telling us!”

“Good to see you, too, you old hag.”

Mitsuki was quick to grab her son and rub her knuckles into his skull. Katsuki was even quicker to free himself from her attack. Izuku couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He missed this part of his family. He’s always considered the Bakugo's as part of his family, and not having Katsuki here had been a gaping hole in his chest that was finally filled.

Inko came out of the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Izuku gently from behind, resting her chin atop his head.

“I missed this.” She mumbled. “Our little family all together.”

“Me, too, mom.”

Masaru finally caught up to his wife and panted at the door while attempting to take off his shoes. Katsuki and Mitsuki were still quietly arguing, and somehow they were making progress on wedding plans. Izuku never did understand how they got anything done but their arguing was the only way he could function, it was their love language - similar to how Izuku and Inko's love language was crying.

“Well.” Masaru walked around his wife and son, “I think they’re going to be busy for the next three hours, shall we make something to eat? I brought miso.”

Izuk’s face lit up. Masaru was an amazing cook, and he didn’t over spice his food like the blonde duo of the Bakugo family. Izuku gently freed himself from his mother’s hug and took the soup from his uncle and led them both into the kitchen.

“So, what have you told him, son?” Masaru asked. He had always referred to Izuku as his second son, even long before it was clear the pair of them were in love. Izuku cleared his throat as he took down a pot to heat the soup in.

“Well, not much - he only got here an hour ago and half of that we spent arguing over why I-...and then he proposed and we put Mimi down for a nap. You haven’t missed anything.”

“I see.” Masaru took over, stirring the soup as Izuku leaned on the counter. Inko was getting some sandwiches ready off to the side, staying silent but keeping her eyes on her son.

A moment later Mitsuki and Katsuki walked into the kitchen - Katsuki with an arm over his mother’s shoulders. Now seemed like as good a time as any, so Izuku cleared his throat. Multiple pairs of eyes found him, including those deep ruby eyes he loved so much.

“So, there’s more I should tell you, Kacchan.”

“Okay.” He released his mother and tucked his hands into his pockets, a nervous habit he apparently still had - it was his way of shutting down, curling into himself, protecting himself.

“It’s nothing bad, I promise. Kasumi's godfather is Hitoshi Shinsou. He’s one of the few people who understand the… uhm - sensitivity around how she came into being, and it felt right that he should take care of Kasumi should anything happen to me - err - us. Eri has become a really amazing big sister to her, and their family is over here a lot.”

Katsuki took a moment to think that over, chewing on his lip, and nodded. “Okay. That makes sense. But you gotta promise me mindfreak won’t get her into any of his freaky conspiracy theories until she’s old enough.”

Izuku snorted, “Promise.”

“And no dark net until she's at least eighteen - I know the fucker is a computer programmer now - What else?”

"Mhm. Uhm-" Izuku glanced around between his mother and Bakugo’s parents. They all knew, but they weren’t going to be the ones to tell their blonde son. It had to be Izuku. He knew that, and it pained him, because he wasn’t sure how Katsuki would take the news. Fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, Izuku shrugged deeply. “I’ve agreed to be a surrogate for Shouto and Hanta. In a few months, I’ll be carrying their child for them.”

His mother was so proud of him for helping them, and even though she knew it pained Izuku to acknowledge the feminine side of himself like this, she knew how dearly he loved his friends and how far he’d go to help them if they asked. Granted, he volunteered before they asked, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant he could make his friends happy and see them flourish as a family.

“Oh.” Was all Katsuki said at first. He looked around the room before speaking again. “I take it that I'm the last to find out about this, too, just like everything else.” There was bitterness in his voice, directed at all of them. 

Izuku shook his head, “Don’t blame anyone but me.”

“What?”

“I swore everyone in our family and friend circles to secrecy. Most of them agreed that since it was my body, it was my choice to not tell you. I wanted to see you accomplish your dreams, and you did and I am so damn proud of you, Kacchan. I am sorry that I chose to hide so much from you - but I… I couldn’t live with myself if I woke up every day and had to watch you resent me for taking those dreams away.”

“There is a lot to unpack there. I am going to beat Shitty Hair's red spikes into his skull for agreeing but - But Izuku I would never resent-”

“Don’t.” Mitsuki set down the spoon she’d been using, both hands on her hips, “Don’t you dare try and say you wouldn’t, Katsuki - everyone in this room knows damn well what you’re like when you set your mind to something - as stubborn as me and as passionate as your father. We only found out at Christmas this past year and even we could see the reason behind Izuku’s cover up. That scholarship meant the world to you, and even though we know that little girl will become your world - you had to see your goals through first, or you’d never forgive yourself, or Izuku.”

Izuku shied away a little, moving over to help his mother cut up sandwiches while waiting to see Katsuki’s reaction. There was always the chance he’d still walk out. Izuku would likely wake up every single day for the rest of his life terrified of losing that relationship, of losing one of the two things he loved most in this world. But Katsuki had to choose for himself. He had to recognize that if Izuku had forced him to stay, this would be a very different situation. It took a moment to realize he was crying and by the time he did, there was a large hand at his cheek, already brushing the tears away. Izuku leaned into it.

“You’re right.” Katsuki mumbled. “You’re all right. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I’m sorry you had to do this alone.”

“I wasn’t alone. Mom was by my side, our friends were here. I was never alone. But I did miss you.”

“I missed you, too, nerd. I’m going to be here for the next one, okay?”

“But the next one won’t be ours.”

“So?”

“So-”

“So, I’m going to be the one to hold your hand at appointments with Hanta and Shouto. I’m going to be there to put on your shoes when you’re too tired to do it yourself. I’m going to be holding your hand when you bring their kid into the world, because I’ll never let you do something this big without me again.”

“Okay, Kacchan.” Izuku smiled, quickly tucking himself into the blonde’s chest. Katsuki was more than eager to hug him tightly.

“Alright, lovebirds!” Mitsuki clapped her hands. “Time for lunch. We can talk about wedding plans over food. Has anyone updated the other brats in this family?” She meant, of course, all their friends.

“Oh shit.” Izuku mumbled, peeking out from Katsuki’s chest. The blonde was laughing, which vibrated his chest and soothed Izuku’s soul. “They're going to murder me.”

“Why?” Katsuki asked.

“Ugh! We had a drunken bet going about when you’d come visit and how long it would take until you found everything out. I can’t believe you just showed up at my door the day after you graduated.”

“Who won, then?”

“Uggggggh - Denki.”

Katsuki groaned even louder than Izuku - and Mimi woke up calling for Izuku. Izuku smacked him on the chest for waking the toddler and went to fetch her so she could have some lunch to wake up after her nap.

“I can’t believe they bet on this.”

Not long after Kasami woke up, Izuku was watching Katsuki feed little bits of bread and sandwich meat to her while she rested comfortably on Katsuki's knee. She was more than content and bouncing happily each time a bite came her way. In between, she’d pick up her sippy cup and turn her big red eyes to the whole group at the table and observe them. The matching pair of eyes right above her, just as observant and intense. 

“I think they just wanted to lighten the mood. Years ago, right after you left, Ochako tried to make me promise I’d let you go if you didn’t come back after graduation. I never officially agreed to it, but she kept trying to hold me to it. I get why - she wanted me to find happiness and not let myself wallow in grief if you chose not to come back. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t depressed when it was about time for you to graduate.”

“Hmm.”

“Daddy!” Mimi quipped, standing up and clambering herself around Katsuki’s chest until she was seated on his shoulders. The poor blonde looked shocked and confused, unable to stop the toddler in time before her hands were holding his hair and she was demanding, “Horsey ride! Now!”

“What?” Katsuki tried to turn his head to look at her, but that only caused the child to lean back and pull his hair, “Ack! Hey, Mimi, stop that!”

Izuku burst into giggles. Mitsuki was already snapping pictures and Inko was trying hard to conceal her laughter. 

“She won’t stop until you give her a ride around the apartment. You’re going to become the new tower - she loves to see everything from high up. I swear she’s going to become a pilot one day, she loves being on top of the world - just like her father.”

“Darn right.” It was weird hearing Katsuki sensor himself, but Izuku was blessed he did it for their daughter’s sake. “Being number one, at the top of the world, is the only place any daughter of mine should be!” He leaped up, making Mimi giggle, and started dashing around the apartment with a squealing child on his shoulders.

Izuku watched on with hands clasped in front of his face, joy filling his eyes along with a fresh set of tears. Katsuki was home, he had chosen to come home all on his own. He had picked Izuku, and now he had picked their daughter. On one of the rounds through the apartment, he stopped long enough to give Izuku a kiss before going back to playing with Mimi.

Izuku got up and chased them around the apartment, letting the happy screams and laughter fill his heart to bursting as his family finally became whole.